NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 14th April 2015.
EXCHANGE RATES Currency
Buying(NGN)
Central (NGN)
GAINERS
Selling(NGN)
LOSERS
US DOLLAR
196
196.5
197
FO
215
7.50
3.49%
NESTLE
948
-43.85
-4.63%
POUNDS STERLING
286.4736
287.2044
287.9352
GUINNESS
154.34
7.34
4.76%
TOTAL
172
-8.00
-4.65%
385
-3.50
-0.91%
25.7
-1.00
-3.89%
EURO
206.78
207.3075
207.835
NB
172
2.01
1.17%
SEPLAT
SWISS FRANC
199.2883
199.7966
200.305
OKOMUOIL
27.31
1.30
4.76%
PRESCO
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.86
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N6.3b assets of Ibori’s mistress...
Drama in UK court Ï Prosecution: Mi’lord, my learned friend’s argument is ‘ridiculous’ Ï j Ɛ Ɛ ƐƆƌƆ Ɛ ƈ ó Ɔ ƈƅ Ƌôè ƕ #ƆƇƆ ƅƆ ƅ Ƒ ƆƋ Ngozi Okafor London
ÏÏÏThe
language was acerbic; tempers flared, somewhat. Lawyers deployed harsh words against each other. That was the hallmark of the hearing at Courtroom 8 of the Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday in London, the United Kingdom. At issue was the hearing into the planned confiscation of assets worth N6.3 billion (£21 million) traced to Udoamaka Onuigbo, a suspected mistress of former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, who L-R: MD/CEO of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Mustapha Chike Obi; actress/film maker, Omoni Oboli; Emir of Kano, HRM Muhammadu Sanusi II (CON), and Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike during a courtesy visit to the emir in Kano ... on Tuesday.
Joy in Ekiti as Supreme Buhari: We’ll resume military Court okays training with US to end terror Fayose’s election 6 Ï Md ƍƋƆƗ Ɔ Ɛ ƋƈƄƆƏ ƐƆ d ƌƄƈ ƄƆƇ ƏƆ Ɨ ƒƆƏ CBN cuts spending limits on Naira MasterCard 21
ÏÏÏPresident-elect,
Major General Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to resume military training with the United States as part of a comprehensive CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Keshi to sign new contract Friday X7
EPZ: Ijaw, Itsekiri renew hostilities
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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Politics Page Three
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Editorial Chibok girls: One year on
Y
esterday, April 14 marked one-year since the abduction of more than 270 young girls from Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State by a gang of Boko Haram insurgents. The terrorists pretending to be guards broke into the school’s dormitories, while forcing the girls into trucks and driving them away in the direction of the Sambisa Forest, where they are believed to have fortified camps. While some have managed to escape since then, they are still more than 200 of them missing. Following the development, very many Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, including the international community have continued to show their revulsion at such crude, barbaric and atrocious act. In addition, they have come down heavily on the President Goodluck Jonathan administration for the lack of immediate response to the abduction saga. While the girls became the focus of a global campaign, a new activist movement, “Bring Home Our Girls” dedicated efforts to keeping the issue on the front burner of national discourse. Adding to the pressure, was Pakistan born Nobel laureate and survivor of Taliban brutal attack, 17 year old Malala Yousafzai who visited Aso Rock last year to plead with President Jonathan to do everything to free and return the girls back home. Even with all the international
support and cooperation in the past one year, every effort to find and rescue the girls has yielded little results. Matters are not helped by unconfirmed reports that some of the girls have been married off to randy Boko Haram fighters, while others have been used as suicide bombers. While we appreciate the tireless efforts of the military in seeing to a happy conclusion to this national nightmare, it is pertinent to observe that the lack of information by the authorities on the girls is making the matter more obfuscating and puzzling to everyone. While the Jonathan administration has no more than six weeks to leave office, the onus now lies with the incoming Buhari government to end the long wait. Nevertheless, the time left for the official handover should not pose any obstacle to efforts or blueprint to rescue the girls. That is why all those at the forefront in the campaign to free them must not relent. They should remind the incoming administration that the issue transcends partisanship and that all past actions were not meant to serve the political interests of anyone or group but has everything to do with freeing the girls from their captors. The Chibok saga would remain a shameful indictment on the way the country treats its citizens. With the national elections behind us, the country must remain focused on bringing back the girls. That requires more than street demonstrations and a hash tag.
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Any end in sight to political prostitution? Sam Nzeh
ÏÏÏIf there is anything that the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded general election has brought to the fore, it is the level of political prostitution among Nigerian politicians. It is not that political prostitution is new in the country. The worry is the speed with which politicians who were once the movers and shakers in the polity on the platform of the PDP are now jumping into the APC. Something, many say, is definitely is wrong with the way politicians in the country behave.
So, will political prostitution in Nigeria ever end? Take a look at the roll call: Few days after losing his bid to return to Senate, former Deputy Majority leader in the Senate, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, who was the PDP candidate in the Adamawa Central Senatorial district in the March 28, 2015 poll, decamped to the APC along with former Minister of External Affairs, Idi Hong. Again, few days to the April 11, 2015 governorship and State Houses of Assembly election, former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor and former governorship aspirant of the PDP in Kwara State, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, also jumped into the APC. On and on the list goes.
Words On Marble :
dailytimesng
In fact, in the coming days, it is expected that more and more members of the PDP as well as other parties will be jumping into the rave of the moment, the APC. No doubt, all the decampees have adduced one reason or the other for their actions, but the real reason behind such carpet-crossings is the desire by the politicians to benefit from the spoils of office by the APC. Apart from the fact that these movements by politicians do not augur well for a plural democracy like Nigeria, it clearly shows that the motives of the politicians involved are just material gain. Such persons, many say, are opportunists and accidents in the nation’s march to greatness.
STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER
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The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.
B. R. Ambedkar
Aldous Huxley
C. S. Lewis
I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.
Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.
We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.
News 4
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Drama in UK court over N6.3b assets of Ibori’s mistress Continued from page 1 is currently serving time in a UK jail for money laundering. On Monday, the court began hearing into a N26.7 billion (£89m) assets of the former Governor. The matter has been adjourned to June 2016, raising fears that he might not be released from UK jail soon. Lawyers representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Onuigbo, nearly traded insults at the Court on Tuesday, before judge Anthony Pitts adjourned her N6.3 billion (£21 million) confiscation of assets hearing till December 7.
