Dtn 10 2 16

Dasuki gave PDP N10b for presidential convention -Witness

Ï ’Anenih, Kema Chikwe, others got various sums from Metuh’

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Federal High Court in Abuja heard on

Tuesday that the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki

(rtd) withdrew the sum of N10 billion from the Central Bank and shared same

to chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the party’s presidential

convention.

The Economic and FiContinued on page 6

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 41

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 9 February 2016.

7UP

176.7

183.98

7.28%

SEPLAT

245

250

5%

UACN

20.89

19.86

-1.03%

UBN

5.22

5.05

-0.17%

MOBIL

145.01

152

6.99%

UNILEVER

31.84

33.43

1.59%

ETI

15.7

15

-0.7%

FBNH

3.92

3.78

-0.14%

NASS shifts 2016 Budget pass date over ‘paddings’ Ï Postpones passage date from Feb. 25 ‘until further notice’ Ï Senate delegation consults with Acting President Osinbajo Ï Fayose urges Buhari to withdraw, represent Budget

Olufemi Samuel, Henry Omunu and Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe National Assembly has declared that the February 25 deadline earlier set Continued on page 6

CBN issues guidelines on TSA for states gB 1 Dasukigate as validation for our reset,

by Fidelis Anosikeg25

Terror g 12 attack: Security beefed up at Aso Rock

Leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu (left) during his arraignment in handcuff at the Federal High Court, Abuja for treasonable felony… on Tuesday.

PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

ÏKogi: Achuba sworn in as Gov. Bello’s deputy

g 12

Empress Njamah:

On being a Philantropist gL 1

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Page Three Æ s

3

Editorial Alarming migration of doctors

E

ven when it did not come as surprise, the fact that there is relentless migration of Nigeria’s professionals to other countries should be cause for concern.

That is why the recent report that 227 doctors left Nigeria in 2015 in search of greener pastures across the globe must be ringing alarm bells.

According to the report, reasons cited by those leaving the country include search of job satisfaction, higher standards of living, better salaries and an educationally progressive society.

In fact, what is happening to the medical profession is symptomatic of the malaise affecting the other professions. Definitely, there is nothing wrong with persons migrating from one country to another for economic or political reasons. However, when such migrations become pervasive, it is capable of draining a country of its best brains while keeping the society perpetually undeveloped.

For years, Nigeria has struggled with the crisis of brain drain in all sectors, even as findings revealed that in 2010, 637 doctors left the country.

There is no denying that the effect of this brain drain is enormous and deleterious.

One of the most essential resources in a health system is the human capital that constitutes it. These highly qualified health professionals, and in particular doctors, are subject to numerous qualitative and quantitative regulatory measures to insure the quality, equity and sustainability of health care delivery. Sadly, Nigeria ranks among the 30 countries exporting the highest numbers of doctors in the world. While this is going on, the country continues to witness an embarrassing shortage of doctors to man its hospitals and health institu-

tions.

Incidentally, Nigeria has invested in the education and training of these health professionals. It therefore translates into a loss of considerable resources when these people migrate, with the direct benefit accruing to the recipient states who did not bear the cost of educating them.

It is a fact that the intellectuals of any country are some of the most expensive resources because of their training in terms of material cost and time, and most importantly, because of lost opportunity.

It would be wrong to put all the blames on the migrating doctors, especially given the de-motivating working conditions, and low salaries in the country. Investigations reveal that scores of Nigerian doctors currently overseas are willing to return home provided appropriate employment opportunities are available. Unfortunately, not only are such opportunities very scarce, there is growing unemployment among registered doctors in Nigeria. Moreover, there is need for high-income countries to invest more in domestic medical education and to stop hiring from countries with the lowest coverage of doctors.

Nigeria can, and should, do more to attract and keep doctors and other health professionals at home.

While all the sectors of the economy are interwoven and fundamental for a robust development, some are even more crucial, as they influence directly on the people’s wellbeing. It is probably in this light that stakeholders are advocating that the many problems besetting the Nigerian medical sector, which are mainly responsible for medical personnel’s flight abroad, need to be urgently addressed. Mass migration of health workers from Nigeria is surely unhealthy.

Daily/ Online Editor Biodun Durojaiye 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

ÏÏÏLately, the utterances

of some officials of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and operatives of associated departments and agencies have heightened fears that the administration may be on a mission, though undeclared, to distabilse and weaken critical national institutions, and enthrone the rule of one man, a clear route to authoritarianism.

One of such utterances was made by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Malami at the launch of

‘Go and sin no more’, a report of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in Lagos recently, threatened that the current administration would ensure that judicial officials who abuse their offices are sent to jail.

The AGF, who was represented at the event by Abiodun Aikomo, one of his senior special assistants, said: “Corrupt judges will go to jail as the government of President Muhammadu Buhari will actively promote and ensure that corrupt judges are prosecuted and their illegally acquired assets are returned to the state.”

Ordinarily, Malami’s statement should be welcomed by all who desire a corrupt-free judiciary in the country. However, the manner the statement was couched clearly show

Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714 Head Finance/Shared services Simpa Ajayi

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that it was a veiled threat to judges.

Clearly, the AGF’s threat and others like it are attacks on the judiciary and aimed at browbeating the judiciary to do the bidding of the incumbent administration, which is to convict persons brought before it by the government, willy-nilly.

This is certainly the wrong way to go as it will end up returning Nigeria to dictatorship, the rule of one man and his party.

So, Malami and other officials of the Buhari administration should refrain from statements which clearly are threats to the judiciary. They should realise that judges are not their house boys.

They are constitutionally mandated to deliver justice to all persons at all times without being dictated to by anyone, officials of the executive arm of government inclusive.

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Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Managing Editor Yinka Olujimi

Malami’s veiled threat to Judges

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Arthur Nwankwo

Olurunnimbe Mamora

Richard Akinjide

“The meat of real and visionary leaders always is to steer the economy back on track. Such leaders are pathfinders not faultfinders.”

“The meaning of any law is not fully established until it is tested in court. That is the beauty if democracy.”

“When you are in a hole and you continue digging the hole, you are making your situation worse.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Budget: N500b social investment allocation unprecedented, says Osinbajo Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The Buhari administration will put in place effective primary healthcare centers across the country, even as it is collaborating with international agencies to end HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country to enhance access to healthcare.

These indications were given on Tuesday by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, while receiving a delegation of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, led by its Executive Director, Mr. Michel Sidibe at the Presidential Villa.

Osinbajo’s declaration came as Sidibe disclosed that no fewer than 500 ba-

bies were born in Nigeria annually with HIV infection.

According to the Vice President, access to healthcare is “a poverty issue, we must put it in that perspective.”

He explained that it was for the same reasons that the Buhari administration put the “half a trillion Naira in the 2016 budget, the largest single budgetary item of any government ever on social investments programmes,” that addresses poverty.

A statement from the media office of the Vice President said Osinbajo was referring to the six social investment plans of the Buhari presidency

which are: *Creation of 500,000 teaching jobs for unemployed graduates; *370,000 youths to be taken through vocational training and skills acquisition and would be paid while doing so; *Conditional Cash Transfer programme where one million extremely poor Nigerians would be paid N5000 per month in 2016; *Homegrown School Feeding programme where the federal government provides one-meala-day to primary school pupils across the country; *Free Education for tertiary education students in Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics; and *A one-time N60, 000 loan to market women, artisans and traders through a Micro Credit scheme using the Bank of Industry.

Quoting the Vice President, the statement said all the programmes had been provided for in the 2016 budget and they were meant to reduce poverty and vulnerabilities.

Osinbajo stated that access to treatment by patients of HIV/AIDS as in other diseases was an equality issue “because the vast majority of people who need help are those who can’t afford it,” the statement noted.

5 News

500,000 children immunised in Ekiti Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado-Ekiti

ÎÎÎ Experts and sundry

stakeholders in the fiveday campaign in Ekiti state has rated the success of the first tranche of Integrated Measles Campaign in the state to be “very high and couldn’t have been less than 95 per cent” as over 500,000 children between age nine months and five years, were immunised during the exercise.

During the five day exercise, 300 government’s immunisation centres, including governmentowned health facilities as

Taraba Dep Gov’s mother kidnapped Sabiu Mustapha, Jalingo

ÏÏÏ

Taraba state Police have confirmed the abduction of the aged mother of the Taraba state deputy governor, Hajiya Hauwa Kulu Manu by some unknown gunmen.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joseph kwaji, who confirmed the kidnap to our reporter via telephone, said the police operatives have begun an intensive investigation with a mission to apprehend the kidnappers.

“On Monday, February 8, at about 10:35pm, four unidentified gunmen invaded the house of Deputy GovSenator, representing Ebonyi Central, Obinna Ogba (left), and Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi during a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of Ogba at Nkalagu, Ishiellu Local Government of Ebonyi State…. recently.

Plateau Pastors, Imams commended for peace moves

Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÏÏÏClergymen in Jos South

Local Government Area of Plateau State, represented by the CAN Chairman of Jos South, Rev. Sani James, has said that the Pastors and Imams in the locality contributed immensely to the actualisation of the relative peace being enjoyed in the area.

He said that Pastors and Imams were always brought together for dialogue, by a nongovernmental organization, Search for Common Ground, to discuss on how to admonish

their followers sheathe their swords and live together.

Rev. James stated this at an event organised by Search for Common Ground founded by the European Union tagged “Celebration of Peace Achieved in Jos- South”, to herald the return of peace in the area.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President, Search for Common Ground (SFCG), Mrs. Lena Slachmuijlder, charged Nigerian government at all levels to key into the peace building efforts established in the country by its

organisation with the aim of sustaining it.

She urged youths to be tolerant to one another stating that there is great hope for the nation in spite of the challenges facing the country.

In her words: “The achievement seen in the state in the area of peace building by SFCG is exactly what the same organisation has achieved in countries like Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Pakistan through the implementation of its action plans in areas of operation.

The Vice President stressed that dialogue remains the best in achieving a peaceful society than investing in “Bombs, Wars and Ammunition, which cannot bring lasting peace”.

Also at the event, the Council Chairman of Jos-South Local Government Area, Hon. Augustine Pwakim, while appreciating the contributions of SFCG in the area of peace, he maintained that peace and security remained the cardinal point of the government and would not relent in supporting any peace initiative in the state.

well as selected sites such as churches, mosques, markets and schools were administered by 6,202 health workers and community members in the state.

Speaking with journalist in Ado Ekiti, the District Governor of District 404B-2, Lions Club International, and a stakeholder, Dr. Funke Adebajo, attributed part of the success recorded in the measles campaign to the training organised for the 4 Region chair persons and other participants from the district before the commencement of the awareness programme.

ernor of Taraba state and abducted his mother for unknown destination,” he said.

He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Shaba Alkali was heading the ongoing operation launched by the state police command to rescue the deputy governor’s mother from captivity.

“The Commissioner of Police is presently in Mutum-Biyu, super heading the vibrant and robust rescue operation,” the PPRO said.

When asked on whether the kidnappers have so far demanded for ransom to let the mother of the deputy governor regained freedom, the PPRO said: “No, I don’t have any information as regards that”.

FG to construct 6, 000km of roads in 3 years — Fashola Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏMinister

of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday, said that the federal government intends to construct 6,000 kilometers road network throughout the country within three years while defending the N433billion budgetary allocation for works in the 2016 budget.

The minister, who appeared before the joint committee of the House on Power, Works and Housing on Tuesday, assured that the Buhari administration will focus on accelerating the completion of road projects that will add value to the nation’s economy and those that were near completion by the previous administration

Fashola if its 2016 budget is approved by the National Assembly.

Giving a breakdown of the N433billion expenditure allocated to his ministry, the minister said that N268billion will be expended on power, N99billion on works and 66billion on housing.

He said that the government in the first year plans to execute 31 road projects covering 2,902 kilometers, 55 projects covering 2,663 kilometers in the second year, and in the third year execute 49 projects covering 2, 059 kilometers of roads.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

NASS shifts Budget pass date over ‘paddings’ Continued from page 1 for the passage of the 2015 Appropriation Bill is no longer feasible following the discoveries of errors, paddings and over-bloated overhead expenditure of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje and the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, while briefing journalists on the extent of work done on the budget by the National Assembly.

According to the committee chairmen, the clarification by the National Assembly has become imperative because of the recent controversies surrounding the budget and the desire of the legislature to pass into law a budget that contains no ambiguities and implementable when assented to by the President.

The development came a day after the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole told the Senate Committee on Health that the original budget of his ministry had been distorted and strange figures smuggled in.

Adewole had, while addressing the Committee on Monday, said, “We have to look into the details of the budget and re-submit it to the committee. This was

not what we submitted.

We’ll submit another one.

We don’t want anything foreign to creep into that budget. What we submitted is not there.”

Lawmakers had had running battles with representatives of ministries and departments of government during budget defence sessions over arguments about strange figures detected in the budgets, while the representatives were at different times strictly advised to go back and effect corrections.

The lawmakers said on Tuesday that for the Senate and House of Representatives to do a thorough work on the budget and be able to produce a document that will be acceptable and implementable, the “February 25 date is no longer realistic because we need more time to do a thorough job”.

They said the Presidency on behalf of the executive arm of government had admitted that the budget being considered by the National Assembly contains detected errors, paddings and over bloated expenditure profiles.

Senator Goje said the National Assembly will follow all due process in the passage of the budget, adding that “we don’t want to pass a budget that will returned to us. We need to remove all ambiguities and paddings”.

On his part, Rep. Jibrin refused to blame President Muhammadu Buhari for the controversies that have trailed the 2016 budget, saying that the “National Assembly understands the President will not be able to go through the budget page by page, so it’ll be inappropriate to blame the President.

“The budget defence sessions in the National Assembly has witnessed disagreements between various ministers and top civil servants”.

While denying the existence of any rift between the Presidency and the National Assembly over the consideration and passage of the budget, Senator Goje said the legislature cannot give a new definite date when the budget will be passed into law by the National Assembly.

He added that the consideration and passage of the budget the National Assembly “is a continuous interaction with the executive arm of government until the budget is passed.

“We’re all on the same page on this issue. The shift will affect the implementation of the budget as it has a 12 months life span”.

Also on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, led a delegation of senators to consult with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the 2016 budget, and Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose

urged President Muhammadu Buhari to save the country from national embarrassment being caused by the 2016 Budget by formally withdrawing and representing it.

Speaking with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with Osinbajo, the Senate Leader said besides the issue of the bills standing before the senate, it was also incumbent on the upper legislative chamber to fraternize with Osinbajo

in his capacity as acting President.

He siad: “This government is our government.

I am the Senate Leader in this government, so my coming here today is not supposed to be a new thing.

My coming here should even be more regular.

“This is not the first time we are coming here.

But this is the first time we are having the Vice President as acting President.

That is one of the reasons why we are here.

“This is because we are setting a new example.

During the previous government, the President will just go and leave the place blank.

“But this time around when our President goes for a few days, he transmitted to all Nigerians that the Vice President is to act as the President.

“So we came for the regular consultation. There is nothing new about it and Continued on page 12

Former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), during his on-going trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja... on Tuesday.

PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Dasuki gave PDP N10b for presidential convention -Witness

Continued from page 1

nancial Crimes Commission (EFCC) also told the court how the sum of N766m representing N400m and N366m that were paid into his Destra Company was shared.

The said N10 billion was converted into dollars which amounted to $47m which was given to the ADC to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to share to PDP members for the presidential convention.

A detective at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Junaid Sa’ad, stated these while testify-

ing in the trial of the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh. He said the $2m which the PDP spokesman gave to Nneka Ararume is strongly linked to the $47m which was shared among party members by Dasuki.

Sa’ad, who was the eighth and last witness in the case, said: “Investigation revealed that after payment of N400m

by ONSA, a total sum of N366m was paid into the same account by one Kabiru Ibrahim, who also paid in N150m; Capital Field Investment Limited paid in N91m, and one Eyitonye, paid in N82m.

“These funds formed

the naira equivalent of $2m, which the first defendant (Metuh) gave to one Nneka Ararume in cash.

“Investigations revealed that all this money was used for PDP campaign activities and for personal use by the first defendant.

The money used for PDP campaign activities were from the sum of N400m.

Among the disbursement made, the sum of N77.5m was paid to CMC connect for campaign activities; the sum of N25m was paid to Abba Dabo for campaign activities; and the sum of N21.7m was paid to Chief Tony Anenih. Another sum of N5m was discovered to have been paid to Chief Kema Chikwe,

and the sum of N50m was found to have been transferred to a joint account of the first defendant and his wife.

“The sum of N500m was also discovered to have been transferred to Daniel Ford International Limited in two tranches of N200m and N300m for the purpose of buying landed property at Banana Island, Lagos, by Metuh.

According to the witness “In the course of investigation, it was revealed that the former NSA, Col.Sambo Dasuki (rtd) withdrew N10 billion from Central Bank and converted same into dollars which amounted to $47m and gave the money

to the ADC to former President Goodluck Jonathan and his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to share to PDP members for the presidential convention. The $2m given to Nneka Ararume by Metuh is strongly linked to that disbursement.

“The $47m which was converted on November 27, 2014 and shared out to PDP members for presidential convention. Just four days after the money was converted was when Metuh gave the $2m to Miss Ararume to invest.

Asked under cross examination whether there was any document on the withdrawal of the N10 billion by Dasuki, the wit-

ness said document for the withdrawal is part of the other charges to be preferred against Dasuki.

He added that there was however no document as to the $47m because the money was shared in cash.

Sa’ad further testified to the effect that Metuh diverted N50m out of the N400m given to him by a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, for “security services” to purchase landed property at Banana Island in Lagos.

The witness, who was cross examined by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), confirmed that former President Jonathan had Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Ambode mulls LagosFrankfurt sister-city partnership Benjamim Omoike

ÏÏÏLagos

state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday, expressed the desire of his administration to partner with the Federal Republic of Germany in the areas of power, transport, technology and development finance to bring about a quantum leap in establishment and sustenance of businesses in the state.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja while playing host to the President of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck, said he was also favourably disposed to a sister-city relationship between Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria and Frankfurt, the commercial hub in Germany, especially in the area of financial service sector.

7 News

DSS applies for secret trial of Nnamdi Kanu

ÏÏÏThe

Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday, applied for a secret trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

At the hearing, prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Diri, prayed the court to allow the DSS protect its witnesses throughout the trial.

But in his objection, the defense counsel, Chuks Muoma said it will be wrong to permit a secret trial.

Muoma said his client is not charged for terrorism and that the court is a public place, although he added that sympathisers of the defendants had constantly been restricted from court by security agents.

He said since there is adequate security in place, the issue of secret trial does not arise.

Muoma also applied to the court to release money ($2,200 and N87, 000) and two passports – Nigerian and British – collected from the first defendant.

“My lord, it is undesirable to kill a man and hack his bones, the defendant is in a maximum security prison and these materials are not needed to prosecute this case,” Muoma said.

However, objecting, Diri said he conceded for an adjournment for the defense counsel to file his application for the protection of witnesses.

He also opposed the application

demanding for the release of the money and passports of the first defendant.

“My lord, I vehemently oppose the application by my learned colleague for the release of some evidences by the prosecution in the defense,” Diri said.

He said the items listed, if not used in court by the prosecution will be released to the defendant.

He said contrary to applying to the court, the defense counsel should make a request to the attorney general of the federation for the release of those documents.

“Your lordship, secondly as with the passports, the proof of evidence that is before this hon-

ourable court indicates that, despite the fact that the first defendant carries Nigerian and British passport, he sneaked into the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without any of them,” he added.

Diri said the passports as relevant as evidence before the court.

But in his reply, Muoma said attached to the charge are statements of prosecution witnesses.

“My lord, there is no money, no dollars, no naira and no passports attached to this charge,” the defense counsel said.

He said the in the list of 70 evidences listed under oath, the documents his team are asking for were not listed.

Ooni loses 104-yr-old grandma Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏQueen

L-R: Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkemakolam Okeke; Governor Willie Obiano; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; former Minister of Health, Dr. Tim Menakaya and Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Aku Odinkemelu at the Anambra State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) summit held at the Prof. Dora Akunyuli Women Development Center. Awka... on Tuesday.

Perm Sec defends N3.2b State House clinic budget ÏÏÏThe Permanent Secretary,

State House, Alhaji Jalal Arabi, on Tuesday, successfully defended the 2016 State House budget proposal of N18.1 billion before the National Assembly.

Addressing members of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties in Abuja on Tuesday, Arabi disclosed that N3.2 billion of the budget was earmarked for the upgrade of State House Clinic to Centre of Excellence. ``The budget for the State House Medical Centre included N3.219billion proposed for the completion of on-going work as

well as procurement of drugs and other medical equipment. ``The Medical Centre provides health care treatment for the President and Vice-President, their families as well as numerous civil servants working in the State House and across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government and of course, with due respect, including Parliamentarians and members of the legislature in addition to other notable dignitaries. ``Interestingly, Mr. Chairman, on a lighter note, not only those that have been captured here attend (the Medical Centre), there are poor of poorest that attend because we receive reference from Gwagwalada, Garki, Wuse hospitals.

``So, if they come, we attend to them and interestingly too at no fee at all, we don’t charge. ``The anticipated improvement of the Medical Centre will propel it to serve as a Centre of Excellence and also reduce medical tourism. ``May I also add that the State House Medical Centre, unlike other Medical Centres does not charge any fees for its services and hence does not generate any revenue for itself,’’ he said.

Arabi stated that N3.9billion of the budget was earmarked for the routine maintenance of the State House, while 394million would be spent on rehabilitation of dilapidated structures being occupied by security personnel.

Mariani Adeyemi Ogunwusi, who is the mother of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is dead.

The 104-year-old queen died on Tuesday at exactly 4:30am, according to a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs of Ooni’s Palace, Mr. Moses Olafari.

According to the statement, the deceased had the premonition of her death with her action of placing the photographs of the Ooni on her chest.

The statement noted that whenever she places the picture on her chest, the deceased gave

thanks to God that the prophecy of over 40 years by her husband was brought to reality in her lifetime.

The statement reads, “Ile Oodua announces the glorious transition of Queen Mariani Adeyemi Ogunwusi, the paternal grandmother of Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II).

“Survived by her only surviving son, Prince Oluropo Ogunwusi and twelve grandchildren, the King’s grandmother who had earlier lost her second child, Prince Isaac Olufemi Ogunwusi and her husband Prince Olaobaju Joseph Ogunwusi in 1995 and 1998 respectively, died at exactly 4:30am in house at Ile-Ife at the ripe age of

OPC expels national officers

Gani

ÏÏÏThe National Coordinating

Council of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has announced the expulsion of some of its members for anti-congress activities and gross indiscipline which will portray OPC as anti-people and a lawless organization.

The former members are Marruf Salami (Former Kwara State Coordinator) Adeola Adeagbo

(Former Oyo State Coordinator) Rotimi Akinsowon (Former Ondo State Coordinator, Boye Mayungbe (Former Baba Odua) Akeem Ologburo (Former Bayelsa Coordinator).

According to the Director of Media and Publicity, Yinka Oguntimehin, the Congress frowns seriously at the expelled members who have exhibited gross anti-congress activities and acts that may bring the Congress to public ridicule.

OPC over the years have come out of various negative perceptions and the congress have through its activities which include cultural promotions and humanitarian services by complementing the efforts of security agencies especially in South West.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Politics

Æs

Corruption became entrenched during Murtala/ Obasanjo regime —Na’Abba Speaker of the House of Representatives, during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when bribe money was brought to the floor of the House, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’ Abba, in this interview with AUGUSTINE OKEZIE spoke on the overall effects of corruption on the polity and why government should fund democratic structures to deepen democracy. Excerpts:

Na’abba

Obasanjo

Murtala

What are your thoughts on the issue of lack of internal democracy amongst political parties in Nigeria?

Whenever you pull out internal de-

mocracy from an election, then you are inflicting heavy damage on the polity.

But today that is what is going on, and that is why we have so many economic and social problems. Because the pol-

ity is not growing, the economy is not growing and the society is not growing. So this is why I thought this platCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Knocks, kudos for Supreme Court over judgments as PDP continues celebrations

Mohammed

As the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues its victory celebrations over the outings of its governors at the Supreme Court, groups and individuals have been faulting the apex court on the recent judgments.

Amongst them is the foremost independent citizen election observers group in Nigeria, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has expressed its consternation on

N20bn amnesty programme budget inadequate — Boroh The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, BrigGen. Paul Boroh (retd), on Tuesday said the N20 billion proposed for the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the 2016 Appropriation Bill was inadequate.

He made this known while defending the programme’s before the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs on in Abuja.

Boroh, who is the coordinator of the amnesty programme, said that N64 billion was originally proposed for the programme for 2016 but was reduced to N20 billion, leaving a shortfall of N44 billion.

He expressed concern that 30, 000 ex-Niger Delta militants currently undergoing training abroad would be adversely affected should the proposed amount be approved by the National Assembly. `` I urge you, most sincerely, to consider an upward review from the proposed N20 billion to N64.8 billion for the sustenance and re-integration of ex-agitators in the amnesty programme for the 2016 fiscal year. ``The proposed N7.8 billion for stipends and allowances from the budget proposal can only accommodate 9,868 ex-agitators for the 2016 fiscal year, excluding 15,132 ex-agitators,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Chairman of the committee, Mr Peter Nwaboshi, said the committee would scrutinize the proposal presented, with a view to addressing the issues raised by the president’s aide.

He, however, said that the committee would vet the list of the 30,000 ex-agitators submitted to it to ensure that they were genuine.

Nwaoboshi also asked the presidential aide to immediately disengage the 247 consultants who had been working for the programme as agreed by the committee.

