Dtn 10 12 15

Bleak Christmas as FG owes Judges 5 months salaries Ï RƐ ƆƏ ƉƑƗƈƅƈ Əƕ Ɠ ƏƊƆƏ Ɛ Sunday Isuwa, Abuja

ÎÎÎUnless a miracle happens, Fed-

eral High Court Judges across the country might celebrate a bleak Christmas and Yuletide season.

This is because the Federal Government is said to be owing them between three and five months’ salaries. And this is authoritative.

Authoritative sources told the Dai-

ly Times last night that apart from the judges, other judiciary workers in Federal High Court are also afContinued on page 6

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 VOL. 1. NO. 249

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 9th December 2015.

SEPLAT

207

217.35

10.35%

IKEJAHOTEL

3

3.14

0.14%

DANGCEM 170.72

162.19 -8.53%

NB

113

112.01

-0.99%

INTBREW

15.11

15.5

0.39%

REDSTAREX

4.1

4.2

0.1%

GUINNESS 124.9

123

CADBURY

19.66

18.68

-0.98%

-1.9%

Battle for Kogi, Bayelsa rages on

Ï ^ ƕ ƑƐ ƍƏ ƐƆ Ɛ ƈ Ɔ è ƗƆƌ Ɨ ƅƊ Ƈ ƕƆƋ `& Ï ơƿ ƍ ƏƐƈƆ Ƅ ƅƊ ƑƄƆƏ ƍ ƋƋ ƏƆ ƑƋƐ Ï ^#^ ƋƋƆ Ɔ ƍƋ Ɛ ƗƆ Ɛ ƄƋƈ Ɔ ƕƆƋ Ï ƆƋƋ ƆƐ ƆƏƐƈƇƈƅ ƐƆ Ƈ `ƆƐƑƏ ƈ E ƈ Ï zƆôƋƋ ƏƆƍƋ ƅƆ 0 ƋƆƊƆ ƈƇ ƆƆƗ ƄƆ – Odigie-Oyegun

Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja and Akam James, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎThe battle for the Number One

political office in Kogi and Bayelsa states continued on Wednesday with different scenarios playing out.

In Kogi State, while the Governorelect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Lokoja, the state capital, the deputy governor-elect, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, was nowhere in sight to collect his Certificate of Return and all efforts to reach him proved abortive as he neither Continued on page 6

L-R: Deputy Country Director, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Joan Wuya; IRC Country Director for Nigeria, Sarah Ndikumara; IRC President, David Miliband; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema and Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, during the visit of the IRC President to presidential villa in Abuja… on Wednesday.

ƑƏƐ ƏƆƌ Ɨ # ƊƍƆ ƈ ƈ ƅƑ Ɛ Ɨƕ ƒƆƏ MƾêơƄ ƇƏ ƑƗ g Reps probe Tukur, gB1 Baraje over MơƐƏ Ə ƈƋ projects

Simi: g L1 The relentless and fearless entertainer

PDP on the March again? g 8

12

ơǀƐ g7 AnyiamR ƈ ƓƆ ƋƆƅƐƑƏƆ Ɠ holds Friday

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Announces Muhammadu Buhari GCFR,

President Federal Republic of Nigeria

Friday December 11, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Chibok Girls: 600 days and still waiting

I

f any issue has tasked the conscience of Nigerians, it is that of the missing Chibok girls and the inability of the Federal Government to account for them. More than 600 days have passed since over 200 girls from Chibok, Borno State were forcibly abducted by Boko Haram insurgents and taken to unknown destination. Even though some escaped from their captors, majority of the girls are yet to be rescued and reunited with their families.

More pathetic is that Nigerians have watched in utter consternation the inability of the country’s armed forces and security operatives to locate the whereabouts of the missing girls. Definitely, the past 600 days have been harrowing for the affected families and the country.

Everyday brings sad memories of these innocent girls and their fate in the hands of such sadist group as the Boko Haram.

For those not conversant with the tragedy, it is worth rehashing that on the night of April 14, 2014, a group of Boko Haram militants broke into the hostels of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State pretending to be guards. In the heat of the confusion, they told the girls to follow them, even as many of the students were driven away in trucks and into the Konduga area of Sambisa Forest where Boko Haram militants were known to have fortified camps.

Since then, different groups and concerned members of the international community have demanded for release of the abducted girls.

Moreover, to bring a sense of urgency to it, campaigners adopted the Hashtag; “Bring Back Our Girls” as a way to sensitise the world on

the need for action to free the girls.

Following this, there was global outpouring of outrage and solidarity with international figures such as US First Lady, Michelle Obama, Pakistani Nobel Peace Laureate, Malala Yousafzai, and UN SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki- Moon, pledging support to free the girls.

Sadly, beyond the predicament of the Chibok girls and their families, the abduction has highlighted Nigeria’s miserable leadership failure, the crass irresponsibility and uncaring attitude of the leaders, and the government’s inability to protect its own people. The continuing captivity of these girls remains an open wound for Nigeria. Moreover, it is one of the most frustrating challenges the country has faced in its history.

We are aware that former President, Goodluck Jonathan, was heavily criticised for being too slow in reacting to the abduction of the girls, leading to the intractable conundrum the country has found itself over the matter. However, we also know that the pledge to rescue the abducted girls was one of the most prominent campaign promises

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Unfortunately, beyond official platitudes, bluster and bravado, Nigerians are yet to see any tangible results in the rescue efforts.

Our fears are that the girls have been forced to “convert” to Islam or enter into marriage with members of Boko Haram, even as many are speculated to have become suicide bombers. As the year is gradually ending, it is imperative that Nigerians keep memories of the Chibok Girls alive by insisting that the government find and rescue them. That is the only way Nigerians can know they have a nation that cares.

Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

ÏÏÏ

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, appears not yet done with vilification of the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

This, at least, is what his latest comments that Nigeria lost about $1 billion (N197 billion) every month under former president has proved.

The Kano Emir, a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stated this during a programme aired on The PBS NewsHour, an American daily evening television show, recently.

Hear him: “Frankly, I think a billion dollars under Jonathan a month was about what we were losing.”

Sanusi’s latest salvo adds to his many previous scathing statements about the Jonathan administration, leading many to believe that he has a score to settle with the Jonathan administration.

No doubt, the Kano Emir like every Nigerian should be concerned about how the Jonathan administration conducted the affairs of the nation, including how monies accruing to the nation’s treasury were spent.

However, many are worried that the former CBN governor in many instances failed to substantiate his allegations. Even when some of the allegations against officials of the Jonathan administration were investigated, the amounts Sanusi alleged were missing were at variance with the findings of the investigators.

For instance, shortly

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before he was suspended as CBN governor in February last year, Sanusi alleged that $20 billion was missing from the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The matter was investigated by the Senate and the allegation was found to be untrue.

The Jonathan administration also engaged an international audit firm, the PriceWaterHouseCoppers, to do a forensic audit of the accounts of the NNPC, including Sanusi’s allegations. In the end, the auditors failed to agree with the former CBN governor.

So, rather than grandstanding, it would be more beneficial for Nigerians if the Kano Emir not only substantiates his allegations against officials of the immediate past administration but also allow them to state their case(s) if any before an impartial arbiter and wait for the verdict.

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Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye

Sanusi: Return to familiar turf?

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Wole Soyinka

Ayo Fayose

Mike Omeri

”Once an idea has taken off, you may defeat those behind it in a war but that does not mean the end of the idea.”

“If in three days, INEC could not conduct credible election in Bayelsa State of just eight local governments, one wonders what will happen during the general elections in 2019?

“Our national challenges cannot and indeed will not be overcome with groups, regions resorting to violent quest for secession. History shows clearly that every part of this great nation needs the other parts”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Fly Arik,

arrive with a

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

5 News

Senate’ll work with Executive to better lives of Nigerians, says Saraki Segun Adio

ÏÏÏ

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has reiterated the resolve of the upper legislative chamber to work hand in hand with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led executive arm to better the lives of Nigerians.

He said this on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the public hearing on the “Abuse and Mismanagement of Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime” organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, Banking, insurance and other Financial Institutions and Public Accounts at the national Assembly.

Acknowledging that the Senate has a critical role to play to ensure that no abuse processes is allowed to fester, Sen. Saraki said the Senate is concerned and is exploring ways of shoring up the national revenues in spite of the persistent fall in the oil price in the international market.

Said he, “The commitment and resolve of the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to work with and support the Executive arm in its effort to improve the life of our people is not negotiable. We are together with the executive on the need to curb waste and plug all loopholes in our revenue and expenditure streams.

“We are equally concerned and are exploring ways of shoring up the national revenues in spite of the persistent fall in the oil price in the international market. We embrace these challenges as we believe that it will more than anything enable us to think outside of the box to draw up innovative solutions that would strengthen our institutions and the economy at large.

“We gladly note the steps already taken by Mr. President to move the country towards efficiency and away from the business as usual mindset through reduction in wasteful expenditures. One of such bold steps is the full pursuit and implementation of the Economic Reform Governance Project (ERGP), which has

as its core objective the modernization of Public Finance Management (PFM).

“The wholesome adoption of the PFM is in line with the globally accepted

Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) which is aimed at plugging revenue wastes.

All these are supportive of the introduction and the

enforcement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which has been fully authorised by the President.”

The Senate President, however, warned of attempts to frustrate the laud-

able TSA programme by the mismanagement and non-compliance of extant laws leading to massive abuse such that demand the necessary intervention of the Senate.

Saraki

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

L-R: Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Dean, Lagos Business School (LBS), Dr. Enase Okonedo and Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company, Mr. Bismarck Rewane during the LBS breakfast club end of the year dinner held in Lagos… on Wednesday.

Battle for Kogi, Bayelsa rages on Continued from page 1 picked his calls nor returned the text sent to him.

However, National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Wednesday disclosed that Faleke will be replaced as deputy governor-elect should the need arise.

On the other hand, there was palpable tension in Bayelsa State as hundreds of youths barricaded major roads in Yenagoa, the state capital, to protest the cancellation of the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area by the Indepen-

dent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This is even as fourteen out of the twenty political parties that contested in the December 6 governorship election in Bayelsa State on Wednesday accepted the results and conduct of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The APC youths, who demanded the immediate sack of the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Baritor Kpagir, also called for the urgent release of the Southern Ijaw Election results or cancel-

lation of results of Nembe, Sagbama, and Yenagoa local government areas.

The youths, who chanted songs in solidarity, said the REC erred in cancelling an election that had been conducted with results collated and pasted in various wards.

Scores of physically-challenged persons on wheelchairs also joined the protest which was peacefully coordinated by armed riot policemen.

But the youths who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wondered why Kpagir isolated Southern Ijaw Local Govern-

ment Area for cancellation while ignoring other areas such as Ekeremor, Sagbama, Nembe, and Yenagoa that witnessed similar irregularities.

The aggrieved protesters led by APC stalwarts and some members of the party’s state executive council carried placards with inscriptions such as “INEC should declare Southern Ijaw results now” ; Ijaw People reject and say no to dictatorial and draconian policies of Governor Seriake Dickson; “the INEC REC in Bayelsa should be Continued on page 12

Bleak Christmas as FG owes Judges 5 months salaries Continued from page 1 fected by the non-payment of salaries.

It was learnt that while judges are owed five months, the judiciary workers are owed three months salaries comprising November, October and September.

It was unclear last night why the Federal High Court Judges and the workers have not been paid, but it was gathered that it might not be connected with the complications arising from the operations of the Treasury Single Account (TSA)

CBN gov, Accountant General disown REMITA on fraud in TSA As Senate probes alleged abuse of TSA Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Central Bank of Ni-

geria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) on Wednesday disowned a Financial Software Solution provider, System Specs, owner of the Remita platform on its involvement in remitting government’s monies from Commercial Banks into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).

In the same vein, the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, said there was no Memorandum

of Understanding between the CBN and his office on engagement of REMITA to operate the TSA account for the government.

Notwithstanding, both government officials admitted that System Specs was engaged by the Federal Government officially as an interventionist platform to assist in e-payments on transactions with the TSA. The AGF said agreement between the government and the IT Provider had been concluded before he resumed formally as the AGF, stressing that on resump-

tion, he refused to sign a document to formalise the agreement.

The IT provider had deployed its platform, Remita to move a total sum of N1.49 trillion into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) within the year on initiative by the Federal Government to operate the TSA. These came to the fore during the Public Hearing by the Senate on the alleged abuse of the TSA in which case the System Spec was alleged to have collected a huge sum of N25 billion 1%

Emefiele percent interest charged on the sum of N2.5 trillion it assisted in remitting into the TSA. Appearing before the Senate Joint Committee probing the alleged fraud in the TSA,

the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, though admitted that the Federal Government employed the services of System Specs for transfer of monies into TSA, said he was not aware that the company was paid 1% of the amount it generated into the government account from Commercial Banks.

The CBN governor told the Senate probe panel that from the sum of N836 million System Specs remitted into TSA, the company was initially paid the sum of N7.6 billion.

He said after he got inContinued on page 12

and fallouts from the BVN. “Salary payments into the accounts of the Judiciary has been stopped”, a source told the Daily Times correspondent in Abuja.

“It seems the Federal Government is uncomfortable with the way and manner the judicial system is been run,” another source said.

The Federal High Court Judges who are being owed for between three and five months declined to open up on the development when contacted.

Some of the judges who opened up but didn’t want their names mentioned, imputed political undertones for the development, alleging that they have been experiencing undue harassment from security agencies including bugging of their telephones and other communications lines.

“Because of the TSA, the issue of consolidated account for judges is no longer working. Other arms of Government have been paid but the judges have not been paid for five months now”, another source said.

“They (government) keeps saying the problem emanated from the TSA, but all we know is that there is a conspiracy against judges from some influential persons who feel the judges are corrupt and have sympathy for some people they do not like,” said the source.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Abacha loot: Okonjo-Iweala replies Oshiomhole ÎÎÎFormer

Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has described as baseless allegations aganst her of illegal diversion of Abacha loots funds.

The former minister had been reportedly touted as having played a part in the diversion of the money by Edo State Governor, Adam Oshiomhole.

In a release issued by her spokesman, Paul Nwabuikwu, the former minister claimed that the people carrying their story against her were only out to smear her name.

“The central responsibility of the Minister of Finance is to find sources of funding for the financing of approved national priorities such as security, job creation and infrastructure.

“It will be recalled that throughout 2014, there were public complaints by the military hierarchy to President Goodluck Jonathan about the inadequacy of funds to fight the anti-terror war in the North East, resulting in Boko Haram making gains and even taking territories. A lot of the criticism was directed at the Federal Ministry of Finance under Dr Okonjo-Iweala which was accused of not doing enough to find funds for the operations.

“In fact, the Ministry, on several occasions, had to call press conferences to provide details of budgetary spending on the military, to show, against the background of limited resources and other

urgent national priorities, that it was doing its best on funding security.

“It was about this time that some new Abacha funds of about $322m were returned with another $700m still expected to be returned. (This is not to be confused with the Abacha funds returned in 2005-2006 under the Obasanjo government whose use for developmental purposes was monitored by the World Bank as earlier explained by Dr Okonjo-Iweala).

“Former President Jonathan set up a Committee comprising of the former Minister of Justice, former NSA and the former Minister of Finance to determine how best to use both the returned and

expected funds for development.

“The NSA made a case for using the returned funds for urgent security operations since, he noted, there cannot be any development without peace and security. Based on this, a decision was taken to deploy about $322 million for the military operations, while the expected $700m would be applied for development programmes as originally conceived.

“Following the discussions and based on the urgency of the NSA’s memo, Dr OkonjoIweala requested the President to approve the transfer of the requested amount to the NSA’s Office for the specified purposes.

7 News

Rich must pay tax to sustain N18, 000 minimum wage, says Oshiomhole

Oshiomhole

ÎÎÎGovernor

Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that he would rather continue to put pressure on the rich to pay their taxes regularly than reducing the salaries/wages of workers in the State.

Oshiomhole stated this while fielding questions

from State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday.

The governor, who restated his opposition to reduction of workers’ salaries as being contemplated by the Governors Forum, advised state governments to look inwards to boost their internally generated revenue to enable them maintain the N18,000 minimum wage. ``You have to pay tax, they are telling me who are you?

And I’m like I’m government and if you don’t pay who have houses in other countries; you pay your land use charge. ``And when you come to Edo you think you can use bold face. No, I squeeze you.

ILO to partner Nigeria on employment generation Akor Ejumene, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Guy Ryder has expressed his Organisation’s commitment to deepening relationship with Nigeria through provision of technical cooperation activities to the Federal Government, especially in its efforts at job creation.

Guy Ryder stated this

recently in Ethiopia when he received the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, during the 13th African Regional Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Director General accepted to visit Nigeria, a move which the minister described as unprecedented as no (ILO) Director General has ever visited Nigeria since the formation of the world body.

15th Anyiam-Osigwe lecture now holds Friday

Raymond Dokpesi arranged on alleged six count charge of money laundering and other fraud related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja… on Wednesday.

FG vows 2,000mw additional power to National grid soon Augustine Okezie, Abuja

ÎÎÎMinister

of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has told the nation that with said that with greater improvement in critical infrastructure to transport gas to the Power Plant, government is expected to add 2,000mw to Nigeria’s power stock within the next 12-15 months.

Fashola who gave the assurance in Abuja while briefing the media said apart from availability of gas infrastructure, other issues like environmental con-

cerns and appropriate pricing for gas have had negative impact on it The Minister said that the recent review of gas from $1.30 per unit to $3.30, although still below $4.00 International market price will help bridge the availability gap.

On transmission network, he said today’s reality is that available power is slightly larger than the capacity which it can support; else we will experience persistent system collapse.

He said’’ government through the Transmission

Company of Nigeria (TCN) has identified a total of one hundred and forty-two critical projects, of which 45 are at 50% and above level of completion, of these lot, a further twenty-two (22) projects can be completed within a year.

With budgetary provision, Government intends to aggressively pursue completion to increase the caring capacity from the Generation Companies, GENCOs to the Distribution Companies, DISCOs, from which transmission carrying capacity must expand well ahead of

the generating capacity that will take care of future expansion in power generation’’.

On tariff, the Minister said the issue is a complex one because it relates more to citizen’s attitude, while Government has set the tariff regime through Multiyear Tariff Order (MYTO).

He further maintained that government harbors the intention of attracting investors to the fledging market which underscores privatization exercises as well as ensuring attractive pricing of product to the investors.

ÎÎÎThe

Osigwe AnyiamOsigwe Foundation has announced the shift in the 15th Session of its Annual lecture Series earlier scheduled for today.

The programme, with the theme To Live in the Way That Honours: Incorruptibility: A Spiritual Premise for Material Well-being, has President Muhammadu Buhari as its keynote speaker.

The Osigwe AnyiamOsigwe annual lecture series has a record of bringing globally-rated eminent personalities into the country annually to deliver lectures since its inception in 2000.

Organisers of the event said the programme will now hold on Friday, December 11, 2015 at same venue of International Conference Centre, Abuja by 10:00am.

President Buhari is expected to speak on the keynote theme: “The Contradictions That Inhibit Anti-Corruption Initiatives in Nigeria and The Perspectives to Their Deconstruction.”

According to the organisers of the event, the 15th session of the lecture series examines Anyiam-Osigwe’s submissions on corruption and incorruptibility which he espouses in his treatises.

Anyiam-Osigwe asserts that efforts aimed at resolving the contradictions of corruption require an appropriate understanding of what constitutes corruption.

Renowned Dr. Mathew Hassan Kuka, Bishop of Roman Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese is chairman of the occasion.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Politics

Æs

Nigeria lacks control over oil resources - Akinjide Remi Oladoye Ibadan

Nigeria’s foremost legal luminary and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, CON, SAN, has revealed that the control of the oil resources of Nigeria in the hands of foreigners.

According to him, this has contributed to a large extent of the lack of control over oil produce as the major causes of the fuel crisis in Nigeria.

Chief Akinjide made the revelation in Ibadan while delivering a lecture on the topic “Nigeria beyond oil” in continuation of 2015 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Council, held at the Dapo Aderogba hall, Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General said: “Nigeria knows little or nothing about oil and gas. By now, all our universities should have departments in oil and gas. If you have oil and gas and you do not control it, your economy is not in your hand. Nigeria economy is in the hands of

foreigners.

“The price of oil and gas now dictates the state of our economy.

There is oil and gas in Lake Chad.

They now produce what they need and they do not rely on us. They supply oil and gas to the foreign countries and I will not be surprised if our own part of Lake Chad can produce plenty of oil and gas.

As regards oil and gas, Nigeria is in a hole and we continue digging. Angola is making better use of their oil and gas than Nigeria but I hope they will not make the mistakes of Nigeria,” he noted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

PDP on the March again?

Secondus

Mu’azu

Dokpesi

Events within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last few weeks have indicated that in spite of its ongoing remodeling and repositioning, it appears the party is like a leopard that cannot change its colour, by Akinjide

Akintola and Tunde Fapohunda report.

Recently, a former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, stated that the announcement of new dates for congresses and national convention of the party, as announced by the spokesperson of the party, Olisa Metuh, last Thursday, cannot stand.

Mr. Metuh had released a timetable of schedule of congresses and national convention which, he said, was approved by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party.

He said the NWC had fixed March 19, 2016 for the party`s national convention.

The party, he said, would conduct its Ward Congresses on

February 27, 2016, while March 5, 2016 was slated as the day for Local Government Area Congresses.

The NWC, he said, had also approved March 12, 2016 for state congresses and March 16, 2016, for its zonal congresses. New set of party leaders are expected to emerge from the congresses.

However, last Thursday, Mr. Okupe, who was spokesman for former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, said the NWC had no power under the constitution of the party to convene a national convention.

“That power rests exclusively with the NEC of the party. The

dates announced by the national Publicity secretary therefore, must have been in error and cannot stand,” he said.

Mr. Okupe said what the NWC with the approval of the acting National Chairman could do, is to “call for a meeting of the NEC to formally begin the process”.

From what Okupe has just revealed, it appears the PDP is still continuing in the usual manner of doing things without consultations and impunity which got it nowhere. And it does appear that the former ruling party has not learnt any lesson from the acts that brought its downfall.

