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FIBA to hold U-19 draws

Joseph Phillip Yobo September 6, 1980 (age 34) Kono, Rivers State, Nigeria 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Defender

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Nigeria

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position:

Youth career 1996–1997: 1997–1998:

Senior career 1998–2001: 2001–2002: 2002–2003: 2003–2012: 2010–2012: 2012–2014: 2014—present

National team 2001–2014:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4,5

International career

YOBO JOSEPH

JOSEPH YOBO

About Joseph Yobo

DANAGOGO

Joseph Phillip Yobo (born September 6, 1980) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a centre back. He was the captain of the Nigerian national team until his international football retirement in June 2014, and he is Nigeria’s record appearance holder.

A non-conformist

ÏÏÏ Ƅ ƈ Ƈ ƏƌƆƏ Mƈ ƆƏƈ ƈ ƐƆƏ Ɛƈ Ƌè who has been capped 100 times and represented the Super Eagles at three FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. ÏÏÏ ƇƐƆƏ ƍ ƏƐƈƅƈƍ Ɛƈ ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ ô ƏƑ Ɛ the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship quarter-finals, Yobo made his senior international debut against Zambia in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier on March 24, 2001. He played in all six of the team’s matches in the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and was included in the squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he was again everpresent, assisting Julius Aghahowa’s goal in a 2–1 loss to Sweden. ÏÏÏ Ƅ ƌ ƗƆ ƈ Ɔƅ Ɨ z ƏƋƗ Ƒƍ appearance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, after which he assumed the captaincy on the international retirement of Nwankwo Kanu. The veteran defender was no longer a first choice player at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, but lifted the trophy after appearing as an 89th minute substitute in Nigeria’s 1–0 final defeat of Burkina Faso. ÏÏÏ 9 CƑ Ɔ ƾƠơƿè Ƅ Ɠ ƈ ƅƋƑƗƆƗ ƈ Stephen Keshi’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was named in the starting line-up for both the second and third group matches, helping the Super Eagles to clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. ÏÏÏ R CƑ Ɔ ƢƠè Ɔ ƌ ƗƆ ƈ ơƠƠƐ international appearance, captaining Nigeria against France in the round of 16. After scoring an own goal in the 2–0 defeat, Yobo announced his international retirement, saying: “This is it. I can look back on my career with great pride. I wanted to leave on a high for my country. Defeat by France was not the right way to go but I’m happy with all I’ve done for the national team. It’s time to give a chance to other people to come through.”

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TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.62

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Enitan Balogun

The history behind Badagry town L6

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Fani-Kayode: Borno Gov. must

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PDP gave churches anti-Buhari film–Oshiomhole Ï Metuh: We won’t dignify his banal, petty claim with reply

ÏÏÏGovernor

Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) of stoking religious sentiments to sway voters in the forth-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

INSIDE

Life&

TIMES

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Former South African president, Thabo Mbeki (middle), former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (left) and APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna...on Monday

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

CBN, NDIC disagree over new 12 bill

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Politics Page Three

Editorial Ibrahim Uwais and ISIS connection

he recent report that the son of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammadu Uwais has allegedly joined the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria(ISIS) is not only frightening but also depressing. Ibrahim Uwais, reportedly joined the dreaded terrorist group alongside his two wives and children a fortnight ago. Definitely, this embarrassing defection has raised fears and alarm within the country’s security agencies, which seem to have been caught napping. It will be a second time the scion of a prominent Nigerian family would be causing an embarrassment of epic proportion to the country. The first was Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, son of the former First Bank Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab who in 2009 unsuccessfully tried to blow up a jetliner in Detroit, USA. An American court later sentenced him to life imprisonment without parole. It would be recalled that Umar Farouk was lured into Al-Qaeda while schooling in the United Kingdom and Yemen. Incidentally, what made Ibrahim Uwais’s action more perplexing is the fact that he was rumoured to be a close friend of Umar Farouk. According to close sources, their friendship developed as result of the very close relationship between their respective parents. Observers believe both belonging to the Islamic extremist Salafi sect may have influenced their religious fanaticism and radicalized their worldview. It is known that Muslims belonging to this strand of Islam are always encour-

aged to die for their faith if the need arises. It is therefore not surprising that even when those risks are well known, Ibrahim Uwais left to join ISIS. The third son of retired Chief Justice Uwais, Ibrahim was said to have dropped out of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria where he was studying Business Administration. Incidentally, his action is coming just when Boko Haram announced the latest claim of fully joining ISIS. Nigerians should be gravely concerned, in view of the mortal danger that Boko Haram’s relationship with ISIS poses to the country and the international community at large. As a local variant of ISIS, there is every fear that Boko Haram may become a conduit for recruiting Nigerians to fight not only in the Middle East but also in other parts of the world. More frightening is the tendency of ISIS placing the country on the list of those that will become part of its utopian caliphate. That is why the authorities must act quickly and decisively to stop the influence of ISIS in the country. They should do this through acting in concert with other international security agencies to enable them receive first hand information on those Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora having close contact with Boko Haram and ISIS. This will enable our secret service to intercept and interdict suspected sympathisers on time before they join these terrorist groups. Failing to do so will expose the country and its citizens to future danger.

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Time to shame Boko Haram sympathisers Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏIf

there is anything that the weekend pledge of allegiance by the Boko Haram sect to the global terror group, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), has firmly established, it is the need for those who had hitherto been sympathetic to the sect to bury their heads in shame and publicly apologise to Nigeria and Nigerians. The pledge of allegiance to ISIS has not only exposed Boko Haram’s true colour and lust for blood but also shown that those who had hitherto been sympathetic to the sect were, clearly, enemies

of the country and should be ashamed. It would be recalled that at the onset of the sect’s confrontation with the Nigerian state, not only did the Federal Government treat the sect with kid gloves, thereby emboldening the insurgent group, but a sizable proportion of Nigerians of northern extraction had sympathy for the sect, and blackmailed the government into not confronting the insurgents headlong. But, as the sect continued their onslaught against the Nigerian state, overrunning several towns in the Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states among others, killing and maiming thousands, destroying property, disrupting the normal life of countless men, women and children, the size

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of its sympathisers shrank. This was because many realised that the sect neither represented the Islamic religion nor had the interests of the North at heart. All that it reveled in was blood-letting and to rail-road all to its worldview. This realisation, though belated, is worth commending. However, there’s still more that needs to be done. And that is for these erstwhile Boko Haram sympathisers to publicly apologise for taking sides with a common enemy. Besides, there is the need for all Nigerians especially those of northern extraction to realise that the Boko Haram sect has done more harm to Islam than good and so requires to be put out of circulation once and for all.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

Michael P. Watson

Kahlil Gibran

Albert Einstein

Strong people don’t put others down…They lift them up.

Our worst fault is our preoccupation with the fault of others.

The world is a dangerous place not because of those who do evil but because of those who look on and do nothing

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

I’ll confront insecurity with grit, zeal – Buhari ÏÏÏThe presidential candidate

of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has expressed outrage and grief at the latest terrorist suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri, which left at least 54 innocent people dead. In a condolence message, issued in Abuja on Monday, through his media campaign committee, General Buhari, said the frequency with which terrorists destroy lives and property embarrassed him beyond measure, and that tackling such indiscriminate violence would be on top of priorities, once elected

5 News L-R: Former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu; Former Presidents, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gubernatorial candidate for Niger State, Chief Umar Nasko during a visit by Mbeki to Niger State… on Monday.

into office. According to him, terrorist violence has achieved nothing good for anybody and that his administration would confront this insecurity problem with determination and remarkable zeal. The APC presidential candidate explained that nothing can justify this endless and brutal terrorist violence, targeted at innocent people, which has also destroyed the economic and social life of the people in areas where terrorists are notoriously active. General Muhammadu Buhari, however, called for increased vigilance among the people.

30 killed in Michika reprisal attack Wale Akintunde Yola

ÏÏÏThe reprieve that came the

way of Michika people, after the attack by the insurgents and the subsequent recapture of the town by the military, appears short-lived, as spate of extra judicial killings have taken its toll with the death of about 30 persons, including women and children. The killings occurred from Wednesday through the weekend

Army begins Court Marshall of 22 officers Segun Adio

Group News Editor

ÏÏÏThe Nigerian Army yester-

day commenced the trial of 22 officers over the alleged involvement in the ongoing war on terror. The 22 officers had been arrested and indicted over alleged sabotage in the war against Islamist militant group Boko Haram in the North eastern part of the country. The General Court Marshal, taking place at Officers Mess of 9 Brigade Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Ikeja, was amidst tight security. Journalists were barred from the trial venue. Before now, the trial had been postponed three times in a roll since the army authority signified its intention to hold the trial in Lagos, It was gathered that the court

of last week. The present scenario, has no doubt brought the local government back to the old order, when Boko Haram insurgents, held sway, as people now live in palpable fears daily. However, this latest development has now brought the people of the area together under the ageis of “Concerned Residents of Michika”, who have now called on the government to put in place necessary machineries to unravel those behind this dastardly acts.

Martial of the 22 Army officers was earlier scheduled to begin on Friday, January 16, 2915 but was postponed. A lawyer to one officers on trial Mr. Femi Falana told journalists on phone in Lagos, that he was not at the trial venue since the case involving his client, one General Komolafe, was not going to be heard. He said that the military authority had assured him that they would inform him when his client case was going to come up Falana also admitted representing Brigadier-General Ransomed Kuti, though, he declined commenting on the matter, since his client case had not come up. Said he, “The military authority has told the world that they have just taking delivery of military equipment. I feel there is no need to put them on trial. That is why we congratulated them in the successes so far recorded. “This confirmed that as at the time they were arrested there was no weapon to fight, but now that they have weapons, they should release the boys to go and join others to fight.”

The group, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Christopher Umar Tizhe, alleged that there were incidents of organised killings in the name of reprisals going on in some villages of Michika Local Government Area, under the guise of fighting Boko Haram and something urgently needed to be done before things degenerate to another serious crisis. According to him, “in Khurkasa village district for instance, 16 people, mostly women and children

passing through the village, where killed and burnt by mob. Similarly, another group of 17 people, including a pregnant woman, returning to Michika from Cameroun, after the announcement that Michika had been recaptured from Boko Haram, were burnt alive in Kamale village by a mob claiming to be fighting Boko Haram”, the group said. While commending the military for recapturing Michika, they urged them to be careful against

being misled by some selfish groups or individuals looking for opportunities to settle personal scores. “We commend the laudable feat of our gallant soldiers in their latest successes in recovering territories including Michika from insurgents, we want to call for extreme caution in managing the victory by the military and vigilante groups by way of proper investigation of suspects to avoid extra judicial killings.

PDP seeks prosecution of Borno Governor over Chibok girls Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday pushed for the prosecution the governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima over the abduction of over 200 girls from Federal Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State. The Director, Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in a statement in Abuja, accused the governor of ignoring security reports and the counsel of the Federal Government against holding the 2014 May/June West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Chibok. Boko Haram invaded the school while the students were writing the WAEC examination and kidnapped them in a big

haul. Fani-Kayode pointed out that the abducted Chibok school girls would have been saved the ordeal to which they have been subjected to in past 329 days had the governor taken the advice and acted in accordance with the security reports that the town was not safe for the examinations. He said: “Shettima will not be governor forever and when he is no longer in office, his role in the Chibok affair would be investigated and, if found wanting, he would be prosecuted”. He stated that the governor, more than anybody else, is responsible for the abduction of the Chibok girls. His words: “The circumstances that led to the abduction of the innocent girls, who were writing their examination in an environment that was everything but secure, underscored the governor’s

negligence. “The governor must give account to God and to the Nigerian people for what he has done to those girls. “We are accusing him of being responsible for the abduction of the Chibok girls because he was warned by the Federal Government and by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) not to allow the examination take place in Chibok. “He ignored the warning and promised to guarantee security for those girls. When time came, the governor did not even deploy one policeman, let alone adequate security. “He betrayed the girls; he set them up; he opened the door for them to be abducted by the Boko Haram and instead of asking for forgiveness and repenting of his wicked ways, he is talking nonsense”, Fani-Kayode alleged.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

‘PDP gave churches anti-Buhari documentary’ Continued from page 1 coming elections. According to the governor, the PDP has bought some church leaders to preach against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and brand it a Muslim party. The PDP has however dismissed the allegation as banal and petty. While receiving a former local government chairmanship aspirant of the PDP, Chief Edegbe Ugbogbo, and about 2,000 of his supporters into the APC on Monday, Oshiomhole warned the PDP not to polarise the country along reli-

gious lines, saying it is dangerous for the polity as both Christians and Muslims have been victims of PDP’s alleged misrule in the past 16 years. According to him, the PDP has made copies of a documentary which has been distributed to churches to the effect that the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammau Buhari, would Islamise the country if voted into power. He said: “Some pastors, after collecting money, are now preaching that Buhari wants to convert the nation to Islam. When Buhari was Head of State with absolute

power, did he convert Nigeria to Islam? Did he convert Dodan Barracks to Islam enclave? Were there not Christian Generals all over the place? “The issue of this election is not about religion or tribe. It is about who has what it takes to repair our country. It is about who will give us light. If PDP couldn’t give us light in 16 years, shouldn’t we give it to someone else? Take a critical look at this election, when NEPA takes light, do they segregate between Christians and Muslims? When they bring fixed charges, do they differentiate between Christians and Muslims?

Are both Christians and Muslims not suffering the inefficiency of PDP’s 16 years of misgovernance?” However, the PDP described the allegation as banal, petty and inconsequential. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, advised Oshiomhole to focus on the various problems confronting Edo State and stop distracting the PDP. According to Metuh, “Oshiomhole’s allegation is banal, petty and inconsequential. We cannot dignify him with a reply. We are focused on our campaign and he should stop distracting us. “He should focus attention on the economic problems and others bedevilling his state and stop distracting us. “We in PDP are very serious and focused people. So, let the governor stop distracting us.” Oshiomhole said further: “They are saying APC is a Muslim Party. How can a party that

parades Christians such as me, Chief John Oyegun, Prof Osinbanjo and many others be described as a Muslim Party? Now, let’s look at it, if Nigeria’s problem is about religion, since 1999 till now, Christians have ruled the nation for 14 years. How come, if it is really about religion, that despite ruling for 14 years, Nigeria that ought to be like heaven is still like hell? “Nobody should use God’s name to deceive the people. The matter of governance is not about what you claim but about the state of your heart. In this state, from 1999 till now, all those that have governed Edo State are all Christians, yet those that governed from 1999 till 2007 did nothing. Are we not all Christians? But is it all of us that worked? They even stole from Church because when you do not pay salaries for three months, can the workers pay their tithes? Continued on page 12

FG owes contractors N230b, says Works minister Celestine Okafor & Sunday Isuwa, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe R-L: Deputy Chairman, Joint Action Front (JAF), Comrade Achike Chude; Chairman, Dr. Oladipo Fashina and Secretary (JAF), Comrade Abiodun Aremu during a press conference on state of the nation in Lagos… on Monday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

FG denies Moroccan King snub of Jonathan Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that King Mohammed VI of Morocco snubbed President Goodluck Jonathan at the weekend. The media was recently awash of a certain online publication on the snub of the Moroccan King, when President Jonathan made effort to rally support from the North African leader. The report had it that the Moroccan King retaliated over Nigerian’s support of the secession Western Sahara, which has been seeking

independence from Morocco. In a statement made available to Daily Times on Monday in Abuja, the Foreign Affairs ministry emphatically denied the reports in the sections of the media that Jonathan was snubbed on calling the Moroccan King. According to the release, “this information is absolutely not correct as President Jonathan did in fact speak to the Moroccan monarch over the phone”. The statement said that since the King was away to France and not in Morocco, both leaders spoke extensively over the phone on matters of mutual in-

terest and concern which have nothing to do with the conduct of the rescheduled elections in Nigeria. “It is therefore preposterous to suggest that Mr. President’s telephone call to the Moroccan monarch was intended to confer any electoral advantage on the President.” “The Ministry, on behalf of the Federal Government, wishes to appeal to the media to exercise greater restraint and circumspection in the use of foreign sources for news of the developments in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Federal Ministry of Works owes contractors N230 billion for outstanding certificates that have been verified, the Minister, Mr Mike Onolememen said on Monday. He also disclosed that there is no capital allocation to parastatals under his ministry, including the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), thereby increasing the fears that federal roads across the country might further worsen in 2015. Onolememen who disclosed this while defending the 2015 budget proposal of his ministry and parastatals before the Senate Committee on Works, pointed out that N39.5 billion was the total allocation to them in 2015, out of which N11 billion is capital and N300 million for recurrent for the main ministry only. He also said out of the total budgetary allocation to the ministry, N20 billion is for recurrent of the parastatals. He lamented that the budget of the ministry, which used to be at the ratio of 1-5 for recurrent and capital respectively, is now at 1-0.6, saying this is not enough to execute projects of the ministry.

He explained that given this financial challenges, the ministry has decided to focus on only 33 projects out of 210 projects it has, which included only roads and bridges, which he said, must be ongoing and already awarded roads and bridge contracts. According to the Minister, “aside the ministry’s capital budget proposal slashed from the projected N100 billion to just N11 billion by the Ministry of Finance in view of economic realities on ground, zero allocations were made for capital projects of FERMA and office of Surveyor -General of the Federation (OSGF)”. “No provisions have been made for other Departments of the Ministry such as Road and Bridge Design Departments, Mechanical and Electrical Department as well as Service Department”, he added. The Minister also disclosed that since 2011, the Ministry has always been owed outstanding budgeted funds, totaling N203.392 billion by the end of the 2014 fiscal year. He said: “Only N45, 682, 844, 395.00 billion was released for the Works Ministry out of 2014 capital appropriation of N98, 814, 368, 704 billion. This leaves a balance of N53, 131, 524, 309.00 not released as at December 2014.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Mbeki, Abdulsalami meet Buhari in Kaduna

King Furhe & Victor Jibrin Kaduna

ÏÏÏFormer

South African President, Thabo Mbeki, and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Monday, met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(rtd.), in Kaduna, ahead of the rescheduled March

28 presidential election across the country. At a closed-door meeting at the Jabi Road office of the Katsinaborn former Head of State, in the heart of the city, neither the visitor nor the APC presidential candidate uttered a word to reporters who besieged the venue after the about one hour meeting, which started at about 10 a.m.

The guests had met with President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming election, in Abuja on Monday. Abubakar, who is also the Chairman of the Peace Accord signed by the two leading presidential candidates, left for the Kaduna International Airport to catch a flight back to Abuja,

after a photo session to signal the end of the meeting at about 11a.m. A source confided in one of our correspondents in Kaduna that the meeting was not unconnected with the March 28 rescheduled presidential election. The source said: “This is a closed-door meeting and it’s doubtful if they will talk to the reporters. You know they met President Jonathan, too. "

2015 polls: MPPP adopts Jonathan as presidential candidate Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏAhead

L-R: Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye; Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen and Director of Finance, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Ibrahim Tumsah, during the 2015 budget defence at the National Assembly, in Abuja...on Monday Photo: Temitope Balogun

PDP refutes report of Jonathan, Mu'azu rift Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, refuted reports of a rift between President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu. The party declared it remained a united family, stressing that no amount of media fabrications and malicious insinuations would distract it from its focus ahead of the general election. The PDP made the clarification in a press statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja. Metuh explained that the clarification became necessary, in the light of attempts to drag

down Mu’azu, using spurious publications in a section of the media. Said he: "The PDP wishes to state clearly that our leaders and members, nationwide, are impressed with his (Mu'azu's) style of leadership, which has, in the last one year, enhanced our support base and public rating ahead of the 2015 general election. "As one of the founding fathers of the PDP, the National Chairman has continued to add immense value with his mature and decent approach to issues in keeping with the tradition and vision of our great party; a disposition that has continued to attract massive support across board for our presidential standard-bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan."

He added: "It is incontrovertible that the National Chairman has been at the forefront of our Presidential campaign train and enjoys an excellent working relationship with President Jonathan, as exhibited in their bond at rallies, visits and meetings with stakeholders across the country. "Whereas, we recognise the zeal and enthusiasm of some of our supporters, who are repaying the opposition in their own stock, our National Chairman, as the face of the PDP, has remained restrained despite numerous unwarranted provocations; a stance which does not in any way detract from his commitment to the campaigns, but reinforces our values and dedication to unity, peace and stability of our dear nation."

of the 2015 general election, the Mega Progressive People's Party MPPP, has adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its 2015 Presidential standardbearer. At the party's public presentation of its manifestos and adoption of Jonathan held Monday, March 9 at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, the National Chairman of MPPP, Oludare Falade, said that the adoption and political alliance would further strengthen Nigeria's democracy. He said MPPP was not fielding any presidential candidate for this year's election, and after extensive consultations with relevant organs of the party, it decided to support Jonathan. Falade stated that President Jonathan's manifestos were similar with that of the MPPP's. He, therefore, called on his fellow party members across Nigeria, to give their unflinching support to Jonathan so that he would emerge victorious at the election.