He said that the directive became necessary in view of the fact that the economic reality in the country could not support the engagement of such number of consultants.

the verdicts of the Supreme Court on the state governorship elections.

The Supreme Court had recently within a week awarded victory to PDP governors in Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, Rivers, Nyesom Wike, Ebonyi, Dave Umahi, Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Boroh

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

9 Politics

Why FG must fund democratic structures — Na’Abba CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

form has provided us with this opportunity to look at these things and then try to bring succor to our democracy.

What is your response to the issue of consensus building amongst politicians and political parties?

On political consensus in our polity, whatever political party we belong to, there must be a consensus that we must work for our democracy, and that winners and losers must always be recognised. When someone looses or a party looses an election, we must acknowledge the existence of the losing party and carry it along.

Whoever the looser is must accept defeat and we want a situation whereby winning and losing will be fairly and freely decided, so that whoever wins, will know that yes, it is on merit and whoever looses, we will be sure he is not deprived of one thing or the other.

How do you see the growth of Democracy in Africa?

It is everyone’s wish that Africa be democratised and we thought that if we are free, we must not be indifferent to another’s freedom elsewhere particularly in our continent.

In Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, there are growing challenges of democracy. You see, when you leave people with no choice, they will resort to violence, and that is why there is violence in many African countries, because people are

Obasanjo

being deprived of their right to choose their leaders.

How do you view current efforts aimed at sustaining democracy in Nigeria?

Well, I believe that most of the conferences and summits that have held in the past must have been organised in good faith with the objective of making our society better.

I strongly believe that efforts aimed at ensuring the sustenance of democracy requires a lot of financial backing and that structure must be funded.

And that is why in certain developed nations, they have endowments, these endowments are funded by their governments.

For example in the United States, they have what is called National Endowment for Democracy-this is funded by the government and it’s a body under a state department and it’s responsible for funding political institutions to achieve their objectives. It is this body that funds institutions like the National Democratic Institute and International Republican Institute.

The role of these institutes in the political revolution of a lot of African countries cannot be overemphasized. Even when we started this democracy in 1999, they used to come and put us in many aspects of democracy, from appropriation process to various ways of legislation. That continued until I made a personal effort to bring them to Nigeria on a more per-

Na’abba

manent base. That was when they established offices and had permanent bases in Nigeria. So, we would want Federal Government to buy this idea of institute for democracy. It will be a means of examining some of this our programmes with a view to stabilising and helping our polity.

Looking at governance in our country today, many quarters have been crying foul over what they described as threats to democracy. Do you think our democracy is under threat?

Well, my believe is that so well as there is no internal democracy in any polity, that polity is definitely at threat.

People are underestimating the importance of internal democracy. It is within the structure of internal democracy that you know the souls.

As long as we go about democracy disorderly, it has a way of hitting back and that is why we see that today, because of lack of internal democracy, we have many security issues such as insurgency, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and many others numerous to mention. Whatever sector one is, ultimately, what determines whether you live at peace or war is good governance Today, the premise within which people are recruited is faulty and out of sycophancy, so when people become sycoCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Murtala

Secondus

Knocks, kudos for Supreme Court over judgments as PDP continues celebrations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

President Muhammadu Buhari had recently described the judiciary as his headache in his ongoing fight against corruption in the country.

National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun had lamented over the apex court verdicts while the chapters of the party in Rivers and Akwa Ibom had also expressed their disappointment with the judgments.

And in a statement by its Chairman, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the TMG with over 400 members noted that the “disturbing trend in these judicial pronouncements, is in the fact that the apex court has elected to give judgments, and not justice. In the face of unrepentant attempts to subvert the will of the people in a good number of the cases, the court has curiously turned a blind eye.

“For us, it is absolutely shocking that the Supreme Court has decided to act as if it exists in another planet. TMG is perturbed by the strange legal reasoning that has informed the blank cheque that the court has given to election riggers.

“We make bold to say that while the legal premise be-

hind these judgments is best known to the apex court, the open reward for electoral impunity does not resonate with the Nigerian people.

“As the foremost election observation coalition in the country, we see the Supreme Court judgments as clear cut attempts at legalising electoral robberies.

“These judgments, particularly on Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, have merely given judicial imprimatur to the damaging mind set of rapacious politicians who would stop at nothing in their bid to subvert the will of the people.

What these judgments have effectively done is to ridicule Nigeria in the eyes of the international community, while diminishing our country’s stature in the comity of lovers of democracy around the world.

“Painfully, the biggest losers are the ordinary people in the states who have been denied their democratic choices on account of the violence and impunity that characterised the polls in those states.

In the end, what the Supreme Court has succeeded in doing is to spit on the graves of all those innocent Nigerians who lost their lives as a result of CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Knocks, kudos for Supreme Court over judgments as PDP continues celebrations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

the activities of those hell bent on subverting the will of the people.

“On behalf of the scores of Nigerians whose lives were cut short by the activities of election riggers, we take solace in the fact that even beyond the justice of the Supreme Court; there is the justice of the Almighty. And in due course, those who willfully killed and maimed in the desperate bid to capture power, would be held to account”, the group stressed.

But the PDP says with last Wednesday’s rulings affirming the elections of Governors Udom Emmanuel and Okezie Ikpeazu of Akwa-Ibiom and Abia states respectively, the Supreme Court, in upholding justice has further reinvigorated the hope and trust of the citizenry in the judiciary as the bastion of democracy.

Embattled Acting National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, in a statement, said the PDP and all lovers of democracy in the country commend the maturity and patriotism being displayed by the Supreme Court in dispensing justice, a development, which has strengthened the confidence of the people in democracy and rule of law.

“Wednesday’s rulings on Abia and Akwa-Ibom, coming after the apex court had last week handed justice in affirming the elections of Governors Nyesom

Wike and Dave Umahi of Rivers and Ebonyi states respectively, have not only put a seal on the popularity of our governors, as duly reflected in the elections, but also that of the PDP, irrespective of the temporary setback of the 2015 general elections.

“Nigerians are no longer in doubt of the fact that in spite of the electoral challenges, the PDP remains the only pan-Nigeria party, committed to the national interest, with the capacity, vision and direction to deliver and sustain a united and prosperous country; the reason we are working hard to regain power at the center in 2019.

“While congratulating our governors and indeed, all well-meaning Nigerians for this triumph of democracy, we restate our charge to all PDP elected and appointed office holders at all levels across the country to continue to patriotically exert themselves, while maintaining the lead in providing purposeful leadership in line with the ideology and visions of PDP founding fathers.

“Despite the challenges, we assure Nigerians that we will not relent but continue to be steadfast in showing leadership at all levels especially at this point where other political platforms offer no hope or governance direction to the people,” Secondus stressed.

Mohammed

Secondus

Homegrown solutions better than World Bank loan— Agoro

Agoro

As Nigeria prepares to take a loan from the World Bank aftermath of the financial strait it is in at the moment, a former Presidential Candidate has counseled against such a move to address Nigeria’s economic woes.

Rather, he suggested that the country should develop a homegrown remedy in taking Nigeria out of the present woods it found itself.

According to Dr. Olapade Agoro of the National Action Council (NAC), this was done during the era of erstwhile President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo when Nigeria, amidst fanfare paid off almost US$ 30 billion of her total indebtedness to exit the ‘back-to-slavery, chains and shackles in the hands and legs of the poor, IMF problematic loans’.

Agoro observed that it becomes a sinister motive and highly surprising for the Muhammadu Buhari’s regime expected to be the poor friendly contemplating becoming a good boy of the West, and taking a loan from the World Bank.

He said in spite of pay-

Buhari

ing off the $30 billion IMF loan, the administration of former President Olusegun Obsanajo before it left office year 2007 had Foreign Exchange Earnings of US$62 billion in the kitty, which he alleged was unexplainably drawn down to US$450 million in just one year (2007 -2008) during regime of Yar’Adua/ Goodluck Jonathan.

He also observed that it was an undisputable fact that a handful of Nigerians are far richer that the nation State of Nigeria in foreign exchange savings kept in far way foreign economies. “ U n f o r t u n a t e l y, should these Nigerians suddenly die like Mobutu Seseseko did, who left behind a whooping foreign exchange account of about US$5 billion, there will be no way the West would ever allow that type of money to be taken out of the Western economy”, he said.

He expressed regrets that while there appears to be unending tales of discoveries of late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha’s loot to be repatriated back to Nigeria, nobody has told hap-

Lagard

less Nigerians how the money got saved in the foreign banks by the late General who never once traveled out of Nigeria throughout his stay in power to any country of the West.

“It therefore becomes apposite that if the nation must sincerely and timely find an appropriate, most reasonable, friendly approach to her prevailing economic quagmire, it is the Home Grown Syndicated Solution rather than IMF loan loaded with conditionality unfavorable to the peoples’ interest and welfare”, he advised.

On corruption, he said since it has become obvious that Nigeria judicial system is a snail speed moving one and inhibiting the wheel of progress that could make ongoing corruption trials last at least 20 years, moving from lower Court to Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court, “we will be fooling ourselves to expect any tangible results than mere noise making in President Buhari’s current assault at the evils of corruption in Nigeria”.

Besides, he said the fact must be faced that

Buhari’s stay in power currently enjoying about nine months of its first year of constitutional stipulated period of four years may not see the end of the expected trial time of those now being made to face the odd music trials in court for corruption.

“Therefore for assured maximum result guarantee, the best approach that can effortlessly and effectively recoup back to Nigeria within 40 days of minimum US $ 5 billion dollars should be the afro style “Home Grown syndicated Solutions” of Name, Shame and Negotiate, take back all or part of the identifiable stolen funds”, he said.

According to him, many Nigerians whom he described as birds of the same feathers irrespective of their political parties in APC, PDP, APGA, SDP, etc are clever thieves ready to pay any amount of money particularly in foreign currency to engage lawyers to keep their cases ad-infinitum in the courts no doubt with the intention to outlast the time Muhammadu Buhari the sworn anti- corruption crusader would legally stay in power.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

11 Politics

Elections: Attitude of winners-take-all must be discouraged — Ghali Na’Abba CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

phants, what happens is that the incentive is killed. Because when you are a sycophant and I see you are the only one making progress, I will convert myself into a sycophant too. I will not waste my time studying hard for me to be able to succeed. I will regress and come down to your level thereby killing my intellect. It is always unfortunate to see people that their intellect is questionable running the affairs of the government. We are killing intellect in Nigeria through systematic subjugation of internal democracy.

The fight against corruption has been described by many quarters as witch hunting and vengeance against perceived political enemies and oppositions. What is your opinion on it?

My take is that the institutions fighting corruption should be allowed to do their job independently, because a lot of times, the moment people begin to perceive politics in the prosecution of corruption cases, it weakens the institutions and I believe that with time, this must be addressed. Secondly, in the issue of fighting corruption, I believe must be carried along with the philosophy that emphasises the fight against the things that bring about corruption. Because corruption is a social phenomenon, it doesn’t exist in isola-

Obasanjo

Murtala

Na’abba

tion. When the majority of the people lack basic facilities needed for livelihood. Nigerians lack them because of institutional weaknesses and people resort to self help.

In a country where people have to own their own power source, own their personal water source and health source. People find it difficult to even own a roof of their own. I believe that fight against corruption must be fought simultaneously against those things

that bring about corruption.

Again, there is this thing about security. People want to be secure. During the Murtala Mohammed/ Olusegun Obasanjo administration, a lot of civil servants were dismissed from service.

This was a government that came out to say they are going to fight corruption.

They dismissed a lot of civil servants that were said to be corrupt. It was during that government that corruption became more entrenched because

the remaining civil servants realizing what became of the civil servants, who were dismissed, tried to secure themselves against any eventuality. So, this kind of things must be looked into, people must be made to be secure. In an environment of insecurity, people might resort to self help. Infrastructure must be provided as a means of nipping it in the bud and as the best source of fighting the root cause of corruption.

INEC will conduct credible elections in Rivers —REC The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, said on Tuesday that the commission would conduct free, fair and credible re-run elections in the state on March 19.

Ikoiwak told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the commission would soon begin a sensitisation campaign on the elections and the rights of the voter. ``We are here to conduct the elections. We will conduct free, fair and credible elections. ``We will not deviate from the mandate given by INEC on the

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election,’’ he said.

The commissioner said the commission would provide the enabling environment to ensure that the people cast their ballot. ``I want the people of Rivers to see this election as a civic thing. It is not a do-or-die affair. ``It is the duty of the people to elect candidates of their choice.

I want to assure the people that INEC will provide the environment for them to exercise their franchise,’’ he said.

Ikoiwak also said that the commission had not gone beyond the period stipulated for the election.

Yakubu

Wike

He said the electoral law permitted INEC to fix election on a date convenient for it to carry out the exercise and that it did not disobey any court order.

The commission is billed to conduct re-run elections in the three senatorial zones, 22 of the 32 house of assembly seats and 12 House of Representatives seats.

Ogba:Mytribunal,Appeal Courtvictoriesunprecedented Moses Oyediran, Enugu Senator Obinna Ogba representing Ebonyi Central in the senate has described his victory at the poll, tribunal and appeal court as one won over forces of thieves.

Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at Nkalagu, Ishiellu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, he said his victory was unprecedented because he challenged a sitting Governor who everyone regarded as Goliath.

It would be recalled that Nnanna Elechi, son of the immediate past Governor Martin Elechi had dragged Ogba to the appeal court praying the court to cancel the election and order fresh election arguing that the election was marred by irregularities.

He attributed his victory

over the Elechis as, “Victory over forces that tried to ‘steal’ the mandate given to me by God”.

“My victory is a credit to God because he made it possible and also to my people who trooped out on the election day to vote for me.

“I therefore rededicate myself to the service of my people, to bring sustainable and people-oriented development in agriculture, infrastructure, among others,” he said.

Earlier, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, pledged to support state government’s agitation for refund of funds they spent on rehabilitating of federal roads.

According to Saraki, “State governments need to be encouraged to get the refunds because if this is not done, they will be discouraged to do more.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Kogi: Achuba sworn in as Gov. Bello’s deputy Akor Ejumene, Abuja

ÎÎÎSimon Achuba, former

deputy speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, has been sworn-in as deputy governor of the state.

This comes two weeks after Yahaya Bello became

the first governor in the country to take the oath of office without a deputy.

Achuba, a former twotime member of the Kogi House of Assembly, was unanimously confirmed by members of the House, following a motion for his confirmation by Hon. Sun-

Dasuki gave PDP N10b for presidential convention -Witness Continued from page 6 requested for Metuh’s account details after he made a presentation to him that had to do with the image of the PDP, which was embarking on a national election.

“In the course of the investigation, the team visited the residence of the first defendant and invited him to the commission.

He was interviewed. After the interview, he was asked if he was willing to volunteer a statement in writing. He said, ‘yes’.

When he concluded writing his statement, which was in four sheets, he handed them over to us. I read what he had written.

I also gave it to my other team members to read.

After that, I returned it to him for endorsement.

“He endorsed the first sheet, he endorsed the second sheet; when he was to endorse the third sheet in which he had stated that the money he received from ONSA was used for PDP campaign activities to settle his personal debts, to the surprise of the team, he suddenly tore the sheet. The pieces of the torn sheets were then recovered from him and registered as exhibit.”

Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, announced that it has closed its case against Metuh.

With the development, Metuh is expected to open his defence on February 18, 2016.

NASS shifts Budget pass date over ‘paddings’ Continued from page 6 we will be doing more of this.

“You should expect me to be coming here. Now we have the budget as work in progress; we have the new Money Laundering Bill before the Senate, we have many things we are looking at. We have come to come and consult on these.”

On whether Nigerians would not read meaning to the visit of the senate delegation barely few days after the Supreme okayed the continuation of tria of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Ndume responded: “It is not new for people to read meaning.

“Are you saying that the Senate President should be convicted before the trial?

“In our constitution, you are considered inno-

cent until proven guilty.”

Reacting to the revelation of the Health Minister, Governor Fayose advised the President to admit that there were avoidable errors in the budget and since he is human and not immune to errors, he should simply do the needful by presenting a new and credible budget to the National Assembly.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, the governor described revelation by the Health Minister, Prof Isaac Adewole, that his ministry’s proposal submitted to the budget office had been doctored and that “foreign” appropriations, different from what was submitted, had been sneaked in as the height of national embarrassment.

day Shugaba (Bassa). The motion was seconded by Hon. Friday Sani (Igalaneka/Odolu).

James Faleke, running mate to the late Abubakar Audu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 21 election, had rejected the offer of the party to be Bello’s deputy. The APC replaced Audu with Bello

in the supplementary election, which Faleke was opposed to.

Faleke had faulted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the substantive election inconclusive, arguing that he ought to have been declared governor-elect, since Audu was leading in the election.

He filed a suit at the governorship election tribunal, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for declaring the poll inconclusive, and insisting that the election was won by the late Audu. Faleke also approached a high court, demanding that he should be declared governor.

The new deputy gover-

nor hails from Ibaji Local Government Area of the state and was a former deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a few weeks to governorship election. Bello had earlier written a letter to the assembly to seek Achuba’s confirmation.

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr.

Adeseyi Sijuwade and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport, Hon. Aminu Isa during the joint inspection tour of railway facilities in Lagos…on Tuesday.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

Terror attack: Security beefed up at Aso Rock Egena Egena, …As DSS arrests ISIS recruiter in Kano Abuja

and Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÎÎÎHenceforth, visitors to

and workers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, must submit themselves for more rigorous and thorough checks at all entry points to the seat of power.

This is a move to beef up security around the President and his Vice and all other occupants of the Villa, in order to prevent unwanted elements from posing security threat to the vast complex.

This is even as the Department of State Service (DSS) arrested one Abdussalam Enesi Yunusa, in Kano, who is said to be the point man of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria in Nigeria.

Yunusa, a 400 Level student of the Federal Univer-

sity of Technology Minna, Niger State, was arrested by the DSS on January 17, 2016. He was described as one of the recruiters for the ISIS in Nigeria.

Accordingly, staffers of the State House and visitors alike have been advised to cooperate with the security personnel at the gates by submitting themselves and their vehicles to the routine checks that might be intensified.

This directive was contained in a memo dated January 26, 2016, issued by the Chief Security Officer to the President, Bashir Abubakar.

He had expressed concern over the refusal of some security personnel driving or accompanying VIPS to surrender their vehicles to checks at the pilot gates.

Noting that most of the attacks on high profile targets around the world were carried out using hijacked tinted vehicles, the CSO advised that all and sundry entering the Aso Rock Villa should subject themselves and their vehicles to checks at the gates.

He said the measure would prevent unscrupulous elements from exploring the situation to launch attack on the federal seat of power.

The memo titled “Use of tinted cars around the Presidential Villa, Abuja” read in part: “It is important to note that the insistence of security operatives at the pilot gates to properly screen vehicles coming into the villa whether tinted or not tinted, official or unofficial is not out of place.

“Therefore, there is need for all to subject themselves and their vehicles to security checks as the case may be, so as to prevent unscrupulous elements from exploring the situation to launch attacks on the Villa.

“More So, that most of the major attacks by terrorists groups on high profile targets around the world are being carried out using hijacked vehicles or vehicles with tinted glasses.”

On the arrested ISIS linkman, a statement by Tony Opuiyo of the DSS says that other ISIS loyalists in the country, including 17-year-old Mohammed Aliyu Ndako, an undergraduate student of a tertiary institution in Kwara State; and a lady, Zainab Mohammed, were arrested by the Service in January.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

ICAO audit: Aviation agencies struggle to beat deadline

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ABUAD crisis: Parents slam varsity, demand apology over detention of wards

ÏÏÏAhead of the International ...We don’t harbour

Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit next month in the country, Aviation agencies are working tirelessly to scale through the safety audit.

Daily Times check revealed that as part of efforts to ensure easy passage, all identified open items were being closed by various agencies especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN. During the recent visit of Airport Council International team on the invitation of the management of FAAN, they identified some open items that needed to be closed before the visit of the ICAO team next month.

FAAN and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority have been working assiduously to ensure that there were no lapses as work on perimeter fence at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Ikeja and runway markings were in progress.

Only recently, installations of airfield lightings commenced in 13 airports.

criminals, ABUAD replies Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ

The crisis at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) has gone messier with the arrest and detention of over 200 students of the university over alleged participation in the violent protest that rocked the institution on Sunday night following which 17 students were on Tuesday arraigned in court.

In a swift reaction, concerned Parents of the affected students have demanded unreserved

apology from the management of the institution over what they described as illegal detention of their wards over the crisis.

Students of the university had on Sunday staged a violent protest, where property worth several millions of naira were damaged, over an unknown cause.

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti Tuesday, the concerned parents, who craved anonymity, said their children were unjustly detained at the Criminal Investigations Department of the police Headquarters and at various police stations in the state capital.

They described the indiscriminate arrests of their wards and the way they were clamped in detention with

rogues and hard criminals as not only a breach of their rights, but a highest point of wickedness and naked display of powers.

The concerned parents said: “This is the same university where there had been several cases of rapes, sedating and sexual assault, imposition of fines after students were caught in criminal acts, drug abuses and many others have reported and nothing was done just because they wanted to make money.

“How can a university that was supposed to be a custodian of these children be embarking on indiscriminate arrests of innocent students and detained them with criminals. This is not fair and we demand unreserved apology from the management.

A senior police officer even

assaulted a woman, whose child too was detained. This is abnormal and unacceptable”.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Tunde Olofintila, who refuted the allegations, said the management would address all these allegations on their merits, if the parents could be bold enough to cite certain occurrences.

Dispelling the allegations further, Olofintila said: “Many of the students are back and writing their examinations now.

Those suspected to have participated in the protest were arrested and those found not to have been culpable were released immediately, so the issue is about security and only the police can say what modality used to arrest them.

Ebonyi takes delivery of rice production equipment

Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki

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Ayelabola community hosts ACDC on way forward

ÏÏÏ

Leaders of thought and residents of Ayelabola Community Development Association, at Iyesi Ota, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun state is planning a ‘mother of all gathering’ in the community to deliberate on way forward. The meeting is to host Ajowa Iyesi Ota ACDC. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 11, 2016, A release issued by Timi Awoyemi, Chairman of the Ayelabola community, said that the Ajowa – Iyesi Ota Area Community Development Committee, consisting of about 80 CDAs, plans to hold and brainstorm on developmental issues concerning over 40 Communities around the vicinity, namely Iyana Iyesi, Mopinlola, Ayetoro, Iyesi, Ijaba (Inu), Ijaba, Erin, Orikowonjo, Itori, Isaga, Oloya, Egan, Arobieye, Abiola, Idimu, Osuke, Ilasa, Feru, amongst others.

It has now become of utmost importance that government should look the way of AjowaIyesi Ota Communities especially in the light of the massive influx of the large number of people into the area which have made its public infrastructures to be under serious pressure.

13 News

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries, Sen. Sam Egwu; Managing Director, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), Chris McAllister; Chairman, BATN Foundation, Chief Kola Jamodu; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Special Guest of Honour, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during the formal opening of BATN’s West Africa Head office in Ikoyi, Lagos… on Tuesday.

Enugu elders frown at state of affairs

Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏMembers

of the Enugu state Development Association (ESDA), comprising elderstatemen from the three senatorial zones of the state, have frowned at the way things are going on in the country especially, Enugu state and asserted that they will not sit and watch things deteriorate.

The grievances was not made public as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, held a closed door meeting with the delegation The delegation led by their chairman, Chief Elechi Onyia (SAN), made the assertion when they paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi on Tuesday.

Onyia said that as elders of the state who fought for the creation of Enugu state which they had wanted to call ‘Wawa State,’ they will not sit and watch things rot without speaking out.

He said that 24 years ago, they, ESDA, had vision of a state that would be the best in Nigeria and not play second fiddle to any other.

He expressed the hope that the Speaker would make the difference with his colleagues by not allowing Enugu state deteriorate.

“We hope that your speakership will make the difference. It will be very disdainful if we allow things to pass without speaking out,” Onyia said.

Onyia went down the memory lane and said that their association was formed in 1970 to ensure that Enugu state got the best for

its citizenry.

Hon. Ubosi thanked the members of the association for the honour done him and said they would keep the flag flying and not allow Enugu stagnate in terms of development.

He said that as elders, they should not relent but to continue to give advice when needed so that their aspiration for the state is not cut short.

He promised to do all in his power to ensure that Enugu state is the best in Nigeria without doing eye service.

Other top shots in the delegation include, Igwe Udemgaba Maduka of Isuawa; Igwe Abel Nwobodo, former ENSIEC boss; Igwe Chris Ogakwu of Udi Kingdom and Chief Nduka Eya, former Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The Ebonyi state government has taken delivery of a new set of D8 bullozers for the tilling of farmlands in preparation for this year’s planting season in the state.

Five of the bulldozers which form part of the 13 imported by the Engr. David Umahi-led government arrived Abakaliki, the state capital on Sunday.

The equipment are to be distributed to each to the 13 Local Government Areas of the state where the government has already acquired acres of land for rice production.

Receiving the equipment, the Commissioner for Works, Engr.

Fidelis Nweze, said the procurement of the bulldozers was a practical demonstration of Governor Umahi’s genuine desire to diversify the economy of the state through agriculture.

He recalled that the state government had said that over N20 billion was expected from rice production in 2016.

Gov. Umahi

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Electricity tariff increase, illegal, anti-development – HURILAWS Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎA Non-Governmental Or-

ganization, the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), has condemned in the strongest terms recent attempts to hike electricity tariff by the National Electricity Reform Commission (NERC), the Generating Companies (GenCos) and Distribution Companies (DisCos).

The NGO also supported the Nigerian Labor Congress

Lagos CAN commends Buhari, Ambode for servicing priorities

(NLC), Trade Congresses, Civil Society and the general public on the recent protest while stating its intention to challenge this unjustifiable hike in Court.

