Dtn 14 12 15

Bayelsa poll: Sylva dismisses Dickson’s panel, urges INEC to declare winner Ï zƆ ƍƍƏƆ Ɔ ƗƆƗ ơƣ Ƒ ƍƆƅƐ – Military

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎCandidate of

the All Progres-

sives Congress (APC) in the inconclusive governorship election in Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva,

has described the setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry by the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson to investigate the violence that characterized the December 5 elec-

tion as unacceptable, unfortunate, and diversionary.

The commission was set up by Continued on page 12

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2015 VOL. 1. NO. 251

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 11th December 2015.

FO

236

248

12 %

FLOURMILL

19.5

20.47

0.97%

UNILEVER 45.5

41.98

-3.52%

7UP

182

181.5

-0.5%

NB

116.31

119

2.69%

GUARANTY

18.59

18.99

0.4%

TOTAL

145

-3.01%

PZ

27.46

27

-0.46%

148.01

12 killed as soldiers arrest Shiite leader

ÎÎÎNo fewer than 12 people were killed when soldiers besieged the Zaria home in Kaduna State of Ibrahim Zakzaky, the leader of a Shiite Muslim sect, and then arrested him, the Islamic movement said early Sunday.

Zakzaky’s arrested and the

killing of 12 of people early on Sunday came on the heels of the killing of seven members of the sect on Saturday afternoon over an attack on the convoy of Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai.

About 30 people have also

been reportedly wounded in the Saturday and Sunday incidents, Zeenah Ibrahim, the wife of the group’s leader, told The Associated Press in a phone call interrupted by the sounds of gunfire.

Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman said the Shiites on Saturday

afternoon attacked Buratai’s convoy.

“The sect numbering hundreds, carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tires,” Usman said in a statement.

“They refused all entreaties to

disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects ... in a deliberate attempt to assassinate” the army chief.

The confrontation occurred Continued on page 6

Banks earmark N300b for SMEs, agric sector gB1 Give us a year, and you‘ll see g 8 changes – Oyegun

Nigeria’s total debt now $64b –DMO g12

Mass choir, singing Halleluyah chorus during the service of 2015 Nine Lessons and Christmas carols at the National Christian Centre in Abuja... on Sunday

FG blames economic crunch, naira depreciation on Jonathan’s PDP govt g6

Kenny gL1 Saint Best: From music to politics

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial As Nigerians celebrate Yuletide

E

very year, the month of December heralds the Yuletide in the Christian calendar. Not only is December the last month in the year, its symbolism is made manifest by the flurry of breathtaking activities across the entire globe. From the north to south and from east to west, the entire humanity celebrates the month with feverish relish and Nigeria is no exception. It is a fact that each year, Nigerians eagerly wait for December including the shopping frenzy and travels that characterise the season.

Many Nigerians see December as opportunity to travel home to reunite with families, friends and well wishers. Therefore, the month is often associated with huge vehicular movement of people, goods and services within the length and breadth of the country.

Incidentally, the Yuletide also records the highest number of car crashes and other mishaps involving commuters and other revellers. According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), more than 102 persons died in road accidents from December 19 – 28, 2014,even though that was a 42 percent reduction compared to 2013 figure.

By coincidence, December also records the highest number of infernos that affect houses and other properties due to careless use of fireworks and storage of hazardous materials. This is why the warning by the Lagos State Government to residents against the use of fireworks and other incendiary devices this season is very welcome.

This warning is urgent when viewed against the background

that the harmattan season is at its severest in December and with it risk of fire to persons and properties, including poor visibility on the roads. We are therefore counselling drivers and other road users to err on the side of caution whenever they are on the road. It has been observed that in December many commercial drivers are always driving dangerously on the highway. Such reckless attitude is informed by an erroneous desire by drivers to make quick money.

In the process, they undertake many trips in a day than required; thereby putting put their lives and those of passengers at risk. More alarming is the fact that unscrupulous owners in a bid to make large profit hastily put all manner of unserviceable contraptions and road unworthy vehicles into service.

Not left out of the milieu are the dastardly activities of criminals and other dangerous elements that rob, kill and maim other citizens, even as the costs of goods and services skyrocket due to activity of traders and speculators.

That is why we are calling on all concerned government agencies and non-profit organisations to use the Yuletide season to sensitise all segments of the Nigerian society on the need to be more safety conscious in their daily activities. Moreover, drivers and other road users should make it a point of duty to avoid unnecessary accidents. Finally, as people are preparing to celebrate the festive season with their families and loved ones, it is imperative they take to modesty in all their activities in order to stop the blood flow, pain and tears that are associated with some unwholesome activities in December.

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

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

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

ÏÏÏThe

assassination attempt on the life of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, by members of the Shiite Islamic sect on Saturday in Kaduna, has heightened fears that unless something is done and urgently too, the sect and others like it will continue to pose serious security risks to the nation.

The assassination attempt, which was repelled

by Buratai’s security detail, reportedly left at least three people dead with over 20 others injured.

According to Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed the assassination attempt, the attack on Buratai by members of

the sect led to exchange of fire between the military and members of the sect.

“The sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres.

They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects. The barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as Special Guest of Honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicised,” Col. Usman noted in a statement.

Fact is that the attack on Buratai and his convoy is not the first time the sect will be involved in confrontation with the nation’s se-

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curity forces.

In 2014, the sect with headquarters in Zaria, Kaduna State and headed by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, was also involved in a confrontation with troops.

Aside the Shiite Islamic sect, there have been several reports from across the country of religious sects taking laws into their hands and attacking others for one reason or the other. Some even went to the extent of attacking security forces.

This cannot be allowed to continue.

So, let the attack on Buratai serve as a wake-up call on the Federal Government through its security agencies to beam searchlight not only on the Shiite Islamic sect but other religious sects to ensure that their activities are such that do not pose danger to individuals and the society.

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Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye

Attack on Buratai: Sign of things to come?

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Mathew Kukah

Godswill Akpabio

Yakubu Dogara

“The world can provide for the need of everybody but cannot provide for the greed of everybody.”

“We should never fail to dialogue and collectively find solution to our national problems in the spirit of brotherhood”.

“What bothers me is the legacy we are leaving behind. After we have exited, what will our children and grandchildren say about us?

44

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015 Friday, November 13, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammdu Buhari, at the weekend, gave an assurance that the revival of the nation’s collapsed industries would be given serious attention after the submission and passage of the 2016 budget.

He spoke at a dinner he hosted in honor of the visiting Alumni Association of the Indian Defence Services Staff College,

Lagos Computer village holds inaugural thanksgiving party Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr

ÏÏÏThe Ikeja Club in La-

gos was agog, last Saturday, as core investors of the IT hub, the Computer Village, threw a lavish thanksgiving party to celebrate a successful year of peaceful business 2015.

The occasion brought together who-is-who in the business network of Ndigbo in Lagos State, who came to honour the core Igbo investors and pioneers of the Computer Village.

The dignitaries included some high sounding traditional fathers and mothers like the Onowu of Ikeja land, Ada Ndigbo and Queen of Arewa, Nma Uzoamaka also of Ikeja land among others. The lords and queens turned up in their traditional regalia and paraphernalia and were accorded the honour and reverence according their respective kingdoms.

The Convention of Igbo Elders (Ogbako Ndigbo) went the extra mile to parade a chronicle of colourful masquerades from their homelands, including the Ogene dance group comprising of seven young men, the Abiriba war dance group, the Ohafia war dance group, among others.

In a brief chat with the Daily Times, on the occasion, one of the elders in Ogbako Ndigbo, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Ziganet Limited, Engr. Dike from Amuiseke in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State said the occasion was not for the Igbo-speaking business men alone, but for the entire investors and traders from all parts of the country who had business interests in the Computer Village.

5 News

Revival of industries our immediate challenge –Buhari (DSSC), Wellington, where he received part of his military training, A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying that very soon, “we

will sit down to see how we can rehabilitate industries.

We will do this in order to clear the problem of unemployment.”

According to the statement, the President decried a situation in which 60 percent of the country’s

64 percent youth population was unemployed, adding that “this is extremely dangerous for our country.”

Buhari also noted that insecurity in the NorthEast, abduction for ransom in the South and the sabo-

tage of the oil industry in the Delta region had one connection or the other with poverty and unemployment.

“We are meeting after the budget to see how to revive industry and secure the economy”, he further

assured.

The delegation was led by the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ghanashyam and it included a number of retired Indian army generals, who were course-mates of the President.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

12 killed as soldiers arrest Shiite leader Continued from page 1 as members of the sect, known as the Islamic Movement, were conducting their annual “Changing of Flags” ritual to usher in the month of Maulud, the birth month of the Prophet Mohammed at their headquarters in Zaria.

Spokesman Nasir Umar Tsafe of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria said seven people died there, includ-

ing four wounded whom he said soldiers refused to allow through a barricade to get medical care.

On Sunday, state Police Commissioner Shehu Umar was quoted by Reuters as saying the Islamic Movement leader Ibrahim Zakzaky had been arrested by the military in an earlymorning raid on his home, but declined to give details.

In the course of the raids, Zakzaky’s deputy Muhammad Turi, who

is normally based in Nigeria’s second city Kano, was killed as was the sect spokesman, Ibrahim Usman, at Zakzaky’s house, group members said.

Usman had shortly told Reuters by phone that he was on his way to Zakzaky’s residence.

Zakzaky’s movement two weeks ago suffered a suicide bombing, claimed

by Boko Haram extremists, in the middle of a procession that killed 22 people.

PDP faults anti-graft war method, tasks Buhari to set up Truth Commission Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe leadership of

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday declared that it is completely against any one-sided public trial and mob conviction of accused persons without following the age-long and worldwide legal process wherein all accused persons are presumed innocent until the contrary is lawfully proved.

The PDP equally challenged the government to set up a National Truth Commission wherein poli-

ticians and other Nigerians publicly discuss the true meaning of corrupt practice in our land.

The opposition party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, warned that government should stop the brutal mob and public conviction of individuals and the transfer of the burden of proof of people being investigated.

The PDP pointedly stated that it does not believe that mere investigation confers

You’re on a falsehood campaign, Okonjo-Iweala replies Oshiomhole Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

inaction, hence has been working hard on measures that will turn the economy around and greatly offer relief to Nigerians by lifting millions, not thousands, of people out of poverty through a massive social intervention policy. ‘’The outcome of the months of hard work will manifest soon in the 2016 national budget that will give succour to millions of Nigerians who are reeling from fallout of the solecism of the immediate past Administration that turned the country into a cash bazaar,’’ the Minister said He advised the leaders of

her alleged role in the $2 billion arms deal.

Okonjo-Iweala in a statement signed by her Chief Press Secretary Paul Nwabuikwu and made available to Daily Times, accused Oshiomhole and others of distorting the contents of the January 20, 2015 memo in which she responded to a request by the former National Security Adviser, saying that they quoted selectively from the document to make ‘their false allegations’ of “illegal diversion” of funds.

The former minister said that the January 20 memo confirmed that “she is a transparent person of integrity and patriotic professional who worked hard to protect the interest of the country and that her accusers are purveyors of falsehood on a political mission to tarnish an innocent patriot.

“For your information and a fuller understanding of the issues, please see the attached January 20 memo

by Dr Okonjo-Iweala,” it stated.

The memo which was addressed to the then President Goodluck Jonathan dated 20 January 2015, with file number CMEHMF/FMF/2015/18 was entitled: RE: REQUEST BY NSA FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS. The memo read: Attached, please find a request by the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the transfer of US$300 million and

Continued on page 12

Continued on page 12

ÎÎÎCoordinating

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Kaduna State University, Prof. William Barnabas Qurix; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; President Muhammadu Buhari and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote during the 2nd Convocation ceremony of Kaduna State University in Kaduna… at the weekend.

minister of the economy and Minister of Finance in the immediate past federal administration, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala has accused Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, some other persons and the media of being on a campaign of falsehood with the intend of smearing her reputation over the alleged arms deal involving the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

Governor Oshiomhole had called on the federal government to arrest and prosecute the former minister, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala over

FG blames economic crunch, naira depreciation on Jonathan’s PDP govt Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Federal Government on Sunday attributed the poor state of the country’s economy, especially the depreciation in the Naira exchange rate, to the direct consequence of the alleged mismanagement of the economy and the mindless looting of the national treasury under the immediate past administration, rather than any so-called mismanagement by the Buhari administration.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja, said ‘’If there was still any honour left among thieves, there is no way the leaders of a party, under

whose watch the nation’s economy suffered a monumental mismanagement and the Central Bank was turned to the ATM or piggy bank of a few people, will have the temerity to insult a government that is working hard to turn things around or the citizens who are bearing the brunt of such mismanagement. ‘’It is now clear to all Nigerians that if the PDP had won the last general elections, Nigeria’s economy would not have survived one more month, considering the battering it received under the immediate past Administration.

“It is therefore unconscionable that those who should

show contrition and hunker down to avoid public opprobrium are the same ones pointing an accusing finger at the Buhari Administration,’’ he said.

Alhaji Mohammed described the comments credited to Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, that businesses may collapse in the next six months because the Buhari Administration has mismanaged the economy, as the clearest indication yet that the PDP and its leaders are still in denial about the massive body blows they inflicted on the Nigerian economy.

His words, ‘’Senator Ekweremadu complained

a guilt verdict on those concerned.

The PDP restated for emphasis that a media and public war against corruption is good, but it should not be limited to only those opposed to the President and the ruling party.

The party maintained that until top officials of the former government open up on the exact source of the funding, it remains premature to be accusing its (PDP) members of corrupt practices.

about the depreciation of the Naira without telling Nigerians who ‘dollarized’ the Nigerian economy by bribing many individuals and groups with dollars during the last elections, thus inflicting a knock-out punch on the local currency.

“He also failed to tell Nigerians which government presided over the frenzied mop-up of dollars, either for ‘armsgate’ or for slush fund purposes, from the CBN to a point where it almost ran out of the hard currency,’’ Mohammed said.

The Minister said even though the Buhari Administration met an economy that was in coma, it had refused to use that as an excuse for

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Grazing reserve, plot to disposes North Central – Group Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÎÎÎA

group, under the guise of Jukun Progressive Forum, on Sunday, called the attention of President Buhari- led Federal Government and the Taraba State government to investigate how a proposed 33 grazing reserves in Taraba State came about without following due processes of obtaining the consents of the traditional rulers or the local government councils.

In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Anthony Bature and made available to our correspondent, the group said the so-called proposed 33 graz-

ing reserve in Taraba state, without doubt portend serious danger in the state and urged that it should be nip in the bud before it sets the state on fire, stating that Taraba state needed all the peace it can get in its quest for harmonious coexistence and rapid development.

The group accused the Hausa/Fulanis for masterminding the proposed grazing reserve as a guise to take over their lands, a move they will vehemently resist.

In their words: “It should therefore be clearly known that the people of Taraba Southern Senatorial Dis-

trict can no longer fold their hands and see their land being arbitrarily allocated to the Fulani herdsmen in the guise of providing grazing reserves without following due processes and ensuring equity, fair play and justice to traditional land owners as provided by the law.”

The statement also quoted saying that even if due processes are followed, it would amount to robbing Peter to pay Paul, because the Jukun are not pastoralists but farmers and fishermen, who should have their land preserved for their kind of agricultural activities.

Furthermore, the group

alleged that the raging conflicts in Taraba Southern Senatorial District is part of the expansionist agenda of the Fulanis to subjugate, displace and take over the Jukun land that do not belong to them.

Blaming the November 8, 2015 Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling on the same factor that want to disposes them of their land, they emphasised in strong terms that they would never allow outsiders to impose themselves on them and undermine their rich culture and tradition which is the source of their identity and pride.

7 News

We must join hands to move Kogi forward – Gov-elect

Yahaya Bello

Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja

ÎÎÎThe Governor -Elect of

Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has called on the people of the state to join hands with the new government to fulfill the collective destiny of the state.

In his acceptance speech, which was made available to journalists in Lokoja, Bello said it was high time the people of the state find some mechanism through which the people can be in contact

with each other so as to enable them walk together, saying “this is a journey that we must embark on and complete together”.

According to him, “this is your victory and it is my fervent prayer that in Kogi state we shall go very high and far, working together and strengthening each other to fulfill our collective destiny.

“We implore everyone to put in their best to make Kogi state greater than it is at present. Every member of this winning team is valuable because we can succeed only with the participation of all. The work of the Chief Executive is not limited to supervision, it goes deeper that.

“Our work shall span the whole gamut of good governance inspired by the spirit of team work.

Dana Air plans to increase fleet in 2016 Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎThe

L-R: Chairman Board of Trustees, Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), Dr. Emmanuel Enabulele; Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (CCNL), Clem Ugorji; Acting Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Sade Morgan; Consultant, Public Health, Dr. Oluwakemi Odukoya and Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager, (CCNL), Fred Chiazor, at the Health Writers Workshop held in Lagos… at the weekend.

Peace returns to two warring towns in Niger Saka Bolaji, Minna

ÎÎÎPeace

has finally returned to Izom and Lambata towns in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State as stakeholders in the communal face-off, last weekend, agreed to bury their hatchets.

Decision for a truce was reached by stakeholders from the two communities at a peace meeting at the instance of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello in Government House, Minna.

The face-off which had lingered for a while over cat-

tle market days between the two communities got to the climax last week Tuesday when youths from one of the warring towns blocked the ever busy Minna-Suleja Highway for more than six hours, causing heavy traffic gridlock, while travelers were stranded for hours before the Police cleared the blockage.

The stakeholders at the peace meeting, in a five-point resolution signed by the traditional leaders (Hakimi) of the two towns, two other representatives each from the towns and the state Chair-

man of Miyeti Allah (a panFulani), agreed to bury their differences and allow peace reign in the area.

They agreed that the two cattle markets in Izom and Lambata be allowed to operate simultaneously without any hinderance or acrimony among the communities.

The meeting also resolved to live in peace and harmony with one another, while the leaders of the two towns were mandated to ensure peace of the area.

It was also agreed that government should enforce law and order in the two commu-

nities with a view to bringing law breakers to book.

At the wake of the MinnaSuleja road blockage last Tuesday, the state government warned of its zero tolerance to law breaking.

The governor vowed to deal decisively with anybody or group of individual linked with lawlessness.

The resolution was signed

by Alhaji Muhammadu Garba, Hakimi Lambata, Alhaji Ibrahim Salihu, Hakimi Izom, Alhaji Bakori, Sarki Fulani Yero, Ibrahim Usman, Alhaji Ibrahim Dikko and Ardo Adamu Kaduna.

competition on Lagos-Accra route became more intense over last weekend with the commencement of daily flight operations on Lagos-Accra route

by Dana Air. This is just as the airline promised to increase its fleet by 2016, probably with different brand of aircraft.

The airline said that it would bring its unique selling point, which is on-time performance and cheaper airfares to its new route, stressing that service of reliable airline was built around schedule integrity

and safety, which remains the pivotal of Dana’s entire operations.

Commenting on the new route, the Manager, Dana Air, Ghana, Mr. Sukhjinder Mann, assured that despite the obvious competition on the route, the airline would attract passengers with consistency, high safety, good in-flight services and fair airfare regime.

He explained that the airline came to the route with passion to serve its teeming clients, adding that its introductory fare of $112 one-way was about $80 cheaper than the fares charged by existing airlines on the route.

PDP, APC trade tackles over Enugu Council poll Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎThe Enugu State chapter

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lampooned the All Progressives Congress (APC) over what it called the party’s “mischievous comment against the plan by the state government to constitute Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of the 17 Local Government Councils.”

The state chapter of the PDP said the APC lacked the moral grounds to speak on the matter in the sense that most states controlled by the

APC administer council affairs through caretaker committees.

The party maintained that there is nothing constitutionally wrong with the setting up of the committees under the present circumstances which the state found itself.

The PDP was reacting to a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Mrs. Kate Ofor, which alleged that the party had instituted a legal action against the planned Caretaker Committees in the Councils.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14 , 2015

Politics

Æs

Give us a year, and you‘ll see changes- Oyegun National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in an interview with journalists recently at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja barred his mind on national issues. Tom Okpe was there. Excerpts:

How will you access the political situation in the country presently, looking at the Kogi and Bayelsa states election sso far?

We are hanging somewhere in Bayelsa. Government has settled down and we are beginning to see a magnification of what the administration stands for and the direction its likely to travel in the next few weeks. You are aware that final touches are being put to a N6 trillion plus budget which will start the process of addressing the promises that the President has made to the Nigerian people. I’m very aware of the impatience dying out in the polity; we will continue to appeal on the basis of the fact that there are no magic wands, no magic solutions.

The budget for next year is indeed the first opportunity of the administration to strike out in a direction that it has promised the people of this nation, and I have always had the opportunity of saying the difference will become clear in the next six months, that means, all issues would have been resolved.

In another six months, the people of the nation will begin to see clearly that yes, we are on the road to addressing their urgent needs,

Odigie-Oyegun the stresses that the total economy is going through now.

The period of learning was most vital, most necessary I have said repeatedly that things turned out a lot worse than we expected,

so it was necessary for the administration to first get to grips with realities on the ground before you start addressing the methodologies for bringing about the changes and the corrections in the

system that have been promised to the Nigerian people. Critical is that the institutions of state must be rebuilt, must be revived because they have been largely undermined and destroyed and no economy, no society, no polity progresses without firmly based institutions which can deliver in respective of whatever government is in office. That is the direction in which this administration is travelling.

Kogi is basically resolved, thank God in favor of the APC. Very unfortunate, very tragic events occurred. The entire polity had to be original to finding solutions to problems which detailed as the constitution is not envisaged and in the next few weeks depending on who goes to court or who doesn’t, we will know the boundaries of the law in respect of these issues. As at now we are very glad about the results that we have got and I’m very sure that they would uphold virtually in every tribunal whatsoever because we have adopted simple common sensual solution legally, dependably proceeding from the unfortunate situation we found ourselves in.

Bayelsa State, we cannot but CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Bayelsa Poll: Confusion over INEC’s indecision With the procrastination of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the election in the remaining election in Bayelsa State, confusion seems to have been the order of the day with each of the major contenders seeking to ways to outwit the other.

While the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Timipre Sylva, protested the cancellation of the polls in Southern Ijaw he is now seeking to be declared winner of the entire election saying there was no reason for INEC to cancel the election.

On the other hand, Governor of the state and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seriake Dickson, has immediately set up a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to look into the violence that broke out of the election.

Already, there are questions being raised over the legality or otherwise of the panel as well as the urgency with which the governor CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Yakubu

Rivers 2015: Day APC remembered supreme sacrifice by Adube family, others

Amaechi

It was celebrations galore last week for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State when it remembered the fallen entire Adube family and others who paid the supreme sacrifice for the party’s overwhelming victory during the last general election in the country.

But despite the party’s victory at the polls, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) was declared winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the consternation of the APC, in a worrisome development

that led to deaths of many of its supporters including the entire Adube family.

But last week, it was celebrations time when the Court of Appeal overturned the verdicts of INEC at the polls as well as the elections petitions tribunal which returned the PDP candidates at the polls.

Consequently, the Rivers State Chapter APC dedicated its overwhelming victory at the Courts of Appeal in the past week to the Chief Christopher Adube family and others killed before, during

and after the 2015 general elections in the state.

The APC in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Chris Finebone believed that there can be no better way to bid farewell to Chief Christopher Adube who was interred last week “than to dedicate the recovery of our stolen mandates to the ultimate sacrifice the late Chief Chris Adube, his three children, younger brother and driver made when they were murdered in one fell swoop in the late Chief’s home on Good Friday 3rd CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

9 Politics

Oyegun: Subsidy can’t be removed for now CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

express our disappointment that things have gone the way they did, I’m happy that in spite of the notice, in spite of the fact that stand alone elections, the conditions for truly free and fair primaries could not be guaranteed. We are unhappy that the results from the most populous voting area which is a strong hold of the APC had to be cancelled and rendered the elections inconclusive. All one can say at this stage, pronouncements have been made, as a party, we will be patient, we will give the benefit of doubt, and we will go on whenever the re run for southern Ijaw is slated. We already have issues and we hope we do not have to press these issues either in a tribunal or in a court of law, but for now we would hold our peace and allow the processes to be concluded.

We are ready to bend with the expectation that everyone will simmer down over time because life has to continue, so bringing out the big stick in a situation like that is usually difficult but there will be a timeline to it. The crying, grieving, and disappointment should be over because life has to continue.

Who speaks for the party in the absence of the National Publicity Secretary?

I will start by saying who does not speak for the party, the person you are talking about, the

Deputy Publicity Secretary does not speak for the party. Secondly, if there are any issues that need clarification for now, pending when we have a substantive publicity secretary, the national secretary will do so for the party and also when I speak, speak for the party. It is as simple as that.

Hon. Falake has stated categorically that he would not be available for swearing in on January 17, if he goes on to do that, what happens? Secondly, subsidy removal; People are craving for subsidy to go. People had asked the PDP-led government not to remove subsidy but as it is, it looks like such has not been captured in the N6trn budget, would you advise the government to remove subsidy?

You do not know yet even as I do not know what is contained in the budget. What it covered or what it does not cover, we do not know because it is still in various stages of construction. Whether subsidy goes or stays is an intricate and major issue. If it has to go, the government must have to construct the palliatives to cushion the effect of the hardships that may come on the ordinary Nigerian. Anyway, eventually subsidy will have to go but we have not reached that stage yet because you cannot just wake up and announce that subsidy has been removed without putting the adequate facilities in place to cushion the negative aspects that may

Bayelsa Poll: Confusion over INEC’s indecision CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Odigie-Oyegun be involved.