Jonathan

7 News

Supreme Court decides Ebira chieftaincy dispute June 5 Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Supreme Court on Mon-

day reserved judgment until June 5, on Ohinoyi of Ebiraland chieftaincy dispute between Dr. Ado Ibrahim and a group of Ebira chieftaincy stool title stakeholders. Incumbent Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim brought the suit challenging his dethronement, on December 12, 2014, by the Court of Appeal, as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Justice Tanko Muhammad, who led a five-man panel of Justices of the apex court that heard arguments, reserved judgment after listening to counsel to parties in the suit. A group of Ebira chieftaincy title holders, referred to as kingmakers, had instituted the action in 1998, following Dr. Ibrahim’s alleged wrongful appointment by Col. Bzigu Afakirya, the then Kogi Military Administrator, on June 2, 1997. They named Ibrahim, Kogi Government and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as defendants.

Oyo REC denies passing vote of no confidence on Jega Remi Oladoye

ÏÏÏ

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in-charge of Oyo State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, has debunked a report that RECs, nationwide, had passed a vote of no confidence on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega. Akeju spoke to reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday, during the flag-off of market outreach/road show, presentation of voter education materials in Braille form with people with disabilities and State Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (SICVEP). He noted that RECs across the nation still repose "an implicit confidence in Professor Jega and the innovations being implemented" .

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Politics

MAI’AUDUGA

Jonathan

PDP will retain Bauchi despite internal squabbles

Director General, Jonathan Campaign Organisation in Bauchi State, Alhaji Bala A. Mai’auduga in this interview with DANIEL JOLLY speaks on why PDP will retain power in the state despite alleged division in the campaign team between PDP leaders in Bauchi and those in Abuja. Excerpts: Some PDP leaders in the state are said to be working against the party, what do you say about that? I don’t share in the sentiments

being canvassed. But the actual truth of the matter is that initially, we decided to work together as a team under the arrangement approved by the National Leadership of PDP. We formed campaign council that comprises respected indigenes of Bauchi State like Governor Isa Yuguda as the leader, Alhaji Umaru Dahiru Baraden Bauchi, Alhaji Sanusi Mai’jama’a and many other respected personalities. The team was the one approved to campaign for all PDP candidates under one single structure without

division, but we noticed problems when Abuja politicians refused to join the campaign organisation. Instead of working together as one family, they opened a parallel campaign organisation. Despite all the support we received from President Goodluck Jonathan to carry out successful campaigns in the state to deliver the state to PDP, the Abuja politicians were working to sabotage our efforts and draw us back. Their actions led to the problems we had during CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

My fears about Buhari presidency bid – Enwegbara Renowned political analyst and Development Economist, Odilim Enwegbara, has xrayed the chances of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, predicting that he may have difficulty winning the March 28 Presidential poll contrary to what some poll watchers have predicted. In this interview with our BUREAU CHIEF (NORTHERN OPERATIONS), CELESTINE OKAFOR in Abuja, Enwegbara argues that the APC may not be able to defeat the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Excerpts: Buhari spoke on a number of issues at the Chatham House in London last week. How do you evaluate those issues he spoke about? Buhari’s visit to Chatham House in London has set a new precedence in Nigeria’s presidential campaign. Soon you will see Nigerian politicians taking their campaigns to the space to tell them how they intend to fix Nigerian problems on earth not minding the high cost of space shuttle.

How PDP, APC supporters clashed at late Gov Yakowa’s event

I am worried because it was such an unnecessary and expensive political adventure. I say this because I didn’t hear anything said there that shouldn’t be said here in Nigeria. In fact, there was nothing serious and new that was said there by Buhari, especially the decision about who to be elected president resides in Nigerians in Nigeria, not even Nigerians in the UK, not to mention Britons. The only justification for the amount of money and time spent in London was another jamboree to feel presidential as the entire APC campaign machinery was completely shut down. My fear is that if this trip is not criticised by Nigerians, we should expect ‘’a president Buhari’’ presenting his annual budgets before the Chatham House rather than a joint session of the country’s Senate and House of Representatives. But what makes his visit more alarming and dangerous for our democratic journey is that a major presidential contender has to carry his campaigns to a foreign land, not any foreign land but our former occupiers and colonizers; a country that still employs di-

Sunday Isuwa, Abuja Pandemonium broke-out weekend in Fadan- Kagoma, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during the foundation laying ceremony of Late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Centre following a clash by the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and

vide and rule imperialism. My pain is because he preferred to speak at Chatham House, the headquarters of British imperialism rather than a debate with Jonathan, the person he desperately wants to replace. Maybe Buhari went on appeal to the British for the diplomatic row he caused as a result of regime’s crating of late Umaru Dikko, one of Shagari’s powerful ministers. Or maybe speaking at the Chatham House, rather than attending the celebration of former President Shehu Shagari’s 90th birthday — where President Jonathan along with all former heads of state rejoiced and celebrated with the country’s first executive president — to show to Nigerians that he and Shagari have truly reconciled the overthrowing Shagari government in 1983 was more important to Buhari. The only plausible explanation for his ironic speech at Chatham House would be a cover up of his medical treatment in Britain. It is important, therefore, that Buhari for the benefit of doubt CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

those of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Yakowa is the first civilian governor from Southern Kaduna to have governed the state. The foundation laying ceremony was part of the late governor’s kinsmen traditional day celebration, ‘Gwong Day,’ but saw several cars destroyed outside the podium as cultural troops were

Buhari

entertaining guests. The event had taken off smoothly, witnessing the arrival of a former Deputy governor of Kaduna State, and Labour Party Candidate in the forth coming election, Engr James Bawa Magaji, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate in the state, Mr Polycarp Gangkon and the deputy

governor of Kaduna State, Ambassador Nuhu Audu Bajoga. Both dignitaries are late Yakowa’s kinsmen from the Southern part of the state. Bawa Magaji of the Labour Party and Polycarp Gangkon left the venue of the programme during the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Politics

Mai’auduga: Abuja politicians creating problem for Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

PDP Presidential campaign visit to Bauchi. Even though we know their strength, all of them became what they are today because of the support giving to them by the leader of the State campaign, Mallam Isa Yuguda, who became the icon and Godfather of Bauchi politics. Don’t you think the differences between the PDP leaders may mar the chances of the party in the 2015 General elections in the state? We are conducting our campaign according to plan successfully, under the leadership of State campaign council headed by the governor. Even though we have challenges here and there, but despite all odds, we are making progress because Bauchi People had accepted our words they are ready to vote for the PDP candidates in all the Places we went after that Governor Yuguda met with all Stake holders campaign to them and show them the importance of voting for PDP candidates and people agreed with him, going back to your question it will not be healthy for us to go under different family since unity itself is strength, for Abuja politicians who always sabotage our effort. We know their strength and capabilities, we know their antecedents, none of them could match the leader of the party because of his experience, generosity and performance by which we believe, going by our plan on ground, we will deliver the state to PDP. But our major problem is that we don’t want them to hide under the cover of our success stories to claim victory, if they don’t want to join us they should remain in Abuja and allow us to take the credit that we delivered the state to PDP in the forth

Yuguda

coming elections. Many of them are from Bauchi South, none of them came out for campaign with us, they didn’t encourage or canvasses support for people to vote for PDP candidate, they didn’t support us even in words, that was the reason why we said they should remain in Abuja. If they cannot join us, they should leave us to deliver the state, if they failed to do so, we will be left with no option but to ask the party to reprimand them and to take disciplinary action against them because we will not tolerate or accommodate parallel Organisation. And I assure you with or without them we will deliver the State to PDP. Our leader has done it before, remember what happened in 2007, they denied him a ticket, he joined opposition party and delivered the state. Even in 2011 general elections the Abuja, politicians sabotaged him but still he emerged victorious. Politics is a game of numbers and Yuguda is the man with the People of Bauchi State. Even now, they did not give us even a single poster to campaign for Mr. President and other PDP candidates, but we will still deliver the state to PDP. We heard from some quarters that Vice President Namadi Sambo has made effort to reconcile the leaders after the visit of President Jonathan? Yes and we are very grateful to Mr. President for his support and juicy appointments he gave to Bauchi State Indigenes. And we are grateful to the vice President’s quick intervention, even though the reconciliatory effort is yet to be concluded. We support any peaceful initiative that will lead to the success of the party in the state, and we pray that President Goodluck Jonathan himself will do more and call them to order for the success of PDP in the forthcoming polls.

Mai’auduga

“Despite all the support we received from President Goodluck Jonathan to carry out successful campaigns in the state to deliver the state to PDP, the Abuja politicians are working to sabotage our efforts and draw us back.”

“In Politics, we know it’s the almighty Allah who gives power to whoever he wants, but in Bauchi, we thank almighty Allah that after the Primary election, Governor Yuguda as the leader of the party reconciled with all the people and united them.”

After the PDP governorship primary, some leaders of the party were angry with the emergence of Awwal Jatau as the governorship candidate believing that , the candidates that contested with him were far better like Dr Ali Pate, Yayalle, Hammayo Abdul Ningi Adamu Gumba and many others? In Politics, we know it’s the almighty Allah who gives power to whoever he wants, but in Bauchi, we thank almighty Allah that after the Primary election, Governor Yuguda as the leader of the party reconciled with all the people and unite them together,

“Politics is a game of numbers and Yuguda is the man with the People of Bauchi State. Even now, they did not give us even a single poster to campaign for Mr. President and other PDP candidates.”

even though some of the people you have mentioned like Yayalle, Hammayo and Abdul Ningi indicated their interest to contest but they voluntarily withdrew from the race before the party primaries, Ningi is now contesting Bauchi Central Senatorial seat, Yayalle and Hammayo were not contesting anything but Hammayo, Adamu Gumba, Bappah Azare and Babayo Gamawa participated in our campaign we go out together we have reconciled with them and they are supporting us, we don’t have problems with the aspirants that contested the primary with the governorship candidate.

Jonathan

Politics 10 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

tells Nigerians what really took him to London for that long and why he has to stay in London for one week before speaking at Chatham House. At least, he owes it to the Nigerian electorate that not only was he not sick to the extent of shutting down his entire campaign but also that he did not go for medical treatment in London. One of the best ways to make Nigerians believe that he is physically and mentally fit to preside over the affairs of this country would be to agree to submit himself along with President Jonathan to a team of independent medical practitioners who should conduct thorough health examinations to ascertain that both candidates are in the best mental and physical fitness since the office of the president of Nigeria is so demanding that to say that it is a24-hour-7days-a week-job is to say the least. Lai Mohammed who recently said that age doesn’t affect one’s ability to perform in office by coomparing Reagan who was 69 years and Mandela who was in his early 70s with Buhari’s 72 years, should realise that US and South Africa have more political institutions and as a result, have a kind of self-driven system with robust checks and balances; which Nigeria doesn’t yet have. Also, let’s not forget that Reagan was known to be almost always sleeping during cabinet meetings with a very short attention span and memory loss to the extent that it’s George Bush Sr., his vice, who was the de facto president. The case of Nelson Mandela, having fought apartheid and sacrificed all his life for his country’s independence, including spending 27 years in prison, to reward and honour him, the South African people wanted him to be their post-apartheid president, the father of an independent South Africa. Little wonder during his four years in office South Africa had two deputy presidents – F.W. de Klerk (immediate former white president) and Thabo Mbeki who even though was the second deputy president was actually de facto president, with Mandela’s ceremonial presidential activities reduced to mere diplomatic ceremonies. I spent a lot of time explaining

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

ENWEGBARA

Chatam House discuss, unnecessary, wasteful ernment.

Enwegbara

“I think Buhari is ambitiously and excessively in love with power and believes that he alone has what it takes to turn Nigeria around.” this to show that Lai Mohammed’s comparisons were out of place and a party clamouring for change should have had a younger politician as its presidential candidate to genuinely be that driver of change, not a man whose past was synonymous with a period

of horror and terror violating the human rights and dignity of most Nigerians in the name of war against indiscipline, and whose nasty, brutish and merciless government in some cases cut short lives of Nigerians for daring to speak against his repressive gov-

But notwithstanding all you have just said, why is it that Buhari remains popular in Nigeria, most especially in the North? Buhari has over the years built a false aura of an honest, corruption-free, and a pro-mass leader. Those who actually believe in this “saint Buhari” are either those who were born after 1985 or those who have short memories of the recent past. Or have we just forgotten that the so-called corruption crusader was appointed the Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources in March 1976 and as the Chairman of NNPC, which was created the same year, it was alleged by some people that under his watch, N2.8 billion missed and was diverted in financing FESTAC in 1977? This unending allegation forced President Shehu Shagari to set up in 1980, the Crude Oil Sales Tribunal of Inquiry headed by the famous jury, Justice Ayo Irikefe but the tribunal’s work was inconclusive given the refusal of Obasanjo and Buhari to appear before the Irikefe Tribunal. It was alleged that the December 31st 1983 coup by Buhari, which overthrew the Shagari’s government was like a pay back to Shagari for trying to investigate Buhari and Obasanjo, both recognised then as the most powerful generals. Buhari’s simple and inexpensive lifestyle could be interpreted to have been sending the signal to most Nigerians who believed that every Nigerian leader retires in opulence and given that Buhari never lived a life of opulence, it was assumed that he was an upright man. I think Buhari is ambitiously and excessively in love with power and believes that he alone has what it takes to turn Nigeria around negating the fact that Nigeria of 1983 is far different from

Nigeria of 2015. Little wonder he has been behaving like a president elect when presidential elections are yet to be conducted. In 2015, we are talking about Democracy where the power of the president is continuously scrutinized by the Legislature and regulated by the Judiciary. While in 1980s, Buhari had no difficulty banning political meetings, free speech and detaining thousands and using secret tribunals to prosecute and execute people for crimes that were not necessarily capital offences. As a civilian president, his excesses can be challenged in court and could lead to impeachment. The challenges Buhari will face as a civilian president (if he wins) are that while he has control over the managers of the country’s fiscal policy, he will find it frustrating that the managers of the monetary policy of the country make their decisions independently especially because, the 2007 CBN Act has since allowed the full independence of Central Bank of Nigeria. That is why one seems to wonder how will Buhari be able to realize his campaign promises especially his so-called modernizing and expanding the economy when, Soludo recently and rightly argued that “Buhari and his team must realise that they do not yet have a coherent, credible agenda that is consistent with the fundamentals of the economy . Why do you think that APC which claims to have a lot to offer Nigerians if elected has its presidential candidate absolutely refusing to debate president GEJ? This question ought to have been posed to APC particularly, the handlers of Buhari. One of the germane things that make modern democracy vibrant is live public debate where candidates have the unique opportunity to market themselves and defend CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Violence: How not to remember Yakowa CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

clash. As speeches and cultural display were ongoing, Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero who was the special guest of honour and the representative of Vice President Namadi

Sambo arrived. On the arrival of Kaduna South APC Senatorial candidate, Dr Ishaku Shekarau with his supporters, the atmosphere became tense. During a match past by the cultural groups, followed by the traditional institution’s display,

supporters of the PDP with their banners joined in the match pass. Those of APGA, Labour and the APC followed with their brooms above their heads to the dismay of the PDP supports because Kaduna State governor and gubernatorial candidate of the PDP was the one reviewing

the match past. Fight broke-out outside the location of the dignitaries. Daily Times gathered that several cars were destroyed while many people sustained injuries. No live was lost. Speaking on the incident, Dr. Shekarau said he had been subjected

to thorough security check on getting to the venue of the programme and suddenly, hoodlums started attacking him with dangerous weapons. “I escaped but they destroyed 16 cars belonging to our party CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

11 Politics

How PDP, APC supporters clashed at late Gov Yakowa’s event CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

and my bullet-proof car. The security personnel saw all that transpired and none of them tried to repel the hoodlums who were brought to Southern Kaduna in droves. It is quite unfortunate and condemnable,” Shekarau said. During his speech after the clash, Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero said the state government will not relent in its task of sustaining lasting peace in the state. “We shall not sit on our oars and allow bandits to destabilise our state. Our aim is to build a society of peace. I appeal to our fellow politicians to play it with decorum because all powers belong to God. The next election is not a do or die affair,” Yero said. The governor said Nigeria is facing harsh economic times adding that there is need for transformation through the use of culture and tourism. “I call on all organizers of this even and other group planning similar events to come together and harness our economic benefit,” Yero added. The governor said contrary to speculation that he has abandoned projects initiated by late Yakowa, he has completed 14 out of the 31 roads contract awarded by his late boss. Wife of the late governor, Dame Amina Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, while speaking, revealed that Yakowa lost his mother at six and father at 14

A vehicle damaged during the clash

Late Yakowa

but rose to the top through dedication and hard work. “Everyone can make it to the top,” Amina said adding, “We don’t need violence in this election. Let the election be peaceful. We will continue to pray for peace.” Speaking on the establishment of Late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa centre, Amina said as someone who is a hero to many, the centre will compete with notable ones in the country towards grooming tomorrow’s leaders. The Chairman, organizing committee, Mr Jonathan Luka Kogi said it was planned to showcase their culture and to also immortalize their mentor, late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa. “The memorial centre is

unique and is something that our children will ask us one day. Yakowa is the first to becoming a civilian governor that governed Kaduna State from the Southern part of Kaduna. “It was unfortunate that the event which was supposed to showcase our culture and immortalise Yakowa was turned to a political event. Yes, there was a clash and it is very detrimental to our human existence. We must play politics with decorum and degree of responsibility,” Kogi said. The Paramount ruler of the Gwong people, retired Col Zakka Wyoms urged Nigerians to live peacefully with one another. Wyoms said Yakowa is a hero adding that his good deeds and memories will never be forgotten.

ENWEGBARA:

Why Buhari is afraid of a public debate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

their campaign promises. Presidential debates have remained the game changer in most modern societies. For example in 1960, Richard Nixon was defeated by John F. Kennedy in the US presidential elections simply because Kennedy beat him in the first televised presidential debates in the US. In 1980, Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in the presidential election because Reagan beat Carter in the debate. In 1992, Bill Clinton defeated George H. Bush Sr. because Clinton during the presidential debates proved to have

superior arguments about how to address America’s economic and social problem. In 2008, Barrack Obama defeated John McCain because he defeated McCain in all the debates. Back home in 1993, MKO Abiola defeated Bashir Tofa because he demonstrated superior knowledge of Nigeria’s economic and social problems and proffered solutions to them. I have buttressed this detail to demonstrate why presidential debates are important and should be encouraged if we want to build a robust democracy. It is ironic that Buhari should travel all the way to Cha-

tham House in London to debate himself, addressing the wrong audience when he refuses to share with Nigerian electorate his answers to the economic and social problems. It is also ironic that APC that has been claiming to have all the answers to the economic and social problems of Nigeria has refused to participate in any presidential debate. Even though that I totally agree with APC that the debates being organized by the so-called Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG) that has since hijacked the presidential debate could be favourable to PDP because

NTA as the lead organizer is a government agency, I fail to understand why APC should refuse to participate in debates to be organized by neutral television stations like CNBC or Arise. But can’t APC and PDP organize the debates themselves where an APC member will be the one posing questions to Jonathan and a PDP member poses questions to Buhari while a neutral moderator only moderates the debates. This way the argument by APC that the so-called ‘’chairman of NEDG must have leaked the questions to PDP in advance’’ should no longer arise.

National Assembly polls: Anambra needs more democratic dividends –Ekwunife A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Anambra Central Senatorial aspirant, Uche Ekwunife, has again reminded the people of the state of the need to vote in a reliable candidate in the forthcoming March 28, Presidential and Senatorial elections. She gave this advice, while addressing her teeming supporters, at the popular Eke Awka market, Awka, the state capital. She said it was high time people knew the difference between a good representative and a bad representative, stressing that Anambra does not need politicians, who will get to the legislative house and close their doors against the electorate, rather they need people, who will bring the dividend of democracy to their door steps. “I’m here, today, to remind the good people of this great state of a need for us to vote wisely in this election. We must take a wise decision that would benefit our future, by ensuring that we vote people who can deliver the dividend of democracy to our people. Anambra State cannot afford to be left behind in the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Anambra State needs more gains of democracy, because the state government alone cannot do it”, she said. She said there is a need to vote candidates of the PDP at the presidential, Senate and House of Representatives elections adding: “The PDP has done well in all sectors of Nigerian politics. Our people must not be deceived by politicians, who think only of themselves, rather we should think of the masses, our mothers and fathers, who for one reason or the other, are not able to take care of their daily needs. I’m going to the Senate, because of the less privilege in our various communities,” . She urged the voters to judge her with her past track records and antecedents, adding that she is happy with the various life changing projects she had executed in Anambra Central Senatorial district, while serving as a House of Representative member.