The Crown prosecutor, Sasha Wass, described the Onuigbo case as “easy, simple and easily digestible.” He added that it was “ridiculous” for the other side not to be ready to proceed if given 10 days or a little more. The defence referred to the Crown Prosecutor as “aggressive,” after both sides terminated a meeting to resolve their differences. Tempers gradually rose as Wass made a case for the hearing to begin next Monday, while Mr Feder for Onuigbo, maintained the same position - that his client wanted to be present in court -he
took on Monday, when Ibori’s case was heard and subsequently adjourned till next year. Wass drew the first blood when she told the court that Onuigbo’s part in the Ibori case was narrow, adding that her case was not “live” like those of Ibori and Brandresh Gohil. She added that Onuigbo doesn’t need to be physically present in Court, as arrangements had been made for her - on Monday - to give her evidence through video link at the DFID’s office in Abuja from Monday, next week. On his part, Feder insisted on fighting his client’s corner and
following her wishes to the letter. Leaning heavily on the Court of Appeal’s ruling that ordered Southwark Crown Court to reassess her “realisable benefits” and the other strand of the upper court’s ruling that Judge Hardy got it wrong a few years ago when he ruled that Onuigbo had benefits to the tune of £21m, he argued that with almost 50 years experience on the bench, he knew that going through the hearing bundle of about 13,000 pages to prepare his case was not going to be easy as the Crown prosecutor was making it. Also, he could not prepare a
Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and his supporters jubilating after the Supreme Court Judgment validating his electoral victory in Ekiti State… on Tuesday
‘We’ll resume military training with US to end terror’ Continued from page 1 effort to end terrorism in Nigeria. The incoming Federal Government will also work with Nigeria’s neighbours in rooting out the Boko Haram sect from the region. General Buhari made the pledge in an opinion article he wrote, and which was published in the Tuesday 14, 2015 edition of the New York Times, to mark the first year of the abduction of about 200 Nigerian girls from a school in Chibok, a town in Borno State. Also on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki, pledged that the Sambisa stronghold of the Boko Haram would be liberated by
the military before Gen. Buhari takes office on May 29. Buhari, in the letter, blamed the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan for acting too little, too late on the Chibok girls when they were abducted. He said: “When Boko Haram attacked a school in the town of Chibok, in northeastern Nigeria, kidnapping more than 200 girls, on the night of April 14, 2014, the people of my country were aghast. Across the world, millions of people joined them in asking: How was it possible for this terrorist group to act with such impunity? It took nearly two weeks before the government even commented on the crime.” He continued: “This lack of reaction was symptomatic of why
the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was swept aside last month — the first time an incumbent president has been successfully voted out of office in the history of our nation.” He accused the outgoing administration of being blinded by corruption and neglecting the citizenry. His words: “For too long they ruled, not governed, and in doing so had become so focused on their own self-interest and embroiled in corruption that the duty to react to the anguish suffered by their citizens had become alien to them.” On his pledges, Buhari said: “My administration would welcome the resumption of a military training agreement with the United States, which was halted during the previous administra-
tion. We must, of course, have better coordination with the military campaigns our African allies, like Chad and Niger, are waging in the struggle against Boko Haram. But, in the end, the answer to this threat must come from within Nigeria.” Sambo pledged that the Nigerian military would reclaim the Sambisa forest before President Jonathan hands over power. Speaking to PRNigeria, a media organisation that distributes press statements of Nigeria’s security agencies, Sambo said that Sambisa forest, the most notable territory still controlled by Boko Haram, would have since been liberated but for the unfavourable weather condition prevailContinued on page 6
good defence within a couple of days and much less going against the wish of his client. He also argued that a particular document which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided in the business address of Onuigbo was very crucial to her defence and they needed the Crown to make it available . But Wass insisted: “We cannot see her case taking more than three days. What we invite your honour to say is that the matter can proceed. There is no reason that Mrs Onuigbo’s hearing should be attached to Mr Ibori and Gohil.” She equally impressed it on the judge to order the case to proceed and use part of the six weeks initially reserved for the entire Ibori hearing. Wass told the court further that adjourning the case would be a waste of public money. However, Feder continually sang a different and opposing tune. “The idea of video link in Abuja doesn’t excite us,” he said, adding that the “whole issue of benefits” should be dealt with “thoroughly.” “Benefits as an English word and benefits in confiscation are two different things,” he said. Even though Pitts initially reasoned along with Wass, saying that “it doesn’t seem to me it must be joined with the other two next year,” and that “it is something we can do much more before,” Feder wouldn’t shift ground. He told the judge: “I hear what your honour says, but the idea of doing it via video link,” just doesn’t excite them still. The judge thought there could be a sort of compromise, so he rose shortly and asked both sides to discuss, particularly with the Crown offering to direct the defence to the relevant and “narrow” side of the entire evidence. The meeting didn’t last for up to thirty minutes, as the solicitors accused each other. Feder told the judge afterwards: “The meeting wasn’t very fruitful. I have experienced an aggressive attitude from my learned friend, who said I’m not a proper barrister and based on that, I closed the matter.” He described what Wass said as “nonsensical”. Having also heard from Wass, Pitts concluded that: “I need to adjourn this case and list it on December 7” in order “to allow the defence to familiarise themselves or withdraw.”
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Oyo: Ladoja vows to reclaim ‘mandate’ from Ajimobi
L-R: Nollywood Actress, Foluke Daramola; Musician, Naeto Chikwe; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi; President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin and others, during the event to mark the Chibok girls’ one year in captivity, held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos...on Tuesday. PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI
ÏÏÏThree days after the Inde-
pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the governorship election, held last weekend in Oyo State, former governor and Accord Party candidate, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, has vowed to use all legal means to reclaim the mandate given to him by the people. Ladoja, who was speaking for the first time since the announcement of Ajimobi as the winner, said the outcome of the election did not reflect the true wish of
Reps urge Jonathan to rescue Chibok girls before handover Henry Omunu Abuja
ÏÏÏThe
House of Representatives, on Tuesday, tasked the Federal Government to ensure that the Chibok Secondary School girls, abducted by Boko Haram since April 14, 2015, are rescued before the May 29, handover date. Members of the House passed the resolution after they unanimously adopted a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, (APC/ Lagos).
Dabiri-Erewa, in her motion, said that it was exactly one year that the 219 female students of the Government Secondary School, Chibok, were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents. She expressed concern that the girls were yet to be rescued, while their whereabouts remained unknown, adding that the House was worried over their current status. “One year on, we don’t know whether they are dead or alive, married, pregnant or scattered in different locations. It is one of the
saddest happenings in our country. “Imagine that your child is missing for a day, we must be able to know where they are and Nigerians should not forget these girls”, Dabiri-Erewa said. Contributing to debate on the motion, Rep. Nnenna Ukeje (PDP/ Abia), commended efforts of the conveners of the “Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group” towards the rescue of the missing girls. According to her, scores of children have been killed, students
maimed and people displaced by the insurgents, adding that “the Chibok girls’ incident is too painful to remember” Also, Rep. Friday Itula, (Edo/ PDP) noted that the activities of the kidnappers of the girls had remained a thorn in the flesh of the current administration. He appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the abducted girls were rescued before the handover date and commended the efforts of the military in recovering communities that were captured by insurgents.