It is obvious that for some time now all is not well between

Akinjide

the NWC and the NEC of the party. But with its disgraceful loss in the last election and with the ignominious resignation of its former chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, it beholves on the party leadership across the land to effect a resolution of what might be amiss between the two leading organs of the party in order for the party to move forward.

Many had thought that the Ike Ekweremadu committee which went round the whole country to find out what went wrong would be allowed to work assiduously with a view to resolving it. But CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Yoruba leaders’ summit: A step towards unity Yoruba leaders’ summit: A step towards unity With last Tuesday’s summit of Yoruba leaders in Akure, the Ondo State capital, it appears that after much lamentations, the unity that has eluded the Yoruba race may be around the corner.

This is the first time in a long time that leaders of Afenifere and the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) which debuted during the Presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo have come together and met on critical matters of state.

In attendance were the Chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi; Afenifere leader, Chief Ruben Fasoranti; OPC leader, Gani Adams; YCE Chairman, General Adeyinka Adebayo and the chairman of the summit, Dr. Kunle Olajide. Others were Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Brig.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Falae

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

9 Politics

Yoruba leaders’ summit: A step towards unity

Fasoranti CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Gen. Raji Rasaki (rtd) and Chief Sehinde Arogbofa amongst others.

A cursory look at the list indicated that leaders in Yorubaland across former various divides were in attendance. This indeed indicates a new omen in Yorubaland.

However, for the tripod to be complete, the third leg is not yet included and leaders say a strong tripod should have three legs. The third leg is that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National leader of the All Progressives Congress.

If the unity and progress of the race is to be truly achieved, the Asiwaju group cannot be wished away or missing in any

Olajide

Gbonigi

Adebanjo

Adebayo

meaningful Yoruba Summit.

All the leaders would have to put their personal ego, pride and interest in abeyance in the overall interest of the race, otherwise they will just be working at cross purposes to each other.

Thank God all the groups were represented at the National Conference conveyed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, the recommendations of which dominated the events at the just concluded Summit.

At the Sumit, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and the other leaders of the Afenifere, YCE and other Yoruba leaders once again called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently implement the resolutions of the 2014 National Conference.

According to Mimiko, there was need for the unity of the Yoruba leaders in the South-West irrespective of their political or religious affiliations.

Mimiko said: “The overreaching recommendation of the confab was the need for political restructuring. This is to retain a federal system of government with states as the federating units, with all the powers and resources thereto.

“It would allow states that wish to merge to do so in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), a possibility that is no longer too far-fetched given the financial crises in which most states of the federation have now found themselves.

“The restructuring would also

accommodate the establishment of state police to enhance national security. In the economic domain, exploitation of solid minerals would be taken from the Exclusive Legislative list, such that states would be able to harness the solid minerals in their jurisdictions, thus creating employment, generating more revenue and developing at their own pace.

All the Yoruba leaders who spoke at the summit insisted that the President must implement the recommendation of the 2014 national confab’s for the nation to move forward..

According to them, failure to do this would make the country to continue in stagnation.

The guest speaker, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, asked the South-West

governors to solve the unemployment problem confronting the youths in Yorubaland through the creation of small and medium scale enterprises at the local government level.

Adebanjo, in his remarks, said anyone who loved the unity of the country should not oppose the confab report.

The Afenifere chieftain said, “If President Muhammadu Buhari is sincere about the peace and unity of this country he should implement the recommendation of the confab report. “ Also, the Leader of the Odua Peoples Congress, Mr. Gani Adams, accused President Buhari of insensitivity over the CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Why Labour Party Secretary, Ajulo, resigned More facts have emerged on why the National Secretary of Labour Party, Mr. Olukayode Ajulo, a legal practitioner resigned from office.

In a letter addressed to the National Chairman, dated December 8, Ajulo informed the party that his resignation is to enable him to concentrate on his law practice, business and do projects that promote humanity.

The lawyer who had ran as the senatorial candidate of the party for the Federal Capital Territory in 2011 had been at variance with the leadership style of the new National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam.

Following the resignation of the former National Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Nwan-

yanwu, instead of handing over the party’s certificate of registration to the national secretary, he gave it to the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

It was later that the Comrade Governor later handed the certificate to the new chairman, Alhaji Abdulsalam.

The genesis of the crisis of confidence rocking the party can be traced to the period shortly after the last general election, when the former national chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu raised the alarm over alleged misappropriation of funds generated during the conduct of primary election.

Since then efforts to resolve the crisis had been abortive which may have led to current resignation by the secretary.

Ajulo

Nwanyanwu

Abdusalam

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Ex-Governor Akala set to join APC Remi Oladoye

The Labour Party gubernatorial party in the last election in Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala again on Tuesday stirred the political waters in the state as he disclosed his move to dump the Labour Party for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The decision to join the ruling APC was concluded on Tuesday after a stakeholders meeting with hundreds of his political associates in Ibadan.

A similar meeting was held in Ogbomoso few weeks ago where he told his home base supporters of his decision to quit Labor Party

but not returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Between 2007 and 2011, he was governor of the state on the ticket of the PDP. Besides, he had been deputy governor of the state between 2003 and 2007.

His romance with the APC and Governor Abiola Ajumobi has been in the pipeline shortly after the last general election which he lost the chance of returning for second time to Ajimobi’s second coming.

Unlike the candidate of the Accord Party, and also former governor of the State, Senator Rashidi

Ladoja, Alao-Akala declined to go to the tribunal following his loss at the polls.

Speaking at the meeting the Ogbomoso-born politician said the decision to move into another party is to secure a better political future and relevance for his teeming supporters so that he can also contribute to the socio economic development of the nation.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the chairman of his campaign organization, Dr Kola Balogun said ‘the decision to move to APC was a joint decision of the supporters of Otunba

Alao Akala, and being a leader that listens to followers, and he has agreed to go with us to APC’.

He said further that ‘APC was the only alternative available as other political parties are already in crisis and we believe that our going to APC will enhance the growth and advancement of the party and the state at large’.

Dr Kola Balogun said ‘what happened today is just a conclusion on what we have been deliberating on for some time now and by the time we are having a formal declaration, party bigwigs across the nation would be present.

Ladoja

Akala

Ajimobi

Social Media Bill: OPAN Trustees head for court as protests continue As controversy continues to trail the Social Media Bill before the Senate, the registered trustees of Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) has dragged the upper chamber of the National Assembly to a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over the bill.

In the originating summons Wednesday brought under Order 3 Rules 6 and 7 of the Federal High Court (civil procedure) Rules 2009, OPAN, represented by its counsel, Osuagwu Ugochukwu, is praying the court to, within 30 days of service, order the Senate to appear before the court for the determination of the following questions: “Whether, in view of the provisions of sections 39(1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the defendant, their officers, members, committees or privies can lawfully debate, consider and pass into law a bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith.

“Whether, in view of the provisions of sections 39(1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the proposed bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith is not an attempt to criminalise free speech and freedom of expression

PDP on the March again?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the way it is, it appears as if the problem of the party is yet to be addressed. It is like the committee just went on a jamboree without achieving anything.

The other day, the party went aflame following remarks made by one of its chieftains, now embattled chairman of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi when he said the party made a mistake by fielding former President Goodluck Jonathan for the last Presidential election in the country.

The attacks and counter attacks that attended that comment showed that the party is still as dismembered as it was before the election which accounted for its loss.

If it party is to achieve anything in the forthcoming political dispensation as it boasted of chasing out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by 2019, then it has to put all its acts together to ensure unity within its ranks to make any mark ahead of 2019 otherwise, it should just keep its wishes goodbye.

Okupe

Dokpesi

Mohammed

11 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Nigeria lacks control over oil resources - Akinjide CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

He also to revealed that Nigeria’s oil and gas does not belong to Nigerians because the country collects rents on it and never had full control on it “We haven’t got oil. What we collect from our oil is rent because we lease out our oil and collect rent on it. The actual owners are the people that pays us the rent”, he said.

Commending the founding fathers of Nigeria, though, he maintained that the country was created to serve the commercial interests of the Europeans, Akinjide who was also a member of the Parliament in 1959 advised that Nigeria should find alternative to oil. “Our critical product before was agriculture. We must go back to that in a big way.

“We can once again make our economy thrive by investing more in agriculture. In the 60’s, agriculture largely dominated the Nigerian economy as oil was progressively becoming an important source of government revenue.

The Nigerian economy blossomed with Agriculture. Let’s make agricultural sector competitive.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Eleruwa of Eruwa Oba Samu-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Adeosun

Buhari

Akinjide

el Adegbola Akindele, commended the Nigeria Union of journalists on the occasion of their week. He praised them for their relentless efforts to make sure that, the country is sanitized, he encouraged them to continue until our nation can measure up to the standard required to be counted worthy

among committee of good nation.

The Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka while also speaking at the occasion also commended members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for their steadfastness and ruggedness.

He also spoke on the agreement between the labour and the government and promised that, the labour and organized labour will not have cause to fight because government will be spending 90 percent of allocation from Abuja on salaries and emoluments of workers.

More protests greet Anti-Social Media Bill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

of the plaintiff.”

Other consequential reliefs being sought by the plaintiff include: A declaration that in view of the provisions of section 39(1)&(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Defendant, her officers, members, agents or privies cannot lawfully pass into Law a bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith as presently constructed and/or drafted.

A declaration that the passage into law of the proposed bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith will amount to the violation freedom of expression of the plaintiff as guaranteed under section 39(1)&(2) 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

An order of injunction against the defendant restraining her from further debating and considering proposed bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other mat-

Yoruba leaders’ summit: A step towards unity

ters connected therewith which violates section 39(1)&(2) 1999 constitution of Nigeria(as amended).

An order of perpetual injunction against the defendant restraining her from passing into law the proposed bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith which violates section 39(1)&(2) 1999 constitution of Nigeria(as amended) Meanwhile, more knocks are still coming the way of Senators over the proposed Anti-Social Media Bill with many of the protesters calling on the National Assembly not to stifle press freedom.

The Newspapers Proprietors Association Of Nigeria (NPAN) cautioned the National Assembly to “cease and desist” from considering or passing any laws seeking to abridge the constitutionally guaranteed free speech of Nigerians, saying such laws will not only be unconstitutional but undermine the democratic rights all Nigerians fought for.

A statement signed by NPAN

President, Nduka Obaigbena, said: “The attention of the NPAN has been drawn to a so-called Bill for an Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petitions and Other Matters Connected Therewith currently being considered in the Senate of The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The NPAN urges the National Assembly to cease and desist from considering or passing any laws seeking to abridge constitutionally guaranteed free speech as such laws will not only be unconstitutional, they undermine our system of democracy and the rights we all fought for.

“We cannot because of a few irritations on the social media seek to clamp down on the rights of citizens to freely hold and share opinion on any platform. We believe any untruths should be confronted by facts not laws, and indeed the Freedom of Information Act should be enhanced to promote more openness in governance.”

Some publishers of online media along with a coalition of civil society groups in Nigeria on Tues-

day stormed the National Assembly premises in a peaceful protest that was organized to express their grievances over the Petitions and Other Related Matters Bill, seen as a means of gagging social media users.

Led by Aisha Yusuf, Anthony Ehilebo, Ariyo Atoye, Mukhtar Daniyan, and Ahmad Isa, the protesters expressed disappointment that the bill, which they claimed was designed to censor social media practitioners, passed second reading in the Upper Chamber last week.

They specifically claimed that Section 4 of the bill prescribed a two year jail term or a fine of N2m as punishment for anyone who posts abusive statement known to be false, in any social media platform. Bearing placards inscribed with various messages highlighting their position, the protesters argued that the offensive section of the bill was against Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Section 39 (1) of the 1999 constitution.

restructuring of the country stressing that the only way for the country to progress was for it to undergo restructuring.

“President Buhari does not believe in restructuring of this country, and without the restructuring, there is no way out for the country to move forward,” he said.

In their communiqué, the Yoruba leaders called on the Federal Government to roll out a comprehensive economic plan to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, reflate the economy and create employment opportunities.

The groups, which consist of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Afenifere, Yoruba Unity Forum, Oodua Foundation, Oodua Peoples Congress, Agbekoya, among others, also urged the Federal Government to raise the standard of education, provide affordable health care and review monetary policies that is driving foreign investors out of the country while the local manufacturers and business are also groaning.

The communique issued at the end of the meeting was signed by the leaders of the groups including the Chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi; Afenifere leader, Chief Ruben Fasoranti; OPC leader, Gani Adams; YCE Chairman, General Adeyinka Adebayo and the chairman of the summit, Dr. Kunle Olajide.

The summit noted that the economy of the nation had collapsed due to the dwindling oil revenue which necessitated the diversification of the economy in order to create new corridors of prosperity. But the summit said this might not be possible without changing the 1999 Constitution which prevented the federating units from exploring the resources under their soils.

Tinubu

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Battle for Kogi, Bayelsa rages on Continued from page 6 sacked” and “Bayelsa reject the cancellation of Southern Ijaw”.

The protesters took off in the morning from the APC state secretariat at Yenizuegene road and marched through the Mbiama-Yenagoa road.

They later diverted to Imgbi Road and headed for the INEC office located along Swali Road where they were received by INEC officials.

The demonstrators, who carried flags of the APC and other materials of the party, sang songs of victory, saying but for Kpagir’s decision, their candidate and former Governor Timipre Sylva would have won the election.

On sighting mammoth crowd of protesters, security

operatives deployed around INEC premises took their positions while an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) moved towards the crowd to stop them at the entrance of the road leading to the office.

Policemen with shields bounced out and barricaded the road while a police officer at the INEC office who spoke with the aid of a sound system demanded the reasons behind the demonstration.

The leader of the protesters, Mr. Famous Daumenighe, said the youths had come to deliver a message to the commission in a peaceful and orderly manner.

He thanked Bayelsa State residents for joining the protest and said the action was a struggle for equity and justice.

But Kpagir who was rep-

resented by INEC’s Head, Operation, Mr. Victor O. thanked the APC members for conducting their action peacefully.

Victor was flanked by other INEC officials and security operatives including of observers from the African Union (AU), Christian Victor, and International Republican Institute, Mrs. Ben Udensi, said the REC was in Abuja, adding that the directive to cancel the election was beyond them.

Earlier, hundreds of women and youths from Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday, took to the streets demanding cancellation of the election in the area.

They said the election in the capital city was marred by irregularities and incon-

sistencies in the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Meanwhile, fourteen out of the twenty political parties that contested in the December 6 election in accepting the results so far declared by the INEC said the poll was generally peaceful and was conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

Addressing newsmen in Yenagoa, the Chairman of the Independent Democrats Party, Prince Elemah, who spoke on behalf of the other chairmen of the political parties, said the elections in Sagbama, Ekeremor, Ogbia, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa were peace-

ful and credible, noting that the initial skirmishes witnessed in these areas were brought under control by security agencies.

In a related development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa on Wednesday raised the alarm, alleging that some politicians and groups planned to breach the existing peace in the state.

Cheif Jonathan Obuebite, Director of Publicity of Governor Seriake Dickson Campaign Organisation, alleged that All Progressives Congress (APC) members were preparing for a violent protest in the state.

In a statement, the organisation in collaboration with PDP, called on Bayelsa people, particularly small business entrepreneurs to beware of the protest as the protesters had specific instructions to unleash violence on the streets of Yenagoa.

Speaking after he received his Certificate of Return from INEC in Lokaja, the Kogi State capital, the Governor-elect, Yahaya Bello, described the circumstances that threw him up to the position of governor of the state as divine, assuring that tribal acrimony which exist in the state would be addressed to

have a virile and united state.

He said there is no gainsaying that tribal acrimony has affected the state, assuring that with the support and cooperation of the people those difference would be tackled by his government to have a united Kogi State devoid of sentiment.

Also, National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has disclosed that Hon. James Faleke will be replaced as deputy governor-elect should the need arise.

Odigie-Oyegun said this in Abuja on Wednesday in an interaction with newsmen.

Faleke, who was running mate to late Abubakar Audu in the November 21 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, rejected the same position after the party replaced Audu with Alhaji Yayaha Bello, who was runner-up in the party’s primaries.

Odigie-Oyegun said: ``On the Faleke issue, it is rather a straightforward and easy issue; we have replaced a governorship candidate. ``If the need arises and subject to what the law says, we will also get a deputy governorship candidate but we will cross those bridges as they arise but they have not arisen yet.’’

Court remands Dokpesi in custody over N2.1b fraud Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi (right) presenting a souvenir to the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, during a courtesy visit in Government House, Minna… on Wednesday.

CBN gov, Accountant General disown REMITA on fraud in TSA Continued from page 6 formation through the Senate on the amount of money being paid to the System Specs on TSA transactions, he issued a directive that the money be returned to the government’s account, while it complied almost immediately.

The CBN governor while admitting initially that System Spec indeed assisted the government with Electronic Funds Transfer on its platform, stated that an interdepartmental committee of the CBN and that of the AGF

approved the IT Provider for operation of TSA as an intermediary.

Emefiele also told the Senate probe panel that the CBN had engaged Remita for TSA operation since 2012 being the only company platform specially designed to handle retail payments, while the apex bank, according to him, had no such competent platform as at the time the issue of TSA began to gain currency.

He also told the Senate panel that the interest of rate of 1% of all its transactions approved for System

Specs for its intervention in remitting monies into the TSA was outrageous considering the volume of monies involved in the transactions.

While explaining reasons the CBN and the Office of Accountant General employed the services of System Specs, the Accountant General of the Federation said since the volume of monies expected to move into the TSA was huge, the policy of e-payment became a good option which only the IT provider could offer when the TSA initiative came on board.

During its presentation, the Chairman of System Specs, John Obaro, contradicted the positions of both the CBN and the OAGF when he told the Senate probe panel that his company had a valid contract with both the CBN and the OAGF. He said System Specs which had been in existence since the past 24 years was selected by the government specifically to provide electronic payment technology to power the TSA, given its expertise and its technological know as an IT provider.

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

founder of Daar Communications Plc, owners of African Independent Television, (AIT) and Ray Power Radio, Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, was on Wednesday, arraigned on six counts charge of fraud and money laundering before the Federal High Court Abuja who ordered his remand in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Dokpesi was arraigned by the EFCC for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government and laundering the sum of N2.1 billion belonging to the government.

He denied each of the 6-counts criminal charge

which also involved breach of public trust and procurement fraud, and pleaded not guilty.

Trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, has fixed today (Thursday) to hear his bail application which the defence team of lawyers had filed on Wednesday and wanted the court to hear it immediately but the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob (SAN), was not prepared for it.

Dokpesi had been in the custody of the anti-graft agency in the past 8 days facing interrogation from operatives of the EFCC on the huge sums he allegedly collected from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) who is also under investigation.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday December 10, 2015

13 International

37 dead as clashes continue at Kandahar Airport

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, center right, greets Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, center left, upon his arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Dec. 9, 2015.

ÏÏÏ

An overnight Taliban assault on a key airport in southern Afghanistan killed 37 people and wounded 35 others as clashes continued into Wednesday, Afghan and insurgent officials said.

A group of at least 10 heavily armed suicide bombers wearing uniforms of Afghan security forc-

UN warns of genocide risk in Burundi

ÏÏÏThe United Nations warned

on Tuesday that violence in Burundi could degenerate into genocide, and stressed the urgent need for a political dialogue.

The warning came on the eve of the first international day set aside by the UN General Assembly to commemorate the victims of genocide and work to prevent its recurrence.

Adama Dieng, a special UN adviser for the prevention of genocide, told reporters he was worried that both the government and the opposition were manipulating ethnic tensions in Burundi, pitting Hutus and Tutsis against each other.

"I am not saying that tomorrow there will be a genocide in Burundi but there is a serious risk that if we do not stop the violence this may end with a civil war and following such a civil war anything is possible," he said.

He recalled Burundi's history of internal violence, including a civil war that raged from 1995 to 2003, and called for "sincere and inclusive dialogue."

es Tuesday night stormed the airfield in Kandahar, where there is also a military base that includes troops in NATO’s Resolute Support mission.

The Afghan defense ministry said nine militants had been killed and one was still resisting.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah

Mujahid said its fighters entered the base and attacked both local and foreign military personnel there. He claimed the assault left 150 soldiers dead, but the Islamist insurgency usually exaggerates casualty claims.

A NATO spokesman said there are no reports of casualties among

its forces, without giving further details.

The Taliban also released a photo of what it said are the 10 men in military uniforms it sent to attack the Kandahar airport.

Afghan military officials said the insurgents began the assault from an area where residential buildings are located.

Shortly after the attack started Tuesday, Regional Corps commander General Daud Shah Wafadar told VOA the fighting started while he was going home from work.

“I escaped unhurt, but a bodyguard was killed while another was wounded,” he said.

Security forces swiftly engaged the assailants and killed four of them while the rest took up position in a nearby school, Wafadar said. He told VOA on Wednesday that the siege was continuing and security forces killed nine attackers while another five were still holed-up in the facility.

Wafadar said the 18 people killed and 11 wounded included women and children. He gave no other details and it is not clear whether the 18 dead included the militants.

Rwanda to vote next week on Kagame’s term limits

ÏÏÏRwanda is set to vote next

week on a constitutional amendment that will allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third term in 2017, and potentially to remain in power until 2034.

The Rwandan government announced late Tuesday that the referendum will be held on December 17 for Rwandans living abroad and on December 18 for those living in Rwanda.

The referendum asks for approval of a proposed amendment that would shorten presidential terms to five years rather than seven, but would also make an exception for Kagame, who has been in power since 2000. Current

31 dead, 20 000 families homeless in torrential rain in Kinshasa

law requires Kagame to step down at the end of 2017. But the amendment would allow him to run for a third seven-year term and two more five-year terms after that.

If he continued to win elections, it would allow Kagame to stay in power until 2034.

The referendum is forecast to pass easily.

The 58-year-old Kagame, an ethnic Tutsi, commanded the rebel force that ended the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 and ousted Hutu extremists from power.

Kagame served as vice president and minister of defense under President Pasteur Bizimungu from 1994 until Bizimungu's res-

ÏÏÏTorrential

rains and flooding have left 31 people dead and 20 000 families homeless in less than three weeks in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, city authorities said Wednesday.

Since November 19, "we have recorded 31 deaths due to the collapse of homes" in repeated downpours hitting the teeming city of 10 million people, Kinshasa's Inte-

ignation in 2000. He has served as president since 2000.