Ekwunife

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

CBN, NDIC disagree over amendment bill Celestine Okafor & Sunday Isuwa, Abuja

ÏÏÏNigeria’s two leading finan-

cial system regulators, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) are at loggerheads over moves by the Senate to amend the NDIC Act to give more powers to the corporation. This came to the fore yesterday during a one-day public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the “NDIC Act 2006, Cap N102 LFN 2012 (re-

peal and re-enactment) Bill, 2015” at the National Assembly. Making a presentation at the public hearing, the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, cautioned against the proposed empowerment of the NDIC through amendment of the Act establishing the corporation. The NDIC insisted however, that such powers would only enhance its operational independence. Emefiele, who was represented by his Deputy, Sulieman Barau, noted that the proposed amendment would end up creating instabilities in the nation’s financial

system operation. While arguing that some of the powers which the Senate sought to give to the NDIC amounted to usurpation of some of the fundamental duties of the CBN, he warned that this would result in anarchy in the financial administration of the country. He observed that part of the amendment proposals would confer executive powers on the NDIC to coordinate and supervise Nigeria’s financial institutions without recourse to the CBN, adding that NDIC, being the undertaker, could not seek to be both judge

Heaps of refuse along the Lagos-Abeokuta express way, Sango Ota, Ogun State ... on Monday.

Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

and prosecutor in its own case. This, the CBN said, would make NDIC a parallel/coordinate regulator for banks like CBN thus creating overlapping regulatory responsibilities for the NDIC. The amendments to the NDIC Act, included power to licence banks, power to supervise banks without reference to the CBN, power to determine the licences of banks and powers to assume a liquidator for banks. “It is pertinent to mention that all the above powers, which the NDIC seeks to assume and exercise, are ostensibly to ensure that it carries out its function as a risk minimiser and that depositors of distressed banks and other deposit-taking financial institutions are paid in good time to avoid delays. “While the CBN supports the desire to pay depositors of distressed institutions in good time, the proposal to make NDIC “the judge and juror” in cases involving banks is fraught with danger and is a recipe for financial instability,” CBN warned. However, the Managing Director of NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, responded by stating that what the amendments wanted to achieve was not outside its constitutional mandate, arguing that the amendments would guarantee sound and viable banking system in Nigeria. While noting that NDIC was not competing with the CBN, he emphasised the need for the NDIC to have some level of operational freedom from the CBN as intend-

ed in the Act establishing it. “Yes, we may have disagreements here and there, we are not reinventing the wheel. I noticed from the presentation of Mr. Barau that apparently he may not be aware of the fact that a lot of these have been resolved and will be resolved. “We are for collaboration, we are for the safety and soundness of the system. We are not in competition with the CBN. At the same time, we cherish our own operational independence and we cherish our mandate as provided by our Act. Meanwhile, the Senate President, David Mark, represented by the Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba, declared the public hearing open by saying that the exercise was aimed at obtaining authentic information from various shades of interests and opinions to guide the Senate in its legislative action. “It is hoped that this exercise, if successfully completed, would produce results that are acceptable to the generality of our citizenry,” he said. Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banks, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Bassey Otu, said the amendments being proposed in the Bill were targeted at revitalising and enhancing the operational framework of the nation’s financial institutions. This, he said, would strengthen their capacities in addressing challenges in line with international best practices.

Indonesian court rejects final appeal to PDP fuelling religious save Nigerians, others Ï 01 Ƒƌƌ Ɔ ƒ ƕ ƅƏƈ ƈ è R ƈ ƌ ƋƆ ÏÏÏAn

Indonesian court has dismissed a legal challenge by a 42-year-old Nigerian, Raheem Agbaje-Salami, who is on a death row for drug peddling. Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, has rejected clemency representations from Nigerian authorities. Judge Hendro Puspito of the Administrative Court in East Jakarta said on Monday that the court had no jurisdiction over presidential decisions. Agbaje-Salami, alias Jamiu Owolabi Abashin from the southern Spanish city of Cordova, was arrested in 1998 for smuggling 5.3 kg of heroin into Surabaya, the capital of East Java province. He was taken on Wednesday from a prison in East Java to a prison island off the southern coast of Java

where he was due to be executed later this month with up to nine other death-row inmates. Salami, along with nine other drug traffickers from Australia, French, Brazil, Ghana and Indonesia, are expected to be executed soon in Nusakambangan island of Central Java. President Widodo remained tough on the death penalty amid intensive efforts for clemency from Australia, French and Brazil. Two other Nigerian drug traffickers are also scheduled to be executed this month after requests for presidential clemency were rejected. Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Monday, again summoned the Indonesian Ambassador, Harry Purwato, over the country’s planned

execution of more Nigerians by firing squad for drug-related offences. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Danjuma Sheni, said at a meeting with the envoy in Abuja that the death sentences should be converted to life imprisonment. He told the envoy to speak with his home government to tamper justice with mercy in order not to allow anything to jeopardise the “very robust and excellent relationship“between Indonesia and Nigeria. “We, in this context, are very aware of the consequences of drug trafficking in your country, but we still want to put it on record and we still want to appeal to you and to your President to tamper justice with mercy.

Continued from page 6 “In Edo State, Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers live together in peace and harmony. Across Edo State you find people of different religions and nobody should bring religious war to Edo State.” While appealing to the people to jealously guard their PVCs, Oshiomhole said: “In this local government we have always won and in this 2015, we will still win. “PDP has destroyed Nigeria and we must vote them out. Now they are planning how to rig the elections but it won’t work. If anyone approaches you to sell your PVC, do not sell it. Don’t sell your voting right for one meal. When they ap-

proach you to exchange your PVC for money, refuse and let them know that your poverty cannot be negated for stupidity. This month of March, by the Grace of God we are marching to victory.” Leader of the decampees, Ugbogbo, said he went to test the PDP but couldn’t cope and assured Oshiomhole that he would collaborate with the APC leadership to sustain development in the state as he was very impressed by the developmental strides of the state governor. “I am here with my followers to formally return to the All Progressive Congress and come March 28th and April 11th, 2015, we will ensure that APC wins in all the wards of this local government.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

International 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Colombian govt, FARC to partner on landmines

Mr De la Calle, who is leading the government's negotiating team, is a former Colombian vice-president

ÏÏÏColombia's government and

the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels have agreed to work together to remove landmines in rural areas of the country where they have fought since the 1960s. The announcement was made in Cuba, where both sides have been engaged in peace talks for more than two years. Under the deal,FARC rebels will work alongside members of the military to remove the landmines and other explosive devices. Colombia is one of the most

Putin reveals secrets of Russia's Crimea takeover plot ÏÏÏRussian

President, Vladimir Putin has admitted, for the first time, that the plan to annex Crimea was ordered weeks before the referendum on self-determination. Crimea was formally absorbed into Russia on 18 March, to international condemnation, after unidentified gunmen took over the peninsula. Mr Putin said on TV he had ordered work on "returning Crimea" to begin at an all-night meeting on 22 February. The meeting was called after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Speaking last year, Mr Putin

heavily mined countries in the world. More than 11,000 people have been injured or killed by landmines in Colombia over the past 15 years. "The proposal for demining is a first step, but a giant step toward making peace," said Colombian government chief negotiator Humberto de la Calle. President Juan Manuel Santos welcomed the news, which gives his government's peace efforts another boost. "I would like to congratulate our

negotiating team and acknowledge what the Farc are doing, because this is bringing us closer to the shared objective of reaching peace in Colombia," he said. Humberto de la Calle and Colombian peace negotiators in Havana Mr De la Calle, who is leading the government's negotiating team, is a former Colombian vicepresident, Ivan Marquez, FARC commander, in Havana Farc leading negotiator Ivan Marquez said the deal would benefit "humble people who work on the land" The demining and decontami-

nation operation will be overseen by experts from Norway, one of the countries that has been facilitating the peace negotiations. The Farc members involved in the effort will not wear uniforms or carry weapons, said Mr De la Calle. The operation was announced in a joint statement in Havana, marking the end of a round of negotiations that focused on the rights of victims. FARC negotiators have been engaged in peace talks with the Colombian government since November 2012.

had said only that he took his final decision about Crimea after secret, undated opinion polls showed 80% of Crimeans favoured joining Russia. The findings of these polls were borne out by the outcome of the referendum on 16 March, he told Russian state TV last April. Ukrainian Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych makes a speech to the heads of foreign missions in Kiev, Ukraine, on 4 April 2007 Ukraine's former president Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev on 22 February 2014. Speaking in a forthcoming Russian TV documentary, Mr Putin said a meeting with officials had been held on 22-23 February to plan the rescue of Ukraine's deposed president. "I invited the leaders of our special services and the defence ministry to the Kremlin and set them the task of saving the life of the president of Ukraine, who would simply have been liquidated," he said.

Edgar Lungu collapse: Zambian president 'needs treatment abroad'

local hospital and his office issued a report assuring Zambians that the president was "feeling better" and would return home on Monday. A statement from the president's office said he was suffering from a narrowing of the oesophagus which needed "high-tech medical procedure which is currently unavailable in Zambia". "There he has been referred for specialised treatment abroad," it said. It said this was a recurrence of a condition for which he had been treated 30 years ago. The statement did not specify when Mr Lungu would have the operation and journalists were not allowed to ask questions at the press briefing. Mr Lungu, a former defence minister, is due to serve the remainder of Mr Sata's term, until elections in 2016. While Mr Sata was president, the government was accused of covering up his ill-health.

ÏÏÏZambia's

President, Edgar Lungu has to undergo throat surgery abroad, his doctors say, after earlier reporting that he had malaria. Mr Lungu, elected in January, collapsed while giving a speech to commemorate International Women's Day in the capital, Lusaka on Sunday. During the campaign, Mr Lungu's allies denied reports he was sick and offered to undergo a medical check-up. The election was called because of the death of his predecessor Michael Sata. Mr Lungu, 58, was treated at a

Brazil's leader urges patience amid scandal, economic woes ÏÏÏPresident

Dilma Rousseff on Sunday asked Brazilians for patience as the country deals with a flagging economy and a widening corruption probe nvolving the state-run oil company and dozens of top politicians. In a nationally televised address, Rousseff said her government will move to fix a serious fiscal problem after posting a primary budget deficit for the first time in more than a decade. She insisted the economic hurdles are only temporary. "You have every right to be angry and worried, but I ask for patience and understanding because this situation is temporary," she said in the 15-minute message. Brazil's president briefly mentioned a kickback investigation involving state oil giant Petrobras that has kept the country on edge for days. Last week, the attorney general expanded the probe to include 54 top politicians, in perhaps the most anticipated step in the Petrobras corruption saga. Rousseff assured the country that she has learned she must "bring the corrupt to justice with a heavy hand." Prosecutors say the country's largest construction and engineering firms paid at least $800m in bribes and other funds to Petrobras' executives and politicians in exchange for inflated contracts. Rousseff has not been implicated in the scandal but her popularity has suffered because of how close she was to Petrobras, leading its board for several years. In some cities, residents banged pots and shouted against Rousseff as her message was playing in their living rooms. The scandal is creating friction between the president and the legislative chambers, including among Rousseff's allies who feature prominently on the list of politicians under scrutiny. The legislative conflicts are playing out as Brazil desperately needs to pass bills to reduce tax breaks and decrease its debt.

Rousseff

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

15 Opinion

Debating Reno Omokri and Reuben Abati

Garba Shehu

he weekend press was, as usual very generous with its pages dealing with the Special Adviser to the President on Media, “my friend before, before” as we say in everyday parlance, Dr. Reuben Abati. His “cousin in office” Reno Omokri joined Reuben in the attack against General Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal, this time to attend presidential political debates. Having seen the beating he received in the digital media, his own reputable turf, Reno deserves my sympathy. I won’t flog a dead horse. In responding to The Punch, which did us the courtesy of seeking our reaction to the Abati diatribe, our argument has been that three times in the past, (2003, 2007, 2011) Buhari appeared and took part in debates while all his opponents, including Dr.

Jonathan in 2011, refused to take part. Where were all the critics, including Abati, then? Specifically, why did Dr. Jonathan refuse to debate in 2011? These are questions to be expected of every journalist handed the Abati script. For us in the Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign, the decision to stay away from the debate was not one that was taken lightly. It was indeed a difficult one, considering that the promoters of the debates, themselves important arms of the media as they, were in all probability not going to accept this for any excuse. It is for this reason that we wrote very politely to them, to request that we be excused. Our view of their Principal, Dr. Jonathan is that he is a man who does not know what is debate or discourse. What he knows is insults, abuse and mudslinging. He doesn’t have the frame of mind to warrant a debate. That’s the man who called President

Obasanjo a motor-park tout for merely criticising him. Dr. Jonathan doesn’t “give a damn” about public issues, is that not what he said when he was asked whether he would declare his assets publicly? When you are in public office, you are a public property. The President they are presenting for a TV debate doesn’t know the difference between stealing and corruption and he goes on defending their ridiculous position at every given opportunity. How can you dignify a fellow who lacks the comportment of public interest with a debate? Dr. Jonathan doesn’t have an understanding of public interest. Neither does he have respect for age and the high office he occupies. If he and his team did, they would not have addressed every critic in the way they did, nor would have Reuben described General Buhari as having run with his tail in between his legs. The President and his handlers have shown a rare lack of dignity

and comportment dealing with people who differ with them. All through his tenure, whenever he is criticised on issues and policy by anyone, the tradition they put in place is to attack the critic with insults. Among these critics are men and women who want to exercise their right to choose as guaranteed by the constitution. The amazing thing about Dr. Jonathan is that he lacks the cultural diligence to call his handlers to order whenever they aggressively go after the honest critic. His handlers seem to know just one thing – the personal interest of Dr. Jonathan, and they too, in line with their boss’s thinking don’t give a damn about public good and public interest. Our position is that we can’t debate personal interest above public interest. We have chosen to stay away from debating Dr. Jonathan because we are not given to insults and abuse. We await their defeat in the coming election on March 28th.

2015: Conspiracies and tales by moonlight “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organised conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.” Frederick Douglass

F Charles Dickson

rom the assassination of John F Kennedy to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, from Roswell, New Mexico, to Nasa’s moon landings. From the bloodline of Christ to the death of Elvis Presley, or The 9/11 Cover-Up, Area 51 and the Aliens, Paul Is Dead, Illuminati and the New World Order, Holocaust Revisionism, the CIA and AIDS and Drug trade, or how they are the brain behind ISIL, Boko Haram. In recent times there has been theories on how and what exactly Ebola was. Every major event of the last 2,000 years has prompted a conspiracy theory, or story. Few years ago, there was June 12, the battle was between Moshood Abiola and Bashir Tofa, for students of politics, stomach infrastructure actually started in that era, with the “ABIOLA RICE, ABIOLA SALT, ABIOLA SUGAR AND MILK” but nothing stood out like the conspiracy of the holy book-The story was that Abiola was responsible for the sinking of several containers full of bible and the ship. There were many stories of how he sponsored several coups across Africa, and ran deals for the

military. No one can say which of these were true, concorted, or outrightly false. However one thing is a testament to fact. Forward to 2015, Nigeria is in an election year and month, and I dare say, an election that would define so many things for its statehood, and the conspiracy theorists are at work. Did you hear the story of how IBB, helped GEJ in postponing the February elections--after all there is a connect, when you look at Dasuki, former aide to IBB and loyalists like Gusau, and the military chiefs. How about that all the stories of PVCs selling for N10, 000.00, my simple question is have you bought or sold one, and off course these are the days of tales of pastors and imams collecting billions. I watched the Alimosho Local government chairman, who was atop a horse, sprinkling blood and taking oath. The part I find really laughable is when he prays his “ancestors” to make EFCC forget and not see or chase him when he steals. He only reminds me of the governor of one Southeastern state that was captured on Polaroid wearing a ‘Hingis’ panties at Okinja Shrine. He won the elections from the walls of Kirikiri

Maximum Prison. At the heart of the above tale, is did Tunde Bakare sign a preresignation letter, and has Osinbajo equally signed one. How about the theory that my people (The northern nation) are about to be “played” another “Yar’adua” by the South and in this case Tinubu? I was in a supposedly intelligent gathering and while eavesdropping on the discuss, it was about how Patience has no child, and that those kids you see on the First Family portrait are kids from Diezani’s sister. There are theories as the elections draw ever so close, like in Plateau, PDP candidate GNS Pwajok gave the outgoing Governor Jonah Jang his kidney, but really who stole, is it Simon Lalong or Dariye, or no kidney missing, no money missing! Do you know why Tinubu picked Ambode, instead of Sashore, or are you aware that Obasanjo is upset because of the fact that all his men have been relegated and enemies elevated? How about that Islamisation story, that Nigeria needs to get out of the OIC or the one about how Jonathan being a Christian and his Christian brother from army chief Ihejerika planned and are carrying

out the extermination of Northern Muslims. Let me not bore us, on the NNPC missing monies, that is one conspiracy, true or false we never may know but it is as old as when Buhari was Petroleum Commissioner and those missing million dollars, and the PTF years. How about the stories of how Mr. President drinks a particular kind of brew and is half drunk. Before someone arrests me, I equally am told on one such occasion, Gen Danjuma(rtd), came visiting and barged in, on a drunk president. Then it is false too, that Buhari has testicular cancer, Tinubu smokes weed, Amaechi is gay, Atiku is wanted, Sambo is corrupt. Tinubu is controlling, will control Buhari, just as Patience is controlling Jonathan. Fani-Kayode, Fayose, and Okupe will all need medical attention, while Lai Mohammed, and his crew will be at the left hand side of Yaba. Professor Wole Soyinka, and Niyi Osundare, myself, you, and Nigerians can lament all we want, but we are moving into a poll where all that may have been discussed are not more than hearsays, rumours, conspiracies and tales by moonlight, at the expense of the real issues.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Tech Future

NiRA urges media practitioners to intensify campaign on .ng

Tony Nwakaegho The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), has called on media practitioners in the country to intensify the campaign aimed at educating the public on the technological and economic benefits of embracing .ng domain name. NiRA President, Mrs Mary Uduma, gave the charge while

s welcoming participants at a recent one-day .ng Media College organised by the Association in Lagos, adding that, as a national resource, .ng is a unique identifier for every possible Nigerian on the world wide web. Uduma, hinted that since the country could realise ccTLD which was hosted about 12 years ago in the United States by Randy Bush, an American, it has

Inye Kemabonta, Editor, TECH FUTURE inye@technologylaw.com.ng

become very imperative that Nigerians are informed to take the advantages of the system. She disclosed that even though about 60,000 domain names have been realised on .ng registration, there is a large space for individuals, Small and Medium Enterprises,(SMEs) large corporations, Non Governmental OrCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Mary Uduma, NiRA president.

NITDA has a role in developing the software industry - Asawo R-L: Ibifuro Asawa, a guest, with Peter Jack, DG of NITDA.

Ibifuro Asawo is the young Nigerian Chief Executive of Cinfores, an indigenous software company. His story as a tech entrepreneur and the establishment of Cinfores contain all the ingredients of a typical Nigerian technology startup- bootstrapping for survival, lack of basic entrepreneurial skills, no access to institutional capital, etc. He is also an example of what consistency and perseverance can do to a dream. TECH FUTURE believes that Asawo’s story would inspire other young innovators and entrepreneurs. Indeed this week’s edition of TECH FUTURE has chosen to sacrifice the space for our weekly feature article on ICT Local Content for his

story. In fact the interview is a good expose on local content, the struggle for its development and the role of government We publish the full text of his interview with Inye Kemabonta, Editor TECH FUTURE. Cinfores now ranks as one of the successful software companies in Nigeria. How and when was the company born? Cinfores was born out of concern for a deteriorating education sector in the country. The April 2002 Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) strike had hindered us from defending our final year project and as young men who seemingly had time, we sat to think and talk about what will become of us, immediately

after our project defense; how to make the most of the strike, and the inadvertent extra months we would stay at home before our NYSC. While thinking of many things that could be done within the period, we strongly felt we could develop a solution that would help the falling standard of education in the country. As at then, we saw examination malpractice as a menace that could portend a grave danger for the education sector and the rest of the economy, if not checked. From the sitting room of two of my partners’ father’s houses, we got the concept of BrainFriend; the mother of our solutions (now the country’s foremost e-learning and examination preparatory software). We were very excited about

providing answers and explanations to past WAEC and JAMB questions, not as everybody was doing it then, (through booklet) but through the use of the computer. As we all know, the PC penetration as at 2002 was very low in all parts of the country but we felt it was a shift from the norm; a useful tool against examination malpractice which had huge potential in terms of business. With so much excitement, we swung into action to implement it. I was leading the technical team then as the only computer engineering student. I had to design the database structure, interface and a few other things along with our current Director of Technical who, as at then, was studying electrical engineering but was quite versed in program-

ming (in fact he thought me basic programming in our remedial days). While this was ongoing, my other partners used our social capital to gather friends who were the best in their courses to help us with the solving of as many past questions we could lay our hands on. We thought within two (2) weeks we would have accomplished the task but after two (2) months we weren’t where we wanted to be. The strike was called off and we all went back to our academic work. Immediately after our project defense in June/ July of the same year, we swung back into action. As at this time, we clearly knew four of us were already co-founders of the organization, as we continued supCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

19 Tech Future

Asawo: How we braved initial challenges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

porting the vision with finances through computer hardware repairs, assembly and maintenance around schools, cybercafés and few homes in Port Harcourt. This is the genesis of the great vision. What then would you say inspired the founding of the company? As earlier stated, we were inspired by the sheer reality that jobs may not be lying in wait for us, so we needed to task ourselves to see a need that we could meet. Our concern for the education sector drove us towards the line of developing a software that would help curb examination malpractice and ‘emerging’ high rate failure. I used the word emerging because, the failure rate wasn’t as alarming as it is today but we saw it coming; most teenagers at the time, were looking for other means to score high grades rather than studying hard. Consequently, we got inspired by obvious reality that we may not be employed after graduation, and the falling standard of education which we felt we could fix by using the solution - BrainFriend at the secondary school level (which was our area of focus, then). You must have experienced challenges, teething and incidental. Can you talk about those challenges?