In a press statement signed

by HURILAWS Senior Legal/ Programme Officer, Collins Okeke, the organization urged President Muhammodu Buhari, to quickly intervene noting that “Government, at the highest level must note that this unjustifiable increase in electricity tariff is a direct blow on the Change Agenda. If it is allowed to stand, it would put serious question marks on

the sustainability of the much lauded ideological change in governance.

“We therefore, expect the Federal government to urgently review its privatisation contracts with GenCos and DisCos. In the proposed review, we suggest that at least two (2) year time-frame should be given to firms in the Electric Power Sector to allow them stabilize and provide efficient power supply to Nigerians before they can contemplate any tariff increase. Any such proposed increase must follow due consultation process.

Finally, government must

not forget that it owes it as a duty to continue to monitor private partners in this regard. Left on its own, privatisation could be a tool for oppression. That is why Government that has the interest of the masses at heart must step in and prevent the greed of a few private actors from obstructing the more enduring project of empowering the general populace.

“The increment is a clear negation of the current Government’s drive to create wealth through entrepreneurship. By raising the bar in accessing electricity, small

businesses are being technically driven away. How can we create wealth when doing business in Nigeria continues to remain a nightmare?

HURILAWS also expressed concern over this administration’s obedience to court orders, adhering to due process and the rule of law stating that “Section 76 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005, provides an elaborate consultative process before any tariff increase takes effect. By failing to follow this procedure NERC, the GenCos and DisCos are acting unlawfully and must be stopped.

Joy Ekeke

ÎÎÎThe

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos chapter has commended the governance direction of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state, calling on the Church to back them up with prayers.

Lagos CAN Chairman Apostle Alexander Bamgbola gave the commendation while announcing the Inter-Denominational Divine Service, IDDS, scheduled to take place on Saturday February 13th, 2016 at the Apostolic Church convention ground, LAWNA Ketu Alapere, Lagos.

Themed, ‘Great Faith, the antidote to helplessness,’ Bamgbola said the IDDS is the gathering of the entire church of God and all the Christian leaders in Lagos State and the purpose of it is to give thanks to God every year.

He said, “The Church in Lagos is proudly supporting the government of today because of the effort the government is making to turn the nation around particularly on the issue of corruption.”

Dickson

Dickson warns Bayelsa workers to shape up Akam James, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎThe Bayelsa State Gov-

ernor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has warned workers of the state civil service to either brace up for the challenges in service or face the consequences of being treacherous and disloyal in service.

Governor Seriake Dickson, while speaking during a Radio/Television Interactive session yesterday in Yenagoa on the difficulties being faced by his administration to meet up with payment of salaries of workers amidst paucity of funds, said though the claims of planned retrenchment of workers was rumour, he declared that any worker found wanting may be shown the way out.

No hiding place for criminals in Lagos State – VGN L-R: Director of Operations, National Task Force (NTF), Dr. Christopher Maduko; Director General, (NTF), Dr. Osita Okereke and National Secretary, (NTF), Mrs. Aisha Kaita, during a press conference on the state of the nation in Abuja... on Tuesday Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Bakers hike bread price in Niger Saka Bolaji, Minna

ÎÎÎResidents

of Niger State may have to pay more for bread if the disclosure of the state zonal Chairman and Treasurer of The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, (AMBCN), Alhaji Lawal Mohammad Shukura, is to be believed.

The AMBCN and Arewa Master Bakers Forum have also resolved not to embark on strike or close businesses due to the sharp increments of ingredients used for producing bread.

Shukura who spoke in

Kontagora with the Daily Times, said that the association have also resolved after consultation to increase the price of bread reasonably and significantly.

Shukura intimated that the increment would commence soon while calling on consumers to bear with the current situation as a hike in the price of flour and other ingredients by the federal government has impacted on the production of bread in the country.

He charged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency intervene by subsidizing the prices or it

will have serious impact on the poor masses.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier charged bakers to be patient with the present predicament facing the country.

He added that flour mills had earlier effect the increment of all the ingredients and as the increment persists, the price of bread must be increased too so as to avoid closure of their businesses.

Shukura further said that the cost of flour now sell for N8,200 from N6,500, sugar from N6,500 to N9,000

while yeast has increased from N7,500 to N10,000 noting that with the new prices they were compelled to increase the price of bread so as not to go on strike or close businesses.

The Zone C Chairman however called on his co-bakers that as they increase their prices, the quality of product must be maintained to justified the increment just as he applauded the supports of Emir of Kontagora Alhaji Saidu Namaska and his counterpart Mai Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Dantoro.

Oguntade Ismaila

ÎÎÎThe Lagos State Com-

mander of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Otunba Udoma James has revealed that hence forth there will be no hiding place for criminals in the state while calling for proper orientation for community security officers in their fight against crime.

This much he revealed while addressing journalists at the Groups’ State Secretariat in Ikeja.

According to James, he said that VGN which was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) since 1990 has been doing a whole lot to partner with the Nigerian Police force to ensure that crime becomes a thing of the past in the state by handing over the suspected criminals to them for prosecution.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

15 Opinion

2016 budget and civil servants as mafia

A Magnus Onyibe

t the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, it was not uncommon to see top civil servants in photo opportunities splashed out in both print, online and broadcast media platforms, in company of President Buhari, clutching files and grinning from chin-to-chin like Cheshire cats to the consternation of politicians from APC who could not wait to climb into the ministerial saddle.

Back then, Mr. President reposed so much confidence in Nigerian civil servants that he was not in a hurry to appoint ministers. However, civil servants being the wily crop of people that they are , must have regaled Mr. President with tales and fables about officialdom and their critical role and inevitability in running the bureaucracy that he became so sucked in and enamored to the extent of regarding civil servants as ‘blue eye princes’ while labeling ministers as ‘noise makers’.

At that time, civil servants, whom some aggrieved Nigerians derogatorily tag ‘evil ‘servants, because of their nefarious antecedents, had not shown him their true colors.

Today, Mr. President would

easily join the numerous Nigerians who have had close encounters with the ‘head honchos’ in the bureaucratic establishments, by also calling them ‘evil’ servants since he now had a taste of their evil plots evidenced by their reported resistance to Zero Base Budgeting, ZBB and the secret planting of a whopping N1.6 trillion into budget 2016.

Before President Buhari, many public servants have fallen victim of civil servants economic debauchery.

I can wager a bet that for every occupant of political office found guilty of corrupt enrichment, more often than not, they were instigated and encouraged by civil servants working with or under them.

This is because, over the years, civil servants have mastered the art of pulling the wool over the eyes of political office holders and their permanency on the job (35 years) as opposed to public servants (ministers or Directors General) who serve only one or two term of four years each and often less, gives them the undue advantage to perfect their devious art which is why they exhibit the characteristics of the mafia.

It is to the credit of ‘eagle eye’ legislators and more especially, civil society organisations who dissected the budget to sniff out the potential heist embedded in the 2016 budget by civil servants.

Would you believe that Mr. President’s discovery of the clever sneak-

ing in of projects into the 2016 appropriation bill amounting to nearly a quarter of the budget is merely scratching the surface of the economic sabotage activities of civil servants?

Most Nigerians would be shocked to learn that in cohort with civil servants, it is indeed contractors that prepare Nigeria’s budget.

Here is how it is works: typically, a contractor like Julius Berger or Coscharis, (for the sake of this analogy) working with civil servants puts a proposal for the building or expansion of the State House clinic or supply of Conference Visitors Unit, CVU vehicles together.

The contractor co-opts the head of the bureaucracy in the ministry who is the Permanent Secretary, PS, whose duty is to convince the minister, who is a politician, to buy into the proposal. Once the accent of the minister or head of the agency is secured, in toe with the civil servant who has been armed with the project details, the public servants proceed to the National Assembly, NASS to defend the budget.

So from the scenario above, invariably, it is the contractor that does the ground work and thus produces Nigeria’s budget. In other words, Nigeria’s budget is more or less an assemblage of myriads of proposals by a plethora of contractors and not the brain child of civil servants as we are led to believe.

We ain’t criminals, Your Excellency

N

John Darlington

igeria’s president has warned his fellow citizens to stop trying to make asylum claims in Britain, saying that their reputation for criminality has made it hard for them to be “accepted” abroad” reported The Telegraph on February 5, 2016.

I am so disheartened at the slur that reportedly emanated from Nigeria’s Ethics Policeman and Commander-in-Chief, our chief representative to the whole world.

In a comparative analysis, crime is a behaviour in which individual obtain resources from others by use of brute force, fraud, or stealth. People who commit these despicable acts, doubtless, intentionally harm others for their own gain whilst certain crimes bring about one’s elevation to the social stratum.

We shall now identify the root causes of crime. According to the former New York Police Department Commissioner, Patrick V. Murphy, the root causes of crime are poverty, unemployment, racism, poor health care, bad housing, weak schools, mental illness, alcoholism, single-parent families, teenage pregnancy and a society of selfishness and greed. These social maladies, amid others, are

all byproducts of mis-governance which are prevalent in our society today.

As some African leaders ascend the social ladder by ‘intentionally harming others’, it is considered not a crime. While some say it is daring to steal a fortune, some say it is a mark of greatness to steal a crown; fortunately or unfortunately, the blame diminishes as the guilt increases. I am doubly sure Nigeria’s Ethics Policeman would fail every integrity test in this regard though often whitewashed by his apologists and partisans.

He has been in one way or the other involved in crimes and criminal conspiracies. To violently overthrow a democratically elected government, the law says, anywhere under the sun is high treason, actionable and consequently punishable. He led a ”successful” coup at the tail end of 1983; like a marriage that has been annulled had the sovereign wishes of over 170 million Nigerians bastardised. On December 31, 1983, Buhari, an accessory after the fact of treason stole a crown and thus rode to greatness. The life of that junta was cut short in 1985 via a putsch that had his name faded into oblivion for nearly three decades.

In the interim, Buhari’s behaviour and remarks were charac-

terized by violently obtaining resources from others by use of brute force, ”if what happened (nothing unusual did) in 2011 repeats itself, the dogs and the baboons will be soaked in blood” With this remark, Africa’s most populous nation sat on the keg of a gunpowder as chaos ominously hung in the air, the atmosphere reek of violence and blood, Africa and indeed the world waited for the worst human catastrophe in history which the violence he threatened would spark off in the run up to the 2015 presidential election, but the wisdom of his predecessor saved Nigeria and indeed the West African sub region from degenerating into another Syria.

Buhari never won the 2015 presidential election after all. His ‘victory’ was nothing short of a criminal conspiracy likened to the Sicilian Mafia bound by oath of omerta calling to mind the gross electoral malpractices and irregularities that took place in the desert northern city-states of Bauchi, Kano, and Sokoto where polling stations swarm with underage voters, the camera, it is said, cannot lie; they were caught in the act. This would have made enough evidence to have the victory of Muhammadu Buhari upturned had the incumbent

Civil servants only put the veneer to make it look elegant before laying it before the legislative arm of government whose duty it is to appropriate our national resources.

It’s just that while corruption is systemic in the civil service, it is sporadic in the public service as reflected in the $2.1 billion arms purchase fund converted to campaign slush funds now tagged -Dasukigate.

Every disappointment, they say is a blessing, implying that every dark event also has its good side, if we take time to look closely. President Buhari now has his job cut out for him, as he must also, after dealing with the political class, focus his anti-corruption war on the civil servants-the ant in terms of population size, (5%) that gulps the elephant size of Nigeria’s revenue budgeted (70%).

As the roots of democracy deepens in Nigeria by growing from fibrous to tap roots, the days of kleptomaniac civil servants may be numbered, but President Buhari must, first of all, start by fishing out and sanctioning the perpetrators of the 2016 appropriation bill sabotage.

At least that would serve as warning to other potential saboteurs still in the civil service system and thus compel them to desist from the unpatriotic enterprise.

Onyibe, a development strategist, futurologist and former commissioner in Delta State govt.

President gone progressively to contest the results in the nation’s apex court in Abuja.

Against all odds, he was allowed to assume the reins of power. All criminal behaviours involve the use of force, fraud, or stealth to obtain material or symbolic resources. Self-styled grandees who commit white collar crimes, like he did, appear more self-centered and indifferent to the sufferings of other people. The President did say Nigerians propensity for criminality has made it hard for them to be accepted abroad.

Focusing on criminality in this regard rather than politicallegal definitions also allows us to finesse the perplexing problem of why some acts are defined as crimes while similar arguably more damaging acts – white collar crimes which he has been traced to him and his cohorts – are not.

Evidence abound where Buhari shields his cronies and party partisans from criminal persecution and these, I dare say, are the real criminals. Does that not make him an accomplice? Then why on earth would one throw stones while one lives in a glass house?

Iyoha John Darlington, a social activist, political analyst and public commentator on national and global issues writes from Turin, Italy.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Tariff hike: Plateau DISCOs to pay N50b in 4 years Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe Managing Director and CEO of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), Mr. Muhammed Gidado Modibbo has said that JED will pay a total deficit of 50 billion naira for the period of four years as subsidy to subsidize power for consumers of electricity.

The JED boss stated this in a media chat with Jour-

nalists while responding to the picketing of the Head Quarters of the Jos Distribution office in solidarity with the nationwide protest against activities of the management of electricity distribution companies.

Modibbo is quoted as saying that it became imperative to do so because the cost effective tariff that will attract any investor is ranging between 45-50 Naira per kilowatt hour of electric-

ity and without subsidizing with 50 billion Naira, the cost of electricity will be unreasonably expensive for an average Nigerian to afford.

In his words, “we are trying to revamp a sector that has been neglected for over 50 years. Government no longer subsidize power, so we source for money to run the cost of distributing electricity in the country and you cannot have an inves-

tor, investing his money in a venture that will not yield profit.

However, we are conscious of the economic situation of an average Nigerian and that of the government. Government resources is dwindling by the day, therefore we have deemed it unfair to lump a price on consumers because it will be unfair to accept by an average Nigerian.

In other to avert lumping of electricity cost for an average Nigerian to pay, we agreed to work together with the regulator (government), to source for money to cushion the deficit for an average Nigerian, so that they can pay for consumption”.

He continued, “the actual cost of electricity today is not what is applied in the tariff because the Distribution Companies (DISCOS),

has taken it upon themselves to cushion (subsidize) the effect of the tariff increase within the next 2-3 years and to recover the balance over the period of seven years and this in turn means that the actual cost reflective tariff is raging between 45-55 naira per kilowatt hour of electricity.

But the government being a responsible government said that DISCOS cannot pass this responsibility to the consumers.

Thereby what can you ask the consumer to pay now and then differ the balance to be paid over a period of time. So in effect, this means that I am giving Nigerians my product on credit, in which he is going to make some certain payment today and then stretch the balance in a period of ten years. My commitment in all of this therefore is that JED is making a commitment of 50 billion naira over the next four years just to subsidise what Nigerians can pay”, Mr. Modibbo emphasized.

Consequently, Daily Times gathered that the effect of the new tariff is to provide an enabling environment to attract investors as no business man would want to invest money without making returns.

But, the MD’s of DISCOS have been running the power sector since it was privatized without profit.

A situation the federal government found themselves with the old National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), before taking steps out of frustration to privatize the sector, Modibbo said.

In a related development, the Public Relation Officer of JED, Lubabatu Adamu Rabiu, has appealed to the general public to remain calm even as DISCOS is doing everything within its power to ensure that the public is carried along with the new adjustment.

In a press statement made available to our correspondent, Rabiu stated that, “The Jos Electricity Distribution Company wishes to inform the general public that JED regrets the inconvenience the upward review the electricity tariff might cause the public.

Education Times Æ s Stories by Augustine Okezie, Abuja The Federal Government has indicated interest to enter into educational cooperation with the Government of Finland to tap from the achievements recorded by that country in the education sector.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, gave the indication while receiving a Finish trade delegation which paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja to explore possible areas of cooperation.

Addressing the team led by the Deputy Minister for External Economic Relation, Mr. Matti Anthonen, Adamu noted that Nigeria has a long standing cordial relationship with Finland in many areas and stressed that educational cooperation needed to be strengthened.

The Minister acknowledged that Finland has been rated as one of the countries with the best education system in the world even as Nigeria and Finland have some similarities in their education system, citing the 9-3-4 Education system.

He named possible areas of cooperation to include technical and vocational education,

17

FG to partner Finish govt on educational development

L-R: Zonal Business Manager, Airtel, Edwin Unoko; Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Maria Etaike and Area Business Manager, Airtel, Emmauniel Nnana with some pupils, during the presentation of uniforms and bags at Presbyterian Primary school, Cross River State... recently.

applied sciences, teacher education and childhood

education among others.

The Minister further

instructed the representatives

various of

NEEDS assessment fund: ASUU UNIABUJA ASUU unveils plans hails rate of implementation for world class secretariat

National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Nasir Fagge, has hailed the rate of implementation of the NEEDS assessment agreement the union had entered into with the Federal Government during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Fagge, who noted the 50 percent implementation, however said the slow pace of implementation can be attributed to the stringent conditions attached by the implementation committee to forestall any abuse by the vice chancellors.

He said: ’’We had the last meeting in January this year where it was disclosed that there has been a 50 percent release on the 2013 budget. The Implementation committee is currently re-

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

viewing the performances by universities before submitting a report for the release of the remaining 50 percent and then we make a case for the backlog of 2014 to 2016 allocations. ‘’Though the stringent conditions attached for the release is causing a setback, we do not mind because we want to ensure the fruit of our hard earned struggle is not diverted into private pockets. So far, so good, the committee is working.’’

Recall that some local university chapters of ASUU have been calling on government to expedite action on the release of the NEDDs Assessment funds for varsities and threatened to go on industrial action if government maintains the current tempo.

The University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has unveiled plans to build a world class multipurpose secretariat to be located at the permanent site of the institution along airport road Abuja.

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony of the secretariat complex, the Chapter chairman, Dr. Ben Ugheoke, said the project is a multifunctional edifice which will also have a restaurant, cyber café, hotel and engage in several other income generating activities.

He further disclosed that the project estimated to cost

N104 million will be executed in phases with the first phase gulping over N62m.

He further disclosed that the 500 capacity multipurpose hall will have an open floor with a flexible stage.

ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, who performed the ground breaking ceremony, commended the executive committee of the UniAbuja chapter of the union for their foresight and resilience.

He warned against engaging private partnership arrangements as part of the effort aimed at completing the project, adding that ‘’ASSUU is opposed to PPP as it encourages stealing of government property.’’

departments and agencies at the meeting to indicate further areas of possible collaboration.

Accordingly, the Director of Education Quality Assurance Services in the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Ahmed, called for collaboration in area of its language solution to aid understanding of English Language as well as deployment of ICT solution for monitoring Quality Assurance without necessarily being present for physical inspection.

In the same vein, a Director from the National Universities Commission, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, said that the Commission would require collaboration in the area of graduating Doctorate (PhD) scholars to support shortage of teachers in the University system as well as in the area of accreditation.

Representative of Federal Scholarship Board, Mr. Prinzo Nwanyadimo, urged the Finish Government to key into the Bilateral Education Agreement which Nigeria has engaged with many other countries of the world over the years.

Director of Education Support Services in the Ministry, Mrs. Justina Ibe, who coordinated the visit, said that all the identified possible areas of partnership would be properly articulated and processed through the necessary diplomatic channels preparatory to formal endorsement of the Agreement.

Earlier, the Finish Deputy Minister had briefed the Nigerian Minister of Education on the various opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in the education sector, saying that it has perfected such collaboration with some other African Universities According to him, Finland has relationship with Nigeria in the area of power, health, telecommunication and water among others, stressing that education sector is so important to be neglected.

Education Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

NCCE shuts illegal college of education in Gombe Augustine Okezie, Abuja The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has clampdown on Lakwanjang College of Education and Entrepreneurship, Kaltungo, Gombe State, alleged to have been operating illegally in the State for over two years.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Professor Monday Joshua, who led a crack team from the NCCE Headquarters, Abuja to raid the institution, said the College was operating from a ramshackle primary school in Gombe State.

According to him, information got to the management of the Commission that an institution existed in Kaltungo, running Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) illegally and had advertised for and admitted unsuspecting students for two academic sessions without any involvement of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB).

Prof. Joshua warned the students of the College on the consequences of obtaining certificates from the illegal programmes which would not be recognised in Nigeria.

A statement by the NCCE Public Relations Officer, Mallam Garba Suleiman, said the team from NCCE was also miffed to learn from the students that the College conducts classes only in the evenings in the premises of a primary school at the Nasarawa area of Kaltungo town.

It was further gathered that the College claimed through advertisement that it offers NCE programmes in Primary Education Studies, Biology, Islamic Religion studies, Christian Religion Studies, Hausa Language, Mathematics, Computer studies, Business Education, Economics, Social Studies, Arabic Medium and NCE in English.

The Statement said: “The attention of NCCE had earlier been drawn to unconfirmed information that an institution existed in

Kaltungo, illegally running NCE programme. The management of NCCE consequently put up a team to investigate the institution based on the information obtained.

“On Friday, 22nd January, 2016, the team from NCCE led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, including Heads of Academic programmes Department and other senior staff of the Commission, visited the College on facts finding.

“The College has operated illegally, purportedly training NCE teachers for the past two academic sessions, without recourse to the extant laws that should cover its establishment and operation.

“The said Lakwanjang College of Education and Entrepreneurship, Kaltungo, is hereby closed down with immediate effect. The students and parents of the said College and the general public are to note that the NCE programmes purportedly run in the College have never been accredited and the College had never obtained approval to run the programmes.

L-R:Commissioner for Education, Ogun State, Mrs. Modupe Mojota; President Muhammadu Buhari; Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; his wife,Olufunso; Deputy Governor, Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga and Technical Manager, IT Solutions, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Barnabas Olaleye, at the commissioning of Samsung Smart School for Teachers in Ogun State... recently.

Okojie joins ex-African leaders as ABE fellows Augustine Okezie, Abuja The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, has been formally inducted into the Fellowship of the Association of Business Executives (ABE) at a ceremony held at the Institute of Financial Services, University College, London, United Kingdom.

With his investiture, Professor Okojie becomes the first African who is not Head of State and the third African to receive the prestigious ABE Fellowship. Former Head of Nigeria’s Interim Govern-

ment, Chief Earnest Shonekan, and former Prime Minister of Botswana, were the first Africans to receive the ABE Fellowship.

In his address at the induction ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of ABE, Mr. Gareth Robinson, said that the ABE Board of Governors, last November, approved Professor Okojie’s Fellowship because he had invested his career in developing education in Nigeria. He said that Prof. Okojie was a visionary thinker, adding that big thinkers like Okojie were not thinking about the issues of today, but about how to solve the problems of tomorrow.

The ABE CEO said that as a Fellow of ABE, Prof. Okojie would be recognised around the world as an Ambassador of a non-profit organisation, a globally recognised qualification for underdeveloped countries around the world. He added that the ABE Board had every confidence that given his pedigree, courage, passion and vision, Prof Okojie will live up to expectation.

He said: ’’ABE is a not-for-profit organisation that provides entrepreneurial qualifications to underdeveloped countries over the world through its five key principles of accessibility, affordability and quality assurance.

FME trains primary school teachers on reading techniques Augustine Okezie, Abuja The Federal Ministry of Education has organised a 2-day capacity workshop for primary school teachers in the North-East geo-political zone of the country on the techniques of teaching, reading and comprehension.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folasade YemiEsan, described the workshop as one of the measures put in place towards curbing the declining state of education in the country.

The Permanent Secretary represented by Mrs. Chtristiana Ogbede, said that the imperative of equipping the teachers with competence needed for effective and efficient teaching reading arose from findings that the poor performance of pupils/students in both internal and external examinations was largely due to their poor reading habit.

In a brief remark to declare the workshop open, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, represented by Mr. Yakubu Ahmed Ubangari, said the workshop was timely, saying that poor reading habit among pupils/students is a challenge in the system.

Pupils thrill parents, others as school holds cultural day in Lagos

Iniobong Iwok

The beauty of Nigeria’s diverse cultures was brought to the fore last week as Hallmark Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja-Lagos celebrated this year’s edition of its annual Cultural Day. Perhaps what made the occasion more anticipated and interesting was because the cultural artistry that was to be showcased by the pupils aided by their parents.

They sat at separate corners in the field, dressed in different cultural attires of their regions, carefully arranged and displayed.

Beside them were assorted foods, artifacts, drinks, fish, cooking ingredients.

The pupils and their parents had been divided into cultural groups of four major ethnic groups in the country, namely the North, South-West, South- South and South-East.

They were to compete and accessed on events such as: parade, cultural display and showcase of food.

The Igbo cultural group with their creativity, dances and costumes were exceptional in the cultural display event as they kept everyone on their feet with their presentation, and reminded those in attendance how industrious and dogged the Igbo race is.

The Hausa/Fulani cultural group was fascinating to watch in the cultural display as they their displayed ability to art and interpret the battle of survival

Pupils on traditional attire at the cultural day

and strength that often ensued among the prospective grooms in the contest to win a bride. The display was very original and breath-taking.

The male pupils were armed with nomadic sticks and females carrying calabash while their parents wore a well-designed symbolic costume of the race Hausa race.

Food was in abundance from Tuwo-shakafi of the north, Efo -riro semo, ewedu- amala of the Yoruba to the Afang and fufu of the Akwa Ibom of the South-South region to the Ofe -Owerri and fufu of the South-East. The food, soup, meat and even drinks such as palm wine were richly showcased by the cultural groups.

Been the most creative, organised and having lead in most of the events, the Igbo cultural group emerged champion of the cultural day for 2016, carting away a giant trophy.