On the Faleke issue, it is rather a straightforward and easy issue.

We have replaced a governorship candidate. If the need arises and subject to what the law says, we will also get a deputy governorship candidate but we will cross those bridges as they arise but they have not arisen yet.

The APC has relied so much

on the social media to emerge victorious in the last general elections. There is a bill at the National Assembly to gag the social media; we want to know the position of APC on that. Secondly, as it stands, the APC controls the majority of the states in the country and the governors are saying that they can no longer sustain the

inaugurated the panel.

Besides, accusing fingers are being pointed at INEC for the delay in taking a quick decision on the Bayelsa election like it did in Kogi which quickly deflated frayed nerves.

Governorship candidate of the APC, Sylva, described the setting up of the commission of inquiry

by Governor Dickson as unacceptable, unfortunate, and diversionary.

The commission was given a mandate to investigate the violence, mayhem and grave breach of the peace that occurred in parts of the state during the inconclusive governorship election held last weekend.

In a statement issued in Yenagoa by his Media Adviser, Doifie Buokoribo, Sylva said, “It is only an inept, directionless, and nervous governor, like Dickson, that would set up a commission of inquiry into violence that marred an election that is still on-going, and one in which he is involved in as a key actor.

“What manner of justice does anyone in his right senses expect from such a commission of in-

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Rivers 2015: Day APC remembered supreme sacrifice by Adube family, others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

April, 2015.

“We dedicate these victories to Police Corporal Ifeanyi Okorie killed when the APC Governorship Campaign Team was attacked at Okrika and close to 100 others killed before, during and after the 2015 elections in Rivers State.

“We acknowledge the fact that despite being slow and cautious, the wheel of justice has started its tortuous journey and will not stop until those behind the entire debacle that took place in Rivers State either as direct killers or manipulators of the electoral process are held to account by the law of the land. Today, they may be free and dancing on the graves of those they killed but surely they have two major prices to pay – the price before the law here on earth and that before God Almighty hereafter” the APC said.

The APC maintained that more than ever before, the judiciary remains the citadel of justice for the oppressed from the injustice of those who misuse individual and state power in Nigeria just as it obtains elsewhere in the world, adding that there is no alternative to doing the right thing; for those who do not quite share this ideal, a day of reckoning will always come.

The APC expressed optimism that the recovery of its stolen mandates shall be total to further demonstrate that crime does not pay, saying those who levied mindless violence on Rivers people and residents of our once peaceful State and in the process made away with their hallowed mandates must not only be made to go home emptyhanded but should become guests to the laws of the land.

“To our numerous members the APC would like to thank you for

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your steadfastness and continually rising above the blood-tainted filthy lucre those with your stolen mandates dangle before some of you. The APC urges you to continue to damn Satan and his tempta-

tion for a new day is only around the corner” the statement encouraged.

It would be recalled that by Friday, December 11, 2015, the Appeal Courts have dispossessed the

PDP of all three Senatorial and 12 House of Representative seats and called for fresh polls. Re-run elections for those seats have been ordered within 60 days from the date of judgment.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Group warns governors over N18,000 minimum wage A human rights activist and Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), Comrade Adeniyi, Sulaiman has warned state governors against any plan to reduce workers salary of N18,000.

The rights activist also warned the governors against the proposed reduction in the unpaid N18,000 minimum wage to government workers, noted that the endemic level of corruption that had eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigeria system was the cause why many of the governors were calling for the reduction.

According to him, most of the state governors who were agitating for the reduction of minimum wage now in Nigeria have siphoned the meager resources allocated to their state during the boom.

He allged that most of the governors had used their positions to

Yari

Magu

amass debt for their states under the guise of proposing capital projects

for their states, many of which were yet to see the light of the day.

Sulaiman said instead for them

to tell the truth that the debt incurred for their states were affecting their federal monthly allocation, they keep on mis-informing the people that the federal government was still owing them some funds for capital project in their various states.

Besides, he described the two anti-graft bodies in the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as toothless bull dogs that could only bark but could not bite, saying that fighting against the menace of corruption in the land had been meaningful only since the era of former Chairman of the EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Comrade Sulaiman who made the observation in Ikeja, Lagos State warned the Federal Government against paying lip service to the fight against the menace of corruption that was hindering the

development and progress of the country.

He maintained that the present administration should come out to fight the menace with all sincerity, not with propaganda or noise making, urging the present government to re-open the investigation on Halliburton projects which involved few leading figures in the Country, so as to let Nigerians believed in the current fight of Buhari’s government against corruption.

His words: “It seems the two anti-graft bodies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are toothless bull dogs that can only bark but not bite, because the serious fight against corrupt in the land had been heard last during the tenure CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

We will address minimum wage issue- Oyegun CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

national minimum wage. It is either they cut it down or they retrench workers which go against the party manifesto of creating jobs. There are also vacancies in the NWC, how soon will they be filled?

Arrangements are being made to go through the constitutional processes of filling those vacancies. That is already underway.

Minimum wage is a delicate issue because there are a lot of forces at work. The economy was run aground so badly that they have to borrow to pay salaries and this was not the creation of APC. Today all governments are borrowing to pay salaries and that cannot be sustained. What the solution is on the longer term, the machinery of governance is still working on. There is no method that is adopted that will not create stresses on any system but at the end of the day, we will find an answer.

How is the party managing its successes and the issue of official spokesman?

It was a great loss of Lai Mohammed to the Executive but he’s still within the system. He was truly very special and unique but as we speak, the National Secretary of the party has largely on temporary basis taking up the job of communication to the press and myself, I’m always available to any enquiry.

Managing success, yes there

has been stress originating from the nature of the party itself but they are all part of the settling down of the party itself and we are resolving them eventually. The power structure and tussle in the party is normal and desirable and the earlier we sort out these issues and challenges within the party, the better it gets for the administration, so I will say it is good that within the first few months of our administration, that issues to be addressed are brought forward at the early stage of our government, in another few months, I believe all these issues will be put behind us and we will have a truly consolidated APC. How has the party taken the issue of TMG condemnation of Bayelsa governorship election and issues emanating from the Kogi Election?

We are not worried, the Kogi situation is still evolving and we cross every bridge as we get to it. We’ll wait and see who does what and work out answers that meet each situation? We have thought the process through and we have won the election in Kogi, those who feel aggrieved, it is for them to call to question whatever they feel aggrieved about and we are going to meet them on those grounds. For us in APC, Kogi is a settled issue.

On Bayelsa and TMG’s position, I’ll say we are far from being satisfied (with the conduct of the poll) but INEC has made a pronounce-

“It was a great loss of Lai Mohammed to the Executive but he’s still within the system. He was truly very special and unique but as we speak, the National Secretary of the party has...” ment and you can’t get them to take it back unless you go to court, so we are waiting for the processes to be concluded but I must say we have a lot of reservations about what has gone on up to this present moment but we’ll wait till the processes are concluded, that is when we are going to decide what our next action will be. If we win as we expect to win, the kind of reactions that we’ll take will be different if the outcome goes the other way round.

Will Faleke be sanctioned for declaring independent candidature without consulting the party, and the proposed N5000 payment for vulnerable youths?

All I will say is that we should not jump the gun. There will obviously be a legal backing move, the difficulty involved have been worked on and what is important is that the scheme will start irrespective of whatever imperfection that may come with it. We’ll keep building on it as the months go on.

It is not going to be a mere scheme where we pay people money and they go home and sleep, no, it is going to be tied to your employability to look for job and training so as to make it possible for you to be qualified for better employment opportunities. It is going to be a comprehensive package that will make sure that people are going out of the scheme and some new ones are coming in.

As a political party, we simply understand the frustration that emanated from the death of Late Prince Abubakar Audu, however, it is normal for us to accommodate the immediate reactions coming from the people involved. They were at the gate of victory but was shut at their faces because of the unfortunate death of their mentor (Abubakar Audu) who would have been our governor in the state, so a lot of things which normally we would not have accepted happened but we have to accept them so long that everybody will calm down as time passes by. Wielding the big stick in a situation like this might not be appropriate but there will

be a timeline to it, enough will be enough at a certain time.

What are your views about the resurrection of MASSOB, what is the involvement of APC? What is the involvement of APC? Why would the APC feel any desire to be involved in any way whatsoever? Is MASSOB PDP? It was a clean clear security situation and no government worth its salt will watch any group whatsoever make life impossible for the rest of the society. The killings were most regrettable but even now, we don’t know who killed who. I think we should just pray that the situation will eventually resolve itself through the carrot and stick approach. The carrot is absolutely necessary and I pray that it will end up solving the problem.

Odigie-Oyegun

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

11 Politics

Bayelsa Poll: Confusion over INEC’s indecision

Sylva CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

quiry? The inquiry is bizarre and already biased from the onset.”

According to the statement, “Justice Margaret Akpomiemie, who was made the chairman of the commission, is still nursing a grudge against Sylva for his refusal to make her Chief Judge

Group warns governors over N18,000 minimum wage CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as EFCC Chairman.

“Since Ribadu left office due to political innuendos, nothing meaningful has been heard about the fight against the menace of corruption again. The end of the fight against corruption in Nigeria was as result of introduction of plea bargaining and cosmetically treatment/investigation which led to the striking out of series of corrupt cases leveled against some individuals, by the court of competent jurisdiction in the country.

“President Buhari should adhere to his inaugural speech to the letter by not belonging to anybody but belonging to everybody in the fight against the menace of corruption that has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigeria system which we have tagged as deadly vi-

Dickson of Bayelsa State during his tenure as governor. Justice Akpomiemie’s decision to accept this hatchet job offered by outgoing Governor Dickson is clearly a revenge mission against Sylva. She is on a clear mission of vendetta.

“Besides, the inquiry is diversionary because Dickson and his

rus/disease that is inimical to the success and progress of Nigeria and counter the development of the nation.

“Until President Buhari fights corruption with all sincerity, Nigerians will believe that the fightagainst corruption is selective”, he added.

Referring to the anti-graft bodies and the series of Petitions/Letters wrote by his organisation- CHRSJ and Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEO) against some individuals like Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, and a host of others, he said the anti-graft bodies were yet to come out with the outcome of their investigation many months after receiving the said petitions.

Sulaiman therefore called on the anti-graft bodies to wake up from their slumber and be alive to their responsibility as enshrined respectively in line with part vii (38) (1) of the miscellaneous provision of EFCC and Corrupt Practices and other related offences act, 2000 as stipulated by section 15(5) of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yakubu party, Peoples Democratic Party, are principal actors in the violence orchestrated against APC leaders and supporters in an attempt to intimidate the people in areas where APC was obviously poised to win, and hand him an illusory victory.

“All Bayelsans and, indeed,

Nigerians are living witnesses to the unbridled desperation displayed by Dickson and PDP during the December 5 governorship election, which he knows he cannot win. Such desperation had driven the governor and his party to the extent of importing militants from neighbouring

states to attack Sylva’s campaign Director-General and Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; Sylva, and other APC leaders and supporters across the state.

“In his state of extreme anxiety, Dickson had also personally engaged in direct incitement of mayhem against APC supporters and leaders in radio announcements and statements, which stoked crisis in many parts of the state during the election and resulted in the killing and maiming of innocent Bayelsans.

“The attempt to cover up Dickson’s acts and divert attention from his violent machinations with this charade of an inquiry will not work. We will not allow ourselves to be drawn into or subjected to the hoax, which Dickson, Akpomiemie, and others are trying to play on the people of Bayelsa State. Bayelsa State belongs to us.

“The outgoing governor should not make the mistake of thinking that he can act in any way that serves his inordinate political interests because he is still in office.

We are not in a banana republic.”

Mixed reactions greet Reps passage of 130 bills in one day Nigerians have been reacting with mixed feelings over last week’s unprecedented action of the members of the House of Representatives making 130 bills pass the first reading in one day.

While many people commended the action which they saw as a sign of good things to come, others queried the development, wondering whether the members were able to do justice to the bills before making the hurried passage.

Last week Thursday, total of 130 bills passed first reading at the House, a strange development which made the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, described as “unprecedented.”

Indeed, at a stage, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Mohammed SaniOmolori, appeared getting tired reading out the titles of the bills in order to cross first reading.

It was gathered from the members that the House took

the unprecedented step following rising criticisms that most lawmakers even at previous assemblies were lazy and had no bills to their names.

These had made critics allege that many members often warm their seats at the house while many just go to sleep one they get there. But for now, “There is a shift from the era of slumbering of the past”, high ranking member said.

According to him, “Most members now realise that the parliament has come under increasing scrutiny by Nigerians; who are expecting a lot from themso, they have to work harder”, he said after the 130 bills passed first reading.

Besides the bills, the also added that the 8th House had also passed more resolutions, “sometimes up to 15 at a sitting”, though most of these resolutions, unlike bills had little or no effect whatsoever.

Dogara

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Nigeria’s total debt now $64b – DMO Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Debt Management

Office (DMO) has put the total profile of Nigeria at N64 billion, dismissing fear all the same that the debt overhang will affect the national economy.

The Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr Abraham Nwankwo made this known in a submission he made to the Senate According to the submission he made to the Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, the rising debt

profile of the country will not affect the economy negatively.

He said the N1.2 trillion domestic borrowing and foreign loan of N635.88bn proposed in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for the 2016 fiscal, was also healthy for the nation’s economy.

He told the Senate that 84 percent of the entire debt profile of Nigeria was owed locally while the remaining 16 percent was foreign loan.

He also said Nigeria needs the sum of $25bn per annum continuously for

the next ten years in order to effectively tackle its infrastructural deficit.

He explained that debts owed local contractors were not part of the domestic debts quoted because their details are under the purview of the budget office of the federation, and National Planning, because they are operational debts.

The DMO boss said local contractors’ debts arose from the activities of agencies, in terms of implementation of capital expenditures.

He said, “Ordinarily

if the implementation of the budget is followed in details, there is no reason why there should be local contractors debt because it is already in the budget.

“We have been sensitising Nigerians that we need to do better because our tax GDP ratio is very low compared to countries in our debt role, their entire GDP ratio is about 18 percent whereas for Nigeria, it is about 6 percent which means that we are not being effective in collecting taxes to reflect the size of our economy.

“This has implications for debt service. Certainly there is need to be careful, even though there is space we need to relate debt service to revenue. The solution is that we have a big gap to fill because when we move upward from the 6 percent tax GDP ratio, we will have a lot of money to solve our problems including servicing our debts.

FG blames economic crunch, naira depreciation on Jonathan’s PDP govt Continued from page 6

Long queue of vehicles at the Oando filling station at Ojodu, Berger, Lagos… on Sunday.

Photo:BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Bayelsa poll: Sylva dismisses Dickson’s panel, urges INEC to declare winner Continued from page 1 Governor Dickson, who is also the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the election, to investigate the violence, mayhem and grave breach of the peace that occurred in parts of the state on or about the 3rd to 6th of December, 2015.

In a statement made available to Daily Times on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, Sylva said, “It is only an inept, directionless, and nervous governor, like Dickson, that would set up a commission of inquiry into violence that marred an election that is still ongoing, and one in which he is involved in as a key actor.”

Sylva made the statement just as he also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

to add up and announce the results from the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and declare a winner in the elections.

In a petition to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, which was copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), Sylva stated that the commission lacked the powers to cancel already concluded or on-going election.

“It is important to note that under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), there is no power either, express or implied that is vested on the Resident Electoral Commissioner, your commission or any staff whatsoever to cancel election that has commenced or concluded, in any manner as was

done in Bayelsa state. The Commission’s power, in the above is limited only to the postponement of election that has not commenced,” Sylva wrote in the letter dated 8th December 2015.

The APC candidate, however, further requested that should the commission feel “strongly that it has the powers to cancel already concluded or on-going elections,” it should also cancel the elections in Ekeremor, Sagbama Local Government Areas, Wards 4 and 5 of Yenagoa and Ward 8,9 and 10 of Nembe Local Government Areas.”

On Southern Ijaw Local Government, Sylva admitted that there was no election in the area on December 5, 2015, due to some violence.

He, however, insisted that on December 6: “election materials were distributed from Local Gov-

ernment Headquarters at Oporoma to the different ward headquarters, and elections conducted in a free and fair manner at the different polling units and results announced.

“That elections were concluded on Sunday 6th December without any reported violence from the polling units or wards either by INEC officials on the field at the units or ward level.

“That the different results from the LGAs were being collated at the state collation centre in Yenagoa from Sunday 6th to 7th December as the results were brought in by the different LGAs, and the Returning officer never reported any violence either during the election or while collation was ongoing as he had told everyone that the results of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area are still being awaited.

“For now our debt servicing GDP ratio is still very low, but we are optimistic because there is room to collect tax from the existing level of economic activities”.

On the proposed borrowing in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for the 2016 fiscal year, the DMO boss said government projection was in the right direction.

the PDP and members of the immediate past Administration who are involved in the emerging cases of looting binge to urgently return, to government coffers, the funds they have squirreled out of the commonwealth. ‘‘They are lucky that Nigerians are not as incautious as they are, otherwise they would not be able to walk around freely, not to talk of having the effrontery to fire darts at the government that inherited their rot or the people who are suffering the consequences. ‘’They looted the billions of Naira that were allocated for the fight against insur-

gency, causing many innocent and patriotic soldiers to die needlessly, yet they are not remorseful. They looted the treasury to influence the last elections, doling out money as if it was going out of fashion, yet they continue to grandstand. ‘’In the latest revelation, a Minister under the immediate past dispensation admitted to sharing 600 million Naira to six Chairmen of the Contact and Mobilization Committee of the PDP for the last general elections, 300 million Naira to an account given by aformer PDP chairman, 200 million Naira to a PDP governorship candidate and 100 million Naira to a former PDP governor.

You’re on a falsehood campaign, Okonjo-Iweala replies Oshiomhole Continued from page 6 British Pounds £5.5 million of the recovered Abacha funds to an ONSA operations account. The NSA has explained that this is to enable purchase of ammunitions; security and other intelligence equipment for the security agencies in other to enable them fully confront the ongoing Boko Haram threat. His request is sequel to the meeting you chaired with the committee on use of recovered funds where the decision was made that recovered Abacha funds would be split 5050 between urgent security needs to confront Boko Haram and development needs (including a portion for the Future Generations win-

dow of Sovereign Wealth Fund).

(2) This letter is to seek your approval to borrow these funds, for now, to disburse to the NSA. These funds form part of projected Federal Government Independent Revenue to be appropriated. In light of this and for accountability, given the peculiar nature of security and intelligence transactions, we would expect the NSA to account to your Excellency for the utilisation of the funds.

According to the attached document, the memo was signed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance and was approved on the 29 January, 2015.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 14, 2015

13 International

US, Italy Host Libya Meeting on Unity Government Plan

ÏÏÏWorld powers started meet-

ing with Libyan officials on a U.N.-backed plan that is designed to unite Libya’s fractured government, before a signing ceremony on the proposal that is set for Wednesday.

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry are leading the talks Sunday in Rome.

Libyans taking part in the talks include officials with the internationally-recognised government, as well as the rival militia alliance.

“Conflict, instability in Libya have gone on for too long,” said Kerry on Twitter. “Broad participation here reflects international support for unified, secure and stable Libya.”

Kerry and Gentiloni led a separate meeting with representatives of 17 countries, plus the United Nations, European Union, African Union and Arab League.

Libya’s rival governments are expected to formally endorse the U.N.-backed peace plan in Morocco, on Wednesday, in a bid to help the country recover from prolonged instability.

The majority of Libyans are "sick and tired" of conflict, the inability to provide governance and the growing presence of Daesh (Islamic State), said a senior State Department official.

First women elected to public office in Saudi Arabia ÏÏÏAt least two women have

won municipal council seats in Saudi Arabia's first election open to women voters and candidates.

Early results Sunday showed Salma bint Hizab al-Oteibi is the first confirmed victory for a woman running for a municipal council seat, beating out seven men and two other women for the position in Madrakah, about 150 kilometers north of Mecca.

Of the 6,440 candidates in the local elections, about 900 were woman, despite obstacles in running and registering to vote, Human Rights Watch reported. The rights watchdog said the distance to voter registration centers and required ID cards that many women do not have hindered the process.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) and Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni talk during a meeting in Rome, Italy, Dec. 13, 2015.

In a background briefing on Saturday, the official said these factors helped spur the country’s rival factions to move past their differences and consent to signing the U.N.-backed agreement on December 16. The official said the Rome meeting is to "demonstrate the full alignment" of Libya's neighbors, regional players and other members of the international community, to show support for a national accord in

Libya.

Gentiloni said the new Libyan agreement had to be "inclusive" in order to be maintained. "We cannot have a third Libyan government in exile in addition to the two parallel ones in the country," he said.

The move to lend support to Libya to help it repair its frayed government comes at a time when there is growing international concern about Islamic

State's presence in the country.

A November report by a U.N. monitoring group said the terrorist organization had 2,000 to 3,000 fighters in Libya, about half of them in the coastal city of Sirte, which has been under Islamic State control.

"The ISIL central command in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic views Libya as the best "opportunity to expand its so-called caliphate," the report said.

Obama hails climate deal as 'Best Chance' to save planet ÏÏÏPresident

Barack Obama has said that he was satisfied with the climate change agreement reached in Paris, France, as a potential turning point for the world.

“This agreement represents the best chance we’ve had to save the one planet that we’ve got,” he said on Saturday.

In an eight-minute statement, Obama said that by approving the deal, 195 nations have shown that they have both the will and the ability to take on the challenge of climate change by reducing carbon emissions and committing to a low-carbon future.

“We came together around the strong agreement the world needed. We met the moment,” the president said in the Cabinet Room of the White House.

The agreement sets a goal of keeping global warming below 2 (two) degrees Celsius and calls for the participating nations to

pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Under the deal, all nations will communicate their climate targets every five years, starting in 2020. The agreement sets up a transparency system in which countries will disclose not only carbon emissions but also the source of those emissions and what nations are doing to mitigate greenhouse gases.

Obama said as technology advances, the climate deal paves the way for more ambitious targets over time, while ensuring support for the world’s most vulnerable countries as they pursue cleaner economic growth.

“In short, this agreement will mean less of the carbon pollution that threatens our planet and more of the jobs and economic growth driven by low-carbon investment,” Obama said.

The president said U.S. leader-

ship on fighting climate change was instrumental to reaching the historic global deal.

Domestically, Obama cited U.S. investments in wind, solar and other clean energy that helped create jobs, and new nationwide standards aimed at cutting emissions from coal-fired power plants by 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. “We’ve driven our economic output to all-time highs while driving our carbon pollution down to its lowest level in nearly two decades,” he said.

Obama

Central African Republic votes on new constitution

ÏÏÏVoters in the Central Afri-

can Republic were, on Sunday, casting ballots in a referendum on a new constitution, as they seek an end to nearly three years of violence and division.

The process was disrupted in several parts of the capital, Bangui, where there were reports of gunfire and small clashes between opponents and supporters of the referendum. Some rebels have also threatened to disrupt the voting.

The new constitution calls for the creation of a Senate, limiting future presidents to two five-year terms in office, and safeguards for religious freedoms.

The United Nations mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, has been scrambling to make Sunday’s constitutional referendum happen.

The vote is seen as a key test ahead of much-delayed presidential and parliamentary polls.

Parts of the country, however, are still controlled by rebels who could disrupt voting.

MINUSCA chief Parfait Onanga Anyanga said Friday that the mission had flown more than 60 flights and transported about 100 tons of electoral materials to all the country’s 15 regional capitals in the past 48 hours.

The preparations were held up by delays in producing the constitution that Central Africans are supposed to vote on.

The C.A.R. researcher for Human Rights Watch, Lewis Mudge, told VOA his office received a copy of the 47-page document only two days ago.

"Most people who are going to be voting haven’t actually seen it," Mudge said. "Only 15,000 copies were printed and distributed around the country."

23 die in Russian hospital fire ÏÏÏ Russian officials have said

that 23 patients in a psychiatric hospital were killed on Sunday when a fire engulfed the one-story, wooden building. Another 23 patients were injured in the blaze Sunday in the southern village of Alferovka.

Emergency officials say some of the patients were elderly and were confused by the fire, hampering evacuation procedures.

Authorities say at least 30 of the patients were bedridden.

A fire at a psychiatric hospital near Moscow in April 2013 killed 38 people.

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Africa loses 148bn U.S. dollars annually due to corruption—AfDB ÏÏÏPresident, African Develop-

ment Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, says Africa loses about 148 billion U.S. dollars annually due to corruption.

Adesina, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, said corruption posed great challenge to development in Africa.

He, however, said that corruption was not unique to Africa, but a global problem. ``Africa loses about 148 billion U.S. dollars a year because of corruption; Africa also loses 60 bil-

lion U.S. dollars a year because of illegal capital flow. ``These are money that should be going into education, health, water and sanitation sectors; wherever you have massive corruption, development takes a back seat and slow things down. ``Transparency is the key; detecting corruption is important, but preventing corruption is also important, therefore it is in the interest of Africa to prevent corruption in order to boost economy and development across the continent,’’ Adesina said.

Speaking on Sustainable Fund for Africa, Adesina said that it was an initiative of the United Nations, but hosted by AfDB. He said that it was an initiative that was used in the enhancement of renewable energy.

Adesina said that Nigeria was benefiting from the initiative, adding that Nigeria can also access the fund for the renewable energy.

He said that Nigeria has a huge energy challenge, adding that the bank would be working closely with the government to tackle the

challenge.

Speaking on recent elections held in Africa, he said that Africa has done well in terms of peace, stability and democratisation. ``Without peace and stability we cannot have development, so the bank will continue to work with the Africa Union to ensure that our countries have peaceful and creditable elections. ``Because creditable election also help investors to want to put their money into Africa,’’ he said.