Kagame is popular inside Rwanda, but critics accuse him of suppressing free speech and having no tolerance for dissent.

The U.S. State Department said last month that Kagame should step down as scheduled and help "foster a new generation of leaders in Rwanda." The spokesman making the statement, Mark Toner, did not say what steps the U.S. would consider if Kagame tries to hold on to power.

Efforts by leaders in other African countries to extend their rule, including Burkina Faso, Burundi and Senegal, have led to violence. rior Minister Emmanuel Akweti told AFP. Most of the deaths occurred in the city's particularly impoverished southern and eastern districts, notably along the banks of the giant Congo river.

Saying more heavy rain was forecast from now until the end of December, Akweti urged people in flooded areas "to leave their homes without delay."

Burundi releases imprisoned protesters amid aid talks with EU ÏÏÏNearly 100 Burundian pro-

testers who opposed President Pierre Nkurunziza during months of violence in the capital, Bujumbura, have been released from prison, officials said Tuesday as the government held aid talks with European Union officials.

Burundi, which emerged from a 12-year civil war a decade ago, began spiraling into chaos in April when Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term, causing months of protests in Bujumbura and a failed coup.

Bujumbura has been holding talks with EU officials about whether the tiny East African nation can continue receiving EU aid after arresting hundreds of protesters, shuttering private media houses and closing bank accounts of nongovernmental organizations.

Deo Ruberintwari, the Interior Ministry's permanent secretary, said the release of 97 prisoners "has no connection with the consultations underway."

Activists and human rights groups said many of the protesters were beaten while in prison, something officials denied.

Philippe Nzobonariba, the government spokesman, said media and other organizations were closed for criminality and there was evidence the failed coup in May was financed through bank accounts of NGOs. Nzobonariba said he expected Burundi and EU countries to come up with an agreement that would allow vital aid flows to continue.

Nkurunziza Kinshasa's wet season normally runs from October to May, but this year the rains began only in midNovember, with a third of the average annual rainfall, or 450mm of water falling in less than three weeks, Akweti said. In the southeastern district of Ndanu on Wednesday, people were wearing boots and in places fecal matter could be seen floating in stagnant water as sewerage overflowed.

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Nigeria can’t continue to be consumer nation, says Onu Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏMinister

of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has reiterated that Nigeria cannot continue to be a consumer nation that depends on other nations even for her basic needs.

Onu exclaimed that it was difficult to understand that a “greatly endowed nation like Nigeria will export crude oil and import refined oil, export wood and import toothpicks”.

The Minister stated this when he met with Directors General of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in his office, in Abuja.

He enjoined the DGs to become agents of change that the Buhari administration has promised Nigeria and the change that Nigeria

deserves in all ramifications.

The minister reminded the DGs to recall the promises made to Nigerians by government in the areas of security, the economy, and the rule of law.

“The successful tackling and resolving these key issues which hitherto have been holding back our progress as a nation is the major challenge before the science and technology sector” he said.

Onu also reminded the officials that the various agencies were established by government in its wisdom because of the conviction that every challenge of the nation’s existence can only be tackled and resolved through endeavours resulting from the various innovations and research from the agencies.

For this reason, he enjoined them to develop team spirit, relate to

each other, pass on research findings and innovations to sister agencies relevant to the findings/ innovations and then revert to new areas pertinent to their primary mandate.

In doing this, he emphasised the need for patenting of their products, secure inventions and not to lose sight of the yam pounder invention in Nigeria, which was eventually taken out by another country, mass produced with no benefit going to the inventor and Nigeria as a nation.

He therefore called on the officials to keep the ministry abreast of their achievements so that members of the public can become adequately informed, not only about the contributions and achievements of the ministry, but also its relevance in making the country become a great nation as

“no nation can attain greatness without science and technology”.

The Directors General in their various contributions assured the minister of their preparedness to meet and tackle the challenges facing the nation in line with their mandates, energize the abundant and credible human resources at their disposal for national development.

Onu

Auto crash claims 12 in Kwara

Minister solicits for genuine partnership in health sector Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏMinister of State for Health,

Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has appealed for cooperation, from members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on quality health care delivery.

The Minister made the appeal when the Executive members of the Association, led by their President, Dr. Mohammed Adamu Askira paid him a courtesy visit in his Abuja office on Wednesday.

Ehanire, who was elated by the groups’ recognition of the ‘change mantra’, observed that the health sector has a long way to go in terms of changing the negative perception of Nigerians on medical professionals and delivering good, quality and affordable health to the teaming populace.

He stressed the need for a change of approach to patients care and also advised doctors to propose ways of measuring the quality of health care delivery in hospitals and how to translate medical assets into good and efficient service delivery.

Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏAn auto accident involving Cleric attributes an 18-seater commercial bus and

Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai (left) in a handshake with the Chairman, Premium Pension, Alhaji Aliyu Dikko, at the National Pension Commission's North West Stakeholders Conference on Pension Reform Act 2014 in Kaduna on Wednesday. While a partner in Retirement Benefit Advisory Service, Prof. Sheikh Abdullah looks on.

APC distances self from MASSOB killings ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday, distanced itself from instigating the killings of pro-Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) protesters in Onitsha in August.

It would be recalled that nine people were reportedly killed on Aug. 22 when MASOB protesters clashed with security agents during a protest seeking the actualisation of an independent state for the Igbos.

Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, told newsmen in

Abuja that the party had nothing to do with the clash, and it had no reason whatsoever, to kill innocent people.

Odigie-Oyegun said that MASSOB was not an opposition party, hence APC had no issues to clash or incite the public against the movement. ``Please perish that thought; what is the involvement of APC? Is MASSOB PDP? Why would the APC feel any desire to be involved in any way whatsoever? ``It was a clean clear security situation and no government worth its salt will watch any group what-

soever make life impossible for the rest of the society. ``The killings were most, most, regrettable,’’ he stressed, adding ``but even now, we don't know who killed who. ``I think we should just pray that that situation will eventually resolve itself through the carrot and stick approach. The carrot is absolutely necessary and I pray that that may end up solving the problem,’’ he said.

The Chairman said that APC was managing its successes and challenges well and would soon come out as a consolidated party.

a DAF truck has claimed 12 lives and injured six people in Koko village in Omupo, Kwara state, on Wednesday.

Daily Times gathered that the accident, which occurred at about 2:00pm, reportedly had the driver of the truck overtaking carelessly before having a head-on collision with the Osun state-bound 18 seater bus.

It was also gathered that 10 adults and two children, including five males and seven females were among the dead victims in the crash. Speaking with the Daily Times on the accident, the state commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oladayo Ademoluti, said his men had taken the injured persons to hospitals for medical treatment, adding that corpses of the victims had been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. "A Good Samaritan put a call across to the command this afternoon to intimate us of the incident and our men moved into the scene of the accident immediately. Our Accident Investigators were also drafted to the scene to ascertain the remote and immediate cause of the accident, among other issues that may have been involved", he said.

insurgency, Biafra agitation to unemployment Oluwaseyi Fadoro

ÏÏÏAn Ibadan-based cleric, Bish-

op Jide Orire has attributed the incidents of insurgency and the renewed pro-Biafran agitations in some parts of the country to the massive youth unemployment in the nation, while urging the Federal and State governments to urgently evolve enduring policies to tackle the social menace headlong.

Bishop Orire, the General Overseer of Save and Serve Christ Family Church made the submissions Wednesday, in the Oyo State capital, at the Ministry’s 11th annual camp meeting, while urging the government to avert unnecessary crisis in the country by handling the agitations with ‘cautious force’.

He also stressed the need for the authorities to eradicate illiteracy in Nigeria by giving top priority to education of the masses particularly the itinerant Bororo Fulani cattle herdsmen to put a halt to the recurring crisis between them and their host farming communities.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

15 Opinion

Biafra as nightmare and fantasy

I

Okey Ndibe

have been distressed beyond words by what has crystallised as an agitation for Biafra’s divorce from Nigeria. I am disturbed that this agitation has become another occasion for the Nigerian state to demonstrate its disdain for the rule of law and the rights of citizens. I’m appalled by the violence spawned by the actions of the agitators. The immediate impetus for the violent turn is the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), indeed the rabble rouser-in-chief of the neo-Biafran cause.

The government ought to release Mr. Kanu immediately, both because that’s the wisdom of the court and it’s the quickest way to defuse tension. But Mr. Kanu’s release will not, by itself, erase the frenzied propagation of Biafra.

Sooner or later-sooner, one hopes, than later Nigeria has to confront the inescapable question of what it means to be called a Nigerian.

That question (or the reluctance to engage it in any serious and sustained way) is one reason Nigeria has remained an alien and alienating idea, and susceptible to frequent acts of rejection by its citizens. Periodically, those expressions of everyday individual resentment and disaffection build into mass resistance.

It is important to put the agitation for Biafra in the broader context of Nigerians’ longstanding disillusionment with their country. For the avoidance of doubt, this is no new phenomenon. Nigeria is two literary giants, Wole Soyinka and the late Chinua Achebe, have wrestled with the confounding matter of Nigeria. A few years ago, Nobel laureate Soyinka asserted that there was no nation yet in the space called Nigeria. Years earlier, Achebe had said to me in an interview that Nigeria had not yet been founded. Nothing in the two writers’ claims amounted to a repudiation of Nigeria as such. No, they were making what I would call statements of fact.

The fact that Nigeria had yet to achieve a sense of national identity did not imply that such a prospect was doomed.

I would say that the two were warning the rest of us about what needed to be done to translate the abstract, ill-formed idea called Nigeria into a concrete, organic, salutary and regenerative reality.

Owing to the ahistorical mindset that shapes much discourse in Nigeria, some people on both

Buhari

Nnamdi Kanu

sides of the Biafran debate have proceeded as if there was something unique or exceptionable about Mr. Kanu’s separatist advocacy. No, it is a variant of rebellions that have periodically cropped up since the British cobbled together the space called Nigeria. In recent times, such rebellions had baptised themselves with such names as the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and in its religionist hue, Boko Haram.

If the current agitation for Biafra has any claim to uniqueness at all, it lies in the fact that, between 1967 and 1970, Nigeria fought a 30-month war against Biafra. I was a child during that war, shielded the best way my parents could, but Iexperienced the Biafran War’s horrendousness and horrific cost. I saw firsthand the devastation, on limbs, nerves, dreams and space, that war wrought. Some historians estimated that more than two million people perished, most of them children.

Anyone who has followed my writing for any length of time would know that, like Soyinka, Achebe, I am not enamoured of the pathological state of Nigeria.

I believe Nigeria has been an extremely prodigal construct, wedded to colossal squandering of lives and other resources, with little or no positive result.

In June 2014, I published an es-

say entitled: “Biafra, the Ostrich Mentality and Nigeria’s Tragedy.” That essay embodied my sense of frustration with Nigeria, a country that could waste the lives of millions of its people in pursuit of the idea that “to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”

Let me quote from that essay at some length. I wrote, “There is a sense in which the name of the malaise afflicting Nigeria is Biafra. I have argued before and I must do so again that Nigeria’s refusal to confront and address the sore of the Biafran War is the chief reason no nation has been able to materialise out of the space called Nigeria, and no real progress much less development has been recorded. As the world watches,riveted, Nigeria is spinning and spinning in a dizzying, ridiculous,violent dance, racing ever closer to the edge of that jagged precipice we have all romanced for fifty-four years.

“The wound called Biafra haunts Nigeria precisely because Nigeria imagined that it could get over Biafra through cheap sloganeering (no victor, no vanquished), the mere invocation of the mantra of the Rs-reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation through silence and willed forgetfulness indeed, by playing the ostrich.”

“I’m not going to be detained by con- tested, contending accounts of the Biafran struggle. At

minimum, we ought to agree that Nigeria, from the moment of its British conception, was neither essential nor natural. It was, above all, convenient and profitable for the British. In addition, all the logic that informed its constitution made eminent sense, finally, mostly from the prism of British interests.

“When the British removed their bodies but not necessarily their spirits and ghosts from the Nigerian, what does Nigeria mean? It was to determine whether we all the 400 odd ethnic collectivities that the British bracketed inside the space called Nigeria wished to maintain the shape of this design. It was to discern whether all the constituent elements of the space felt sufficiently animated by the prospect of living together. In the event that we all found Nigeria an irreducible, compelling proposition, then we should have hatched out the terms of our coexistence.

In other words, we should have commenced the task of remaking the British-delineated space called Nigeria into a veritable, vital, and robust nation. Had we done this, we would have acquired some kind of compass for navigating our self-fashioned nation towards the direction of our own envisioning.

“We did not as much as attempt to grapple with that arduous, messy, but inescapable process of nation-formation. We settled for the British-made illusion. We pretended that there was some inherent logic to Nigeria, that it was coherent and organic, a full redemption of some promissory note, almost a divinely designed imperative.

“Perhaps we shirked this duty out of laziness and sense of convenience.

Perhaps, then, we believed that Nigeria was a nation just because imperial Britain had seen fit to outfit the space with roads that linked its different parts as well as such accouterments of the modern state.

“We neglected to pay attention to the fact that, at every opportunity especially when our ‘nationalist’ figures pressed the case for Independence, British officials had insisted that Nigeria was not a nation but a collection of ‘nations.’ In retrospect, we should have paid attention to the British. They owned the patent on Nigeria; they knew that they had not achieved a nation indeed, that they had not intended to achieve one when they set out to cobble together the space called Nigeria.”

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, December 10, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

17

Features Æ s

Epe, Ambode’s hometown and Alaguntan CDA grope in darkness

-Power outage since after election

Ambode in Epe in March Intrigue of power stability during the last general election and plunging many communities into darkness immediately after the same comes up to the fore as Epe town, Gov Ambode’s country home and Alaguntan CDA in Lagos cry out for help. GOD’S COVENANT SNR reviews the trend with additional report from ALADE TASMA. The once happy people of Epe, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s native home, are groping in darkness over six months after the homeboy was elected into office following power outage that has been guest to the people for over two years.

Located on the north side of the Lekki Lagoon about an hour away from the Lekki phase one area of Lagos state, Epe is envisaged as the loose starting point of an area sometimes referred to as ‘New Lagos’ but for the absence of basic infrastructures.

Renowned for having a variety of fish most of which are much

bigger than what can be obtained in other parts of Lagos, Epe boasts of thriving fish markets as well as many other food items like different types of bush meat, giant snails and more.

There’s more to Epe than just fish though. The town has a rich culture derived from its history as a (relatively) developed society traced as far as the slave trade era and beyond.

Easily one of the largest zones in Lagos, factors which could have made Epe a business hub and rank among the highest revenue generators of the state are still hidden in the bedrock of political promises.

Thoroughly unimpressed and lamenting the community’s misfortunes since the Second Republic, the Baba Oloja of the largest market in Epe, Ayetoro market, Alhaji Tajudeen Nureni, noted that during the last general elections in April this year,

We need Gov Ambode to sit up and fulfill his campaign promises he made to us earlier in the year. During the festival in March, we all remember his promise of better infrastructure and stable electricity to the people of Epe. In addition we need industries to employ the youths and able bodied people in this area - Trader Easily one of the largest zones in Lagos, factors which could have made Epe a business hub and rank among the highest revenue generators of the state are still hidden in the bedrock of political promises. electricity was suddenly restored, but that it went off immediately after the elections.

A business man in Ayetoro who spoke in confidence for fear of the ruling party in the zone, told Daily Times that generator is the only alternative source to the poor power supply and there is no way

any venture can thrive without power.

“It has been stressful and frustrating doing business without power,” he began.

“The running cost is the problem: a litre of diesel now costs N135; we open at 6 am and close 10 pm, which is about 16 hours. If

you calculate that, it comes to an average of 40 to 50 litres daily.

“In our case, his comes to about N6,750 spent daily to generate electricity to for ourselves. We also have to pump water for ourselves and indeed, we have become a local government unto ourselves.”

Comparing the cost of running business in Epe, the manager said making profit in this circumstance is near impossible.

One secondhand clothes dealer from the Eastern part of the country, Nze Theo Nwachara told our correspondent of their travails; “This is my 5th year in Epe and I can tell you that power has always been our problem here. At the approach of the last election, light was restored and we had hoped it would continue after the election but we were wrong.

“As I speak to you, there has not been no power supply for over four months. Immediately after the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

There has not been power supply for over four months – Residents CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

election, the situation returned back its epileptic state.

“This condition has also caused business to be at the lowest; people do not have money to spend on clothes as they used to do, even this Christmas season is experiencing a very low turnout.”

One of the big time dealers in leather works in Ayetoro market who also spoke in confidence to Daily Times said government should make the electricity stable.

“We need Gov Ambode to sit up and fulfill his campaign promises he made to us earlier in the year.

During the festival in March, we all remember his promise of better infrastructure and stable electricity to the people of Epe. “In addition we need industries to employ the youths and able bodied people in this area. The only industrial presence - the sawmill - has stopped working because of lack of electricity.

“Now we are experiencing robbery and even kidnapping in Epe because there is nothing for the people to do.

“Anything that will engage them in meaningful livelihood will take them off the streets and make our society safer. Besides the tricycle business which is not even enough to go round, absolutely nothing else is left for them to do.”

A local designer, Lamidi Olagunju lamented that power has crippled his business as well as most of the people in his line of business.

“What really worries us is that the power situation improved drastically when it was time for election. It remained like that until after the final results were announced, then darkness started all over again: “That means somebody or a group of people are responsible for this wickedness. Some of us spend over N50,000 each month on fuel. Now, if there is power supply, that money will go a long way to serving better purpose in the family and in the society.

“I can’t employ fashion designers. All those working with me here are apprentices. We share whatever little profit we make so that they can have something to feed on.”

Also lamenting, the Head, Operations of the Zenith Bank in the area, Mr. Omobayo Olusola said whatever the people are experiencing is what we are experiencing. We buy diesel to operate on daily basis,” he said.

The Aare Adini (Chief Patron) of the Central Mosque, Epe, who

R-L Gov Ambode (3rd left), Okoya and wife Folashade, Bolanle Ambode, Justice Oguntade and wife at Epe Recreation ground in September 2015

For months now, we don’t have power supply and IKEDC has not stopped bringing crazy bills while they have continued to renege on their promises to restore power to the community. The heat now is beyond explanation; it is unbearable and fuel is not even available to power our generators - Bada did not want his name in print told our correspondent that apart from the absence of electricity, there are no good roads in Epe. “The roads are just being patched up. We want Governor Ambode to construct more roads for us. Previous governments abandoned this community,” he said.

In a brief response to these allegations, the Business Manager, Epe Division, Ikorodu Business Unit of Ikeja Disco, Mr.

One of the sea food markets in Epe

Mohammed Abdullahi revealed that most of the areas where they are having problems now are places where the transformers have been taken out as a result of vandalism.

Abdullahi said they have even reported the situation to the Lagos State House of Assembly. “We are going to have a town hall meeting with the council monarchs in the affected areas to discuss the matter of resolving the issue of vandalism.”

Also facing similar protracted black out are people of Alaguntan Community Development Area (CDA) in Agbado Oke-odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos. Our correspondent reports that the community leaders have appealed to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to put an end to over two months blackout in the community.

Some of the elders who spoke with newsmen said the situation has not only paralised economic activities in the area but has also worsened the health condition of residents.

According to them, several efforts have been made to ensure restoration of power supply to the community over the months without any success; this is compounded by the removal of the transformer in the community.

Alhaji Ahmed Amosa, who

chairs the CDA Committee on Electricity said their transformer parked up for almost two to three months now and they have been meeting with the management of IKEDC to no avail.

“They kept promising to replace it, but up till now, we have not seen anything. We appeal to them to help us with another transformer because we are already in the dry season when the heat is aggravating every day.

“Let them help our children who use power to read at night and pregnant women who could be affected by the heat,” Amosa said.

The chairman added that before the transformer was taken away

by IKEDC, the power supply had become epileptic in the area shortly after the General election.

The General Secretary of the CDA, Mr. Saubana Bada decried the insensitivity of IKEDC to the plights of the residents, adding that the electricity provider has continued to send bills to residents for power not consumed.

“The blackout in this community is very terrible because it has lingered for more than two months. We don’t like this kind of insensitivity of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to the plight of the people.

“This development has not only ruined the business life of this area, but has severely affected the health of the people. It has caused so many problems for us.

“The heat now is beyond explanation; it is unbearable and fuel is not even available to power our generating plants.

“For months now, we don’t have power supply and IKEDC has not stopped bringing crazy bills while they have continued to renege on their promises to restore power to the community.”

He appealed to the electric company to stop forthwith the billing of residents for power not consumed until the transformer is replaced and power restored.

A community elder and former chairman of the CDA, Sir Emmanuel Ashefon, said he has not been sleeping well for more than two months now because of heat.

“My appeal to them is that they should replace the transformer to allow us live a normal life,” Ashefon said.

Another resident, Mr Ayo Alade, described the removal of the transformer that supply power to the community as removing the joy of the people.

Alade said that the community has been contributing, spending and replacing damaged poles, burnt and stolen cables, yet this situation is still not resolved.

“We will appreciate if IKEDC could be responsive to our plights and complaints,” Alade concluded.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

19

CRIME Æ s 39-year-old man dies in hotel room

This is yet another mystery the police will have to unravel as one 39 year old Ademola Adewale who had lodged in one De Brucu Hotel, a popular hotel in the Shomolu area of Lagos was found dead in his room at about 11:45 am on Sunday 6th December 2015.

Daily Times gathered that CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Late Adewale

Disquiet in Ajah over demolition of N34m property A Lagos business woman and neighbours stared in disbelief as an alleged senator’s son and four men in uniform demolished a storey building that cost her whopping N35m.

TITILOPE JOSEPH reports from Aja.

A Lagos business woman, Rita Akpogumabode, has cried out for help over the demolition of her building allegedly by agents of a suspected land usurper. The building is estimated to be N35 million.

Akpogumabode alleged that on Saturday, December 5, 2015, soldiers numbering about four moved into the University View Estate, Ajah area of Lagos, where the storey building was situated; assisted by a bulldozer, they carried out the demolition of her property.

The soldiers accompanying

The demolished property

the bulldozer, it was learnt, terrorised and threatened residents who tried to stop them from carrying out the demolition.