The Hausa/ Fulani cultural group came second and SouthSouth was third.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Head-teacher of the school, Mrs. Uju Ifeakor, stated that it was designed to expose the pupils to the beauty and diversity of Nigerian culture.

She charged parents to endeavour to expose their children to their culture and to communicate with them in their mother tongue.

Some parents who graced the occasion commended management of the school for initiating the cultural day.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

19 Education Times

TETfund’s imprints in North East Alamin Sani Muhammed “About four to five years ago, no Nigerian University was ranked among the top 100 in Africa, but today, 28 Nigerian Universities are ranked among the best in the continent. The National University Commission (NUC) has lauded TETfund for that progression” —Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro Since his appointment as the Executive Secretary of TETfund two years ago, Professor Suleiman Bogoro has made it a point of fact and duty to turn the story of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions for good through numerous achievements recorded under his leadership. Bogoro has been highly rated having cued into President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption ahead of others and has won accolades as one of the incorruptible public officers in recent times. TETfund today is celebrating the impact and improved ranking of Nigerian higher institutions internationally because of over four years intense intervention in our universities and other tertiary institutions.

In the North East zone in the last three years or thereabout, TETfund as part of its intervention at the Modibbo Adamu University of Technology has con-

structed Business Education and Science education buildings 2009 – 2012 (normal project); construction of 750 seater with LNO integrated studios for the school of Agriculture technology 2013; TETFUND special intervention project; construction of 750 seater lecture theatre with 4 NOS integrated studios for the school of Agriculture technology 2013; TETFUND special project and the construction of Business Education and Science Education Buildings 2009-2012 normal project.

The Federal Polytechnic, Mubi through TETfund got a 250 seating capacity twin lecture theatre normal intervention and lecture room furniture, through the 2010 TETFUND intervention as well as offices and lecture classrooms. Adamawa State University, Mubi got the TETfund Information and Communication technology building 2007/2008 (merged) normal intervention, so also is Idris Alooma Polytechnic, Geidam in Yobe State with the construction of electrical engineering department 2012 TETfund normal intervention. The Federal College of Education, Azare Bauchi State also got its own fair share through the construction of female hostel, lecture theatre and early childhood centre.

Construction and furnishing of the Senate Building, 4 bed-

Prof. Bogoro

room duplex senior staff quarters, extension of electricity and installation of power supply, back up with 9 boreholes, construction of Faculty of Arts complex and procurement of 2nr 30-seaters and 3nr 18-seaters buses are part of what University of Maiduguri got from TETfund. Others are procurement and installation of two 800KVA, two 500KVA and two 100 KVA generators for the campus and also procurement and installation of solar lighting system in the school. The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (ATBU) Bauchi through TETfund got hostels renovated, procurement of office equipment and furniture.

There were also construction of workshop and laboratory,

construction and furnishing of academic staff office complex, procurement of hospital equipment and vehicles among others. Taraba State University has also maximally benefitted from TETfund projects. Federal University Wukari, Taraba State is not left out, as TETfund’s intervention see to the construction of 2 modern male and female hostels and construction of office building, accommodation for both faculties of pure and applied Sciences, humanities, management and that of social sciences.

At Gombe State University, the construction of students’ hostel is 100 percent completed.

The ongoing projects for the college of medical sciences han-

Olashore wins International School award A globally acclaimed secondary school in Nigeria, Olashore International School, has won the British Council International Schools Award (ISA).

This was made known during the recently organised road show in Lagos by the Principal of the School, Mr. Derek Smith.

The British Council International School Award (ISA) is a benchmarking scheme that accredits schools as having an outstanding level of support for nurturing global citizenship in young people, and enriching teaching and learning.

ISA is a yearly award given to participating schools. Applications from interested schools are called in every year, August/September period and schools are selected on the basis of their application. The British Council offers

the ISA as an accreditation framework for schools to record and evaluate their international work and embed it into the curriculum.

According to the Principal, Derek Smith, Olashore won the award based on various projects organised in the year 2015.

His words: “We did a lot of projects which lasted for a period of twelve (12) months in the year 2015 which cuts across Human Rights, Supporting International Communities, Civic and Governance, Learning through Technology, Global Awareness, International Food, and Africa Is Not a Country.

It was a wide range of project involving everybody in the school.

We believe that International work exposes educators to new practices and perspectives, aiding their professional development and as such raising teaching standards. For young people, it is

a window into different cultures and countries, preparing them for life in a global society.

“In November 2015, we submitted all the projects done, and International panel of judges were sent up to review these projects, at the end of the process, we emerged 47marks out of 49marks. We had all our evidences. This accreditation award will last between 2016 and 2019. The British Council World -wide runs a network of registered schools and they offer International exams. I’m happy because our school gained recognition for what we do, and this is quite encouraging to do more”.

Organised annually by the school, the Road show kicked off its 2016, national and international interactive road shows starting from Port Harcourt, and also touched a number of other major cities including Abuja, Warri,

Lagos and rounded off in London UK. The Road Show is aimed at fostering parents’ involvement in the education and development of their wards and in decision making. It is an avenue for invited prospective parents to learn more from the testimonials of some of the current parents at Olashore, and meet with the school authorities in a relaxed atmosphere.

Commenting on the school, the Chairman, Parents Teachers Association, Olashore International School, Mr. Otunba Bolarinwa said: “I’ve been a parent in this school for seven (7) years and I can testify to the fact that the school has a lot of benefits in the offing.

Having existed for Twenty-two (22) years with standard and quality education, I’m proud to be associated with it and I urge the prospective parents to partake of this quality for their wards.

dled by TETfund are at their advanced stages, that is, research laboratories, theatre, hostels and skills acquisition laboratories.

The Chairman of the governing council, Gombe State University, Prof. Idris Mohammed, lauded the efforts of TETfund for the gesture that was rendered to the university in ensuring sustainability in the education sector. In like manner, Senator Binta Mashi, the chairperson, Senate committee on TETfund, congratulated TETfund for winning many awards during the 2015 service delivery awards, recently among which is the award for the best intervention agency in Nigeria in 2014/2015, decided by the transparent voting of Nigerians and witnessed by international and development partners.

Focus has been the secret of numerous achievements recorded by Bogoro since taking over at TETfund and he has justified the confidence reposed on him by turning around the story of Nigeria’s public tertiary institution within the shortest time.

As we speak, about “9,000 lecturers of tertiary institutions further their education through TETfund” North East Development Advocates asserted. The year 2015 witnessed further consolidation on the modest achievements so far recorded by TETfund and has striven to hit over 10,000 mark of academic staff training both locally and internationally for masters and Phd in diverse fields.

However, encomiums have continued to pour on Bogoro for TETfund giant strides in North East higher institutions of learning. These are: “Bauchi State House of Assembly and the entire people of Bauchi are proud of Bogoro’s achievement” Alh. Kawuwa Damina, Honourable Speaker Bauchi State House of Assembly.

“We thank the able Executive Secretary TETFund Prof.

Bogoro for providing our college with all facilities required for the successful take off of early childhood care centre” Dr. Abdullahi Ishaku Provost College of Education Azare – Bauchi State. He went further to describe the centre as the best in the whole of north-east zone”.

“Prof. Bogoro has turned most Nigerian Universities to University of TET Fund”- Ezewa Nwawu 2015.

Opinion 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Season of Forgiveness

T

hat Saturday, I was, like a good Lagos babe, minding my business. The phone rang.

I checked the number. It was a new one. Crank calls made me stop answering unknown numbers. But that Saturday morning, something made me pick this one. The voice was unrecognisable. This could be one of those crank calls. I was going to hand up when I heard, - Hello, the voice repeated.

- Hello, I answered back.

- Please is that Auntie?

- Yes. Who’s this?

She called her name. I knew someone with that name but that wasn’t her voice. Furthermore the one known to me never called me Auntie.

- I don’t think I remember you.

Then she called another name. The one by which she was known to me.

People change their names at a rate I find alarming.

Today they’re known as Olu tomorrow they become Solomon. That’s a topic for later.

- Oh! How have you been?

- Fine ma.

- It’s been such a while.

- Yes ma.

A short silence then, - I’m calling to say sorry ma. Sorry for all I did to you.

- What did you do to me?

My question was genuine. If at all she irked me in the past, it might’ve been so minute that I brushed it aside.

- There’s a lady I had an argument with some days ago ma. She said I wouldn’t make any progress in life until I begged for

forgiveness from those to whom I had shown ingratitude.

My caller was a friend to another friend of mine.

There was a period our paths crossed. What I could remember was how protective and possessive she was of my friend. If I didn’t know my friend well, I would’ve thought there was more to their relationship than met the eye.

- I decided to call up those who helped me so you’re the first ma. Please forgive me for whatever wrong I did to you.

She chose me first! What criteria did she use to decide who to call first and who last? As I still couldn’t remember the ‘offence’, I said: - Forgiveness is of the Most High.

- Please ma, say you forgive me.

She was now getting on my nerves. I was going to snap at her. My second phone rang.

- I need to answer that call. Thanks for calling.

I looked at the caller’s identity. It was one of those telephone marketing numbers which I often find annoying. But, that day, the call was heaven-sent.

My first reaction after the lady’s call was to phone my friend and tell her about her erstwhile mate. But I decided to just forget about the call and the caller. I didn’t share that experience with anyone. Not till now.

And why have I now brought it up?

Exactly two Saturdays after that telephone conversation, I got another call. Not from the same lady but still another woman.

- Mummy, good afternoon.

- Good afternoon.

- Mummy, it’s me.

Pope Francis

I kept quiet. I know my children’s voices. I can recognize familiar voices.

This one calling me I couldn’t place at all.

- You who?

- Mummy, it’s Celina.

- Celina! Which Celina?

- You’ve forgotten ma.

Celina, your daughter.

I was still trying to make out which of my ‘daughters’ that was when she said, - Mummy, I’m sorry.

- Sorry for what?

- For what I did to you, to your friend.

- My friend!

She mentioned the name and I shouted, - Celina! It’s you! How’re you? How’s your daughter?

- We’re fine ma. She’s a big girl now. Mummy I’m sorry.

- Where are you?

- In the village ma. I’ll be coming to Lagos next month.

- How’s life in the village?

- It is well ma. Can I see you when I get to Lagos ma?

- Of course.

- Thank you ma. I’ll call you when I arrive.

- Ok then. Bye.

- Bye ma.

Celina worked for me.

She was hardworking. She kept the house neat. She never stole anything from me. She had a tupsy-turvy relationship with her daughter’s father. It affected her work but I put up with it. It was this relationship that made her stop work.

We remained on good terms. Though she came back later on to ask for her job, my unsteady situation at the time didn’t allow me to have a regular worker.

But she would call on me

from time to time.

Celina came to see me one day and met an expatriate friend with me.

I explained her situation to my friend who decided to give a job. Celina was offered double what she earned with me. She was very happy. I was also happy for her. She needed the job to maintain her daughter. Her here-todaygone-tomorrow partner had gone AWOL again. Celina left with my expatriate friend that day.

Anytime I spoke or met up with my friend, she had nothing but good to say about Celina. I had assured her she would never regret giving her a job.

Should I have?

My friend called on me one morning to ask for Celina.

- Celina! I should be asking you about her.

- She hasn’t been to work for three days.

- Did you try her number?

- Yes. Switched off.

- Let me see.

I called Celina’s number.

True, true, it was put off.

- Do you know where she lives?

That question that took my breath away. I didn’t know her address at all. I felt embarrassed.

- No. She comes to see me.

I don’t think you should worry. She’ll be back.

- Maybe, maybe not.

- Why? - She asked me for 6-month salary advance.

- Six months!

- Yes. - And you gave her?

My friend nodded.

She and her husband were going to refer the case to the police. I put up a bold face and told them I wasn’t consulted before the salary advance was given to Celina anyway. Needless to say that Celina’s action damaged my friendship with the lady.

It’s the same Celina who now begs for forgiveness and wants to call on me.

After 10 years. It’s Ash Wednesday today, the start of the Lenten Season, the Season of Forgiveness.

O’Yemi Afolabi could be reached on oyemiajike@ gmail.com / @oyemiajike

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

EMERALDS GREAT FRIENDS CLUB OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified that the above Club has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990 BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ENGR. CHUKWUEMEKA ANOSIKE Patron 2. CHIEF OKEY MOTUNE Patron 3. MAJOR C.O. MAJI Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To carter for the welfare of its members in particular and the general public in general 2. To have powers to promote peace among members 3. Enlightenment on vital issues of social importance Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama , Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Engr. Chukwuemeka Anosike

THE EVERLIFTED JESUS MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 REV. PAUL PARK DICKSON- GENERAL OVERSEER 2 PASTOR OLUFUNMILAYO DICKSON 3 BRO. GABRIEL ODIJIE OKOSUN 4 SIS. FAITH BISOLA OLUWAKOYA 5 BRO. CHRISTOPHER IBHAGBOSORIA 6 SIS BLESSING FRANCISCA BENSON 7 BRO CHUCKS EMMANIAM ONYEAGU. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 TO EVANGELISE THE WORLD FOR CHRIST 2 TO REACH OUT TO THE NEEDY 3 TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

MOUNTING OF POWER RESTORATION AND DELIVERANCE CENTRE INT’L

21

ZION DELIVERANCE AND RESTORATION MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR CHIBUEZCHIKA 2. MRS CHIBUEZE IFEOMA 3. MR CHIME OBI 4. MR AZOR VICTOR CHIGBO AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 Ojo Ademola Joseph - President/General Overseer 2 Stella Omolade Ademola Ojo - Secretary 3 Victoria Omolade Olopade - Vice President 4 Ogunbayo Fatal Abiodun -Treasurer 5 Igbanibo Victor -Fin sec .

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ 2 To set the captives free.

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

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

HILLARY ESIKALAM FOUNDATION

GOD’S MERCY DELIVERANCE MIRACLE CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990

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

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE 1. HILLARY ESIKALAM. 2. PERPETUA ESIKALAM. 3. NNENNA GEORGE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To protect individuals who are seemingly without hope, by creating a support system that they can depend upon.

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed by; TRUSTEES

This is to inform the general public that the above named CHURCH has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. ODETOYAN MICHAEL OLUKUNMI 2. PASTOR(MRS) ODETOYAN SUSAN OLUBOLA 3. DR. SANGODELE RUFUS AYODELE 4. MRS POPOOLA ABIODUN 5. ODETOYAN SAMUEL OPEYEMI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.

To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

DAVID’S FAMILY INT’L CHRISTIAN CENTRE

THE BANQUETING HOUSE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

LOW COST HOUSING DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named CHURCH has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. DR. OLU DAVID 2. REV. VICKI DAVID 3. REV. DR. ABAYOMI OPOOLA 4. PST. DR. ADESOLA OPOOLA 5. PST. DR. OLUWAYEMISI POPOOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Raising strong and healthy people blessed of the Lord 2. Raising an army of light (THE DAVIDS) by the revealed word.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Rev. Kayode Oyegoke (2) Pst. Mrs Zogie Omosanya (3) Rev. Magret Temilade Afolabi THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS :(1) To blow or sound the trumpet of love in the church (2) To show-case God’s kind of love to the whole world (3) To teach and preach God’s kind of love for the perfecting of the Saints unto the coming of our perfect master Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

This is to notify the general public that the above named Association is seeking registration under part ‘C’ of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Emmanuel Excel Ogbeide (2) Augustine Agbati THE AIMS & OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) Home provision for people of Nigeria and environ.

(2) Provision of alternative accommodation for displaced persons.

(3) Provision of low cost houses (4) To partner with government agencies and private property development organizations in areas of tackling housing deficit in the nation.

(5) To organize seminars, publish and give materials relating to real industry to the masses.

(6) To assist the less privileged live in decent houses.

(7)To promote, develop & finance low cost housing projects for the masses.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission PLOT 565, NDOLA SQUARE, WUSE ZONE 5, ABUJA within 28 days of this publication SIGNED BY:- OWODE BALOGUN ESQ. Legal Practitioner

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

SIGNED: ADISA IBHADE OLUWABUNLOLA LEGAL PRACTITIONER BLOCK 4, FLAT 4, LEAD CITY FEDERAL HOUSING ESTATE,TOLL GATE. IBADAN.

WORD OF LIFE BIBLE BELIEVERS CHURCH

ISHERI ESTATE RESIDENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF LAGOS

HE LEADS MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Olonisakin Babatunde Ayodeji 6. Judo Stephen 2. Ajomale Afolabi Abiodun 7. Anene Mathew Chukwunweike 3. Awosika Festus Olugbenga 8. Adegbulugbe Robert Olugbemi 4. Adetimehin Lawrence Rotimi 9. Ikediasor Ezechukwu Festus 5. Mabinuori Lukman Oluwole 10. Awofeko Abiodun Awobiyi AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To promote peace and unity among members.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. OLAYIWOLA ADEDOTUN ADEKOYA 2. DR. SARAH MORIYE ADEKOYA 3. JOHNSON OLUFEMI ADEPITAN 4. ABISOLA JUMOKE ADEPITAN 5. REV. OLUSINA MONSURU SADIKU 6. PASTOR (MRS) FUNMILAYO ADEOLA SADIKU Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

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

Signed: Trustees

THE GENIUS CLUB OF FATOLU

BOLA OYEBADE FOUNDATION

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended) The Trustees Are: 1. Egundupe kolawole Ajani 2. Adeleye Mathew Oluwagbemiga 3. Ajayi Oluwagbenga Ebenezer Aims and Objectives 1. To cater for the interest and welfare of its members 2. To promote the cultural, economic, political and social progress of the Genius people and the unity and progress of our land.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for registration with the Corporate and Affairs Commission Abuja, under Part “C” of the Companies and allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Bola Oyebade 2. Linda Oyebade 3. Olatunbosun Ajayi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To reduce the rate of poverty in Nigeria 2. To support in Basic Education Development 3. To provide food for some very poor people 4. To support the poor people with free micro credit fund 5. To support maternal health Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Wuze Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Mr. Bola Oyebade (Chairman)

INITIATIVE FOR EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT AND LITERACY

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) PASTOR OLUSEGUN ABRAHAM MIKE -GENERAL OVERSEER (2) PASTOR(MRS) OLUSEGUN VICTORIA OLUWAKEMI - NATIONAL WOMEN MINISTRY CORDINATOR (3) PASTOR OKE ADENIYI OJO - GENERAL SECRETARY (4) PASTOR FATOKUN PETER OLUDELE - OUTREACH CORDINATOR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To preach the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and to make people ready for eternity with the Lord (2) To liberate people from all powers of darkness through teaching, preaching of God’s Word and demonstration of the supernatural power of God (3) To preach the word of reconciliation across the globe Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

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

Signed: Trustees

The general public is hereby informed that the above named INITIATIVE has applied for registration with the Corporate and Affairs Commission Abuja, under Part “C” of the Companies and allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EGUNJOBI Alaba Adebare 5. EGUNJOBI Olukemi Eunice 2. ADERIBIGBE Jacob Adewale 6. LAWAL Taiwo Olufemi 3. OSHIN Adebowale 7. FABIYI Funsho Wole 4. EYINADE Samuel AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To achieve complete literacy and to work for promotion of education 2.To implement and coordinate various projects, programmes and activities aimed towards development of Nigeria educational system.

3. To organize sensitization and advocacy programmes and create public awareness towards burning issues affecting educational development.

4. To set up training Centre and training programmes for major stakeholders in education with the view of developing their capacity.

5. To boost the quality of teaching learning process in Nigerian schools for Nigerian child by conducting seminars, talks and conferences involving all stakeholders in Education.

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

SIGNED: Mr Egunjobi Adebare (Chairman)

22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

TRIUMPHANT CHRIST MISSION CHURCH This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended) THE TRUSTEES ARE1. NOAH EMAGBEHINAIYE MEKULEYI- GENERAL OVERSEER 2 ADEDIRAN OLUSESAN WALE - GENERAL SECRETARY 3. ANIMASAUN YINKA - TREASURER 4. AWE MICHAEL OLUSESAN 5 OLUMUYIWA OLUWATAYO PAUL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To propagate the word of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To liberate the word through the gospel of Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Signed:TRUSTEES

DEMONSTRATION SECONDARY SCHOOL ASABA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

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

Trustees 1. MR. JONATHAN MOJAMA IFEANYI 2. MR. ANOZIE OBINNA 3 MR. RUKEVWE ONIOVOKUKOR RAPHAEL 4. BARR OKONYE BEST OKONYE 5. BARR OKOLIE ESTHER UCHECHUKWU 6. MR. OBI EZENYILI KELVIN Aim and objective 1. To foster peace and unity amongst the old students of the school 2. To provide a platform for the ventilation of the ideas to improve the school Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: BARR OKOLIE ESTHER UCHECHUKWU THE MESSENGER OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH MINISTRY

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

Trustees are: 1.Pastor Odunsi, Taiwo Olatunbosun.

2.Reverend Idem, Connel Nseabasi Effiong.

3.SwKene--Okafor, Amarachi Faustinah 4.Barrister Joseph Obukpain.

5.Chaplain Kene Okafor, Victor. President.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ by all scriptural means; 2. To encourage and promote the worship of God; 3. To promote fellowship among believers; 4. To develop educational works in so far as seems necessary for the proper growth and efficiency of the ministry; Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Chaplain Victor Kene Okafor. President

HEALTH EMERGENCY INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE is seeking for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Part C., 2004.

Trustees: 1. Dr. Nnamdi Onuekwusi 5. Dr. Olaolu Charles Akinbo 2. Arc. Thomas Awagu 6. Mr. Paschal Achunine 3. Chief Godwin Anyichie 7. Mrs. Anthonia Okebugwu 4. Mrs. Francisca Okolo Aims and objectives 1. To provide quick, initial and instant financial cover,assistance/ deposit for indigent patients, unable to provide immediate funds necessary to undergo/access treatment and preliminary hospitalization prior to regular family assistance.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from the date of publication.

Signed: Uzowulu Ugo & Co 08033393213

UNITED NIGERIA INITIATIVE FOR PEACE

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

The trustees are: 1. JOSHUA AIKOHI ITUA 5. JESSE OYAIRE ITUA 2. EHIZOGIE CHURCHILL ITUA 6. JESSICA OSEMENAIMEN ITUA 3. JOANN OTANOIGBE ITUA 7. JENNIFER ZAINAB ITUA 4. MIRIAM AILENDE ITUA 8. JOSHUA EHIZOGIE ITUA

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

The trustees are: 1. EZECHUKWU SOLOMON ENWERE 6. DR. IBRAHIM BELLO DAUDA 2. EMEKA ODUMEGWU -OJUKWU 7. DR (HON) THEODORE EKECHI 3. CHIEF ONYEMA UGOCHUKWU 8. RAPHAEL ANETOR 4. CHIEF ANTHONY GINIGEME 9. MRS. BOOKY UGBO 5. OGECHUKWU MICHAEL NGENE 10. JOSEPH IBE ISU

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY

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

Names of trustees: 1. Pastor (mrs) Justina Ogoh, 2. Ogoh Christian 3. Ogoh Shadrach.

Aim and objective To preach the gospel of our Lord jesus christ.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

ALL GRACE LANDLORDS ACCESS ROAD OF WALIMA OIL FIELD ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEE ARE: 1. OBUA SABINUS SOLKOSO - CHAIRMAN 2. NDAH SABINUS OWADIEGWU - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. AMADI SOLOMON IHEANACHOR - GEN SECRETARY 4. ORDU INNOCENT BOY. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. 2.TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

PRO-SIGHT INTERNATIONAL EYE FOUNDATION

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

TRUSTEES 1. DR BASSEY FIEBAI 2. DR. OMAKA IDAM OKOH 3. DR ELIZABETH AKOH AWOYESUKU 4. DR EFEOGHENE UCHENNA ANI Aim and objective 1. To promote and ensure good eye health

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed. Barr. OGHAYEI

CITIZENS INITIATIVE FOR NIGERIA INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

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

TRUSTEES 1. Sulu Olanrewaju Abdullahi Fulani- Chairman.

2. Prof. Jacob James- Deputy Chairman.

3. Maryam Bello.

4 Dr. Abdulhamid Ozohu- Suleiman 5. Musa Thomas Aims And Objectives 1. To Contribute To Deepening National Understanding Of And Commitment 2. To Accelerate Infrastructure Development.

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

SIGNED: BARRISTER (BAR.) UZOMA IBEGBULEM

NON-INDIGENOUS LUGBE 1 EXTENSION LAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

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

Trustees 1. ALHAJI MOHAMMED KAKURI 2. EBELE IFEDI. (Mrs) 3. STANLEY IFEANYI ARINZE 4. MR OKPE AJII 5. HENRY ABBA Aim and objectives 1. To make periodic contributions for the promotion and protection of members lands and properties.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

JAMU YUSUF FOUNDATION

Trustees 1. PST ECHETA IFEANYI JOSEPH 2. MR ECHETA JULIAN OLUCHUKWU 3. MR FRANCIS DORE 4. PST MRS FAVOUR ECHETA Aim and objectives 1. To convert sinners to saints and prepare same for christ 2. To intercede for the unity purity and health of body of christ.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. MOHAMMED JAMU YUSUF 2. AMINA MOHAMMED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO HELP THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY. 2. GIVING GENERAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PEOPLE IN DISASTER THROUGHOUT THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY 3. TRAINING, SKILL ACQUISITION AND RE-SETTLING THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

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

VICTORY GLOBAL CHRIST REDEMPTION MINISTRY

MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & CLEANUP FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONUABUCHI JACOB. 2. RAPHEAL OKERIE. 3.MRS NKIRU NWANKWO. 4. EVANG. FIDELIS ANAYO NNOLUM. 5. UDOCHUKWU NWANKWO. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OROBUIBI BEN ORUTEMEKA. 2. CHARLES UGWUMBA. 3. AMBROSE UGWUMBA. AIM AND OBJECTIVES TO CREATE AWARENESS ON THE DANGERS OF MARINE ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

23

Poll: My tribunal success victory over thieves, says Sen. Ogba

Fire destroy crops worth N50m at Orhua community in Edo

Moses Oyediran

ÏÏÏThe people of Orhua

Enugu

ÏÏÏSenator

Obinna Ogba representing Ebonyi Central has described his victory at the polls, tribunal and appeal court, as one over thieves.