Warri
ÏÏÏFresh hostility broke out on
Monday night as Ijaw and Itsekiri youths clash. Although details of the fracas were still sketchy as at press time, sources said three persons from Ijaw community were injured. Sources said that youths from Madagho, an Itsekiri enclave, allegedly attacked some local se-
My developmental plans for Enugu – Gov-elect
the people. He said there was no going back on pursuing the case at the election petition tribunal, just as he described the APC victory as ‘phantom’. The former governor, who addressed a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Accord Party office, Samonda, Ibadan, warned the APC-led government to stop harassing and tormenting his members. According to him, there were more than enough evidence which he said his lawyers were working on to reclaim his mandate.
God’ll restore Nigeria’s glory, says Osinbajo’s mother ÏÏÏMother of
curity men who were working on the Deep Sea component of the EPZ project. The source said that youths from Gbaramatu, in a reprisal attack had on Monday, burnt two houses in Madagho, thus creating tension of possible backslash between the Ijaw and Itsekiris of Warri South West Council Area. Community leader from Okpeleama, in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Jackson Tortor, who confirmed the development, said
it was sad that some persons were still fomenting trouble in the area despite the resolution of the crisis. He claimed that Madagho youths attacked those who were working as security personnel at the Deep Sea Component of the project for unknown reasons. Tortor called on the warring groups to shield their swords and allow peace to reign so that the project wouldn’t run into further crisis.
Clark
Vice Presidentelect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Madam Olubisi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, said that God had revealed to her that Nigeria’s lost glory would be restored. Mrs Osinbajo, 80, said in Lagos that God also revealed to her that the successful and positive change of government would guarantee peace and tranquillity in the country. She said; ``I give God all the glory for the success of the elections. ``It came to me that God said He will restore Nigeria and everybody in the world will rejoice with Nigeria. ``Today, when I was praying, I saw this, do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. That is what God said to Nigeria. ``So, I don’t want to say anything than to thank God for what is happening in Nigeria now, because it is just too marvellous. ``So, we have nothing to say than to thank God. We are proud to be a Nigerian now”, she added.
Moses Oyediran
security and justice. Ugwuanyi, who was briefing journalists for the first time since his election, said it was only natural that he continued and consolidate the developmental programmes of Chime, whom, he said, had laid a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of the State. “I appreciate those who contested with me both in the party primary and general election. I
also recognise the support of the 22 political parties that endorsed me and I invite them to join me in moving the State forward, because there is work to be done. “I want to tender my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Enugu State, I salute the commitment and sacrifice of the ordinary Enugu men and women both at home and in the Diaspora towards the actualisation of this victory.
“In particular, I want to pay a special tribute to the people’s governor, Sullivan Chime, for his great and heroic roles in making this feat possible” Ugwuanyi added. He further expressed appreciation to elder statesmen, and former governors like Ken Nnamani, Jim Nwobodo, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chimaroke Nnamani, Alison Madueke and Anthony Oguguo.
$16b EPZ: Tension mounts as Ijaw, Itsekiri youths clash Joe Ogbodu
5 News
Enugu
ÏÏÏEnugu
State Governorelect, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Tuesday, reaffirmed his commitment to carry on with the legacy of the out-going Governor Sullivan Chime and also introduce his own four-point agenda which includes, employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development,
News 6
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Wild jubilation in Ekiti as Supreme Court upholds Fayose’s victory Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti & Andrew Orolua, Abuja
ÏÏÏAdo-Ekiti,
the Ekiti State capital on Tuesday erupted with joy as residents trooped out in their hundreds to celebrate the victory of Mr. Ayo Fayose at the Supreme Court. Scores of people, among them traders, Okada riders, students, vehicle drivers and party men and women of varied political divides abandoned work immediately the judgment was delivered at about 10:am. Checks also revealed that many of the residents had in the early hours of the day stayed glued to their television sets and radios
to know the outcome of the judgment. As soon as they get to know of the direction of the judgment, many of them began trooping into the streets, singing victory songs and dancing to various proFayose songs while some others engaged in acrobatic displays. Armed security men keeping surveillance on the streets of AdoEkiti had a hectic time controlling the crowd. Their action was to be further aggravated when the governor appeared on the television to formally invite all Ekiti people to come out and join him in a road procession round the city, thanking God for humiliating all those seeking to use courts and impeachment to
truncate his tenure. Fayose, who later emerged from the Government House at about noon to personally lead the procession, was confronted with an unprecedented crowd who were already waiting for him under the scorching sun, singing his praises. The Governor who carried a placard bearing the inscription, “God, I thank you, Ekiti people, I thank you for your steadfastness” led the carnival-like procession through busy routes such as Fajuyi-Okesha-Okeyinmi-Oba’s market, Old Garage, Ijigbo-Mugbagba and Ajilosun streets among others. Fayose caused a stir that further ignited people’s jubilation
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (3nd left); his Deputy, Hon. (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (2nd left); Lagos State Governor-Elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right); his running mate, Dr (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (right). Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Jaji (left) during a Thank You meeting with Public Servants by the Governor and the incoming Governor at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Ikeja, Lagos… on Tuesday Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE
Ambode: My govt’ll achieve supersonic success Mutiat Ali
ÏÏÏLagos
State Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has pledged that his administration will run a transparent government. According to the former Accountant General of the state, the blueprint of his economic agenda will be anchored on economic development, infrastructural development, social development and security as well as environment. In a chat with Daily Times, Ambode noted that his administration would run a government that is accountable to the people and thereby bring about positive change in infrastructure, employment and
other social services. He said: “There are two things that government is expected to do: to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of the citizenry. We are going to have a safer Lagos; we are going to have a Lagos that would make more people more prosperous. That’s the essence of governance and that’s what the APC stands to give the people of Lagos.” Giving kudos to her husband for his doggedness, a joyful Abolanle Ambode described her husband as a fighter for democracy who is ready to serve his people and bring smiles to the faces of the masses. Abolanle also saluted the courage of the Peoples Democratic Par-
ty’s (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, for congratulating her husband even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially announced the final results. Among those present at the celebration ground were the APC national leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi; Ambode’s running mate, Dr Oluranti Adebule; Vice-President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osibajo and his wife; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; the APC spokesperson, Lai Mohammed; Dele Alake, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Mr Wale Tinubu of OANDO and Aliko Dangote among others.