Akpogumabode is now linking the demolition to the son of a serving senator, identified simply as Azeez. She claimed the said Azeez supervised the demolition of her building while the soldiers prevented the residents who came out to appeal to them for caution to have access to the site.

The troubled woman also claimed that prior to the demolition, a letter dated Friday, 16th October, 2015, from the office of the senator mother of Azeez, was pasted on her building and some other buildings in the area saying the property actually belonged to the senator. The document, Akpogumabode claimed, had warned occupants of the property to steer clear of the area.

The said letter, which was

reportedly signed by the said Azeez, claimed that the estate is covered by Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) in favour of Hamimah (Mamimah) ventures (NIG) limited.

Speaking with the Daily Times, Mrs. Akpogumabode said, “I bought the land from one Mr. Nwayanwu seven years ago who also bought it from the land owner/family (tended a document related to the land) and was surprised when Azeez surfaced and started to threaten and harass me and other occupants. He has also been sending different text messages, asking

Another face of the demolition

for money with the claim that he owns the land.”

It was also learnt that one Olaosi family, who claimed to be the real owner of the land, had taken Azeez’s mother to court over ownership of the land which was allocated in 1991 by Lagos State government. The land in question was allocated under then military administrator of Lagos State, Col. Raji Rasaki (rtd) who reportedly allocated the land for agricultural use (farming) for 25 years which will lapse next year, whereby the real land owners will take over their land.

Until now, it was gathered, nothing had been done on the land since it was allocated to the senator until ten years ago when the original owner of the land started selling the land.

The matter, which is already before a court of law, had restricted all parties refraining them from selling or doing anything on the land until last Saturday’s demolition.

Efforts to have the said Azeez clear the air on the allegation was abortive as he did not respond to text messages sent to him.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

20 CRIME

15-year-old in police net for murder of neighbour, 26 - I only defended myself – accused Stories by Joy Anyim Ndudi For-15-year old Sodiq Isa, a teenager who lives in Townhall Street in the Amukoko area of Lagos, the incident which led to the death of one Johnson Adeboye, a neighbour and a tricycle operator was nothing but self defence.

Currently at the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos claimed the late Johnson who was 26 year old picked a fight with him over nothing serious.

Daily Times gathered that Sodiq was on his way back from Arabic school on Saturday, 5th December 2015 at about 6.30 pm when he stopped over at a shop to clean up his plate that had fallen to the ground.

Johnson who was also in front of the shop at that time cautioned Sodiq because the noise from the plate was was distracting him.

Sodiq however did not hearken to Johnson’s caution and that led to a serious disagreement.

The disagreement resulted into a fight as the deceased felt Sodiq was being rude.

Late Johnson called a friend to also beat up Sodiq. Out of anger and the need to defend himself, Sodiq drew a big stick and

Young Sodiq hit the deceased on the head.

Johnson fell to the ground immediately and became unconscious.

He was rushed to a private hospital where the doctors confirmed him dead. The case was immediately reported to the Amukoko Police Division and subsequently transferred to SCIID for full investigation.

The third of four children, Sodiq who hails from Ayereke in Kwara state stated his own side of the story.

“I am a student at an Arabic school in Townhall Street, Amu-

koko, which is not too far from my house. On the day of the incident, I was returning from Arabic School at about 5 pm. I was carrying a plate which I used in carrying food to school.

“The plate fell on the road and sand entered it. I picked it up and went to a shop close by to clean it up. There was a table in front of the shop so I just hit the plates on the table to remove the sand easily.

“Johnson was in front of the shop and he told me to stop, that I was making noise. I told him I was only trying to clean up the

sand in the plate. He then asked me if I was mad, that why should I be talking to him like that.

“I responded and told him I was not. He then started shouting at me that if I continue to talk to him like that that he would beat me up. I ignored his threat and walked home. He continued his threat until I got home.

“He still continued to shout while he stood in front of our house. It was at this point that my grandmother who was at home came out and inquired what the matter was. He did not answer my grandmother.

“My grandmother came in and asked me to tell her what the cause of the threat was. I knelt down and explained what had happened to her. While I was still giving my explanation, Johnson came from behind, held my cloth and started beating me. People around separated us and he left.

“But surprisingly, he came back and started beating me again. People still separated us and he went to call his friend.

Both of them returned and resumed the beating on me. It was at this point that I felt the need to defend myself. I picked a stick on the ground and hit him on the head.

“Immediately, he fell down and became unconscious.

Neighbours gathered and quickly rushed him to the hospital.

That was when they said has already dead.”

On how he feels about the incident, Sodiq tearfully said, “I pray for God’s forgiveness and for that of the deceased. I did not do it intentionally. I am not that kind of person; I had a dream of becoming a religious leader.”

Father of the deceased who is a transporter said he was not around on the day of the incident as he always travelled from the West to the North, but that he was called and informed of his son’s death. He also called for proper investigation into the matter.

Death in hotel:

This is not the first time Adewale is lodging in this hotel - Owner CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

the deceased who is a printer had won a contract of an attractive sum and was on the job. But because of the distance of his house and the need to complete the said job in good time could not go home and so was left with the option of sleeping in a hotel.

However the deceased did not sleep alone in his room.

Some of his friends had also come to join him in the hotel and two of them had slept

with him.

Information has it that two of his friends, James Araoyinbo and another whose name is not yet known came with their girl friends, Oluwaseyi Balogun and Omolola Adebowale respectively; all were said to have passed the night in the hotel.

James who is 37 and his girlfriend Oluwaseyi, 25 passed the night in the same room with the deceased, while Omolola and her boyfriend slept in another.

It was said that they had

spent the night drinking and catching their fun before they all retired to their rooms.

The hotel’s attention was however called when James noticed that Ademola lay lifeless on the bed all morning.

Owner of the hotel, Mr. Seun Adewumi said, “while on duty at the hotel that morning, I was alerted by my staff that a man named Wale who had lodged in one of the rooms was found dead in the hotel room, so I had to alert the Shomolu Alade Po-

lice Division. This is not the first time Adewale is lodging in this hotel.”

James, Oluwaseyi and Omolola however said they know nothing about his death. Oluwaseyi said she even left the room earlier that morning before she was called and told of Adewale’s death while James claimed he had also gone out and came back to still meet Adewale on the bed.

James said that it was when he returned to the room and noticed he was still lying on

the bed, that he decided to check on the deceased and he noticed he had given up the ghost, so he rushed to the hotel manager.

Although the police say the corpse has been deposited at the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos for autopsy to ascertain the actually cause of death, the police are still investigating to ascertain if there was a foul play, or whether the death was a natural one.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

21

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Senate clears Babatunde Fowler as FIRS chair

Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Senate has finally cleared Dr Williams Babatunde Fowler as the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS).

Fowler was nominated for the post by President Muhammadu Buahri and

has since been in charge of the FIRS since he was appointed and screened by the Senate, although in acting capacity.

The approval for Fowler came after Senators unanimously adopted a Report

by Committee on Finance on his screening headed

by Senator John Enoh (Cross Rivers).

Presenting the Report

during Wednesday’s Plenary, Sen. Enoh said the new FIRS Chairman was qualified to hold the office being thoroughly screened and cleared by the Police the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

He said Fowler also proved to be competent given his working experi-

ence and competence in the past public offices he had held.

Seconding the motion for adoption of the Report for clearing the FIRS chairman, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, (Lagos) described Fowler as a round peg in a round hole.

He said the Chairman has over the years proved himself competent in the

area of tax collection, while Lagos state where he worked could attest to his ability to generate huge revenue for Nigeria from taxation.

Senator Ashafa said the FIRS boss is known for display of innovation, stating that having worked closely with him in the past back in Lagos, he could attest to his abil-

ity to meet targets.

He advised the Senate to hold Fowler to the promise he made while undergoing Senate screening that he will mobilise more than 500 corporate bodies in Nigeria to pay tax and that he will also engage more than 5 million Nigerians to be tax payers on the national scale after he assume office.

Cement technology solution to Aba perennial road failure -Ahuekwe

ÏÏÏCement has been iden-

tified as the ultimate solution to the perennial road failure in Aba, Abia State.

This was the view of one of the contractors handling projects in the state, Chief Chidi Ahuekwe.

It will be recalled that Abia State is pioneering cement technology in roads construction in this part of the country.

Ahuekwe, in a chat with journalists in Aba, said the technology has a sustainability guarantee of 20 years.

Gov. Ikpeazu

According to him, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu demonstrated sound wisdom in adopting the technology as a minimum standard in roads construction in the state.

He said that the roads would outlive Ikpeazu’s administration, adding that the desire of every administration should be to leave a significant legacy.

Reacting on the charge by the governor for contractors to do quality work, Ahuekwe said that any contractor who wishes to

succeed has no other option than to do a quality work.

He explained that when a contractor does a quality work that he is returning value for the money he received as well advertising himself.

Cement technology, also known as “Rigid Pavement Technology in road construction, ensures the mixture of crush rock-based materials and other items to achieve a thickness fill and compaction to the level of 300mm.

This is followed by a con-

crete reinforcement cast with 8mm to10mm-high tensil (mash of wires) reinforcement bars over the stabilised base before treating it with prime coat and asphaltic concrete.

Though the cost of this technology is higher than those of the conventional construction methods, Gov. Ikpeazu chooses this technology as a means of strengthening the loadbearing capacity of roads in Abia and to boost the strength and quality of the finished work.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

BABATUNDE JAMIU RAFIU

MISS UWANDIA LINDA IHINOSE

EDOMA OGAR

JOAN IDARA UKPEH

This is to certify that MUSTAPHA FALILAT YETUNDE refers to one and same person but now wish to be known and addressed as MUSTAPHA FALILAT OMOWUNMI, all former document remain valid. Public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JAMIU OMONWAMI BABATUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as BABATUNDE JAMIU RAFIU. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I Formerly Known And Called UWAADIA LINDA MODUPE now whish To Be Known And Called MISS UWANDIA LINDA IHINOSE. All Former Documents Remain Valid.

General Public Take Note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGAR PAUL, now wished to be Known and addressed as EDOMA OGAR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as JOAN PRINCESS MARSHALL, now wished to be Known and addressed as JOAN IDARA UKPEH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

MARYANN OBIAGERI EMEZIEM

MRS.ADELIYI YEMISI ANU

STEPHENOKELEKE. A.

LADEMO OLUWAKEMI AYODELE

OLUWASEGUN PHILIP AJISS

ANIYA BAMIDELE OMOLASO

I formerly known and addressed as MARIAM OBIAGERI ANYANWU, now wished to be Known and addressed as MARYANN OBIAGERI EMEZIEM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OYEKANMI YEMISI ANU, now wished to be Known and addressed as MRS.ADELIYI YEMISI ANU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as JOHN OKELEKE ABIAMUWA, now wished to be Known and addressed as STEPHENOKELEKE. A..

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as SUNTUBO OLUWAKEMI AYODELE, now wished to be Known and addressed as LADEMO OLUWAKEMI AYODELE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as OLUWASEGUN SAHEED AJISAFE, now wished to be Known and addressed as OLUWASEGUN PHILIP AJISS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as OLA FELIX, now wished to be Known and addressed as ANIYA BAMIDELE OMOLASO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

LIFE-BRAND CHURCH

THE CLASSIC PROGRESSIVE CLUB OF NIGERIA

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

OKE-ADA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, IKIRE

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

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The TrusTees are: (1) APOSTLE OYEBOLA AJAO. (2) MRS ADEDUNMOLA AJAO. (3) DEACON SIMEON ADEBOWALE. (4) OTUNBA SOLOMON. (5) ELDER OYE AJAO. (6) MR JIDE SONUBI.

The TrusTees are : 1. RUFAI OLANREWAJU 2. LAWAL OLUSEGUN ADEDOYIN 3 FATAI LAWAL 4 SHITTU KAYODE M 5 BELLO LATEEF

names Of TrusTees 1. Professor Ademola Oyejide 2. Mr Isaac Oladejo 3. Alhaji Rahamon Alamu-Okin Salami

aims and ObjecTives: 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus christ.

aims and ObjecTive : 1. TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICE 2. TO FOSTER UNITY, LOVE AND PEACE AMONG MEMBERS.

aims and ObjecTives: 1.To promote the interest of the indigenes of Oke-Ada community 2. To inspire and promote developmental activities of Oke-Ada. 3. To serve as a link between the members and the Government.

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

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

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

signed: secreTary.

signed: secreTary

signed: The TrusTees

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday December 10, 2015

Reps to approve FG's 2016 expenditure framework Tuesday Henry Omunu

Abuja ÏÏÏThe House of Representatives, on Wednesday, debated the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) sent to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari preparatory to the submission of the 2016 budget proposal, with an indication that the expenditure framework will be approved next Tuesday.

After intense debate, the House resolved to refer the document to the relevant committees for further legislative input, even as some concerned lawmakers raised observations on identified

errors or omissions in the administration's macro - economic framework.

House Majority leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, had presented the document for debate wherein he quoted relevant sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which empowered the President to prepare and lay before the House a Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for consideration and approval.

He said "Section 11 (3) of the of Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 states that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework shall contain among other things; A Macro-

Economic Framework setting out the Macro-Economic projections for the next three financial years, the underlying assumptions for those projections and an evaluation and analysis of the MacroEconomic projections for the preceding three financial years.”

In his observations, the House Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor argued that the configuration of the document did not take into account the actual projected accruable income and expenditure for the federation in 2016 and beyond, especially the issue of subsidy which would have given insight into how much would be available to be shared among the three tiers

of government.

Hon. Ogor questioned the rationale behind such an omission and called for the withdrawal of the document with a view to coming up with a more comprehensive analysis of income and expenditure profile as envisaged in the fiscal years under consideration.

His argument which bothered more on subsidy claims and its propensity to drag the nation's economy to the pit, raised questions regarding the astronomical increase in subsidy payment in the face of ever decreasing oil revenue, just as he expressed concerns on the sustainability of the subsidy payment.

Lagos Assembly partners NURTW on traffic gridlock, robbery Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏLagos State House of Assem-

bly has saıd that ıt wıll partner wıth members of the Natıonal Unıon of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to effectıvely manage the traffic grıdlock as well as checkmate robberıes ın the state.

Thıs was made known by the Chaırman, Lagos Assembly commıttee on transportatıon, Hon. Fataı Mojeed at a specıal interactive sessıon wıth members of the state Executıve Councıl of the Unıon led by ıts chaırman, Alhajı Tajudeen Agbede.

The NURTW boss, whıle speakıng at the parley held at Lateef Jakande Audıtorıum, Lagos Assembly complex, saıd though, traffıc logjam ıs not new to the state but the current experıence ıs becomıng alarmıng as ıt now assocıated wıth traffıc robbery whıch has become a matter of great concern to resıdents and vısıtors to the state.

Agbede, who saıd he had gıven dırectıves to members at all branches and unıts level of the unıon to always come out to assıst the law enforcement agents to curb thıs worrısome menace, just as the traffıc management offıcers set up by hıs offıce were always on the road from 6am to 6pm managıng traffıc sıtuatıons.

Gov. Ambode

23 News 18 bag First Class at AAUA 'Tosin Ajuwon

Akure ÏÏÏThe Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), in Ondo state, would be graduating a total 4, 310 students for the 2013/2014 session at its convocation ceremony coming up on Friday 18 and Saturday 19, December 2015.

Prof. Igbekele Amos Ajibefun, Vice Chancellor of the University, made the disclosure on Wednesday at a press conference to herald the institution's 6th convocation ceremony.

Ajibefun said the convocation which is the major highlight of the activities of the university is an occasion for the Vice Chancellor to present students who have found worthy in character and learning after completing a course study for the award of first and higher degrees and diplomas. He disclosed that of the 4,310 graduating students, 4, 053 will earn First Degree with 18 graduating with First Class; 787 earning Second Class Upper Division; 2, 500 obtaining Second Class Lower Division; 702 making Third Class, while 46 students graduating with Pass.

Murder: Witness tells court how suspect killed own brother Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏA witness in a murder case,

INEC National Commissioner, Anthonia Koosi-Simbine (middle), presenting Certificate of Return to Kogi State Governor-elect, Mr. Yahaya Bello, in Lokoja on Wednesday. While Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Malam Haliry Pai looks on.

Biafra: Ndigbo have made their point – Ezeemo Moses Oyediran

Enugu ÏÏÏThe governorship candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), in the 2013 Anambra State gubernatorial election, Chief Godwin Ezeemo, has cautioned agitators for the actualisation of Biafra to be wary in portraying their grievances, but quickly pointed out that they have proved a point irrespective of whether they have achieved their objective or not.

Ezeemo made his views known while fielding questions from newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday.

The industrialist cum politician opined that Ndigbo were free under the democratic dispensation to express their opinion and embark on peaceful protest to propagate their cause.

He, however, noted that expressing those views does not mean that

Nigeria will break up or die.

Ezeemo also noted that there were implications to the protests, while adding that nobody embarks on any protest without a cause but advised that they should employ wisdom in their pursuit.

"Politically, it has got some implications (the protests), but one thing is clear; the individuals have expressed their feelings. They can say what they want. That is why we are in a democracy.

"Ndigbo have expressed their views, what they think and what they want. Expressing them does not mean that we have gotten it.

And expressing them does not mean that the rest of the country will die for them.

"No! What we are saying is that in expressing those views as Ndigbo, we have to be very wise," Ezeemo admonished.

He, however, did not rule out the possibility of actualizing Biafra, because, to him, it might come but not in the form some people envisage.

"It might not come in this form but it is not a waste of time," Ezeemo said, and urged the agitators to evolve other better ways of going about it.

Asked what prompted the demonstrations and protests that culminated in the loss of lives in some places, Ezeemo said he was not in a position to say but averred that, "one thing is clear, nobody will be demonstrating for nothing, without a cause." On the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, Ezeemo said it did not matter where the person or persons he appointed hail from as long as they are capable of managing Nigeria well.

Sola Oni, has testified before a Lagos State High Court, sitting in Ikeja, how Akin Afolabi, the elder brother of late Suleman Afolabi murdered him in a beer parlour.

In his testimony before Justice Kudirat Jose, Oni told the court that Akin Afolabi, elder brother to the deceased killed his younger brother in a beer parlour at No 16, Eyinnogun Street, Mafoluku- Oshodi. Led in evidence by the defense counsel, Mr. Olanreju Ajanaku, Oni further told the court that he got a call from one Ibrahim Omilade on December 25, 2012 that their friend, Paale had invited them to come and celebrate festival with him.

He said that he went to 'Paale's house together with his friends and Paale took them to a beer parlour in front of his house.

According to the witness, they all ordered for drink at the beer parlour but after some minutes the deceased brother Akin came and asked what they were doing in his resident, saying that he did not want to see them around him.

"Paale and the deceased told him to leave the boys alone. Thereafter he (Akin) went inside and brought a cutlass to hit one Ibrahim before Kayode dragged him back so as not to cause trouble and inflict injury on them" Oni added.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday December 10, 2015

Plateau DSS boss seeks information from citizens Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏNigerians

have been urged to willingly and sincerely divulge useful security information to the nation's security agencies.

The Plateau state Director of State Security Services (SSS), Shehu M. Waziri, appealed on Wednesday in his opening speech as chairman of a peace dialogue programme organised by the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR), themed: "Identifying the challenges of early warning responses and maintenance of peace", held at the Crest

hotel, Jos. Waziri said as security agencies, they will continue to educate Nigerians on the roles of security agencies and how to divulge information in other to curb insecurity.

Speaking at the event, President of the IGSR, Professor Isawa Elaigwu, said security is everybody's business, hence the need for everybody to understand how and why early warning responses are important.

Elaigwu said it was very important for parents to also educate their children on how to report any suspicious movement or act.

Staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during the 2015 International Anti-Corruption Day celebration, in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Ex- lawmaker trains youth, women on agriculture

Reps give deadline over petition against CCT chair

Ibrahim Obansa

Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions investigating the corruption allegations brought against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, has given a December 15 deadline to the petitioners to make their representation before the committee.

Chairman of the House committee, Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (PDP, Abia) gave the directive Wednesday, after the petitioners, Anti-Corruption Network (ACN) requested for an ex-

tension of the hearing to enable them provide the required documents to back their claims of corruption against Umar.

The representative of the petitioners at the resumed hearing of the committee on Wednesday, Mr. Lekan Salami, pleaded with the committee for the body to be granted an additional one week to enable them to provide the needed documents and for the executive chairman of the organisation to appear in person before the committee.

This is the second time the investigative hearing was stalled. Last week, the

investigative hearing was stalled when the CCT chairman appeared before the House committee, while the representatives of the Anti-Corruption Network and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation were absent.

"Mr. Chairman, we want to request the committee to extend this hearing until next week when the documents we were asked to provide by the clerk of the committee would be ready, and also the executive chairman would be around in person to brief the committee", Salami pleaded.

Responding to the peti-

tioners request for an extension, Hon. Abonta, said "we seriously take exception to this attitude because justice delayed is justice denied.

Last week, we adjourned due to your absence. You must have respect to the people you brought here.

However, we would oblige you again.

"Ordinarily, this petition should be considered abandoned. But for the reason of clarity and fairness, I will crave your indulgence to come back on Tuesday, despite your tight schedule.

The matter would be taken or the case stand abandoned", Abonta warned.

Yuletide: FRSC to deploy 36, 000 men Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Wednesday, said that it will deploy 21, 000 Regular Marshals and 15,000 Special Marshals to ensure safety on the roads across the country during its end of year patrol.

Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, who made this known during a familiarisation visit to Niger command of the corps said that

the measure would reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) to the barest minimum.

"We are going to deploy 21, 000 personnel and 15, 000 Special Marshal for the yuletide period to ensure safety on our roads.

"We have concluded arrangements and ready to carry out the task but expecting additional logistics promised by Mr. President to enable us surpass last year’s record.

"We did well last year so our aim this year is to sur-

pass it,’’ he said.

Oyeyemi urged road users to plan their journeys and ensure that their vehicles are road worthy before embarking on a trip.

According to him, "motorists should not overload their vehicles and you should also not travel at night because of our security situation to ensure a hitch free journey."

He cautioned motorists and other road users against disobeying traffic rules and regulations, say-

ing that stiff penalty await offenders. "We are going to operate 200 mobile courts across the country to try traffic offenders during the end of year patrol.

"Any traffic offence will be meted with maximum traffic punishment, you can be convicted and sent to prison or fined depending on the case, ‘’ he said.