Speaking during his thanksgiving ceremony at Nkalagu, Ishiellu Local Government Area, he said his victory was unprecedented, because he challenged a sitting governor, whom everyone regarded as Goliath.

It would be recalled that Nnanna Elechi, the son of the immediate past governor, Martin Elechi, had dragged Ogba to the appeal court praying it to cancel the election and ordered a fresh election,

arguing that the election was marred by irregularities.

He attributed his victory over the Elechis as, “Victory over forces that tried to ‘steal’ the mandate given to me by God. “My victory is a credit to God, because he made it possible and also to my people, who trooped out on the election day to vote for me.

“I, therefore, rededicate myself to the service of my people, to bring sustainable and people-oriented development in agriculture, infrastructure, among others,” he said.

Earlier, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, pledged to support state government’s agitation for refund of

HAVENHILL FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THAT ARTICLE 3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (CLAUSES 3.1 - 3.7) BE AMENDED THAT CONSTITUTION BE AMENDED AND FILE TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION TO REFLECT THE CHANGES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS AMENDMENT SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

money spent on rehabilitating of federal roads.

According to Saraki, “State governments need to be encouraged to get the refunds because, if this is not done, they will be discouraged to do more.

“The Senate would definitely support them on this issue, as it is for the peoples’ good.

“It will be under the condition for Ebonyi state that the funds would be used to develop Nkalagu, where the agreement of our assistance was reached”.

Saraki said that Ebonyi Central Constituency made no mistake in choosing Mr. Ogba to represent it, saying that he had distinct qualities.

Also, in his remark, the state governor, Hon. Dave BADEJO OLUWAYEMISI ABOSEDE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS PETERS OLUWAYEMISI ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. BADEJO OLUWAYEMISI ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public and First Bank Plc should please take note.

TITILAYO ABOSEDE OKERINDE

I, formerly Mrs Titilayo Abosede. Osolaja now known as Mrs Titilayo Abosede Okerinde.

Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

Umahi, commended the Senate for its untiring efforts and sacrifice for the unity and development of the country.

“We, however, beg you to intervene in the issue of refunding to the state governments funds expended in rehabilitating federal roads.

“State governments are owed a total of N556 billion by the federal government on rehabilitated roads; we seek a law that makes it mandatory to refund states whenever such projects are executed.

“We would even accept the refund of initial 50 per cent of the funds with negotiations on the balance as the federal roads are used by citizens of the various states,” he said.

ÏÏÏThe

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned the trio of Joseph Lah Leh, Nwinunu Sorbari and Emenike Henry before Justice U.N Agomoh of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, on a five- count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretense to

UCHE KINGSLEY EMEDO

DECLARATION OF NAME & AGE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UCHE DAVID NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UCHE KINGSLEY EMEDO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

This is to declare that I OJIKE EKENE GIDEON TIZZA RAPHAEL was born on the 25TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1991. That henceforth my name and date of birth be used for record and official purposes. All former documents remain valid and the general public should please take note.

OLUMAYEMI GRACE OSUNGBARO

ADEDOYIN OBEMBE

CHUKWUKA LINDA BLESSING

OGUNJOBI ALABA ISMAILA

I, formerly known and addressed as IDOWU OLUWATOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as OLUMAYEMI GRACE OSUNGBARO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEDOYIN ADEKUNLE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEDOYIN OBEMBE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as LINDA CHUKWUKA now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUKA LINDA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNJOBI ALABA OLUWASEUN now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNJOBI ALABA ISMAILA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

VIRGINIA OLUCHI CHINASA

ADEFOKUN MARY

SANUSI AKANJI MOHAMMED

FOLASHADE OMONIYI ADEWALE

I, formerly known as Chukwu, Virginia Chinasa now wish to be addressed as UKAH, VIRGINIA OLUCHI CHINASA. All former documents remain valid. FCAI, NYSC and the general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS KADIRI MARY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEFOKUN MARY. All former documents remain valid. The general public and NYSC should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEDEJI BASHIR OLUBODE now wish to be known and addressed as SANUSI AKANJI MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

AARINOLA MARY TEMITOPE I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNDIRAN MARY TEMITOPE Now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS AARINOLA MARY TEMITOPE. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

Benin City

community in Uhumwode Local government Area of Edo state are now counting their losses following the devastation of their farmlands by a wild bush fire.

The agrarian community is home to business mogul, Dr. Hosa Okunbo and the member representing Uhumwode in the Edo state House of assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, who was expected to raise the issue at plenary on Tuesday.

The fire disaster which community dwellers said destroyed oil palm, plantain and allied plantations, also devastated subsistence arable crop farms, leaving many job-

less and hopeless.

Elder, Samuel Ozigbo, the oldest man in the community, while expressing frustration at the turn of events, said though no lives and properties were lost, the farmlands destroyed is in the region of N50million.

He said, “Cassava, Yam, Pineapple, cocoa, Plantain, Oil palm plantations are all gone. We are completely helpless. As you can see, we live in a forest area...our food is gone and there is none to even sell to get money to survive”.

Elder Ozigbo said the fire came through a neighbouring village, Ozalla adding that many farmers are now in agony because they took loans to expand their farms and repayment is a few months away.

Three Docked For Fake N4.5m NDDC Contract

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNGBAYI TOLULOPE AANUOLUWAPO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BENYE TOLULOPE ANNUOLUWAPO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

BENYE TOLULOPE ANNUOLUWAPO

Titus Akhigbe

SHODE TEMIDAYO DOYIN I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ATANDA TEMIDAYO DOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SHODE TEMIDAYO DOYIN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

the tune of N4, 500,000.00 (Four Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira).

The petitioner, Uzoma Obilor, Managing Director/ CEO, Bikpak Limited, alleged that one of his business associates, Kenule Kukang, sometime in May, 2012, brought a proposal for getting contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and then introduced him to

Lah Leh (the first accused person) who claimed that he could help him (Obilor) secure the contract.

Obilor further alleged that he was shown a tender, which Kukang, who also claimed to be a special assistant to one L.F. Ntoue, his in-law and Board member representing Federal Ministry of Finance in the NDDC, confirmed to be genuine.

MONAGO GOSPEL CHINWENDU

JANET UDOH MONDAY I, formerly known and addressed as JANET FRIDAY JOY now wish to be known and addressed as JANET UDOH MONDAY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NZEWI GOSPEL CHINWENDU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MONAGO GOSPEL CHINWENDU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ADEBAYO DAUDA ABÎOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE SALAM ABIOLA DOLLAR now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO DAUDA ABÎOLA. General public please, take note.

OKORO CHIDINMA JULIET

JOHN FLAME OVULU I, formerly known and addressed as JOHNOKECHUKWU OVULU now wish to be known and addressed asJOHN FLAME OVULU. General public please, take note.

SALAMI KABIRAT FEYI

I, formerly known and addressed as FOLASHADE OMONIYI KASSIM now wish to be known and addressed as FOLASHADE OMONIYI ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ELUM CHIDINMA JULIET now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO CHIDINMA JULIET. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKEGBENRO KABIRAT FEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAMI KABIRAT FEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ENYI OMOYE CAROLINE ETUAJE

PATRICK CHIGBOGU EGBUNIKE

AKINWUNMI OMOTOLA JUDITH

HADIYAT OLANIYI SAWKAS

AKINTUNDE DOLAPO OLAGUNDOYE

I, formerly known and addressed as UBUANE OMOYE CAROLINE ETUAJE now wish to be known and addressed as ENYI OMOYE CAROLINE ETUAJE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as PATRICK CHIGBOGU now wish to be known and addressed as PATRICK CHIGBOGU EGBUNIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SALAMI OMOTOLA JUDITH now wish to be known and addressed as AKINWUNMI OMOTOLA JUDITH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as HADIYAT LAWAL,now wish to be known and addressed as HADIYAT OLANIYI SAWKAS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINTUNDE OLAGUNDOYE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINTUNDE DOLAPO OLAGUNDOYE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note

News 24 Adamawa CoS, APC official exchange blows Tom Garba Yola

ÎÎÎThe

Chief of staff to the Adamawa state governor, Alh. Abdulrahaman Abba Jimeta, last weekend, exchanged blows with the All Progressives Congress (APC) official of Yola North Local Government Area.

The fight, which made Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla to personally intervene, reprimanded the two chieftains of the party for disappointing him considering their status in the society.

The row ensued during a meeting of party chairmen from the 21 Local Government Areas held at the residence of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar with the governor and some party chieftains in attendance.

Eye witnesses told our correspondent that trouble started when the Chief of Staff insisted that he did not recognise Baba-Ahmad as the Yola North party chairman, so he had to leave the meeting.

The meeting continued after party elders appealed to the two personalities to bury their differences but no sooner than the meeting was concluded, the two men resumed verbal fight.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Ibadan stakeholders call for review of Olubadan chieftaincy

ÎÎÎEminent

scholars and personalities have called for an urgent review of the Ibadan chieftaincy tradition to encourage younger, educated and influential men to ascend the exalted throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

They bared their minds at a symposium organised by the Oyo state government in continuation of a week-long activities for the funeral of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, at the Trenchand Hall of the

University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

A former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Ismael Olalekan Alli, who represented the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at the event, said the symposium was put together to celebrate the late Olubadan.

The event, which has “Issues in Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy System” as central theme was chaired by Emeritus Prof. Olu Akinkugbe, while Prof. Adedotun Ogundeji spoke on the life and times of the late

monarch. An Ibadan Senior Chief, Lekan Alabi, also spoke on the topic of the day.

Those who spoke in favour of the review of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system include a former governor of the old Oyo state, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo; a former Editor of Daily Times, Chief Areoye Oyebola; and a renowned Historian, Prof. Bolanle Awe. Oyebola, who said he had close relationship with four Olubadans, noted that the Olubadan chieftaincy system

was fraught with complexities that has made it impossible for any Olubadan to reign for too long.

He said it was not in the best interest of modern Ibadan city for a prospective Olubadan to wait for more than 35 years after becoming a Mogaji before becoming an Olubadan, since they must climb the 23 promotional steps on the rung.

Said he: “A situation where you have more than 200 Mogajis waiting in line to become

Anambra govt renovates Onitsha Central Mosque Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÎÎÎAnambra state govern-

Osun shuts two steel mills Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÎÎÎOsun

state government has ordered immediate closure of two steel mills over environmental and safety related issues.

The two steel mills are the Prism Steel Mill Ltd along Ikirun-Okuku road and Ife Iron and Still Mills located along the Ife-Ibadan Express way.

The order for closure was handed down by the Co-coordinating Director of the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Sunday Afolabi on behalf of the state government.

He explained that the two affected companies have been given 24-hour to evacuate their valuable materials.

He said, “The closure order is due to hazardous industrial operations as well as the inability of the management of the two industries to provide adequate safety gadgets in respect of environmental protection for lives and properties in their surroundings.

Olubadan and to make the matter worse majority of these Mogajis are not educated and competent enough to rule over a big city like Ibadan calls for a review.

“Some don’t have the means and knowledge. I want to call for a review that will make it impossible for such people to become Olubadan. What I can advise the Olubadan-inCouncil to do is to assess the current Mogajis and separate those who are not competent to become Olubadan.

L-R: World Bank Country Director, Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah and Director, Policy Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Ajiya Mamman, at the launching of Business Innovation and Growth Platform in Abuja… on Tuesday.

Bristow crash: MD warns against speculations Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎThe Managing Director

of Bristow Helicopters, Mr. Duncan Moore has said it that is too premature to conclude on why the Sikorsky S - 76c was ditched in an ocean last week when it developed fault.

Duncan, who disclosed this when the National executive members of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), led by its president, Comrade Benjamin Okewu paid him condolence visit, said it will take weeks or months of investigation to determine what led to the accident by the Accident Investigations Bureau (AIB).

Duncan warned against speculation on the possible causes of the accident, add-

ing that the aircraft was certified to carry a total of 12 passengers and two crew, saying that comprehensive risk assessment prior to releasing other aircraft type to service was completed.

According to the Bristow boss, both the captain and the first officer were Nigerians, adding that both pilots exceeded minimum customer and regulatory requirements being graduates of Bristow academy with several years of experience.

Duncan explained that names of passengers on board during the accident have been released to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and AIB, saying that the airline as a matter of practice does not disclose name of clients onboard.

He stated that Bristow has

16 Sikorsky S-76c aircraft operating in Africa, while assuring of its commitment to safety with its Target Zero safety programme being the airlines culture.

According to him, Bristow has been operating in the country since 1969 supporting oil and gas industry, and assured of cooperation with the AIB and NCAA in carrying out their investigations into the accident.

Duncan said the incident had nothing to do with the redundancy carried out last year as a result of loss of contracts as being peddled by professionals and non-professionals in aviation industry.

He announced that the female pilot who flew the plane has been penciled down for an award at the International Women’s Day scheduled for

March 15 this year.

The national president of ATSSSAN, Benjamin Okewu, who led his team to Bristow to show solidarity and support, said it was a trying time for the company.

Okewu promised to partner with them to correct the various erroneous speculations about the company.

He further assured them of their partnership in ensuring that they monitor the standard procedure the NCAA was embarking upon whether it was done in good time without political interference.

Okewu further advised the management to partner more with the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), to ensure that the right information goes out to the public.

ment, under the leadership of Governor. Willie Obiano has commenced the renovation of the Onitsha Central Mosque which was allegedly torched by some irate members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during last year’s protest that rocked the commercial town of Onitsha and some parts of South east.

The group, IPOB, had earlier protested in Onitsha calling for the release of the Director of Radio Biafra and leader of the group.

At the Central mosque, Bida Road, Onitsha, near the Onitsha Main Market, labourers were seen putting finishing touches on the building.

While the entire roofing had earlier been removed and replaced with new ones, the plastering of the walls have also reached an advanced stage when our reporter visited the mosque on Tuesday.

Gov. Obiano

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

25 Opinion

Dasukigate as validation for our reset

Fidelis Anosike

ÏÏÏ I It has been all over

the news how the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki became the “Mr. Fix It” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), instead of focusing on the daunting task of coordinating the security of Nigeria at its most trying time, ever.

I am terrified at the different arguments that have trailed the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration to right the wrong, retrieve as much of Nigeria’s looted funds as possible, and sanction indicted persons. Yet, some persons have accused the administration of persecuting political opponents!

Certain questions bog the mind. Is this man, Dasuki, human? Does it mean that all is fair in war? Where has our empathy gone?

Why does human life mean nothing to Africans, more particularly the Nigerian elite?

At the last count, over 50,000 lives have been lost in the spate of senseless Boko Haram attacks. And you ask: by whom? Nigerians killing fellow citizens, spilling the blood of children,

women, the elderly and the infirm, for no cause! And the government officials who were supposed to put an end to the senselessness went on a money-sharing spree, profiting from the flow of blood of the children, women and the infirm!

At this rate, one no longer knows where the attacks came from or who to blame for the loss of lives, based on these revelations. Yet, our insensitive politicians will brand the action of President Muhammadu Buhari on Dasukigate as “political”!

More posers, please: Is the NSA a political office?

Are we are so dumb that we have to play politics with everything? No wonder the abduction of the Chibok girls became political and to date those critical steps that were needed when the abduction took place have not come.

Today, what do we have?

Broken homes, broken hearts and no succour for any one.

And the Chibok girls are still missing…

Dasukigate is the mother of all scandals and if it were in saner climes, anybody involved will take his or her life. Instead, what do we have in Nigeria? Arguments, counter-arguments and comical defence from the PDP, the height of which rent the air a few days ago with a report that Buhari is afraid of Dasuki throwing his hat into the ring in 2019 for presidential contest.

This is the height of insult to our collective intelligence. Dasuki for President? A man of such low quality that reportedly spent billions of arms fund on spiritual godfathers, contesting for president in Nigeria?

I laugh!

A man, a prince, a Colonel who can divert appropriated funds for fighting terrorism to spiritual prayers and party politics deserves to be elected the president of monkeys, not of Nigerians.

Now we know where he got the advice to shift elections for six weeks which he confidently communicated at the Chatham House in the United Kingdom.

This man and his cohorts, as well as his master, need to dance naked and be publicly whipped in all state capitals after which a proper trial will take place to determine their level of foolishness because they really do not deserve pity.

I say this because they well knew that there are so many ways to finance an election. After all, the different centres of skewed power in the defunct government were wasting money in the name of election that was lost a long time ago.

The Dasukigate validates the need for the 30 year reset, going back to 1984-85 to solve Nigeria’s leadership problem in 2015! We need to clean up and it must start will us being inspired by President Buhari.

One shudders at the prospect of a forensic probe of the oil sector, the ministries of Works, Water Resources and, indeed, other money guzzling sectors of the economy these past 16 years. Without doubt, many more skeletons are waiting to be unearthed. If the body language of President Buhari is guide, many more probes are on the way. The Dasukigate will, surely, lead to more ugly worms.

Brace up for more gates, dear Nigerians.

Anosike is Publisher of the Daily Times of Nigeria

W E A T H E R ABUJA

ASABA

LAGOS

Low 23°C High 40°C

Low 23°C High 40°C

Low 23°C High 37°C

KADUNA

IBADAN

ILORIN

Low 16°C High 36°C

Low 21°C High 43°C

Low 20°C High 40°C

Dasuki

R E P O R T KANO Low 14 °C High 34°C

BENIN CITY Low 8°C High 20°C

P/HARCOURT Low 22°C High 37°C

CALABAR Low 24°C High 41°C

ENUGU Low 21°C High 38°C

WARRI Low 24°C High 35°C

26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Features

Æs

Nigerian workers, electricity companies in battle of wits The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), its counterpart, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Civil Society allies and electricity consumers in the country trooped out on Monday in a nationwide protest against the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariff.

LAGOS Early commuters in Ikeja area of Lagos were caught in an unusual traffic gridlock from all points of entry into the commercial hub of the city as a large crowd of protesters from across the state, mostly members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other trade unions, came out massively to kick against the new electricity tariff.

Our Lagos team reported that the protesters, armed with lanterns and placards, first stormed the office of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company at Alausa, Ikeja but were prevented from gaining entrance into the compound.

Not discouraged, the protesters occupied the entrance of the company’s gate, demanding that their voices and messages must be heard.

One Mr. Achike Chube, one of the spokespersons for the protesters told the Daily Times that the basis for their agitation was the increase in electricity tariff by the Federal Government despite the court order issued by a court in Ikoyi-Lagos that the increase in electricity tariff should be suspended.

The protesters carried different placards with inscriptions and slogans like, ‘End darkness’, ‘Say no to crazy and outrageous bills’, ‘Hike in tariff is a capital fraud’ and ‘Residents suffers, businesses are dying, Eko Disco smiles to the bank’, among others.

Different groups representing their various communities in Lagos included the Ago United, Okota Community Movement, Ajegunle People and Community Movement, Isolo-Ishaga, Ire-Akari and Oke-Afa Communities Movement and Ajeromi-ifelodum were not left out of this protest.

To add pep to the protest, Fela’s celebrated song, ‘Suffering and Smiling’ and ‘Lead us Well’ by African China as well as other solidarity songs filled the air and charged the atmosphere.

One side of the road was totally blocked as a result of the massive crowd forcing vehicles to make use of one side of the road, resulting into a heavy gridlock.

The police were also seen stationed both within the Eko Disco compound

The dawn of Monday, February 8, 2016 sent out warning across the country that the days of muscle-flexing between labour and government are here again.

The Daily Times team that monitored the protest by the organised labour and its civil society allies in major cities reports that the die is cast, as the ripples of the protest will continue for a long time to come. Correspondents Jide Okeowo, Innocent Akpan and Peace Udochi filed in this report.

Protesters at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikeja.

and outside the protest ground to manage the situation so that hoodlums do not hijack the good intent of the protesters.

Addressing the workers at Ikeja Electric, the first Vice-President of NLC and President-General of the National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWWU), Mr. Amaechi Asugwuni, who led the protesters, insisted that the distribution companies should not implement the new tariff regime.

Photo by Eromosele Ebhomele

Asugwuni stated that Nigerians are not ready to pay for darkness, adding that the protest would not stop until tariff is reduced. ‘’Billions of dollars had been sunk into the power sector without stability in electricity supply.

“It is only in Nigeria that people pay for darkness,” he said.

The crowd eventually earned the presence of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company, Mr. AigbeOlotu,

who urged the protesters to direct their complaints to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

At the Lagos State House of Assembly, meanwhile, a mammoth crowd had gathered as early as 7 am. One of the placard carrying groups under the aegis of Youth Alliance for better Nigeria lamented that they are made to pay huge sums of money as electricity bills

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

27 Features

We cannot read at night. Don’t kill the youths — Protesting students Continued from page 26 monthly when they hardly ever get power supply.

Some of the placards read: ‘Outrageous bills, Oppressive Conduct of Staff ’, ‘Fashola, Save Nigerians from Darkness’, ‘Enough Exploitation of Ten Streets to a Transformer’, ‘We Need Prepaid Metres’.

Other placards told quite a story, revealing that the protest is not about the tariff hike alone. ‘Frustration of government effort to provide employment by not improving the epileptic power supply’. ‘Ikeja electricity should stop substandard prepaid metres’, ‘If you cannot serve us, don’t exploit us’.

Another set of placards were quite demanding: ‘Fashola, dissolve NERC, withdraw Ikeja Electricity license and boost your party popularity’, ‘Buhari must dissolve Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Please do this for us,’ and ‘When learning stops, liberation stops.

We cannot read at night. Don’t kill the youths.’

The protesters got angry after many hours of standing opposite the Assembly and no lawmaker came out to address them.

They then decided to block the road which also led to the Governor’s office, sitting on the road to disallow vehicles from plying it.

I appeal to Nigerians and the organised labour to show more understanding and accept the new electricity tariff. I urge Nigerians to show understanding because only cost reflective tariff can develop the power sector and attract investment.

Although Nigerians are disappointed over this increase, but the tariff ought to have been increased long before the new administration came on board - Fashola

Fashola NLC electricity hike strike in Abuja.

NLC electricity hike strike in Lagos.

Abuja At the Federal Capital Territory, our Abuja office reported that the NLC and the TUC led the protesters to the offices of the Abuja Electricity Development Company, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the National Assembly.

The Daily Times Abuja correspondents reported that protesters came out as early as 7am for the protest which started at the Labour House in the Central Business District of Abuja.

They were seen carrying placards expressing their disdain for the tariff increase with some bearing such inscriptions as ‘We won’t pay more for darkness’.

President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, in his address accused the Minister of Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, of conniving with the electricity firms to

Photos: Olawale Rotimi

fleece Nigerians.

Describing the tariff hike as outrageous, NLC President, said it was the fifth in a row since 2012 and unacceptable Nigerians.

Reacting to the hike to our correspondents, the protesters unanimously insisted that policies of the government, which created room for Nigerians to be subjected to unjustified charges, would be resisted, warning that this is only the beginning.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, TUC president, warned that the labour movement will continue with the protest against the tariff hike until it is reversed.

In a consensus release, the labour leaders vowed to continue pressing until the tariff is reversed, expressing disappointment over the role of the

Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola in supporting the power firms in their many ways of exploitation of Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola on Monday appealed to Nigerians and the organised labour led by the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC to show more understanding, and accept the new electricity tariff.

Fashola said this during his second monthly sectorial meeting with power generation, distribution and transmission companies in Lagos.

He urged Nigerians to show understanding, explaining that only cost reflective tariff can develop the power sector and attract investment.

“The purpose of the meeting is to provide avenue for com-

pany executives in the power sector to discuss and address power challenges in the country.

“The entire nation is waiting for effective service delivery in power sector, the ideal behind the meeting is to visit power installation companies to fashion a way out of the mess.

“Although Nigerians are disappointed over an increase in electricity tariff however, the tariff ought to have been increased long before the new administration came on board.”

Like a Nollywood story line broken into many chapters, the Daily Times gathered at the end of the Monday protests that an ultimatum of two weeks was issued to the power companies warning of another chapter of protests if the increase is not reversed shortly.

KANO Meanwhile, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, had on Sunday in Kano, appealed to organised labour to shelve the planned protest over electricity tariff increase.

A statement issued by the Executive Director, Research and Advocacy of the association, Sunday Oduntan, urged the unions to support the power sector operators to improve electricity supply in the country.

The statement said that Nigeria is witnessing an all-time high 5,075 megawatts of electricity for the first time in the history of the nation’s power sector.

“This is a demonstration that the sector has the capacity to meet the country’s power needs,” it said.

Norwegian ‘peanuts’ not worth my time—Eduwo

O Eduwo

ne-time Flying Eagles invitee Kingsley Eduwo has turned down “peanuts” offered by Norwegian club Fredrikstad FK. His representative, Lanre Famakinwa, revealed that the 18-year-old striker was offered a contract after an impressive 10day trial during which he scored five goals in three games, but it was

turned down because the money just was not worth it.

“Eduwo was offered a deal by Fredrikstad after a successful trial, but we turned it down because the money was not something to write home about,” Famakinwa said.

“Calculating his salary after tax, he will be left with less than what he earned in Nigeria; it made no sense to accept such offer.”