The president said that the bank would roll out new programmes in 2016 called ``Transformative Partnership on Energy.

He said that the programme would give Africa a clear idea of how the bank was going to light up and power Africa in 2016.

FCT residents commend minister for lighting up city Idu Jude

Abuja

ÏÏÏResidents

of the Federal Capital Territory have lauded efforts of the newly appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Mohammed Bello, in chasing darkness out of the city centre within the shot time of assumption of office.

Driving within the city centre and other suburbs in the night before now was quiet endangering due to lack of street light as well as traffic lights for the control of traffic.

The commendation came from commercial vehicle operators and traffic warders.

Mr. Innocent Shitu, a cab driver told the Daily Times that the Minister has shown the sign of change which the Buhari administration preaches. He said that previous administration as well as the Transport Secretariat of the FCT lacked the administrative will to make traffic lights and streetlights work effectively.

His words: "I have been driving in this town about sixteen years now. What has been the problem of urbanisation is the political will to sustain and maintain government initiatives. What we see here is new Government, a different style of programme implementation" He said that driving Abuja at night supposed to be fun if the original Abuja master plan is respected. "This is Nigeria's capital city for God's sake. With the original plan, it will have the feature of other world capital cities like Madrid of Spain, Cairo of Egypt, Berjin of China, etc".

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammed; Director General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii; Chief Executive Officer, ACIOE Associates, Mr. Ekenem Isichei and Brand Manager, Oral B, Aliza Leferink, at the 2015 National Oral Health Week held in Abuja… recently.

Shun purveyors of hatred and violence -Lai Moh’d Tom Okpe Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Minister of Information

and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on religious leaders to provide an alternative narration to the distortion of religion that has misled some deranged people to hide under its cover to perpetrate evil.

Alhaji Mohammed made the call in Abuja on Thursday during a forum organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for religious leaders to articulate strategies for sustainable peace in the country.

In the words of the Minister: "You, our religious leaders, cannot and must not cede the turf to purveyors of hatred and violence.

If we put our nation and its unity and development first, then we will have no place for behaviours

that run contrary to the national interest".

The Minister insisted that religious leaders had a duty to highlight the pristine and unadulterated version of Christianity and Islam by reminding all the adherents of both faith that none of them preaches hatred and violence.

According to Mohammed, top on the list of these roles to be performed by the religious leaders is the need to de-radicalise those who have been exposed to extremist and violent view of religion, especially in the North-East.

The Information minister expressed optimism that the involvement of critical stakeholders in the peace conversation will deepen and consolidate the gains of all peace building efforts by concerned agencies of government.

"This conversation today with

religious leaders therefore comes at a moment when we desperately need to maximize the input of our religious leaders and religious bodies toward national cohesion," he remarked.

The Minister restated the unflinching resolve and determination of the present administration to end the insurgency in the NorthEast and called for the support and cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve lasting peace.

Lai

2015 Ovation Carol gets comprehensive Glo support

ÏÏÏThe 2015 edition of

the annual Ovation Carol scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos has received comprehensive support from Next Generation Network, Globacom.

To headline this year's Ovation Carol is one of America's living music legends, Evelyn Champagne King and one of the most illustrious and philosophical musicians Africa has ever produced, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi.

They will be joined by Glo brand ambassadors, Ayo Balogun popularly known as Wizkid, Omawumi Megbele and other top rated African musicians who have promised to give Nigerians and other international guests attending the event a memorable yuletide.

“In line with our tradition of adding value to worthwhile ventures, we are sponsoring the Ovation Carol to celebrate African music, fashion and culture. We have particularly chosen to support the Ovation Carol because we share the noble objective of the organizers of the Carol to use the platform not only to give sublime entertainment at this time of the year but more importantly to raise funds for various charity initiatives. It aligns with our avowed commitment to ensuring mirth for others in this season of goodwill to mankind”, Globacom said in a statement.

Injustice in Nigeria, affecting growth – MSSN Sodiq Adekunle

ÏÏÏThe Muslim Students Soci-

ety of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit has expressed concern over the increasing indecency and injustice in the country.

This, the group said while stating that plans has been concluded to hold the100th Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) camp on the Human Capital Development Centre (HCDC), Epe between December 21, 2015 and January 1st 2016.

The President (Amir) of the MSSN Lagos, Mallam Saheed Ashafa, said this at a press conference organised to herald the camping programme on Sunday.

According to him, the camp is expected to have no fewer than 5,000 delegates that are expected to be empowered spiritually and academically through soul inspiring lectures, motivational discussion on character building and memorisation of Quran among others.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

15 Opinion

Buhari and his many burdens

B Aloy Ejimakor

arely seven months after his inauguration, President Buhari has been reeling from one national burden to the other. Yet, the sheer enormity of these many burdens have largely gone unnoticed in the midst of the base politics that has formed the hallmark of the public debate. This is not to say that a few people – deep, patriotic and sensible have not shown some appreciation of the magnitude of the many demons the President has had to confront since his coming. Sadly, this robs the public of a sensible critique of public policies, geared to guiding, not browbeating, the President.

Having taken stock of the foregoing, I decided to do this piece as my lone-wolf attempt to redirect the attention of Nigerians to the unprecedented magnitude of what this President is actually dealing with. It is not a praise-song, as each paragraph will come with no-bones, hard-nosed recommendation. They are: One – Corruption – yes, corruption in its worst ramifications is what has become of Nigeria. Never in the history of Nigeria have we witnessed mass revelations of brazen corrupt acts as we are now witnessing. In addition, the President has told us

that a good number of the looters are returning their loots. The President deserves kudos for this, not taunts or some duplicitous lecture on rule of law. In addition, we all need to encourage the toughness and gusto with which he is pursuing the culprits.

My recommendation, though, is: The President should, despite the push-backs, escalate the ongoing hot-pursuits while rueing the merits of his campaign-trail promises of amnesty to any looter that turnedin his loot. Moreover, the President should be mindful of the demerits of proceeding with publication of the names of looters that made restitution. The grim prospects of publication may discourage those still sitting on the fence.

Two – Boko Haram; The President hit the ground running, evidenced by the symbolic relocation of Army headquarters to the Northeast; and the many gains security forces have made. Yet, it appears that a few people have made a business of looking to any setback, no matter how minuscule, to taunt the President and deride the sacrifices of our security forces.

This is sad. I will recommend the President takes a harder look on intelligence-gathering and sources of Boko Haram funding; and bringing to swift justice all the Boko

Haram elements now in custody.

Three, bailout for states. This one best exemplified President Buhari’s neo-credentials as a benevolent leader, if not a political economist of the realist kind. Moreover, he was even-handed to boot – doling out cash lifelines to both PDP and APC controlled states, alike. To be sure, Buhari’s swift intervention ensured that these states were saved from the grim spectre of bankruptcy.

But the President, as the paymaster, should immediately demand an accounting to ensure that the bailout funds were judiciously applied.

Four, Biafra. As regrettable and condemnable as the loss of innocent lives is, the President must be commended for not ordering a ‘military’ response. I say this because an otherwise lily-livered or clannish President would have panicked and ordered a military crackdown in the face of the unprecedented levels of the recent demonstrations. Buhari appeared to have acknowledged the right of the people to protest, if not their right to demand self-determination peaceably.

My recommendation: Set up a presidential inquiry on the Onitsha head-bridge killings of protesters; and quickly address the marginalisation of Igbos. Following this path will surely win the ‘Biafrans’ over

for now. The resurgence of Biafra is driven is a rising frustration of the Igbo that they are not part of the Nigerian project.

Five – the dwindling foreign exchange value of the Naira. Here, you cannot blame the President because Naira’s value is tied to the quantum of foreign exchange from sale of our oil. It is beyond anybody’s control as the price of oil continues to plummet. If anybody should be blamed, it’s the previous administrations that failed to diversify our economy despite the many opportunities.

Better yet, I will recommend that the President should task his economic managers to come up with a more predictable exchange rate policy that will be less prone to oil price shocks. For investor comfort, the President should avoid any appearance of interference with CBN policy on the Naira.

In conclusion, let me say these: As we watch and criticize Buhari’s policies, let us all be mindful that we are all stuck in the Nigerian project together. Therefore, it is our collective duty to criticise sensibly and offer creative or alternative suggestions that will best serve the nation’s interest. Haranguing Buhari will not cut it. Buhari is not the issue; Nigeria is.

Oshiomhole: State governor or labour leader?

A

Denzel Chukwudinma

dams Aliyu Oshiomhole is a popular name among the poor and indigent in the country. This is consequent on his popularity when he was President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

Oshiomhole came to limelight when as a labour leader; he fought the anti-people policies of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. Before then, Oshiomhole had been in the trenches fighting for the rights of the Nigerian workers. Adams Oshiomhole was once a threat to factories that treat their workers in inhuman manner.

He was everywhere at that time, I remember when he visited Texlon on LSDPC Compound in Amuwo-Odofin in 1995, to issue a warning to the owners of that company to desist from “casualisation” of their workers and stop every inhuman treatment.

Workers saw Oshiomhole as their hero; they had waited for, to salvage them from the claws of their taskmasters who wanted them to work without pay. Oshiomhole was a compassionate, amiable and respected leader at the time.

His exploits earned him a place as the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Among other

achievements, Oshiomhole negotiated a 25 percent wage increase for public workers.

Because of this achievement, he was re-elected for a second tenure that lasted another four years, from 2003 to 2007. During his second term, the NLC president was on the side of the indigents and the poor. He showed up and faced what people feared the most – a former dictator turned president in a democratic dispensation. He led strikes and demonstrations against the unilateral increase in price of petroleum products.

The exploits of the former labour leader positioned him as a hero in the mind of the ordinary Nigerian. It is a pity that Oshiomhole’s exploits as a labour leader were a ploy to acquire power and fame. The true character of this labour leader began to show as soon as he became governor of Edo State.

As governor, Oshiomhole began implementing anti-people policies.

His philosophy changed, he no longer recognised the difference between the rich and the poor. The proverb of Euripedes a Greek poet became true in his case. Euripedes was of the opinion that “When a man’s stomach is full, it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor.”

Having eaten with the government

of the then Yar’Adua administration as the number one citizen of Edo State, Oshiomhole’s stomach became full to the point he forgot about the poor and indigent worker earning N8, 500 as monthly wage at that time. He became anti-people in his approach to governance, taking sides with the government.

When President Jonathan hiked the fuel price, Oshiomhole was silent all through the strike, but resurfaced as an appointee to negotiate on the side of government with then Labour President and the TUC. Oshiomhole became a voice speaking for the government.

The same Oshiomhole, after eating fat on the side of the government, came out to discredit the same path that made him. The villain turned politician now uses his office to make reckless statements. He said that the same NLC, which has been the congress championing the cause for a better future for the Nigerian workers, failed in their responsibilities because the body refused to play politics.

It was a shock to know that the former labour leader has become the opposite of what he believed. He stopped paying of state workers salaries, and would clamp down on anyone who dared to speak out. On July 1, 2015,

it was reported that the NLC in Edo State threatened to go on strike, if the state government refused to pay the workers’ salaries. Thousands of aggrieved local government employees being owed by the state government for more than eight months marched to the state secretariat along James Watts Street, in Benin City, the to make their voices heard.

Oshiomhole’s clueless style of governance led him to request for a World Bank loan, which was rejected

by Okonjo-Iweala who advised against leaving Edo State in heavy debt. The governor did not take it kindly, as he took to the media spreading all sorts of propaganda against Okonjo-Iweala for refusing to stamp the fraudulent loan request.

Recently, the former union leader shocked Nigerians when he took a new wife. Oshiomhole celebrated an elaborate wedding not minding that the lady in question, Iara Fortes, is about the age of his daughter.

Oshiomhole did not stop there as he took to the media saying he met Iara a virgin. What a shame!

It is so clear that the priorities of Adams Oshiomhole have changed having tasted power, money and fame.

It is a pity that the Adams we knew as labour leader is different from Oshiomhole turned politician.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

17

18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Features Æ s

Why the Biafra dream may remain elusive

Map of Biafra The fresh agitation for the elusive Republic of Biafra is on the front burner of stakeholders and political analysts. GOD’S COVENANT SNR today presents some views and reasons across the board why the dream failed the first time and the worry that the agitation will reopen old wounds that no balm may be found to soothe.

Reviewing the genesis of the Biafran story and the continuing agitation for the elusive Republic, political analyst, lawyer and cleric, Barrister Godwin Patrick James of Citadel Chambers in Lagos reaffirms that the that the Biafran course was a rebellion.

“Rebellion is what you do against existing structure; when it

succeeds, it becomes a revolution.

For a revolution to succeed from rebellion the leader must carry all people concerned along. Nobody can succeed in bringing about a revolution without having the full backing of everyone who has a stake in its outcome.”

Stating categorically that the Biafran project failed because of sabotage within, James explains the intricacy of the plot: “What triggered off the Ojukwu rebellion was that the Ibos were killed and Ojukwu sympathized with his people directly and they decided to opt out of the existing structure. What he didn’t consider was that the declaration of Biafra was not about Ibos alone; it included the Rivers and the then

What Ojukwu didn’t consider was that the declaration of Biafra was not about Ibos alone: it included the Rivers and the then Cross River people, but Ibos looked at it as purely an Ibo affair; there wasn’t enough education as to what the Cross River and the Rivers people stand to benefit, if any – GP James Cross Rivers but Ibos looked at it as purely an Ibo affair. There wasn’t enough education as to what the Cross Rivers and the Rivers people stand to benefit.”

Though his views may be contrary to Ndigbo as a people being an Aqua Ibomite, Nze Chidi Mbanefo who came to Umudim with an 11 man team from Amechi

in Enugu State to mourn Ojukwu during his interment did not disagree with the lawyer.

“I was in that war from the beginning and I know now that the attitude of we Ibos who were actually affected and whom the non Ibos sympathised with did not show that we need these people as partners and there wasn’t any

effort to even educate them as to the agenda they (the Ojukwu team) were following.

“There was this tendency that we saw the Biafra cessation as a conquest; like to say ‘we Ibos have been living in the North now let us carve out our own, not only us alone we’ll take the Rivers and the others.’

“Ojukwu was young and his decision was made in response to the grief we Ibos found ourselves in, but in the issue of succeeding he needed to articulate his ideas to the Rivers people and the then Cross River people as to what they stand to benefit and how their individual entity as a people will be protected and preserved.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

19 Features

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

“But the manifestation of that time showed that the Biafra concept did not consider them as being entitled to that individual entity and rights; the cessation gave every impression that they (River and Cross River people) will be consumed and taken over by what was then looked upon as an all Ibo project.

“I remember that when Biafran soldiers took over their places, their leaders were detained and able bodied men were commandeered and forced into the Biafra armed forces; also, they were commanded they must fight for the Biafran course.

“With that fear in mind, the people in River and Cross River states were determined and looking forward to how they will be saved from this particular position which they saw as something that will put them in perpetual bondage; and it became the opening way through which Nigerian soldiers were invited and they infiltrated into Biafra.

“Remember that they entered from Calabar and the Rivers people were giving them cover and succor while the people inside were giving information outside, so the heavy sabotage based on fear of self preservation and existence, some people from Rivers, and Cross Rivers now weakened the strength of the Biafra course because it was not a battle that was fought by the whole zone that were carved out to be Biafra or the former Eastern region.”

A Nanka based professor who asked for anonymity because of his position in the Ndigbo front agreed that the idea Ojukwu had was not sold to people who were outside the caucus.

“Captain Effiong and Okokondem (both of whom were of the opposing region) would have understood what Ojukwu’s agenda was all about, but time was not on their side to enlighten the greater majority - and the military might both men had was so limited.

“They were also limited in funds and in trained personnel; people who applied were traders who had to be brushed up and sent forth the next day, so the machinery to sell the idea to people was not there.

Therefore, the people that were part and parcel of the area that was carved out to be Biafra did not understand what the whole thing was about; all they understood was that Ibos have taken over their territory!”

Another loophole surfaced when Biafra lost international support. Barrister James pinned it to genuine complaints from nonIbo communities and that caught

Barrister P.G James

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

Ojukwu didn’t know whom to trust; there were enemies all around - Chief Okafor We in the West didn’t forget how the Ibos came and won elections in the West and in the so called Wild West before our eyes. We were aware too that the Ibo man, by his nature, does not accept leadership - so there will be too many conflicts in the long run if we joined forces with them – Oba Tinuosho-Joshua the sympathy of Britain and the international community.

“In the beginning, Biafra had international support because Ibos were being massacred in the North; the traditional universal acceptability that every group is entitled to their self-determination based on those fundamental things which is part of the universal human right and so on were the factors.

“But when they started hearing of killings, detention and forcing none Ibo people into the Biafra army; complaints of forced labour coming from people who were not of the pure Ibo stock gave Britain and the international community a

rethink.

“Especially also, there was this suspicion that this thing may not be outside the Igbo’s intent to corner all the oil wells that’s in the Rivers that are the potential source of the nation’s wealth: that was why the people that were supporting the Biafran course were no more of the British regime but were of the Cot ‘Devour and the French stock.

“Of course, this brought some coloration because at that time, the killings of Ibos in the North had stopped, so the questions Biafra leaders could not answer was, what do you want to get now that they’re no longer killing your people?”

It would be recalled that In his

Child victims of the Biafra struggle book, You must set forth at dawn, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka tried to persuade Ojukwu to fine tune the project Biafra to examine the issues and expand it to cover a wider interest because if that is the structure, the Yorubas can also join in the cessation because what was happening to Ibos then could as well happen to the Yorubas or any tribe at all.

“Chief Chukadibia Okafor who raised this point at Igwe Orizu’s palace pointed out that because the Ojukwu’s agenda was not wide enough, it held no appeal to none Ibos in the same old Eastern region and that accounts for why the cessation failed.”

But Okafor saw reasons why CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

To be truthful, most of them were not interested in the war – Nze Patrick CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Ojukwu needed to be secretive in keeping his agenda close to his heart.

“Ojukwu didn’t know whom to trust; there were enemies all around and he did not have enough time on hand to begin to evaluate Wole Soyinka or the Western Nigeria’s real intention; so he decided to follow that narrow path by keeping his true vision to himself - but it backfired because after a time, they were beclouded with lack of personnel, lack of support and lack of funds compounded with the sheer lack of logistics of even understanding how to cover the wider area outside the real identified true Ibo stock; so all these complications brought in things that caused everybody to say look, let’s bring this thing to an end.”

The sympathy everyone is now attaching to his demise is that people are now beginning to look at the ideas that Ojukwu fought for without looking at the means he wanted to implement it. It was actually the means that wrought a lot of issues and misunderstandings. Of course the idea has always been good; but Nze Patrick Onyekwere who survived the Biafra war has an inner knowledge of why the cessation failed.

“Even we Ibos at home when the war was declared were not fully given to the cessation idea anyway.

True we didn’t like the killing of our people and all that but we didn’t have the full reasons of how we will govern ourselves as a Republic.

“Also a lot of our people living outside who were forced to return home were actually coming to the East to stay for the first time; they have lived outside the Ibo land for a very long time with some of them born in their second generation in the North so they themselves are in a way strangers even to the Biafra course.

“To be truthful most of them were not interested in the war; they desired to go back to their normal lives in the place they have been all their lives. They’ve lost contact with people they’re used to; they’ve lost funds, lost their different trades so even before the war made any head way they became war weary so soon and they wanted this thing to change; so the sabotage was not necessarily from the Rivers or Cross Rivers alone but from within

Obafemi Awolowo

Nnamdi Azikiwe

A lot of our people living outside who were forced to return home were actually coming to the East to stay for the first time; they have lived outside the Ibo land for a very long time with some of them born in their second generation in the North so they themselves are in a way strangers even to the Biafra cause – Nze Onyekwere our people inside.”

An air force personnel who was at Udi airstrip when the war was called off, Captain Gideon Ikeguonu revealed that the power struggle started even among the Biafrans as to who should be close to Ojukwu and who will be in charge; that’s why there were executions even within the Biafrans.

“Remember that a tribunal was set up and some officers were executed because it was believed that they wanted to sabotage the Biafran dream; so there was internal conflict from the onset.”

It was thought that pro-

Independent founding fathers like the first Executive Governor of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo who were alive and very much around would have intervened but it was not to be.

Barrister James explained why it couldn’t work: “Azikiwe has been a nationalist all his life; when the Northerners wanted to go and hinted Awolowo to let them join, there’s no way Azikiwe would have bought the idea even when he sympathised with those that were killed but by his upbringing, by his nature and by his thought, he could not have

received the idea of the Ibos cutting out of Nigeria.

“In any case, it was not feasible that Ojukwu would have factored Zik in as an effective factor in the dream of Biafra as he perceived it knowing Zik’s kind of pedigree.

Although some people thought the man had foreseen there was going to be war and he ran away and all that, but that is neither here nor there; but the way the Biafra project was executed, it was unlikely they would have been able to factor in Azikiwe to play a role.”

Some pre and post independent generation of Yorubas who spoke to on the subject said they (the Yorubas) adopted the wait-and-see approach so that if the Biafran cessation succeeded, they will also opt out of the federal regional structure.

Oba Samuel Tinuosho-Joshua, the Paramount ruler of Ifo felt that at the time Ojukwu declared the Biafran war, there already existed distrust among leaders in the Southern regions.

“I remember that NNCC and Action Group had seen a lot of mistrust of carpet crossing in the West; there was no love lost between them politically and that was why the West did not join their Eastern Southerners to support their cessation. Their true position was that, Yoruba leaders decided to let the Ibos go and let us be careful because if the Ibos succeed they may want to take over our own region too.

“We in the West didn’t forget how the Ibos came and won elections in the West and in the so called Wild West before our eyes.

“We were aware too that the Ibo man, by his nature, does not accept leadership - so there will be too many conflicts in the long run if we joined forces with them.”

The conclusion of the whole matter is that, the Igbo man is a democrat all by himself and that makes them a difficult people to even agree on any matter as one.

To be concluded

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

PREMIER SHINING STARS UNITY CLUB OF NIG.

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ASSOCIATION OF TRANQUILITY ADVOCATES FOR CHANGE AND SOCIO-COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF JOSEPH OKOH ARCHIBONG 2. DR. HENRY OKOH ARCHIBONG - CHAIRMAN 3. MRS. VICTORIA EFANGA ARCHIBONG 4. IDIONGO OKOH ARCHIBONG - SECRETARY 5. NKEME ARCHIBONG AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE EDUCATIONAL AND CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AMONG YOUTHS IN OUR SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. DR. AYUK EGIGE SUNDAY - CHAIRMAN 2. HON. DR MARTINS OKOJI 3. COMRADE RAJI OYEWUMI RASHEED 4. HAJIYA HAJARA UMAR MOHAMMAD 5. IMAMUDDEEN BAKO ISA - SECRETARY 6. BARR. EKWUNIFE BLESSING UZOAMAKA 7. JACOB DANLAMI LATA 8. OLADEJO HAFIZ OLAKUNLE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ASSIST THE POOR AND THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SOCIETY FOR THE DEVELPLOMENT OF AFRICAN OCEANS & SEAS ENVIRONMENT THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZAK OGAR AWUNA 3. OGAR CRYSTAL TAWO

2. HELEN UBOM 4. ANGELA AZIBA AWUNA OJEKPA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote and encourage social activities that would promote the development of aquaculture, coastland maritime tourism, marine biotechnology, marine transportation and any other sector related to the ocean and sea environment.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. EKWUNIFE BLESSING 07038948697

NETWORK FOR CHANGE, PEACE AND SOCIO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AMINU ABUBAKAR GWANDU 2. GEN. OLABA GBENGA 3. COMRADE MUSTAPHA BABA 4. IBRAHIM BABA HASSAN 5. ABIGAIL UKAH

- CHAIRMAN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote peaceful co-habitation in the community ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. EKWUNIFE BLESSING 07038948697

SIGNED: BOSE URHIBO ESQ 07038948697

SIGNED: BARR. EKWUNIFE BLESSING 07038948697

TAX ACADEMICS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

LIFE IN ITS FULLEST TABERNACLE

CHRIST LIGHTWAY CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL.

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

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVENAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 2004.

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

TRUSTEES: 1. DR ABIOLA OLAITAN SANNI 2. DR ISAAC CHIAWOLAM NWAOGWUGWU 3. OLATUNDE JULIUS OTUSANYA

NAME OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. VEYAN SYLVESTER- LEAD PASTOR 2. OMORODION TINA EVBAKOE-SECRETARY 3. AFEKHIKU VINCENT OMOKHAFE-TREASURER 4. VEYAN JULIUS AGBERIA-MEMBER

AIM OF THE BODY ARE: 1. To foster Socio-economic development, unity, health and well being of members and the people 2. To develop blueprint for the diversification of the nation’s economy through taxation 3. To contribute to the development of National budget and Fiscal matter

1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the world 2. To establish and maintain churches, fellowship center and missions in and outside Nigeria 3. To train, ordain and certify ministers for the purpose of spreading the gospel 4. To establish and maintain parochial bible institutions and other religious oriented school.

5. To enhance and promote a sense of understanding and mutual co-operation among Christians irrespective of their denomination affiliation.