when he bought ten pieces of banana worth only N100 from a road side hawker some of which he ate in the open, but instead paid N10,000 to the woman at a place near the Ewi of Ado’s palace. While addressing the crowd, the governor said he was delighted that all legal tussles woven around his mandate as governor had died and been laid to rest by the Supreme Court. He expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court Judges for keeping sacred, the mandate freely given him by the Ekiti people. The governor called on those still nursing the ambition of getting him out of office at all cost, and by all means to have a rethink, as unfolding events had proven that it was God that put him in position of leadership. During the period the procession lasted, there were hours of heavy traffic hold-up on major streets of Ado-Ekiti as all available space was occupied by the jubilant residents, thereby preventing free flow of human and vehicles. In places like Ikere-Ekiti, home town of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olusola Eleka and the governor’s home town at Afao-Ekiti among several others, similar jubilation took place. Among those who accompanied the governor in the road show were a former Ekiti deputy governor and Senator-elect, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi; wife of former Lagos governor and SenatorElect, Mrs Fatimah Raji-Rasaki, Senator Bode Ola and all the six newly elected House of Representatives members as well as all the 25 newly elected House of Assembly members. In its judgement, the Supreme Court affirmed the election of
Fayose as the winner of Ekiti state governorship election which was held on June 21, 2014. The apex Court in Abuja dismissed the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the concurrent judgments of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division. The Supreme Court described the appeal as “lacking in merit.” The appeal was filed by the APC even though its candidate at the election Kayode Fayemi conceded defeat. In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, the apex court held that the impeachment of Fayose in 2006 was not a ground for his disqualification for the governorship race in 2014, particularly, when the impeachment panel constituted against him was an “unconstitutional body” having been appointed by an Acting chief judge who was equally “unconstitutionally appointed” as Chief Judge of the state. The court also said that even if Fayose was assumed to have been legally impeached, he was supposed to have been referred to a court of competent jurisdiction or the Code of Conduct Tribunal for conviction based on the indictment that he was involved in a N1.3 billion fraud case, among others. Justice Ngwuta said that the allegation by the appellants that Governor Fayose forged his certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the election was false as the appellants were unable to prove the case. On the issue of perjury, the apex court said the allegation also had not been proved before a competent court.
‘We’ll resume military training with US to end terror’ Continued from page 4 ing in the area. He said the terrain has been studied and troops to be deployed were ready. “Right now, all Boko Haram camps, except Sambisa Forest have been destroyed,” he was quoted as saying. “Every movement of the terrorists is being monitored and
every necessary detail is being taken care of to rid the country of the last bastion of terrorists’ infestation,” he added. He spoke about the concern of the Jonathan government and that of every Nigerian citizen over the welfare of the Chibok girls and urged Nigerians to be patient as the military completes the routing of terrorists.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Synergies amongst stakeholders ’ll secure Nigeria – NIS
Union factional leaders clash, attack TV cameraman in Osun
Mathew Dadiya Abuja
ÏÏÏThe
Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo
ÏÏÏTwo
factions of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun State have clashed over a proposed strike action and, in the process, a cameraman with the Channels Television, Mr. Oyegbenle Oloyede, was manhandled. The incident took place on Tuesday, around 7:45a.m. at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Abeere. Investigation by Daily Times revealed that Oloyede was covering the workers’ clash when some hoodlums, brought by a TUC-branded bus allegedly attacked him. Apart from being beaten, it was gathered that Oloyede was assaulted with pestle and sticks, among others, while his camera and other equipment were seized.
Roadside fuel dealers (black marketers) in Abuja as fuel scarcity bite harder in the FCT… on Tuesday. PHOTO: JIMMY JOHN BABA
Alleged electoral fraud: Ex-NYSC boss’ trial stalled in A’Ibom Eno-Obong Okon Uyo
ÏÏÏAttempt by the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arraign Maj. Gen. Edet Akpan (rtd) before a court has been stalled following a three-day, no-court session by the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary. Akpan, a former Director- General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was brought to the Uyo Chief Magistrate’s Court by men
of the Directorate of State Services. INEC’s inability to arraign Akpan was due to the on-going Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Multi-Door Court function, which is holding simultaneously in the three senatorial districts of the state. Speaking with newsmen in Uyo, INEC Legal Officer, Mr. Eze Emmanuel, said that Akpan would be arraigned as soon as the court resumed. Akpan was arrested in his home town, in Nsit Attai Local
Government Area, during the April 11 Governorship and House of Assembly elections for allegedly snatching ballot boxes and other electoral materials from INEC officials. He was also alleged to have abducted 10 corps members and allegedly made them thumbprint and fill result sheets in favour of a political party before men of the DSS trailed and arrested him in his house. Meanwhile, Akpan had been taken back to the DSS custody in Uyo.
Abba
APC youths attack Imo APGA guber candidate’s house
N11b loan: Enugu House suspends member, may arrest AG Moses Oyediran Enugu
ÏÏÏThe Enugu House of
Assembly, on Tuesday, suspended Mr. Johnbull Nwagu, representing Udi North for alleged gross misconduct. This is even as the House threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the state Accountant-General, Mr Paschal Okoli, if he failed to appear before the members on Wednesday (today) to give oral reasons for the nonremittance of March overhead to the House. Both actions of the House were consequent upon its recent rejection of Governor Sullivan Chime’s request for approval of 11 billion Naira loan from the United Bank for Africa. The suspended member was said to have condemned his colleagues for their action, predict-
7 News
ing that the state government would be withholding further overheads to the House. His comments did not go down well with his colleagues. A member for Awgu North, S. K. Ude Okoye, moved the motion for Nwagu’s suspension, which was upheld. The House also set up a threeman committee to investigate Nwagu’s other conducts and report back to it for necessary action. In Okoli’s case, the House frowned at his failure to appear before it last week, describing the action as disrespectful. He had also, in an alternative to appearance, given written explanations for the non-remittance of the March overhead to the House, attributing the delays to non-receipt of statutory allocation by the state government.
Val Okara Owerri
ÏÏÏThe Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) youths, on Tuesady, allegedly attacked the Owerri residence of Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). The APC youths had been protesting the declaration of the April 11 governorship election in the state as inconclusive, urging INEC to declare Governor Rochas Okorocha as the winner
of the election. The protesting youths had marched to the Imo International Convention Centre (IICC), on Bank Road, after being addressed by Okorocha, who called for calm, when they sighted APGA protesters at the Warehouse junction calling for the total cancellation of the said election on the grounds of violence and wanton malpractices. The demonstrating APC youths who were chanting war songs threatened to cause a major crisis, if Okorocha was not declared winner by INEC.
Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has said that a sustained collaboration between the various security agencies and the general public is the only panacea to prevent influx of illegal immigrants, terrorism and insecurity in the country. Comptroller of Immigration Service, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Ibrahim Auta, said that the global best practice for ensuring that a country was rid of illegal immigrants was the best method of controlling insecurity in any country. Auta, who spoke exclusively to our correspondent in his office on Monday, on the activities of the Command during the general election, said that the Service participated in the national exercise with a role of ensuring that those who were accredited to vote were Nigerians and not foreigners. The Immigration officer noted that about 90 percent of illegal immigrants in Nigeria were from Niger Republic. Said he: “They usually cross into Nigeria through Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina and Zamfara, because they have common culture, dressing, boundary and religion, which is why we are very careful in doing our job.” He observed that “In all the places that we visited, with the team led by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, people were orderly, waiting patiently to cast their votes.”