The striker born on June 19, 1996, scored a hat-trick in his first game and scored a brace in the second.

He has played for Gateway FC, Sunshine Stars and 3SC. Moroccan club Olympic Club de Safi are interested in the striker and have subsequently sent him an invitation letter.

Page 28

Giggs can be Man United’s Guardiola g 30 –Robson Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Lagos to host 2018

Africa Senior Athletics Championships ANDREW EKEJIUBA

L

agos State have been chosen as host city of the 2018 Africa Senior Athletics Championships.

This is contained in an agreement signed in Lagos at the weekend by the Federal Government of Nigeria represented by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung and the President of the Confederation of African Athletics Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, as well as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s President, Dr Solomon Ogba.

The trio also signed an agreement to build a High Altitude Athletics Training Center in Jos Plateau State.

On the occasion, the CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum stressed the need for Africans to develop their own athletes by setting up structures and facilities that will enhance and

Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung.

LMC boss

thanks fans, assures of better season ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko has expressed deep appreciation to fans of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs for their support all through the 2014/15 season and made a pledge to offer more in all aspects of the league’s organisation in the 2015/16 season which kicks off on Sunday, February 21.

Dikko spoke on the heels of the successful NPFL Super 4 tournament which held over two rounds with the first leg in Kaduna and the last leg concluded in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State last Friday.

He said the fans were the most valuable assets of the league in

develop athletes on their own continent.

“We have already set up a High Performance Training Center in the University of Port Harcourt. We intend to set up another one in Jos for the middle and long distance runners because we have seen that we need to prepare our athletes in Africa. When you send them to UK, in few months they change nationality and easily become British citizens.

Even their coaches don’t support our athletes because they want their own to win. So, this is why we need to set up our own facility for long and middle distance runners in Africa to develop our own athletes,” Malboum explained.

In his response, the Youth and Sports minister, Dalung thanked the CAA President for his passion in promoting African sports and enhancing the prospects of African youths.

A delegation from the IAAF and the CAA is expected to come for an initial inspection of the site in Jos for further recommendations and provision of facilities. The High Altitude Athletics Training center when completed, will serve athletes from West Africa. Similar training centers are already located in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Dakar and Zambia.

Instat picks

Fatai Top officials of the LMC and NFF in a group photograph.

the last season as they succeeded in repossessing the league.

According to Dikko, “the success of the last season goes down to the fans, together, we repossessed our league and we will do more to keep our league together”.

He said fans should expect more this season in the area of tightened security, players’ welfare, media coverage, governing rules implementation and improved atmosphere at games.

“Fans should expect more when the season starts on February 21.

We will work to ensure safety at match grounds for fans, match officials and the players as all the groundwork done last season with the office of the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will be

implemented to tighten security before, during and after games,” the LMC Chairman assured fans.

On players’ welfare, Dikko said learnings from the last season will be put into use to prevent a recurrence of the magnitude experienced. “We are putting place with the clubs some safeguards that will reduce if not eliminate the problem of indebtedness to players by their employers. This is the reason we are asking the clubs to provide financial guarantees as part of their licensing requirement and above all, the LMC will ensure the implementation of Rules and Framework which has been updated to take care of some of the observed lapses of the last season”.

as best striker in Czech Rep.

N

igeria striker Kehinde Fatai has been picked as one of the best strikers in the Czech Republic for last year by the international scouting network, Instat.

The 25-year-old Fatai, who has been capped by Nigeria at U-20 and U-23 levels, scored a total of 12 goals in 27 appearances in 2015 for Czech club Sparta Prague.

His average shooting percentage is 65%, passing 70% and dribbles 52%.

His best three matches for the past year – Prague 3 Teplice 1 (November 8, 2015), Schalke 2 Prague 2 (October 22) and Prague 2 CSKA 3 (August 5).

The special scouting report described Fatai as “Prague’s goals machine”.

The former JUTH FC of Jos star is widely seen as ‘The New Wilfried Bony’ at Prague after the Manchester City striker, who featured for the top Czech

club between 2008 and 2011.

“He is a very fast player who could be the only striker upfront or in various formations – 4-42, 4-3-3 and 3-5-2,” said Prague assistant coach Stanislav Heikal.

“He is a good finisher who proved his class in the European matches against Schakle 04 and CSKA Moscow.

“He has adapted quickly to the culture of his new country.”

“He puts defences under pressure from a good part of the pitch,” according to the Instat scouting report.

“He is a very versatile striker, who could adapt to different tactical formations. He could also play a pivotal role in his team’s counter attacks.

“He has been one of the leaders of his various European clubs and has adapted quickly to Czech Republic and the language.”

Fatai has played most of his club football in Romania since he moved there as a 17-year-old. He also played on loan at Belgian club Club Brugge.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

EXTRATIME

NFF holds three-day seminar for Match ers

CAF Cup:

Nasarawa Utd, Generation Foot battle in Abuja ANDREW EKEJIUBA

P

layers and officials of Nigeria’s flagbearers in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, Nasarawa United, have arrived in Abuja with a determination not to take prisoners in Sunday’s first round, first leg clash against AS Academie Generation Foot of Senegal.

Although the opponents are yet to communicate their date of arrival to the Nigeria Football Federation, Nasarawa United FC chairman, Barr. Isaac Danladi revealed on Tuesday that his players are focusing on Sunday’s game and not when the opposition will jet into town.

“Our preparations are geared towards achieving a handsome win, in order to make the second leg an easier session for us. As I told you some weeks ago, we have experienced continental football before when we played in the CAF Champions League some years ago. It is not an entirely strange territory.

“Playing at home first, or playing at the National Stadium, Abuja is no disadvantage.

Rather, we see everything as an opportunity to confirm how much progress Nasarawa United has made over the years.”

The Solid Miners opted to play at the National Stadium, Abuja as their home ground in Lafia is presently undergoing renovation.

29

Commission

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

Emenike

Emenike rejects deal to

make him Africa’s best paid star

I

t has been revealed that Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike turned down a bumper offer from China that would have made him the best paid African player.

The 28-year-old Emenike is now on loan to English Premier League side West Ham from Turkish club Fenerbache.

But he could also have taken up an offer in China, which would have

made him the best paid African player.

“The deal in China would have fetched him up to $8 million a year, all tax-free,” said a source close to the player.

“But he preferred to move on loan to the EPL instead.”

Another source hinted that the striker could still head to China in June.

“He could still move to China in the summer. It all depends on how things go in England,” said the source.

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded plans for a three –day seminar for Match Commissioners in the country, ahead of the kick–off of the new football season.

Already, the League Management Company has announced that the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season will kick off on Sunday, February 21, while the Nigeria National League (NNL) has set Saturday, February 27, for commencement of its new season. The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) will start on Saturday, February 20, while the Nationwide League will commence on Saturday, March 17.

Secretary of the NFF Match Commissioners’ Appointment Committee, Danlami Alanana revealed on Tuesday that about one thousand Match Commissioners are expected to

grace the annual event, which has now been segmented into three days.

“The first day is Wednesday, February 17M and this will be attended by Match Commissioners of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

The following day will see Match Commissioners of the Nigeria National League take their turn, while Match Commissioners of the Nigeria Women Football League and the Nationwide League One will be in attendance on the final day, which is Friday, February 19, 2016.

Pinnick

30

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS Guardiola hails Lewandowski amid Real, PSG rumours

B

ayerrn Munich coach Pep Guardiola has hailed Robert Lewandowski’s professional attitude amid speculation linking him with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Poland international has a contract with Bayern until June 2019, but rumours of a switch away from the Allianz Arena have persisted since the club’s chief executive officer KarlHeinz Rummenigge declared his interest in Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain.

Rodgers rejects EPL jobs

Gu ar di ol a reunion appeals

to Busquets

S

ergio Busquets could be persuaded to leave Barcelona if Pep Guardiola asked him to join him at Manchester City, but he does not expect his former mentor to try to lure him away from Camp Nou. The 27-year-old broke into the first team at Barca under Guardiola in 2008-09 and has since developed into a key player.

He has not forgotten about Guardiola’s role in his successful career and would be honoured to work under the Bayern Munich coach again.

“I have always said there are just two persons who could make me change my decision to stay at Barcelona,” Busquets said.

e s s i C t u o e m o c y ma

F

ormer Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he has turned down five opportunities to return to management since leaving Anfield, including offers from Premier League clubs. Rodgers was sacked by Liverpool in October 2015 after a run of one win from nine games, bringing to an end his three-year stint in charge.

The former Swansea City boss was linked with a return to the Liberty Stadium in December after Garry Monk was sacked, and Rodgers confirmed he held discussions with chairman Huw Jenkins about the vacancy.

Rodgers hopes to be back in work this summer, although not necessarily in England.

Eder talks up Inter’s Scudetto chances

I

nter striker Eder says recent poor form has not ruled them out of the Serie A title race, suggesting a win against Fiorentina on Sunday could revive their Scudetto ambitions. Having started the campaign strongly, Inter were a point clear at the summit going into 2016 but have won just one of their last six league games and needed late goals from Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic to earn a point against rock-bottom Verona on Sunday.

Inter’s stuttering form has seen them slip behind Napoli, Juventus and Fiorentina ahead of a weekend that sees the top two meet on Saturday.

“One of those two persons is my wife. And she is happy here right now, so I don’t think there will be any issues on a personal level.

“On a sporting level, that other person is Guardiola.

It’s clear that I owe Pep a lot and I would be honoured to work with him again.

“But he knows that Barcelona is my club and it’s his club as well. He knows it’s best for the club and for me to stay here and I don’t think he will ask me to leave Barcelona for Manchester City.

“I hope that when I end my career, I go down in history as a great team player, who won titles and excelled. I want to become one of the players with the most games for Barcelona.”

Busquets

Ancelotti

tips Zidane for

greatness

! t n e m e E r i t of re F

Cisse

ormer France international Djibril Cisse says he may return t o football after undergoing a successful hip operation.

Cisse, 34, announced h i s retirement last October after revealing that he would need a hip replacement.

But the f o r m e r Liverpool, Sunderland and QPR striker says t h a t making a comeback seems a realistic possibility now that he is

pain free.

“A return to the pitch - why not?,” he told reporters.

“If I can, I’ll play again. We’ll give it a try.

“I retired because I couldn’t even walk anymore. But my hip operation went very well.

“I’m no longer taking painkillers, and at the moment I have good hopes of playing again. We’ll see.”

Cisse spent the 2014-15 season with Bastia in Ligue 1 but retired after ending a short-term deal with JS Saint-Pierroise, a team in the French overseas department of Reunion last September.

Having won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and scored over 250 goals in 16 years, Cisse says he could well end up back at Auxerre.

‘Costa C

helsea striker Diego Costa is the ideal man to replace Jackson Martinez at Atletico Madrid next season, according to Spanish football expert Terry Gibson.

Martinez left the Vicente Calderon to sign for Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande last week in a deal worth £31.8m, less than a year after moving to Atleti.

Gibson feels the deal for a frontman who had scored only twice

in the league was just too good to turn down for the La Liga club, especially if Coach Diego Simeone can lure Costa back to the Spanish capital this summer.

“I was a little taken aback that they let him go, but they must have seen the price and thought we are actually going to make a profit on him,” he told reporters.

“And this is a player who was not ripping it up in La Liga and who

x-Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has backed Zinedine Zidane to succeed at the Santiago Bernabeu and believes his former assistant has all the qualities to become a great coach.

Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez as Madrid manager last month, and has guided the club to four wins and a draw - while scoring 19 goals - in his five games in charge.

And Ancelotti said: “The best thing you can say about Zidane is that he doesn’t have experience, just like when I started coaching or my professional playing career.

“Zidane has everything you need to be a great coach. He has the ability, charisma, personality and knows football inside-out. He has the profile of a Real Madrid coach.

ideal for Atletico’ Simeone had not really fallen in love with or trusted.

“Then obviously talk immediately turned to his replacement next season and Diego Costa.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United forward believes Costa would be the perfect player to take over from Martinez after spending four hugely successful years at the club before joining Chelsea in 2014.

Costa

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

EXTRATIME

R

oberto Firmino, Gary Hooper, Max Power and Shay McCartan have been named the PFA Fans’ Players of the Month for January.

Firmino, who moved to Anfield last summer from Hoffenheim in an initial £21.3m deal, hit the headlines in January by scoring four goals in as many games in the Premier League.

The Brazilian, who beat Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and Tottenham’s Harry Kane to the top-flight award, scored twice in his side’s 3-3 draw with title challengers Arsenal, before firing another double in his side’s thrilling 5-4 win at Norwich.

The Championship accolade has been picked up by Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Hooper, who scored five goals in January to help his side stay unbeaten during the month.

The 28-year-old, who joined Wednesday on a three-and-ahalf-year permanent deal from

Liverpool star,

o in irsm F win Januar y award Norwich in the transfer window, saw off competition from Hull City striker Abel Hernandez and

Birmingham midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld.

In League One, Wigan

midfielder Max Power topped the poll ahead of Port Vale forward Ajay Leitch-Smith and Barnsley striker Sam Winnall.

Power scored two goals as Wigan moved up to third in the league following an unbeaten sixgame run during January.

Finally, the League Two award went to Accrington Stanley forward Shay McCartan after his three January goals helped him claim more votes than Oxford United striker Kemar Roofe and Plymouth Argyle midfielder Gregg Wylde.

Firmino (right) scored four goals in four league games in January for Liverpool.

Guardiola –Robson

M

anchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Ryan Giggs can be the club’s answer to Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini as the man in charge at Manchester City from the start of next season, with speculation mounting that United will turn to Jose Mourinho in response.

But former club captain Robson feels United should look closer to home once Louis van Gaal leaves Old Trafford.

“Ryan really can be the Guardiola of United, I am sure of it,” Robson said. “Yes, he’s a quiet lad but that should make no difference. He has always been a deep thinker on the game. He’s worked hard to get to this point.

“They talk about Guardiola being intelligent and having a great football brain.

Ryan is no different.

He just needs the chance to prove what he can do once Van Gaal goes.

“There should be no knee-jerk reaction, no panic. Guardiola has a great record but United should not be reacting to what happens at City. United should carry on what was started when Van Gaal arrived.

Giggs

‘Allegri offered Chelsea job’

M

Allegri

Klopp

Klopp

wants ticket row settled

L

Giggs can be Man United’s

assimiliano Allegri’s former manager Giovanni Galeone says the Italian will become Chelsea’s new boss in the summer after receiving a “fantastic” offer from Roman Abramovich.

On Monday, Juventus director Beppe Marotta insisted Allegri would not be leaving his post as the club’s manager and dismissed reports linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge.

But Galeone, who managed Allegri during their time together at Pescara, says the 48-year-old will move to England and has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League.

“I think Max will go to Chelsea and will do very well. As one of the five best coaches in the world, he

will leave Juventus, it makes no sense to remain still in Italy,” he told reporters.

“For me, he will leave Italy, and I see him going to England because the proposal offered by Roman Abramovich is really fantastic.

“Allegri is doing incredible things, even if the club failed to buy the players he requested last summer.”

Chelsea’s interim-manager Guus Hiddink has refused to commit himself to the club beyond the end of the season and recently revealed he had been approached to manage in the Chinese Super League.

Allegri won the Serie A title during his first season at Milan in 2010-11 and spent three-and-a-half years at the San Siro before joining Juventus in the summer of 2014.

31

iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp returned to work less than 48 hours after having his appendix removed and immediately set about trying to cure some of the club’s own ailments.

The German missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland after being rushed to hospital for an operation and so did not witness the 77th-minute walkout of fans protesting at the rise in ticket prices next season.

Klopp was prevented from answering questions on the matter in his press conference ahead of the match, but, having discovered w h a t happened at Anfield at the weekend, he waded straight into the row.

Moves are already afoot within the club’s hierarchy - who cancelled Monday night’s question and answer session with chief executive Ian Ayre on their own television channel - to consider reviewing the ticket pricing structure.

And, with Klopp speaking publicly on the subject for the first time, it seems further developments are likely.

“When I heard about it (the walkout), I was disappointed,” said the Reds boss. “I’ve had a lot of things to do in the last few weeks, but now I know it is my problem too of course.

“But everything I could say about this now would make it more complicated, because first of all I have to collect a few bits of information. What I know is everyone in the club has a big interest in finding a solution for this.

“We don’t want the people leaving the stadium before the game is finished.”

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VOL. 2. NO.41

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Cisse may come out of retirement!

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eymar will remain at Barcelona for years to come despite not yet agreeing a new contract, according to club director Carles Vilarrubi.

The Brazil captain sees his current deal at Camp Nou expire in 2018 and he has been linked with what would be a sensational switch to rivals Real Madrid as well as Manchester United.

Father and agent Neymar Snr claimed his son was the subject of a €190 million bid from United in the close-season.

But while contract discussions continue, Barca’s vice-president of institutional and international relations Vilarrubi says the club are relaxed over the player’s future.

“Everybody dreams of Neymar, but the club is very calm,” he told reporters.

“The player is in the team of his dreams and is delighted, so everybody is happy, he will not go.

Neymar will be here for many years.

“We are convinced that this issue will be resolved smoothly. Neymar wanted to play for the club, and Sandro Rosell achieved this, which you must recognise.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has suggested Neymar needs to handle off-field issues properly if he is to become a Barcelona great.

The Brazil captain has been in the headlines of late with he and his father fighting allegations of tax evasion and fraud in respective Spanish and Brazilian cases.

Neymar Snr was also involved in a heated exchange with journalists at a nightclub where his son celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday two days prior to Barca’s 2-0 win over Levante.

The forward played the entirety of that victory and Luis Enrique believes all Barca players must be able to brush off such distractions.

“Being a player for a big team like Barca you have to be very strong,” he told a media conference on Tuesday.

“You have to be prepared for situations on and off the field, and everything that happens within the world of football.

“It’s difficult for players at big clubs to deal with these things. But any player who has been here for a long time has the capacity to deal with it.

“Sometimes it can be more important than being able to kick the ball.”

Barca face Valencia in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final today, boasting a sevengoal advantage after a comprehensive victory at Camp Nou.

i b u r r a l Vi f o s e r u s as

Neymar

s ’ r a m y e N a c r a B t a y a t s g n lo

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

CBN wants banks leverage on CRR reduction to boost real sector Page B3

Global Page B4 passengers traffic up by 6.5% - IATA

FG begins Page B2 performance -based incentive plan for customs

Finland to increase investment in Lagos

FG approves new power purchasing agreement

Charles Okonji Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury has described Lagos state as a global investment hub that Finland would continue to promote bilateral relationship with.

She disclosed while responding to questions from journalists shortly after she led a delegation CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Opeoluwani Akintayo

L-R: Executive Director of Commercial, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Mr. Solomon Ogufure, Managing Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Mr. Guy Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher and Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Francesco Angelone during the announcement of a partnership by both companies in Lagos... on Tuesday.

CBN issues guidelines on TSA for states Friday Atufe

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued guidelines for the operation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) for state governments in the country.

The apex bank issued the guidelines yesterday as “State Governments continue to face intense pressure on their cash flows in the face of dwindling revenues and the need to meet increasing statutory and social responsibilities.”

In a bid to address this issue, “State Governments are undertaking financial and treasury man-

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

agement reforms of which the Treasury Single Account (TSA) scheme is a major component.

This is consistent with the strategic public sector transformation initiatives and also in line with the provision of Section 120 of the 1999 Constitution.”

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in exercise of its powers, as provided in the CBN Act, 2007, Section 47, sub section 2(2d), hereby issues the following guidelines on the management and operation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), hosted with the CBN, by State Governments.

“The objective of this guideline

is to provide State Governments with a clear framework to support their successful implementation of the TSA initiative, based on standardized banking arrangements, operational processes and IT infrastructure.” the CBN said.

According to the CBN, the TSA concept of The Treasury Single Account (TSA) initiative is the operation of a unified structure of Government Bank Accounts, in a single account or a set of linked accounts for ALL Government payments and receipts. “The TSA is primarily designed to bring all gvernment funds in bank accounts within the effective control

and operational purview of the treasury, in order to: enthrone centralised, transparent and accountable revenue management; facilitate effective cash management; Ensure cash availability; promote efficient management of domestic borrowing at minimal cost; allow optimal investment of idle cash; block loopholes in revenue management; Establish an efficient disbursement and collection mechanism for government funds; Improve liquidity reserve and eliminate operational inefficiency and costs associated with maintaining multiple accounts across multiple financial institutions.

Federal Government has approved a new power purchasing agreement in order to improve power generation.

The approval was given at a meeting which was chaired by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola on Monday.

The meeting was the second monthly meeting among stakeholders with the aim of monitoring progress in the power sector development and address almost immediately the challenges faced by any stakeholders.

According to the communique issued at the end of the meeting, a copy of which was obtained by Business Times , the regulator approved the power purchase agreement between Paras Power and Eko Disco for embedded generation supply to willing customers, effective from 12th February 2016.

The AES Power Plant, Egbin Power Plant and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) who were represented at the highest levels, also agreed to meet on Thursday 11th February to complete the on-going negotiations with a view to supplying gas to AES CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Electricity tariff hike: Aggrieved parties can appeal within 60 days - NERC Joy Ekeke Following the nationwide protest by labour unions against the new electricity tariff on Monday, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said the Commission is open to entertain complaints and appeals by stakeholders within 60 days of the new tariff order.

NERC in a statement by Head, Public Affairs Department, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi said the ex-

isting electricity tariff order which became operational on February 1, 2016 (MYTO 2015) was carried out after wide consultation with different shades of opinion, and in strict compliance with extant rules and judicial pronouncements.

It said the clarification was coming on the heels of a media statement credited to the Nigeria Labour Congress alleging certain infractions against the Commission.

The Commission said it will restrain itself from delving into a matter already before the court, but had however taken note of the ongoing protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

The statement said the tariff regulation process entailed wide consultation with stakeholders.

“In addition, the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005 empowers any party aggrieved or dissatisfied by the de-

cision of the Commission to appeal to it within 60 days from the date of the decision. Therefore, the Commission is still open to further consultation,” it said.

“On the issue of the Court Injunction, we wish to state that the Commission is a law abiding government body with respect and regard for the judiciary and the rule of law. The Commission will not contravene any court order. However, we wish to state that we must all exercise re-

straint to allow the court to do its duty of determining the matter before it.

“NERC has since filed all necessary papers before the court in response to all the court cases. In the meantime, we wish to state that the Commission is dedicated to ensuring that regulation of the sector is fair and balanced for consumers, investors and all stakeholders in the delivery of a safe, adequate and reliable electricity supply.”

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Finland to increase investment in Lagos

Vodacom partners Etisalat on enterprise solutions

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Tony Nwakaegho Vodacom Business Nigeria and Etisalat Nigeria have entered into a partnership agreement that will enable Vodacom provide mobile voice and data services to its customers and equip Etisalat to provide improved enterprise solutions to its customers.

Mr. Solomon Ogufere, Executive Director Commercial Vodacom Business Nigeria and Mr. Guy Clarke, Managing Director Vodacom Business Nigeria signed for Vodacom Business while Mr. Matthew Willsher CEO Etisalat Nigeria and Mr Francesco Angolene, Chief Marketing Officer ofEtisalat signed for Etisalat.

The strategic partnership which was sealed in Lagos yesterday brings together two companies focused on delivering superior telecommunication services to businesses in Nigeria.

With this partnership, Vodacom is now well-placed to offer a fuller package of custommade enterprise class Mobile Services to businesses in Nigeria through its Enterprise Mobile Voice Solution. This is aimed at improving productivity and response time for corporates, especially those businesses with large number of staff on the move. Large cooperates in Nigeria would now have access to high performance easy to manage mobile communication solutions for their business.

The partnership enables Etisalat to provide point to point and point to multi-point connectivity solutions to its customers, thereby offering them a onestop shopping experience while customers on both sides will be provided with a single billing platform to negate the trouble of dealing with multiple communications service providers.

Willsher

Adeosun

FG begins performance -based incentive plan for customs In a bid to significantly increase the level of revenue generation from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has disclosed that the agency is working on the introduction of performance related pay to motivate improved collections on the part of the NCS and to reduce corruption.

The Minister explained that a review of the constraints currently impacting performance of the NCS had been undertaken. “This exercise found that the provision of modern equipment, elimination of inappropriate waivers and remuneration emerged as issues,” she stated.

She disclosed further that a consulting firm has been hired and is working with the NCS to develop and implement a performancebased incentive plan to ensure that there was an alignment of interest between individual customs officers and the objectives of the Government.

Speaking at a Senate Hearing to review revenue projections in the 2016 Budget held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister further explained, “appropriate remuneration of revenue collecting agencies to align the interests of staff with maximising collections is critical to motivate performance and to reduce temptation to com-

promise”. She told Senators that such a structure already existed in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which was working well and needed to be extended to Customs.

The Minister also highlighted that, being an import-dependent nation; there is room for improvement in revenue generation from the country’s ports. She stated that there was a disconnect between the volume of imports and the recorded revenues from NCS which would be addressed by the new strategy being deployed. She expressed commitment to the provision of all modern equipment needed to minimise discretion in customs assessments and thus enhance revenue. Corroborating the Minister’s position, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd) said the authorities are looking into areas of improving the performance of the NCS through deployment of technology solutions, training, upgrading of the agency’s infrastructure and improved welfare.

During the same hearing, the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Mr. Tunde Fowler, stated that the management of the FIRS had moved the achievement threshold for its performance related pay from 60 per cent to 80 per cent.

including the deputy minister of Finland ministry of foreign affairs, Mr. Matti Anttonen, to a meeting with the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos Government House, Ikeja.