6. To engage in social and community activities by establishing and maintaining social facilities for the needy.

7. To do all legitimate things that will enhance the fulfillment and the attainment of the above objectives.

8. To establish and operate printing press, bookshops in order to enhance and promote the gospel.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed Peterson Emmanuel ESQ

ATMOSPHERE FOR GOOD CONDUCT FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OKEY CHARLES OKWUEGO. 2.IKECHUKWU SAMUEL OKAFOR

- CHAIRMAN. - SECRETARY.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS FOR LESS PRIVIEDGED, DISABLED PERSON,YOUTHS,WOMEN AND ELDERLY ONES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT H 20, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED Barr Okwuego Charles Okey.

OKEY OKWUEGO & ASSOCIATES Suite 323 Anbeez Plaza Wuse 5. ABUJA.

ACCREDITED WASTE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION EDO STATE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. IRIOGBE EHIMARE EMMANUEL (CHAIRMAN).

2. NEHIKHARE OSAGIE ( SECRETARY) 3. EMOEDUMHE LINUS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF HER MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES :

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

TRUSTEES. 1. IMMANUEL OLUKAYODE ADEGBOYEGA. 2. IMMANUEL ABIMBOLA ABIGAEL. 3. ALAKABA OLANREWAJU ISMAILA. 4. ROGHO AKPOIDOLORE. AIMS. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Signed: TRUSTEES

Signed. MBADUGHA AYOBA Esq

81 DIVISION GREEN BERET FOOTBALL CLUB

T’LOB CARE FOUNDATION

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

TRUSTEES: 1. MAJOR GENERAL ISIBOR HENRY EDET. - CHAIRMAN. 2. BRIGADIER GENERAL AKINBOBOLA. ALEXANDRA OJAJUNE. 3. COLONEL ADEBISI OLUWASESAN. IDOWU KALEJAIYE. 4. COLONEL TAMARAUBRAKAEMI SAMSON NURSEMAN. - SECRETARY AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To foster peace and unity among members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed:: Barr. GRACE INIKPI EDOGBO.

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) AGBOJO ADEDOTUN SAMUEL PRESIDENT (2) UBANI MONDAY ONYEKACHI VICE - PRESIDENT (3) AWELE OSADEBE SECRETARY (4) AGBOJO EVELYN ITOHAN MEMBER (5) IGE OLUFUNSHO AKINTUNDE MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIONS 1. TO HELP TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF PRISONERS WHO ARE WRONGLY INCARCERATED. 2. TO ARRANGE FOR FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO THE PRISONERS AT THE AWAITING TRIAL. 3. TO AMELIORATE THE SUFFERINGS OF PRISONERS THROUGH GOOD WELFARE PACKAGE. 4. TO REACH OUT TO THE POOR AND THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY. 5. TO SUPPORT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, PROMOTE SELF- EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTHS AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUTREACH THROUGH BENEFICIAL PROJECTS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWADED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATION AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: CAJETAN AMASIKE ESQ.

ADEKUNLE FAJUYI EDUCATION TRUST

RIGHTEOUSNESS IN LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

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

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

TRUSTEES ARE 1. DONALD FEMI FAJUYI 2.MONICA ADESOLA OLAJUYIGBE(NEE FAJUYI) 3. VICTOR BAMIDELE OLADOKUN 4.LOUISA AGUIYI- IRONSI AYONOTE.

TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR IFIOK SYLVESTER EFFIONG 2. MRS ANGELA NNENA EFFIONG

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. THE OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO CARRY OUT ACTIVITIES TOWARDS ENSURING THAT CHILDREN OF SLAIN SOLDIERS HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION. 2. TO SPONSOR AND/OR PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TOWARDS QUALITY EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN OF SLAIN SOLDIERS 3. TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE OF FAMILIES OF SLAIN SOLDIERS ESPECIALLY WITH REGARD TO EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE RIGHTEOUSNESS, TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY, HONESTY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND FINANCIAL PROBITY IN GOVERNANCE. 2. TO PROMOTE MORALITY AND THE FEAR OF GOD AMONGST POLITICIANS AND OTHERS ENTRUSTED WITH LEADERSHIP POSITION.

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

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Newa 22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Ekiti airport project: Land owners in court, seek N650m damages Abiodun Nejo Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ

Farmers and owners of the expanse of land on which Ekiti State government proposes to construct an airport have headed for court over alleged “unlawful and forcible acquisition” of their land.

The farmers and landowners said that the agents of the state government forcibly entered their land without any prior notice on October 2 and subse-

quent occasions to clear and remove economic trees, crops and buildings, actions which they described as “illegal, unconstitutional, violation of their fundamental human rights and provisions of the Land Use Act 1978”.

In a suit, HAD/71/2015, filed before an Ado Ekiti High Court, the plaintiffs - Faluyi Ayeni, Tunde Ademiluyi, Faturoti Simeon, Awe Ojo, Oladimeji Ojo, Oloniyi Agbadaola, Moses Ojo, Fabiyi Oso, and Julius Oso-sued for themselves

and on behalf of farmers and land owners of four communities affected by the proposed airport project.

The communities are Igbogun farm settlement, Igbemo farm settlement, Iwajo farm settlement and Aso Ayegunle spanning three local government areas of Ado, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Gbonyin.

The defendants in the matter, according to the Originating Summons filed by the counsel to the plaintiffs, Ayodeji

Makanjuola Esan, made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Sunday are the state governor, Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Among others, they are seeking an order for the payment, jointly and severally by the defendants to the claimants the sum of N650 million being general damages for the unlawful entry, damaging, re-

NSCDC warns infrastructure vandals to keep off Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has warned critical infrastructures vandals in the country to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Gana, last weekend, warned that any persons conducting vandalization of critical infrastructures within the country should

steer clear, saying the corps will deal decisively with any culprit in accordance with its vested power.

The Commandant General said that the Corps was created by an Act of Parliament and saddled with responsibility of protecting the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure and National Assets, which include among others, protection of petroleum pipelines, gas installations, telecommunication facilities, transport

facilities such as rails, and roads.

“I just want to remind the vandals that vandalising critical infrastructures of government is a criminal offence and I want to tell them to desist because defenders are watching them and would not sit down and watch people doing that.

“The NSCDC is on alert and we are going to go after them. In fact, if they don’t desist from the crime, they

will face the wrath of the law. That is the Corps resolution,” he said.

The NSCDC boss, issuing the warning, said the Civil Defence would not relent in the pursuit of President Buhari’s change policy and would continue to ensure safe haven for obedience citizens of the nation.

Gana declared that the NSCDC was ever prepared to deal with those caught in the nefarious act without recourse.

moval of economic crops, destruction of buildings, huts, storage sheds and general trespass on their parcels of land.

They are also seeking an order of injunction restraining the state government, its agents, servants, assigns, labourers, workmen or whosoever from forcibly entering, trespassing, coercing, intimidating, harassing, threatening or in any manner whatsoever from gaining access to their farms and landed properties.

The applicants are also seeking an order of injunction restraining the state government and its agents from further removing, harvesting, cropping, clearing or otherwise damaging their economic crops, buildings and chattels.

They want a court declaration that the purported revocation of their Right of Occupancy to their re-

spective parcels of land vide the Notice of Revocation captioned “Land Use Act 1978, Land required for the service of the Government of Ekiti State of Nigeria is unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal, null and void and consequently ineffectual to divest them of their rights to their respective parcels of land.”

They also want the Court to determine whether the Notice of Revocation titled “Land Use Act 1978, Land required for the service of the Government of Ekiti State of Nigeria” dated the 18th day of September, 2015 and signed by the governor has any legal value and is not otherwise null, void and of no effect, for reason of non-compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the provisions of the Land Use Act 1978.

FG to implement tech transfer initiative in 2016 Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏFederal

government is set to introduce a Technology Transfer Initiative that would encourage friendly countries that have competency and capability in Science and

Technology to come to Nigeria, invest and help develop local competencies in early 2016.

It also assured that enabling environment will be created for such investors so that they would have adequate returns for their investments and reap commensurate re-

wards for their efforts.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu stated this when he received the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Alfonso Barnuejo Sabastin in his office in Abuja.

According to the minister, Nigeria has a cor-

dial and long standing relationship with Spain even as he invited Spain to take advantage of Nigeria’s plan to diversify its economy and the various opportunities it presents, in view of the vast and abundant non-oil mineral resources available in the country.

ENDURANCE UNVEBHO AYEVERA

LASISI AKEEM DAMILOLA

OKUNOLA AKEEM ADESAYO

ADEWUMI OLUWAFEMI RUFUS

I, formerly known and addressed as ENDURANCE OMORUYI RICHARD now wished to be known and addressed as ENDURANCE UNVEBHO AYEVERA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formarly known as AKEEM ODUTAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as LASISI AKEEM DAMILOLA. All former documents remian valid. The general public take note.

I formarly known as OLOWOFE TAIWO SAMUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OKUNOLA AKEEM ADESAYO, all former documents remian valid the general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEWUMI OLUWAFEMI MOSES now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWUMI OLUWAFEMI RUFUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OHILEBO JOY JUDITH

MRS VICTORY ONYEKACHI JOSEPH UDO

AVBENAKE CORDELIA OGECHI

ANTHONIA AMARACHUKWU ENEMMUO

I, formerly known and addressed as OKENIMKPE JOY JUDITH now wished to be known and addressed as OHILEBO JOY JUDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as miss victory onyekachi joseph udo now wish to be known and addressed as mrs VICTORY ONYEKACHI JOSEPH UDO. All former documents remain valid. and. The general public please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIDIEBERE-NWAOLE CORDELIA OGECHI now wish to be known and addressed as AVBENAKE CORDELIA OGECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ANTHONIA AMARACHI UDORJI now wish to be known and addressed as ANTHONIA AMARACHUKWU ENEMMUO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Fayose

TREASURED WORD FROM ZION GOSPEL CENTRE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR ESIN JOHNSON UKOH -VISION BEARER 2. MRS OSAFILE BRENDA CHUKWUDUBEM -MEMBER 3. PASTOR ESIN GODWIN UKO -SECRETARY 4. SUNDAY AKPAN -MEMBER 5. SULEIMAN IJELI SOLOMON OGBOLE -MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of Christ all over the world.

2. To take care of the welfare of its members.

3. To establish Local Branches for the propagation of the Gospel worldwide.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR. EZUGWU OLIVIA SOLICITOR 08068892903

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

FG urged to harness Diaspora technology expertise Mathew Dadiya

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to mobilise and harness the technical expertise and resources of its citizens, especially those in the Diaspora to promote socio-economic development of the country, in line with global best practice.

A former Under-SecretaryGeneral and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations made the call, in Abuja, while delivering a keynote address on the subject: “The Role of the Diaspora in Nigeria’s Development”, at the Association of Nigeria-

Buhari

America Professionals In Nigeria (ANAPIN) Global Best Practice Award banquet.

Gambari said that Nigerians in the Diaspora who had acquired skills and expertise in the educational sector should be encouraged to return home to make their own contributions in the revival of the decaying educational system to give Nigerian children a very strong foundation for the future of the continent.

According to the former UN scribe, Diaspora represents one of the contemporary global forces shaping the directions and trends of this century, which makes it very important for the Nigerian government to partner and join forces with the Diaspora in its development efforts.

Nigerian government must encourage its citizens abroad to use their networking, acting as consultants for their country’s need, adding that Nigerian Diaspora in

collaboration with their home government can use their expertise to assist the poor farmers sustain themselves for the rural economy, he said.

Gambari, who is also the Chairman and founder of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, further called on the government to take advantage of the huge presence of Nigerian Diaspora residing in such powerful political centres like London, Paris, New York, Wahington D.C., amongst other major cities across the world, where policy decisions were made.

“In this regard, the government should for the removal of the major obstacles that hinder their full engagement in development. Nigerian government must, as a matter of urgency, address the issue of poor infrastructure that would challenge the Nigeria Diaspora’s readiness to contribute to the country’s development.

L-R: Secretary General, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Ralphael Madu; Bishop of Zaria Diocese, Most Rev. George Dodo and Executive Secretary, Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, during the 60th Birthday and 32rd Priestly Ordination celebration of Rev. Fr. Ralphael Madu, held in Abuja… on Sunday. Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Nigeria can’t continue to depend on oil, gas – Buhari Sunday Nwakanma

Umuahia ÏÏÏIn view of the economic crunch facing the countries of the world occasioned by the falling price of oil in the international market, it is no longer viable for Nigeria to depend on crude oil and gas exports as its major revenue earners.

The President and Visitor to Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU), Umuahia, Abia State, Muhamadu Buhari stated this in Umuahia on the occasion of the 7th convocation of the university, pointing out that emphasis must be placed

on the agricultural sector of the economy for her to become one of the world’s largest twenty economies by 2020. Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Education (State), Anthony Anwuka, expressed his happiness that MOUAU had since its last convocation continued to grow “in leaps and bounds, especially in the past four years”, under Prof. Hillary Odo Edeoga as its Vice-Chancellor.

He said that it was the good quality and high standard of education Nigeria was able to give to its children that would assure the country of a bright future and encouraged private organisations to join

hands with his administration in forging partnerships with the universities, especially in funding research and scholarships, and pledged to work with all relevant stakeholders to improve upon the education sector.

Buhari expressed gratitude that all public universities in the country, federal and state alike, were much better off now, following the recent financial releases made to them in line with the needs assessment and expressed his hope that “most tertiary institutions will be able to develop their infrastructural facilities and improve upon their academic service delivery”.

Yuletide: Rich Nigerians tasked to share with the poor Idu Jude

Abuja

ÏÏÏRich Nigerians and all tiers

of government have been asked to exhibit the spirit of sharing with the less-privileged in society, as the only way to attract God’s mercy.

This call was made by the Presi-

23 News dent of Market Women Association of Nigeria, Mrs Felicia Sani, while attending an End of Year fiesta organised by Helpline Foundation for the Needy, a non-governmental organisation based in the Federal Capital Territory.

Sani reminded Nigerians that the wealth of the nation, if well harnessed, should be enough to cater for all Nigerians, including the poor.

She advised the beneficiaries to pray for the giver, since not all who have, have the mind to give.

Make ADR part of societal norms, American Judge tells Nigeria Peter Fowoyo

expensive resolution of disputes.

His words: “Teach them to litigate, effective rules of evidence, legal logic but also teach them to negotiate; to mediate; teach them the miracle of dialogue; that of compromise, not defeat; because, by definition, it involves give and take; introduce them to the bar as new litigators and solicitors but also as skilled at figuring out what is necessary to resolve disputes.”

Also speaking on: “Arbitration and Mediation in Nigeria – How it Works”, Mrs. Olusola Adegbonmire, said arbitration and mediation were two alternative dispute resolution procedures, which were just beginning to gain ground in Nigeria, although they had been in existence in different forms for many years.

In her paper presentation titled: “Arbitration Clauses”, Mrs. Obosa Akpata, said that for any arbitration to become enforceable by the court, parties involved must have consented to resolve their dispute by arbitration which must state clearly that parties had agreed to a binding arbitration.

Peter Fowoyo

Landlord drag IGP, others to court over detention

ÏÏÏStakeholders

in the justice sector have been called upon to ensure that law students were not only taught how to litigate but, also how to resolve disputes through the Alternative Dispute Resolution otherwise known as the (ADR).

A United States District Court, Northern District of California Judge, James Ware, said Nigeria had to change her perspective, in order to make ADR part of societal norms that was embraced by all.

He made this known at the 2015 Chief G. O. Sodipo annual memorial lecture held at the Regional Centre for Commercial Arbitration, Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, themed: “Alternative Dispute Resolution At a Glance”, where the retired jurist, as a guest speaker, delivered a paper titled: “Five Principles That Led U.S. Courts To Adopt ADR.” He urged Nigeria’s judiciary to emulate the justice system of the United States whose mission of justice was the just, speedy and in-

ÏÏÏA

Lagos-based lawyer and landlord in Festac town, Otunba Oladipo Abijo, has dragged the Inspector General of Police to a High Court sitting at Ikeja, Lagos, asking the court to declare that the threat, intimidation, harassment and the detention clamped on and two others was illegal and should be declared void.

Otunba Abijo, alongside two other landlords, Chief Damian E. Osuigwe and Mr. Duru David, through their lawyer, Chief Macdonald O. Omolemen, asked the court to declare that the threats, continued threats and attempt of re-arresting the applicants by the respondents on a matter that was purely civil, constituted an infraction of the rule of law, and inhuman treatment and breach of the fundamental rights of the applicants to freedom of movement as enshrined in sections 34, 36 and 41

of the Constitution and Articles 5, 7 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act. Other respondents apart from the Inspector General of Police are: (2nd respondent)Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos; (3rd respondent) The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Police Command; (4th respondent) ACP Kehinde Oladele; (5th respondent) CSP Suberu Sanni, Zone 2, CIID, Onikan, Lagos; (6th respondent) ASP Chime, Zone 2 CIID, Onikan, Lagos; (7th respondent) Mr. Derry, Zone 2 CIID, Onikan, Lagos; (8th respondent) Mr. Nwigwe G., and the (9th respondent) Engr. Kingsley Esho.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

FG committed to settlement of retired military personnel Segun Adio

due process aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and rule of law, which would culminated in the transformation of all sphere of the national life.

He spoke during the passout parade of retirees of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) and charge the retirees also to work with members of the military, even in retirement, to tackle insurgency

Sodiq Adekunle

OAU students beat up commercial driver

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has said that it was committed to settling members of the armed forces and ensure that they enjoyed their retirement days.

According to the Minister of Defence, Brigadier- General Mohammed Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), who made the promise, said that the government had also continue to vigorously pursue the policy of

Osogbo

ÏÏÏAn

unidentified commercial driver in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been taken to an orthodox hospital after being beaten by some students of Obafemi Awolowo University.

It was gathered that members of OAU Students’ Union Security Committee beat the driver over an allegation of phone theft.

When our correspondent saw the driver, his eyes were swollen and several signs of beating quite visible on his back.

Motorists in the town described the beating of the driver as barbaric and a misuse of power by the students.

According to them, it took the intervention of

OAU security officer and executives of the mini-bus group to rush the victim to OAU health centre and subsequently to OAU teaching hospital.

The union said that, “The person that had been beaten is a member/driver of Ife mini-bus group. It was alleged that a student forgot his handset phone in his commercial bus and he was ask to stop at the SU building. From there he was taken to the students’ security office, where the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the students’ union committee ordered his member to brutalise him.

We’ll be thorough with 2016 budget, says Lagos Speaker Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏThe Speaker of the La-

gos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has said that members of the House would thoroughly scrutinse the 2016 budget whenever it was presented to them by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as constitutionally requıred.

He said this in his opening address at a three-day capacity building seminar for members of the House, as well as management staff of the state’s legislative arm of government. Obasa urged his colleagues to be more determined to achieve results as law-makers and as true representatives of the people.

The seminar had “Enhancing Capacity for Emerging Challenges and State Development”, as its theme, was held from De-

cember 10 – 12, took place at the Green Legacy Resort, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Presidential Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasa said most Nigerians regarded Lagos State as the centre of excellence and that the state had been lucky to have had committed leaders since the advent of the current democracy in 1999, starting from the era of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to that of former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and now Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

He was of the view that “no effort should be spared at mapping out an effective strategy that could help the state in tackling the increasing poverty, unemployment and misery that have been confronting our people owing to the worsening global economic woes.”

in the north- east and other criminal activities within the society.

Dan-Ali, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin urged the personnel to be prudent in the management of their retirement benefit, especially in the face of scarce resources, adding that they must exhibit exemplary character and also be of good ambassador of the

military, where ever they found themselves.

His words: “You must also uphold the highest standards of conduct, character, integrity, excellence and service in any community where you choose to settle. You will be held accountable for these standards even retirement, you must therefore spread these values and virtues where ever you find yourselves as good ambassadors

of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The Commandant of the Centre, Air Vice-Marshal Mike Iloenyosi told the retiring personnel to be wary, as the society to which they were transiting would expect much from them, especially after many years of service to the military.

“You will be required to prove your worth in the way you relate within the com-

munity where you reside. For those of you that will go back to your respective villages and town, you must be interested and be involved in any security plan of your community, especially in view of the security challenges plaguing or dear country,” he noted. Iloenyosi urged the retiring personnel to uphold the ethics of the military which include respect for instituted authority.

L-R: Enugu State Goveror, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; his counterpart in Ebonyi, David Umahi and Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, after a meeting of South East Governors held in Government House, Enugu... on Sunday.

Kogi gov-elect promises to embark on rapid industrial revolution Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏKogi

State Governorelect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Sunday, pledged to embark on a rapid industrialisation of the state, as soon as he was sworn in into office, next year.

He made the pledge, in a statement, issued in Abuja, by his Media Assistant, Suleiman Abdulmalik.

He reasoned that only a well-co-ordinated industrial programme could solve the twin problems of poverty and under-development that were currently confronting the state, adding that he was pained that Kogi State, which is sitting on a variety of raw materials and blessed with enormous human capital, had remained a shadow of its capacity, 24 years after its creation.

He, therefore, gave an assured that efforts would be made to channel the state’s resources to productive sectors with a view to bringing the desired meaningful growth and development for the benefit of a majority of the people.

He stated that he was aware that government could not provide all the jobs, and pledged that he would use his influence to

Bello

attract private sector participation, so as to provide gainful employment for the youth in the state, he would build bridges across the state and discourage negative tendencies that widen the gulf of ethnic and religious differences.

Kwara CJ harps on fight against corruption

ÏÏÏKwara State Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Kawu, at the weekend urged Nigerian lawyers to muster the needed courage in the fight against corruption in the judiciary.

Justice Kawu added that based on the symbiotic working relationship between lawyers and judges, the former had the unique opportunity, moral and ethical responsibility “to expose Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

••••••••ª••••••••••••••••••ªªª••8**

the few bad eggs in our midst.”

He said this at the weekend, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at this year dinner/award night organised by the Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The jurist said that judges’ performance was significantly influenced by the conduct of lawyers.

Said he: “My comment is

on the impression being created in the media that the Nigerian judiciary is abysmally corrupt. I must admit that Judges are not saints and that as human beings they are fallible, which is why we have some few bad eggs in our midst.

“This fact is no sufficient ground for a sweeping and indiscriminate, and sometimes criminally reckless castigation and condemna-

tion of Judges and the Nigerian judiciary as an institution. “I say it loudly and without any apology that Nigeria is blessed with some of the best judges in the world and that the Nigerian judiciary as an institution has always risen to the occasion in sectioning erring judges and court officials whenever their misconduct is brought to the attention of the authority.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

25 Opinion

Why should Lake Chad be our priority?

Yinka Odumakin ÏÏÏ President Muhammadu Buhari who is usually taciturn was full of words weeks back as he joined issues with the Auditor-General of the Federation, AGF, Samuel Ukura, over the environmental audit report on the drying up of Lake Chad.

The President angst was over the report’s omission of the report of a study commissioned during Obasanjo military dictatorship on the subject.

Buhari said: “I have to digress here based on personal knowledge of this. I saw an article in a journal in 1978 that a professor in the University of London, in 1925, had foreseen what we are just seeing.

“I handed over the article to Obasanjo and I understand that he took the initiative sometime ago; it is on record that he is the only Nigerian

that has presided over the country for more than 11 years.

“He gave $5 million for the study, and the study reported that unless some of the rivers from the Central Africa Republic are diverted to empty into Chad Basin, Lake Chad will dry up.

“I understand that this report, which was sponsored by Nigeria, has been submitted. I am a bit disappointed that in the speech of the Auditor-General, there was no mention of this report. $5 million was given.

“One of the recommendations was that at the time the report was submitted, the cost of diverting one of the rivers to empty into Lake Chad would be between $13 billion and $15 billion.

“I will like the AuditorGeneral to comment on this: whether they have received this report or the Ministry of Water Resources. I think this government will like to see this report and see how we can ask our foreign friends how they can help us.

“This is because if that river is diverted to empty into Chad Basin, I think it will affect, at least, two million Nigerians and another two million from Cameroon, Chad and Niger to resettle and perhaps that will help us to stop Boko Haram around that area.

“This is because once we identified the enor-

Buhari

mous number of people there and their activities, we have to check desertification there.”

Responding, the Auditor-General said: “The report was not made available to the group. It was only made available to LCBC. Maybe they will be in a better position to comment on it. It was not made available to us during the study.”

Similarly, LCBC anchorman said: “The report is a public document

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actually; it has been in the public domain since the study was concluded.

Departments of the government of Nigeria and other member states have received copies.

“The situation is that the study had been completed. The cost estimate for the project is $14.5 billion. We have been consulting the Congo Basin to allay their fears on the environmental impact assessment they want us to add and we

need some additional political support to be able to convince them that it is also in their interest to see that this water is diverted to Lake Chad.

Meanwhile, President Buhari had, earlier in his remarks, called on the National Assembly to expressly ratify the Lake Chad Basin Water Charter, even as he expressed optimism that Nigeria would win the war against insurgency.

The Lake Chad project

has taken another dimension with N39b voted for oil search in the area in the 2016 budget proposal .This looks a misplaced priority at a time oil is becoming useless and the government has been paying lip service to diversification of the economy. It is more like throwing money away when countries like America are selling their reserve and diversifying to other sources of energy generation.

Quite a lot of resources were wasted by the Shagari and Babangida administration in the fruitless search for oil in the Lake Chad region.

But it continued to be an emotive issue as reiterated in the communique of Arewa Consultative Forum meeting in 2012 which read in part: “The meeting regretted that oil exploration proceeds at snail speed in northern Nigeria. In view of recent discoveries of crude oil in areas of similar geological character with northern Nigeria, the meeting reiterates its call on Federal Government to expedite action on oil exploration and let the oil flow from all corners of the federation.”

Were oil to even be found in the region today,which multinational will go and invest in such a volatile territory at the moment?There is definitely a better use for N39b in an economy that has entered recession.