Paradang
8
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Politics
s
PDP has a bright future
Muazu
– BOT Secretary
Contrary to speculations that with the massive loss of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last General Election, the party will die a natural death, Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, (BOT), Mallam Walid Jibrin has said the party still has a bright future. The PDP lost the presidency and quite a number of the states to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)
in the just concluded elections making political observers to conclude the imminent death of the party. Besides, with the loss of the party at the centre and in many states, a lot of the party’s bigwigs have been decamping to the opposition APC, a development that further heightened the fear that the party would soon collapse like a pack of cards. But speaking with newsmen
in Nasarawa, Jibrin, expressed optimism that the party will soon bounce back, urging chieftains not to dump the party. His words: “I want to tell you and the whole world that the various PDP governments since the inception of the party, had done a lot in fighting poverty, hunger, unemployment and youth restiveness as well as empowering women. “Also promoting peace and CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Ambode: The Burden of Victory Abdul Aziz Murtala Nyako
My arrest by EFCC is political, Nyako’s son
Ambode
For Akinwumi Ambode, Governor-elect of Lagos State, victory did not come easy. Since his name cropped ever before the race started, there have been stiff opposition to his candidature, even within his own party- the All Progressives Congress (APC). Up to the last 24 hours to the polls, court cases were still hanging on his neck acting as impediments to his victory. The cases
Tinubu
brought by fellow aspirants in the APC who lost out in the party primaries were disposed off by the judge almost on the eve of the elections. In the days leading to the election, there were more dramatic revelations which almost scuttled his victory. Top of the dramatic escapades was the controversial meeting the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu had with the Ndigbo in Lagos.
Agbaje
The Oba, an unrelenting supporter of Ambode was quoted to have threatened the Igbos to vote for Ambode or face the consequences which included death or dispossession of their properties they made while in Lagos. The issue drew a lot of flaks for the Oba across the state threatening the large population of Igbo voters. It took the intervention of prominent citizens including the national leaders of the APC, Asi-
waju Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the Igbos could be pacified. Even at that, there were many Igbos who stayed away from the voting zones on Election Day to avoid casting their votes for Ambode, a development that accounted for the virtual low turnout in the gubernatorial election compared with the presidential polls. Another reason that was reCONTINUED ON PAGE 9
First Son of former Governor of Adamawa state, Rear Admiral Murtala Hamman Yero Nyako, who recently won the central senatorial seat of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rtd Commodore Abdul’Aziz Murtala Nyako spoke on a wide range of issues with our correspondent, TOM GARBA in Yola. He spoke on his plans for Adamawa people in his legislatives duties, why he was arrested by EFCC, why his father was impeached and other topical issues. Excerpts: You are certainly going to be one of the youngest senators from Adamawa State, how do you feel? I feel honoured for the respect accorded me by the good people of Adamawa State who found CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
9 Politics
Ambode’s victory: Matters arising CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
sponsible for the low turnout of voters in Lagos was the involvement of the Asiwaju in the process that threw up Ambode as candidate within the ruling APC. Many Lagosians believed that with Ambode having the backing of Tinubu, he would end being another lackey panding to the whims and caprices of Tinubu. For them, if Ambode eventually wins, it will be a continuation of the present situation in Lagos where the state is regarded as a personal estate of one man. Indeed, the opposition PDP claimed in its campaign just before the election that Ambode did not retire voluntarily from the services of the Lagos State Government but was forced out at just 52 years of age by the current state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola. They alleged that it was Tinubu who ensured that compulsory retirement or sack was converted to voluntary retirement owing to the fact that he assisted Tinubu a lot when he was Accountant General of the State. But Fashola debunked all these allegations saying he never sacked the governor-elect but that he retired with his honour and integrity intact. This was to set the stage for a test of grits between the opposition PDP and the ruling APC to determine who blinks first.
Tinubu flanked by Ambode (l) and Fashola (r). Lot of people wanted a change, that enough was enough. That it was time that Lagos was freed from the stranglehold of one man, hence many decided to vote for Jimi Agbaje of the PDP who was once within the progressive camp of Tinubu himself. Others who couldn’t vote for Agbaje
preferred to abstain from voting altogether. Thus the burden of Ambode is large. How does he come out of the shadow of Tinubu? How does he prove that he is no man’s lackey but a man of his own? How does he prove that those who voted for him and his party have not
made a mistake by voting him? How does he prove himself that inspite of the misgivings that a lot of people have of his candidature, he would be able to take Lagos to higher heights and things would not deteriorate instead? Indeed, this is the burden of leadership hanging on Ambode.
‘Those who destabilised Adamawa to be exposed soon’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
me capable and worthy for this noble course. I cannot thank them enough and I promise them a good representation that will sharpen my constituency and the country at large. If you are given a choice in the red chambers to select your committee, which one will you prefer? All my life, I have been a military man under the Nigeria Navy, shouldering many responsibilities at one time or the other. Haven gone through military discipline in my life, right from nursery to up to Nigerian defence academy (NDA), i also received international military training with the British Naval training and USA.
When I discovered things were going arbitrarily during my father’s administration, I retired as a Commodore from the Navy and his Royal Highness, the Lamido Adamawa gave me a traditional title of Sarkin Matasa (Youth leader) of his Emirate. I began to educate and enlighten youths in the Emirate on the negative effects of all the social vices most especially the serious dangers embedded in drugs abuse. I reawaken them from their giant sleep to, discover that they are the present leaders we need. My brother you can see that I am a full blown military Man and full blown civilian Man. To answer your question properly I want to tell you that I love to be in CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
PDP will rise again – BoT Secretary CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
boosting the socio-economic development of the country. “Besides, President Jonathan had transformed the education, agriculture, economic, health, judicial, commercial sectors, the electoral system, among others. “His transformation agenda had touched and improved the lives of every Nigerians positively. Nigerians have seen what the PDP government had done in terms of establishing and equipping secondary and tertiary education, creating job opportunities, provision of infrastructural facilities, Nyako
Murtala Nyako
CONTINUED on PAGE 10
Politics 10
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
MURTALA NYAKO:
We have serious challenge about insecurity in North East CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
you, and you still have to go along with them, so having a virtue of vegetable as a politician is an added advantage to help you meet people’s needs. Everybody needs those qualities to succeed in whatever thing one’s is doing. Now that i have the traditional structure as Sarkin Matasa and the new office as a senator,I have to marry the two in a more organised way to help my people
a committee that has to do with security in the national assembly where I can fit in to pass laws and bills that can tackle the issue of insecurity which has been a big challenge to our government; insurgency had badly affected my immediate constituency. I will work hand-in-hand with my serving friends in the Navy who presently are wearing the ranks of Brigadier to cut off all the problem of insurgencies in Nigeria especially the north east. You dedicated the success of the past election to your father, attributing it as victory for a Adamawa people. Does it mean you are placing your father first before the people of Adamawa central? Many people will tend to get it wrong. I am trying to appreciate my father for being the best father in the whole world. I know if my father today were a labourer or a wood hewer, he will still be a good father. My father had done so much for me. Since I was young, he made sure he allows you to do what you are doing to the best of your knowledge. I remembered when I passed out from Nigerian Defence Academy and needed him to around to decorate me with my rank but he refused saying: ‘my son you did alone, I was not there; you got all the praises from me. I thank God I was not knelling down to beg you to do that. From that day, I realised my father does not interferes with your choice of life or whatever you are doing, all he says is to be the best you can in whatever thing you are doing. I am trying to let you understand that my father is out of the game in this my new assignment. Thank God the people of Adamawa central voted me without him being around that some would
PDP will bounce back – BOT Secretary
How did you see your contest with a female opponent? I thank God for A’ishatu Binani, she gave me a good fight. In fact, I respect her for the good policies, pet projects and she is maintaining a good working relationship with the electorate. Binani is a big name in our senatorial zone. I came to discover that she is more of a sister to me only that along the line, we pitched our tents in different political platforms. With the kind of courage she has in politics, the sky is going to be her limit. What exactly led to your arrest in Gombe by EFCC? Don’t worry, I am preparing for that, when the set time comes, I am going to expose my father enemies, my enemies and those behind my father’s impeachment. Do you have plans of arresting your political enemies? No! I cannot do that, I’ve left all things to God to vindicate me.