As for challenges, every stage of the journey had its own challenge. While developing the first software, we were excited about our novel concept. Although most of our friends, and our parents, never believed in what we were doing or saying but we kept at it. They all felt we were using it to keep busy and that after our NYSC, we would give it up to secure good jobs, especially with the oil and gas companies or the servicing companies that littered Port Harcourt. The first challenge came way back in March, 2003. Coincidentally, we were all dropped from the NYSC batch ‘A’ list. All my partners including some new ones that joined us with the passage of time before March, 2003 didn’t go for service. We were saddened but took it in good fate believing “all things work out together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose” as stated in Romans 8:28. To digress a bit, we all met ourselves as friends from our remedial days but came to be partners when we started working together as EXCO members of the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) also known as Christian Union (CU) in some campuses. Our love for God and service to humanity as we were trained prepared us for most of the challenges and guided us every inch of the way. So, after the NYSC setback, we continued neck-deep in our pur-

suit and what we thought would be two weeks, turned to one year and still running. We all went for NYSC when the time came. Though scattered, we still kept the dream alive and thereafter, came back to face the challenge of post NYSC life. At this time our parents felt it was time we picked up plum jobs with the oil and gas companies. Some of us actually gave in and accepted some job offers, to assist the larger family while others went for further studies. As a partnership, we faced the challenge of how to steer the ship of the company. This for me was one of the most difficult times as it dawned on us that some of us would have to leave the team. The fear then was if they would still be passionate about our dreams and aspirations with their jobs at the International Oil Companies. We started the development of the enterprise version when we noticed that many homes did not have PCs but for a few schools and cybercafés. We had power supply challenges in those days and we had to move from one area of Port Harcourt to another, in search power in order to continue our work. We faced the challenge of funding as all the banks we went to, rejected us. Our background as engineers without any formal managerial, administrative or even entrepreneurial training on basic book keeping skills, etc was also a major challenge. It was difficult to get referrals because we realized that nobody wanted to be used as a guinea pig, even when you had a good solution. You can imagine how other people would require referrals to give them comfort that you can deliver on a project. So the question was: as startups, who will

Asawo

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Intensify campaign on .ng, NiRA urges Media practitioners CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

ganisations (NGOs) and government agencies to leverage. “The essence of the .ng Media College is to enable us interface with the practitioners who are critical stakeholders in disseminating information as regards .ng domain name registration. Also the Media College accords NiRA opportunities to explain on some policies, and operational guidelines in the registration processes. In all, we know the media are able to lead the course on public awareness on .ng domain name adoption and switchover”, she said. She explained that after the Association was founded on March

23, 2005, as a stakeholders-led organisation, they have gone ahead to adopt a multi-layered registry module for its operations, adding that “With NiRA at the apex as the registry, we have certified Registrars, to work with us. The registrars may choose to employ the services of re-sellers. Currently, we are giving Nigerians 10 per cent discount on registration with the aim to get our local businesses online. Content is the currency for the future and Nigeria cannot be left behind.” Sunday Folayan, NiRA’s vice president, also said that with the modification of the Association’s Domain Name Policy in 2013, Nigerians now have direct registration rights on the second level,

with added advantages. He explained that NiRA reserves the right to maintain some list of domain that shall not be available for general public registration such as offensive names, restricted names- military, government, etc., while premium names like cooki.ng, bi.ng, etc are reserved for auctioning. Some second level domain names in Nigeria, he said, are .com.ng open for commercial registration; .edu.ng, peculiar to degree awarding institutions; .sch.ng for non-degree awarding institutions; .gov.ng registr-able by governmental organisations only; .mil.ng for military and re-

lated purposes; .org.ng open to NGOs; .net.ng open to network organizations; .name.ng open to personal names while .premium. ng is reserved for auction. There are others for third level domains, and on the policy thrust, Folayan said that NiRA at the moment does not operate internationalised domain names (IDN) which allows domain names in the natural languages of the users, adding that NiRA hopes it could be achieved in future. In his words: “There are rules and conventions that govern the choice and registration of domain names. The naming conventions have been carefully created to avoid confusion and make it easy for users to navigate on the

Internet. “NiRA as much as possible abides with the global best practices, in the implementation of domain names. In the nearest future, NiRA will offer IDN that will allow the use of natural language text, e.g. Arabic, so that more people will have access to the internet”. NiRA is the registry for .ng Internet Domain Names and maintains the database of names registered in the .ng country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD). The Association is a self-regulating body and managers of the .ng national resource, the ccTLD name space in the public interest of Nigeria and global internet communities.

Tech Future 20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

NCC set to hold consultative forum on 70/80GHz Band sale Tony Nwakaegho In line with its quest to make broadband accessible to Nigerians, the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), has announced March 12, 2015 as a date for its consultative forum preparatory for the licensing of the 70/80GHz Band. The Commission in a statement said that this is “in line with the Commission’s practice of industry-wide consultations in carrying out its regulatory activities, the Commission is currently exploring options for licensing users in the 70/80GHz Spectrum band”. The NCC further stated that the forum is for a meeting with industry stakeholders, experts, financiers, investors, service providers and VAS providers coming together to brain storm the way forward for the licensing of service providers in this band within the telecom industry in Nigeria. This forum forms part of the on-going activities to deepen broadband penetration in the country as the commission had adopted the Open Access model

for infrastructure roll out in the country, implementing the working draft of the National Broadband Plan to facilitate broadband penetration in addition to internet and voice penetration in the country. Daily Times recalled that the NCC had successfully carried out the auction of the frequency in the 2.3GHz spectrum which was commended by industry watchers early last year, and has continued to set the pace for the proper deployment and roll out of telecommunications broadband infrastructure while targeting 2018 as the year to getting broadband access to businesses and homes in the country. Due to the transparent policy of the Commission, it has continued to seek stakeholders’ contributions for the auction of the 2.6GHz band as well in its efforts to deepen competition and improve Broadband penetration in the country towards achieving the goals of the National Broadband Plan. Attesting to this fact are the significant issues raised by stakeholders at the Lagos forum towards actualising a suc-

cessful auction which includes: Lessons from the last auction in 2.3GHz Band, Spectrum Packaging including the use of Spectrum Caps, Participation Restrictions, Licensing Option: Wholesale, Retail or Combined, Eligibility Criteria, Interference Mitigation Techniques, Spectrum License Tenures and Roll Out Obligation were points of focus. Chairman of the NCC, Engr. Peter Igoh, said at the forum that is was an opportunity for the commission and stakeholders to exchange ideas from the different perspectives on how best to approach the currently planned auction, adding that “Today’s forum is part of our consultative disposition in which we strive to ensure inclusiveness in our decision-making processes, fairness and openness in our dealings, and predictability in the nation’s telecom regulatory atmosphere. “When auctioned, winners of the licenses would be expected to deploy services that can meet government’s target of faster internet downloads at the speed of 1.5MB/s.”

Juwah, EVC NCC

BrainFriend is exams preparatory software solution- Asawo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

set off the stage to be our Guinea Pig? Big thanks to all those who gave us a stage even when we weren’t known. They sacrificed their reputation to give us a place to touch many more lives with our products and services. They are our heroes to whom we will forever be grateful. At every phase of our growth and expansion, we have had challenges; we are not done, yet. One thing is certain, that is what we are wired to overcome as entrepreneurs and solution providers. How successful is Cinfores? What is your staff strength and turn over? Success is relative and that isn’t our goal. For us, meeting the needs of our clients is what we see as success. The more we

make them happy and meet their expectations, the more successful we feel. However, when success is tied to numbers such as staff strength and turn over we feel it is relative. What A may see as success will be below par for B. In our eleven years of existence, bootstrapping with a social capital in our first three years as friends literally volunteered and worked for free until we started paying stipends that evolved to salary, we would say we have tried a bit, edging towards a successful company. Our staff strength is over 110 as at today, and we have been able to make an annual turnover of over N500m in the last two business years, respectively. Cinfores BrainFriend is certified by NITDA. Has the company benefited from the certification? How well is the

‘‘From the sitting room of two of my partners’ father’s houses, we got the concept of BrainFriend; the mother of our solutions (now the country’s foremost e-learning and examination preparatory software).’’ software doing? Cinfores BrainFriend is Nigeria’s best-selling and foremost elearning and exam preparatory software. It has reached over 1 million users within and outside

Nigeria. Every year unfolds a new dimension of the software. It has evolved from being senior secondary school software for exam preparation to a complete e-learning solution with e-notes for students, lesson notes and national curriculum for teachers and parents. It now covers over 60 subjects from primary 1 to Senior Secondary School 3 with other preps such as logical, verbal and quantitative reasoning, A’levels etc. It has also evolved from a PC to mobile and cloud based solution. It is the only software in the country that has covered the 3 major Nigerian languages (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) and vocational subjects with approval (certifications) from NERDC, FMoE and NITDA. The NITDA certification has helped us a great deal in exploring quite a lot of opportunities.

While the target group of the product recognizes NITDA as the number one IT development agency in the country, the certification has helped to boost the confidence of users or the market in the product. Today, all the teachers in Cross Rivers State are using it; Anambra State governments, USPF, all 104 unity colleges, over 100 private schools and cafes and many thousands of homes across the country have adopted it. The NITDA certification has indeed helped, to a large extent. Do you have any expansion plans beyond the shores of Nigeria, and do you need any help from government? Sure, but for the Ebola Virus Disease, we would have been in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

African leaders urged to invest in ICT infrastructure Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Thabo Mbeki, former South African President, has urged African leaders and governments to invest more in Information Technology Infrastructure in order to resolve tough problems like health, governance, education, traffic, among others presently facing the continent. Mbeki who spoke at the Ericsson African Night at the 2015 Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain said that increased use of mobile technology has already benefited several sectors in the continent especially education and health. The former South African President also highlighted on the African Renaissance concept on how best African people and nations shall overcome the current challenges confronting the continent to achieve cultural, scientific, and economic renewal, even as GSMA estimated that there are more than half a billion mobile connections on the African continent. He told the gathering made up of telecoms operators, African leaders in the ICT ecosystem, including Airtel, MTN, Unitel and Millicom and international

Mbeki

Technology Reporters that Africa must leverage on ICT tools to face the challenge of the 21st century and attain digital economy. He acknowledged that weak IT infrastructure remains the bane of the continent and added that “Africa has come a long way. We cannot continue like this. Mobile technology has enormous impact in our lives. We must invest in it. We must embrace it more. Mobile technology has intervened and is an important enabler to help the continent respond to local challenges like

health, education, traffic, agriculture, among others.” Guests at the African Night’s guest include, Regional Director for Africa, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Andrew Rugege; Executive Vice President Africa of Millicom, Arthur Bastings; Chief Executive Officer, Unitel, Tony Dolton, Chief Executive Officer; Airtel Africa, Christian De Faria, and Group Chief Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions Officer, MTN Group,Karel Pienaar, among others.

21 Tech Future

MDX-I urges major companies to leverage Outsourced Data Centre services MDX-I, new subsidiary of MainOne has called on major companies in Nigeria to leverage Outsourced Data Centre services to drive down costs and optimize operational efficiency. In furtherance of this, MDX-I and its parent company, MainOne organized a breakfast seminar targeted at senior level Information Technology (IT) managers to discuss strategies for companies that require improved Data Centre capacity. This session revealed valuable global contributions from leading IT research company, the International Data Corporation (IDC), and global Cloud specialist, EMC2 Corporation, and including specialists from MainOne. MainOne’s Head of Marketing, Ms. Jumoke Akande, said that the recent macro-economic issues in the country and fluctuating global oil prices necessitated the need for companies to use

Opeke

the session to explore how they can utilize Cloud and other Data Centre hosted-business applications to enhanced productivity at reasonable costs. The session which had leading data experts from IDC and EMC2 Corporation as speakers, shed light on global trends in Data Centres, planning issues to consider, and the case for businesses to collocate in commercial data centres which offer extraordinary levels of performance, as against building in-house data center facilities from ground up. Akande opined that high level of attendance at the seminar with the theme “Making the Business Case for Data Centre Migration”, revealed the enlightened perspectives that IT managers in Nigeria are adopting to withstand economic pressures and reduce costs.

Govt has role to play in development of indigenous software industry CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

and Gambia. They are part of the countries we had considered. In fact, we even had to develop an Ebola guide as a way of gaining access but the ban of travels to and fro Nigeria and some of those countries made us to slow down. But we have as part of our plan in 2015 to launch out to other West African countries mind you some of them are part of the countries that make up the WAEC countries. We also have other MIS solutions for schools and tertiary institutions that they will find useful. Government is to create the enabling environment for us to thrive as businesses. Improving the university content of computer science and engineering undergraduates and post graduate students will help reduce the cost of retraining these people and reduce the turnaround time in building the teams. Supporting the deployment of local solutions to meet local

needs is one sure way of developing local companies to play in the global market. Rather than importing solutions or outsourcing things that can be developed locally, government should engage local organizations that have distinguished themselves in various sectors to address most of the nagging issues. What is your advice to young entrepreneurs in technology? Whenever I meet young entrepreneurs in technology, I tell them to believe in their dreams and stand against all odds. Life is in phases, business itself is in phases, you cannot get to the top overnight; it takes focus and consistency to get there. Today, when you mention ICT for development in education, we are the first name that comes to mind, not because we are the oldest in the sector, but that we also, have been consistent. Since inception, we have gone from e-learning, and have developed a campus management information system - eCampus; a Nursery, Primary and Secondary

school management information system – eSkool; scholarship MIS, electronic testing platform also known as the examiner, etc; it is all around education. There will be many distractions but you need to stay focused. Money and ‘’success’’ could also be distraction, so watch out and remain on course – meeting the needs of clients and customers. What do you see as the role of government in developing the indigenous software industry? Government is meant to create enabling environment. Let there be power, ensure that our university system is working so that we can have well trained developers. Engage local organizations to meet the needs of the country through constant engagement. We should work towards being self-reliance. The industry is an evolving one. Continuous practice and engagement from government will help local companies effectively meet local needs

and export such homegrown technologies outside the country, just as the Western countries bring in solutions that most often require further customization. Having in mind that our country is complex, any solution which is home grown and effective here, can easily be adapted in any part of the globe with little or no effort. This will make us an outsourcing destination like India and China. With our huge population, labor can be competitive as it is, in some of the outsourcing destinations. If government draws up policies that will make all hospitals and schools to use MIS we will witness a tremendous difference in the sectors. NITDA should develop frameworks to guide all sectors of the economy in ways to adopt technology for effective and efficient service delivery. Also, the regulation of ICT products and services imported in to the country would help a great deal to ensure that products and services that are sub-standard don’t come into the

country. Today, people depend on ICT products and solutions to carry out their primary responsibilities. Architects, engineers, doctors, etc. all rely on ICT to do their work. Imagine if they use counterfeit products or solutions to provide their services. We have seen the effect of cyber security in recent times. Wars are gradually shifting from physical weapons and armory to the cyber space. How prepared are we? Do we have home grown protocols that we can rely on when the war becomes fierce and the international protocols are invaded by intruders and hackers? Government through NITDA, Galaxybackbone and NCC has a lot to do in ensuring that we emerge as strong before the end of this decade as ICT giants. This will not only solve the unemployment issue for us as a nation, but also make us a major outsourcing nation that the rest of the world will respect and always seek to do business with.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Today in History

Cartoon from our Archives

s Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

1941

FDR signs Lend-Lease

1941 FDR signs LendLease On this day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Lend-Lease program, which provided money and materials for allies in the war, goes into effect. The Lend-Lease program was devised by Roosevelt as a means of aiding Great Britain in its war effort against the Germans, by giving the chief executive the power to “sell, transfer title to, exchange, lease, lend, or otherwise dispose of ” any military resources the president deemed ultimately in the interest of the defence of the United States. The reasoning was that if a neighbours was successful in defending his home,

Daily Times March 10, 1961 1901 Newspaper reports signing of so-called Chief Tokohama On this day in 1901, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported the signing of a mysterious player named “Chief Tokohama” to baseball’s Baltimore Orioles by manager John McGraw. Chief Tokohama was later revealed to be Charlie Grant, an AfricanAmerican second baseman. McGraw was attempting to draw upon the great untapped resource of African-American baseball talent in the face of baseball’s unspoken rule banning black players from the major leagues. John McGraw, manager of the Orioles from 1899 to 1902 and the New York Giants from 1902 to 1932, had great respect for African-Americans’ baseball abilities and was at the forefront of the effort to integrate the major leagues. Reporters often spotted McGraw in the stands at Negro League games, watching and taking notes, and later copying the strategies used by black teams. In fact, legend has long held that McGraw had pitcher and Negro National League founder Rube Foster teach Giants star Christy Matthew son how to throw his “fade away” pitch. McGraw also held exhibition games between his team and Negro League teams, providing them with a good pay-

day and publicity. In October 1917, Negro Leaguer “Smokey” Joe Williams pitched against the National League champion Giants, striking out 20 batters before losing 1-0 on an error in the 10th inning. Had records been kept in those exhibitions, the mark of 20 strikeouts would stood for 69 seasons. McGraw was not the only big leaguer who favoured integration, or took up the cause. Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Ted Williams, Dizzy Dean, Paul Waner, Lloyd Waner and Jimmie Foxx were among the players who would barnstorm with all-star Negro League teams in the off-season before black players were allowed to play with them in the regular season. In 1901, however, integration was still a long way off. After Grant signed with the Orioles as Chief Tokohama, Chicago White Sox owner Charlie Comiskey discovered his real identity and led the charge to ban him from the league. Grant ended up spending the 1901 season playing stand-out second base for the all-black Columbia Giants. John McGraw went on to win eight National League pennants as the manager of the New York Giants, as well as three World Series. He died in 1934, 12 years before Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15,

1947, finally integrating Major League Baseball. 1903 Lawrence Welk is born For the generation that grew up on the big bands of the 30s and 40s, The Lawrence Welk Show was a blessed island of calm in a world gone mad for rock and roll, and it aired like clockwork every Saturday night from 1955 to 1982. But for the children and grandchildren watching along with them, it seemed more like the “television show that time forgot.” The man at this generational flash point was an accordion-playing, Alsatian-accented bandleader who kicked off each number with “A vun and a two” and ended with a cheery “Wonderful, wonderful.” Although he delighted the older crowd, youngsters were usually not so enamoured. As polarizing in his own folksy way as Elvis Presley was in his, the inimitable Lawrence Welk—creator and King of “Champagne Music”—was born in rural North Dakota on March 11, 1903. Welk’s parents were immigrants from Alsace-Lorraine who spoke only German to the nine children they raised on their farm outside Strasburg, North Dakota. In fact, Lawrence Welk did not learn English until his early 20s, which explains the accent that became his trademark.

1997

1997 Paul McCartney knighted On this day in 1997, Paul McCartney, a former member of the most successful rock band in history, The Beatles, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to music.” The 54-year-old lad from Liverpool became Sir Paul in a centuries-old ceremony of pomp and solemnity at Buckingham Palace in central London. Fans waited outside in a scene reminiscent of Beatlemania of the 1960s. Crowds screamed as McCartney swept through the gates in his chauffeur-driven limousine and he answered with a thumbs-up. McCartney’s wife, Linda, who was fighting breast cancer, did not accompany him, but three of their four children were at the palace. “I would have loved the whole family to be here, but when we heard there were only three tickets, we had to draw straws,” McCartney said. Linda McCartney would succumb to cancer 13 months later on April 17, 1998. As for the surviving Beatles, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, Sir Paul said that since they learned that he would be knighted, “They call me ‘Your Holiness.’” McCartney dedicated his knighthood to fellow Beatles George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon and the people

the security of your home would be enhanced. It also served to bolster British morale by giving them the sense that they were no longer alone in their struggle against Hitler. The program was finally authorized by Congress and signed into effect on March 11, 1941. By November, after much heated debate, Congress extended the terms of Lend-Lease to the Soviet Union, even though the USSR had already been the recipient of American military weapons and had been promised $1 billion in financial aid. By the end of the war, more than $50 billion in funds, weapons, aircraft, and ships had been distributed to 44 countries.