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Our Heritage Æ s Miriam Makeba comes alive in Lagos Female reggae artistes recently gathered to remember the late Miriam Makeba. The show was a pulsating musical celebration that proved the saying that ‘music is the food of love’. AGOZINO AGOZINO reports

Some of the female reggae artistes performing at the concert

The global music community laid her to rest seven years ago, but, last weekend, Nigerian female reggae acts trooped out to resurrect her ghost in a night of reggae performances.

For the female Rastafarians, the legendary South African singer and cultural crusader, Miriam Makeba, who passed on in 2008, following a performance in Castel Volturno, Italy, left enduring memorial that underscores her legendary status.

Her contributions to the development of the music industry was remembered as a singer who energised the African consciousness in the world and more significantly gave hope to millions of Africans during the struggle against apartheid.

The show was held at Freedom Park, Lagos, exactly seven years after Makeba died at the age of 76. It was a night of remarkable reggae outing marked with various captivating performances as the female acts showcased their prowess in reggae musical vocalisation, stage art and instrumental rendition all for Makeba, who they said, transmitted her unique brand of artistic talent into remarkable zeal.

Among the female reggae stars who performed at the concert dubbed the night of Conscious Vibes Africa, were Yeye Asa, Bukky Sax, Empress, Marimba, Hardiza, Ivy Owens, D Abyss, Ebube, Legendry sisters, MC Raybee and DJ Valentino.

According to the organisers, the con-

cert was to celebrate Makeba, who they said used her music to promote African dignity throughout her life. It was also meant to observe a day for the late Makeba, which the female singers said they would, henceforth, observe.

Singer Yeye Asa, set the night in lighter mood with his witty introduction of the performers. The night was in two sessions. First came the first performance and second performance which set the atmosphere thrilling.

Explaining the significance of the concert, Captain Blazee of the Conscious Reggae band, and one of the brains behind the concert, said that he was happy that his group succeeded in laying a solid

foundation for reggae music in Nigeria.

According to him, notwithstanding that things have not been easy due to many challenges they faced over the years, ample evidence of what they have achieved now was demonstrated by the concert.

“Starting in the 1950s, Makeba was a popular singer. Her material wasn’t particularly political. In 1959, she starred in a documentary about apartheid, which, from there, went to the Venice Film festival. It was during that trip that she went to London and found that she was not welcomed back in South Africa. Harry Belafonte met her in London, both went to the United States of America, where she became the first African artist to be nation-

Captain Blazee and the conscious reggae band performing at the event

ally recognised. Her song Pata Pata was in the US top ten”, Blazee reasoned.

He reminded those who do not know to see that Makeba’s US popularity marked a huge triumph for establishing African musical creativity in the popular American consciousness. It also led to her becoming recognised as an artist with a political message.

“In terms of politics, much like Nelson Mandela, her politics were not based on a message of revenge or hatred, but were always based on a message that really tried to push people throughout the world to live up to the best in human nature. And this is something that she really believed in and also sacrificed for throughout her career.’’

Throwing more light on the late Makeba, Blazee said the South-African born singer often called Mama Africa was the first African woman to receive prestigious Grammy award from the American recording industry in 1966 together with Harry Belafonte for best folk recording .

According to him, although, she frequently collaborated with other notable musical luminaries like her former husband, South African trumpeter Hugh Masakela, Makeba distinguished herself as a solo performer. “While she was a great artist and a spirit open to collaboration again, I think her work as a solo artist stands above all the collaborations she did,” Blazee noted.

He also noted that after calling for a political boycott of South Africa in 1963 before the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid, Makeba was stripped of her South African citizenship and barred from returning home for about 30 years which did not stop her campaign. Her 1968 marriage to black power activist, Stokely Carmichael (who later changed his name to Kwame Toure and moved with Makeba from the US to Guinea) transformed the artist into a subject of continent-wide focus.

“She is one of the few artistes who not only spoke about pan-Africanism, but creatively invested herself and her entire career into being a pan-African artiste.

She was forced into exile from South Africa, lived in the United States, and was more or less forced out of the United States. The government didn’t say,’You have to leave.’ But after she married Stokely Carmichael, her record contract dried up, her concert appearances dried up. And so she was more or less, to continue having a career, forced to leave the country. And all these again, her political decisions had artistic consequences. And that is why we are celebrating her,’’ the group observed.

(The late President Ahmed) Sekou Toure welcomed Makeba with open arms and she represented Guinea at the United Nations as a political appointee. And so she was really embraced by that country when other parts of the world wouldn’t,” Blazee noted.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

The drum that talks Agozino Agozino Talking drums are smaller and quieter then the Djembes, and get their name from the tonal range (voices) with which it can speak by squeezing and releasing the vertical strings to tighten and loosen the heads. Most are double headed and are struck by a special curved stick.

The tonal nature of the Yoruba language contributes to the tonal emphasis of Yoruba drumming. While sound variation in many Western cultures serves primarily an aesthetic purpose, the sound and rhythm of the Yoruba language work with the language

and are essential in the creation of meaning. The necessity of tone variation to create meaning extends to the musical instruments of the culture.

Yoruba drums such as the bata and dundun drum imitate the tonal nature of the Yoruba language and function as a type of meta-speech in Yoruba rituals.

The drumming can mimic the sounds of speech and indicate certain emotions through its rhythm and tonal variations.

Dimensions Various sizes of talking drum exist, with the dimensions of the drum differing between ethnic groups. The Tama of the Wolof and Mandinka peoples is typified by its

Art heritage series Hubert Ogunde (1916 –1990) Late Chief Hubert Ogunde was an actor, playwright, theatre manager, and musician who founded the Ogunde Concert Party in (1945), the first professional theatrical company in Nigeria. He has been described as “the father of Nigerian theatre, or the father of contemporary Yoruba theatre”.

Ogunde starred in Mister Johnson, the 1990 motion picture that also featured Pierce Brosnan. The movie was shot on location in Toro, near Bauchi State.

Born in Ososa, near IjebuOde, Ogun State, Ogunde worked as a teacher before joining the Nigerian police force. Like many of his theatre contemporaries, such as A. B. David, P. A. Dawodu, Layeni and G. T. Onimole, his theatre career began under the patronage of the Church. In 1944, he produced his first folk opera, The Garden of Eden and The Throne of God, commissioned by the Lagos-based Church of the Lord founded by Josiah Hubert Ositelu.

smaller dimensions, having a total drum length typical of 13 centimeters (5 inches) with a 7 centimeter (2.75 inch) drum head diameter. This produces a much higher pitched tone than other talking drums of the same construction. The Yoruba and Dagomba peoples on the other hand have some of the largest dimensions for drums in their Lunna and Dùndún ensembles, with a length typical of 23-38 centimeters (9-15 inches) and a drum head diameter of between 10-18 centimeters (4-7 inches). In Yoruba talking-drum ensembles, this is used alongside smaller talking drums similar to the Tama, called Gangan .

27 Our Heritage

Chibuike on target against Lawal’s club in Turkey

N

Chibuike

igerian midfielder John Chibuike was thrilled to score in Gaziantepspor’s 2-1 win over hosts Eskisehispor, who paraded compatriot Raheem Lawal.

Gaziantepspor are ninth on the league table with 19 points from 15 games, while Eskisehispor are bottom on seven points.

The former Rosenborg of Sweden player scored the opening goal of the game in the 14th minute for his second goal in the league this season.

Chibuike said he is excited with his contribution to the victory in the game he described as tough.

“I feel so good to score a goal in the game against Eskisehirspor, getting

Pato

the three points was great because that’s the most important thing for us,” he said.

“It was not an easy game, we fought hard to get the three points.”

He lasted 86 minutes before he gave way to Abdulkadir Kayali, while Gbenga Arokoyo played the full game.

Page 28

Monday, December 14, 2015

Pinnick ecstatic over Dream Team triumph ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sport Editor

N

FF President Amaju Pinnick was in ecstasy on Saturday night after the U-23 National Team, otherwise known as Dream Team, won the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Dakar, Senegal.

“This is another reason to celebrate. We are delighted. But we give a lot of credit to the players and the officials led by Coach Samson Siasia. They showed exceptional perseverance and unyielding spirit to do the nation proud.

“The NFF as a Federation has special praise for Coach Siasia. He was strong mentally and never lost

keen on Premier League move g 30

focus, even in the face of odds. He is deserving of every encomium,” Pinnick said.

The triumph was the fourth major trophy in the 14-month life of the Amaju Pinnick administration, with the Super Falcons’ 2014 African Women Championship title, the Flying Eagles’ Africa U-20 Cup of Nations win in Senegal earlier in the year and the Golden Eaglets’ successful retention of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile in November being the others.

The Dream Team had already made of sure of a place in the men’s football tournament of the 2016 Olympics before the final, when a well –placed penalty by Oghenekaro Etebo condemned host Senegal to defeat in Wednesday’s semi-final

at the same venue.

Nigeria’s player of the tournament, Etebo, set the Dream Team on the way in Saturday’s final, with a goal from the penalty spot in the 14th minute. The forward himself had been double – teamed by two Algerian defenders but picked himself up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Algeria drew level in a most bizarre manner, when Nigerian defender Segun Oduduwa headed past his own goalkeeper and into the net from a delicate pull –out by an Algerian forward in the 31st minute.

Etebo, who rained shots at the Algerian goal from every angle, was strong and purposeful all through, and five minutes to interval, picked

Enugu SWAN honours deserving athletes, persons Moses Oyediran, Enugu

E

Pinnick up the ball in the centre circle and ran past a horde of Algerian defenders before firing low into the net past the Algerian goalkeeper.

In the 69th minute, the brilliant Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel saved his second penalty in as many matches. After foiling Sory Keita in the first half of Wednesday’s semi-final, Daniel again rose to the occasion to stop Algeria’s dangerman Ferhat after Oduduwa, who had a game to forget, had fouled an Algerian striker in the box.

The Dream Team weathered the expected final 20 –minute onslaughts of the North Africans very well, even creating chances of their own, and were fully worth the African title at the end.

nugu State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has concluded arrangements to honour illustrious sportsmen and women of the state in a program tagged, ‘SWAN-ENUGUEND-OF-YEAR-FIESTA 2015, Award of Excellence’ fixed for the media centre of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The award is in three categories that includes; Distinguished Sports Writers, Distinguished Corporate Sponsors and Distinguished Sports Personalities.

According to the chairman, Comrade Norbert Okolie, the event is to give honour to whom it is due so as to enable them give more of what God has placed inside them in promoting sporting excellence in the state and country in general.

“SWAN, Enugu after thorough considerations deemed it fit to honour the state sportsmen and women who have positively represented the state and country in various sporting events around the world. We have such nominees as the Deputy President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ike Ekweremadu for Distinguished Sports Personality Award; Nigeria Brewery Plc for Distinguished Corporate Sponsors Award; H.R.H Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu for Distinguished Sports Personality Award; Engr. Festus Onuh for Distinguished Sports Personality Award; Ejike Ikwu, member of the all-conquering national U-17 football team to FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Chile and a host of others too numerous to mention,” stated Okolie.

Dalung commends NTF on Korea Ambassador’s tourney ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has commended the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation for keeping the hope of the sport alive through their foresight in organising regular competitions, thereby keeping the athletes busy all through the year.

He made the commendation in Lagos at the weekend while declaring closed the 6th Korean Ambassador’s West Africa

Taekwondo championship held at the Sir (Chief) Molade OkoyaThomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

He noted that Taekwondo is one of the sports Nigeria is putting much hope on for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Adding that the ministry will do everything possible to continue to support and encourage the development of Taekwondo in Nigeria.

The minister charged Nigerian youths to embrace the sport and

stressed that if age were on his side he would have joined the sport instantly, but at present, he will take up an associate membership of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

Dalung also thanked the Republic of Korean for their interest in developing sports in Nigeria and pleaded with other corporate organisations in the country to emulate the good gestures of the Korean Republic by investing in Nigeria sports.

Meanwhile the defending

champions of the Korean Ambassador’s Cup, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps team defeated the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria team based in Abuja to emerge as champions.

Segun Olusola emerged as the men’s Most Valuable Player, while Chinazom Nwosu won the women Most Valuable Player Award. John Victor was adjured as the Best Coach of the tournament and the Best Referees Award went to Pastor Collins.

Dalung

29

Friday, December 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

NSCDC shines in Korean Ambassador Taekwondo tourney ANDREW EKEJIUBA

N

igeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Saturday confirmed their supremacy in combat sports in the country when they won the sixth edition of the annual Korean Ambassador West African Taekwondo Championship held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Athletes of the paramilitary outfit showed good knowledge of the game to garner the highest points in Team Kyurugi, Poomsae, Creative Poomase and special skills, even as it defeated Team Korean Cultural Centre of Nigeria in the last event of the tournament by 30 points to 21 to be declared

the overall winner of the championship.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung promised that his ministry will continue to encourage the development of taekwondo which he described as a potential medal hope for the country ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics Games.

Dalung while urging youths to embrace the game of taekwondo commended the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for sustaining the tournament with an appeal to corporate organizations to emulate them because investment in sports brings about the development of the mind, good health and unity of the country.

Mike Mbonye

S

ome Nigerians resident in South Africa on Sunday commended the National U-23 National Team for winning the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

The Dream Team VI defeated Algeria 2-1 to win the championship.

Mr Emeka Ezinteje, the Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Union in South Africa, said the team demonstrated character and discipline to win the championship.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Kimberley, Northern Cape Province of South Africa, that Coach Samson Siasia did a marvellous job in raising the team.

“I am aware the team did not blend at the commencement of the championship, but they showed character and tactical discipline to win the event,” he said.

Mr Kennedy Osagie, the Chairman of Nigeria Union, Northern Cape Province, said Nigerians in the province were proud of the team.

“Nigerians were overwhelmed, especially when the goalkeeper saved

Nigerians in South Africa praise Dream Team VI Siasia

a penalty at a crucial moment in the match.

“The team made us proud and we urge them to go ahead and win the Olympic medal in Brazil next year,” he said.

A lawyer, Mr Tony Okorie, commended Siasia for fielding Victor

Osimhen, a member of the National U-17 team, in the championship.

“Osimhen showed class just as he did in the FIFA U-17 championship in Chile and it shows that Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents,” he said.

I’ll make Kwara hub of sports excellence—Ahmed

G Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olubunmi Olusola (7th from left); Aare Afe Babalola (6th from left); his wife (5th from left); and other match officials at the 6th Nigeria Private Universities Games (NPUGA) 2015 taking place at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State. PHOTO: STANLEY CHIBUIHEM AMALAHA.

ov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, said on Sunday in Ilorin that he would make Kwara the hub of sports excellence in the country.

This is contained in his congratulatory message to Nigeria’s Dream Team VI for emerging champions in the just concluded Africa Under-23 Football Championship, held in Senegal.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Wahab Oba, the governor said he would achieve this

through the reintroduction of school sports for talent discovery.

Ahmed promised to carry out full rehabilitation of the indoor sports hall at the state stadium complex in Ilorin for the purpose of making the state hub of sports excellence.

The governor added that the stateowned football club, Kwara United, would be restructured to enable it regain its Nigeria Premier League slot and rank as one of the best club’s in the country.

He described the emergence

of Nigeria’s Dream Team VI as a heartwarming development that underscores the inherent potentials of Nigerians and passion for excellence in all human endeavours.

The governor commended the perseverance and un-succumbing spirit of the Dream Team VI players.

Gov Ahmed also commended the technical crew led by Samson Siasia in overcoming all opposition to emerge as African Champions, in spite financial challenges they allegedly had to contend with.

Friday, December 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS

Pato

Defensive spirit stirs Mourinho

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keen on Premier League move

A

lexandre Pato says he is keen on a move to England amid rumours of interest from Premier League clubs.

The former AC Milan forward endured an injury-hit spell towards the end of his stay in Italy and returned to his native Brazil to join Corinthians in 2013.

However, the 26-year-old is now injury-free and, having scored 26 goals in 59 matches during a loan spell with Sao Paulo, is ready to return to European football.

Corinthians are reportedly ready

Pato

to sell the Brazil international in January, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool said to be among the interested parties.

“Before I came to Italy to play for Milan in 2007, I saw in the papers that my name was mentioned in connection with some English clubs,” he said in interviews with reporters.

“I was told Chelsea were interested but my dream was to play with Ronaldo. When Milan called my manager, I wanted to go there to make my dreams of playing with Ronaldo and Paolo

Maldini come true.

“But one day I knew I would like to come to England because I think the Premier League is the number one in the world. It is very competitive. I like the emotion in the English league. You look at the TV and you see the stadium and the fans.”

He added: “My dream is to come back to Europe. I think it has to be to a club that plays to be champions; that challenges and has ambition.”

nt u o m n a c l a n e s r A title challenge

—Ramsey

A

aron Ramsey is confident Arsenal can challenge for the Premier League title this

season.

Arsene Wenger’s side last claimed the title in 2004 but returned to the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Wales midfielder, who scored his side’s second, believes they can continue winning and get their hands on the trophy come the end of the season.

“We believe we have an opportunity to win the title,” Ramsey said.

“We have shown what we are capable of and have to continue now, in what is a busy part of the season.

“We have to maintain our focus and belief. Who knows what will happen but we believe we can challenge for

Henderson tips Reds for greatness under Klopp

J

ordan Henderson believes that there are no limits to what Liverpool can achieve under Jurgen Klopp. The German replaced Brendan Rodgers at the helm in October and has suffered just two defeats in his first 13 matches in all competitions. Henderson recently made his comeback from a heel injury, making a first start under the new coach in Thursday’s Europa League draw with Sion.

No

trophies.”

Olivier Giroud opened t h e

intention to leave Spurs, says Lamela

scoring from the penalty spot with his 50th Premier League goal, and he was pleased with reaching the benchmark, though he wants the team to become more clinical.

“I didn’t know but I’m pleased with that,” he said.

“I don’t want to stop here, I want to keep going. I try to do a good job for my team-mates. Theo Walcott did well on the penalty and I was chosen to take it and I put it in.”

Ivanovic hopes for new Chelsea contract

C

ose Mourinho believes a willingness to battle and defend as a unit are helping the team to overcome their earlyseason jitters. The Premier League champions have had a miserable start to their domestic campaign, but head to Leicester on Monday with their manager in better spirits.

Four clean sheets in five games against Norwich, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Tottenham and FC Porto - have revived Mourinho’s confidence, with the Bournemouth loss last weekend considered a blip.

helsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is hopeful an improvement in form will see him rewarded with a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

The Serbia international has been at the club since 2008 but his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2015-16 season.

Ivanovic and Chelsea have endured a tough start to the season and sit in 15th in the Premier League table after 15 games.

T

Ramsey

But the right-sided defender is hopeful he can help Chelsea turn their form around.

“I know I didn’t start the season well but I am back,” the 31-year-old said.

“I hope the results will be good for the team. In that case I will be good as well. I hope and I think we will have time to speak about my future.

“Honestly, I am so happy here.”

Chelsea face the high-flying Leicester City today, and Ivanovic joked he may be forced into kicking their star Jamie Vardy to stop him.

“If this helps, yes,” Ivanovic said. “Some of the strikers don’t like it when you kick them. You kill their confidence.

“Vardy at the moment is running a lot and is making the space for other players as well. They are confident. I think it will be very hard.”

ottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Erik Lamela said it has never been his intention to move away from White Hart Lane. The Argentina international has struggled to live up to his £27million price-tag since moving from Roma in 2013. But Lamela has enjoyed a bright start to the 2015-16 season, helping Tottenham finish top of their group in the Europa League with a hattrick against Monaco on Thursday.

Ivanovic

30

Souness plays down Man Utd title hopes

G

raeme Souness says he can’t see Manchester United winning the Premier League this season.

Louis van Gaal’s side missed the chance to go level on points with league leaders Manchester City and Leicester City on Saturday when they suffered a shock loss to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The defeat followed United’s midweek reverse at Wolfsburg, which saw them crash out of the Champions League.

“I think the title is beyond them,” Souness said. “They could finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League again.

“It’s as much the football that they’re playing - or not playing that the criticism is there.

“When you go into the really big games you look at your team and think ‘where are we weak, where are we vulnerable’. There are too many question marks hanging over too many people who are just maybe not good enough to play at a club like Manchester United in the big games.

“I don’t see them winning the league. I think the best they can hope for this year is Champions League qualification.

“They’ll point to only being three points adrift, but they’re only three points adrift because the teams you really fancy to be consistent haven’t been consistent so far.

I’d expect getting into the second half of the season, the likes of Manchester City will show a bit of consistency. Arsenal, if they go on a run, could open up a gap.”

As well as frustrating results in the Premier League and Europe, Van Gaal has also received criticism for the style his team have played this season - United have scored fewer goals than any other team in the top five and had six 0-0 draws in all competitions.

Souness’ fellow pundit Thierry Henry says the Dutch boss is not giving United’s attacking players the freedom in the opposition’s half to create opportunities and score goals.

“It seems those guys are not enjoying it. The fun is not there,” said Henry.

“It’s well-structured at times but almost too much, too rigid, very predictable. In the last third of the park you have to let those guys express themselves. It seems like they are not allowed to fly at times.

“We’ve seen it with Angel di Maria. He was great when he arrived last year then suddenly it seems like he had to do some stuff that he isn’t used to do.

“I understand the Dutch way of playing the game is you have to be in certain positions at certain times but in the last third you have to let the genius and the guy that can make the difference express himself.”

31

Friday, December 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

LEAGUES’ TABLES AS AT 10/12/15

B

arcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic was left hurting after his side conceded twice late on to draw 2-2 against Deportivo La Coruna.

The Croatia international and Lionel Messi had the La Liga leaders in control at Camp Nou on Saturday before Lucas Perez and Alex Bergantinos struck late on for the visitors.

After giving up a lead to draw a second consecutive league game, Rakitic said it was tough to accept the result.

“Sometimes it’s tough to control what happens out on the pitch. We have to analyse it, talk about it and improve,” he said.

“We controlled the game, which was positive, but it hurts to draw after being up 2–0.”

Rakitic’s goal had Barca 2-0 up just after the hour-mark, with

Messi having curled in a brilliant first-half free-kick.

He rued his team’s failure to put the visitors away.

“We have to congratulate Deportivo because they played

BRIEFS

their game until the end,” Rakitic said.

“We had chances to score more and we just didn’t put away the game.”

CWC: Scolari predicts Barca fall

c i t i k Ra

s t n e m la w a r d a Barc

L

uiz Felipe Scolari insists Barcelona can be beaten when Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao take on the Liga giants in the Club World Cup semi-final.

The Brazilian saw his side come from a goal behind to secure a 2-1 victory over America on Sunday, with Zheng Long and Paulinho on target inside the last 10 minutes.

That set up a meeting with European champions Barca in four days and Scolari – who made three changes in the second half, including the introduction of Zheng – is ready to meet the challenge head on.

Moyes waits for ‘right job’

D

e l l i v e N d e R t u o s e l ru Devils’ job

G

ary Neville does not see himself managing Manchester United in the future, and is fully focussed on his long-term plan at Valencia.

The new head coach suffered defeat in his first match in charge as Valencia were beaten 2-0 by Lyon at the Mestalla on Wednesday, dropping from the Champions League into the Europa League.

Neville, who is continuing his commitment to England under Roy Hodgson through to Euro 2016, was asked about his long-term ambitions in his opening press conference, and he confirmed that he is only

Gary Neville (left) speaks to Alvaro Negredo during Valencia against Lyon in the Champions League.

thinking about Valencia despite the short-term nature of his contract.

When asked if he plans to return to Old Trafford as manager, but Neville said: “No, I don’t see myself managing Manchester United at all. I know what I want to do in my life, and that’s not something that’s in my mind.

“From my point of view, this is important for me and a valuable experience. I’m aware I need to succeed. Succeeding for me would be knowing these players have improved dramatically.”

“Results come and go, I know we’re in a results-driven

business, but I have never looked at football like that since I’ve finished playing. I did when I was a player. As a part-owner, I think about moving forward in the next five, ten years.”

The scale of Neville’s challenge was evident in their Champions League elimination, with 10 players missing through injury and nine of the club’s starting 11 under the age of 22.

His side were committed in attack, and while Neville says he wants a “front-foot” style, he admitted his young team need to learn when to be disciplined.

Banks fighting cancer again!

E

ngland World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has revealed he is suffering from kidney cancer for a second time.

Having lost one kidney to the

Gordon Banks (left) in a warm embrace with Brazilian soccer legend, Pele.

disease 10 years ago, Banks is receiving chemotherapy treatment after blood tests showed the other is now affected.

“Last year we went on our annual holiday to Florida. A week later I couldn’t sleep and then I couldn’t even stand due to the pain.

“I was sent straight to hospital where they told me I had cancer.

I was so shocked when they told me it was my kidney.

“They put me straight on medication and I am taking chemotherapy tablets three times a day for a month and then I am to have two months off them.

avid Moyes says he is waiting for the “right job” before making his return to management. The former Everton and Manchester United boss was sacked by Real Sociedad in November and has since been linked with a number of roles in England, including the vacancy at Premier League side Swansea.

Moyes revealed he has been offered a number of jobs since leaving La Liga, but is waiting for an “exciting” role before returning to the dugout.

Kiessling considering Leverkusen exit

S

tefan Kiessling admitted he is considering leaving Bayer Leverkusen in the January transfer window. The 31-year-old has only started nine Bundesliga matches this season, making six appearances from the bench as the impressive Javier Hernandez has hogged the limelight. The pair were on target in Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of Borussia Monchengladbach, but the lack of game time means the German, who moved to the BayArena in 2006, may be forced to move on despite his affection for the club..