She noted the willingness of investors from Finland to partner with the state in several areas of interests, adding that their mission in the country is to explore opportunities available for cooperation and collaboration, stressing that Lagos was the destination of choice considering its massive economic potentials.

She stated, “When you talk about promoting trade and economic relations in Nigeria, you have to come to Lagos because everybody knows that it is the business nerve of the country. So we are very happy to be here.”

She maintained that multina-

tional companies from Finland had been doing business in Nigeria for several years, adding that Nokia and Wartsila, as well as several other companies and investors are willing to partner with the state in the areas of health, ICT, education, security and energy.

In his response, Professor Ademola Abass, special adviser to the governor on overseas affairs and investments, who represented the state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, noted that the state government would explore several areas of cooperation with the Finnish government as a means to promote economic and trade ties.

He said the gains of the partnership would soon be evident for all to see, saying that security, education and energy were the three major sectors the meeting focused on as there was optimism that the partnership would benefit Lagos immensely.

FG approves new power purchasing agreement CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

power plant.

Addressing the interface issues while submitting and discussing on-going plans to review and resolve the issues, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) also identified 51 issues to be resolved affecting supply in areas like Alaoji, Sokoto, Ahoada, Damaturu, Gbarain, Calabar, Afikpo, Nsukka, Okigwe, Ihiala, Ayede, Ikeja, Ajah, Lekki, Kebbi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Makurdi, Kainji, Kafanchan, Otukpo, Hadejia, Wudil, Kumbotso, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Daura, Abuja and Maiduguri.

On its part, NNPCC presented their plans, which are expected to add significant gas supplies for power generation.

The sector expects an addition of 220mmsfcd by the end of Q1 of 2016, and 785 mmsfcd by the end of Q2 of 2016 cumulative.

The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) presented a solution for power sector liquidity issues which involved the development of a Power Sector Liquidity Bond to cover validated present and future liquidity gap until 2018 and the Central Bank of Nigeria is committed to immediate resumption of disbursement of the balance of the N213 billion facility previously approved but suspended.

At the meeting, all the Distribution Companies also agreed to improve customer service delivery by strengthening the operations of their customer centres and providing dedicated phone numbers to ensure consumer complaints within their jurisdictions are promptly responded to.

It will be recalled that Fashola had disclosed on Monday, that he had told the Discos to improve services in their best interests. “As government, we are going to improve transmission.

We are working with NNPC to improve gas supply. We will see the improvement if we allow the system to work.

Fashola

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Stories by Motolani Oseni Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as the apex regulator for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) in the country is well known for its incessant directives and guidelines through issuance of circular to regulate activities of the financial providers. But has invariably aided the banks in charging customers illegally through introduction of the Guide to Bank Charges in 2004 (11 years) now.

For instance, the recent circular issued by the CBN, titled ‘’ Introduction of Negotiable Current Account Maintenance Fee not Exceeding N1/Mille’’ with reference number: FPR/DIR/GEN/ CIR/01/003 dated Jan 20, 2016.

By virtue of the referenced CBN Circular, it seems the Bank wants to now legalise illegality that banks had been committing which, according to the Bank, banks have ‘continued to charge’.

However, bank customers believe, it is not fair to ‘rob customers of banks to pay banks’. “That is not the type of protection bank customers expect from the CBN”, Depositors lamented.

Speaking under the aegis of Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN), Depositors have kicked against the introduction

CBN wants banks leverage on CRR reduction to boost real sector NIBOR as @ Feb. 1, 2016 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

O/N

0.98

0.10 ?

1M

7.6319

-0.30 ?

3M

9.0312

-0.11 ?

6M

10.472

0.05 ?

How CBN aides banks to charge customers illegally for 11years

of Current Account Maintenance fee by the CBN, saying that this amounts to legalising illegality.

In a communiqué signed by President of the Association, Dr. Uju Ogubunka, and Executive Secretary, Onyema Okoroh, the Association called on the CBN to,

“ Withdraw the Circular introducing the fee and allow bank customers to enjoy the free COT regime; Avoid legalising illegality of Account Maintenance Fee; Avoid replacing COT with Account Maintenance Fee. BCAN noted that the implemen-

tation of the fee will erode the confidence bank customers have in CBN as an unbiased regulator; Affect negatively the budgets and other plans which had been prepared by customers on the certainty of a zero COT regime and expectation of CBN to stop unauthorised col-

lection of Account Maintenance fee by banks; Amount to legalising an illegality- an illegality the Bank seems to have closed its eyes to for years perhaps, because it provided banking system viability and stability-but at the expense of our innocent members. According to the bank customers association, we consider it disingenuous for CBN to smuggle, through the back door, Commission on Turnover (COT) back into banks’ revenue line. As acknowledged by CBN, COT had been phased out of Nigeria’s banking industry. From January 2016, COT which banks had appropriated from their customers’ accounts at N3/Mille for several years was abolished. “CBN could not even allow the customers to enjoy a free COT regime for one month let alone a year before introducing Account Maintenance Fee which it also confirmed banks had been charging along with COT contrary to the provisions of the Original/ Revised Guide to Bank Charges.

Most banks collected from each of their customers a lump sum of N100/month for the unapproved charge.”

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele said that the recent reduction of Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) of Deposit Money Bank (DMBs) from 25 percent to 20 percent by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has freed up enormous resources that banks can leverage on to finance projects under the real sector support fund.

Emefiele, who was represented

by Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, Deputy Governor, (Corporate Services) of the CBN disclosed this at the 21st seminar for Finance Correspondents and Business Editors, holding in Ibadan,adding that the CBN is supporting Nigeria Export Import (NEXIM) with N50 billion export refinancing

and restructuring facility and also, N500 billion as Non-Oil export Stimulation facility (ESF), adding that the apex bank is committed to stimulating accretion of foreign exchange through nonoil exports.

According to him, the real sector, which consists of the agricultural industrial, building and construction subsector accounted for 83.62 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2000.

He stressed that the real sector’s contribution, however, wit-

nessed a decline to 76.21percent in 2010 and further down to 70.71 percent in 2013.

Emefiele further pointed out that the rebasing of the economy further delineated the real sector into a variety of sub-sector with agriculture, mining and quarrying activities, manufacturing and construction jointly contributing about 43.2 percent to the total GDP at at 2014.

He however, noted that the bank’s desire to stimulate credit injection to the real sector does not attempt to “crowd out” the fi-

nancial institutions in the space of credit delivery but to provide incentives that will stimulate lending at reasonable rates by the real sector .

The CBN boss, therefore noted that this concerted effort will develop into job creation, increased accretion to foreign reserves through non-oil experts , increased contribution to GDP by the real sector and ultimately stimulates economic growth and development through improved living standards for the teaming population of Nigeria.

L – R: Mr. Andrew Enahoro, Head, Legal and Public Relations, Promasidor Nigeria Limited; Mr. Kachi Onibogu, Commercial Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited; and Mr. Olivier Thirry, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited at the media briefing on the 2016 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics T.V Quiz Competition in Lagos ... on Tuesday.

External Reserves Date

Gross

Liquid

Blocked

1/28/16

28,189,682,767

27,496,581,140

693,101,627

28,213,125,960

27,519,579,719

693,546,241

28,241,834,225

27,547,759,912

694,074,313

28,272,167,847

27,577,553,320

694,614,527

2.46% 1/27/16 2.46% 1/26/16 2.46% 1/25/16 2.46%

B3 Money Market

%

Leasing sector backs government on forex policy, others Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), has throw its support behind the Federal Government of Nigeria in her foreign exchange policy, Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other policies designed to boost the nation’s economy.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), Mr. Chuka Onwuchewa disclosed to Daily Times that based on the current global economic decline, the Nigerian government and economic watchers have predicted tougher times in 2016.

He explained that in reaction

to this, the government has put in place policies intended to sustain the stability of the nation’s currency, naira and stimulate local production. Some of the policies include stopping forex allocation to Bureau the Change and excluding some imported goods and services from access to official forex.

According to him, there is 70 percent plunge in oil price from the 2014 high of over $100 to around $29 per barrel, the lowest in 14years. The Naira exchanging at the official rate of N197/1US$ and going for as high as over N300/$1 at the parallel market.

Also, inflation is on the upswing closing at 9.55 percent as at December 2015.

“Another significant development is the implementation of the TSA in the government’s quest for transparency and fight against corruption. Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are to pay all revenues into the TSA. This has led to the transfer of an estimated N1.2 trillion of public sector funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria. However, the TSA policy has also led to a reduction of liquidity in the banking system,” he said.

Labour B4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Transport unions in Ogun urged to promote insurance The Ogun State Government has appealed to transport unions operating in the State to educate its members on the advantages of relevant insurance products such as the newly introduced Welfare Insurance Policy.

General Manager, Ogun State Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB), Alhaji Ayo Ola Ogunsolu gave the charge at a one day workshop organised in conjunction with Capital Express Assurance Limited themed “Welfare Insurance and benefits to transport operators in Ogun State”.

Alhaji Ogunsolu who was represented by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Lola Sotola, noted that it has become imperative for transport unions operating in the State

Amosun

to adopt the Welfare Insurance Policy as it would create an avenue for them to receive instant response in times of need, adding that it was an opportunity to save for the future.

“It’s imperative and pertinent for the transport unions in the State to adopt the insurance policy being introduced to them so as to save for the rainy days and in times of needs, this is crystal clear that the State Government really care for the welfare of all the transport union in the State”, Ogunsolu stated.

On his part, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Olumuyiwa Adejobi said that the Welfare Insurance Policy was a good omen and innovation that would enlighten the transport unions especially motorcyclists “Okada Riders”

on some of the advantages of various Insurance Policies.

DSP Adejobi urged transport unions in the State to flush out the bad eggs among them, adding that commercial motorcyclists known as Okada riders who are in the habit of putting on earrings and dreadlocks pose threat to the security of the State.

Earlier, the National Head of Marketing, Capital Express Assurance Limited, Mr. Mathew Ogwezhi noted that sixty naira each would be deducted daily from intending clients to avail the insurance company the opportunity to insure their clients against circumstances beyond their control, adding that transporters should at all times ensure that their vehicles are road worthy.

Labour pickets IKEDC, urges FG to revisit PHCN privatisation Stories by Joy Ekeke Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other organised labour unions and civil society groups have carried out a picketing exercise on all offices of Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOS) nationwide in protest of the recent hike of electricity tariffs.

Many Nigerians out of solidarity also joined in the protest rally to object to the implementation of the new tariffs which they described as unlawful and exploitative.

Kicking off the picketing exercise in Lagos was a peaceful protest from Oba Akran Road, Ikeja to the Electricity Distribution Company at Alausa: Ikeja Electricity (IE).

Imo crisis: NLC mulls self -defence against militia

At the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, key members of the NLC and other association affiliated with it voiced their demands to the government and the company.

According to a speech delivered by the Deputy General Secretary of Textile Union Workers, Ismail Bello, the increased electricity tariff is unilateral and unlawful.

He therefore said, “The Federal Government must urgently review the privatisation contracts between the Federal Government, GenCos and DISCOS, and give a two-year time-frame to the firms in the Electric Power Sector to allow them stabilize and provide efficient power supply to Nigerians before they can contemplate any tariff increase. There should also be more transparency in all fu-

ture reform of the Nation’s assets.

“We reject the hike in electricity tariff and hereby call on all well-meaning Nigerians to come out and join the NLC protest and drive home the fact that the unilateral and unlawful hike of electricity tariff is unacceptable,” he added.

In addition, the Vice President of the NLC said that the protest would continue until the increment in the electricity tariff is reversed and the demands of Nigerians are met.

“The action is unfair, the action is unpopular and the action is unjustifiable. We are rejecting it with all our strength and we would do everything to ensure that it is reversed. There is no other option than to reverse it,” he said.

Wabba

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is mulling the option of self-defence to protect its members from violent brutality at the hands of those it called militia groups sponsored by the Imo State government.

NLC President Ayuba Wabba accused the Imo government of sponsoring militia groups to intimidate and brutalise workers who are merely demanding their legitimate right. Wabba, in a statement in Abuja, alleged that armed policemen opened fire on Medical doctors during a peaceful protest by the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical

Association(NMA), leaving one of them critically injured.

The congress asked the Police to bring to book the policeman that fired live bullets at the workers and others providing cover for the state- sponsored militia groups to unleash terror on the workers.

Wabba said the shooting of the doctor by an armed police man during the protest “represents a big minus for the police force that claims credit for reform on the one hand and a rising degree of intolerance for alternative view point by the government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha.”

Describing the shooting as a bestial and despicable act in its entirety, the NLC President said: “even in wars without rules, medical doctors and other health workers enjoy the singular distinction of protection and preservation by combatants on either side.

“For the police to therefore fire live ammunition at peacefullyprotesting doctors asking for their legitimate rights runs counter to any known rule of engagement.

“But the shooting of this medical doctor who is lying critically ill, is not an isolated case but part

of a growing terror culture instituted by Governor Okorocha.

“In the past two weeks alone, his armed militia had beaten a medical doctor at Uboma Hospital to a state of coma as well as brutalised several others.

“His militia, given cover by the state Police Command, funded and armed by workers’ taxes, have embarked on a campaign of brutalisation and dehumanisation against workers as they (militia and police) forcefully sought to enforce the closure of 19 government parastatals whose sale or privatisation was announced on the radio the previous day.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

B5 Aviation

Global passengers traffic up by 6.5% - IATA Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced global passengers traffic results for 2015 showing demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose by 6.5 percent% for the full year compared with 2014.

This was the strongest result since the post-global financial crisis rebound in 2010 and well above the 10-year average annual growth rate of 5.5 percent. While economic fundamentals were weaker in 2015 compared to 2014, passenger demand was boosted by lower airfares. After adjusting for distortions caused by the rise of the US dollar, global airfares last year were approximately five percent lower than in 2014.

“Last year’s very strong performance, against a weaker economic backdrop, confirms the strong demand for aviation connectivity.

But even as the appetite for air travel increased, consumers benefitted from lower fares compared to 2014,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director-General and CEO. Annual capacity rose 5.6 percent last year with the result that load factor climbed 0.6 percentage

Tyler

points to a record annual high of 80.3 percent. All regions experienced positive traffic growth in 2015. Carriers in the Asia-Pacific region accounted for one-third of the total annual increase in traffic.

Other global figures released by the world airline body, show

that cargo volumes measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) expanded 2.2 percent in 2015 compared to 2014. This was a slower pace of growth than the five percent growth recorded in 2014. The weakness reflects sluggish trade growth in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Aviation stakeholders caution FG on national carrier re-formation Stakeholders in the Nigerian aviation industry have cautioned the Federal Government against hasty re-establishment of national carrier for the country, 13 years after the liquidation of the former, Nigeria Airways.

Some of the analysts who spoke wanted the government to address some salient issues that led to the collapsed of the former before commencing another national carrier project.

The Managing Consultant, PTD Consulting, Mr. Taiwo Adenekan said that it was necessary all the outstanding issues relating the former national carrier was settled before the government comes up with another carrier, warning that if not, the proposed carrier would die like the former.

For instance, Adenekan said all the outstanding benefits of the workers of the defunct carrier must first be settled.

He noted that any attempt not to pay off the former workers before the reestablishment of a new one would lead to labour crisis,

which might not augur well for the country.

Adenekan however proposed that for the airline to succeed, the government should not hold more than 20 per cent equity shares in the carrier, emphasising that any attempt to hold a dominating share in the airline would lead to the failure of the past.

Also, advised that reputable foreign carriers should be encouraged by the government to partner the proposed carrier and opined that the government should utilise the over 102 Bilateral Air Services Agreements, BASA, it had with countries for the sector to grow and contribute meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Products, GDP. He decried that the absence of a national carrier for Nigeria had led to the carting away of $1.4bn annually from the country by foreign carriers while the county’s carriers are just observes in the system.

He said, “Do they still want to be giving the new carrier subsi-

Sirika

dies, subventions and start appointing Managing Directors that are not competent? Do they still want an airline that they can fly free as Federal Government officials?

“My suggestion is that the government should not hold more than 20 per cent equity and they should allow formidable airlines like Singapore that have expressed interest in the years past to partner. They should close their eyes to it and not do more than 20 per cent or lower and allow reputable airlines to emerge.”

After a strong start, air freight volumes began a decline that continued through most of 2015, until some improvements to world trade drove a modest pick-up late in the year.

IATA Director General, Tony Tyler described 2015 as a difficult year for air cargo and enjoined all to adjust with the current trend of cargo growing in line with rates of economic expansion.

Tyler said,”2015 was another very difficult year for air cargo.

Growth has slowed and revenue is falling. In 2011 air cargo revenue peaked at $67 billion. In 2016 we are not expecting revenue to exceed $51 billion. Efficiency gains are critical as the sector adjusts to shortening global supply chains and evermore competitive market conditions. We have to adjust to the ‘new normal’ of cargo growing in line with general rates of economic expansion. The industry is moving forward with an e-freight transformation that will modernize processes and improve the value proposition. The faster the industry can make that happen, the better.”

The body gave a regional analysis in detail: Asia-Pacific carriers were basically flat in December, expanding just 0.1 percent. For the whole of 2015, the region grew

In an effort to further expand its rapidly growing network and quickly establish itself as the leading carrier in the West and Central African Sub Region Air Cote D’Ivoire (HF) has concluded plans to connect Nigeria’s Federal Capital, Abuja to its hub airport in Abidjan.

According to a statement by the airline, the service between the two strategic destinations is expected to commence effective February 15, 2016.

This is coming on the heels of its recent launch last month of the delivery of yet another brand new Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.

The recently acquired airliner is one of three new aircrafts expected to join the carrier’s young fleet this year. A total of three weekly flights will be operated between both destinations in a two class configuration of 7 seat in Business Class and 60 seats in Economy class.

The flights will depart from Abuja on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 09:20am and arrive in Abidjan at 11: 05am.They will depart from Abidjan at 7:25pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays to arrive in Abuja at 11:15pm.

2.3 percent. The FLF for 2015 was 53.9 percent, the highest of any region. Cargo expansion in the region has been hampered by a shift in Chinese economic policy to favour domestic consumption.

A mid-year fall of eight percent in trade to/from emerging Asia also led to declines but this appears to have bottomed out, with a rebound in the second half of the year.

European airlines grew by 1.2 percent in December but the performance for 2015 in total was a fall of 0.1percent compared to 2014. The FLF in 2015 was 44.9 percent. Economic conditions in the Eurozone have been subdued, leading to suppressed demand for air freight, but imports have improved in recent months.

Latin American carriers continued the weak performance of recent months, declining by 6.2 percent in December and by 6.0 percent for 2015 as a whole. This was the weakest performance of any region. The average FLF for 2015 was 38.3 percent. Economic and political conditions in Brazil have worsened, and regional trade activity has been volatile.

Middle Eastern carriers grew four percent in December and for 2015 in total the region expanded 11.3 percent compared to 2014.

Air Cote D’Ivoire set to commence flights to Abuja The above flights will be in addition to its current five flights weekly from Lagos.

The Country Manager -Nigeria, Mr. Moustapha Fofana said: “We thank our customers and partners for their massive support since commencement of our operations into Lagos a year ago.

We have been listening to and working assiduously with our travel partners in order to meet the business and leisure needs of our esteemed customers. Connecting the city of Abuja through direct flights to Abidjan will not only open the region to seamless connectivity in the spirit of the Yamoussoukro Decision, but it will also go a long way to foster closer relations between Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire, offer greater choice to customers, and significantly reduce travel time for passengers.”

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Stock market report

Investors stake N1.5b on 169m shares The equities market closed the day in the green zone with the NSE All Share Index advancing marginally by 3.99pts, resulting in a year-to-date return of -16.27 percent.

Market capitalization appreciated to N8.248 trillion, as market breadth of 1.11x favoured the twenty (20) gainers against eighteen (18) decliners.

However, market turnover and volume traded pared by 10.31 percent and 10.97 percent respectively.

Sterling Bank steered the advancers with a gain of 8.19 percent to close at NGN1.85, followed

by Unilever (+4.99 percent), Mobil (+4.82 percent), AIICO (+4.71 percent) and Caverton (+4.52 percent) to make up the top gainers’ list.

On the flipside, UACN, Fidelitybank, ETI, FBNH, and Transcorp declined by 4.93 perL-R: Vice President, Mobile Commerce, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja; Senior Programme Specialist, Grameen Foundation, Julius Matovu while receiving an award from C.E.O of MATS, Kolapo Solesi at the 2016 Mobile Money Expo where Grameen & Airtel won the ‘Award for Innovative Weza Product,’ in Lagos… recently.

SEC sensitises investors on e-dividend registration in Lagos Stories by Azubike Nnadozie In a bid to consolidate on on-going efforts towards enlightening the investing public with a special focus on retail investors, officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission has heat the streets of Lagos with another round of sensitization on e-dividend registration which is currently on-going in the country.

Speaking during the programme at Ajah market, Head of Department (HOD) Market Development of SEC Mr. Henry Rowlands spoke on the need for investors to key into the programme.

According to him, the e-dividend registration is one of the key initiatives being championed

by SEC to ensure dynamic and transparent market capable of responding to the socio-economic aspiration of the nation at this difficult time.

He said as part of efforts aimed at implementing the 10-Year Capital Market Master Plan, the e-dividend is targeted to eradi-

cate the difficulty encountered by investors, with hitherto had been through the issuance of dividend warrants.

Rowlands said the Electronic payment regime would bring about timely receipt of dividend by investor as well as give clear understanding of how well the companies are performing.

A statement by the commission said, “Market women and men have shown great enthusiasm on the programme and lauded the Commission new engagement scheme of engaging the common man on the street, Mr Adeniyi Bello a trader at Oyingbo Market express delight on the commission interface “this is a welcoming strategy because we have all give up on our dividends long time ago but this information by SEC has given us hope, one have to run to his Bank” “As part of the 4 –day event a Town Hall enlightenment forum on the e-dividend registration will on Thursday the 11th of February 2016 will hold at the Muson

Centre, Onikan Lagos. In addition to creating awareness of the e-dividend initiative this forum also aimed at addressing all questions that investors may have on the registration exercise.

“The forum is expected to be attended by all stakeholders including regulators both in the capital and money markets, market operators and the general public.”

Gwarzo

cent, 4.76 percent, 4.46 percent, 3.57percent, and 3.48 percent, recording the worst performances in the day.

Performance of some equity markets across Africa today follows the same trend as that of the NSE, as follows: Mauritius (+1.02 percent), Ghana (+0.49 percent), Kenya (-0.02 percent), South Africa (-2.30 percent) and Egypt (-2.76 percent).

NB announced the tentative board meeting scheduled for 10th February 2016, agenda for the day includes the 2015FY audited financial statement, dividend declaration, amongst other items. As the earnings season draws closer, it is expected that investors might reposition their portfolios to benefit from expected dividend distributions, this, analysts believe could translate to a modest bullish mood in the near term.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

23,981.09 3,020.00 169,504,504.00 1,518,248,412.91 8,247,544,525,459.43

Forte Oil joins UNGC initiative Forte Oil Plc has been listed as a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate social responsibility initiative with over 8,000 companies and 4,000 non-business participants in 135 countries that are committed to the advancement of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The company notified the public of the latest development in a letter to the Nigerian Stock Exchange recently.

The UN Global Compact works to ensure that business activity adds value not only to the bottom-line, but also to people, communities and the planet.

Commenting on Forte Oil Plc listing on the UNGC directory, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa said the company is proud to be part of such initiative.

“We are very proud to be part of this global initiative that promotes what our company is very passionate about – Conducting business in the most ethical and transparent manner.”

Forte Oil Plc is a public liability company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and a foremost indigenous major marketer of refined petroleum products a strong presence in the thirty-six states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

It is head quartered in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre.

The company operates a network of 500 outlets spread across the Country with major fuel storage installations at both Apapa (Lagos State) and Onne (Rivers State). Its Aviation Joint User’s hydrants in Ikeja and Joint Aviation depots in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano makes it one of Nigeria’s leading providers of aviation fuel for local and international airlines.

In addition to these strategic retail and commercial network in Nigeria, Forte Oil Plc is also well established in Ghana under the trade name-AP Oil and Gas Limited (APOG), with a network of retail outlets, liquefied petroleum gas plants and a lubricant blending arrangement with Tema Oil blending plant.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

B7 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 09-02-2016

Energy B8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Power outage: TCN replies DisCos, Egbin

Egbin power plant

Stories by Opeoluwani Akintayo Amidst blames being traded by power generating companies and distrib ution companies over the reason for shortage of electricity supply, the Transition Company of Nigeria, TCN, has denied experiencing any problem in transmission.

Recently, Business Times reported that electricity distribution companies, EKO and IKEDC, pointed accusing fingers at generation companies, likewise distribution company, Egbin blamed TCN for the drop in electricity supply.

A source from Egbin Plant who craved anonymity, earlier disclosed to Business Times, that out of the six machines the company has, just 5 are presently working. According to him, those five plants produce a total of 1100 megawatts per day. He said if the six were to be working, they would produce a total of 1120 megawatts per day. He pointed out that TCN should be asked how they transmit electricity being supplied to them.

TCN has finally replied, saying that they do not have any problem with their transmission.

The company’s Spokesperson, Seun Olagunju, told Business Times that as at Wednesday, the company generated 4600 megawatts per day, which they transmit to the discos.

“TCN does not have any issue.

As at today, our daily output is 4,600MW,” she said.

However, she refused to disclose how many megawatts the company gives to each disco for transmission.

“I do not like to talk about what is happening with the discos or generation companies because I do not know what about whatever issue they may be having at the moment,” she said.

The Discos also debunked news making the rounds that they are not happy with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, over the recent removal of Fixed Charges.