Murtala Nyako even say he influenced my votes. Without him, the people spoke, so I owe them all it takes to bring change to the state. Despite your discipline as a military man, you still look soft and gentle? Laughter! Considering what I’m doing now, meeting people and listening to their complaints on a daily basis, some will hurt you and some will encourage
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
tackling insecurity and , prompt payment of workers’ salaries, among others. “In spite of the defeat our great party, PDP, suffered during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections, losing the presidential seat to APC, PDP will not and will never die. It will continue
I love to be in a committee that has to do with security in the national assembly where I can fit in to pass laws and bills that can tackle the issue of insecurity which has been a big challenge to our government; insurgency had badly affected my immediate constituency.”
to exist and we will win all positions in future elections”, he stressed. He had this to say about President Goodluck Jonathan, who conceded defeat to PAC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election: “For President Jonathan to accept defeat when he lost his second term presidential
ambition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accorded him great respect from all Nigerians and even from the international community. “This shows that President Jonathan is a true democrat who has the interest of Nigerians at heart and we will continue to pray for him and other newly elected leaders, to enable them to succeed.”
TERROR BID IN ABONNEMA:
My story, by Danagogo, Sports Minister
Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo has reacted to the ugly scene in Abonnema, Rivers State during last Saturday’s election, saying the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi should be held responsible. In a statement, Danagogo who is also Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) berated Amaechi for fomenting trouble in the area and blaming him through the use of his propaganda machinery. Text of his statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to the fact that Governor Amaechi, in his usual style of brazenly subverting truth and creating fictitious scenarios to cover up his crimes, has unleashed his hordes of dogs to deploy his huge propaganda machinery at the expense of Rivers peoples’ funds to stand the truth on its head and tarnish my reputation in order to cover up his failed attempt to unleash terror on Abonnema to coerce my kiths and kin to vote the APC. “The truth is that Amaechi hired and brought into Abonnema over 100 armed foreign thugs on Thursday night. My people woke up on Friday morning to notice the presence of these fierce looking strange thugs. God gave our youths the presence of mind to come together to go and ask the thugs who they were. This attracted the police and army CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Mu’azu
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
11 Politics
Opposition breaks 16-year-old jinx in Benue Former Minister of State for Trade and Industries, Dr. Samuel Ortom of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has been declared winner of the Benue State governorship election held on Saturday, breaking long years of jinks against the opposition in the state. Returning Officer for the state, Prof. Istifinus Dafwang, said Ortom polled 422,932 votes to beat seven other contestants. The results showed that Ortoms’s closest rival in the contest, Mr Terhemen Tarzoor of the PDP scored 313,878 votes, while Mr Caleb Abahnif of APGA had 649 votes, Mr Boniface Umele of ACPN polled 1,431 votes. Others were, Mr Oglekwu Shadrack of APA, who polled 1,595 votes, William Ligom of the LP with 2,653, Helene Ode of NNPP scored 767 votes and Samuel Gar of SDP polled 589 votes. The results, however, showed that the PDP would retain its dominance in the state legislature, having won a total of 15 seats as against 14 by the APC and one by the Labour Party. APC had won two out of the three senatorial seats and a ma-
Suswam jority of the federal constituencies in the state. This is the first time that the opposition is defeating an in-
Ortom cumbent especially the progressives beating the conservatives The victory came in spite of the overwhelming odds against
his candidature in the Peoples PDP since the warped primaries which made him to defect APC as well as different court cases
to stop him. Before his emergence as the fifth democratically elected governor of Benue State, Chief Ortom served as the elected chairman Guma local government on the platform of Social Democratic Party, (SDP) from 1991-1993. He later defected to the PDP and in 2000 he was elected State Secretary of the PDP from 2003 to 2006. Chief Ortom also won the State Vice Chairman of the PDP in 2006 to 2007 before he was elected PDP National Auditor, a position he held until he was appointed Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, desirous of leading Benue, Chief Ortom resigned in February this year and joined the 2015 gubernatorial race on the platform of PDP but lost to Mr Terhemen Tarzoor during the December 2014 primaries. Not deterred, Chief Ortom quickly defected to the leading opposition APC and was unanimously accepted as a consensus candidate. Though there were the usual political grievances within the ranks and file of the APC but he overcame them and triumphantly emerged as the governor-elect.
Amaechi lied against me – Danagogo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
in the local Government Area. “Upon being convinced of the criminally deadly mission of these thugs, the army arrested them with their arms and detained them at the army base for further interrogation. While this was ongoing, many APC stalwarts like Amaechi’s Commissioner for Urban Development - Mr Isobo Jack, and the Caretaker Chairman Mr Fenibo M Jack made several representations and appeals to the army and police to release their thugs. “When they failed, a call
was put across to the governor to come to their aid to release their thugs. To our shock and chagrin, in less than an hour, the governor arrived the police station and was shamelessly barking orders at the DPO and Army Officers to release his thugs immediately. “This show of shame by the governor right in front of the police station in the full public glare attracted passersby, youths and others who took exception to his dismal conduct and revolted and started booing and cursing him for bringing thugs to destroy our peaceful community.
“He was thus forced to run out of the police station and out of the community in shame. By the time I heard what was happening and rushed to the station, I only saw him driving off. “This forced the youths to insist that the army must mount road block at the community entrance to conduct stop and search to stop arms and foreign thugs from entering our peaceful community. The effort of the army in the stop and search, yielded immense dividends as so many more foreign thugs were arrested with arms, while others turned
back and ran away. “The said thugs and their arms were taken away and detained at Bori Camp (the PH Army Base). It is this divine intervention by God and the army that enabled the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded throughout the Saturday elections in Abonnema and frustrated Amaechi from causing his intended mayhem as he did in our neirbouring Buguma community. “It is thus surprising that he rather went back to deploy his dogs to make this criminal attempt to kill the truth and tarnish my reputation”.