“The last time I had the cancer it was very large but they were able to remove the kidney and take the cancer away with it.

“We hope medication will make this cancer small enough for them to operate and carry out electrical treatment to break it up. But if it grows they will have to remove the kidney and I’ll need a replacement,” he told reporters with a tinge of regret.

Banks, who also lost the sight in his right eye in a car crash which ended his playing career in 1972, is drawing on the experience of his playing career to give him inspiration in his fight.

The 77-year-old won the

1966 World Cup with England but is perhaps even better remembered for his remarkable diving save from Brazil striker Pele at the 1970 tournament.

He said: “If I could make a save like the one against Pele, while playing against the greatest in the world, then I will be able to battle through this health problem.”

Banks had a 20-year playing career at club level, the majority of which was spent with Leicester and Stoke. He won the League Cup with both clubs as well as playing in two FA Cup finals with Leicester.

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Today’s Match Leicester City

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Egena Egena, Abuja

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday extolled the winning spirit of Nigeria’s U-23 team which gallantly defeated Algeria 2-1 in the finals of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations championship on Saturday.

In a press statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President noted with delight that this was the first time that Nigeria attained this soccer glory in this particular category.

According to the President, “the boys have worked incredibly and admirably so hard to bring national glory to Nigeria,” adding that, “their tenacity and the passion to excel were factors that propelled the

i r a Buumh 3 2 U p bs u th m a e t s a , Eagles y a d o t ar rives U-23 team to victory.”

President Buhari said he was proud of these “talented and determined young Nigerians” for winning laurels for the country, and breaking the record of giving Nigeria that opportunity for the first time.

He said his administration would give them every support and active encouragement to excel in the future.

He said his government would always

reward hard work and excellence, but charged the Dream Team VI to sustain the standard they have attained.

Meanwhile, players and officials of the victorious U-23 National Team, Dream Team, which lifted the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night, will be arriving Nigeria today.

According to the team’s itinerary, the Dream Team VI will be departing the Leopold Senghor International Airport today at 3am aboard an ARIK Airline flight, and is expected to touch down at the

Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos by 9am. The group will then board another ARIK airline flight to Abuja.

Extra Time gathered that all three overseas–based professionals, namely captain Azubuike Okechukwu and forwards Junior Ajayi and Taiwo Awoniyi have returned to their different clubs and will not be part of the delegation arriving Nigeria.

All three players departed for their bases immediately after the team returned to its Alafifa Hotel base from the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor on Saturday night.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Africa needs $100b annually to close infrastructure financing gap — AfDB Page B3

We’re satisfied with TSA Page B8 compliance level - AGF

FG commends BUA, urges timely completion of sugar plant

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L-R: Mr Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group; Mr Gbenga Oyebode, Former Chairman, Access Bank Plc and Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, President, The Nigerian Stock Exchange at the Celebratory Dinner in honour of Mr. Gbenga Oyebode who retired from the Board of Access Bank Plc recently held at Lagos, recently.

Banks earmark N300b for SMEs, agric sector The Bankers Committee said it had set a target of N300 billion to boost lending to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and the agricultural sector in 2016.

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, said this while briefing newsmen on the communique released after the 7th Annual Bankers Committee Retreat held in Lagos from Dec. 10 to Dec. 11.

The theme of the conference was, “’Creating an Enabling Environment for SME Growth.’’

Thought Page B6 Leadership Analyst advises NAICOM to reduce licence requirements for brokers

Joy Ekeke The inter-ministerial National Sugar Roadmap Implementation Committee (SURMIC) of the Federal Government has commended the management of BUA Group for its investments in its Lafiagi Sugar Company and plantation with its potential for massive job creation.

SURMIC, during a monitoring visit to the Lafiagi plantation recently, also encouraged the company to sustain the pace of ongoing work.

Monday, December 14, 2015

Emefiele said that the facilities would not only be for SMEs, but also to large scale farming companies.

On the agriculture, he said its value chain needed to be derisked to allow banks to grant facilities to farmers to stimulate growth in the economy.

Emefiele said that the bankers agreed that de-risking those value chains in the agriculture would encourage large scale farming and boost productivity in the sector.

According to him, achieving

this will increase lending to the sector, while the monetary and fiscal authorities must work together to improve local production.

He said that increased local agriculture products like rice, tomatoes, wheat, fish, sugar, among others, would reduce the demand for foreign exchange.

Emefiele said this would help to boost country’s foreign exchange reserves and by extension strengthen the naira.

The central boss said that banks believed that there was

need to improve the level of infrastructure.

He said that the retreat, which allowed stakeholders to share ideas, also afforded them the opportunities to review the performances of the outgoing year of 2015 and set agenda for banking industry in 2016.

The CBN boss said that the retreat also gave the opportunity to exchange ideas with invited ministers about their agenda and plans.

He said that the banking inCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

An insurance analyst, Mr. Muftau Oyegunle, has advised the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to reduce licence renewal requirements for insurance brokers.

Oyegunle, who made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, urged the commission to consider two to three years documentation requirements for brokers.

NAN reports that the commission, on Dec, 8, delisted 108 insurance brokers for failing to renew their licenses.

Oyegunle said that the call became necessary because brokers had been complaining about the high renewal fees and huge volume of documentation required by NAICOM. “Brokers have always complained about the volume of documentation to NAICOM’’.

Oyegunle, who is the Managing Director of LAKEG Insurance Consultants, said that reduction would ease documentation and other challenges facing brokers.

“The renewal fees to the Nigerian Council of Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) and NAICOM is much; most practitioners are stressing themselves to pay this money.

“These renewal fees are outCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Expert expresses concern over N276b airlines debt Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Sirika, Minister of State for aviation

Aviation expert and former Commandant of Murtala Mohammend Airport, Group Capt.

John Ojikutu, has expressed fear over the payment of N276 billion ($1.2 billion) debts owed by some airlines operating in the country.

He explained that the airlines, which are insolvent, would need to think of their survival before they could think of paying the debts. Ojikutu said that airlines

had enjoyed duty waiver on aircraft parts importation in the past, but it was scrapped in 2013.

He explained that double taxation on aircraft parts (Customs Duties and Value Added Tax), had a huge toll on airlines’ finances.

Ojikutu added that they might be unable to pay, as many of them now record losses due to low passenger movement since last year.

The low passenger situation is attributed to the global economic meltdown. He noted that the huge

debts are responsible for the high operating cost of airlines, making it one of the highest in the world, doubting how the carriers could defray the debts.

Meanwhile, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Chief John Adebanjo, who decried the high level of extinction of carriers in the country noted that the Federal Government had issued no fewer than 140 Air Operators Certificates (AOC) in the last 40 years.

Adebanjo said that more airlines would continue to close shops until the right thing is done.

He said that apart from Aero Contractors that had been in operations in the last 50 years, maintaining the reputation of the oldest carrier in the country, virtually all the carriers operating today are less than 15 years.

Aero Contractors of Nigeria was formed in 1959 and was whollyCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Analyst advises NAICOM

FG commends BUA, urges timely completion of sugar plant

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

The SURMIC visit, which had the directors of Technical and Planning at the National Sugar Development Council, the Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria, the Ministry of Agriculture, The Ministry of Power as well as other high-level stakeholders in the sugar industry included a tour of BUA Group’s Lafiagi Sugar Plantation as well as an inspection of equipment and ongoing work, was carried out to ensure compliance with the government’s backward integration policy.

Speaking during the visit, Director Technical at the Sugar Council, Mr. Jika, commended the pace of ongoing work at the Lafiagi Sugar Company as well as the investments in infrastructure on ground. “We are satisfied with what we have seen on ground. Whilst the ongoing work is commendable, we expect BUA to sustain the current pace of work at Lafiagi into the future so that Nigerians can start to benefit fully from the backward integration policy of the Federal Government.”

In his response, Isiaku Samuel, a General Manager at Lafiagi Sugar Company, said that despite the challenges faced in taking full ownership of the site after BUA purchased the company through a privatization exercise, BUA has gone ahead to mobilize manpower and equipment to kick start the once-moribund facility in addition to acquiring an additional 50,000 hectares in Bassa Local Government of Kogi State for sugarcane farming.

“We are happy with this visit by the National Sugar Roadmap Implementation Committee (SURMIC) to verify ongoing work at our facility.

Rabiu, Chairman BUA Group

Awolowo, DG NEPC

New initiative to create 344,000 jobs, says NEPC Mr. George Enyiekpon, the Zonal Controller, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has said the agency would create no fewer than 344,000 new jobs through its “One State One Product Initiative.’’

He disclosed this in Ibadan at a training workshop on cashew production with the theme: `` ‘’Maximising the Potentials of Cashew from the Farm gate to the Market.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was held in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

NAN also reports that the programme was held against the backdrop of calls for the diversification of the economy.

Enyiekpon said that an increase of 20 percent from the current production figure of cashew would create more than 344,000 jobs and generate $75 million additional income for the country.

“It is interesting to note that the cashew sector has the potential of earning $ 2 billion annually in the next five years and capable of engaging the unemployed,’’ he said.

He said that the workshop was aimed at showcasing best practices in the cashew value chain for farmers, agricultural extension agents, processors and exporters.

“Cashew is one of the 13 national products chosen by Nigeria to drive the non -oil export sector.

“Nigeria is the sixth largest producer of raw cashew nut in the world, with the product grown in almost all states in Nigeria,’’ he said.

He said Nigeria’s cashew attracts the lowest price in the

global market as a result of some challenges which include low peel ability, poor quality, lack of traceability arising from fragmented value chain and poor skills among workers in the sector.

“It is my expectation that at the end of this programme, the extension workers will step down the training across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State.

“This will ensure that cashew from Oyo State will be of high quality and command premium pricing in the export market.

“NEPC desires to see cashew -clusters and centres springing up across the state and providing revenue for the state and the nation as well as jobs for the unemployed,’’ he said.

Enyiekpon said Oyo was the highest producer of cashew in the country, adding that this informed the choice of the state as well as Lagos and Ogun for the training.

In his remarks, Mr. Gabriel Kehinde, Acting Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, gave an assurance of government’s readiness to collaborate in exploring the potentials in cashew.

Kehinde, who was represented

by Mr. Lukman Oladapo, the Zonal Manager, OYSADEP, Ibadan/ Ibarapa Zone, urged the participants to make use of the knowledge gained at the training to boost cashew production.

He said the Abiola Ajimobi administration was committed to the transformation of the state through revenue generation, job creation and infrastructural development.

side taxes paid by the practitioners to tax authorities; this is very unfair.

“So, the commission and council need to cut license renewal fees’’.

The expert also urged practitioners not to take the “Nameand- Shame Policy”, recently employed by NAICOM, for granted.

“I guess the policy is necessitated by the hues and cries about fines from NAICOM. “People easily forget that NAICOM owes a duty to protect the fragile image of the insurance industry, therefore negative in-

formation need to be well managed. ‘’More than naming, all bodies that control practitioners should initiate disciplinary actions against members to stop further mess in the industry,’’ he said.

Kari, NAICOM boss

Banks earmark N300b for SMEs CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

dustry would continue to support government’s effort to diversify the economy because of the ongoing challenges facing the global market.

“I must say that the Nigeria is not an exception given that today we are affected adversely by the drop in crude oil prices which in itself has adverse impact on nation’s revenue.

“We had extensive discussions on some of the previous outcomes of the bankers committee which have helped to increase lending to the manufacturing sector, facilitated finance to the power and aviation sectors.

“It has also helped to sensitize lending to the agriculture sector where we have seen lending increasing from as low as one per cent in 2010/ 2011 to as high four per cent in 2014/2015,” Emefiele said.

Those in attendance at the conference included the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr.

Raji Fashola and the Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amechi.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and chief executives of banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), SME operators and those in agriculture and power sectors.

Emefiele, CBN governor

Expert expresses concern over N276b CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

owned by Schreiner Airways B.V of the Netherlands. It became a company with initial 40 per cent Nigerian holding in 1973 and subsequently 60 per cent in 1976.

In January 2004, Schreiner Airways was bought by Canadian Helicopter Corporation (CHC), who acquired 40 per cent holding of Aero Contractors while 60 per cent majority share remained within the Ibru family group.

Currently, Aero is whollyowned by the Ibru family. Presently, the airline has grown from oil service provider to a leading regional schedule carrier operator. It commenced scheduled commercial operation in 2000.

Adebanjo urged the Federal Government on how best to rescue the airline industry by way of making it attractive to investors.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

B3 Money Market

Skye Bank partners KIA Motors on vehicle purchase financing Skye Bank Plc. and Kia Motors have signed a strategic auto finance agreement to enable customers of Skye Bank who wish to purchase brand new Kia vehicles do so without difficulty.

The arrangement covers Kia models like Picanto, Rio, Cerrato, Optima and Sportage. Speaking on the partnership recently in Lagos, Head, Retail Banking Group, Skye Bank Plc, Nkolika Okoli, said Skye Bank, as a retail focused bank, is always on the lookout for ways to add value to its customers and the partnership is to provide avenue for customers to easily acquire brand new cars.

Okoli said, Kia brand is one of the fastest growing brands in Nigeria’s automobile industry today and she described Kia cars as very popular to average Nigerians.

She also said that Kia spare parts and Kia service centers are readily available across the country, thereby offering convenience to the teeming car owners. Okoli who commented on the eligibility, said, salary earners and business owners can acquire cars under the partnership with down payment as low as 20% of the total cost of the car.

So, rather than opt for fairly used cars popularly called ‘Tokunbo’ in local parlance, customers are encouraged to provide 20% equity contribution for a brand new car while the balance can be repaid over a 4 year period.

L-R:Mrs. Ori Ogba, Divisional Head, Customer Experience and Analytics, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Chigozie Okwakpam; Head, Analytics (CXA Group), Heritage Bank Limited; Onwunna Nicholas, Lead Volunteer, Lots Charity Homes; and Stacy Livinus, Experience Center Co-ordination, Heritage Bank Limited at the presentation of Xmas gifts (Food, Toiletries and Beddings) to Lots Charity Foundation in Ajegunle in Lagos recently.

Africa needs $100b annually to close infrastructure financing gap — AfDB Stories by Motolani Oseni President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has said African countries need 100 billion dollars annually to close its infrastructure financing gap.

Adesina disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

He said that the bank had invested a lot in infrastructure, adding that the aim of the bank was to connect African countries with a trans-national high way.

Adesina said that in order to close the infrastructure gap, the bank had created what it called “Africa 50” as a new private sector platform to mobilize funds for infrastructure development.

Adesina said that the aim of “Africa 50” was to help mobilize at least 10 billion dollars toward what Africa would need over the next five years on infrastructure.

He said that “Africa 50” was to help countries to use their sovereign wealth funds toward the development of the infrastructure. ``The continent needs to have roughly 100 US dollars a year to close its infrastructural gap.

Access Bank to holds first Lagos City full marathon Access Bank Plc is set to put the city of Lagos on the international platform, as it hosts the first Lagos City Full Marathon which is billed to hold on February 6, 2016. Disclosing this in Lagos at the weekend, the Special Adviser to the Lagos sports Commission, Ayo Tinubu said the 42 kilometer international marathon will have a grand price of $50,000.

Top 10 marathoners in the world, he said have sent in letters of interest to participate in the race which will run through major parts of the state. Speaking at a media briefing to unveil the marathon, he said there would be prizes for the first 10 marathoners who cross the finish line.

Also, the first 20 Nigerians to cross the finish line will get prizes starting from N1 million. The marathon is billed to start from the National Stadium, through

Ojota to link up with the Third Mainland Bridge, through Ikoyi to the Lekki Toll Gate to link Bonny Camp and end at the Eko Atlantic City.

Tinubu noted that as the first full marathon to be run in the country, Access Bank and its partners are set to make it an international event by ensuring “that every little detail that should be done is done to make it sure that it is the best in Africa.

The Lagos state governor has been very particular about sports and tourism and this marathon is a very good opportunity to showcase the state” he stated. Also, Executive Director at Access Bank, sponsor of the Lagos City Marathon, Mr Victor Itoku said there is no better way to showcase the splendor and beauty of the state.

“Marathon brings people from all walks of life together to a state and creates a platform on which

the city is showcased. People see the vibrancy and the friendly nature of the city when they partake in a marathon. While a business conference may bring in the people, marathon does more in showcasing a city.

“This is why as a bank, we (Access Bank) has decided to be part of it and also because the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and the International Association of Athletics Federation have endorsed it” he said.

Wigwe

“Today, Africa has about 164 billion dollars in sovereign wealth funds that can be easily used to finance infrastructure. ``Our pension funds that we have in Africa are over 360 billion U.S. dollars and this can also go into infrastructure.

“The bank’s role is to de-risk those investments so that private sector can invest.

“The bank is also investing in rail in the East Africa. ``The bank has invested in rail that will connect the ports coming out of Mozambique to Uganda and Rwanda. ``We have also invested in the road connecting Lagos to Abi-

Guaranty Trust Bank plc held the third edition of the GTCrea8 Mini Cooper giveaway with Hassan Jamiu Olawale from Kwara State University emerging as the proud owner of a Mini Cooper Car. The promo which was launched in 2013 provides a platform for the Bank to reward one lucky GTCrea8 customer with a brand new Mini Cooper car. The raffle draw for the Mini Cooper giveaway held on Wednesday, 9th of December, 2015, at the GTBank Head office in Lagos.

Since the launch of the campaign, two lucky GTCrea8 customers have been rewarded with a brand new mini cooper car. In 2013, Shalom Wigwe Elisha – a 2nd year student of medicine at the University of Lagos became the very first recipient of the prestigious car.

Maryam Adebiyi – a student of Lagos state Polytechnic was

djan and Abidjan to Dakar.

“We have invested in air travels to improve air transportation and air navigation system for many airports and we will continue to invest,” Adesina said.

Speaking on investment, Adesina said that foreign direct investment inflow in Africa was about 64 billion dollars as at 2015, adding that the investment would continue to rise. Adesina said that Africa would be the focus of investors and this would increase the inflow of foreign direct investment. He, therefore, called for good governance, accountability and transparency across the continent.

GTBank to reward Customers with Mini Cooper Car the next to win the car in 2014.

In addition to the car giveaway, 90 undergraduates have been rewarded with scholarships worth 150,000 each over the last 3 years.

This year, GTBank has continued its tradition of rewarding loyal customers with amazing prizes such as laptops, smart phones, free mobile data and cosmetic kits for aspiring makeup artists. The Bank has also awarded monthly scholarships totaling N900,000 to 6 lucky students since the beginning of the year.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

NSE releases new sectoral indices Following the completion of the first stage of the Year End Review of the NSE indices (NSE 30, the sectorial and Pension Indices), the Nigerian Stock Exchange has published the identities of the LIKELY Incoming and Outgoing companies.

The NSE-30 Index has Presco Plc, Champion Breweries Plc, Total Nigeria Plc, Glaxo Smithkline Consumer (Nig) Plc listed as LIKELY Incoming companies while Cadbury Nigeria Plc, First City Group Plc, Mobil Oil Nig Plc, UACN Plc have been listed as Likely Exiting companies.

NSE Consumer Goods Index has Vono Products Plc, Northern Nigeria Flour Mills, DN Tyre & Rubber Plc listed as LIKELY incoming while companies expected to exit are: Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Tiger Branded Consumer Goods Plc, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. Skye Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc have been reviewed as companies to likely join the NSE Banking Index while Wema Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc are expected to leave.

The NSE Insurance Index have, Consolidated Insurance Plc, Law

Union & Rock Insurance Plc, STACO Insurance Plc, Regency Alliance Plc listed as LIKELY incoming companies while Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Prestige Assurance Plc, NEM Insurance Plc, LASACO Assurance Plc have been predicted to leave.

BOC Gases Plc, Grief Nigeria Plc, First Aluminum Nigeria Plc are companies listed under Likely Incoming companies of the NSE Industrial Index while Avon Crowncaps & Containers Plc, Paints & Coatings Plc, Cutix Plc are listed under its likely exiting companies.

NSE Oil/Gas Index has Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc, Eterna Plc recorded as incomers where MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and Conoil Plc are expected to exit.

NSE Pension Index is expected to receive the likes of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Plc, Julius Berger Nig Plc, Seplat Petroleum Plc, Beta Glass Co. Plc while Ecobank Transnational Inc, Conoil Plc, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Skye Plc, UACN Properties Dev. Plc, are likely to Exit.

Weekly Report

Market cap rises by N22b Stories by Adesola Akindele Equities transactions on the Nigerian stock exchange closed Friday on a

positive note, sustaining previous trading session’s recovery as key indicators appreciated by 0.23 per cent compared to the increase 0.74 per cent achieved last Thursday.

Specifically, the NSE All Share Index gained 63.76 points to close at 27,269.71 points compared to 201.45 points gained previously to close at 27,205.95 points, while Market Capitalization added N21.9 billion to close at N9.4 trillion compared to N69.3 billion gained previously to close at N9.35 trillion.

Six of the sectoral Indices led by the NSE Insurance and NSE Oil/Gas Index closed positive.

They both rose by 1.8 per cent from their previous closing

L-R: Head, Savings Group, Fidelity Bank Plc, Janet Nnabuko; Chief Risk Officer, Kevin Ugwuoke; winners in the Rent Support Category of the Fidelity Save 4 Shelter Savings promo, Mrs. Risikat Remilekun Jimoh; Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Adeyeye Adepegba and Head, Strategy, Innovation and Business Transformation, Gbolahan Joshua during the bi-monthly prize presentation held at the Bank’s corporate headquarters in Lagos at the weekend.

UBA Chad, Senegal win ‘Bank of the Year” awards UBA Chad and Senegal recently bagged bank of the year award in their respective countries , a rare feat in a terrain that is highly competitive. Kindly help use in your esteemed platform.

The Banker Magazine has named UBA Chad and Senegal as “Bank of the Year” in their respective countries for 2015. Both awards were presented recently at the Hilton Bankside, London.

While UBA Chad is winning the award for the first time, this is the fourth consecutive year that UBA Senegal is winning the award having won in 2012, 2013, 2014.

“We are proud of winning this award for the fourth consecutive year. It shows we are now the dominant bank in Senegal and the bank all other banks have to look forward to beat. The recognition will only continue to challenge us to explore opportunities to further deepen our market share in the country said

Amie Sow, Managing Director/ CEO, UBA Senegal.

Also speaking on the recognition, Salami Aliyu, Managing Director and CEO, UBA Chad said “This award shows that the efficiency and business growth drivers which we put in place are beginning to pay-off and get us results. We assure that we will sustain this performance to enable us retain the award in 2016.”

The aim of the awards, according to the Banker Magazine “is to highlight industry wide excellence within the global banking community.”

The Banker selects one winning bank from each of the 120 participating countries. Over 1,000 applications are collected and Judges select winning banks based on those they believe have made the most progress over the past 12 months.

Associate Publisher Asia and Africa of The Banker magazine, Mr. Philip Church stressed that

the award is a testimony to the trust the bank’s clients have shown on its operations over the past months.

“The recognition of being named as Bank of the Year in your own country by the world’s longest running international banking title is testament to the strong management, sound business model and prudent risk approach of your bank.” Said Phillip Church The Banker, a publication of Financial Times Newspaper which is regarded as the most influential newspaper in the world, is a global financial intelligence magazine published since 1926.

It is the definitive publication that provides guide to bank ratings and analysis globally and the definitive reference on international banking for finance experts, governments, chief finance officers, CEOs, central bank governors, finance ministers, and other decision makers globally.

figures to close at 141.50 points and 302.33 points respectively, while four other indices led by the NSE Lotus Islamic Index depreciated in value.

The lotus Islamic Index lost 0.6 per cent followed by the NSE Premium Index that lost 0.5 per cent, while the NSE Banking Index lost 0.2 per cent. The NSE ASeM Index remained flat.

Market breadth closed the day with 23 gainers against 16 losers. Transcorp Plc topped the gainers chart with an increase of 10.00 per cent or 14 kobo to close at N1.54 per share followed by Forte Oil Plc which added 5.08 per cent or N12.00 to close at N248 per share, while Axamansard Insurance Plc

gained 4.98 per cent or 13 kobo to close at N2.74 per share.

Four Mills Plc appreciated by 4.97 per cent or 97 kobo to close at N20.47 per share while Africa Prudential Plc increased by 4.72 per cent or 11 kobo to close at N2.44 per share.

Conversely, Unilever Plc led the losers chart with a decline of 7.74 per cent or N3.52 to close at N41.98 per share trailed by Oando Plc which depreciated by 4.93 per cent or 28 kobo to close at N5.40 per share while Cutix Plc dropped 4.88 per cent or 8 kobo to close at N1.56 per share.

Wema Bank Plc lost 4.26 per cent or 4 kobo to close at 90 kobo per share while Nascon

Allied Industries Plc fell 3.57 per cent or 25 kobo to close at N6.75 per share.

In summary, investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange traded a total of 141.4 million shares valued at N3.1 billion in 2,843 deals compared to 179.1 million shares valued at N1.5 billion traded in 2,747 deals on Thursday.

Meanwhile, according to YTD figures from NASD Plc, which is the platform for the trading of unlisted securities in the over-the-counter (OTC) market a total of 1.49 billion shares worth N50.62 billion has been traded in 2,083 deals bringing its market capitalization to N381.41 billion.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 11-12-2015

Thought Leadership B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Transfer pricing documentation in a post-BEPS world “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change”-Charles Darwin Victor Adegite The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its final recommendations on the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project on October 5, 2015. The BEPS project consist of fifteen (15) Action Points geared towards fixing the gaps and mismatches in the current international tax framework. One of the Action Points, Action 13, covers Transfer Pricing Documentation and Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR). The final report of Action 13 creates a new paradigm on how transfer pricing documentation should be prepared going forward. This article outlines some of the key features of the new transfer pricing documentation requirements and its impact on Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) as they embrace the realities of a post-BEPS world.