The FRSC boss then canvassed the support of the media to sensitise road users toward ensuring safety on the roads.

Lokoja

ÏÏÏA

former member of the House of Representatives, representing Okene/ Ogori-Magongo federal constituency, Hon. Tijani Ahmed Damisa, has identified agriculture as the only way out for government to revamp the nation's ailing economy.

He said that since oil is no longer lucrative, federal government should place premium on agriculture to save the country from food trauma.

He stated this while addressing participants during a one week training and

Fayose preaches national unity Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏEkiti

State governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose has said that his support and approval of the this year’s edition of the Ekiti State Festival of Culture and Arts Expo (EKIFEST 2015) is a reflection of his believe in one united Nigeria and a collective responsibility towards sustaining the nation.

Governor Fayose, who made this declaration in Ado Ekiti during the opening ceremony EKIFEST 2015, said his administration “planned to tap into the transformational po-

empowerment programme organised by the lawmaker for vulnerable farmers, youth and women in rice, beniseed production and distribution of fertilizers to farmers at Okengwen in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi state on Wednesday.

Damisa said having attended to his constituency in the area of education, health and skill acquisition while in office, he decided to encourage and support youths as well as women to venture into agriculture, so as to enable them cater for their needs rather than allowing themselves to be used as tools for destruction. tentials inherent in social peace and unity by making this edition of EKIFEST unique through the involvement of non-indigenes in the entire programmes of the festival”.

The governor, who spoke through the State Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, stressed the determination of his administration to exhume what he described as the cultural potentials of the people that had been neglected for a long time.

Fayose

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

25 Opinion

Ministers as their home state’s Economists (Agenda for New Ministers) (3)

ÏÏÏIn parts 1 and 2 of this

series, we laid the background and foundation for the role we believe Nigeria’s 36 new ministers should play to galvanize development. We are suggesting that they should be proactive mediators of their individual states’ development towards birthing growth at home and, by consequence, nationally.

Let us now spell out how Nigeria’s 36 new ministers can play the above historic role to sustainably help grow their individual home states economically, which will reduce and end the need for bailout of states by the Federal Government.

Each state in Nigeria is peculiar. It means, whatever advice we give here has to be adapted to the specific need of each state. What is common to all states is the abundance of minerals in commercial quantity. And if your state does not have much in terms of mineral endowment or does not have any mineral, it is not alone.

You only need to borrow from the example of Lagos which we have set out previously: creativity, not natural endowments, make grate states.

Let us use Kogi State as our case study for analysing how ministers can leverage their positions as minis-

ter for a rapid economic growth that would eradicate poverty in their home states and in Nigeria by implication. The Nigerian Federal Government had identified commercial deposits of 37 minerals in the country as at 2010. Eighty percent (80%) of these mineral types are found in Kogi State, in commercial quantities. Kogi State has deposits of a total of not less than 29 minerals in commercial quantities, including coal, dolomite, feldspar, bauxite, iron ore, tar, limestone and gold.

Also, each of the 21 local governments of Kogi State has at least two minerals in commercial quantities. Taking just two of those minerals, Limestone and coal, the state has a potential for generating N3 trillion naira annually. By the current laws of Nigeria, Kogi is entitled, net, to between 5 and 10% of that amount, i.e. averagely 150 billion naira annually. Until oil prices dimmed recently, Kogi was also entitled to about 35 billion naira federal allocation from oil.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Kogi State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively are N2,217,504,390.25; N2,848,556,782.15; and N3,185,459,549.72 respec-

Saraki

tively, that is, averagely, about N2.75 billion annually.

Remember that Kogi State also has not less than twenty (27) other minerals apart from coal and limestone.

Zircon, Tantalite, Sillimanite, Siderite, Rutile, Quartz, Pyrite, Muscovite, Magnetite, Maghemite, Limonite, Kaolinite, Ilmenite, Hematite, Goethite, Gibbsite, Garnet, Gahnite, Ferronigerite, Crandallite, Columbite, Chrysoberyl, Cassiterite, Bolivarite, Böhmite, Apatite (Mindat.org). Kogi State has twenty seven other minerals in commercial quantity.

What is the value of those other minerals in Kogi’s soil? We have not been able to find out. But they mean additional income for Kogi State.

What about Kogi’s agricultural resources? Accord-

W E A T H E R ABUJA

ASABA

LAGOS

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KADUNA

IBADAN

ILORIN

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ing to the State’s Ministry of Agriculture, Kogi State has two (2) Million hectares of cultivable land but only about 0.5 Million hectares are under cultivation. The River Niger and Benue as well as other rivers, streams and lakes/pond hold great potential for fish farming as well as irrigation. The alluvial soil deposited along the banks of this River Niger and River Benue in Kogi State provides great opportunity for the cultivation of diverse crops. The climate and soil conditions favour agriculture and livestock production. The agriculture potential has not been seriously engaged: it is mainly subsistence farming that still goes on. But let us take maize yield for example, using local current technology.

Even if we have not attained

20 tons per hectare as you could get in North America, or 10 tons as you could get in South America, we can at least get 2 tons per hectare in Nigeria. If all of Kogi State’s cultivable land was merely a cornfield, which would be 127,200,000,000 naira (127.2 billion naira).

Again if all that Kogi State government got was a tax of 10% on that figure, she would receive more than N12 billion per annum from plant agriculture. We can borrow a leave from North and South America to increase our yield, at least to the standards available in climatically comparable South America. If we achieve half the yield of South America, it would mean government income from agribusiness would at least quadruple to 60 billion naira. We can explore various possibilities e.g. possibilities of diversifying crop production etc. The point we are making is that yield can be increased, which would lead to higher revenue for government. There is of course also fishery. If there is any state that is endowed with fresh water all year round, it is Kogi State. It is the ‘Confluence State’ because it bestrides Nigeria’s two greatest rivers – Niger and Benue. No other state has that opportunity. But the records we have do not show any strategic thinking going on in the area of aggressively promoting fishery around the Niger and Benue in Kogi State. Why can’t Kogi State supply Nigeria’s fish need deficiency? By our last count Nigeria was producing only a third of the fish she eats. Kogi State can bridge that gap and smile to the bank with not less than

100 billion naira per annum.

If Kogi State Government gets just 10% tax from that income, she could have an additional 10 billion naira per annum.

In effect, good and deep thinking and policy-making could ensure that the huge income from coal and limestone is strictly dedicated to building infrastructure. The wage bills could be sourced from other resources, that is, other minerals and agriculture at the level of primary, secondary and tertiary productions. This is apart from the fact that unemployment could be easily eradicated by all these initiatives, none of which is rocket science, conceptually or action wise.

We have painted the above picture from our case study state, Kogi, which is an average state in Nigeria, to stimulate political leadership mind, especially ministers, to think outside the box for their various states and leverage their vantage position as federal ministers to cause positive change at the local level. As we said, Nigeria can only grow when her constituent states truly grow from the bottom up as opposed to relying solely on a top down approach, that is, very limited and limiting federal allocations and bailouts.

We hope the above helps our 36 new ministers to start conceptualizing and championing economic possibilities for their home states. Nigeria will be the better for it.

Next week Thursday in this column, we begin a new series on Nigeria Vision 20-20, Nigeria’s vision to join the league of the top twenty economically leading countries by the year 2020.

R E P O R T KANO Low 15°C High 31°C

BENIN CITY Low 9°C High 23°C

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ENUGU Low 22°C High 35°C

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Health Æ s

ERA/FoEN to FG: Prosecute Philip Morris for Illegal importation of cigarettes

Oluwafemi Cigarettes

Stories by Lara Adejoro The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has asked the Federal Government to prosecute Philip Morris International (PMINTL) for illegaal importation of cigarettes into Nigeria.

The Deputy Director, ERA/ FoEN, Akinbode Oluwafemi, speaking at a press briefing recently in Lagos said, Philip Morris who is a big player in the tobacco industry has contrived a wicked scheme to secretly undermine the National Tobacco Control Act. Revealing, Oluwafemi said, “In continuation of our activities to monitor unending efforts by the

tobacco industry to undermine tobacco control efforts in Nigeria, we undertook a close scrutiny of PMI recent re-entry into the Nigerian market. Our findings are as shocking as they are very disturbing as it revealed plans to import cigarettes from Senegal.”

With documents made available by ERA/FoEN to Daily Times, PMI officially registered a Subsidiary in Nigeria called PMINTL Nigeria Limited on December 11, 2014. By May 2015, PMINTL Nigeria Limited got the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) certificate for 5 PMI brands: Malboro Gold, Malboro.

Chesterfield Blue, Chesterfield Mint Burst and Bond Street Blue Also, in July 2015, Philip Morris International, through Philip

Morris Manufacturing Senegal Sarl, applied for and got approval of the Senegalese Ministry of Industry and Mines, to benefit from the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme for the 5 brands. In August 2015, PMINTL Nigeria Limited applied for and secured approval for the importation of the aforementioned brands into Nigeria from the Federal Ministry of Finance. PMINTL Nigeria Limited got approval to import 122 million “Units” of cigarette from Sept 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

Oluwafemi said, “PMINTL has deliberately flouted the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 by flooding this country with unlicensed, tax-not -paid cigarettes. Through this illicit import, PMINTL Nige-

ria Limited will assault our public health with 122 million Units of the identified cigarette brands within seven months. There also seems a clear attempt to confuse Nigerians by PMI as they do not tell us if the units represent single packets or if several single packs in a rows represent a single unit.”

He also said, the speed of the entire transaction is clearly suspicious and may indicate some government officials may have been compromised to ensure that not only the PMINTL subsidiary is quickly registered, but also to undermine the Tobacco Control Act through the illicit imports The National Tobacco Control Act 2015 Section 29 (1) of the National Tobacco Control Act says “No person shall manufacture, import or distribute tobacco or tobacco products except the person has obtained license or is authorized in writing by the Minister.”

The Act also stipulates sanctions for violators in Section 30 (3a) “a tobacco manufacturer or importer, upon conviction, will pay a fine of not less than N10,000,000.00 and a term of imprisonment of of not more than 10 years or both; and (b) any other person, upon conviction to a fine of not less than N5,000,000 and a term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years or both” ERA/FoEN however said, it is sending a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, the office of the vice president, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigeria Police, EFCC and other relevant agencies of government.

Continued on page 27

Guinness Nigeria donates N5million to Eye Centre Guinness Nigeria has donated N5million to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Guinness Eye Centre.

The donation is in keeping with the company’s commitment to supporting the Guinness Eye Centres in sustenance of its original vision and to en-

sure that the facility remains the reference point in the provision of excellent eye care in Nigeria’s health sector.

Speaking at a cheque presentation ceremony which held at the Boardroom of LUTH, Professor Christopher Bode, Chief Medical Director of LUTH, said

that he was pleased with Guinness Nigeria’s involvement in sustaining the management of its eye centres for over 50 years; adding that the Centre would continue to deliver excellent eye care to patients.

“The gem that was sown many years ago has grown into

a mighty oak that has trained over 100 specialist doctors, many medical students and other sundry healthcare workers. This eye centre is a living testimony to the values that Guinness espouses as a strong Nigerian brand. They have

Continued on page 27

Toba Odumosu, National President of NUNSA

Nurses to hold inaugural summit The Nigerian Universities Nursing Students Association (NUNSA) in collaboration with National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), West African Nursing Students Association (WANSA) and National Association of Nigerian Students Nurses and Midwives (NANSNM) will on Monday, 14th through Sunday, 20th December, 2015 hold an Inaugural nursing leadership summit and joint students convention in Abuja.

The summit is tagged “Nursing in Nigeria: Rethinking the missing link.”

Issues bothering on exploration of the most pressing issues within nursing profession as it relates to the quality of health care available to Nigerians will form the main thrust of discussion at the summit.

Speaking with our correspondent, the National President of the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA), Toba Odumosu said, the President of International Council of Nurses (ICN), Dr. Judith Shamian will be visiting Nigeria for the programme.

The International Council of Nurse is a federation of 134 National nurses associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide. It is operated by nurses and nursing internationally.

“The ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all and sound health policies globally. This is the first visit of the first citizen of the Nursing profession and the International Council of Nurses to Nigeria,” Odumosu said.

Other guests expected at the event arethe Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and other Federal Government Officials.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

27 Health

Guinness has a veritable legacy in LUTH, says CMD Continued from page 26

Nigerian children

16,000 Nigerian children under five die everyday in 2015— WHO The National Surveillance Officer, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Irene Isibor has said most children in Nigeria still die from vaccinepreventable diseases due to people’s wrong attitude.

Isibor said this at the 19th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, held at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), IdiAraba, Lagos with the theme: “Internally Displaced Persons, Health and Socio-economic Impact.”

She, however, urged Nigerians to develop the right attitudes to immunisation of their children against the child-killer diseases and stop all the myths attached to them.

Isibor said, “Everyday in 2015, 16,000 children under five years continue to die, mostly from preventable causes. Child survival must remain the focus of the

post-2015 development agenda.

“The distribution of the estimated deaths among children under five years of age, from diseases that are preventable by vaccination in 2008 in Nigeria shows that measles accounts for 118, 000. Death from Neonatal tetanus-59,000, Tetanus (nonneonatal)-2,000, Pneumococcal disease- 476, 000, Rotavirus453,000, Pertussis- 195,000, and Hib-199,000.”

Isibor said that immunisation was one of the most successful public health initiatives, noting that there was a need to fully embrace and implement it.

According to her, the number of children under five years dying every year as of today has reduced to 6.3 million from 12.7 million in 1990 due to administration of vaccines.

On other successes recorded in the administration of vaccines, Isibor said, “Smallpox has been eradicated and polio

is close to being eradicated.

Vaccines for measles, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis save around 2.5 million lives each year. Since 2000, measles deaths have declined by 75 per cent.

“Deaths from maternal and neonatal tetanus have plunged to 90 per cent over the past two decades. New vaccines also provide weapons against pneumonia and diarrhoea- the two leading killers of children,’’ she said.

Isibor, however, identified three key steps to close the immunisation gap including integrating immunisation with other services such as post-natal care for mothers and babies.

According to her, others were strengthening of the health system to accommodate all categories, especially during crisis.

“There should also be assurance that everyone can access vaccines and afford to pay for them,’’ she said.

stayed this course with us over the years and I can boldly say that Guinness has a veritable legacy in LUTH. I would like to encourage other corporate bodies to follow this marker which Guinness has laid, and adopt various departments in our hospital,” Bode said.

The Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale noted that the donation is in keeping with the company’s commitment to supporting the Guinness Eye Centres in sustenance of its original vision and to ensure that the facility remains the reference point in the provision of excellent eye care in Nigeria’s health sector.

“Our relationship with the hospital is a long one. It is worthy to note that many years after the establishment of the LUTH Guinness Eye centre, it has continued to receive commendations from different parts of the world. At Guinness, our vision has always been to make a positive difference in society. We believe passionately that when we help Nigerians preserve their sight, we not only deliver quality eye care but we also contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria”, he said.

Adding, Sobowale said, “It is our hope that this gesture would enhance the capacity of the Eye Centre to serve many more Nigerians. We will strive to do more with a view to cre-

ating a healthy society that improves the overall development of the nation”.

It would be recalled that the first Guinness Eye Hospital was built and commissioned in Kaduna in 1962, before the official opening of the company’s first brewery in Ikeja, Lagos.

Since then, the company has established similar eye hospitals in Onitsha and Lagos. The Guinness Eye Centre Lagos, located within the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) became operational in 1992 while the Guinness Eye Centre Onitsha, Anambra State, was established in 1984 and operates under the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital.

Guinness eye hospitals continue to provide ophthalmic services to people from all parts of Nigeria and beyond, and also facilitate the training of medical students, resident doctors, nurses and community health officers.

Some dignitaries present at the occasion include Sustainable Development Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Osita Abana, Head of Department, Guinness Eye Centre, LUTH, Prof Folasade Akinsola; Professor of Ophthalmology, Guinness Eye Centre, LUTH, Prof.

Adebunkola Adefulu-Ositelu; Mr. Kelechi Otunmere, Head, Corporate Services, LUTH, Drs. Aribaba, Onakoya and a host of other consultant ophthalmologists.

‘...We operate in accordance with national laws and regulations...’

Continued from page 26 Reacting, the General Manager, PMINTL Nigeria Limited, Mrs Vera Nwanze said, “PMI is the world’s leading tobacco company, with products sold in over 180 countries. In every market where we do business, we operate in accordance with national laws and regulations, including in Nigeria.

“PMINTL Nigeria Ltd is an affiliate company of PMI and has been an established legal entity for a year in compliance with all statutory requirements of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and meeting all legal requirements

for product’s registration and importation including the payments of all relevant taxes to the concerned authorities.”

Meanwhile, ERA/FoEN demand the criminal prosecution of PMINTL Nigeria Limited for the illegal importation of cigarette into Nigeria, full probe of the entire transaction with a view to bringing to justice any government official that compromised his office in the process of this illegal importation, withdrawal from the market, and destruction of the entire consignment, removal of tobacco products form trade liberalization policies and

high taxes on cigarette products to reduce consumption.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the shortterm health consequences of smoking among young people include respiratory and non respiratory effects, addiction to nicotine, and the associated risk of other drug use. Long-term health consequences of youth smoking are reinforced by the fact that most young people who smoke regularly continue to smoke throughout adulthood.

It also said, in adults, cigarette smoking causes heart disease and stroke.

Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Christopher Bode, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale and Head of Department, Guinness Eye Centre, LUTH, Prof Folasade Akinsola at a cheque presentation ceremony by Guinness Nigeria which held at the Boardroom of the LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

g 18

Dalung directs DG NSC to source funds for Dream Team

S

ports minister, Solomon Dalung, has directed the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to source for funds to offset the outstanding match bonuses and allowances owed the national U-23 team players and officials.

The team, which is currently in Senegal for the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations have not been

paid their match allowances and bonuses dating back to the All Africa Games last September and the tension in the team’s camp before their group game against Egypt, with players reluctantly showing up for training.

The Nigeria Football Federation have consistently maintained they are cash strapped, and as a result are yet

to meet their obligations as it regards the team.

Meanwhile, in order to abate the tension in the camp over their unpaid allowances and perhaps to boost the player’s morale, head coach, Samson Siesta gifted the players $100 each after they secured their passage to the semifinals with the 0-0 draw against Algeria.

Barca Dalung

aim 3rd club World Cup title g 30

Page 28

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Etuhu acquitted of assault charges

F

Etuhu

ormer Super Eagles midfielder, Dickson Etuhu has been discharged by a district court in Sweden of assault charges leveled against him.

Etuhu was arrested in November after allegedly being involved in a brawl with security guards and police outside a nightclub in Sweden.

The court discharged in its entirety the charges brought up against Etuhu and his friend.

The former Manchester City

player was vindicated by the court as being defensive and was not involved in any violence against the officials.

Late Haruna

Oliseh

Haruna’s Death: NFF condoles Kano FA

won’t join CHAN Eagles In Nigeria Official

By Mike Otanwa

I

t can exclusively be revealed that Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh, will not be joining up with the team when they resume training camp for next year’s CHAN as he continues to recover from a virus infection.

Twenty six players of the home-based Eagles will resume training in Abuja on Monday, December 14, ahead of the CHAN in Rwanda in January.

However, a top official informed Oliseh will only join up with the Eagles in South Africa when they set up training camp there later this month by which time he would have fully recovered.

“Oliseh will not come to Nigeria as he is still recovering from illness in Belgium.

He will now join the Eagles in South Africa

when they begin training camp there,” disclosed the official.

Oliseh himself has admitted he has not fully recovered from a virus infection, which has seen him lose weight dramatically.

The illness forced him to miss the CHAN Eagles second leg qualifier in Burkina Faso.

Assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is expected to lead the team in the absence of Oliseh as he did in Ouagadougou.

T

Oliseh

he Nigeria Football Federation has condoled with the Kano State Football Association over the death of former Kano Pillars FC player Abdul Haruna.

Haruna was said to have slumped and died on Sunday while playing for Kano Professionals against a selected amateur side.

“We do not have the full details of how this happened, but we wish to condole you over this unfortunate incident,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, who is in London for a leadership training program, told Kano FA boss, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, on telephone.

The late Haruna was a member of the Beach Soccer National Team, Supersand Eagles that featured at the 2013 African Beach Soccer Championship in Morocco.

29

Thursday, December 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

Ebola scare: S/Leone cleared to host International games

By Mike Otanwa

T

he Confederation of African Football has lifted the ban placed on Sierra Leone that has restricted them from hosting international football matches and club matches.

The ban was placed on the West African country i n August 2014 in the wake of Ebola outbreak that hit the country in May 2014.

Sierra Leone played their home games on opponents’ grounds before they were permitted by Nigeria to use Port Harcourt for home matches in August.

In a letter signed by the Caf Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani and addressed to president of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Isha Johansen, the revelation was made.

“International football matches and CAF competitions can again be organized in the West African country, something which was not possible since August 2014 when CAF upon the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) suspended football matches in countries affected by the epidemic Ebola virus.”

Deeney and I can keep Watford up

o l a h - Ig N

igeria international Odion Ighalo has said he believes been fit alongside strike partner Troy Deeney will keep Watford afloat in the EPL this season.

The former Udinese striker reckoned his blossoming partnership with the team captain is one of the reasons for the club’s performance.

The two strikers have 14 goals between them this season, Ighalo with nine goals and Deeney with five goals as both scored 41 goals last season to take the team up to EPL. “We played with each other in the Championship last season and we were great. I scored 20 and he scored 21. We’ve been working hard every day and I know we’ve been causing defenders serious problems. We know if we keep fit and doing this we’ll stay up,” he said.

“The coach is giving me belief and he is happy with the work-rate I am putting into the game.

“I’ve scored nine now but I don’t want to stop there. I want to keep on working hard and scoring goals.”

United reignites interest in

Olosunde E

nglish Premier League side Manchester United are working on a deal to sign the highly-rated Nigerian-American youngster Matthew Olosunde, according to report.

The United States Under 17 international trained with the Red Devils in July but the club have kept mum on his status until now.

Report has claimed that Matthew Olosunde will be

offered a contract by Manchester United subject to work permits and international The New York Red Bulls stopper started the United States’ first Group A fixture against Nigeria at the Fifa Under 17 World Cup but was substituted in the 67th minute after picking up an injury which curtailed his appearances in the tournament.