Late last year, NERC announced the removal of the N750 Fixed Charges on all electrical charges to take effect on the 1st of February.

After the announcement, the Discos were said to have shown resentment that one of their major source of income which is the Fixed Charges was scrapped.

As a result, the Discos were said to have allegedly taken the anger on the masses, by drastically cutting down power supply.

Business Times put a call to the Spokesperson for Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, Mr. Akinola Ayeni who rebuffed such claim, stressing that the company ‘is not angry.’

Falling oil price: Major job cuts coming - Experts warn In the face of continuous slide in the prices of oil globally, experts have warned of the impending doom as major oil companies are ready to cut down drastically on numbers of staff, again.

Although the warning looks realer than ever however, Nigerian oil and gas companies, especially the indigenous ones, are under pressure from human right groups, not to sack workers due to the hardship it could pose on the workforce and their families.

Aside Nigerian stakeholders who have silently hinted Business Times of another-round of lay-offs, a global survey also backs it up.

Oil and gas consultancy, DNV GL, found that nearly three-

quarters of the 921 senior oil and gas executives it surveyed were preparing their companies for a sustained period of low oil prices, with job cuts one of the top three methods they cited to control costs.

Oil prices have tumbled 70 percent since the summer of 2014, squeezing companies in the sector.

Business Times carried out a survey of opinions at the ongoing Offshore West Africa 2016 conference, and are shocked at responses from Stakeholders who revealed that oil and gas workers should brace up for the upcoming challenge.

Those who spoke on the position of anonymity, said International Oil Companies, IOCs, like Shell, Addax Petroleum, Chev-

ron, would still cut down on their workforce as against what the companies claim publicly.

Shoreline Group an upstream oil producer owned by Kola Kareem, is also reported planning to sack about 700 of its employees.

The company recently halted plans to issue 4500m worth of Eurobonds. According to Bloomberg, the CEO had blamed its decision on the current price of crude oil which is now below its projections of $60 per barrel.

“We went on a roadshow and the world of oil collapsed. We are going to wait until the end of the first quarter and see how stable the markets are. Midlast year, our projections were $60 oil for the next five years,” Karim said.

Nigeria’s oil export to rise in March Nigeria’s crude oil export will receive a boost from 59 to 61 cargoes in the month of March.

The leap is as a result of lifting of the force majeure on Brass River crude by ENI and the reopening of Shell’s Trans Niger pipeline.

According to export schedules, Nigeria will up its exports by three cargoes over the 59 export cargoes scheduled for February.

The country could be exporting more but the tapping of pipelines by vandals keeps its production capacity down.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Power, Works and Housing recently revealed that the damage to pipelines is costing the country $400,000 per day.

The increase in export of Nigerian crude by two cargoes further indicates that the country has found a gradual in-

crease in demand for its oil in the international markets.

Nigeria has been facing its fair share of downturn economy since oil prices started sliding in 2015.

The United States of America which used to be one of the country’s major buy may finally stop importing after a hold was placed on its 40 year old ban on oil export.

Iran’s ban was also lifted in January and Iran’s full return to the market is also threatening Nigeria’s friendship with South Africa. That is because SA which is one of the Nigeria’s major buyers, is allegedly planning on switching to its first love, Iran.

Due to the fall in oil value, Nigeria’s crude oil found it tough on finding buyers as several cargos of crude were reported hovering on its waterways without buyers late 2015.

Oil rig

Nigeria’s weekly energy watch Last Week (Avg)

This Week (Avg)

*

# Energy Generated (MWh)

100033

101212

*

Energy Sent Out (MWh)

98044

99264

*

Peak (MW)

4513

4702

*

Off-Peak (MW)

3896

3863

*

Spinning Reserve (MW)

44

71

*

Constrained (MW)

1841

1607

*

Units (Available)

66

69

*

Units (On Bars)

49

53

EVENT DATE: Sunday, January 31, 2016 Courtesy: NERC

OPEC

daily basket price

OPEC daily basket price stood at $29.90 a barrel Thursday, 4 February 2016.

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Empress

Njamah

On being a philanthropist

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Why I love the

less privileged – Empress

Njamah

Nollywood diva and controversial actress, Empress Njamah, has carved a niche for herself by indulging in so many humanitarian activities. Every year, she stages nothing less than eight different philanthropic activities in order to celebrate with the less privileged. Her style of giving cannot be compared to what many of her colleagues also do in a bid to reach out to less privileged children. She does not only go visiting the Orphanage but the CEO, House of Empress Foundation (H.O.E), creates a workshop where the children get to learn additional skills apart from what they are been taught in their schools.

This eligible bachelorette opens up on why she loves identifying with the less privilege and her philanthropic lifestyle. Enjoy…

Life&

T E A M

How old is Empress Njamah Foundation and what has kept it going?

The Foundation is 9 years old and I must say it’s the “God” factor that has kept it going not me.

How did you come about it?

I came about the Foundation due to the overwhelming occurrence of child negligence. I was moved to do something, at least start somewhere by giving them that tiny ray of hope and I still intend to do more with the help of the Almighty.

How many times do you celebrate with the less privileged in a year?

It is not easy staging all the party but I can only thank God for being faithful. Within the space of twelve months and 365 days in a year, House of Empress Foundation organises nothing less than eight parties in a year. I staged a party during the valentine season which is done in order to express my Love; I celebrate with them on children’s day, Easter, Democracy day, Independence day, Christmas and of course I do celebrate my birthday with them. I stage all these parties not because I just want to throw money around but I organise all these parties in order to make this children believe they are loved and can be cared for. At the same time, not to make them feel bad about themselves.

How memorable was the last one you staged?

On February 14th last year, as a way of expressing my love, I paid a courtesy visit to Garki Hospital where I did not only meet with the children and other patients in the wards, I also did not go there empty handed as I gave them gift bags to show how much I love and care about them. I also visited some of the homes run

by House of Empress Foundation, “Hope for Survival”, “Christ Foundation Orphanage” to mention a few.

What has been the challenges so far?

Well, I must say here that it’s being really turbulent, but God is faithful and will always be. At the same time, I do not see challenges, I only see opportunities to make things better. At the same time, I do not see challenges because it skyrockets me to the next level and makes me stronger.

Easter is around the corner, what are your plans for the less privileges?

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

The same thing I have been doing all these years. I will not only provide for their basic and educational needs, I also organise a programme whereby I invite music artistes and some of my colleagues in the movie industry to come and have fun with the kids. It will be a full day of fun as there will also be food and drinks to go round.

How do you get to raise funds for your humanitarian activities?

It’s been easy though, like I mentioned earlier on, the “God” factor always miraculously weathered the storm. It’s part of how I pay my tithe. I have never gotten funds from a soul, government or friends, it has been my sweat all the way and House of Empress has been supportive too.

How do you always feel anytime you celebrate with the less privileged?

I feel fulfilled as a person, because growing as a child in church, I was taught to always help those in need and by doing that your giving brings a ray of hope that he/she thought has been dashed, thereby bringing God’s blessings upon you. I celebrate them all the time not just on my birthday, the foundation celebrates with the kids every month. It brings joy to me whenever I am with them I feel loads of joy and happiness which words can’t explain.

Aside food and music, what else do these children stands to gain?

Aside dishing out gifts to them and continuously inducing that positive mentality into them, we have a lot of things we also do that makes them happy. One of such thing is called ‘The Workshop’, we introduce them to so many things which keeps them busy. Things like art and craft, matting, molding and drawings and we pay people who come to train them. The girls learn catering too and so many other things and if you do it right, Aunt Empress

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Adebambo Segun

picks the top ones and then give them a treat, movies, outing, dinners and many more, it depends.

What does House of Empress stands for?

Just like a house with many rooms, HOE is a firm with many departments, from the clothesline to the multi-purpose unisex saloon to the events planning section and also Interior décor; we are unisex and everything is under one umbrella.

What inspired it?

Like I said, the God factor. Everything happened for a reason.

Back in the days, friends always asked/called me to help them combine stuff or called and asked what they should buy in terms of fashion items. I love to dress people, so I guess that is part of how I thought why don’t I just do this? Here I am doing it and till date I dress up people for events and so on!

What were the challenges of setting it up?

You know money they say answers all things, so I had a bit of financial challenges and then the perfect location. It was not easy but I thank God. What inspires your Fashion?

Colours, the environments... My mood, my Mom. Because she was and is still a Fashionista in her hey days. I guess it runs in the family. I’m really not the vogue kind of person or the type who wears what’s in fashion? I am just that jean kind of a person and I love dinner wears too.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

L3 Global Fashion

Mutiat Alli

Vane style clinic workshop edition holds Feb. 13

DSTV highlight There is something for everyone this week on DStv ITV Seven Days with…. (Season 2): Lights, Camera, Action! Part documentary, part reality show, Seven Days With... is back. The show will follow different celebrity couples, revealing the real relationships behind the public façade. With unique access to their domestic lives, the programme shows how the couples cope with loss of privacy and obsessive fans. Seven Days With... goes behind the headlines to reveal the unique pressures and emotional turmoil that fame can bring.

Tune in Fridays starting 5th February 7pm

Telemundo Under The Same Sky (New Telenovela): Under The Same Sky tells the story of Carlos Martinez, a Mexican man that lives in the US but has no legal status in the city of Los Angeles, California. He is an honourable man who lives in fear of being deported and of losing his sons Luis and Rodrigo. As a results Carlos tried hard to keep his young son Luis away from the dangers that are always present in this city. In his desperate effort to protect him he meets Adela, a gang member who not only tries to take his truck and ends up stealing his heart. Catch the Premiere on Monday 8 February at 4:10pm The Vane Style Clinic with Veronica Odeka is Nigeria’s foremost style workshop that focuses on guiding ladies into achieving the best style choices. The maiden edition which took place on June 14, 2015 was highly informative and witnessed a long list of famous Stylists, fashion editors, Bloggers and fashion enthusiasts in attendance. In this edition, Veronica will be giving practical tips on how to develop a strong personal style.

She will be sharing tips on 12 wardrobe basics every Nigerian woman must have, fashion theory, Colour and pattern theory, understanding your measurements and dress lengths, personal style tips, how to dress for every occasion, how to accessorize the right way, shopping on a budget, how to shop for a complete perfect outfit on a budget, top fashion trends for 2016 and Veronica’s Must Have. Vane Style Clinic will be featuring renowned Image Consultant, Ifeoma Williams and is expected to hold February 13, 2016 at the Vane clinic in Lekki.

Kerry Washington partners OPI Nail Polish

Kerry

Loving Leah: When 26-year-old Leah’s Jewish husband passes away, she finds herself in a dilemma: marry her late husband’s brother as traditionally done in the Jewish community or agree to her mother’s arranged marriage? This love story develops as the two agree to take part in an unconventional, yet, convenient marriage. Tune in on Sunday 14 February at 12:05pm Alabama Love Story: A kidnapping leads to love for a down-on-his-luck cowboy in this romantic comedy drama. When former rodeo rider Roper Wylie hits rock bottom, he schemes to kidnap wealthy Alabama socialite Goodie Blankenship. As the kidnapper and the jilted wife begin to sympathize with one another, love blossoms and fuels their hunger for revenge on Goodie’s uncaring husband. Tune in on Sunday 14 February at 1:45pm One True Love: Inspired by a true story, One True Love, is a poignant romance between two strangers who meet at the site of a serious accident and in one life-altering moment, fall in love.

Dana Boyer and Kevin Grant are passionate, fun-loving adults who meet when Kevin rescues Dana from a burning car. To complicate matters, Kevin is engaged and Dana is set to marry Phil her fiancé. Tune in on Sunday 14 February at 3:35pm

Cartoon Network

Kerry Washington is excited about her collaboration with OPI Nail Polish as she can’t stop talking about it. The limited edition collection is set to hit stores later in August (2016) is somehow related to the actress’ bond with her daughter, Isabelle, naming a hue of the nail line after her.

She revealed exclusively to WWD that the nail collection features rich plum shade called “Kerry Blossom“(named after her), a versatile gray named “Liv” (after her character in ‘Scandal’ )and a deep garnet known as “We The Female“ with a caramel hue named after her two-year-old daughter, Isabelle.

“Nails are at that interesting point where fashion and beauty meet… If I enter that space, it’s important for me to know the landscape and do it in a way that’s authentic and right and true to who I Am.” Actress Kerry Washington told WWD the inspiration behind the collaboration.

Yemi Alade to unveil Shoe Line Crooner/ Mama Africa as she is often time called, Yemi Alade, few months after she unveiled her jewelry collection ‘ The Yemi Alade Collection’ with online retailer Bland2Glam has hinted that she has eyes on delving into shoe line very soon.

According to Yemi, her love for been fashionable necessitates her wanting to run a fashion house entirely where fans can come and replicate my exact look.

“From Jewelries to shoes, it is all African and that is why I call it Afropolitan, she said.

CBS Drama

Yemi Alade

The Love Bug: Love is in the air on Cartoon Network this Valentine’s Day! This special stunt will air the most romantic episodes of your favorite show, including Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, Regular Show and Clarence to name a few. Between Finn and Flame Princess’ tumultuous relationship or Panda’s quest for love despite his brothers getting in the way, let’s just hope that everyone ends up living happily ever after! Celebrate budding love and epic romance this Valentine’s Day on Sunday 14 February at 1:10pm

Zee World Fear Files: “Fear Files” brings to life the real stories of people who have lived through paranormal experiences that defy explanation. The series uncovers the truth behind some of the most compelling and mystifying occurrences that have taken place around India. The show is a re-enactment of real incidents in an attempt to dispel the hoaxes from the real and possibly unexplainable. Tune in Every Saturday at 8pm

TLC Entertainment – OWN Where Are They Now? Debbie Allen: Debbie Allen says that as a child, Houston’s racial divide in the 50’s and 60’s prevented her from going to her first-choice dance school. Then, after years of applying, 13-year-old Debbie was finally accepted to the Houston Ballet Foundation. Watch as she shares how these experiences made her stronger and pushed her to become the dancer she is today. On Sunday 14 February at 7:55pm Belief - A Good Life: Explore how beliefs help us face the fear of death and the mystery of what happens after we die. In this episode, witness how death can also be a powerful call to action, compelling us to embrace life and those we love. On Sunday, 14 February at 7pm

BET Instant Mom: Stephanie is a former party girl who trades in her cocktails for carpools when she instantly adds three children to her life by marrying their father, Charlie. Needless to say, she struggles to find a balance between her fun-loving and slightly irresponsible lifestyle with being a full-time stepmother. Mondays to Fridays 6pm

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Dolapo Oni, others stunning look @ The premiere of the much awaited movie, Diary of the Lagos Girl, took place on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Genesis Deluxe Cinema, The Palms Lekki. The red carpet was filled with so much glitz and glam as celebrities and guests stepped out to see the highly anticipated romantic comedy. Stars in attendance included Marcy Dolapo Oni, OC Ukeje, Adunni Ade and many more.

According to the producer, Nike Erinle, “Diary of a Lagos Girl is a result of preparation, hard work and learning. It’s a film that will get everyone laughing all the way, however there are some lessons embedded in between”.

Directed by Jumoke Olatunde, Diary of a Lagos Girl is a romantic comedy that will make you laugh as you learn the antics of some Lagos girls in their search for Mr. Right. The movie currently showing in all cinemas.

Here are fun pictures from the premiere.

Ademola Adedoyin and Tinuke Abanishe

Chika-and-Ngozi

Adunni Ade Dolapo Oni

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

L5

Fashion & Style

@ Dairy of the Lagos Girl premiere

OC Ukeje

Zinnia

Sharon Ojong

Nike Erinle Producer and Tosin Sodeye

w

Men’s World L6 Ivaju Sheeriff-deen

Rock to

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

ear

s r e k a e n S Suits & It’s possible to wear suits with sneakers; all every fashionista needs to do is just abide by the rules of doing it right. The look lends a certain youthfulness, giving colour and edge to the simplest of clothing.

A great sneaker can be paired with formal clothes. Just like other trends, it looks cool and comfortable if done properly, and can look silly when done wrong.

Putting this look together can be quite tricky, which is why we have compiled an intense guide on how to wear formal clothes with sneakers without sloppy: Before you consider the shoes, make sure the suit fits. Always ensure pants are fitted and that blazers show your natural shape. A fitted, slimmer frame will look great with a complementing sneaker ensuring a sleeker, aligned aesthetic.

Stay simple with a plain pair of sneakers that will add to the edge of the formalwear. Classic black and navy pairs can be specifically good with retaining a formality to looks without snubbing dress codes.

Try out different combinations of suits and sneakers to make sure you get the right pairing. Try a bold blazer with a plain tee shirt and dress up the simple outfits with signature colored sneakers. Also, make sure the heels are not too thin or thick.

Consider formality and dress codes. You should know when to try out the trend. Include sneakers for the right event and maintain a classy approach when trying out looks. For a simple version of the trend, try darker or black sneakers, and keep the vivid colour alternatives for the right occasion.

A good tip is to find sneakers that come in luxurious materials to formalize the look. A great example are leather trainers. Canvas styles may be limiting, yet should not be overlooked. Brands like Converse and Vans boast simplistic styles and come in a variety of various materials like suede, velvet and leather which prove to create more range for formal dressing.

Don’t underestimate what groomed hair can do to upgrade the seriousness of sneakers. A well-styled beard will add to the trend, making looks appear to have a more polished aesthetic.

Ankara

w o n d e r s

Men are not really into fashion, or maybe we should say that when it comes to fashion, men are not moved or they don’t bother about looking trendy. This mostly applies to the level of patronage of our own traditional fabric. And the Ankara is a fabric that has been in the market for quite some time but didn’t get a good market catch as people looked at the fabric as one with low class or for the locals. Although there are still but a few who still wouldn’t wear an Ankara attire, neverthe-less it has found a new and wide appreciation among many others and we referring to the Men today, since the ladies have endless ways to always stayed stylish in whatever they wear.

In recent times, men did not patronise the use of Ankara to make good and suitable designs but certainly they would be triggered with the wonders of Ankara especially in making of suits.

Needless to say, right now fashion designers are making really sophisticated styles and use various materials such as lace of all kinds, denim, DaViva, and lots more. And Men’s fashion has also become yet another interesting world, so many styles in which Ankara can be worn and your man would be on point. Here are a few Men’s’ wear designers have styled for the world viewing pleasure and patronage.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

L7 Fashion

Femi Fasipe

Weird things you didn’t know about

Valentine’s Day The Price of Love

Sharing love around the world

Statistics about Valentine • For every 120 single men who are in their 20s, there are 100 single women in the same age range.

• The story changes drastically when we look at people over 65. Beyond 65, there are 33 single men for every 100 single women of the same age range. I guess all that extra spending for Valentine’s Day takes a toll.

How do Nigerians celebrate Valentine’s Day? Nigeria. Census Bureau has the answer: Greeting Cards 65% Plush 21% Date Night 44% Other Gifts 17% Candy 38% Perfume/Cologne 12%

• The average Nigerian will spend N2000 on Valentine’s Day this year, up from N1500 last year.

• Men spend almost twice as much on Valentine’s Day as women do. This year, the average man will spend N2000, while the average woman will only spend N1000.

• More than one-third of men would prefer not receiving a gift. Less than 20% of women feel the same way.

• Around this season, a dozen long-stemmed roses can cost an average of N20 • 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.

Gift Distribution

• Teachers receive the most valentines, followed by kids, mothers, wives and sweethearts.

• Over 50% of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the holiday.

• The oldest surviving valentine dates from 1415.

It is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.

• One billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making it the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. Women purchase approximately 85% of all valentines.

• In Japan, women are expected to give chocolate and other gifts to men on Valentine’s Day. This tradition was started as a marketing campaign by Japanese chocolate companies. Men are not off the hook, unfortunately. They are expected to return the favor on March 14th, commonly known as White Day. • I love you” in German is “Ich liebe dich.”

History, legends, and rumors • The roots of St. Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year.

• In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be.

They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. Today, to wear your heart on your sleeve means being transparent with your affections. (I’m having a tough time verifying this one, so please file this under “legends” instead of “history” for now.)

• Three different Saint Valentines have been mentioned by the metrologies of the Roman Catholic Church.

• The Catholic Church struck St. Valentine’s Day from its official calendar in 1969.

• The phrase “Sweets for the sweet” is a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 5, and Scene 1.

• Famous Valentine’s Day weddings: The Captain and Tennille, Elton John and Renate Blauel, Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, Jerry Garcia and Deborah Koons, and Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. • Famous Valentine’s Day birthdays: Thomas Malthus (1766), Frederick Douglass (1817), Jack Benny (1894), Jimmy Hoffa (1913), Hugh Downs (1921), Florence Henderson (1943), Carl Bernstein (1944), Tim Buckley (1946), Gregory Hines (1946), Jules Asner (1968), Rob Thomas (1972), Steve McNair (1973).

L8 TV guide

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Romance Channel 107

Movies Stars Channel 111

17:02

11:50

Wed, 10 Feb| PG

Wed, 10 Feb| PG 13

I n this heart-warming sequel to hit musical comedy, the sisters call on singer Deloris (Whoopi Goldberg) to help teach music to a group of students whose school is doomed to close.

101 M-Net West

23:30 Agent X 00:36 Zoo 01:30 Whiplash 03:13 Behind The Scenes: Mandela: Long...

05:30 Hollywood's 10 Best 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 MasterChef Australia 08:00 The Goldbergs 08:30 Chicago PD 09:16 Behind The Scenes: Lw Week-End

09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 McFarland, USA 12:35 Kevin From Work 13:00 MasterChef Australia 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:47 Behind The Scenes: Walking On Sunshine 15:00 Astronaut Wives Club 16:00 Caught On Camera 17:00 Shades Of Blue 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 The Middle 19:30 MasterChef Australia

152 Africa Magic Epic 00:25 Healthy Snacking 00:35 Rings Of Fire 01:59 The Burning Ring 03:45 Okoro The Prince 05:33 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room 06:01 Market Sellers 08:30 Mama Bomboi: Holy Watch 08:38 Princess Throne 10:06 End Of The Princess Throne 11:15 Seed Of Wealth 13:02 Seed Of Wealth 14:25 Africa Rising: Behind The Scenes 15:17 Behind The Scenes: Broken 15:35 The Mastermind 17:25 Africa Rising: Behind The Scenes 18:20 Mama Bomboi: Serious Matter

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

118 Telemundo

23:40 The Face Of Destiny 00:30 Elena's Ghost 01:20 Cruel Love 02:10 For Love And Justice 03:00 The Face Of Destiny 03:50 Fearless Heart 05:20 Elena's Ghost 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 The Face Of Destiny 07:50 Fearless Heart 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 The Face Of Destiny 12:00 Fearless Heart 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 The Face Of Destiny 16:10 Fearless Heart 17:00 For Love And Justice 17:50 Cruel Love 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 The Face Of Destiny 20:20 Fearless Heart 21:10 For Love And Justice 22:00 Cruel Love 22:50 Husband For Hire

18:30 Days Of Sorrow 20:23 My Brother's Wealth 22:20 The Great Servant

L A high- school student takes dance classes to improve his timing when playing soccer. When he starts classes, he falls in love with a girl despite their different backgrounds. Keri Russell, William Ash.(2000)John Forte.

128 SONY MAX

23:00 Most Shocking 23:45 World's Wildest Police Videos 00:35 World's Wildest Police Videos 01:25 Freakshow 23:19 Travel Man

10:15 Ducks Quacks Don't Echo

23:48 The Gadget Man

11:05 Would I Lie To You?

00:15 An Idiot Abroad

11:35 QI

01:02 The Cube

12:10 The Cube

01:49 Police Interceptors

13:00 Top Gear

02:36 The Notorious

14:10 Police Interceptors

03:01 The Notorious

15:00 Undercover Boss USA

03:29 Undercover Boss USA

15:50 Would I Lie To You?

04:12 Pointless

16:25 QI

05:00 The Cube

17:00 Pointless

06:35 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

05:45 Would I Lie To You?

17:50 TOP Gear

07:25 Video Zonkers

06:15 QI

19:00 Top Gear: The Races

07:50 South Beach Tow

06:50 Police Interceptors

08:15 South Beach Tow

07:40 Top Gear

20:00 Top Gear's Ambitious But Rubbish

08:45 Pointless

21:00 Top Gear

09:35 Undercover Boss USA

22:20 Youngers

155 AfricaMagic World 23:17 Behind The Scenes: Enitan 23:30 Music On Africa Magic 00:35 Star Gist 01:02 Good Morning Africa 02:05 53 Extra 02:45 Star Gist 03:15 Star Gist 03:45 Jara 04:25 Jara 05:00 Goodmorning Africa 06:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 07:00 53 Extra 07:30 Star Gist 08:00 Jara 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:05 Doctors' Quarters 11:00 Doctors' Quarters 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

01:55 Extreme Reality Clips 02:20 Rude Tube 02:45 Sexy Car Wash 03:15 Sexy Car Wash 03:45 Video Zonkers 04:10 South Beach Tow 04:35 South Beach Tow 05:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 05:45 World's Wildest Police Videos

08:40 Most Shocking 09:35 World's Wildest Police Videos 10:30 World's Wildest Police Videos 11:30 Baywatch 12:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 13:30 South Beach Tow 14:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 15:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 16:00 Most Shocking

13:00 Music On Africa Magic 13:59 Music On Africa Magic16:00 Star Gist 16:35 Deal Or No Deal Sa 17:25 53 Extra 18:00 Jara 18:30 Tinsel 19:00 Lies That Bind 19:30 Lies That Bind 20:00 Three Some 22:40 Music On Africa Magic

17:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 18:00 South Beach Tow 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Baywatch 20:00 Extreme Reality Clips 20:30 Rude Tube 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Freakshow 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 Sexy Car Wash