Before BEPS… Prior to the inception of the BEPS project, MNEs have always relied on local transfer pricing rules and the guidance provided by the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines. Usually, companies are required by the relevant enabling legislation to prepare transfer pricing documentation that covers the controlled transactions carried on by the companies. A typical transfer pricing documentation will contain sections that provides brief description of the MNE, detailed description of the reporting group entity, an analysis of the industry the reporting entity is a part of, functional analysis and economic analysis.

For MNEs that are headquartered in the European Union (EU), transfer pricing documentation is slightly different. The EU in 2005 prescribed a two layered approach to transfer pricing documentation which consists of the master file and the country specific file. According to the guidance provided by the EU Joint Transfer Pricing Forum (EJTPF), an MNE should prepare one set of documentation containing common standardized information relevant for all entities within the group. In addition, the MNE is required to prepare the second set of documentation that is specific to the country of the reporting entity.

The EJTPF recommended that the master file should contain details such as the general description of the business and its strategy; general description of the MNE’s organizational, legal and operational structure; general

identification of the associated enterprises engaged in controlled transactions; general description of the functions performed and the risk assumed; ownership of intangibles; the MNE’s transfer pricing policy; list of cost contribution agreements, advance pricing agreements and transfer pricing rulings.

On the other hand, the country specific documentations is expected to provide detailed description of the business and its strategy; information on countryspecific controlled transactions; comparability analysis economic circumstances; explanation on the selection and application of transfer pricing methods’ relevant information on internal and /or external comparables.

New Reporting Requirements Quite different from what MNEs are used to before the release of the final BEPS reports, BEPS Action 13 recommends a three- tiered standardized approach to transfer pricing documentation –(i) master file (ii) local file (iii) Country-by- Country Report. Similar to the EU master file requirements, master file under Action 13 provides a “blueprint” of the MNE group and should contain relevant information that can be placed into five categories: (a) the MNE group’s organizational structure (b) a description of the MNE’s business or businesses (c) the MNE’s intercompany financial activities; and (e) the MNE’s financial and tax positions.

A cursory review of the recommended content of the master file may suggest that the new reporting requirement is same as that of the EJTPF as highlighted above. However, when reviewed in detail, one will realize that the new reporting requirements require the disclosures of additional and more detailed informa-

tion. Under the new reporting requirements, MNEs are expected to provide the description of the supply chain for the group’s five largest products and /or service offerings by turnover plus any other products and/or services amounting to more than 5 % of the group turnover. Also, MNEs are required to provide description of the main geographic markets for the MNE group’s products and services. Where there has been an important business restructuring, acquisition and divestitures during the fiscal year, the details of these activities are to be documented in the master file.

Further, there is a requirement to document intangibles with the MNE as well as a general description of any important transfers of interests within the group and the basis of compensations of such transfers. Another disclosure that is important to note is that of the MNE group’s intercompany financial activities.

Action 13 requires MNE groups to document how the group is financed, identify group entities that provide central financial function as well as state the country under whose laws the central financial entities are organized and the place of effective management of such entities.

A review of the documentation requirement for local file under Action 13 reveals that to a large extent there are no significant new disclosure requirement save those listed below: • A description of the management structure of the local entity, a local organization chart, and a description of the individuals to whom local management reports and the country(ies) in which such individuals maintain their principal offices.

• A detailed description of the business and strategy pursued by the local entity including an in-

dication whether the local entity has been involved in or affected by business restructurings or intangibles transfers in the present or immediately past year and an explanation of those aspects of such transactions affecting the local entity.

• A copy of existing unilateral and bilateral/multilateral APAs and other tax rulings to which the local tax jurisdiction is not a party and which are related to controlled transactions described above.

• Information and allocation schedules showing how the financial data used in applying the transfer pricing method may be tied to the annual financial statements.

The third tier of transfer pricing documentation which is entirely new is the CbCR. Action 13 recommends that the CbCR should contain summary data by jurisdiction including revenue, income, taxes, number of employees etc. In implementing the CbCR, the OECD has recommended that the CbCR be required from MNE groups with annual consolidated group revenue of more than EUR750million.

Also, the commencement date for the implementation has been fixed for the fiscal year beginning on or after 1 January 2016. The CbCR is expected to be filed in the ultimate parent company of the multinational group’s jurisdiction (or that of the surrogate parent entity). It is expected that the tax administration in the country where the CbCR is filed will subsequently share the report with tax administration of the countries where members of the MNE group operates under the relevant exchange of information protocols.

Post BEPS realities From the commencement of the BEPS Project in 2013 to the publication of the final reports this year, the G20, OECD and scores of other countries have negotiated, deliberated and reached consensus on the 15 Action Points. Considering the above, one can conclude that transfer pricing documentation cannot be business as usual in a post- BEPS environment. The tax topography will be radically transformed! A very interesting development can be observed in countries like Australia, Canada and Spain. Even before the release of the final BEPS package, these countries had set machinery in motion to ensure the adoption of Action 13 especially the CbCR. Another indicator of postBEPS realities is seen in Nigeria.

The tax authorities in Nigeria has requested CbCR from a taxpayer via the TP audit process.

The Post BEPS realities of Action 13 are discussed below.

Firstly, the tax authority will have access to more quantum of information on the MNE group as a whole and the reporting entity more specifically. Where the requisite information are not provided with the expected level of details or not provided at all, the reporting entity may be exposed to significant transfer pricing audit risk. Also, MNEs transfer pricing audit risk may increase significantly where information submitted to the tax authorities are contradictory.

Secondly, financial arrangement is now one of the areas of focus of disclosure. While financing activities /arrangements do relate specifically to loan transactions, it may include short-term credit facilities, revolving loans, inventory financing, capital issuance, purchase order financing etc. With this, financial arrangements that are not regarded as important or significant prior to the BEPS era may now attract the attention of the tax authorities.

Therefore, it is important that MNE groups put in place a robust process that will enable it capture and document the various financing arrangements existing within the MNE group. Failure to do this may put the MNE group at the risk of omission of key disclosure items.

Thirdly, MNE groups may need to reevaluate the allocation of manpower to its tax and transfer pricing compliance units as there may be expanded scope when it comes to tax and transfer pricing compliance as well as audits going forward.

Finally, MNE groups need to have a transfer pricing documentation strategy to coordinate the collation of financial data and preparation of the TP documentation to ensure that the three reports consistently explain the MNE group’s business model and outcomes.

By Victor Adegite, Manager, Tax, Regulatory and People Services, KPMG Advisory Services, Lagos, Nigeria victor. adegite@ng.kpmg.com © 2015, KPMG Professional Services, a partnership registered in Nigeria and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (‘’KPMG International’’), a Swiss entity.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

B7 Insurance

FG to release N35b accrued rights of retirees – PenCom Ï ƆƔƍƆƏƐ ƅ ƒ Ɔ floating of bond to deflate CPS Stories by Isaac Agber National Pension Commission (PenCom) has called on the Federal Government to urgently consider releasing the accrued pension rights of retirees from September to December, 2014 and April to August, 2015, amounting N35.30 billion.

Director-general of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said the payment of retirement benefits and death claims through the Contributory Pension Scheme have been regular and timely except for the delays being experienced in the settlement of accrued benefits of FGN retirees and deceased employees. According to her, this results from delays in the funding of the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund by the FGN as observed in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

She said N483.33 billion has been released into the Retirement Benefits Bonds Redemption Fund Account by the FGN, which was invested by the Central Bank of Nigeria and yielded N7.71 billion

between 2006 and March 2015.

The PenCom boss said the accrued benefits of 8,193 retirees and death benefits of 4,847 deceased employees amounting to N48.39 billion were processed for the period, February to August 2015, but were yet to be settled by the federal government.

She stated that this clearly shows that even if the total outstanding monthly mandates were released, there would still be a shortfall of N13.09 billion.

In addition, the total mandate for September to December 2015 was N20.08 billion while the total accrued benefits for the period was N23.12 billion, which left a shortfall of N3.04 billion. “This clearly shows that even if all the mandates for the period of September 2014 to August 2015 were released, the scheme would still be underfunded to the tune of N16.13 billion,” she said.

She therefore, called for immediate settlement of the outstanding rights in order to avert crisis in the industry.

“In this regard, therefore, President is hereby respectfully invited to note the need for immediate settlement of N35.3 billion arrears by the Federal Government on accrued benefits for the months of September to December 2014 and April to August 2015,” She said.

L-R: President International Facility Management Association Nigeria, Richard Okesola, General Secretary, Lekan Akinwunmi and the Past President Iyabo Aboaba at the 18th Annual General Meeting held at the office in lagos recently.

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, an expert in pension matters has called on all levels of government to consider floating of bond to address the present challenge of accrued pension rights that has denied many retirees their pension benefits.

The Regional Manager South West of Premium Pension Limited, Fatai Adegboyega, said this at a forum organized by the Lagos State Pension Board (LASPEB) in Lagos, stressing that since governments are faced with finan-

cial challenges in meeting the obligations of settling accrued pension rights of retirees, efforts should be channeled at raising funds through bond, which is, however, a long term financing measure.

He noted that the issue of accrued rights, if not properly managed, could erode the gains of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Also worried, the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) called on the Federal

Government to urgently release the outstanding accrued rights of its retirees so that their benefits can be processed and settled.

Its former President of PenOp Misbahu Yola, said the delay in payment of the retirees’ accrued rights is affecting the Pension system. According to him, the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) works perfectly, but the delay in payment of accrued rights is dragging the shadow of the old scheme into the new one and making it look ineffective.

CIIN seeks to align syllabus with UK’s

Ahmed

Retail insurance has growth potentials —Ojumah

Managing Director/CEO, FBN Insurance Limited, Val Ojumah, has said that there are a lot of untapped opportunities in the nation’s insurance industry for the operators to develop and make a mark in the economy.

Speaking at a media roundtable as part of activities marking the fifth anniversary of the company in Lagos, Ojumah said there are growth potentials especially in the retail segment of the industry.

According to him, over the past

Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) is shopping for professional writers that would help domesticate its course books even as it has shifted grounds to the UK, Daily Times has learned.

Its Director-general Kola Ahmed, disclosed this in an interview, adding that the writers will be saddled with the responsibility of including local inputs in the course books.

“Another thing we want to do is to domesticate our course books, so that we can include local inputs, current developments in the

economy. All these are being taken together holistically. And right now, we are sourcing for professionals and will commission them at a fee to look at all our course books and include local inputs.

This is going along with the syllabus review,” he said.

Specifically, the syllabus, which is at the final stage of completion, would contain local and foreign contents so as to produce wellbred professionals in the industry.

He noted that the proposed syllabus has gone through management and special committee and that the report from the commit-

tee has been passed to the examination committee for ratification.

According to him, ordinarily our syllabus is supposed to be reviewed every five years, the present syllabus started in 2007, and it has been due for review since 2012. We have been on the process since then and I am happy to announce that it is now at the final stage of completion.

“We have done the management review, it has been passed to special committee and they have also submitted their report which has been passed to the examination committee for final ratification.

five years, we wanted to bring insurance to those people who ordinarily would not have been able to buy insurance, so we focused on retail distribution.

According to him, “From day one, we recognized that a large proportion of our population are indeed living with very small income, that is one of the major reasons why the people do not buy insurance. Therefore, we came up with ‘penny products’ that enables the ordinary people to buy

insurance. Today have over 2,000 active people who are paying premium regularly to the company”.

In 2013, FBN Insurance pioneered mobile insurance in Nigeria with Airtel (Padi4life) and Etisalat (Sure4life) – an affordable airtime-based insurance with medical cover. “We pioneered mobile insurance through which we were able to bring insurance to people who otherwise would not talk about insurance.

As a result of this development,

in two years of our existence, we were able to return profits to our investors. In this industry, one of the reasons that our stock prices are low is because our dividend payout has been next to nothing.

But at FBN Insurance, we have changed all that. We have successfully been paying dividend to our shareholders since 2012”.

He said we are very proud of the fact that we have supported government in providing employment directly to over 1,500.

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

We’re satisfied with TSA compliance level - AGF ‘‘The compliance on TSA is high and we are getting more and more satisfied with the level of compliance. Today we have 792 MDAs that have enrolled for the TSA, and for these MDAs, we have opened at CBN 991 sub-accounts for them.’’

Idris

Office of the Accountant General of the Federation said it has done a great deal of work together with the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Systemspecs - the company that is deploying the technology to move the fund electronically to enforce the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). Accountant General of the Federation Ahmed Idris in this interview with selected journalists in his office he said that the TSA policy was for the benefit of MDAs attributing the delay in accessing funds by the MDAs to the ongoing verification and reconciliation of accounts of mobbed up funds in the TSA. MATHEW DADIYA was there for Daily Times.

What is the level of compliance on the TSA as at today?

The compliance on TSA is high and we are getting more and more satisfied with the level of compliance. Today we have 792 MDAs that have enrolled for the TSA, and for these MDAs, we have opened at CBN 991 subaccounts for them. The subaccounts are really accounts of MDAs and possibly their project accounts so that each MDA can have its own account and subaccount for project.

We have also realised the sum of N1.534 Trillion in the TSA, however, the figure is changing because we’ve created subaccounts for these MDAs. So for these figures may appear a bid lower tomorrow because when you create sub-account, you take a particular amount for a particular project for a particular MDA and put it in an account.

However, there is linkage but what we have is about n1.534 trillion. So this is the level of perfor-

mance.

Some agencies, Universities, polytechnics and other institution of higher learning have been insisting on exemption from the IPPIS, GIFMIS platform, why are they resisting enrolling?

Eventually, IPPIS being one of the reform initiatives; have to be applied on all institutions of government and as far as policy of government is concern, particularly the IPPIS, all institution will have to come on board.

Of course, universities and polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions are not on board but we will get them enrolled; they have to be on board. Reason for their resistance, I really don’t know why they want to remain solo for a policy that is laudable, that will ensure and engenders efficiency in the payment of salary. Eventually it is a policy of government and we are interacting and explaining to them that this is the policy, they have to comply, and they have to come on board.

They have to comply, no going back.

But the higher institutions of learning have this fear that a lot of their lecturers do go on sabbatical which they said their allowances may not be capture by the IPPIS…?

No, no, no! It’s not for anybody to say you will not be captured; they should make themselves available and be captured. It is when we capture them and they don’t see such payment been made that they can complain. You don’t just perceive or imagine a problem; it has to be real and practical. In any case, they are government’s institutions and this is government’s

policy. Besides, government cannot bring about policies to kill its own institutions or disallow them from working. Dou you think government will come up with policy to make the universities not to embark on teaching and research? No, there must be a way…. So I don’t know why they are backing out. In any case, they have already agreed to come on board and it’s a matter of time they will be on board.

What is the relationship between IPSAS, IPPIS, GIFMIS and the TSA? All these you have mentioned, IPPIS, IPSAS, GIFMIS (Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems), TSA amongst others are all part of the economic reform programme of government that is being undertaking through this office. We are the component of the reform project that government is enrolling. They are simply meant to make us in tandem with the global best practice and to make us comply with standards in terms of financial management, in terms of financial reporting, management of the economy and even pattern and management of government expenditure, fiscal issues; financial and monetary issues are all cover in this reform initiative.

We are not living in the island, we are members of the international community and we have to comply with the world’s standards best practices and these are the components that will make us get to that level and government is gradually evolving and bringing out these reform programmes.

As the chief treasurer of the Nigerian economy, what measures are put in place to safeguard against corruption in the civil service?

When we are talking of good governance, it is a whole package and not just about how ministries are ran in terms of leadership and so on; but also, how economy and how finance of the ministries are managed. This reform will bring about transparency, fiscal discipline, and they will bring about decorum in

the pattern and management of government resources and the way and manner expenditure is made.

They will also block leakages; ensure good management of lean resources particularly now that our resources are dwindling in terms of our earning from oil as our major source of revenue.

All these put together are some of the benefits that we are going to derive in pursuing this reform policy.

What is the federal government doing to address the issue of delay in accessing funds by MDAs due to the Treasury Single Account, TSA implementation?

I must admit that, like any other policy that is new, you always get one issue or the other at the point of introduction and implementation; TSA is not an exception. However, this office has done a great deal of work together with our partners and other stakeholders namely; the CBN, the company that is deploying the technology to move the fund electronically and so far we are getting over some of these problems of accessing money.

We’ve been able to like I told you earlier, opened with CBN on behalf of MDAs 191 sub accounts and most of these sub accounts can be accessed.

However, in view of the fact that some of these large sums of money which we have mobbed up following the directive of CBN, were lodged into an account, we need to carefully reconcile and segregate each component, each amount and then make sure that whatever we are crediting into a sub account of an MDA, is the correct amount. Because we are talking of money, you can’t just do it haphazardly, it has to be with care and caution and we need to verify statement and evidence that this is the amount mobbed up before we credit a sub account on behalf of MDAs. This is causing the delay but I believe at the end of the day it is for the benefit of the MDAs, so that no money of MDA ‘A’ will go to MDA ’B’ out of just a rush to put money into sub-accounts.

MDAs which came when we

made the first call, actually have been able to access their money. Some of these organisations have been accessing their money freely without any hitch.

But those who dragged their feet, who refused to come on board initially were the ones affected because their money were mobbed up and it is now a matter of sorting it out, reconciling the amount and then crediting them into their sub accounts with the correct amount. That is exactly what we are doing and we are overcoming the problems.

There have been much talk about IPSAS, now is TSA, what does the government want to achieve differently with the implementation of this IPSAS? The implementation of IPSAS like I said is one of the components of the reform initiatives being undertaking on behalf of government by this office. In other word, we are the driving institution. From 2012 we started the cash phases of accounting of IPSAS which essentially from what hitherto we use to do. With effect from January next year (2016), that is, having run the cash basis for two years, we are going to commence the accrual basis of accounting and that essentially means that we will bring up our accounting process to almost the same level to that of the private sector. You can easily accrue a liability and recognise a liability in your book, you can see an asset in other word you can’t buy an asset and write it off; in a year you depreciate it over the year of utilization. In any case, accrual basis is the last leg of implementation of IPSAS and we will commence it from January 2016 and it will make our financial reporting system better and more acceptable to our development partners. The way and manner we will present our accounts, financial statements will be more acceptable, more receptive and more respected by those development partners and we will now be in line with global best practice, in line with what other players in the international community do in terms of reporting financial record keeping.

Life&

TIMES Monday, December 14, 2015

Kenny

Saint Best: From music to politics

L2,3

P

Interview L2

Life&

T E A M

Let’s talk about you and politics, what influenced your decision to go into it?

I reside in Onigbongbo Local Government Area of Lagos State, and for over 6 years, I’ve been part of the local government in area of development, basically in area of education, development of the public school and upgrading of public schools in Onigbongbo Local Government Area under the chairmanship of honourable Idowu Obasa, so I’ve been a part of it.

At the state level, I am the main act at the state children’s Christmas party, and I was very active during the 2007 election that brought in Governor Fashola. So, I’ve always been quite active in the background of politics, but it was last year that I decided that I can do something about changing the face of youth development in Ikeja and Lagos State as a whole. Apart from being a youth coach, youth pastor that requires me to see to the development of the youth. I have a yarning and pull towards the street and seeing that every girl that comes out to hustle on the street at night should have a privilege to become a better citizen, and be given the privilege of better productivity in the areas of what they can do to improve their lives apart from prostitution.

What makes you feel politics is the way to go to make this kind of change?

Each time I look at it that I’m going into politics, I feel somehow, because of the kind of image politics has in Nigeria, it gives me shiver; I see it more as public service and if I look at it more in the area of seeing to getting people developed, human appreciation, and what I see in my local government especially the Opebi axis where I reside baffles me. The rise of prostitution has gone up by almost 1000 percent. It never used to be this bad. Back then, you can count the number of girls you see on one hand, but now especially at that Pekas junction, it seems like a trailer comes to offload them for the night from 7pm. It looks like the street is pulling those more and more all because of money, and what they do depreciates humanity. I think there can be a change, something can be introduced to these girls and let them know that there’s a gift on the inside of them that can improve their personality and make money with their body by working hard without having to dehumanise themselves. So really it’s the area of human productivity that’s really pulling me into public service, and that’s why I need to get on a platform to get the job done and if that platform is called politics, then maybe you can call me a politician (laughs).

Coming from your background as an entertainer, do you really think you have what it takes to make any change in politics?

I think what it takes is the passion for change in human beings. It’s like saying why is Pastor Tunde Bakare

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Politics won’t take away music from me

— Kenny Saint Best

Multiple award winning gospel act and Kennis Music vice-president, Kenny Saint Best, was among the top celebrities who ventured into politics during the 2015 general election. Though, she lost during the primaries, KSB as she’s fondly called, now a card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was at virtually all the party’s activities in the run-up to the poll. In this interview with ISAAC OGUNTOYE, she opens up on the reason why she’s embracing politics at this stage, among other sundry issues. Excerpts: in politics? Is it that he’s not getting enough money from the pulpit? It is the same call to build humanity, and it’s about spreading the good news through government. Yes there is a youth ministry, but their attention seems to be more on sports development and we have seen how that has bettered the life of sports practitioners, especially in football. It’s only in football that you have platforms for under 13, under 15, under 17, Flying Eagles and then Super Eagles. They don’t have such organised platforms for any other of youth development.

We don’t have it for models, fashion or even musicians and actors. The government can’t boast of any support or effort to grow these industries so much so that it’s the effort of these entertainers that has added to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria that has made us to have the highest GDP in Africa. Personally, I belong to Kennis Music and 16 years of my life has been dedicated into human development and that’s what we still do, but we do not have any structure despite the fact that we can see the potentials. The money or loan they said they granted the industry, how many people can come out to say they’ve benefitted from it?

So, somebody needs to come into government to enlighten them and let them know the amount of tax they can generate if the industry is properly structured. That’s why I’m doing my best from the grassroot. Lagos is the hub of entertainment in Africa, we need to get it right. The best way to curb crime is to create employment and empower the youth, otherwise we’ll continue to have people committing petty crimes for money.

What do you think is the solution to youth empowerment?

The solution is the reason why I’m

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

into politics. Having been an entertainment practitioner for the past 16 years, I’m an expert in this industry. The government knows how to get professionals to handle other ministries but when it comes to youth and entertainment, they don’t. I still say it everywhere that Nigeria’s GDP rose because of the huge contributions of the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, we don’t have an entertainment ministry or agency representing the industry as a whole. The industry is so big that it encompasses movies, music, modelling, fashion, make up and more. And when they decide to have entertainment at government events, they only bring cultural dancers as if that’s all about entertainment. The bulk of unemployed Nigerian youths are actually educated; the energy is just lying fallow, these energy needs to be channelled into something positive and productive. At the moment, the energy is in a neutral gear which can only be pushed into positive or negative gears. You can’t just talk about youth empowerment and gather youth together for seminars upon seminars without practical ways of making money. A lot of graduates now have to learn makeup artistry, make small chops, or learn video production to make ends meet, and all these that I’ve just mentioned do not fall into any category in the structure of government.

What if people say you’re going into politics to make money?

Am I broke? Am I poor? I’ve been blessed, because what most people are still praying for and still have on their list of prayer requests, I’ve been given. So if it is money that’s driving me, it would kill me because I would see so much money and die. If it’s just money, then I’m not going to be fulfilled.

Since you made your intention to go into politics know, what’s been

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

CONTINUED ON Photography Quadri Olowolagba

L3

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Ann Izedunor Jogging is one of the oldest and the most popular forms of aerobic exercise. Fads come and go, but jogging has withstood some of the trendiest exercise crazes that have come through the years. Jogging outdoors keeps you in touch with outside actions. Jogging is considered as a cardiovascular exercise.

Jogging is more physically demanding than activities such as walking. It is so because it is a high impact activity that uses large muscle groups.

It also engages your core and upper body to stay upright and it also helps you to maintain balance. Jogging raises your heart and respiration rates to provide much needed oxygen to your working muscles.

Jogging also helps in the removal of excess cholesterol from the cells.

It also eliminates and reduces the risk factors associated in contacting coronary heart disease. Jogging also strengthens the heart and the body’s ability to distribute oxygen and blood. It is important for cardiovascular fitness, because it prevents the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels and arteries. It also lowers the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. You can decide to decide to jog either in the morning or in the afternoon, whichever one is equally ok and good. But the importance of taking a morning jog is because it creates the body with freshness and it energises the body. And if you jog on am empty stomach, it even burns more fat. On the other hand, afternoon jug helps you blow off steam and accumulate stress from the day. Here are some few reasons why jogging must be taken seriously: 1. It prevents hypertension and heart disease: Jogging reduces all the risk of developing a host of dis-

eases. It also helps to keep high blood pressure at bay. Its mechanism activates the lowering of LDL and the bad cholesterol in the blood as you do vigorous exercise. Though regular jogging, many harmful things that damages the body are being prevented 2. Jogging helps in the prevention of cancer: Jogging increases the supply of oxygen to all parts of the body, it helps in the prevention of cancer.

3. Increased Muscle Mass: As you start jogging, you will probably see an initial quick weight loss depending on how much you do.

Your muscles will become stronger.

Muscle tone improves as you work on the proper running technique.

You will see more muscle definition.

Muscles require energy; they get that energy from calories. So you see, muscles are your little fat burning machines.

You will see an improvement in your appearance. You may drop a couple of dress sizes without any further change in weight at this point. This occurs because muscles weight is more than that of fat.