Paul McCartney knighted of the north-western port of Liverpool. In October 1965, McCartney, along with fellow band members John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, collected MBE (Member of the British Empire) medals, much to the shock of the British establishment. Lennon, who returned his MBE in 1969 as a war protest, was assassinated in New York in 1980. Harrison would also succumb to cancer, passing away on November 29, 2001. McCartney admitted he was very nervous before the ceremony but said it had been a great experience. “Proud to be British, wonderful day and it’s a long way from a little terrace (street) in Liverpool,” he told reporters. Aides said he won’t be calling himself “Sir Paul,” the title conferred when the queen tapped him on each shoulder with a naked sword as he knelt on the investiture stool. McCartney’s knighthood was considered long overdue even by the conservative standards used in Britain, which sees most such honors going to judges, scientists and politicians. McCartney formed the group Wings after the Beatles split up in 1970, and made records with stars like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder before trying his hand at composing classical music.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

23 News

APC condemns Maiduguri bombings

ÏÏÏThe All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the dastardly bombings that left many dead and injured in Maiduguri over the weekend, warning that those behind the continued killing and maiming of innocent people would not go

unpunished. Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said on Monday, that the party condoled with the families of those killed, as well as the government and people of Borno State. It prayed God to grant repose to the souls of the innocent citi-

zens, who were sent to their early graves, while wishing those who were injured speedy recovery. “As we have said many times, nothing in the world justifies the killing of innocent men, women and children, and the cowards who have continued to kill and

maim must realise that they will not escape justice, no matter how long it takes,’’ APC said. The party called for vigilance among the people of the state and, indeed, the entire NorthEast, against the background of the stepped-up fight against the terrorists.

Global Alliance commends NIPR, Oladele Nduka Uzuakpundu

ÏÏÏThe Chair of the Global Al-

L-R: Deputy Governor (Operations), Mr. Sulaimon Barau; Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Joseph Nnana, and Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Mr. Bayo Adelabu, all of Central Bank of Nigeria, during the public hearing on NDIC Act by Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja....on Monday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

FG earmarks N12bn for Abuja priority projects Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government will, in the 2015 fiscal year, spend N12 billion on national priority projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, disclosed this, last week, while presenting the 2015 National Priority Budget to the House of Representatives Committee on the FCT, shortly after meeting with the National Assembly joint committee on Sure-P. He further revealed that the sum of N2 billion had been earmarked for the provision of engineering infrastructure to Kyami District on the Umaru Musa

Jang promises completion of road projects before polls

Yar’Adua Expressway or Airport Road. His words: “The sum of N2 billion has also been set aside in the National Priority Budget for the work on extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from Southern Parkway to Ring Road II”. The minister disclosed that the sum of N2 billion had also been proposed for the designing and construction of National Assembly Presiding Officers’ Residence. He also said that the sum of N1.75 billion had been proposed for rehabilitation, renting of office space for displaced staff and provision of additional security measures for United Nations Building in Abuja.

Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

Plateau Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Silvanus Dantoe, said on Monday, in Jos, that all ongoing projects of the

liance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GAPRCM), the worldwide body of public relations institutes and associations, Prof. Anne Gregory, has commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and its president, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, for their support for the global body. She said, in a letter to Oladele that: “I thank you personally for your continual membership and support for the Global Alliance,” adding that, “our contin-

Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏThe

Lai Mohammed

ued alliance presents a unique opportunity for public relations and communication professionals to think, speak and act together to raise the status of our global profession.” Since 2014, she said, the continued alliance with the Oladeleled NIPR had been building a vibrant, global professional community, more able to transmit its aspirations to fruition, and be in a stronger position to achieve the recognition it deserved. She underlined the success of the 2014 World Public Relations Forum, in Madrid, Spain, where Oladele chaired one of the sessions with the theme: “Communication with Conscience”, recalling that GAPRCM was satisfied that the NIPR was represented among the delegates of 750 from 65 countries in the Spanish capital.

Monarch donates land to build Catholic church

The sum of N850 million, he said, was being proposed for the completion of roads B6, B12 and Circle Road in the Central Business District, Abuja. Mohammed remarked that the sum of N850 million had been set aside for the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape District Lots I & II, as well as N300 million for addendum contract for the complementary engineering infrastructure facilities. He emphasised that the construction of Usuma Dam, Gurara Road, would be allocated N1 billion this year, as provision of engineering infrastructure to Abuja Technology Village, Phase I gets N200 million.

traditional ruler of Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, has donated a parcel of land for the building of a Catholic church in his community. Though of Anglican background, the monarch said that the vision to build a house of prayer was shown to him in a dream ten years ago, adding that he had never had peace of mind, until recently, when the plan for the church building was initiated. According to the royal father: “I was in a dream sometime in 2005, when I saw myself attending a particular church named St. Peter’s, where I used to pay all my church dues.” “The vision used to appear in

various dimensions, even when I was yet to become a traditional ruler. I visited some prophetic priests, who confirmed the vision of building a church for God, during our first meeting, but I didn’t know how to go about it”. “Until one day I decided to call my friend, one Wasky from AdaziAni community in Anaocha Local Area of the state telling him that one prophet had also told me to visit one St. Peter’s Church in the community to see the type of church I will build.”

Jang administration must be completed before the general election in March. Dantoe said this while addressing reporters on an inspection tour of the road projects awarded in all the 17 local government aareas of the state.

He warned contractors handling the road projects to double their efforts so that no project would be left uncompleted before that time. The commissioner said the contractors had been paid some fees and that they

would have no excuse for not completing the projects at the stipulated time. He described the projects as tremendous and aimed at transforming the state and boosting its infrastructure to enhance development.

News 24 Ekweremadu assures of completion of NILS permanent site Celestine Okafor

(Bureau Chief, Northern Operations)

ÏÏÏDeputy

Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has assured that the permanent site for the National Institute for Legislative Studies, NILS, would be completed soon. He gave the indication on Monday, during an assessment tour of the phasedfunded N52 billion project, located on the Musa Yar’Adua Way (Airport Road) in Abuja. Ekweremadu, who was conducted around the massive project by the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria, Engr. Detlev Lubasch, in the company of the Director-General of NILS, Dr. Ladi Hamalai, and the Abuja Divisional Manager of the construc-

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

tion company, Engr. Hartmut Warnecke, said the project could not meet the April 2015 completion target, due to shortfalls in funding. He nevertheless emphasised that it remained the vision of the National Assembly, to not only complete the project soon, but also make it self-sustaining in the next few years. The Senator, who doubles as the Chairman of NILS’ Governing Council, said: “This is the major project of the National Assembly for the past few years, as it is exclusively funded from our budget. So, in addition to our overhead costs, this is exactly what has been taking the chunk of the National Assembly over several fiscal years.”

Ekweremadu

Police uniforms not for brutality of civilians –AIG

the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo, on Monday. He also urged the Nigerian Police to imbibe the attitude of encouraging people to embrace peace at all times. The AIG asked police to avoid bias when handling cases, saying that civilians are good sources of information. He said, “I would want to use this medium to advise you all that your uniforms should not serve as an opportunity for you to brutalise the people.”

ÏÏÏThe Assistant Inspec-

tor General (AIG) of Police, in charge of Zone IX, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye, has said that police uniform does not give licence to policemen to brutalise civilians. The AIG said this while addressing some policemen at a workshop, organised by

of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), an initiative of the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, has been described as a fantastic and resourceful initiative that would attract over N1.5 trillion investment into the capital city. Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the minister

on Administration, Chief Emmanuel Awodu, told Daily Times on Monday, in Abuja, that the project alone would deliver 25,000 plots and create about 500,000 employment opportunities, while the sum of N6 billion is being earmarked for the construction of Gude resettlement district for the original inhabitants. Chief Awodu, said that the recent ground breaking ceremony, performed

by President Goodluck Jonathan, for work to commence on the development of about eight districts simultaneously, showed his sincere commitment to the transformation agenda of his administration. He said, “The land for infrastructure swap policy, is a fantastic and resourceful initiative that has been adopted by the Honourable Minister to leverage on private sector resources, for continuous accelerated

development of the FCT. “It is a transformational concept that will build the city without any financial or risk involvement of the government, as the private investors would provide engineering infrastructure, such as 464km of roads, 696km of street light lines, 2566km of electricity distribution lines and 334km of telecommunication ducts,” the administrative chief explained.

Egba council sues Alake, Amosun over chieftaincy matter ÏÏÏThe Parakoyi in Coun-

Nigeria has become a herculean task. He, however, commended the effort of the Nigerian government at addressing this trend with laudable education policies already in place. The Turkish national, while speaking on the importance of science education at the Abuja school recently, declared that the NTIC offers a wide range of opportunities for prospective students in the country.

Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe land swap policy

Abeokuta

educationist, Hakan Karaman, has called for more interests in science education in Nigerian schools. This, he said, would further enhance the capacity of Nigerian secondary school leavers in the area of science and technology. Karaman, Principal of Nigerian Turkish International Colleges (NTIC) also declared that the teaching and learning of sciences in most secondary schools in

Sodiq Adekunle

Mathew Dadiya and Uche Obi

Abiodun Taiwo

Educationist calls for vigorous Science research in secondary schools ÏÏÏAn

FCTA to earn N1.5tr from land swap

cil, which comprises of all market men and women in Igbore area of Ogun Central Senatorial District of Ogun State, has taken the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to court over the installation of Chief Kashimawo

Laloko as the Parakoyi of Egbaland. Chief Kashimawo Laloko was, last week, installed as the Parakoyi of Egbaland (Head of Market men and Women in Egbaland), by Oba Gbadebo, an action the Igbore- in. Council saw as a violation of the laid down rules and regulations guiding the installation of any traditional in Egbaland. In a press release, issued in Abeokuta, by the

Parakoyi Igbore chiefs and signed by the Secretary of the Council, Chief Olusegun Sokeye, titled “Chief Kashimawo Laloko is neither the Olori Parakoyi Igbore, or Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland” opined that the purported approval granted by Ogun State Executive Council, for his installation as such, is an abuse and is politically motivated.” The release stated, “It has come to the attention of

Parakoyi Igbore-in-Council that the Executive Council of the Ogun State Government, has granted approval for the installation of Chief Kashimawo Laloko, as the Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland, notwithstanding that his purported installation is subject of litigation involving Chief Laloko, the Alake of Egbaland, the Executive Governor as well as the Attorney General of Ogun State among others.”

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Godswill Akpabio (right), with Dr. Yemi Johnson of Cardiocare Medical Services Ltd., after signing an MoU with the Akwa Ibom Government, on the Management of the Ibom 20th Anniversary Specialist Hospital, recently.

Kano govt spends $20m on scholarships Yakubu Salisu Kano

ÏÏÏThe Governor of

Kano State, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, said that his government has so far spent over 20 million US dollars on scholarships programme. The governor said the money was expended on 734 indigenes of the state to further their various educational pro-

grammes in countries like China and India. He said he deemed it necessary to sponsor the students abroad, as a result of the incessant strikes that characterised Nigeria’s educational system which, no doubt, had caused serious setbacks to the students’ education, and also to produce graduates who can measure up to their mates from other

developed countries. The governor, who disclosed this, shortly after he returned from India, said one of the best ways to bring about positive change in the society, is to produce youths with sound minds and this can be achieved only through education. He further stated that no amount spent on education is a waste. He advised students

who are opportuned to benefit from the scholarship scheme, to make good use of their chance, make the government, the people of the state as well as their parents proud. The governor finally promised to assist children whom are internally displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency by building schools for them and enrolling them back into the educational system.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Suspected herdsmen kill family of eight in Plateau

Chijioke Kingsley Jos

Ă?Ă?Ă?

Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, on Monday, attacked and killed a 62-year-old retired Police officer, Baba Jacob Wangte, and seven members of his family in the Sabon Layi area of Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State. Daily Times gathered that the victims of the attack were related to the former speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Istifanus Caleb Mwansat, who is also currently representing Pankshin South in the state Assembly. The 62-year-old man was killed along with his 50-year-old wife, Ruth; their son, Katok, 27; and his wife, Richeal, 21, and

three grand-children. Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local council, Emmanuel Loman, while confirming the attacked on Monday in Jos, said the attack occurred around 10pm on Sunday. He said: "The attacks started since last week, in some villages of the locality, by the Fulanis, and continued again on Monday at about 10pm, where Baba Jacob and seven members of his family were attacked and the entire family killed by the same Fulanis." Loman revealed that the retired Police officer, a Mupun by tribe, and from Pankshin Local Government of the state, had been resident in the locality for a long time, after his retirement, and wondered why

such a big family would be killed in one day without the security arresting a single suspect. According to the chairman, there was a demonstration on Sunday by the women of the local government to express their grievances over the attacks in some villages. The villagers were defending themselves in their homes, when men of the Special Task Force (STF) surrounded them and collected their weaponsâ&#x20AC;Ś and allowed the Fulanis to go free without being arrested. "The women were angry when two of their children were apprehended. They felt bad that, instead of the STF arresting the attackers, they were arresting

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Ă?Ă?Ă?Governor

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Zamfara appoints new emir for Gusau Umar Mohammed

innocent youths, who were defending themselves," he lamented. Loman had condemned the situation and informed the authorities concerned to take action over the behaviour of some of the STF members in Barkin Ladi Local Government, saying the attackers were well known to some of the STF in the locality, who had been breaching the peace in the council. When contacted, the Media Officer of the STF, saddled with maintaining peace in Jos and the environs, Captain IKedichi Iweha, confirmed the attack. He promised to call back when his opinion was sought on the incident but had not responded at press time.

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Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, on Monday, approved the appointment of Alhaji Ibrahim Bello as the new emir of Gusau. A statement signed by the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Muhammad Birnin Magaji, said the new emir, a cousin of the late emir Danbaba, was a former commissioner in the state. Birnin Magaji further said that the new emir, born in 1954 at Wonaka, was a holder of Master's Degree in Health Education from the University of Manchester, United Kigdom. He was appointed from about 37 contenders for the throne.

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Anambra trains health workers on UHC Okey Chris Awka

Ă?Ă?Ă?In-line

with the National Health Act and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Anambra State government has embarked on training of policymakers in the health sector, with a view to improving the lives of the citizenry. Tagged â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Resilient and Responsive Health Systems Consortium (RSYST) Capacity Development and Feedback Workshop, the programme, which was organised in Awka by the Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, Enugu, is aimed at unveiling capacity in health system research, health economics and health financing. It would further enable the state government to present findings from the study on Governance and Accountability of the National Primary Healthcare Development Fund, even as it affords participants opportunities to reflect and comment on the findings.

Declaring the seminar open, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, explained that the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, was determined to improve the health sector through provisions of adequate funds and materials, functional health centres and hospitals, among other enablers. Dr. Akabuike, while adding that his ministry was on course and advances on daily basis, said they had set-up machineries towards realising their myriads of dreams.

Obiano

Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;River to recruit 500 teachers Emma Obi Calabar

Ă?Ă?Ă?The Cross River State

government plans to recruit 500 teachers soon. The exercise, which will cost the state government N10 million, commenced in 2013 with the sale of forms to applicants. Expected to be recruited are teachers in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science. In an exclusive interview on Monday in Calabar, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, told Daily Times that the recruitment exercise would be completed within the month. Offiong said the government decided to use EDUCOMP Solutions, â&#x20AC;&#x153;an Indian firm, which has been our partners in the reconstruction of education in the state," for the exercise. He said: "We took the decision to use a foreign

agency because some of our teachers cannot read, not to talk of teaching. Not that local consultants are not credible but we needed to avoid external influences in the recruitment exercise." He refuted insinuations that the Imoke-led administration had been unable to resolve a three-monthold strike of the Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH). The government is also accused of failing to pay the salaries of civil servants since January. Some residents wonder why the outgoing administration would want to recruit 500 teachers and dump them on the incoming administration. Offiong described such posers as "not correct." He noted that the Imoke administration had recruited several persons into technical schools accross the state., among other laudable actions.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Law

Improved democracy’ll decongest S’Court – Chris Uche Chief Chris Uche is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), with 35 years of cognitive experience. The Abuja-based lawyer believes that as Nigeria improves on its practice of democracy, the number of electoral disputes will drop; and with reasonably free and fair elections, in which losers accept the results, not every matter will be challenged up to the Supreme Court. He spoke on this and other pressing issues to PETER FOWOYO.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, recently, disclosed that over 5,000 cases were pending before the Supreme Court, some since 2005. What is the way out? Well, I think the situation we have didn’t start today. I thank the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, for the remarkable steps he took to decongest the apex court. He is, eminently, revered in the legal community as a straightforward, brilliant and silent achiever. I am sure he has in place an effective programme for decongestion. Several panels now sit and dates for hearing are now being given to cases easily, without delay. If your case is urgent, and you file an application for accelerated hearing, you are very likely to be heard. I think the relevant authori-

Court dismisses suit against Eyamba, four others

ties may now have to fashion ways to reduce the number of interlocutory appeals that gets to the Supreme Court, because that is what is causing the congestion. Again, the Legislature may have not re-considered the constitutional amendment that opened the window for governorship election appeals to get to the Supreme Court, whereas they, hitherto, ended at the Court of Appeal. Imagine the number of contestants from 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory, with every outcome of election being disputed. Some of these cases should be made to terminate at the Court of Appeal. That will reduce the workload of the apex court and now that there are more panels sitting, this would help to decongest the apex court. I also believe that as Nigeria deepens its practice of democracy, it would reduce the number of electoral disputes, because if we have a reasonably free and fair election, that even the loser accepts the result, then, not every matter will be challenged up to the Supreme Court. I think there is a need for us to deepen our practice of democracy, not only in the general election, even in primary elections, because that is where you have the biggest problem, the primary election disputes, sometimes, get to the Supreme Court. When you’re talking of pre-election matters, they get to the Supreme Court and this is because the political parties that are supposed to be the roots of democracy are not practis-

Peter Fowoyo Justice Kudirat Jose of Lagos High Court, Ikeja, has dismissed a criminal matter brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Executive Director, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Mr. Bassey Eyamba. Eyamba and four others were arraigned by the anti-graft

Uche ing internal democracy, there is much crisis which degenerates into disputes. I believe the time has come for the parties to structure the nomination of their candidates, they need to have a federal structure during their primary elections, it is not fair that the leaders sit at the national level

to choose candidates for the state or local government chapter whose delegates they don’t even know, this, usually, leads to the imposition of candidates. The state chapters should be allowed some degree of involvement and a bit of autonomy in the process of primary election. What the party’s national

headquarters should do is to send a monitoring team that would make sure that its guidelines for elections are complied with. But, in a situation where only its National Chairman and Secretary dictate who becomes who (even in mere election of

agency in 2013 on a 20-count charge bordering on conspiracy to steal and stealing over N50 million. Also arraigned were Okafor Eunice, Francis Dajilak,Okocha Lazarus and Kolo Barnabas. In a preliminary objection by their counsel, Mr. John Awa Kalu, the defendants sought the court for an order dismissing or striking out the charge for want of jurisdiction on the

ground that it was premature, an abuse of court process, incompetent and ultra vires to the powers of the EFCC. Besides, their lawyer sought the court for an order for compensation of N500million for the unlawful detention and their malicious prosecution. However, in a twist, the antigraft agency on March 4, 2015 filed a notice to discontinue the criminal proceedings. The notice, brought pursuant to sec-

tion 172 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law No 11, Laws of Lagos State 2011 was attached with an eight-paragraph affidavit and a letter to discontinue signed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN. It sought for an order striking out the charge ID/239C/2013 against the defendants and discharging them from all the count contained therein.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

27 Law

‘Card Reader’s a right step in right direction’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

delegates), or where same is contracted or relinquished to the State Governor, then there would be problems that would, eventually, degenerate into disputes and you cannot stop people from going to the law court to challenge such imposition, but, if those concerned try to be as fair as possible, then the workload of the apex court reduces. I believe that is the area we have to address. Speculations are rife that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may send the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss, Professor Attahiru Jega on a terminal leave and pave the way for a malleable successor before the general election. Is this constitutional? Constitutionally, a political party has no role in the appointment or removal of the Chairman of INEC. Even the President, who appoints him has a limited role, in the sense that he can only remove him after a two third majority confirmation by the Senate, so, just like you have described it, these are speculations. A political party may wish, for whatever reasons, genuine or otherwise, why it may want Jega out of office, but, it does not have any constitutional role to play in the process and if there is a need for the President to force him out of office, that can only be done by a two third majority of the Senate passing a resolution to that effect. But, a political party cannot, and by the way, the man is already on his way out. There are calls that the Federal Government should obey the Court of Appeal judgment by keeping the military out of elections. Do the Armed Forces have any role to play in the country’s general election? Generally speaking, the Armed Forces of any country

Uche have no role, whatsoever, in the conduct of an election. Security during such period is the constitutional role of the Nigeria Police, but, in the present circumstance, where it is a common knowledge that Nigeria is undergoing serious security challenges, everybody knows what is happening, not only in the North East, but, all over the country, Yes, I think it might be a little unreasonable to exclude the military from participating in the elections, not in the sense of playing any role in the conduct of an election, but in the sense of assisting the Police to provide security. I believe that even if the Constitution has not assigned any specific role to them during elections, given the exigencies of the moment, it is only reasonable for that to happen and, even the President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the

“I believe that as Nigeria deepens its practice of democracy, it would reduce the number of electoral disputes, because if we have a reasonably free and fair election, that even the loser accepts the result, then, not every matter will be challenged up to the Supreme Court.”