Olosunde

Thursday, December 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

Messi & Neymar

Barca L

in 2009 and 2011 and the Spanish league leaders are clear favorites to continue Europe’s domination.

The tournament, which features the top clubs from FIFA’s six continental confederations plus the champion of the host country, returns to Japan for the first time since 2012. It was hosted in Morocco the previous two years.

Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano began his career at River Plate.

“It’s a very important tournament for us,” Mascherano

Ibe out Of

Europa League showdown P

hilippe Coutinho is part of Liverpool’s travelling squad for the Europa League clash in Sion, but Jordon Ibe is left out due to illness.

The Brazilian playmaker has missed the past four games due to a hamstring problem, but took part in training on Wednesday and is now available again.

Daniel Sturridge is expected to be out for weeks due to the same complaint, but captain Jordan Henderson is on the flight to Switzerland.

Lucas, Alberto Moreno and

Joe Allen have stayed on Merseyside, as Jurgen Klopp has decided to rest the trio.

The squad is otherwise fullstrength.

Connor Randall and Ryan Fulton, who have both signed new contracts with the club on Wednesday, are part of the party along with Brad Smith.

Pogba

not yet a complete player - Del Piero

aim 3rd club World Cup title ionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez spearhead Barcelona’s attempt to win a third Club World Cup title when the European champions arrive in Japan next week.

Luis Enrique’s squad will play its first game on December 17 in Yokohama, just five days after hosting Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league.

The tournament begins on Thursday in Yokohama. Barcelona and Copa Libertadores winner River Plate are favorites to reach the Dec. 20 final.

Barcelona won the tournament

30

said. “Everyone assumes that we and River Plate are the favorites to reach the final, but we’ve got to play our semifinals first.”

Oceania representative Auckland City is returning to the tournament for the seventh time.

Auckland begins its campaign today (Thursday) against Japanese champion Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Ibe

Pogba

P

aul Pogba is not yet a complete player and requires time to prove a worthy number 10 at Juventus, according to club legend Alessandro Del Piero.

The Frenchman was awarded the jersey – previously worn by the likes of Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Del Piero – for the 2015-16 season following Carlos Tevez’s departure to Boca Juniors.

However, Pogba has struggled for form this term, with the expectation upon him increased after Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal left the club.

And Del Piero, who left Juve in 2012 and retired in 2014, thinks the 22-year-old needs time to mature in order to cope with the demands that

EUROPA LEAGUE

Today’s fixtures

Europa League Fenerbahçe Ajax Bordeaux Sion Qabala Borussia D. Midtjylland Napoli Rapid Wien V. Plzeň Slovan Lib. Groningen Dnipro Dniprop Saint-Étienne Sporting CP Skënderbeu K Fiorentina Lech Poznań Anderlecht Tottenham APOEL A. Tripolis Partizan Athletic Club

v v v v v v v v v v V v v v v v v v v v v v v v

Celtic 10: 00 Molde 10: 00 Rubin Kazan’ 10: 00 Liverpool 10: 00 Krasnodar 10: 00 PAOK 10: 00 Club Brugge 10: 00 Legia Warszawa 10: 00 Dinamo Minsk 10: 00 Villarreal 10: 00 Olympique Mars… 10: 00 Sporting Braga 10: 00 Rosenborg 10: 00 Lazio 12: 05 Beșiktaș 12: 05 Lokomotiv Moskva12: 05 Belenenses 12: 05 Basel 12: 05 Qarabağ 12: 05 Monaco 12: 05 Sparta Praha 12: 05 Schalke 04 12: 05 Augsburg 12: 05 AZ 12: 05

come with the famous shirt.

“When we think of the Juventus number 10, we imagine a complete player,” Del Piero said.

“But today, Pogba isn’t yet – he’s an atypical number 10. You have to give him a bit of time to grow even more.”

Juventus finished second in their Champions League group, missing out on top spot to Manchester City following a 1-0 defeat to Sevilla on Tuesday.

And Del Piero is unsure whether they will be able to reach the final of the competition for a second successive season.

“I don’t know if Juventus will return to the Champions League final,” he added.

Ronaldo happy at Real Madrid

R

eal Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo says he is happy at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu -- and a recent public chat with Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc was blown out of proportion by the media -- after another recordbreaking performance.

Ronaldo spoke after scoring four times in Madrid’s 8-0 Champions League win at home to Malmo on Tuesday evening, a feat which brought him to a record 11 goals in a group stage of the competition.

His first four-goal haul in a European competition was the first time a Madrid player has netted a “poker” since Ferenc Puskas against Feyenoord in 1965.

“I am very happy, it was a good game for the team,” Ronaldo said. “All the players, not just those up front. We knew it was a game we could do well in, by putting on pressure up top we would score.

“On a personal level, I am happy for another record. I don’t seek out records, records seek me out.”

Thursday, December 10, 2015

31

EXTRATIME

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

nal Arns2e 017 pla Australia tour T

he Gunners will play the two A-League sides at the 70,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in July, continuing a new trend of Premier League clubs heading down under in pre-season.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool all played in front of big crowds in Australia earlier this year, while Manchester United stopped off in Sydney during their Asia-Pacific tour in summer 2013.

More than 155,000 fans watched Sydney FC lose to Chelsea and Spurs at the stadium in May and June this year.

Arsenal have not played in Australia since the World of Soccer

New Hamstring blow for

Stur ridge

njury-plagued Liverpool striker, Daniel Sturridge has suffered another setback after being ruled out for a number of weeks with a hamstring problem.

The 26-year-old has only just returned from a knee injury which delayed his availability for manager Jurgen Klopp, who took over at Anfield in October.

Sturridge has made just three appearances for the German and the last of those, as a 62nd-minute substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday, caused another injury.

According to multiple reports, Sturridge had a scan on Tuesday after complaining of an issue with his hamstring at St James’ Park.

The result of that scan has revealed a strain and as a result the striker will be sidelined for weeks rather than months.

Only last month Klopp said Sturridge had to understand the difference between “pain and real pain’’ as he prepared to make his comeback.

This latest setback could see the Sturridge miss the busy festive period and leave Klopp with Christian Benteke and Divock Origi as his strike options, as Danny Ings is likely to miss the entire season with a knee ligament injury.

Sturridge missed most of the previous campaign with thigh and calf injuries which ultimately led to a hip operation in May in an attempt to clear up long-standing problems but sidelined him for four months.

lashes at Van Gaal’s side Scholes

M

United

T

Scholes anchester United legends Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were heavily critical of Louis van Gaal’s side following their premature exit from the Champions League.

United were eliminated from Europe’s top club competition, slipping instead into the Europa League, following a 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena on Tuesday.

Scholes and Ferdinand, working as pundits for BT Sport, did not hold back on their criticism of their former team afterwards.

“United just look like an average team, really, and with an average team you get average performances,” Scholes said.

Asked if United were at a crisis point, he said: “Yeah, probably.”

van Gaal

exit damning but no real surprise

Cup tour in 1977, where they were beaten twice and won once, finishing bottom of the group on two points.

George Armstrong scored their only goal in a 3-1 opening defeat to an Australia XI, before Pat Rice and Hugh McDonald notched as the Gunners were beaten again, this time 3-2 by Celtic, who won the tournament.

Liam Brady got Arsenal’s only goal as they beat Red Star Belgrade 1-0 in their final match, but they finished bottom of the group on two points.

Arsenal won the Asia Trophy on their pre-season tour to Singapore last summer, beating a Singapore XI and Everton in the process.

Sturridge

I

Sydney

Former United captain Ferdinand was equally cutting with his postmatch verdict, saying: “It’s embarrassing. I was in a squad that went into the Europa League [in 2011] and it’s an embarrassment.

“You don’t want to come out of your house, you don’t want to walk around Manchester, you’re looking at people looking at you and thinking, ‘Ah, you’re not good enough,’ questioning you as an individual and as part of a team that didn’t get through the group stages that you should have, on paper.”

Former United striker Michael Owen said Van Gaal’s men are “quite far” from challenging for big trophies due to a lack of quality in the squad.

he Red Devils ousting from Europe’s elite competition was damning, but not all that surprising unfortunately for United fans.

Travelling to Germany knowing they had to match PSV Eindhoven’s result against CKA Moscow was never going to be an easy task against a strong Wolfsburg team, but many believed when the group was drawn that United would have a spot in the knockout stages signed, sealed and delivered before stepping foot on German soil.

Following the 3-2 defeat the Volkswagen Arena, Louis van Gaal and his men were handed a dose of reality, and it is one the Dutchman may not like.

No matter how much the 64-year-old preaches about slow progression under his guidance since his arrival at the club in the summer of 2014, watching United drop out of the Champions League on Tuesday evening was a reminder at just how far they have fallen in such a short space of time.

Not in status, of course they will always be regarded as one of the biggest clubs in the world with a fan base that is universal.

I’m talking about the swagger, the jealousy from other clubs and that winning mentality.

The current side is a shadow of the title winning team of 2013, and the club on a whole has started to settle for mediocrity, whether they know it yet or not.

For a team of Manchester United’s status scraping a top four finishing each season and struggling in domestic competitions against lower league competition is not acceptable and the buck falls at the door of Van Gaal.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.249

Price: N150

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Arsenal, Chelsea advance

T

he two London clubs of Arsenal and Chelsea proved their mettle on Wednesday as they advanced to the knock-out stage of the prestigious Uefa Champions League.

Arsenal, looking for a two goal win margin, added one to it as they hit their host with three unreplied goals courtesy of Frenchman Oliver Giroud, who bagged a hat trick, in faraway Greece.

In London, Manager Jose Mourinho’s pressure was momentarily relieved as WIllian led his teammates to a confortable two goal win.

Nigeria

RESULTS

Bayer Leverkusen 1 - 1 Barcelona Roma 0 - 0 BATE Borisov Dinamo Zagreb 0 - 2 Bayern Munich Olympiacos 0 - 3 Arsenal Chelsea 2 - 0 FC Porto Dynamo Kyiv 1 - 0 Maccabi Tel Aviv Gent 2 - 1 Zenit St. Petersburg Valencia 0 - 2 Lyon

shock Senegal, qualify for Rio 2016 Olympics

By Mike Otanwa

M

idfielder Etebo Oghenekaro ensured Nigeria became the first team to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with the winner against host Senegal in their semi-final clash on Wednesday in Dakar.

The Warri Wolves midfielder converted a penalty midway into the second half to secure victory for the Dream Team against a determined Senegal side, cheered on by an

expectant home crowd.

They will now await the winners of the second semi-final between South Africa and Algeria for Saturday’s championship game.

A mix-up between goalkeeper Seydou and Thioune in the Senegal defence let in Kufre Ebong, but before he could shoot into an empty goal Thioune held on to the ball to be sent off for a professional foul.

Etebo held his nerve to send goalkeeper the wrong way and Nigeria all the way to the 2016 Rio

Olympics.

Nigeria’s other super hero was goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, who saved a penalty in first half stoppage time for Dream Team VI to hold hosts Senegal 0-0 after the first period.

Daniel fouled Dieng Chekhou inside his own box, but he made amends when he saved Sory Keita’s penalty moments later.

The Enugu Rangers goalkeeper also pulled off a big save in the 13th minute, when he came face-to-face with Keita.

He also saved in the 36th minute, when he held a downward header from inside the 18-yard box.

Nigeria also had their chances to get on the scoresheet with the most notable being in the 42nd minute,

when Junior Ajayi put the ball through the legs of the Senegal goalkeeper and captain, but Kufre Ebong was denied on the goalline by a meaty tackle by a defender of Senegal.

In the second half, Senegal continued to dominate, recording as many as 11 shots on target as against four by Nigeria.

The game struggled to rise to its high billing but in the 59th minute, Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel used his foot to deny goal-bound Ismaila Sarr.

The home team did not have the cutting edge even when they introduced Belgium-based forward Sidy Sarr and they will now have to try and qualify for the Olympics by winning the third-place match on Saturday.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Exxon Mobil ties with Shell in oil production Page B2

Market cap drops byPage B4 N182 billion

CET, EPA Page B3 will further impoverish Nigeria - MAN

Boosting energy supply in Nigeria: IFC, Alten sign 120MW deal

International Finance Corporation (IFC) yesterday signed a Joint Development agreement with Alten’s Middle Band Solar One Limited to develop a 120 Mega Watt peak photovoltaic solar power project with a consortium of developers.

The Lokoja-based project clenched by the member of World Bank Group, is expected to provide renewable energy supply to about 175,000 people CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

Ex-NIMASA chief, Omatseye denies influencing procurement process Funmi Coker

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha (Left), welcoming leader of Chinese investors, Mr Xie Shaw, during the visit of the Chinese investors to discuss investment opportunities with the Governor, in Owerri on Wednesday.

Reps probe Tukur, Baraje over N1tr rail projects Funmi Coker

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bamanga Tukur and three other successive chairmen of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) have been summoned by the House of Representatives over alleged N1trillion rail contracts Tukur, alongside another former chairman of the party, who is now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Ambassador Ladan Shuni and Halliru

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Bello are scheduled to appear before the lawmakers’ investigative committee on rail transport.

Tukur had served as the chairman of the NRC following his resignation as the PDP national chairman.

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi was also invited by the panel to give account of the rehabilitation of rail tracks, standard gauge, bridges, coaches, wagons and locomotives between 2010 and 2014.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Johnson Agbonayinma told journalists at the weekend

that the essence of the probe was not to witch hunt anybody but to let Nigerians know how their money was spent.

“In the court of law you are innocent until proven guilty. We will adhere to fair hearing but anyone found wanting will be exposed.

“Like I said earlier, this rail contract probe is not primarily designed to rubbish anybody but we must unearth how every kobo was spent and let Nigerians know how it was spent,” he said.

He said all relevant stakeholders were invited by the commit-

tee to give their accounts so as to arrive at a holistic understanding and subsequent action by the House.

“The Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi was also invited to tell us all he knows, though he just assumed office but you know government is a continuum,” he added.

The lawmakers’ investigation followed a motion on NRC on the award of contracts for rehabilitation of railway tracks, maintenance of bridges and procurement/rehabilitation of coaches and locomotives from 2010-2014.

A former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Temisan Omatseye, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he did not interfere with procurement process at the agency.

Omatseye, who has been on trial for alleged contract rigging since 2011, spoke while being cross examined by counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Godwin Obla (SAN) before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.

“My Lord, I didn’t rig any bidding process while I was Director-General of NIMASA. Every bidding process was handled by the procurement department. I only signed what was brought to me for approval. In fact, my lord, that is why the Procurement Act was created.

“It separated the duties of the Director-General from that of the Director of procurement. I never interfered with the process. If I did, I would be going against the Procurement Act,” he stated.

On how the N100 million quoted by Daniels Holdings for the supply of generating sets increased, Omatseye said the Procurement Act allowed the CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

Demand for dollar down reserves by $290m in November Motolani Oseni

Emefiele

Domestic demand for dollar has mounted pressure on the nation’s foreign reserves, dropping $290 million in November to $29.9 billion from $30.17billion it closed in October.

The Federal Reserve had lost $170 million to $30.17billion from $30.34 billion it closed in September The evolution of the foreign exchange demand most especially dollars, in the country has

been influenced by a number of factors such as the changing pattern of international trade, institutional changes in the economy and structural shifts in production.

Analysts at FBNQuest Research, a Lagos based research firm noted that fall in November was greater than that of the previous month due to the rise in domestic demand for dollars.

They said the spill-over from the JP Morgan effect which led to the exit of most investors; the

phased removal of Nigeria from its GBI-EM indices of local currency government bonds was completed in October.

According to FBNQuest report, considering the widening of the foreign exchange rate between the official and parallel market, there is still a lot of pressure on the reserves.

“The naira to US dollar exchange rate is currently trading at N248 on the parallel market.

“Apart from the administrative CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Navy arrests 7 suspected oil thieves at Onne

Expert attributes aviation slow growth to over regulated financial system

Funmi Coker Nigerian Navy has nabbed seven crewmembers on a ship and two barges near Onne Port suspected to be oil thieves.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Atiku Abdukadiri confirmed to journalists that one of the ships was carrying more than 300,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined crude oil.

Abdukadiri said seven crewmembers on board the vessel were undergoing interrogation.

He said while the Nigerian Navy has increased its surveillance of the waterways in Rivers State to enable water travellers have a hitch free Christmas celebration, it will need information from travellers on criminal activities on the waterways.

The forward operating base FOB in Bonny had also arrested two ships along the Bonny waterways last week with content suspected to be illegal crude oil.

Security observers believe that with the yuletide season fast approaching, oil thieves are likely to increase in order to make quick cash.

Ibas

Computer Village Expo’15 to showcase Africa largest technology market

kachikwu

Exxon Mobil ties with Shell in oil production Opeoluwani Akintayo Exxon Mobil has tied up Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in crude oil production chart released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for 2014.

The data was shared by Victor Adeniran, Group Executive Director of Commercial and Investment Division in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation at a conference of petroleum geologists in Lagos recently.

The graph showed ExxonMobil and Shell taking 27 percent each of Nigeria’s operated production in 2014, Mr Adeniran, a former General Manager at Total, showed.

Exxon Mobil moved up a bit from 26 percent of operated production in 2007; whereas Shell’s share as operator plunged from 34 percent in the same seven year period, to 27 percent due, predictably, to the various divestments.

In the same period, operated production of Nigerian independents surged from one percent to 10 percent, the NNPC data indicates.

Chevron’s contribution as an

Tony Nwakaegho Technology users, mobile consumers, business professionals, the media, entertainment stars and other delegates, on Tuesday, assembled in Lagos at the maiden Computer Village exhibition (CVExpo15) tagged #OtigbaRising and organised by the Technology Times with fo-

operator fell from 16 percent to 11 percent, just as Total inched up by one percentage point, to 11 percent.

Italian company, ENI brings up the rear of the majors in Nigeria, as an operator.

The data projects that Nigerian independents share of operatorship is expected to treble by 2020 to 30 percent.

Still, a company’s share of operatorship does not translate to actual share of equity production, which is the real value, as it determined the volume of crude oil it is entitled to lift.

Last April, report showed that ExxonMobil’s net crude oil output in Nigeria in 2014 averaged 298,000BOPD, the highest liquid hydrocarbon volume credited to a single company in the country. Chevron came second with 240,000BOPD, more than half of which was delivered by a single oil field: Agbami.

Shell’s Nigerian crude oil production at 191,000BOPD net, was the third largest daily crude oil output by any major company.

Total was fourth at 156,164BOPD. These figures do not include natural gas production.

cus to showcase the Africa’s largest technology market.

Speakers at the event were unanimous in their views that players in the market must innovate to leverage the online space and remain relevant in the present era.

Mr. Godfrey Nwosu, president of The Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association

An aviation expert and Managing Director of Katari System Nigeria Limited, Ali Mohammed Katari, has identified very high interest rate charged by commercial banks in the country as one of the several funding obstacles militating against the growth of the industry.

He also mentioned poor credit rating as one of the major obstacles.

Katari made the identification while presenting a paper titled, “Financing Nigerian Aviation: The Option For Growth” at the Nigeria Travel Mart(NTM)1st Anniversary Colloquium with the theme, “Leapfrogging Nigerian Aviation To Match Her Potential.”

Speaking further Katari listed other funding obstacles to the growth of Nigerian aviation to include; over regulated financial system, which according to him impedes on simple and genuine foreign currency transaction, over regulation and expensive procedures by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),which he said impede on start-up airlines.

Poor and hostile business characterized by our position in the “easy “to doing business in Nigeria ,he lamented has not help matters, adding that for the Nigerian aviation industry to grow the Federal Government must provide conducive climate for investors to

invest.

He also alleged that the exploitation by NCAA using multiple inspections of aircraft, training facilities and maintenance facilities equally impede aviation growth.

On financing model for Nigerian aviation , the managing Director of Katari System Limited ,stated that there should be targeted and effective subsidy from the Federal Government, intervention guarantee funds with very low interest rate with longer tenure, reduction of multiple taxation that impedes airlines revenue, create easier access to foreign exchange from the Apex bank ;Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

Other solutions proffered as funding models for the country are: reduced Customs and Excise tariffs for local airlines, reduction of landing, parking ,navigational charges for local airlines, lighting up airports and keeping maintaining them, as only very few airports operates 24 hours ,while other operates only visual flights.

On why the Federal Government initiatives did not achieve the desired results, he pointed out the Bank of Industry (BOI) initiative fund that was put forward did benefit airlines but the banks because there was poor monitoring of the process.

Speaking further, he cited a sitCONTINUED ON PAGE B3

Sirika

(PAPDAN), said that statistics has revealed that over 20 million phones are sold in the Computer Village, monthly.

Nwosu recalled that the present location of the market was a residential area until late 1999 or early 2000 when Internet technology became a household name in corporate Nigeria. Knowing that a major industry was about to

spring forth, savvy businessmen took position in the most vantage location of Ikeja – Otigba Street to commence trading in IT equipments and devices.

By 2003 a year after GSM services were introduced to Nigeria, computer village had become a household name among Telecommunication users, especially small businesses and end users.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

B3 Business News

CET, EPA will further impoverish Nigeria - MAN Omatseye

Omatseye denies influencing procurement process CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

agency to add value added tax (VAT), procurement tax, interest tax and others.

“That is how we arrived at N129 million, though we didn’t purchase the generating set,” he said, adding that the contract was cancelled.

Insisting that the documents before the court were incomplete, Omatseye explained that every memo to his office must go through the registry, which stamped it before sending it to his office.

“Having received it from the registry department, I will then minute it to the necessary office, which will work on it. But my lord, the document before me here has none from that department. Even their stamp is not in any of the documents before me here in court,” he said.

The trial continues on Friday.

Demand for dollar CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

measure by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to exclude access of foreign exchange for certain items from the official window, the CBN recently cut its dollar supply to Bureau De Exchange operators.

“The supply frequency has also been reduced to once a week from bi-weekly,” the analysts explained.

According to the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, since the introduction of the Bank Verification Number as a requirement for forex transactions, BDC operators had been reduced by half.

This has led to savings of close to US$100m per week.

The nation’s total external reserves are sufficient to provide 5.9 months’ cover for merchandise imports at 2014 levels.