Therefore, even though you are losing fat, your muscles are increasing.

4. Jogging helps keep prevention of diseases at bay: Jogging also strengthens the immune system remarkably well. Jogging helps promotes the stimulation of macro phage’s and bacteria fighting cells, lymphocytes which fights infections through the immune system. It also blesses the body physically, and it sharpens the brain.

5. Jogging rages war with diabetes: Jogging also help in controlling and prevention of diabetes. Jogging promotes the mental and psychological conditions of the human

Interview CONTINUED FROM

L2

the reaction of people towards it?

People are excited, and they know what I and my family have done in the Nigerian entertainment industry. For instance, Davido has won Best African act awards at 3 international awards this year and yet no governor or brand has said well-done to him for making Nigeria proud simply because it’s not sport.

Imagine the hype and government support for Blessing Okagbare who won gold at Glasgow. This is simply because we don’t have a structure to support entertainment. Now that I’ve decided to stick my neck out to bring Nigerian youth to the point of relevance, people are really about it and giving me all the support. If the government cannot create a ministry for the entertainment industry, they can create an agency for it just like Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and co.

What’s the take of your brother, Kenny Ogungbe, on your decision to go into politics?

L3 Wellness

Feeling lazy and weak?

Jog it off! self-esteem. Jogging will keep you feeling better and happy all day.

body.

6. Jogging improves mental fitness: Regular jogging puts the body in its proper shape and it also gives a better sense of confidence and

7. Jogging fights stress: Jogging is very helpful when it comes to fighting stress it helps put you in a more peaceful state of mind and it help promote an upbeat attitude. Jogging helps in giving us that peaceful state that allows us to shut out the world and just be alone with our thoughts.

And this can be a very soothing feeling, which shuts out stressors while we are immersed in the joy of jogging. Jogging also afford us the solitude to sort out some of our daily concerns with less distractions.

8. Jogging helps in weight loss and reduces body fat levels: Jogging is the most efficient ways to lose weight and get into shape.

Jogging helps us in achieving and reaching our goals faster. Through jogging, calories are burnt and the body returns back in shape. There is also the after burn effect as you will still be burning additional calories for the next 48 hours after your last run.

This is also one of the efficient ways to lose weight and get your shape back in order. This is the best ways of achieving your fitness goals faster than if you did other cardiovascular exercise, like walking. Jogging is your answer to losing those extra pounds that just stubbornly won’t come off. Since it is weight bearing,

it allows you to burn a larger number of calories per session. So when you start jogging you will start seeing the benefits and the importance of it.

9. Below are the few changes that will occur in the body: Self-confidence Weight loss Weight maintenance You look younger Odourless sweat Increased stamina Increased endurance Improved emotional state-happiness You experience “purpose” You seek out challenges You accomplish more You get a nice tan You become better able to cope with and handle stress Become more adventurous as you begin to see opportunities Increased motivation Improved fitness Decreased heart disease risk Decreased risk of osteoporosis Improved muscle tone Decreased risk of high blood pressure Improved overall sense of well being Increased lung capacity But the bottom line is, jogging is awesomely great! So what are you still waiting for? Jog it off!

I did not go into politics for money

I have a wonderful family, because they know my person and integrity.

They know how compassionate I am about people, and they know how many people that have passed through my hands to become superstars. They also know my will power, that if I set my mind to do something, you just need to support and encourage it. They know that I’m a deep person, I must have thought it through and even gotten a go ahead from my pastor because they know I’m close to my pastor. Everyone knows my brother is sold out for youth development. An artiste can betray him today, and he’ll still go ahead to pick up another one. It’s happened over and over again, but we can’t do it alone, because the talent in entertainment is growing in thousands. So for me, it’s not just the politics, it is the service behind it.

Can we now say that you’ve dumped music to focus on poli-

tics?

I can’t leave music, music is me and I am music.

So how would you combine both?

It’s already balanced, music is what I’ve been practising for over 16 years, and while I was doing it, I added parenting to it and nothing is more demanding than parenting, and then along the line, I added my own personal business to it. So, politics is just another job that’s been added to all the things I do and don’t forget I’m very involved in church activities too.

So politics is not going to take away music from me, and going forward, there’s a new approach towards my music. I’m slowing down but I’m not going out. I’ll be doing softer music.

I’m not doing music anymore such that I can be invited to perform on stage. There are a lot of hands on those kind of; so I have to make a different music that would motivate and

inspire people. It’ll be more enjoyable, laid back and soft.

Why APC and not any other party?

Well it’s because APC stands for change. If you want a change would you rather not go to a party that has the track record of bringing about changes? I think it’s a symbiotic relationship. I want to make a change, the APC also stands for change, so I feel we can work together to bring about the change. Apart from all these, we’ve also seen the change they’ve done in states that they have ruled, Lagos, Osun and Ogun states are perfect examples, even Ibadan, the Oyo State capital has transformed. It’s been a story of mega and unbelievable change. The intensity of change in infrastructure, transportation and even eradicating bikes (Okada) is impressive, so imagine if they channel that same level of intensity of change towards the youth in Lagos State.

Music Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Mutiat Alli

KORA All-Africa Awards unveils 2016 nominees

….with Soundcity TV as Official Broadcast Partner and Namibia as Host of the host country - Namibia’s annual National Day celebrations would be televised live on SoundcityTV - Channel 327 on DSTV, GOtv Channel 75 and her digital platforms across 55 countries.

SoundcityTV delivers the very best of Culture, Music, Entertainment and Lifestyle to a worldwide audience, a fitting for the KORA All-Africa Awards.

“We are excited about the partnership to take the 2016 KORA AllAfrica Award to 55 countries and to our over 40 mill i o n audience via the live

Tajudeen Adepetu

KORA All-Africa Music Awards, the African continent’s first and premier award ceremony in the musical arts has announced nominees in the 26 categories for her 2016 edition. The ceremony takes place at the Windhoek Country Club in Namibia with SoundcityTV Africa as official Broadcast Media partner.

The Ceremony taking place on March 20, 2016, and will form part

broadcast and digital platforms,” said Mr. Tajudeen Adepetu, who is Chief Executive at Consolidated Media Associates and Executive Producer at SoundcityTV Africa.

“We are inspired by the incredible work of KORA team over the last 12 years and then by 2016 crop of nominees for the award. Next year’s ceremony would be nothing short of

spectacular even to audience who would be tuned in from their homes via SoundcityTV.” The Namibian government which would be playing host for the March 20th ceremony has thrown her weight fully behind the 2016 edition of the Award. In a communication recently issued by the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism in conjunction with the Ministries of Education, Arts & Culture; and Information and Communication Technology, the Namibian government expressed the belief that the creative industries play a key role in contributing to the economy and in doing so, furthering the poverty alleviation agenda through tourism, the cultural arts and the creative industries which largely informed the partnership with the Organizers of KORA. Nigerian artistes and categories nominated for are: Reekado Banks for Most Promising Male Artist of Africa; Yemi Alade for Most Promising Female Artist of Africa; P-Square for Legendary Award; Tiwa Savage, Flavour N’abania and Korede Bello for Best Video; Lara George for Best Female - Spiritual Music; Flavour scores a second nomination for ‘Best Male - West Africa’ alongside Davido; Tiwa Savage is also nominated for ‘Best Female West Africa’ while Bracket are up for Best Group of Africa; The trio of BNG are nominated for Best Group - Spiritual; Mavins’ ‘Adaobi’ is nominated for Best Collaboration.

Kaffy, Bovi to host Headies 2015 Two times host of Headies awards, Comedian Bovi will again be hosting with Nigeria’s dance queen, Kaffy at the 2015 edition of the awards scheduled to hold on December 30, 2015 at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

With this year’s them as is “Flip the Script”, the host are not expected to follow traditions this year, leaving room for a lot of spontaneity and surprise.

It will be recalled that Bovi has one time hosted alongside Toke Makinwa but he was replaced by Basket mouth due to logistic reasons.

However, king of rap, Olamide is top of the nomination table for this year’s Headies with eight nods including – Best Pop single, Rap Album, Best Collaboration (twice), Best StreetHop Artiste, Album of the Year, Artiste of the Year, and Song of the Year.

L-R Lead singer, U2Co-founder, ONE Campaign, Paul David Hewson “Bono”; Executive Director, Global Strategy, Jamie Drummond and Managing Director, PRM Africa and Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at the Africa Policy Advisory Board (APAB) Meeting of ONE Campaign Africa held recently at Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana

One campaign co-founder, Bono commends AFRIMA The co-founder of ONE Campaign, Paul David Hewson popularly known as ‘Bono’ has congratulated and commended AFRIMA for the successful hosting of The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA 2015 on Sunday November 15 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, especially for bringing Africa under one roof at this year’s award ceremony.

He spoke at an interaction with the Managing Director of PRM Africa and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, during the meeting of the Africa Policy and Advisory Board (APAB) members of ONE Campaign Africa and Mo Ibrahim Foundation high-level Annual Governance weekend at Labadi Beach Resort and International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana recently. Dada is a member of APAB for ONE Campaign Africa.

Speaking at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation high-level Annual Governance held recently at the Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana, the Irish singer, songwriter, musician, venture capitalist, businessman, philanthropist and front man of Dublinbased rock band U2, Bono, who has been involved in benefits concerts to raise aid and awareness on the deplorable conditions of the poor in Africa stated, “I congratulate the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, for a

successful show and unifying Africa through music and pulling it off in spite of the challenges”.

This year’s topic focused on urban issues in Africa and the Leadership ceremony celebrated excellence in African Leadership which honored the 2014 Ibrahim laureate, His Excellency President HifikipunyePohamba, former President of Namibia (2005 -2015).

In his speech delivered on behalf of the International Committee of AFRIMA at the APAB conference, Dada reinforced AFRIMA’s commitment to work closely with organizations across Africa and the world at large to achieve the social change through creative arts and culture for Africa.

In partnership with the African Union, AU, AFRIMA, the continental awards is to celebrate, showcase and reward the musical culture of the African race and continued use of entertainment, culture, arts, music and the AFRIMA platform to project Africa greatness to the rest of the world.

There was a dinner roundtable with African business leaders and entrepreneurs.

The annual conference was not done without live music concert featuring Angelique Kidjo, YoussouN’Dour, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and DJ Mic Smith.

Harrysong ...releases new photoshoot With having the number one song this year, Harrysong re-states his reign as he poses in a new photoshoot dressed as a king in his native Niger-delta entire. This is coming on the heels of his hotly anticipated album, entitled ‘Talent and Grace.’

Count down begins to the release of his upcoming album as the Five Star Music singer and songwriter would be having a very intimate ‘thank you’ live session for fans.

Fans and friends of the act can get an invite on.

Harrysong

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

L5 Movie Gist

Mutiat Alli

LASG to partner premiere of Fifty The Lagos State Government and its Ministry of Culture and Tourism have announced their partnership with EbonyLife Films in the build-up to the film’s worldwide premiere held over the weekend at he Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos The Lagos State Government confirmed its support for the film in an official letter to EbonyLife Films signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Foli Coker. In the letter, the commissioner stated, “We appreciate the rich showcase of our great city through Fifty’s celebration of the pulse and energy of this fast developing metropolis and its people through the lenses of its four leading women. We can proudly say Lagos State is the movie’s fifth character.“ Speaking on the partnership,

Executive Producer, Mo Abudu said, “We are thrilled to have Lagos State endorse our movie.

Fifty is a celebration of all that is good in and about Lagos and Africa as a continent. Our hope is that our great city continues to be an iconic backdrop for many more stories in the near future“.

Directed by Biyi Bandele and executively produced by Mo Abudu, Fifty, captures a few pivotal days in the lives of four Nigerian women at the pinnacle of their careers. Tola, Elizabeth, Maria and Kate were forced at midlife to take inventory of their personal lives, while juggling careers and family against the sprawling backdrops of the uppermiddle-class neighbourhoods of Lagos.

The movie stars Ireti Doyle, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Omoni

Cast of fifty movie Oboli and NseIkpe-Etim. The production is Mo Abudu’s quest to showcase African women coming of age, loaded with increasingly similar aspirations and dilemmas faced by their contemporaries

everywhere, while yet navigating unresolved traditions and obligations.

‘FIFTY’ will be released in cinemas nationwide on the December 18, 2015.

Tayo Sobola sets to hold 2-in-one celebration

Kannywood awards to hold January 2016 In its third edition, organisers of the yearly Kannywood award has hinted that this year’s edition of the award is aimed at showing patriotism through entertainment and is set to hold on January 16, 2016.

Considered to be the largest gathering of Kannywood artistes, Technical crew, relevant individuals and groups, the awards will hold in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Launched in 2013 by SarariKlassique Merchandise, the awards were created to acknowledge talented artists in Kannywood.

The 2016 edition will comprise of more than 20 awards, given under three separate categories – Popular Awards, Jury Awards (Technical and Critics’ Awards) and special Awards.

Popular and award winning actor, Ali Nuhu, triumphed at the 2015 edition of the MTN/Kannywood awards, winning in the much coveted “Best Actor” category.

……to open corporate office and State-Of-The-Art TV Production Studio Delectable actress/producer, Tayo Sobola popularly known in the movie industry as Sotayo is set to open her corporate office where all her businesses will be conducted. The corporate office

Kehinde

Meg Otanwa, Kehinde Bankole for Chibok girl stage play Nigerians were thrown off balance when the Chibok girls were abducted and there was no one to tell their story. Seasoned Nigerian playwright, stage and film director, Wole Oguntokun will on December 18, 2015 premiere his much talked about ‘ The Chibok Girls: Our Story at the Agip Hall, Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos.

The play centres on the curious circumstances preceding the abduction of more than 200 girls from the school in Chibok, the event itself and the aftermath.

The play featured the likes of Joshua Alabi, Kehinde Bankole, Meg Otanwa, Leelee Byoma, and Rotimi Fakunle as well as three girls that escaped the infamous abduction.

tucked inside the highbrow Magodo Estate area of Lagos also houses a state-of-the-art TV production studio that boasts of latest movie cameras, production gadgets and editing suite.

In a statement by her management team, Magikal Entertainment Network, the star actress is leaving no stone unturned in making sure that the production studio becomes one of the best around. Elated Sotayo who just returned from a tour of USA and Dubai where she went to shop for interior fitting and equipment’s for the office and the studio stated: “I’m so excited by this new venture.

It is a milestone in my career and a step ahead for me in my plans to stay on top of my game.

Having my own production house will enable me to step up my game and churn out more exciting movies and TV programmes”, the actress revealed.

The office and TV production studio commissioning are both slated for December 27, which is the eve of the actress birthday. Aside her office commissioning, Sotayo will also be celebrat-

ing her birthday with the students of Pacelli School for the Blind, a programme that has become a part of her in the last three years.

She has also produced three full length movies of her own titled: “ArewaOnijogbon”, “Corper Jide” and “Bella”.

MultiChoice launches Nigerian Festivals Pop-up Channel on DStv and GOtv The holiday season is officially here and MultiChoice Africa is getting into the festive spirit with the launch of the Nigerian Festivals pop-up channel on DStv and GOtv platforms.

From Friday, December 4, till Saturday, January 2, 2016, all DStv and GOtv subscribers will be treated to the Nigerian Festivals pop-up channel, a channel dedicated to showcasing four Nigerian music festivals this season. This will be the second holiday pop-up channel coming on the heels of, Hoolee, a fun children’s holiday channel that went live on December 1, on DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact packages.

Subscribers on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access bouquets and on GOtv Plus will get a front row view of Nigeria’s hottest music festivals from 19 to 21 December, the channel will cover

the seventh edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Concert. Last year, viewers watched as the Akwa Ibom State choir broke the Guinness world record for the largest number of Christmas carol singers in the world with its 25 272 member-choral group! Can they top last year’s record-breaking performance? Stay tuned to the channel to see just what the choir has up their sleeves.

From the 26 to 31 December, the pop-up channel will air the 11th anniversary of ‘Africa’s Biggest Street Party’, the Calabar Grand Carnival which takes place on the streets of the Cross River State. Once again, subscribers will get to enjoy a musical concert featuring top Nigerian artists plus a dazzling parade of colorful costumes, creative dance moves, elaborate floats and imaginative interpretations of this year’s theme Celebration Time.

Nutrition L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Judith Frank-Edet

blood pressure and diet

High

Salt

Oatmeal

Coconut water

Beans

Dark chocolate Leafy green vegetables

Garlic

Bananas Potatoes

Onions Berries If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, a few smart-eating strategies can help you prevent further blood pressure spikes and possibly even reduce your blood pressure. Making a few easy swaps, such as looking for reducedsodium or trans-fat free options and increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium, and potassium will cut your risk of stroke and heart attack nearly in half. It’s important to remember that eating with hypertension isn’t about deprivation.

Instead, it’s about eating smart and healthy for your body. Here are some foods to try.

Beans: Beans have a direct impact on your blood pressure, creating favourable conditions for healthy levels. They do this by helping your body in at least three different aspects, due to the Vitamin C content they contain, their fiber content, and also potassium, which has perhaps the most direct effect. You simply can’t go wrong by eating beans.

Garlic: This pungent seasoning can do more than just flavor your food and ruin your breath.

Garlic has the ability to lower your blood pres-

sure by causing your blood vessels to relax and dilate. This lets blood flow more freely and reduces blood pressure.

Leafy greens: Foods high in potassium give you a better ratio of potassium to sodium. Improvements in this ratio can help with lowering blood pressure. Leafy greens like lettuce, fluted pumpkin, and spinach are high in potassium.

Try to opt for fresh greens.

Berries: Berries, especially blueberries, are rich in natural compounds called flavonoids.

Though they are not home grown, they are sold in Nigeria. One study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming these compounds may prevent hypertension, and possibly help to reduce high blood pressure as well.

Potatoes: Potatoes are high in both potassium and magnesium, two minerals that can help to lower your blood pressure. They are also high in fiber, which is necessary for an overall healthy diet.

Skimmed milk: Skimmed milk is an excel-

lent source of calcium and is low in fat, another important element of a diet for lowering blood pressure. Swap out your higher-fat milk for skim milk, or if you don’t care for milk, eat more lowfat or non-fat yogurt. Just avoid those that are high in sugar.

Oatmeal: You may be tired of hearing how good oatmeal is for you, especially if you don’t like the taste. But if you’re concerned about your blood pressure levels, and loathe taking so much medication for the condition, you might be able to reduce your prescription by increasing your oatmeal intake. And it doesn’t require that you eat bowl after bowl of it, just a morning bowl will make a big difference. Try to avoid the flavored types as these add unnecessary sugar, which will only raise your blood glucose levels and negate some of the effect.

Bananas: Bananas are a great way to add potassium to your diet. Adding foods that are rich in this mineral to your diet is better than taking supplements, and it’s easy. Slice a banana into your breakfast cereal or oatmeal, or take

one to work every day for a quick, easy, and inexpensive snack.

Dark chocolate: It’s important to stress that this is dark chocolate, and you won’t get the same benefits from eating milk chocolate, especially not the kind found in many shops or supermarket. The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help fight off free radicals. The trick is limiting yourself to a small daily portion, and not over-consuming it. Eating more of it does not increase the benefits so keep portions in check and go for the long-term approach and daily intake.

Onions: Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant flavonol found to prevent heart disease and stroke. In a research study published in the Journal of Nutrition, subjects with hypertension experienced a decrease in their blood pressure by 7mmHg systolic and 5 mmHg diastolic as opposed to those who were taking placebo, a medicine used to calm patients.

Coconut water: Coconut water is found inside the shell of green, unripe coconuts that retains its natural benefits in organic and raw form.

It contains potassium and magnesium, both of which relate to regular muscle function, and of course, the heart is a big giant muscle. While there have been some limited studies on the effect of coconut water on hypertension, many people report anecdotally that it has helped lower blood pressure. In studies, it seemed to particularly affect systolic blood pressure, or the force that takes place when the heart pumps blood away from it. If you don’t have a problem with coconut water, it may prove to be a solid remedy for you.

Foods to avoid Salt: Salt and sodium are the worst villains when it comes to living with high blood pressure and heart disease. The dietary guidelines for most countries suggests that people with hypertension limit their daily sodium intake to just 1,500 milligrams. Currently, the average Nigerian eats more than twice that amount, or about 3,400 milligrams a day. Even before some people taste their food they order for salt.

Canned tomato products: As a rule, tomato products are problematic for people with hypertension. Canned tomato sauces, pasta sauces, and tomato juices are all high in sodium culprits.

A cup of tomato juice comes in at 650 milligrams of sodium. Try and avoid them.

Sugar: You likely already know that excessive sugar intake has been linked to increased cases of weight gain and obesity. But did you know that high sugar intake is also linked to high blood pressure? Sugar, especially sugarsweetened drinks, has contributed to an increase in obesity in people of all ages. High blood pressure is more common in individuals who are overweight or obese.

Chicken skin and packaged foods: People with hypertension should avoid saturated and trans fats. Chicken skin is high in saturated fat. Full-fat dairy, red meat, and butter are, too.

Trans fats are created in a process called hydrogenation. Liquid oils are infused with air to make a solid oil. Trans fats are found naturally in small amounts in fatty meats and dairy products.

Instant noodles: Instant noodles may be a quick fix when you are hungry but it adds about 14 grams of fat to your day and 1580 MG of sodium. This is not advisable for hypertensive people.

Coffee: If you have hypertension, now may be the time to stop your coffee habit. Your morning cup (or cups) of coffee can actually cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, this may be contributing to your hypertension. In fact, any caffeinated drinks may cause an increase in your blood pressure—this includes soda drinks or caffeinated tea.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

L7

Images of the WEEKEND

L-R: Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu; Mrs. Judith Nwaoboshi; Sen. Nwaoboshi; Bishop Elue of Issele Ukwu Diocese; Michael Odogwu; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, during the thanksgiving mass to mark the election tribunal victory of Sen. Nwaoboshi at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ibusa…on Sunday

L-R: Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the Bankers Committee Retreat in Lagos… at the weekend.

L-R: Member, Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee (IIPC), Chief Ayo Agbede; Chairman, IIPC, Chief Olu Falomo and Erelu Adewale Bolarinwa, during the 2015 IIPC press briefing, held in Lagos...on Thursday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

L-R: Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu; Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu; Mrs. Adebutu; Madam Caroline Adebutu and Temitope Kofoworola Adebutu during the Installation of Hon. Oladipupo and Mrs. Adebutu as Otunba Nawooba of Odeogbolu Kingdom and Yeye Otunba Odeogbolu held in Ogun State ...recently Photo: QUADRI OLOWOLAGBA.

L-R: Wife of President of Ibadan Elders Forum, Mrs. Irene Sanu; husband, Amb. Olusola Sanu; Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi; wife, Florence, and member of IEF, Chief Bode Amao, during a civic reception organised by the senior citizens to celebrate re-election of Ajimobi held in Ibadan… recently.

Former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar (left), during a courtesy visit to children at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) Orphanage Home Yola, Adamawa State… at the weekend.

Chief Executive, Ulysse Nardin, Mr. Patrik Hoffmann; Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (2nd left); Sen. Joshua Dariye (3rd left) and other dignitaries, during the inauguration of Ulysses Nardin Boutique held in Abuja… On Saturday.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 14, 2015

Tinsel

Showing on

13:30

Mon, 14 Dec | PG13

Showing on 150 Africa Magic Showcase ‘S8/E1536 - 8/1536’. Tsav takes a huge risk to deliver a personal message to Amaka. The girls adjusts their travel plans as the Baale and Prince Ojo pay a very special visit. Bimpe confronts Nina and causes trouble for Soji.

101 M-Net

L8 Television 166 Channel

Married Again

08:00 Mon, 14 Dec | PG

‘S1/E94 - 1/94’. Yash’s father is accused of having another child outside his marriage. He agrees to take a DNA test to prove he is not the father. Aarti breaks into Radha’s house in search of ammunition and is shocked at her findings.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 SONY MAX

00:20 Would I Lie To You? 00:50 The Cube 01:40 Call The Midwife: Christmas...

03:00 EastEnders 03:30 EastEnders 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Royal Pains 14:00 Arrow 15:00 Resurrection 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Goldbergs 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Grey’s Anatomy 19:30 Mysteries Of Laura 20:30 Elementary 21:30 Carte Blanche 22:30 Hello Ladies: The Movie

154 AfricaMagic Family

00:55 Out Of The Ghetto 02:30 Jane And Abel 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Scarlet 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Redial 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Goge Africa 14:30 Nowhere To Be Found

04:00 EastEnders 04:30 EastEnders

03:50 The Impostor 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Paul’s Puzzle 21:00 Nowhere To Be Found 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

14:10 Total Wipeout UK

05:25 QI

16:00 EastEnders

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

06:30 EastEnders

00:30 Killer Karaoke

17:10 The Cube

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

01:30 Tattoo Nightmares

07:55 The Weakest Link

18:05 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

02:00 Most Shocking

08:45 The Chase

19:00 Celebrity MasterChef

09:30 Total Wipeout UK

20:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

10:30 The Cube

21:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

11:20 New Tricks

21:50 The Graham Norton Show

12:20 Top Gear

22:40 Would I Lie To You?

13:15 Come Dine With Me

22:30 Would I Lie To You?

15:05 The Weakest Link

155 AfricaMagic World

03:00 Most Shocking 04:00 Exposed 04:30 Exposed 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow

00:05 Music Block 01:10 Good Morning Africa 02:10 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd 07:50 Star Gist 08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Kumwesu 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 Revelation 21:20 Jara 21:55 Music Block

15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 20:00 Enemy Territory 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 Most Shocking