Danagogo
News 12 PDP chieftain blames govs for polls defeat Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo
ÏÏÏA chieftain of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Chief Francis Fadahunsi, has explained that his party was defeated in the just concluded general election in Nigeria, due to the selfishness of the party’s political office holders. Fadahunsi, speaking with newsmen in his country home, Ilase-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Area of the state, shortly after a thanksgiving service in his honour, said the party’s political office holders did not support the party financially and always believed they were above it. He said, “In the All Progressives Congress (APC) states, if anything happened to any governor, others would rally around to support him, but, it was not so in the PDP states, where the governors believed that they were above the party. “Attempts by the PDP Governors to impose their successors, to the detriment of other candidates, also affected the party, in no small measure, the matter was not properly managed, unlike what happened in the APC”, he added.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Osun: Aregbesola laments electoral violence, vows to punish perpetrators Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo
ÏÏÏGovernor
of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has lamented the various crises and violence that characterised the last general election in the state. The governor, who spoke during a state broadcast in Osogbo, regretted that some candidates, in their attempt to manipulate the election, triggered the subsequent violence, but, he vowed that the perpetrators would be dealt with accordingly. “My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved. We are building a new and peaceful nation,
characterised by law and order, where every life is sacred and safety of lives and property is guaranteed. “This new nation has no place for violence, brigandage, cheating, injustice and impunity. More importantly, no one will get into any elective office through cheating, violence, intimidation, thuggery and manipulation”, he added. While commending the people for voting in the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, Aregbesola said Osun was on the path to unstoppable greatness. “The pattern, shape and the
Ilorin
ÏÏÏThe chairman, Senate Com-
mittee on Ecology and Environment, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has urged Nigerians to be hopeful on the return of the abducted Chibok school girls. In a statement signed by his media aide, Bamikole Omisore, he said that “we must remain hopeful of their return, and steadfast in our determination to find them”. The former governor of Kwara State, who agreed with the comments of the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on the issue, said Buhari was right to throw the full weight of his incoming administration behind the various efforts by Nigerians to find the girls. He, however, added that “but, he
Aregbesola
Curfew in Kaduna as APC youths turn violent Tom Garba Zaria
ÏÏÏA 24-hour curfew has been
Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) (middle) with members of the Kannywood, when they paid him a courtesy visit in Daura, Katsina… on Tuesday
Saraki tasks FG on Chibok girls Kehinde Akinpelu
results were indications of your diligent planting and nurturing of the tree of democracy in the past 16 years. “Election is now assuming its true definition as a political empowerment for the people. With your voter’s card, you now determine those who make laws for the government of the country and your state. “This is the most critical first test of democracy, since 1999, a free and fair election, in which the people chose their leaders, and you have passed in flying colours.“I congratulate you for this historic achievement”, he added.
(Buhari) is right too, not to make naive claims about the ability of any government to commit to finding the girls. “Today, we pause to remember the kidnapping of the Chibok school girls. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and communities. “A year may have passed since they were taken, but our sympathy and solidarity remain with their families; and so does our revulsion at the acts of terror committed. I have been emboldened by the character and courage of the families of the girls over the past year. “We must remain hopeful of their return, and steadfast in our determination to find them, but not to make the same mistakes of the previous administration in promising what we cannot guarantee to do.
“Today, we must remember the acts of terror that took place one year ago and the innocent girls that still suffer as a result of those acts. We must remember those acts, first and foremost, as a human tragedy. Secondly, we must remember and understand the underlying reasons why those acts took place, and embed a new determination and resolve into our strategy to defeat Boko Haram”, he added.
Saraki
imposed on Saminaka town, headquarters of Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Tuesday, following the unruly behaviour of some youths, said to be celebrating the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election. The youths were alleged to have molested residents of a Christian dominated community (Hayin Gada) and tried to destroy the Assemblies of God Church there. The attempt by some Christian youths to prevent the invaders from destroying the church, degenerated into a fight, which, consequently, resulted in the alleged death of three persons, while others were injured.
Single hull tanker deadline: NIMASA gives five-year grace ÏÏÏThe
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has extended the phase-out date for singlehull tankers by five years, with the new date set as December 31, 2020. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had set an initial deadline of 2015. In extending the phase-out date, the Agency noted, through a press statement by Deputy Director/Head Public Relations, NIMASA, Isichei Osamgbi, that the decision was taken in line with the provision of the IMO, which allows member states, who did not have the capacity to replace their existing single hull tanker fleet to extend the phase-
out date of certain categories of tankers in their countries, provided the vessels did not engage in international trade. While noting that over 80 percent of all Nigerian tankers are currently single hull, NIMASA recognised the factors constraining Nigerian ship owners from replacing all existing single hull tanker fleet by 2015, which necessitated the extension. Director General of NIMASA, Dr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, noted that the decision to extend the initial deadline was to sustain the development of the Nigerian maritime industry and enhance the gains of the Cabotage laws and Local Content Act.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Al-Shabaab militants kill 15 in Somali Education Ministry
People look at the wreckage of a car bomb outside the Education Ministry in Mogadishu, on Thursday.
ÏÏÏ The Somali militant group
al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Tuesday, on a government complex in the capital, Mogadishu. The head of the ambulatory service in Mogadishu, Abdulkadir Abdirahman Aden, told VOA's Somali service that 15 people were killed and 20 others wounded in the attack on the country's Higher Education Ministry.
UN threatens sanctions in Libya, urges negotiations ÏÏÏThe United Nations Security
Council pressed Libya's warring factions to urgently form a unity government and threatened sanctions against those behind spiralling violence. In a declaration adopted by consensus, the 15 council members urged the parties taking part in peace talks to "agree on arrangements on the formation of a national unity government to end Libya's political, security and institutional crisis". A meeting attended by political party leaders and activists took place on Monday in Algiers under the UN auspices, with participants hoping to reach an accord to end the chaos and violence that has engulfed Libya since the 2011 uprising that toppled dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Police said a car bomb caused a huge explosion, allowing the attackers to storm the building and open fire. The Associated Press reported the gunmen took some ministry employees hostage, but Somali officials told VOA that security forces and African Union troops regained control. As government forces retook the compound and the fighting ended, it was not immediately clear whether the gunmen had
been killed in the assault or managed to escape. The building that was attacked also houses the Petroleum and Minerals Ministry. Earlier this month, al-Shabab staged an attack on Kenya's Garissa University College, killing 148 people. Al-Shabab said that attack was revenge for Kenyan military action inside neighboring Somalia, where the Islamist militant group is based.