The spot price of UK Brent ranged between $41/barrel and $48/barrel in November.

Last week, The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) failed to reach a decision on a new (lower) production quota.

Chief Executive Officer, Copen Group, Rev. Ugo Chime; Managing Director of the Group, Mrs. Chinelo Chime; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye at the Commissioning of Elim Plaza, in Enugu on Wednesday.

Charles Okonji Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has lamented that Common External Tariff (CET), and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would throw up fresh challenges that will complicate the current performance of the manufacturing sector.

The manufacturing sector will be further challenged as the market would be flooded with products manufactured under favourable business environment and sold at a price that indigenous products may not be able to compete.

Frank Jacobs, President, MAN, who said this in an interview with Daily Times recently

IFC, Alten sign 120MW deal CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

and nearby industrial clusters, support job creation, and boost economic growth in the country.

Under the agreement, IFC InfraVentures, IFC’s Global Infrastructure Project Development Fund, will provide development funding, commercial and technical support to a developer consortium to co-develop the solar power project via the Middle Band Solar One project company. The consortium consists of Alten Renewable Energy Developments Africa, B.V., Green Continent Partners Holding B.V, and Nemoante Ltd. The project is expected to reach financial close by the fourth quarter of 2016.

Speaking about the deal, Arjen Pen, Founding Partner of Green Continent, said, “The key strategy of Middle Band Solar One is to harness the abundant allyear-round supply of sunlight and become one of Nigeria’s leading providers of renewable

energy.”

Erabor A. Okogun, from Nemoante and Co-Founder/Managing Director of Middle Band Solar One Limited, also commented, saying, the group will leverage on local knowledge with the longterm experience and technical expertise of Alten and IFC in developing solar power projects globally, to build a world class solar project that not only increases the country’s energy supply and diversifies its energy mix but also helps mitigate climate change, fundamental for the sustainable development of Nigeria.

Luis Castellanos, CEO of Alten Africa, said the company is proud to lead one of the biggest solar projects in Africa. From Alten, and will contribute its vast experience in the design, development, funding, construction and management of the utilityscale photovoltaic power plants.

stated that it has become necessary for the manufacturers at all levels to continually keep this issue on the front burner until government fully come to terms with the plights and officially allay the manufacturers fears in the interest of the Nigerian economy.

He noted that CET, when properly administered would

be beneficial to the infant industries, adding that to achieve the primary objectives, changes in institutions and processes should be adopted.

Earlier in 2014, MAN had expressed candid relief following President Goodluck Jonathan’s rejection of the proposed ECOWAS-EU Economic Partnership Agreement EPA in a statement issued by the Director General of MAN, Remi Ogunmefun, which pointed out that its members were full of immeasurable appreciation to the President for Nigeria’s pragmatic decision not to join other West African States in endorsing the contentious Economic Partnership Agreement EPA between West Africa and the European Union.

It will be recalled that the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at their meeting in Accra, Ghana on July I0, 2014 approved the EPA and instructed the regional chief Negotiators to take steps to start the process of signing and implementing the agreement.

However, Nigeria, at various stages in the EPA negotiation process, had voiced strong opposition to the agreement and raised concerns that the Agreement could only lead to deindustrialization in West Africa, with serious economic and employment consequences for Nigeria because of her 60 per cent share of the regional market and 77 per cent contribution to the region’s GDP.

Expert attributes aviation slow growth to over regulation CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2

uation where aviation agencies which includes NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NCAA) Nigeria Meteorological Agency(NIMET)and the Accident Investigation Bureau(AIB) are working as silos .

Katari appealed to stakeholders and participants at the gathering to work together if the Nigerian aviation must achieve any meaningful growth, adding that the aviation industry has become one of the pillars of micro economy of the Nigerian economy.

Earlier , the Publisher of and the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria travelsmart.com and organiser of the colloquium, Mr Simon Tumba, lamented that the inability of Nigeria with harness the huge population the country has .

He posited that other countries

such as the united, India maximise their huge population to the benefit of their respective aviation industries, wondering why Nigeria has not been able to do so.

Tumba called on stakeholders and participants at the colloquium to look into how Nigeria can tap into the huge population to contribute to the growth of aviation.

According to him, “Why is it that despite her population Nigeria has failed to harness it huge population. What is preventing Nigeria from miximise her population? He asked To buttress his point, he cited the Population Reference Bureau statistics that projected that by 2050 Nigeria’s population would rise to 396 million and which would automatically make the third largest in the world in terms of population.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Stock Market Report

Market cap drops by N182 billion Equities transactions on the Nigerian stock market closed on a negative note on Wednesday as key indicators dropped 1.92 per cent against 1.08 per cent lost in the previous trading session.

Specifically, the NSE All Share Index lost 528.53 points to close at 27,004.50 points against 300.86 points lost previously to close at 27,533.03 points Market Capitalization dropped by N181.7 billion to close at N9.29 trillion against N103.4 billion lost previously to close at N9.47 trillion.

Market breadth likewise closed negative on Wednesday with 24 losers against 15 gainers.

Topping the losers chart was Unity Bank Plc with a decline of 8.57 per cent or 6 kobo to close at 64 kobo per share trailed by Transcorp Plc which depreciated by 8.55 per cent or 13 kobo to close at N1.39 per share while Dangote Cement Plc dropped 5.00 per cent or N8.53 kobo to

close at N162.19 per share.

Cadbury Plc lost 4.98 per cent or 98 kobo to close at N18.68 per share and Fidson Healthcare Plc fell 4.95 per cent or 14 kobo to close at N2.69 per share.

On the other hand, Seplat Petroleum Plc topped the gainers chart with a 5.00 per cent or N10.35 gain to close at N217.35 per share followed by Lawunion Plc which added 4.92 per cent or 3 kobo to close at 64 kobo per share, while Ikeja Hotel Plc gained 4.67 per cent or 14 kobo to close at N3.14 per share.

Eterna Plc appreciated by 4.61 per cent or 7 kobo to close at N1.59 per share while Learn Africa Plc increased by 4.35 per cent or 3 kobo to close at 72 kobo per share.

In summary, investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange traded a total of 240.8 million shares worth N2.4 billion in 3,061 deals compared to 485.0 million shares worth N4.45 billion traded in 2,785 deals on Tuesday.

L-R: Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Ms. Ijeoma Aso, GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza and DMD, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka with the winners of 2015 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition- 1st prize winner Miss Emediong Uduak Uko of British Nigerian Academy, Abuja (middle) ; 2nd prize winner Miss Enonuoya Starish of Lagoon School Lagos (right); and 3rd prize winner Miss Eze Ugochinyere Golden of Living World Academy Aba, during the grand finale and prize giving ceremony held at UBA House in Lagos recently.

Diamond Bank appoints Damian Dolland non-executive Director

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Diamond Bank Plc board of directors has announced the appointment of Mr. Damian Dolland as a Non-Executive Director of the company.

The bank also announced the approval of this appointment through a publication on the Nigerian Stock Exchange website, indicating that same would be up for ratification by the shareholders at the next yearly general meeting of the company.

Mr. Dolland is a Managing Partner in Fidelis Advisory Partners, Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was responsible for client management, business development, transaction execution and management of day to day operations and staff.

He previously held a position

as Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking: Sub-Saharan Africa, J.P. Morgan between 2010 and 2012. His career spans over 19 years in the Investment banking sector.

Damian Dolland is also the founder and Director of Darisami International Consultancy based in Port Louis, Mauritius where he is involved in Financial Advisory and investments focused on Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, specialising in mergers and acquisition, debt and equity financing and real estate.

He holds a B.Sc (Hons.) in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering with Distinction- Cum Laude; he has a Minor in Chemistry from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.

Access Bank holds 2nd international leadership conference today Stories by Adesola Akindele The second edition of the Access Leadership Conference organized by Access Bank Plc is scheduled to take off today 10th December 2015 and promises to have Global Leaders from the Worlds of Technology, Innovation, Business and Politics in attendance.

According to Access Bank Chief Executive, Herbert Wigwe, the future direction of the world is increasingly being played out in Africa and this conference will be a fantastic opportunity for a meeting of minds, sharing of knowledge, and the beginning of an understanding that can enhance the wellbeing and happiness of Africa’s people.

This edition’s conference is titled ‘Leading in a transformational world – the imperative of innovation’. Inspirational leaders from the global private and public sectors as well as Senior representatives from around the world including Chris Hughes (Facebook Co-Founder), Steve Wozniak (Apple Co-Founder) and Tony Fernandes (Air Asia Founder and CEO) will be discussing the major themes facing Africa, the world economy and the social transformation created by changing technology.

“I am delighted to welcome such a distinguished line-up of individuals to the Access Conference 2015. We founded the event in recognition that Africa must now play a central role in the

global debates that matter to its citizens. Whether it is technology, entrepreneurship or the impact of financial regulation on growth,” Mr. Wigwe said.

The event will be moderated by several renowned speakers including José-Maria Figueres, former President of Costa Rica and now a leading campaigner on environmental issues, while the presence of other global leaders including past Presidents and Prime Ministers as witnessed during the inaugural conference in 2013 are also expected.

Other speakers scheduled to be present at the conference include Ben Bernanke (Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Central Bank of the USA), Hans Rosling (Profes-

sor of Global Health, Sweden’s Karolinka Institute), Mariana Mazzucato (Professor in Economics, University of Sussex), Chinedu Echeruo (Founder and CEO Gigameet.com) Narayana Murthy (Founder of Infosys) and many more.

The international conference is considered as the bank’s platform for discussing topical global issues recognized as having the potentials to transform the world and facilitate global development.

This has continued to define Access Bank’s strategic involvement in the global debates on sustainable development, innovation, leadership, social enterprise and responsible business practice.

Drawing on their varied experience from careers that include central banking and microfinance, panelists at the Conference according to the Bank, will discuss the impact of innovation so far, and where the next wave of disruption will take the sector.

Wigwe

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 09-12-2015

Brands & Marketing B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Director-General, National Centre For Women Development, Lady Onyeka Onwenu (8Th Right); Representative of United Nations High Commissioner on refugees to Nigeria and Ecowas, Angele Dikongue-Atangana (8Th Left) and some participating Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS), at the inauguration of training of female IDPS on vocational skills, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Life Beer’s carnival rocks Onitsha It was indeed a weekend of action with passion in Onitsha, Anambra State, when Life Continental Lager Beer, a brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc stormed the ancient city with Umu Oganiru Carnival.

The Carnival, which is the first of its kind, could be described as celebration of the culture and tradition of the people living in the Eastern part of the country. The event drew participants from Onitsha and other states in the East.

Preparing the ground for the two-day fanfare, the Nigeria Breweries Plc delegation led

by Patrick Ejidoh, Public Affairs Manager, East; paid a visit to His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Achebe to brief him about the event and consequently get his royal blessing for the outing.

According to Ejidoh, since Obi Achebe gave the royal blessing to Nigeria Breweries when the company acquired Life Continental

Beer in 2012; the brand has been on the upward trend. His words: “Since then, patronage for the product has been on the rise. The blessing continues to impact positively on the brand”.

He explained that the ‘Life Progress Booster Radio Show’ started early in the year; was part of the Nigerian Breweries’ scheme to support the brand’s performance in the market. The radio show was aimed at encouraging budding entrepreneurs in the East notwithstanding the challenges facing them. Ejidoh said Nigeria Breweries really appreciates the continued patronage of its consumers in the East; hence the need for the two-day Umu Oganiru Carnival.

The Royal Father expressed support for the scheme, which, he said, will surely assist Nigeria in engaging the youth who are currently facing the challenge of unemployment. With this, he stated, the social issues of communal unrests like those propagated by Boko Haram, MASSOP and the Biafra Agitation will be curtailed.

Under the scheme, Life Continental Lager Beer has given out a grant of N250, 000 each to over 50 young entrepreneurs operating in the Eastern part of the country. The non-refundable grant was given to help alleviate the financial challenges operators of the affected Small and Medium Scale Enterprises might be facing in their respective operations.

Obi Achebe urged corporate organisations to cultivate the habit of ploughing back their profits into the aggregate economy. “I am charging employers of labour to come up with programmes that are sustainable.

Besides, our universities should henceforth turn out graduates who can employ themselves,” he said.

The Royal Father said this is what the nation needed at the moment in order to address the social vices currently ravaging the nation. He advised the corporate organisations operating in the country to be more proactive with their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.

Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has concluded plans for a funflled end of the year party for all Indomie fan club members across 5 cities in Nigeria.

The Indomie fan club which was launched July 2005 with the key objective of creating an engaging atmosphere for children between the ages of 5 – 12 years where they can mix, learn and interact with one another irrespective of their socio-cultural background, has grown to become one of the largest children’s fan club in Nigeria.

Speaking on this development, the Head, Public Relations and Events, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, said; “this year, the company will be celebrating the end of 2015 party in a big way with all the fan club members at 17 different venues across six cities, which include; Lagos, Ogun, Ibadan, Akure, Abuja & Benin.”

Ashiwaju said this was designed to demonstrate the company’s appreciate their patrons of their loyalty and also to provide a memorable experience for them during the forthcoming festive period.

Cadbury reiterates commitment to developmental project

Cadbury Nigeria, one of the leaders in Nigeria’s confectionery and beverages industry has reiterated its commitment towards the development of Lagos State through its various developmental initiatives.

This was revealed recently during a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode by Cadbury Nigeria Leadership Team led by Managing Director Cadbury West Af-

rica, Mr Roy Naaman, Finance Director, Mrs. Yimika Adeboye, Company Secretary/Chief Counsel, Mrs. Fola Akande, Manufacturing Director, Mr Nasir Malik, and Head Corporate and Government Affairs, Mr. Bala Yesufu.

Speaking during the visit, Managing Director, Cadbury West Africa, Mr Roy Naaman Said that Cadbury has enjoyed cordial relationship with

the government and people of Lagos State over the years, therefore, it is in order for the company to express its gratitude to the state for the warm reception it has enjoyed over he years..

According to him, “On our part, we shall remain a responsible corporate citizen of the state and continue to partner with the government through employment generation, participation in various develop-

Stories by Godwin Anyebe

Indomie plans end of year party for fans He stated that children will be treated to an unforgettable fun experience as they will enjoy various engaging and interactive games, and every member will get the opportunity of going home with exciting xmas gift.

Also speaking about the end of the year party, the Indomie Fan Club Coordinator, Mrs. Faith Joshua said; “Chrismas celebration party is one of the many ways of showing Nigeria children how much they are loved and appreciated for their continuous support and loyalty towards the brand over the years.”

Starting from December 2, to December 15, 2015, we will be hosting these children at various Locations across six cities in Nigeria, she noted.

mental initiatives, contribution to the state treasury in different forms and stimulation of socio-economic activities in the state.”

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode disclosed that; “Cadbury’s newly commissioned factory is good news for the Lagos economy and a boost to the states’ efforts to bringing investments to the state.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

B7 Motoring

Kia Rio bags Nigeria’s Car of the Year Ï^ƆƑ Ɔ Ɛ Ə ƌƍ ƕ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɔ r Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Kia Rio, one of the locally assembled cars by Kia Motors Nigeria has truly lived up to its name as it emerged winner of the Car of the Year (COTY) Award at the 2015 edition of the annual Nigerian Auto Journalists Award,(NAJA).

At the keenly contested award night held in Lagos, which was attended by crème de la of the auto industry including the DirectorGeneral, National Automotive Design and Development, (NAD-

DC), Aminu Jalal, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, represented by Nseobong Akpabio, assistant corp marshal and zonal commanding officer RS-2, made up of Lagos and Ogun states, Federal Roads Safety Commission, among others, Kia Rio beat Peugeot 301, Nissan Almera and Toyota corolla to cart away with the coveted prize.

For the Car Company of the Year, Peugeot beat Ford and Nissan to emerge winner as Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing went home with the Indigenous Auto Assembler of the Year Award.

Other winners at the award night included Mercedes Benz S-class which bagged the Luxury Sedan of the Year Award, Briscoe

won the Most Enterprising Auto Dealership of the Year Award as Iron Products Industry(IPI) bagged the Auto Builder of the Year Award.

Yet others included: Auto Assembler of the Year, Stallion, Auto Workshop of the Year, Elizade Toyota, Luxury SUV of the Year, Range Rover, Pick Up of the Year, Toyota Hilux and Truck Brand of the Year, Mercedes Benz.

Also, Mitsubishi Canter emerged Light Truck of the Year, Independent Auto Workshop of the Year, Admiralty Motors, Auto Dealership of the Year, Globe and Sixt emerging as the Car Rental Company of the Year.

Speaking on the awards,

Chairman, Nigeria Automotive Journalists Association, NAJA, Frank Kintum said in discharging one of its duties and responsibilities as watchdogs of the society, Automotive Journalists in Nigeria organised the annual NAJA in recognition of products and persons that have stood out during the course of the year.

Kintum noted that NAJA has undoubtedly become the hallmark of the auto industry having stood the test of time for over 15 years.

“In the automative/automobile sector, it is the responsibility of auto journalists to watch closely what is happening in terms of launch of new models, entry of new brands as they affect the industry,” he remarked.

Speaking further, the NAJA chairman charged all stakeholders to always cooperate with NADDC in order to drive the National Automotive Industry Development(NAIDP) as every stakeholder remained key in making the auto policy a success.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria, Kunle Adeojo thanked the journalists for organising the award. While charging the award winners not to rest on their oars as they should continue to provide good and quality automobiles for Nigerians, Adeojo urged those who could not win any of the awards to work harder next year in order to be recognized.

Porsche showcases new Porsche 911 Turbo Porsche will be presenting two new top models of the 911 series,the 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S which now boast of 20 hp increase and a sharpened design.

Both models will be available as coupe and convertible versions.

The bi-turbo six-cylinder engine in the 911 Turbo with 3.8 litres of displacement now has a power output of 540 hp. This power gain was achieved by modified inlet ports in the cylinder head, new injection nozzles and higher fuel pressure.

The 911 Turbo S develops 580 hp, thanks to new turbochargers

with larger compressors.

To-date, Porsche is still the only manufacturer to utilise turbochargers with variable turbine geometry in petrol engines. The engines feature a dynamic boost function to further improve their response in dynamic operation.

They maintain the charge pressure during load changes, i.e. when the accelerator pedal is released briefly.

This is achieved by interrupting fuel injection, whereas the throttle valve remains open. As a result, the engine reacts with practically no delay to another press of the accelerator pedal.

The effects of this function are more pronounced in the Sport and Sport Plus modes. Overall, the new high-performance sports cars achieve breath-taking driving performance, while fuel consumption is further reduced.

The 911 Turbo S Coupé sprints to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 330 km/h, which is 12 km/h higher than before. The 911 Turbo reaches the 100-km/h mark in 3.0 seconds, and its top speed is 320 km/h – 5 km/h faster than the previous model.

Nevertheless, the coupes only consume 9.1 l/100 km and the convertibles 9.3 l/100 km.

Features B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

IOE advocates ethics, integrity for national development Nduka Uzuakpundu The change mantra, which the Buhari administration espouses, in order to neutralise the adverse economic effects of all manner of social ills, especially corruption – in high places – may well succeed, if, in politics and business, Nigeria embraces the clean principles of entrepreneurship, ethics and integrity. The laws guarding the mutual relationship between labour and commerce may, besides, need to be re-crafted, so as to encourage an in-flow of sorely-needed foreign direct investment (FDI). But, however appealing, desirous and timely the change campaign by the Buhari administration, it may take years to rebuild Nigeria’s lean economy and public life with “an army of entrepreneurs.”

These were some of the views expressed, in diverse forms, by a majority of the speakers – at introduction of about twelve members into the Institute of Entrepreneurs (IOE), Lagos – who addressed the issues of ethics, integrity, corporate governance and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Executive Secretary of IOE, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, for instance, was of the view that, on account of the gargantuan and destructive nature of corruption to the nation’s economy, public life, and her image in the congress of nations, there was a need to organise a short-term course for virtually all the country’s elected deputies from the legislative council of the local governments to the state and national assemblies.

Such a course should, also, involve Governors, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Members of the Federal Executive Council, Heads of State and Federal agencies, security chiefs, heads of tertiary institutions etc. The intent, in Oladele’s opinions, should be to guard the participants, aright, in making effective laws and policies – outside the organised school milieu – to support small and medium

enterprises (SMEs) that would be driven to success by elements of public relations (PR).

The flip side, as the current, adverse economic reality would dictate, is how best to make the law-makers – in all the three tiers of government –anti-corruption apostles, who’d transmit, at their own ends to reality, the change mantra of the Buhari administration. The point that Oladele tended to make, it seemed, was that the change programme of the Buhari administration, like an enterprise, which, if it’s to succeed, must be predicated an integrity – alongside discipline and leadership – that is characterised by transparency and trustworthiness.

That, in itself, said Oladele, should be propelled by a firm belief that “entrepreneurship is a life-style; a philosophy that has – as one of its components – a distinct mode of thought, which derives from the organised business theatre, but can operate in any realm of human endeavour.”

By inference, Oladele is calling for a form of renaissance in the Nigerian economy, in which SMEs are run strictly as business that would last beyond two decades – with the attendant benefits of creating jobs, springing tax for government, springing, again, and, amongst, others, shaping consumers’ behaviour in taking budgetary decisions, and relationship between consumers and industries; “validate the economy of scale and create sources for transfer of technology”. The underlying entrepreneurial spirit, here, should employ education – alternatively, enlightenment or P.R. – to the help the growth of SMEs and what they stand for.

Perhaps, Nigeria should emulate the Dubai example. The commercial capital of the conservative, oil-rich, sheikhdom of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East, Dubai is nowhere near Nigeria, in term of size and population.

Dubai, in the last two decades, has personified success. For the

Dr. Rotimi Oladele, Executive Secretary, Institute of Entrepreneurs

The flip side, as the current, adverse economic reality would dictate, is how best to make the law-makers – in all the three tiers of government –anti-corruption apostles, who’d transmit, at their own ends to reality, the change mantra of the Buhari administration. business world, it’s a commercial Mecca.

Oladele observes that no longer does she depend on her gargantuan oil chest, but on tourism and education – built with entrepreneurial spirit – that fetches about 83 percent of her forex. He thinks that given Nigeria’s natural riches, and population, she could do better than Dubai, but there has to be, in place, a national culture of ethics, integrity, corporate governance and anti-corruption.