Armed Forces, has the constitutional power to order the military to undertake any role, but, even without him doing that, I, strongly, believe that and I think many Nigerians will ascribe to the opinion, that it is necessary, just imagine people going out to vote and there is a likelihood of suicide bombers striking, not only in the North East but the entire country, so, I think there is a need for them to be available during the elections. Having the Army present will inspire confidence and a sense of security in the people, even seeing the armed soldiers around will discourage those who might want to cause confusion. I would suggest that, even, if there is no specific constitutional role, so long as there is no specific constitutional prohibition, I think the presence of the Nigerian Army is necessary in this general election, in which

everybody is so scared about the outbreak of violence, about interference from this insurgency, I think it’s only reasonable that the military should be invited to assist, moreover, this is not even their first time, most of these elections that have come and gone, between 2011 and now, the state elections, even where the opposition won, military participated in providing security. I think what we should just concern ourselves with is how to ensure that the military is detached, that they don’t take part in any partisan position as far as their job is concerned, if it is just to be there to provide security, just like they have done in other elections, where the opposition party won and the ruling party also won in others, I think it only stands to reason that they should provide security. Personally, if I want to go out there and vote, the presence of a military man will give me the confidence that the place is safe, I know the Police are all there too, but, the Army will play a complementary role in the provision of security and this would assure the people that they can, simply, go out to vote and be safe. But if we take into consideration the Ekiti State saga, where it was alleged that the military was involved in rigging the election in favour of the incumbent governor, will you still think the military should participate under the guise of safeguarding polling centres? Well, I think the answer lies clearly and squarely in the Osun State gubernatorial election experience. That election came also just about the same time as that of Ekiti State and the military also played a security role, but, was accused by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and yet APC allegedly won (the victory is being seri-

ously challenged in Court). I don’t think the mere presence of the military, automatically, transforms to bias for the ruling party. The INEC has improved upon the voting system with the introduction of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). Do you think this is in line with the Electoral Act, which prohibits electronic voting? I don’t think there are inconsistencies there, what, actually, is the PVC? It is just a Permanent Voter’s Card, replacing the previous Temporary Voter’s Card, there is nothing in the law that prohibits the use of PVC, it’s just that it is called PVC, because we have the biometric details of the voter in the card? That does not translate into electronic voting, electronic voting is quite a different concept where the system is on and then you press a button, which translates into e-voting. This is quite different, it is like an identification that makes sure that a particular individual is the owner of a card which he possesses. I think it’s a very right step in ensuring that the owner actually votes and that the votes will count at the end of the day, but, I think if we can perfect the system and if INEC can bring the Card Reader and it is operated, creditably, well, we don’t have anything to fear. Anything that will assist and promote transparency, anything that will assist us to have free and fair election in this country should be encouraged. I don’t think there’s anything inconsistent with the Electoral Act 2010 as amended in the use of PVC, what bothers me is why it took us this length of time knowing that as far back as 2011, when this thing was proposed, we all knew we were having elections in 2015 and that they were going to use these cards, so, for these cards to now begin to come in piecemeal and

“Having the Army present will inspire confidence and a sense of security in the people, even seeing the armed soldiers around will discourage those who might want to cause confusion.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Business Times

s .L-R .General Manager, Regional Operations, Lagos/ South West, MTN, Fehintola Mustapha, General Manager, Business Development, Sales & Distribution MTN, Kola Oyeyemi, and General Manager, PEP stores Nigeria, Deon Conradie at the tape cutting ceremony during the launch of the partnership between MTN and PEP stores in Lagos recently. Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

Senate throws out Insurance brokers’ bill Augustine Aminu, Abuja

The Senate Committee on Banking, Finance and other financial institutions, on Monday, rejected the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers Act 2003, (repeal and reenactment) Bill, 2015. The bill, which seeks to establish the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), as a regulator and practitioner, was thrown out at a public hearing held in Abuja. The development followed the advice from stakeholders, who argued that it would be inappropriate for the council to act as a regulator. Prof. Joe Irukwu, Chairman, Insurance Industry Law Review

Committee, insisted that if the bill was passed, it would be in conflict with the provisions of the existing Act. He explained that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) was already empowered to supervise and regulate insurance industry, adding that there was no need to duplicate its functions. ``This bill, if enacted, will be in conflict with the provisions of Act 22 of 1993, which empowers the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) to determine the standard of knowledge and skills to be attained by insurance professionals. ``If this bill is passed as proposed, it will compromise standard and make the discipline of

insurance practitioners inimical to future growth of the industry. ``The CIIN, having consulted with all stakeholders, prays that the bill should be aborted,’’ he said. Irukwu said the termination of the bill was in the interest of the insuring public, the insurance industry and insurance practitioners across the country. The Deputy President of NCRIB, Mr. Emmanuel Okunoren, also kicked against the passage of the bill. He said that members of the organisation unanimously agreed at its Annual General Meeting that the content of the bill would not be in the interest of the insurance industry and the public. ``We hereby rescind all our

support concerning the bill and pray that the bill should not be passed into law,” he said. The Commissioner for Insurance, NAICOM, Mr. Fola Daniel, also supported the move that the bill be dropped, saying that no institution should be made operator and regulator of itself at the same time. Reacting to the views of the stakeholders, the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Bassey Otu, PDP-Cross River South, laid the bill to rest. He said there was no point proceeding with a bill that would be unfavourable to stakeholders. ``I think we do agree that this bill is finally dead; so this bill stands dead,” he said.

NISA plans conversion of CVFF to maritime bank Funmi Coker The Nigerian Ship owners Association (NISA) on Monday said that there were moves to convert the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) into a Maritime bank. The acting President of NISA, Mr. Aminu Umar, made the disclosure at a news conference by the association in Lagos. Represented by the association’s general secretary, Mr. Tunji Brown, Umar said the initiative would make more funds available for industry stakeholders and create more jobs. ``When this comes on stream, the CVFF will be so small compared to what the maritime bank will be able to achieve. ``It will also make the funds easily accessible by ship owners. According to Umar, the NISA executive is focused on driving and achieving the goals set up when it was constituted. He said that the primary focus was to ensure that the indigenous ship owners get back their jobs which had been taken over by foreigners. Umar said that in line with that vision, NISA would ensure ``that members’ vessels are compliant with the international regulations that demanded that all single hull tankers be phased out’’. He, however, thanked the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for extending the phase out of single hull till 2020. ``We will, therefore, like to commend NIMASA for the unprecedented bold initiative to extend the operation of single hull tankers to year 2020.

Vehicle imports down at Tin-Can Port Funmi Coker Vehicle imports at the ports at the Tin-Can Island Port Command, Lagos, have dropped, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Chris Osunkwo said.

Osunkwo stating this in Lagos explained that low import was due to the decline in subsistence imports by small occasional importers of cars, who seized opportunity by sending cars to their relations for sale, in exchange for cash.

He said that nowadays such people had resorted to using the “Western Union Money Transfer”, adding that this had affected importation of used cars. Osunkwo, however, said the low vehicle imports had not affected the revenue of the com-

mand, adding that there were many sources of revenue for government, like the general cargo. According to him, officers that are technically sound are managing strategic positions and they collect maximum revenue for government.

Sen. Idris Umar, Minister of Transport

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

FAAN pledges support for air cargo development Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, has said that the Authority will support any effort aimed at maximising the potentials in the country’s air cargo sector. Engr. Dunoma made this remark during the Nigerian Air Cargo Summit organised by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Cargo (NAHCO) at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja recently. He said that the quest to maximise these potentials has led to the remodelling of designated perishable cargo airports across the country. According to Engr. Dunoma, “a recent IATA report suggested that cargo volumes are expected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2015, as compared to the time when air cargo business faced weak markets and increasing competition since 2011’’. The Managing Director, who was represented by FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development, Dr Uche Ofulue, therefore called on all private investors and stakeholders in the aviation industry to reach out and showcase the rich potentials of Nigeria to the world by keying into the opportunities available in the country’s

Dunoma

air cargo industry. According to him “some strategic airports in Nigeria e.g. Akure, Makurdi, Minna, Abuja, Owerri, Calabar, Ilorin, Jalingo, Jos, Uyo, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt have been designated freshand dry cargo airports, for the direct exportation of fresh agricultural

produce from surrounding local communities to markets in Europe, the United States of America and other countries across the world”. He further assured that “Work has already started on some of these cargo terminals at some airports across the country.”

Easter: British Airways announces special fares British Airways in celebration of Easter has announced a special bumper fares in its World Traveller and World Traveller Plus to an exciting range of worldwide destinations. During the Easter season British Airways World Traveller and World Traveller Plus cabin offer fantastic fares as low as $394 for everyone who book from either Lagos or Abuja from 1st March to 31st March 2015. According to British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Mr Kola Olayinka, the special fares apply to all existing and potential customers of British Airways who desire to get great deals on flights to the UK, Europe or to major gate-

ways in the US during the Easter season. “With our new special Easter offer, our World Traveller and World Traveller Plus customers can fly from Abuja or Lagos to London with a budget as low as $394, to Europe with a minimum of $420 budget and $773 to North America.” “Easter marks the kickoff for something unique in every culture. This season, we are offering our existing and potential customers a privilege to travel abroad with low budget. We want to further reinstate that we care about our customers and we are always committed to giving them best airline service across board.” Olayinka disclosed.

Olayinka, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager

29 Aviation

Former Nigeria airways manager calls for scrapping of aviation ministry The former image maker of the liquidated Nigeria Airways, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, has called for establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facilities for local airlines while he equally agitated for the scrapping of Ministry of Aviation. The Oba noted that having a MRO in Nigeria will reduce the huge capital flight currently experienced in the country presently and urged government to save the airlines from collapse. Oba Ogunleye, who is now the Towulade of Akinade, in an interview with aviation correspondents in his community, said the ministry has always been a major problem to the aviation industry. “If you read my book, WT050, I’ve said so. The civil servants in the ministry were the problem that we had with self-censorship. They give so many rules that don’t work and they are equally corrupt. “When I was in service, I knew what the ministry was doing to us. They would take permission to go on a tour with Nigeria Airways staff, collect tickets and money from us and then, they

would take money from the ministry again and they go. In fact, they were the lords of everybody. Many Permanent Secretaries that have gone have made money from Nigeria Airways. The corruption starts from the ministry,” he emphasised. He described the liquidation of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways Limited, NAL, by the Federal Government in 2003 as a selfish step taken by the inability of the Federal Government to pay the remaining N70bn severance package for the ex-workers.

Ogunleye

NAHCO invests $200, 000 on best practices for personnel The Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, Plc, Mr. Nobert Bielderman, has disclosed that the company had invested about $200, 000 for training of 1, 900 staff this year. According to him, it will make them compliant with the global aviation practices. He said: “Our 2015 Budget has accommodated employee training provision of $200,000.00. As we all know that aviation is a knowledge based industry with its high technical and safety needs and requirements, we have chosen to reinforce our commitment to staff training. “We have initiated a process to engage 100 Passenger Services Agents next quarter who after the mandatory compliance training will travel overseas for one month on-the-job training at a high brow international airport. This further assures our client airlines of our unflinching commitment to service excellence”. He declared that with this injection of professionals, NAHCO was now more proactive, responsive, innovative and a champion

of compulsory full compliance to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, the International Air Transport Association, IATA, and local regulatory standards He announced the setting aside N700m for acquisition of ground handling equipment. So far, NAHCO has already taken delivery of about 30 per cent of these orders and distributed the equipment to its various locations at the nation’s airports according to its orders. Bielderman disclosed this at a seminar organized by the ground handling company in Lagos with the theme: ‘Nigeria Air Cargo Summit.’

Bielderman

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Politics

MAI’AUDUGA

PDP will retain Bauchi despite internal squabbles

being canvassed. But the actual truth of the matter is that initially, we decided to work together as a team under the arrangement approved by the National Leadership of PDP. We formed campaign council that comprises respected indigenes of Bauchi State like Governor Isa Yuguda as the leader, Alhaji Umaru Dahiru Baraden Alhaji SaDaily Bauchi, Times Nigeria nusi Mai’jama’a and many other Tuesday, March 10, 2015 respected personalities. The team was the one approved to campaign for all PDP candidates under one single structure without

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International 14 P 8 s Improved Colombian govt, Senate throws democracy’ll FARC to partner out Insurance about Buhari My fears about Buhari leader decongest brokers’ billpatience urges Colombian govt, FARC to Brazil's Improved democracy’ll presidency bid S’Court P26 on landmines amid scandal, presidency bid – Enwegbara P 28 P14 economic woes decongest S’Court – Chris Uche on landmines partner – Enwegbara ÏÏÏ – Chris Uche Jonathan

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.62

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Renowned political analyst and Development Economist, Odilim Enwegbara, has xrayed the chances of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, predicting that he may have difficulty winning the March 28 Presidential poll contrary to what some poll watchers have predicted. In this interview with our BUREAU CHIEF (NORTHERN OPERATIONS), CELESTINE OKAFOR in Abuja, Enwegbara argues that the APC may not be able to defeat the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Excerpts:

vide and rule imperialism. My pain is because he preferred to speak at Chatham House, the ties may now have to fashion headquarters of British imperiways to reduce the number of alism rather than a debate with interlocutory appeals that gets Jonathan, the person he desperto the Supreme Court, because Chief Chris Uche is a Senior ately wants to replace. that is what is causing the conAdvocate of Nigeria, (SAN), Maybe Buhari went on appeal gestion. Again, the Legislature with 35 years of cognitive ex- may have not re-considered the to the British for the diplomatic row he caused as a result of re-perience. The Abuja-based lawyer constitutional amendment that gime’s crating of late Umarubelieves that as Nigeria improves opened the window for goverDikko, one of Shagari’s powerfulon its practice of democracy, the norship election appeals to get ministers. Or maybe speaking atnumber of electoral disputes will to the Supreme Court, whereas the Chatham House, rather thandrop; and with reasonably free they, hitherto, ended at the attending the celebration of for-and fair elections, in which losers Court of Appeal. Imagine the mer President Shehu Shagari’saccept the results, not every mat- number of contestants from 36 90th birthday — where Presidentter will be challenged up to the Su- states, and the Federal Capital Jonathan along with all formerpreme Court. He spoke on this and Territory, with every outcome heads of state rejoiced and cele-other pressing issues to PETER of election being disputed. Some of these cases should be brated with the country’s first ex-FOWOYO. made to terminate at the Court ecutive president — to show to Niof Appeal. That will reduce the gerians that he and Shagari have workload of the apex court and truly reconciled the overthrowing Shagari government in 1983 was The Chief Justice of Nige- now that there are more panels ria, Justice Mahmoud Mo- sitting, this would help to demore important to Buhari. The hammed, recently, disclosed congest the apex court. I also beonly plausible explanation for his that over 5,000 cases were lieve that as Nigeria deepens its ironic speech at Chatham House pending before the Supreme practice of democracy, it would would be a cover up of his mediCourt, some since 2005. What reduce the number of electoral cal treatment in Britain. disputes, because if we have a is the way out? It is important, therefore, that Well, I think the situation we reasonably free and fair elecBuhari for the benefit of doubthave didn’t start today. I thank tion, that even the loser accepts the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the result, then, not every matBuhari CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Hon. Justice Mahmud Moham- ter will be challenged up to the med, for the remarkable steps Supreme Court. I think there is a need for us he took to decongest the apex ourofpractice de- AmHe is, eminently, those of the All Progressive Con-court. entertaining guests. revered to deepen governor KadunaofState, Uche mocracy, not Nuhu only in the Bajoga. genin the legal community as a off gress (APC). The event had taken bassador Audu eral election, even in primary brilliant Yakowa is the first civilianstraightforward, smoothly, witnessing theand arrival Both dignitaries are late Yasilent achiever. I am sure he has elections, because that is where ing internal democracy, there is governor from Southern Ka- of a former Deputy governor of kowa’s kinsmen from the Southin place an effective programme you have the biggest problem, much crisis which degenerates duna to have governed the state.for Kaduna State, and Labour Party ern part of the state. Bawa decongestion. Several pan- the primary election disputes, into disputes. The foundation laying ceremonyels Candidate thefor forth coming Magaji get of the Labour Party and sometimes, to the Supreme now sit andin dates hearing I believe the time has come was part of the late governor’sareelection, Engr James Bawa Polycarp left the Court. When Gangkon you’re talking ofvenue now being given to cases eas-Magfor the parties to structure the kinsmen traditional day celebra-ily, aji, the All Progressive Grand of the programme during pre-election matters, they get the without delay . If your case nomination of their candidates, tion, ‘Gwong Day,’ but saw sev-is urgent, Alliance (APGA) and you filegubernatorial an appli- to the Supreme Court and this they need to have a federal is because theCONTINUED political parties for accelerated hearing, eral cars destroyed outside thecation candidate in the state, Mr Polyduring their primary ON PAGEstructure 10 that are supposed to be the roots elections, it is not fair that the are very likely and to bethe heard. podium as cultural troops wereyoucarp Gangkon deputy I think the relevant authori- of democracy are not practis- leaders sit at the national level

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Buhari spoke on a number of issues at the Chatham House in London last week. How do you evaluate those issues he spoke about? Buhari’s visit to Chatham House in London has set a new precedence in Nigeria’s presidential campaign. Soon you will see Nigerian politicians taking their campaigns to the space to tell them how they intend to fix Nigerian problems on earth not minding the high cost of space shuttle.

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How PDP, APC supporters clashed at late Gov Yakowa’s event

Sunday Isuwa, Abuja

leap today as the University of London bestows the Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) on legal luminary, educationist and philanthropist, Chief Afe Babalola during its 2015 graduation ceremony at the Barbican Centre, London. Chief Babalola, arguably this country’s most erudite legal practitioner, is the first African to be so honored by the university with a doctorate degree in Law after the iconic Nelson Mandela (Doctor of Science, Economics) in 1996 and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Doctor of Divinity) 2008. Predictably, eminent Nigerians have reacted profusely on what they regard as a silver lining in the country’s cloud of adversities and contradictions. Chief Wole Olanipekun, a senior advocate, described the award as recognition of Aare Babalola’s “contributions and undiminished input to humanity, particularly the legal profession in Nigeria”. In his estimation, the honour is “a departure from the depressing and discomforting news oozing out of Nigeria in very recent times; the proverbial

Mr De la Calle, who is leading the government's negotiating team, is a former Colombian vice-president

ÏÏÏ

Colombia's government and heavily mined countries in the the Revolutionary Armed Forces world. of Colombia (FARC) rebels have More than 11,000 people have agreed workheadquarters together to remove should dobeen is to injured or killed by landto choose candidates fortothe landmines rurala areas of theteammines monitoring that in Colombia over the past state or local government chap-in send that its 15 guideter whose delegates they don’t country wherewould theymake havesure fought years. even know, this, usually, leads lines for elections are complied since the 1960s. "The proposal for demining to the imposition of candidates. with. But, in a situation where The announcement was made is and a first step, but a giant step toChairman The state chapters should be al- only its National Secretary dictatehave who becomes lowed some degree involveinofCuba, where both sides ward making peace," said Colom(even in merefor election of ment and a bit of been autonomy in who engaged in peace talks bian government chief negotiator the process of primary election. more than two years. CONTINUED ON PAGE Humberto de la Calle. 27 What the party’s national Under the deal,FARC rebels will President Juan Manuel Santos work alongside members of the welcomed the news, which gives military to remove the landmines his government's peace efforts anand other explosive devices. other boost. ground that it was premature, tion 172 of the Administration Colombia of the most would like to congratulate our an abuse of court process, in- isofone Criminal Justice Law No"I11,

competent and ultra vires to the powers of the EFCC. Besides, their lawyer sought the court for an order for compensation of N500million for the unlawful detention and their malicious prosecution. However, in a twist, the antigraft agency on March 4, 2015 filed a notice to discontinue the criminal proceedings. The notice, brought pursuant to sec-

Edgar Lungu collapse: Zambian president 'needs treatment abroad'

President Dilma Rousseff on Sunday asked Brazilians for patience as the country deals with a flagging economy and a widening corruption probe nvolving the state-run oil company and dozens of top politicians. In a nationally televised address, Rousseff said her government will move to fix a serious fiscal problem after posting a primary budget deficit for the first time in more than a decade. She insisted the economic hurdles are only temporary. "You have every right to be angry and worried, but I ask for patience and understanding because this situation is temporary," she said in the 15-minute message. Brazil's president briefly mentioned a kickback investigation involving state oil giant Petrobras that has kept the country on edge for days. Last week, the attorney general expanded the probe to include 54 top politicians, in perhaps the most anticipated step in the Petrobras corruption saga. Rousseff assured the country that she has learned she must "bring the corrupt to justice with a heavy hand." Prosecutors say the country's largest construction and engineering firms paid at least $800m in bribes and other funds to Petrobras' executives and politicians in exchange for inflated contracts. Rousseff has not been implicated in the scandal but her popularity has suffered because of how close she was to Petrobras, leading its board for several years. In some cities, residents banged pots and shouted against Rousseff as her message was playing in their living rooms. The scandal is creating friction between the president and the legislative chambers, including among Rousseff's allies who feature prominently on the list of politicians under scrutiny. The legislative conflicts are playing out as Brazil desperately needs to pass bills to reduce tax breaks and decrease its debt.

Afe Babalola’s day of glory at London varsity Pandemonium broke-out weekend in Fadan- Kagoma, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during the foundation laying ceremony of Late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Centre following a clash by the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and

Court dismisses suit against Eyamba, four others

ÎÎÎNigeria’s image takes a

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sweetness that emerges at the dusk of the bitter leaf.” The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, a senior advocate, regards the award as the recognition of Chief Babalola’s “outstanding achievements and meritorious service to humanity”, even as he promised to attend the conferment ceremony today. Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko believes that the university was persuaded by “those sterling qualities - those strides on the sands of time and those impactful contributions to legal education and the world of knowledge” recorded by the Octogenarian. Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, said the award is an honour long deserved by reason of the recipient’s contribution to the development of the Law. “The input has no match not only in Nigeria but also anywhere in the world. It is a merit well deserved in view of the outstanding achievements which admittedly is an unparalleled and excep-

tional service to Nigeria and mankind,” he wrote in a letter. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, who is attending the London event, described the award as recognition of Babalola’s ‘eminence and distinction’. In an effusive oration, the royal father wrote: “Aare, you remain an African of honour and distinction, a rare breed and a first class achiever. Your long list of achievements and philanthropy is legendary, quite commendable and worthy of emulation by all wellmeaning African leaders.” The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, eulogized Chief Babalola’s erudition as a lawyer, and described the award as a “prestigious honour”. The retired jurist wrote: “I am in a position to adjudge you as a very outstanding legal luminary and a colossus in legal matters. Your overhalf a century legal practice has been very eventful, noteworthy and commendable.” Ohinoyi Ebira, Dr. Ado Ibrahim Atta 111, described Chief Babalola as a Nigerian who has been

Peter Fowoyo

Justice Kudirat Jose of Lagos High Court, Ikeja, has dismissed a criminal matter brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Executive Director, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Mr. Bassey Eyamba. Eyamba and four others were arraigned by the anti-graft

labouring selflessly for social, educational and economic well-being of today, and has planted a growing institutional Iroko for Nigeria’s tomorrow, thereby establishing fame and virtue universally.” For more than five decades, Aare Afe Babalola has dedicated himself to hard work; more hard work with a determination to succeed and excel. Now a grand old man at 84, he personifies a rare role model deep in self- discipline; one who brims with passion, the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to give back to humanity. The legal luminary, unarguably one of the finest in this clime, has left an indelible mark on legal education and practice. He has made huge fortunes legitimately, but he has chosen to stake all his earnings and work himself to near frenzy, striving to leave a legacy for humanity. And when many expect his energy to wane, the legendary Afe seems unwilling to slow down. The Vice Chancellor, University of London, Sir Adrian Smith, responding to a mail said: “We are in-

Laws of Lagos State 2011 was attached with an eight-paragraph affidavit and a letter to discontinue signed by the hadAtsaid only that he took his final torney General of the Federadecision about Crimea after setion, Mohammed Bello Adoke, cret, undated opinion polls showed SAN. 80% of Crimeans favoured joining It sought for an order striking Russia. The findings of these polls out the charge ID/239C/2013 against the defendantswere andborne out by the outcome of discharging them from all thethe referendum on 16 March, he count contained therein.

Putin reveals secrets of Russia's Crimea takeover plot ÏÏÏ

Russian President, Vladimir Putin has admitted, for the first time, that the plan to annex Crimea was ordered weeks before the referendum on self-determination. Crimea was formally absorbed into Russia on 18 March, to international condemnation, after unidentified gunmen took over the peninsula. Mr Putin said on TV he had ordered work on "returning Crimea" to begin at an all-night meeting on 22 February. The meeting was called after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Speaking last year, Mr Putin

told Russian state TV last April. Ukrainian Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych makes a speech to the heads of foreign missions in Kiev, Ukraine, on 4 April 2007 Ukraine's former president Viktor Yanukovych fled Kiev on 22 February 2014. Speaking in a forthcoming Russian TV documentary, Mr Putin said a meeting with officials had been held on 22-23 February to plan the rescue of Ukraine's deposed president. "I invited the leaders of our special services and the defence ministry to the Kremlin and set them the task of saving the life of the president of Ukraine, who would simply have been liquidated," he said.

ÏÏÏ

Zambia's President, Edgar Lungu has to undergo throat surgery abroad, his doctors say, after earlier reporting that he had malaria. Mr Lungu, elected in January, collapsed while giving a speech to commemorate International Women's Day in the capital, Lusaka on Sunday. During the campaign, Mr Lungu's allies denied reports he was sick and offered to undergo a medical check-up. The election was called because of the death of his predecessor Michael Sata. Mr Lungu, 58, was treated at a

deed delighted that Chief Afe Babalola will be accepting the honorary degree from the University of London because he has an exceptional record in both his personal achievements and in the difference he has made to others, particularly in the legal profession in Nigeria.” After obtaining the primary six school certificate, Babalola never had the benefit of attending an institution of higher learning. By private study he went ahead to earn two degrees in Economics and Law, both from the University of London. At various times he was a pupil teacher, a secondary school teacher, vice principal, university lecturer and administrator. His record at the University of Lagos will remain indelible. As pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council between 2002 and 2007, Babalola returned UNILAG to the path of sanity. In his autobiography, Impossibility Made Possible, Babalola describes himself as a self-made man who “is proud of the qualitative primary education” he had.

Rousseff

He is convinced that it was the high quality of instructions he received at the primary school that laid the foundation for his educational achievements. He is unhappy that such quality of education is rare in most Nigerian schools today. To quote the legal icon, “this development and my experience of dwindling qualities on standard of education in University of Lagos provided the urgent need to establish a first class university to serve as a benchmark for other universities.” Throughout his tenure at UNILAG, Chief Babalola paid his hotel bills and donated his sitting allowances to the university endowment fund. He donated a 500-seater lecture theater to the institution and established a robust endowment scholarship system for indigent students. In the words of Chief Olanipekun, Babalola is indeed “a prophet inundated with honors at home and showered with encomiums and recognition abroad.” The rare Man for All Seasons.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Enitan Balogun A non-conformist

The history behind Badagry town L6 P

Know what suits your body type PL4

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday March 10, 2015

Make-up is a purpose I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t avoid - Enitan Balogun Nkarenyi Ukonu

What was it like being the pioneer of makeup association in Nigeria?

Non conformists dot every profession, and the beauty and make-up industry is no exception. Enitan Balogun, former banker beautician, weight loss expert and publisher of Beauty Overdose Magazine tells of her desire to see to great heights. Why did you leave the banking industry for the beauty business?

How easy was it for people to quickly accept your range of beauty products when they had a wide range of international choice to make from?

What would you say was responsible for setting up your makeup school? -

zine? Beauty

Overdose

Magazine

With the growing number of

So how did your journey to the world of makeup begin?

you think we would get to a stage where it would become one too many? -

of these and still carry out your duties as a mother and as a wife?

Having worked as a makeup artiste in America and Nigeria, how would you compare both work environments? What is the story behind your being a weight loss expert?

You own your own makeup brand. What prompted that?

Publishing is no doubt capital intensive and the gestation period lengthy. What have been your challenges since you started out?

numerous ventures? -

Life&

T E A M

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

You also publish Beauty Overdose Magazine? What did you set out to achieve with the magaa-

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday March 10, 2015

L3 Relationship

and

Ngozi Ndubisi

Ngozindubisi2013@yaho.com No one marries with the intent of having their marriage dissolved at some point, or with separation in mind during the ceremony, except a pre-arranged marriage, a marriage of convenience or a marriage based on spite. And no one with a conscience will watch his or her marriage go forgiveness and reconciliation.

Signs that there is a divide in your marriage Arguing over seemingly pointless things repeated arguments over mundane things like toothpaste, shoes, plates and senseless issues, I am sorry, but you likely have bigger issues that you need to iron or work out. Happily we now have marriage counselors every which way we turn, so pick a good one and go pour out your fears and worries. This is the time to invest in your marriage. Avoiding your spouse: avoiding your spouse in the name of steering clear of arguments or whatever other lame excuse you come someone who can give good marital advice; or talk to couples who have a relatively long and happy marriage. time you had sex: There is no need to continue excusing yourself or yourselves with reasons even you know is lame and

what is really going on and then, talk it out with your spouse in a bid to saving your marriage. When you ignore your spouse or yourselves: Silence is a sure and the ultimate sign that your marriage is doomed. You need to do something fast. This is the time to pull out the white rabbit and begin to mend fences. Hunting for attention from anyone other than your spouse: Before one poor excuse of a man or woman comes around to destroy your home, deal with this craving for outside attention. You have both put a lot of sweat, blood, money and then you must try the following:

How to recapture your spouse’s attention It happens. Occasionally in a marhas checked out. They seem to be going through the motions, and physically present, but their mind and heart might be slowly creeping

to blossom. We also have to start the ignition, put the right gears into place and move it. I challenge everyone in a mediocre marriage to take action, now! motions, picture yourself being successful in love and consider these ideas on recapturing your Engage in meaningful conversation with your spouse. How often in a marriage, do we discuss our passions, turn ons, hopes, dreams, and plans for the future? ent, our communication tends to be quite basic, by only talking about the things we have to talk about. Find some time to talk about the things you both want to actually discuss. Eliminate the nagging and bothersome conversation in order to make room for more exciting conversations. Make your home and your arms a safe haven. Creating a home of peace that both partners look forward to coming home to, should

this, to throw in the towel. It makes to try anymore, or for feelings of hopelessness to set in. Sometimes done all that you need to do, with little result. So why try anymore, right? Marriage can be one of the most However, in order for it to work, it is a must that we be more than physisit in a parked car and expect to arsit still in a marriage and expect it

life partner too? As a spouse, we have to focus on ways to help our mate relieve some of the pressures they feel. Being physical with hugs, kisses, and massages can easily do the trick. Check in with your spouse, frequently. This does not include complaining about all the things that are wrong. However, it does include asking how they feel, what they need, and what you can do

t o make them feel good. Plan something to help you escape the routine. Nothing zaps the energy out of a marriage more, than doing the exact same an overnight stay at a hotel, a weekend getaway, or go out to eat instead of cooking. Somespouse, to help keep the marriage alive and well. Put some effort into your appearance. Who gets excited about coming home to an unattractive or messy spouse? Wives do your hair, look sexy from time to time. Husbands, maintain your grooming, put some energy into getting dressed and looking good. Another goal of a spouse is to turn your partner on. When you look hot, you feel hot too. P.S. Simply put, married folks, you have to make an effort. Treat your marriage the same way you would anything you are truly passionate about and want to save. Love on your spouse, pour into your marriage, and be the best damn spouse possible.

when your marriage begins to take a wrong turn

when your spouse decides to walk away from your marriage? There are really no magic words to make a person in this situation feel any better or worse, than he or she already feels. When such happens what we are left with is a broken “self” that needs quick healing and growth. A. What area of my life do I need to grow up? None of us gets to a point of not needing to grow up in our relationship. Ask yourself honestly, where you need to grow up in your understanding of your marriage? B.

What needs to change

In what ways do your perspectives, attitude or approach need even matter what your spouse does or does not do, this is your time of change or self-improvement C. How can I pray for my spouse? The hurt is real. But this is not about him or her. To be able to grow, start praying for your spouse. Our prayer is not for the things we see or know to be wrong about them. for their growth, for God to show them His plan for their life. Just pray for them and watch how God grows you.

What are you supposed to do from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, “I was thinking of you today.” Day 4: Love is Thoughtful: How precious are Your thoughts to me and how vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.

I watched a Tyler Perry movie recently and thought I should share this corner of my page with helping couples who really are desperate to a forty (40) day Love Journey to reclaiming what you once had. I dare you to dare your love today by goof my friends and colleagues have tried it and most did not get to the end before testimonies of repairs the love dare!

The dare simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose your tongue than to say something

Week One: Day 1:

The dare

Love is Patient: Be completely humble, gentle and be patient, bearing with one another in love.

vent your anger on a piece of paper when you are through and are empty of your anger, tire it and burn

it; you will actually feel your pent up anger burning away from you as you watch the paper burn. Day 2: Love is Kind: Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each given you.

The dare In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an

act of kindness. Day 3: one another in love; play favorite to one another in honour of your marriage.

The dare Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them. Day 5: es his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a and respect.

The dare Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking This is from their perspective only.

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday March 10, 2015

Dressing your body shape Eyola

Tiwa Savage, go for tailored

Body shapes Apple, rectangle, inverted triangle, pear and hourglass. Each shape has its pros and cons. The trick is to master how to accentuate your good features and downplay imperfections.

Useful tips on how to maximize your body shape

avoid baggy styles. Best features: Long, lean, slender, athletic. Common pitfalls: Simple make you look boxy. Instead, use clothing to soften your body and create curves.

pleated skirts, as they make your bottom appear bigger. Draw the eye up with

Your body shape is not determined by your height or dress size. Some women might fall under two shape categories. If so, choose the shape you have more similarities with.

Opt for lightweight fabrics (lace, silk etc.) with natural draping. Embellished ate curves. Patterned fabrics are recommended. Shift and A-line dresses, high-waist and wide-leg trousers.

Apple

Inverted Triangle

This shape is characterized by fullness in the tummy area and rounded shoulders, making you top heavy with small hips and slender calves. Emphasize your bust and avoid adding volume or heavy details around your waist. Follow fellow appleshape, Oprah and show off your calves, legs, ankles and cleavage. Best features: Slim legs, slight shoulders, trim bottom. Common pitfalls: cover up your body. Show off your neckline, forearms and a little leg for a longer and leaner look.

Traits of this shape include a broad chest and wide shoulders. Make Riyour style role models. Avoid drawing attention to the upper body and concentrate on creating more width around your hips. Best features: Trim waist, sexy legs. Common pitfalls; Although your legs are typically well sculpted, you want to add volume to your lower and leggings, unless you are wearing a long top.

Wear large prints and patterns on your upper body. Stick to weighty fabrics like cotton and wool etc. that have a more natural structure. -

Choose bright colors and prints below the belt and stick to darker colors on top for a more balanced look. Cowl neck and deep V-neck tops. Full skirts and wide-leg trousers.

length skirts, A-line dresses,

Pear

Your shoulders, hips and waist are all relatively the same size. Create curves by skirts and tops with shoulder details or collars. Similar to

fection. Best features: Shapely legs, trim waist, head-turning hips. Common pitfalls: Although you have a slender upper body, resist the urge

A pear shape has a more rounded bottom and a smaller tummy. Focus the attention on your upper body. Jennifer Lopez and

coloured and embellished tops. Prints and patterns are best for your lower body, but aim for darker colours. Your go to item of clothing: Boot-cut trousers, threequarter sleeves and strapless and bareback dresses.

creating an illusion of a smaller waist while hiding

Wrap Dress Since Diane von F端rstenberg introduced

Shape: Apple

This shape is characterized by ample bust, a small waist and wide hips. Hourglass-shaped women can look up to Toolz and Halle Berry for style tips. Wear clothing that bring out your curves. Best features: Curvaceous body. Common pitfalls: The sexiness is in seeing your curves, not giving it all away. Also avoid wearless clothing. Colours look great on you but keep it simple with solid colors. Prints can Genevieve Nnaji

rather than highlight it. Highwaisted skirts, pencil skirts, V-neck tops,

your slim waist.

personalities who dress their pear-shaped bodies to per-

your hips.

Oprah Winfrey

Shape: Rectangle

Hourglass

Styles that suit all body shapes Peplum This style gives an instant nip and tuck

Tiwa Savage

dress, it has become a staple item for women of all shapes and sizes.

Shape: Pear

Rihanna

Shape: Inverted triangle

Tolu Oniru

Shape: Hour Glass

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday March 10, 2015

Tourism & Recreation L6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday March 10, 2015

First storey building

Badagry:

A foreplay of history and nature Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com Badagry is a town known for its rich transatlantic slave history. It was in this city that Nigeria witnessed the cruelest form of human abuse. It is also in Badagry that Christianity, Western Education and mechanized agriculture founded its way to Nigeria. Some of the early missionaries contributions to civilization is still preserved in Badagry till date. A typical in Nigeria. Overlooking the Marina waterfront, Rev. Henry Townsend storey building in Nigeria in 1842 but 1845 by Rev. C.A Gollmer. Although the building has been repainted over time, its interior still preserve some of the artifacts of history. The building materials used in constructing the house itself such as corrugated iron sheets and the nails

doors and hinges are still the same and appear to have stood the test of time more than what is obtainable in in Nigeria, Mr. Claudius Phillips also lived in this house for 23 years. mary school in Nigeria, St. Thomas Primary School with 40 men who spent 12 years in primary school before they graduated. A quick calculation reveals that education in Nigeria is almost 160 years old. Another occupant of this historic building is the

English Bible belonging to Townsend

when he was invited by his friend Crowther in this room. Hung on the wall of this room are portraits of Rev. Townsend and also that of Bishop Crowther with his grandson Herbert Macaulay. From this room, one can see the house of Lord Fredrick Luggard, the then governor of the colony and protector-

by the missionary. There is also the Bible room where the missionaries stored their Bibles; the safe room the missionary in 1856. It was here that they kept their money and other valuable items. Also in this safe are the earliest form of currency used by the missionaries and slave masters such as the cowries, penny, shillings and kobo. Another heritage preservation in the building is a well, which was dug in 1842. This source of water has never been polluted and served as drinking water in the community. Till date, the water of this well remains clean and is believed to have magical powers of healing. When Birch Freeman arrived in Badagry on September 24, 1842, he preached Agia Tree. Under this umbrella tree, though no longer in existence, the and the tree also served as the centre of Christmas celebration for the early Christians. The Birch Freeman High School in Surulere was named after this missionary and is an alma mater of the Lagos State Governor Babatunde

The slave jetty

Bible used in Nigeria, also published Nigeria called Iwe Irohin in 1859 in Abeokuta. Other heritage sites in Badagry include the heritage museum which where the slaves are kept before being transferred to the slave port

the harrowing experience of our despicable and inhumane treatment. Chained on hands and feet, these slaves embarked on an endurance trek to an unknown destination. They are ferried across the lagoon to the winding path that leads to the Atlantic. Already, the European merchants have their ships ready to convey the slaves to an unknown land. Rocks were marked on both sides of the path to prevent them from escaping into the surrounding forest. the middle. Surrounded by so much greenery, they tread on, sometimes chanting songs of freedom, while others wore a forlorn look, and some a mask of death. Their tormentors cared less as they pushed them on with whips and sticks, their minds set on delivering the “goods” and withstand the suffering died on the way. Till date, their graves are visible on the path. To seal the fate of the slaves, the masters made them drank from the Slave Spirits Attenuation Well. History has it that the water from this well erased the memory of their homeland and made them less aggressive and submissive to their

supremacists as they sailed into the new world. Families were separated and many did not make it back to their homeland but assumed another personality at their new destinations. At the Atlantic shore, the middlemen separated the male from the female and boarded them on a canoe to the ship after much bargaining. With the agonising echoes of slave trade in Badagry, Badagry should seemingly be less appealing. Far from it. Take away the footprints of the slavery town. Surrounded by the peninsula, Badagry is the perfect getaway from the din of the city. The waterfront has become a popular sight for tourists

The idea of his setting was to give the guest that intimate foreplay with nature. From this spot, one can see the linking bridge from Badagry to Seme. The waterfront is a breathtaking scenery. Also on display is the However, Osoba feared that one Citing the current reclamation of Bar Beach by the Lagos state government, Osoba expressed fear that the same fate will be meted out to the Marina in the recent future. He pleads that the environment should be left in its natural state and that man-made interference will only take the beauty away. For now, the lagoon alone attracts tourists who are never tired of hearing the transatlantic slave trade over and over again.

along the shoreline looks like a shield against the heinous act committed there over 400 years ago. With abundance water, tourists are tempted to take a boat cruise and revel in the wonderful works of nature. Few kilometres ahead is the The popular transatlantic slave trade Suntan Beach. With coconut trees, took place in Badagry over 400 years horse rides, barbecues and music, ago. it is the perfect place to chill out at The early missionaries resided in Badagry. make it to the beach, the marina is It is also in Badagry that Christianity, the perfect place for a picnic on SunWestern Education and mechanised day afternoons. A popular hangout agriculture founded its way to Nigeria. The first storey building is sited in in Badagry is the Hi-lander O2. The Badagry. owner Olaide Osoba entertains his Some of the slave trade landmarks guests with tasty seafood delicacies in Badagry include “The Slave Port”, breeze. Situated close to the marina the Brazilian Baracoon, and the Heritage waterfront, Osoba planted trees in Museum It is surrounded by the Peninsula. this setting with a chained monkey

Badagry town in brief

1 2 3 4 5 6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday March 10, 2015

L7 Movie & Music Chart

Opeoluwani Akintayo and Mutiat Alli

Top 10 music chart

Nigeria

Top 10 movie chart

Yoruba

1. Agogo Eewo 2. Omo Ghetto 3. Jenifa 4. Alakada 5. Arinzo 6. Oyenusi 7. Bella 8. Komfo 9. Omo Mushin 10. Baba Darijiwon.