Oladele thinks that the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the Dubai business phenomenal success is a function of a longterm investment of the UAE’s oil wealth to attract FDI in popular sectors of global economy, like hospitality, the establishment of local campuses of famous European Union and North America tertiary institutions, high-visibility, racing competitions and lawn tennis contests that attract the Williamses, Nadals, Djokovics, Federers, Murrays, Isners, Tsongases etc. For all that, the UAE, if seems, does not feel the biting effects of budgetary astringency of today’s low price of crude oil being faced by most members of the Organisation of

Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) .

The Managing Director of Excel Professional Services Limited, Dr. Oladimeji Alo, who is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), was of the opinion that crooked conduct, absence of integrity and ethics in business, lack of transparency in government and politics – are holding Nigeria back from economic success.

In a paper titled: “Integrity in Enterprise development and Management: Essential Ingredient for Economic breakthrough and National Development”, he observed that the high mortality rate of SMEs in Nigeria, could be traced to a lack of ethics and integrity. He cited a plethora of his personal experiences with individuals who lacked integrity in water engineering, auto repairs, hospitality and tourisms whose businesses either lost once-brimming public patronage or collapsed for dishonest practices.

He said – alongside Oladele, Mrs. Doyin Ogunbiyi – a woman who has a personal, readable story of diligence and integrity to tell, and is the Chairman,

Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Dr. ’Toyin Somorin (nee Sodipo) of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria’s (CITN) and Lt-Colonel Shehu Ibrahim (retd), Chairman, Shehu Ventures Limited – that it was corruption – a clear absence of integrity – that was behind the grave national crisis of insecurity in the hands of the Boko Haram terrorists.

It was sheer crookedness, corruption and deficit of integrity that could cause a few public officials to misappropriate nearly $2 billion in defence budged at a time when the country’s armed forces were in dire need of materiel to combat an unconventional war, which posed a daunting challenge to national sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic growth.

The absence of integrity amongst a majority of policymakers has made the Fourth Republic virtually meaningless to a crushing majority of Nigeria’s workers, pensioners, students, voters and senior citizens, especially because for them, economic growth and fair distribution of the country’s wealth – as an index of national development – are painfully not there.

Life&

TIMES Thursday, December 10, 2015

Simi:

L2,3

P

The relentless and fearless entertainer

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

I’m not afraid to make mistakes but nervous first time on stage

— Simi

She stormed the entertainment industry like wildfire with the release of the much talked about Restless EP, and ever since, she has been consistent in fame from one hit song to another. Simisola Ogunleye a.k.a Simi, a Mass Communication graduate is no stranger in the music circle with an uncanny creative talent and versatility. Signed on X3M music label, which houses one of Nigeria’s leading singer, Praiz. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, petite as Simi is, she opened up on her musical career, family, hit songs and why she isn’t threatened in the industry. Excerpts:

Life&

T E A M

Let’s talk about your new video, “Open and Close”, just few weeks after it was dropped it has attracted thousands of likes on YouTube and it’s really gaining massive air play; what brought about that concept of open and close?

In essence, the concept of the video was actually story telling; in a situation where you have a set of local people from a community attending a party that was meant to be graced by elites and corporate, but they did not try to fit in. Though they were used to Egusi and Zobo, when they got there, they saw only Sharwama and rather than trying to fit in and force themselves to like what they met, they, instead, brought their own style. Basically, the director of the video was Mex and he was just telling the story the way I sang it.

Would Simi do more of dance in coming videos?

To be honest, it is not a side of me for people to see much of, but once in a while yes, I try not to box myself too much. And I don’t like it when people already know what to expect. There is no surprise left, every once in a while, I like to surprise people, and definitely there is going to be more dancing not very often, but to be honest sometimes.

Unlike other musicians, whose songs have a story to back up whatever song they are releasing, what kind of story were you trying to portray in your single ‘Jamb Question’?

I was saying something that basically every Nigeria woman has experienced her own time or the other. When a man likes you sometimes, he’s not going to ask you can I have your number or you look pretty or it’s like you have been to Unilag before, but they know you haven’t been there. So I think they use it to lighten up the mood and I just think it was funny because it’s something other people have experienced before. So I said what about putting it in a song, even

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

if they don’t do it again in future, children can hear it and say, that used to happen.

Why the choice of Falz in the remix?

We have already done the original of the song and Falz one day sent me something on BBM, he sent me a verse and I sent it to my producer and to my boss and I asked them what they thought about it. They really liked it, so we decided to surprise people who weren’t expecting that in the video. And because what they have heard is the original version, so we just put that during the end of the video and I think it really worked so well because Falz is a funny human being and crazy comically.

It’s December, how do you say 2015 has treated you?

First I have to thank God for bringing me this far, I know how far I have been in this game, the thing is, people think you started singing from when you start to blow, but you know there is a story behind every person. 2015 is really amazing for me, Jamb question was massive even the biggest songs to say, I just always want to do something to surpass the last one and learn from my mistake and whatever it is I have to do, just do it because everybody is trying to succeed and nobody is waiting for anybody.

What’s the story behind Simi?

I started singing professionally in 2008, but I started in gospel music. My first album was produced entirely by Samklef and it was a gospel album called Ogaju and it had this particular song, Ara Ile which was a big song. Then I graduated in 2008 from Covenant University and I served in 2009. I have always known that I was going to sing, so I went into that.

Actually I got signed to one record label in 2009, it didn’t work as well as I would have liked it, but am actually grateful for that because they were songs that I had recorded then but I’m glad I didn’t put out because they were crap, though they had the idea but the songs weren’t good.

I learnt so much, I used the time to help myself to carve a niche for myself and to create a brand style of music, finding people that am working with now.

From the gospel music, why the transition, is it that gospel music is not commercial or reliable?

Am used to this question but I can’t really speak for anybody else but as for me I just started to see music more as work, an art, because I don’t only sing, I’m also a song writer, I also mix and I’m a master engineer.

Music became more of the art; it is just like you are into engineering. I just started to write differently, everything became more music for me, so I switched. It was really hard for me before then, all I have known before then was gospel music, I wasn’t CONTINUED ON L3

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

L3 Interview

I don’t feel threatened in the industry

– Simi CONTINUED FROM L2 really in a choir then so it wasn’t about that, I had to make fixed with the idea with God and everything before I switched. As for engineering, I remember I did my IT in Cool FM because I studied mass communication and I remember I used to work with one of the producers then. There is this software we used to use, adobe edition and that is where I even started to use software and I took really, really strong into it. I used to learn stuff on YouTube and I see something I want to know, I used to ask questions a lot, so I guess when you like something you go for it.

You’ve been a mass communication graduate of repute, when do we get to see you delve into writing; you know just practice for once?

I actually have a blog, although have not been very loyal to my blog. I love writing and if I wasn’t into music full time, I would probably be a either a writer or an O.A.P, you see I don’t do it commercially or to get money from it but it’s not something yet. Writing is a part of me and media; you can’t do music without media.

Speaking about vocal, who among your parents is blessed with singing?

My mum think she is but she can’t sing, I don’t have any music in my background. I think the only thing my dad used to listen to is Ebenezer Obey and Sunny Ade. I didn’t grow up listening to music unless when I go to party. For me, music has been more of a me thing, so I got most of my knowledge and experience from outside on my own. I was in a group when I was a teenager in church called outstanding, so we used to sing and I attended lots of rehearsals all the time because I really, really love the music.

You started out as a gospel, how did your parent handle it seeing you in another line?

My dad passed away last year, my parents have been separated for a while, I grew up most with my mum, and my mum has always known that if I do something, it’s because I want to. So, when I have my mind set on something, I try not to be the band wagon person, I don’t do things because someone

expects me to do it. Funny enough, when I was doing gospel, she told me I can do love songs once in a while, I think my mum just trusts me. She trust that I knew what am doing that I’m grounded, somehow even when I make mistakes my head is in the right place. My mum is just good.

How was your growing up like I was a kind of a tom boy because I had three elder brothers, and from my mum I was like the only girl and the last born. So I used to like snickers, baggy jeans, and I was this bad girl who didn’t like too much trouble. So I was a kind of a tom boy and my dad spoilt my brothers, we watch movies a lot, but my brothers preferred horror movies and so we all watched it together. But it was fun. When I was nine years, my parents got separated and so that was a really tough time for my brothers and I, because we have to grow up faster and we came through it and we were good.

Are you working on an album, what stage are you, when are we expecting it?

Oh! Yeah definitely. The only thing I can say is next year, I don’t know when next year but the album is going to be out. You know logistics, you can really never tell.

How will you describe your first time on stage professionally?

Professionally for mainstream song, it was a One Mic gig. It was a bit not working for me because I was nervous and I was really not sure. I remember the day I was putting on a short skirt and breeze was blowing, so I was really like, I was not sure if I should dance, because I really don’t know how the dance will end. So I just thought, you know I just try to keep my head there and I just sang my heart out. I think one of the things about me that I like is that am not afraid to make mistakes, you know because nobody get it right the first time and every time you do something you learn. So when I did that I was like asking for advice, what do you think? And how do I do this next time? So even today or yesterday if I perform, am still trying to learn.

Earlier on you mentioned you don’t like being boxed, how do you describe yourself and your kind of music?

I think answering the genre question is sometimes overrated because nobody will ask Adele what genre of song she is singing because as soon as you listen to her song, you are quick to know; so I think am just a Simi, and when you hear me sing, you will know it is Simi singing.

How is it like working with X3M music?

I have been with the label for almost two years now and still counting. Knowing that there is a lot of labour in this country and not everybody can take the news sometimes and would put resources where they need to be and especially maybe you did something today and they expect it to yield tomorrow, and if they don’t get it back tomorrow then that investment is gone. With the X3M label, they believe more in the artiste potentials and with that I am really excited about the future.

With the emergence of several female artistes in the industry, do you feel threatened?

I don’t feel threatened by anybody and not because I don’t think anybody else is good, it’s just that there is enough room for anybody to shine. If you check my music playlist, I don’t have any more artists on my phone.

So am not trying to compete, so anytime I see someone trying to do amazing things, I always pray for the best for everybody. I am even glad that we have a lot of female artistes standing out in the industry; because really it’s hard because a woman has to work twice as hard to make a name in the industry.

These days, artistes on same record label release joint album, is there a plan for that in extreme music?

I don’t know but I guess when the time is right you will hear that, but I don’t know and I really have no idea. But we will definitely have plans for that.

Do you have any nominations at this year’s Headies and NMVA? Definitely yes, I had three nominations at the Headies, and also three at the NMVA. Also this year equally, I won the most promising artiste at the NEA awards and City People entertainment awards. Basically, this year has really been great for me and I am excited about it because even when I

am having a bad day; I just remember how good this year has been for me.

Do you play any instruments?

Not really but I kind of play piano.

Do you think the industry is finally getting better?

Yes, it’s really getting better and there have been lots of improvements compared to when I joined the industry. The industry has paved away for everybody and that is really good enough.

Where do you see yourself in the nearest future?

Well I would like to say that I don’t like to box myself and I hope my future is bigger than my dreams. So in five years, I would like to be doing the most that I could possibly be doing.

Any Endorsement?

Not yet, we are still waiting for their phone calls.

Like other top artistes, do we get to see Simi act someday?

I don’t know (laughs). I am not thinking about that right now. I think I laugh too much and am always joking around. I know I can do it, but I don’t know if the people will be patient enough with me, because I don’t know if they have enough tape for that.

How do you un-wind?

I love reading novels a lot but not school books. I hate school books.

How do you like them, tall or short?

Tall of course.

What’s your fashion sense?

Am not a very complex person, I just love being simple.

What’s your favorite fun spot?

Well in Nigeria, I love hanging out by the pool side. But in America, it’s the mall because you can buy something and a lot of other stuffs.

Is there a man in your life?

Yeah there is a man in my life and that’s all you are going to know (laughs).

So what are the few things people don’t know about you?

I’m scared of heights and am very, very close to my mum and I love chocolate and ice cream.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

L5

Mixed Grills L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Mutiat Alli

Lyrics on the go

British Deputy High Comissioner, Ray Kyles; Ford Foundation, Ukinebo Dare Winner; Adebola Williams

Chude Jideonwo giving his speeach at The Future Awards Africa 2015

British High Commission hosts winners of The Future Awards Africa 2015

The British High Commission in Nigeria hosted winners and a nominee of The Future Awards Africa 2015 to a reception at his residence recently.The reception was anchored at the residence of the British Deputy High Commission, Ray Kyles.

The winner’s reception was a follow up to the awards event which held on Sunday December 6 at the InterContinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Future Awards Africa celebrated 10 years of spotlighting individuals across Africa who are impacting and

inspiring their community and the continent as a whole.

The award hosted by Bonang Matheba and Dare Art-Aladewitnessed a powerful rendition of the National Anthem performed by Niyola, Chidinma and OC Ukeje. Highlights of the event include performances from D’banj Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, HarrySong and Darey who performed his widely popular song, Pray for me.

“We at the British High Commission understand the importance of recognizing the great work that young Africans

are doing and the work that The Future Awards Africa is doing,” Kyles said.

“Africa must develop Africa and we are here to support.”

The winners were drawn from Botswana, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Liberia and Uganda.

The TFAA2015 was presented RED and UBA, and held with support from the British High Commission, Ford Foundation, Microsoft, the US Consulate, the Canadian High Commission, Sterling Bank, Bank of Industry and The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Metro FM Fyne 2.0 set for all flavour Christmas concert Chocolate City Nation - M.I Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Victoria Kimani and Nosa take the stage with other Hot Nigerian musicians like Simi, Solidstar, and a host of other acts billed to perform at the Biggest Urban Radio Christmas Concert in Lagos; the Metro 97.7fm FYNE2.0 All

SG out Wado For Selom Oke Eruedoja with stage name SG, music was part of him, growing up in the Delta region, his love for music becomes uncontrollable shortly after listening to vibes from top acts that includes Tony Braxton, Michael Bolton to mention but few. Luck shined on when he was signed by Big Time Entertainment; one of Nigeria’s musical outfit.

A graduate of media publication

at the University of Buckingham, England. SG pose a threat in the industry as he is set to take-over the music scene with the recent release of his latest video ‘Wado’.

Wado, a form of greetings from the Niger Delta, a form of acknowledgement. In future to come, SG intend to have collaborations with top Nigerian artistes that include Ice-Prince, 2Face Idibia.

SG

Flavours concert.

This fun filled show of music, dance and comedy will be happening live on the 14th of December 2015, at the MUSON Centre Onikan, Lagos. The black tie event is expected to draw in notable faces in the industry.

Music title: Pray For me Artiste: Dare Art Alade Ft. Soweto Gospel Choir Year of release: 2015 Verse 1 woke up one Sunday morning told my daddy I’m leaving home I’m going off to the city tomorrow even though i don’t know where to go daddy said son, don’t be a fool cos life in the city is unbelievable you could get broken oh!! You’re just a little boy and you may never find your way.

And I said i know i could get lost….i know i i i i i know i could get broken….i know i i i i forgive me father but i got to take a chance and i’m already gone so just Chorus ]pray for me gbadura fun mi pray i find my way k’ori bamise oh forgive me father but i got to take a chance oh i’m already gone so just pray for me gbadura fun mi pray i find my way k’ori bamise oh forgive me father but i got to take a chance oh i’m already gone so just pray for me verse 2 hello daddy. how’re you doing? hope mama’s doing ok it’s been four years and eleven months now mo gbo pe aduke ti dagba olorun it was true what you said to me ah ah ah ah ah life in the city is unbelievable ah ah ah ah ah had to struggle just to get by everyday and i could barely find my way sugbon, mo mope mo le sina o da mi loju mo ri pe aiye le aiye yi soro forgive me father but i got to take a chance oh im already gone so just pray for me e e gbadura fun mi k’ori bamise forgive me father but i got to take a chance oh i’m already gone so just pray for me bori ba dolola lola o emi ma de be o gbadura ki n serere o oh i’m already gone so just pray for me pray..ay..ay pray for me kori bamise pray, pray, pray oh i’m already gone so just pray for me pray for me

Dare Art Alade

L7 Reviews

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Music Review Patience Ekanem

B- Red Ft. Akon ‘Cucumber’:

When love sticks

B-red has unleased hid first international collaboration “cucumber” featuring the international pop singer “Akon”.

Cucumber was produced by Teekay witty on Dec 1st, 2015.

The music is the most talked about video this year. Just a week after it was released, it has gained over 102, 836 views and 1,457 likes.

The video was shot in Atlanta.

Cucumber is B- Red 5th official single.

Cucumber is a nice video shot, everything about the video is just ok. Unlike other music I’ve reviewed, I think cucumber is one of the best. The white outfit

by B-Red and the lady he walked with, the white building, the car gave the video a sparkling view to behold. The lyrics of the song

Movie Review Mutiat Alli

is clearly heard. The music is kind of funny “she say she wan cucumber, I can give her any day (I wonder what that could be), I don’t rock and run away”. When asked “what is cucumber she say na the lulumber”. He said the lady wants to populate, that he’ll always be around and that he’ll take her far away and give her all that she wants, that he is capable

enough. But warned her not to think that she had found herself a lover that he only needs her for the night, since she said she wants cucumber.

The video is shot in many areas.

In a bar, in the house and in a lone express. The dance step is a cool one, one doesn’t have to stress his/herself in getting the step it’s an easy step to learn without difficulty.

B- Red dances more like Davido, his dancing step is not different from Davido’s. I just imagine the two artistes performing in the same music video, though Davido has featured in one of B- Red’s music video titled “Twerk”.

Cucumber is a nice video, a cool one at that, it is not too loud.

The music is just there, thumps up B-Red. I give it a 8/10.

Black Silhouette:

Joke Silva leaves the past for another day She is about to make history as the first elected female governor In Nigeria, some stories are not meant to be told, will she be celebrated?

As produced and directed by the duo of Paul Alanza and Charles Uwagbai, the movie Black Silhouette ex-rays poverty, prostitution and sexual abuse as it tells the story of Maro Oti played by veteran actress, (Joke Silva) who is about to make history as the first female governor in Nigeria. Despite her husband’s disapproval she fixes an appointment with internationally acclaimed Biographer Eric Mobumba as played by (IK Osakioduwa) and requests that he writes her memoir.

Eric Mobumba is elated at the opportunity but his excitement however starts to dwindle as Senator Maro’s tale of her past reveals a life of sexual abuse from childhood, prostitution as a teenager and an un-

resolved murder.

The Biographer sees a woman ladened with guilt and shame from her past, all attempts to dissuade her from telling this bitter and horrific story fails as Maro will not be perturbed, convinced that closure will only come from telling the truth of her very dark past herself.

The movie made a perfect attempt to bring to the for the poverty level obtainable in the country and what an average Nigerian will want to do to survive.

Maro’s battle for survival is a fierce one.

She finds herself thrown against circumstances more than once and she has to look for ways to stay alive and keep up.

She grows up to a troubled childhood, loses her love, Tega (Femi Jacobs) and gets introduced to prostitution, all in almost rapid successions.

Starring Femi Jacobs, Jude Orhorha, Ivie

Okujaye, IK Osakioduwa, Joke Silva, child actor, David Olamide, Grace Ofre amongst others, the director did a befitting job in balancing the stories with symbols.

Ivie Okujaye, the Amstel Malta Box Office winner, deserves praise for how she carried this film on her backs until the points when she had to pass the baton to Joke Silva’s experience and finesse. Her fluency in Pidgin English is a joy to behold in the movie, and that was a masterstroke that the director didn’t miss out on because it is difficult to portray prostitution at its crudest in Nigeria without pidgin playing a part.

In all, I can go on and on in discussing the movie as it is worth the time with great effort from all the entire cast and crew of the production and not putting aside the wonderful delivery of veteran actress, Joke Silva and child actor David Olamide. I have no choice than to give a total 10/10 to this movie great.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 10, 2015

Tinsel

Showing on

13:30 Thur, 10 Dec | PG13

Showing on 150 Africa Magic Showcase ‘S8/E1536 - 8/1536’. Tsav takes a huge risk to deliver a personal message to Amaka. The girls adjusts their travel plans as the Baale and Prince Ojo pay a very special visit. Bimpe confronts Nina and causes trouble for Soji.

101 M-Net

L8 Television 166 Channel

Married Again

08:00 Thur, 10 Dec | PG

‘S1/E94 - 1/94’. Yash’s father is accused of having another child outside his marriage. He agrees to take a DNA test to prove he is not the father. Aarti breaks into Radha’s house in search of ammunition and is shocked at her findings.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 SONY MAX

00:20 Would I Lie To You? 00:50 The Cube 01:40 Call The Midwife: Christmas...

03:00 EastEnders 03:30 EastEnders 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Royal Pains 14:00 Arrow 15:00 Resurrection 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Goldbergs 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Grey’s Anatomy 19:30 Mysteries Of Laura 20:30 Elementary 21:30 Carte Blanche 22:30 Hello Ladies: The Movie

154 AfricaMagic Family

00:55 Out Of The Ghetto 02:30 Jane And Abel 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Scarlet 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Redial 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Goge Africa 14:30 Nowhere To Be Found

04:00 EastEnders 04:30 EastEnders

03:50 The Impostor 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

15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Paul’s Puzzle 21:00 Nowhere To Be Found 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

14:10 Total Wipeout UK

05:25 QI

16:00 EastEnders

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

06:30 EastEnders

00:30 Killer Karaoke

17:10 The Cube

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

01:30 Tattoo Nightmares

07:55 The Weakest Link

18:05 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

02:00 Most Shocking

08:45 The Chase

19:00 Celebrity MasterChef

09:30 Total Wipeout UK

20:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

10:30 The Cube

21:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

11:20 New Tricks

21:50 The Graham Norton Show

12:20 Top Gear

22:40 Would I Lie To You?

13:15 Come Dine With Me

22:30 Would I Lie To You?

15:05 The Weakest Link

155 AfricaMagic World

03:00 Most Shocking 04:00 Exposed 04:30 Exposed 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow

00:05 Music Block 01:10 Good Morning Africa 02:10 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd 07:50 Star Gist 08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Kumwesu 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 Revelation 21:20 Jara 21:55 Music Block

15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 20:00 Enemy Territory 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 Most Shocking