1- Wizkid-Ojuelegba 2- Falz Ft. Yemi Alade- Marry Me 3- Iyanya- Finito 4-Kiss Daniel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Woju 5- Korede Bello- God Win (New Entry) 6- Mavin- Looku Looku (New Entry) 7- Sean Tizzle- Loke Loke 8- Dammy Krane- Amin 9- M.I Ft Moti- Bad Belle 10- Skuki- Peteru

Top 10 music chart

International

Top 10 music chart (International) (Pix- hozier) 1 Love Me Like You Do -Ed Sheeran 2 Take Me To Church- Hozier 3 Uptown Funk- Mark Ronson Ft Bruno Mars 4 Earned It- Weekend 5 FourFiveSecond- Rihanna/ Kanye West/ Mc Cartney 6 What I Did For Love- David Guetta Ft Emeli Sande 7 Heartbeat Song- Kelly Clarkson 8 Hold Back The River- James Bay 9 Sugar- Maroon 5 10 Ayo- Chris Brown & Tyga

Top 10 movie chart

International

1. Focus 2. The sponge bob movie: sponge out of water 3. Kingsman: The secret service 4. Fifty shades of grey 5. The Lazarus effect 6. Mcfarland, usa 7. American sniper 8.The duff 9. Still Alice 10. Hot Tub Time machine 2

Bradley Cooper

Kiddies Mutiat Alli

Hello kids, -

Do you know

Poem

HISTORY

African foods for kids other

Joke of the week

How to be a healthy teen girl

Riddles

Start off right with drinking more water

Answers to riddles -

A shadow; 5. The moon 1. A towel; 2. Your age; 3. Your name; 4.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday March 10, 2015

Showing on

151 AfricaMagic Showcase

122 Comedy Central

01:30

02:30

Tue, 10 Mar | PG

Tue, 10 Mar | PG13

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

L8 Television

120 BBC Entertainment

124 E!

252 Channel 128 SONY MAX

22:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

DANAGOGO

LAUDS F/EAGLES, DREAM TEAM, X2 OTHERS

N E B B O R HAILS S ’ O H N I R MOU

E C N E U L F N I

sacked as Cagliari coachX2

Poster!

ZOLA

FIBA to hold U-19 draws

International career

Joseph Phillip Yobo September 6, 1980 (age 34) Kono, Rivers State, Nigeria 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Defender

Michellin-Harcourt Standard Liège

Standard Liège Marseille Everton (loan) Everton Fenerbahçe (loan) Fenerbahçe Norwich City (loan) Nigeria

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position:

Youth career 1996–1997: 1997–1998:

Senior career 1998–2001: 2001–2002: 2002–2003: 2003–2012: 2010–2012: 2012–2014: 2014—present National team 2001–2014:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4,5

YOBO JOSEPH

JOSEPH YOBO About Joseph Yobo

EXTRATIME

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

ZOLA SACKED AS CAGLIARI COACH G

ianfranco Zola has been sacked as coach of relegationthreatened Cagliari, after just 10 games and less than three months in charge of the Serie A club. The former West Ham and Watford manager was appointed in December to replace Zdenek Zeman, who is among a list of candidates - which also includes Claudio Ranieri and Walter Zenga - who are reportedly in line to replace him. In a statement, the Sardinia club said: “Cagliari announce that Gianfranco Zola and his staff have been relieved

of the technical leadership of the first team. “It was a decision which was taken reluctantly against a great man who has written unforgettable pages in the history of Cagliari, bringing brilliance and giving international prestige to the land of Sardinia.” The former Napoli, Chelsea and Italy forward, who finished his playing career at the club in 2005, managed just two wins and two draws from his 10 games in charge, leaving Cagliari joint 18th in the 20-team table, four points adrift of safety.

Andrew Ekejiuba

ports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo has relished the harvest of victories posted at the weekend by Nigerian athletes in various competitions held around the continent and has showered praises on them. The minister, who followed the minute by minute account of the Flying Eagles 3-1 victory over their host, Senegal, in Sunday’s opener of the African Youth Championship (AYC) in Dakar, was elated that the Manu Garba-tuotored side adhered to his message that they should be focused in their games and prove that they have matured from being the world’s U-17 champions to a conquering side. Danagogo also hailed the

performance of Team Nigeria athletes at the just concluded African Junior Athletics Championship in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were they placed tops with 12 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals, a total haul of 27 as against the 19 they won in the last edition in Mauritius. Another victory the minister is happy about is the 2-0 win of the U-23 team tutored by Samson Siasia over their Gabonese counterparts in the All Africa Games qualifier in Abuja on Saturday which brought their aggregate win to 6-1 having won the first leg in Libreville 4-1.

Keshi, NFF should work harmoniously –Adepoju Ojieva Ehiosun

A Zola

Danagogo lauds F/Eagles, Dream Team, others

s Nigeria football stakeholders continue to react to the contract renewal crisis between Coach Stephen Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju, has said that both parties lack understanding of each other. Speaking in a telephone conversation, the one-time

chairman of 3SC of Ibadan advised both parties to bury the hatchet and put the interest of the nation first, by working harmoniously. “I think the major problem is that both the NFF and Stephen Keshi do not understand themselves because if they do, there won’t be such crisis happening now. “This matter has dragged for so long and I think is high time they settle it and let’s move the game forward,” he said.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

ROBBEN HAILS MOURINHO’S INFLUENCE B

ayern Munich star Arjen Robben has hailed Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as a key influence on his

career. The Netherlands international worked under the Portuguese during his time at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007 but was eventually allowed to leave to join Real Madrid. Robben has since gone on to become one of the best forwards in the world and has no hard feelings toward his former mentor.

“Mourinho was very fair, very good,” Robben said. “The only problem was the injuries. He could not count on me. It was frustrating for both of us and it became difficult, but in a football point of view, he was very important. He helped me mentally. “I think I had a positive development at Chelsea. I was very young when I arrived, only 20, and the problem I had was injuries. “At the time, you hear people say you are made of glass. I was angry because I

Robben

felt like I was always having to defend myself. I know now something was wrong with my body. “I’m a very explosive player and need everything to be right. I started working with an osteopath the last year I was in Madrid and have stayed with him. I have control of my body now.”

Ditch

BALOTELLI, LAWRENSON

tells Rodgers

F Simeone

Simeone: A

Title race beyond Atletico Madrid!

tletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone probably realised his side would have little chance of a second straight La Liga triumph once the club decided to cash-in and sell top scorer Diego Costa and other key players also moved on. Beating wealthy Real Madrid and Barcelona to the Spanish title last term, as well as reaching the final of the Champions League, were remarkable achievements, but it appears Atletico will fall some way short of matching them this season.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to fourth-placed Valencia means Simeone’s men have won only one of their last four La Liga outings and are now seven points adrift of leaders Barca and six behind second-placed Real with 12 games left. A resurgent Valencia are breathing down Atletico’s necks a point behind in fourth and Simeone said he and the players are determined to hang on to third and secure a place in Europe’s elite club competition for next season.

ormer Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has told boss Brendan Rodgers to ditch Mario Balotelli, branding the striker a “waste of time.” Balotelli endured a difficult start to life at Liverpool following a 16 million-pound move from AC Milan last summer, but seemed to have turned a corner when scoring winning goals against Tottenham Hotspur and Besiktas last month. The Italy international came on for the final 32 minutes of Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup quarterfinals, but in his post-match analysis, Lawrenson took a swipe on the striker. “Forget about Mario Balotelli. He is an absolute waste of time,” Lawrenson said. “He shouldn’t be anywhere near this team. I can see why Brendan Rodgers threw him on today as he might just create something, but 99 times out of 100 he will let you down.” Lawrenson did praise Blackburn, who have earned a lucrative replay at Ewood Park on either April 7 or 8 with the prize of a Wembley semifinal at stake on the weekend of April 18.

UEFA

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES TODAY’S MATCHES Real Madrid v Schalke 04 20: 45 Porto v Basel 20: 45

Balotelli

FA Cup: Tough road ahead for Reds

ince their early elimination from the Champions League, along with a poor end to 2014 in the Premier League, all hopes for hardware in Liverpool rest upon the FA Cup. The team has rallied around the new motto “Get Stevie G to Wembley.” Entering a sixth round battle with Blackburn, all signs pointed to advancing to the semi-finals at London’s famous stadium.

Instead, despite possessing the ball for 71% of the game and denying Blackburn any true goal scoring opportunities aside from Alex Baptiste’s header – which Simon Mignolet beautifully kept out – Liverpool have not so far found their way to Wembley. A completely lopsided match saw Liverpool in the attacking third of the field for much of the game, but the ball

only found the back of the net when Kolo Touré scored from an offside position. Finishing with a 0-0 draw, Liverpool will now have to travel to Ewood Park for a replay. This is surely an inconvenience, as the replay will likely occur in between the ever-important Premier League games in Liverpool’s future, including matches with Manchester United and Arsenal.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

International career

About Joseph Yobo

Joseph Phillip Yobo September 6, 1980 (age 34) Kono, Rivers State, Nigeria 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Defender

Michellin-Harcourt Standard Liège

Standard Liège Marseille Everton (loan) Everton Fenerbahçe (loan) Fenerbahçe Norwich City (loan)

Nigeria

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position:

Youth career 1996–1997: 1997–1998:

Senior career 1998–2001: 2001–2002: 2002–2003: 2003–2012: 2010–2012: 2012–2014: 2014—present

National team 2001–2014:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

YOBO JOSEPH Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW

RAUL GONZALEZ: !

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOTBALL

Raul Gonzalez is a player that needs no introduction. For over a decade he made the No7 shirt his own with the Spanish national team, just as he did in the white of Real Madrid from the mid-90s until 2010. Along the way, the prolific striker earned iconic status at the Bernabeu, winning three UEFA Champions Leagues, two Intercontinental Cups and six Spanish La Liga medals, among other things. The Madrid native also picked up a host of individual accolades and set numerous goal-scoring and appearance records with the club. After 17 years delighting fans of Los Merengues, Raul signed for Bundesliga outfit Schalke and quickly did the same. Then after two seasons in Qatar with Al Sadd, he came out of retirement to join the legendary New York Cosmos in a quest for success in the USA. In the first instalment of an exclusive two-part interview with FIFA.com, Raul chats about the new adventure in the States, the secret to still playing at 37 and a possible future in coaching. Excerpts:

Raul Gonzalez from right) in ac(second New York Cosm tion for os.

Raul Gonzalez After gracing La Liga and the Bundesliga, and competing at European Championships and FIFA World Cups, what attracted you to New York Cosmos and the North American Soccer League? What brought me here was a desire to keep playing and the exciting project the Cosmos proposed to me. As well as being able to play, which is my passion and what I like doing, they also gave me the chance to help develop a youth academy, where I can bring my experience and knowledge to bear. I like the idea of working on the creation of an academy in a country where soccer, as it’s known here, is steadily growing in popularity. I believe there’s huge potential here and a lot of interesting things to do in that regard. Was the prospect of living in New York part of the attraction? Yes, for the family it was a

wonderful opportunity to live in a great city like New York, which has everything. It’s an ideal location in terms of my children’s future. I knew the city before moving here as I’d visited a couple of times. Whatever you want to do or obtain, you can find it here, on every level. We’ve been here three months now and are very happy and integrated. With each passing week, I’m more and more convinced I made the right decision. We’re very excited about what the future will bring. With regard to the academy project, will you also be involved with the coaching side of things? I haven’t yet decided how exactly that will work. For now, I’m sure I won’t be desk bound as my main objective is to play and help the team. I also want the crowd to enjoy themselves and be entertained at our games and, of course, help the team win titles.

We’ll be trying to measure up to the club’s brilliant past. Later, I’ll gradually get more involved with the academy, and when I finally hang up my boots, I’ll dedicate my time to working with the boys, though I’m still not sure if it will be as a coach or an assistant. We’ll have to see as I still have to get my coaching license. That said, what I want to do is to use my experience to help develop a good methodology that allows the youngsters to understand the game and enjoy it. So you’re not ruling out a career in coaching? As of today, I can’t tell you it won’t happen, nor can I tell you it will (laughs). We’ll see. Football is my passion and right now I’m physically in good enough shape to keep playing. Once I decide to retire, then we’ll see. During my time in Qatar, I also combined playing with being part of the Aspire Academy, and here I’ll be

doing something similar. What I do in the future depends on how things go in the next year or two. As a 37-year-old, you do train to stay fully fit, and what’s the secret to your longevity? You need to take care of yourself, have a good diet, rest sufficiently and have a lot of enthusiasm. I’ve also been very fortunate not to have had serious injuries and to still be in good shape. In addition I’ve come to a league which, while physically demanding, is providing the right conditions for me to make a contribution with my game. It’s not like we’ll be playing every three days (laughs). When you arrived at the Cosmos, the No7 jersey was already taken, but the previous wearer didn’t hesitate in handing it to you. Can you explain your attachment to that shirt number?

Well at Real Madrid I had the honour of wearing it for many years, and it’s a shirt that some of the club’s most important and legendary players have worn. Later, when I went to Schalke and Qatar I continued the tradition. However, here there was someone wearing it, another Spaniard in fact, Ayove Garcia. Yet as soon as the coach announced I was joining, Ayove said he’d gladly pass it to me. I greatly appreciate his gesture, although I did tell him I had no problem using a different number. The problem would be for the fans – they’d never recognised you in a different number. What’s your reaction to this assertion? (Laughs) Yes, probably better for them, if I keep wearing it as it would feel strange. That said, what really matters is playing well even after 20 years, the fans associate me with that number – and probably always will.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

BASKETBALL EXTRA

Matic

FOR DSTV LEAGUE,

AFROBASKET QUALIFIER

Matic

With Phillips Tayo

NBBF READY

charts Lebanon’s resurgence ecently-appointed Lebanon coach, Veselin Matic is embarking on a new challenge, yet it’s the sort that he’s familiar with. Matic will try to steer the national team to glory this year, first at the WABA Championship and then the FIBA Asia Championship. A title at the second of those big events would qualify the Lebanese for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Matic will also focus on development and make sure all of Lebanon’s teams have a similar approach to practices and tactics. “My duty is not just the men’s

national team,” he said, “but to follow all the national teams and their performances and change the system and develop young national teams and make them better. “That’s what I always do as coach of other national team programs in the past. “We have to have a philosophy of the national team, that everything is going from down to up and up to down,” he said. “But I think in Lebanon, that situation is good. There are young players coming up.”

Tijani Umar , NBBF boss

igeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) bigwig, Agboola Pinheiro, has said that the board is fully ready to organise the two basketball events holding this month. The events are the DSTV Basketball League dunk-off and the second leg of the 2015 AfroBasket Championship qualifier against Burkina Faso in Lagos. Speaking in a phone interview with Extra Time, Pinheiro who doubles as the League Management Committee chairman reasoned that the league dunk-off will commence on Friday as the LMC has released the season’s fixtures of the constituent conferences. “The 2015/16 season will dunkoff this Friday with matches played

across various centers. As you are aware, the Atlantic conference will be playing inside the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium Lagos, except for teams like Oluyole Warriors and Kwara Falcons who have their home venues,” Pinheiro said. He added that the Savannah teams will be moving around the various centres according to their home and away match fixtures. On the fate of the national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, who had been held to ransom by the Burkina Faso team with series of postponements, Pinheiro posited that the home-based squad will be travelling to Ouagadougou on Wednesday, while the return leg will hold on March 25 in Lagos.

Clippers set to sign

Robinson

F Dante Exum of Australia in action during the 2014 FIBA U-19 World Championships.

FIBA to hold U-19 draws T

IBA will host official draws for the 2015 FIBA U-19 World Championship on Thursday. The event will enable teams participating in the Championships to find out their respective fixtures ahead of the events scheduled to take place in Heraklion (Crete), Greece from June 27 to July 5. The 16 participating teams are Egypt, Tunisia, Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, USA, China, Iran, Korea, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, Spain, Turkey, Australia and hosts Greece. Also, the 2015 FIBA U-19 Women’s World Championship will take place in Chekhov (Moscow Region), Russia, from July 18-26. The 16 participating teams are Egypt, Mali, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, USA, China, Korea, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, Australia and hosts Russia. A third team from Asia will be announced at a later stage to complete the field. Teams’ representatives, distinguished guests - including all the members of FIBA’s Executive Committee - and FIBA officials will be in attendance for the official draw ceremony.

Robinson

he Los Angeles Clippers will sign free-agent point guard Nate Robinson to a 10-day contract on Saturday, a source said. The Clippers have had strong interest in Robinson since the Boston Celtics waived him on Jan. 14, shortly after he was acquired in a trade with the Denver Nuggets. The 5-foot-9 veteran averaged a career-low 5.8 points and 2.3 assists in 33 games with the Nuggets this season. Over the previous nine seasons, Robinson averaged 11.4 points per game. He played for Clippers coach Doc Rivers in Boston during parts of the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. Robinson was at the Clippers’ practice facility last weekend and is expected to suit up for Sunday’s road game against the Golden State Warriors.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

EXTRATIME

REAL Y L R I A F N U E R A TREATED

REAL MADRID

Ramos returns to training

A M E Z N E B –

the e they’ve never played for when ball becaus up n .” sig ller you tba at foo a wh of “That’s t that’s the life es the not allowed game, bu I’m ics and arim Benzema believ d crit dri ut Ma abo to e ke Benzema also spo well as you com n with a fans at Real Madrid as lazy on the ring a match, not eve du fail on o say he is sometimes fair wh in an interview. ma the Press are very un nze ke sacriBe d ma iste to ins ed ” s, par pas pitch and not pre you es. en los wh m t tea bu d the har en him wh “At first it was man believes to get used fices. So much so, the French week here to n experience you start gai ny uti “You need to spend a scr der un ause es bec re com mo ve ily mo fam ry my eve s his . I’m the first to arrive to it. If affect They realise what I do make mistakes. rs. rte po sup t ges big and he is not allowed to they are my and the last to leave. g. h a machine watch and read everythin “I also work at home wit to tell me if ss Pre the d muscle and nee re n’t mo do n “I ws me to gai ere are people that allo Th t. no or ll an I’m gowe me ’t yed esn pla I’ve strength. It do ment; some of more it’s import bu ls goa re who are allowed to com ing to score mo tfoo ut abo ng thi any concluded. them don’t know tant for my physique,” he

Misfiring Real turn attention to Euro

uropean champions Real Madrid will expect to take another step closer to becoming the first team in 25 years to retain the Champions League when they host Schalke tonight holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg of their last 16 tie. Madrid have amassed together 10 consecutive victories in Europe stretching back to their successful run to their 10th European Cup last season, but have found the going a lot tougher domestically in 2015. Los Blancos surrendered their lead at the top of La Liga at the weekend as they were beaten 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao, whilst Barcelona thrashed Rayo Vallecano 6-1. That was Madrid’s fourth defeat in 14 games this year, with Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitting he was at a loss to explain how his starstudded strike force of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale has so suddenly gone off the boil. “It seems strange to say Madrid have a problem up front when we have scored so many goals throughout the season, but I think it is the truth,” said the Italian on Saturday. However, skipper, Iker Casillas has insisted that they won’t suffer a hangover from their La Liga woes at the Bernabeu. “This competition is different. For Real Madrid fans it means everything,” he said. Schalke were on the receiving end on Real’s run towards the title at the same stage of the competition last season in a 9-2 aggregate hammering.

eal Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos has returned to full team training and looks to be fit for El Clasico against Barcelona in two weeks. Ramos injured himself in last month’s match against Sevilla and had to leave the pitch on the eighth minute with initial reports suggesting the Spaniard would be out for 2-3 weeks. After further medical tests the following morning, the scans revealed that he had a tear in his left hamstring and would be sidelined for five to six weeks. However, Ramos has returned from injury earlier than expected and it couldn’t come at a better time, as Real Madrid are in one of their worst runs of the season.

Silva to start against Schalke 04

Ronaldo

ucas Silva will be back on Real Madrid’s starting XI for the UEFA Champions League match against Schalke 04 tonight. The Brazilian player is going to take care of the pre-match press conference alongside Carlo Ancelotti; a clear sign that he will make the team’s starting lineup. Silva completed a couple of good performances when given the chance to start, but stayed on the bench on Real Madrid’s 0-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao. Illarramendi started in his place but failed to make a big impact again, so it is expected Silva will be Real Madrid’s first backup midfielder until Modric is healthy enough to start regularly. Real Madrid have a 2-0 advantage in the tie, so the ticket to the Champions League quarterfinals should be all but sealed. It will be interesting to see how Ancelotti manages his squad considering that they will also play next Sunday against Levante. Silva