Benin demands answers over bombed embassy in Gabon ÏÏÏBenin has demanded an "of-
ficial explanation" of the torching of its embassy in Gabon during unrest that broke out after the announcement that a senior Gabonese opposition leader had died. Opposition supporters rampaged through Gabon's capital Libreville on Sunday, setting fire to cars and buildings, including Benin's embassy as word spread of the death of Andre Mba Obame, a longtime Gabonese opposition figure. Obame, aged 57, had suffered from serious health problems that had all but stopped the charismatic figure from appearing in public for the past three years. However, some protesters accused Gabon's government of casting "spells" on Mba Obame, who died on Sunday. It was not immediately clear why Benin's embassy was targeted during unrest. The Gabonese opposition is
highly critical of Benin native Maixent Accrombessi, who is the chief of staff of Gabon's president. In a statement, Benin said the fire was "an unacceptable act and of a rare seriousness in a relationship between nations." "The safety of diplomatic missions and the protection of their personnel are the responsibility of the receiving government," the statement said. Benin demanded "an official explanation from the Gabonese government". Benin's government called on all its citizens living in Gabon to "take shelter from the acts of vandalism and violence orchestrated by uncontrolled groups of protesters." Mba Obame left Gabon in 2011 after declaring himself elected head of state, refusing to recognise the 2009 election victory of President Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Somalia's government has placed bounties on the heads of 11 al-Shabab leaders, including the militant group's top leader and the alleged mastermind of the massacre in Kenya. The bounties, announced last Thursday, include a reward of $250,000 for the capture of alShabab chief Ahmed Omar Abu Ubyed and amounts of between $100,000 and $150,000 for 10 other prominent militants.
Gunmen on motorcycle kill Egyptian policeman
ÏÏÏEgypt's
state news agency has said that gunmen on a motorcycle have shot dead a policeman manning a checkpoint just outside Cairo. MENA quotes a security official as saying another two policemen were wounded in the shooting early on Tuesday in Shibeen alQanatar, north of the capital. Attacks on security forces spiked following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi amid mass protests against him. The attacks have mainly occurred in the northern Sinai Peninsula. At least 14 people, mostly soldiers and police, were killed in attacks there on Sunday. Major General Magdy el-Shalaqani said explosives struck electrical pylons on the outskirts of Cairo, cutting power to a complex housing most of Egypt's private TV stations.
13 Africa Ebola-hit Sierra Leone goes back to school ÏÏÏ Sierra Leone's 1.8 million
children prepared on Tuesday to return to school, eight months after classes were shut, to halt the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. Classrooms have been empty since the government announced a state of emergency in July, last year, in response to an outbreak, which killed around 10 500 people, almost all of them in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. More than 3 800 of the deaths were in Sierra Leone alone, according to World Health Organisation's (WHO) figures. "This marks a major step in the normalisation of life in Sierra Leone," Roeland Monasch, Sierra Leone representative for Unicef, the United Nations children's fund, said in a statement. "It is important that all children get into school including those who were out of school before the Ebola outbreak. Education for all is a key part of the recovery process for the country." The reopening had been set for 30 March as the rate of new infections slowed but the date was pushed back to 14 April with a spurt in new cases, mostly around the capital Freetown and three other western districts. Only nine confirmed cases were reported in the seven days to 5 April, the WHO said in its latest situation update, compared with 25 the previous week - a fifth consecutive weekly decrease and the lowest weekly total in almost a year. The Unicef said it was working with the government to ensure children were safe by training 9 000 teachers on Ebola prevention, including hand-washing and regular temperature checks. More than 1.3 million pupils have returned since schools reopened in Guinea in January, according to the agency, while at least 800 000 were back in class since the return in Liberia a month later. "This number continues to increase as more schools become compliant with the protocols for safe school reopening. Cases of Ebola continue to be reported in Sierra Leone, but are well down from levels seen at the end of 2014," Unicef said in a statement.
Monasch
World 14
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
UN Security Council to vote on Yemeni arms embargo ÏÏÏThe
United Nations Security Council is to vote on a draft resolution that would impose an arms embargo on the leaders of Yemen's Houthi rebels and demand the group withdraw from Sana'a and other areas it has captured. The measure drafted by Jordan and Arab Gulf countries would also impose a travel ban and an asset freeze on rebel leader AbdulMalik al-Houthi as well as Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, the son of Yemen's former president who supports the Houthis. The council has already imposed those bans against the former president and two senior Houthi leaders. The new resolution would place the arms embargo on all five men. It was not clear ahead of the vote whether Russia would use its veto power as one of the five permanent Security Council members in order to block the measure. Russia argued that the arms ban should apply to all parties in the conflict. The Saudi-led coalition kept up its airstrike campaign against Houthi militias and their allies in Yemen, targeting a sports stadium in Aden on Saturday, a
ÏÏÏAn
Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, raise their weapons at a protest against Saudi-led airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, recently.
spokesman for the coalition said on Monday. Iran-allied Houthi militias are still using schools and sport stadiums for the storage of military equipment storage, according to a coalition spokesman. “The infrastructure is one of the points which we are seeking to keep it safe in order to take advan-
tage of it. But now the situation has become critical and we must not let these militias take advantage of these facilities. They are using the stadiums and schools as military storage so we must not give them a chance to take advantage of them to reorganize their operations,” said coalition spokesman Brigadier General
Ahmed Asseri. The operation by Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Muslim states is aimed at stopping the Iranian-allied Houthis and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh from winning control of Yemen. The coalition wants to reinstate Saudi-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
Japan court halts restart of Takahama nuclear site ÏÏÏ
A Japanese court has blocked the restarting of two nuclear reactors in the western city of Takahama, after local people raised safety concerns. The plant had already obtained approval from the country's nuclear watchdog. But locals had petitioned the court in Fukui prefecture, where Takahama is located, to intervene, saying it would not withstand a strong earthquake. All 48 commercial reactors in
Iraqi PM to seek more US military aid ÏÏÏ
Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, is set to make his case for more U.S. help in defeating Islamic State militants as he meets with President Barack Obama at the White House. Abadi is expected to seek billions of dollars in drones and other U.S. weapons. The Obama administration,
Observers declare Fiji election ‘credible’
Japan remain offline following 2011's Fukushima disaster. The BBC's Rupert WingfieldHayes in Tokyo says the ruling is a serious blow for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to have the reactors restarted. Mr Abe has said the shutdown is damaging the struggling economy, forcing Japan to import expensive fossil fuels to make up the power shortfall. Media caption The robot has produced the first video from in-
side the reactor, as Rupert Wingfield-Hayes reports The operators of Takahama plant, Kansai Electric, said the plant met heightened safety standards brought in by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) after Fukushima. But the court agreed with nine local residents who filed an injunction, and ruled that the company had been overly optimistic in assuming that no major quake would hit the region, national
broadcast NHK reports. It also criticised the NRA safety standards as "lacking rationality". Before the accident, caused by a massive quake and tsunami, about 30% of Japan's power was nuclear generated. So far only two reactors - in Kagoshima prefecture in the far south - have been approved for restart. They are expected to become operational later this year, but this move is also being challenged in court.
which welcomed Abadi's ascension after a tricky relationship with former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, may not agree to all of the requests. Nonetheless, the high-profile meeting in the Oval Office is meant to convey a U.S. stamp of approval for a leader who has sought to be more inclusive than his predecessor in governing Iraq. Ahead of the visit, Abadi said Iraq had received a boost in support from the United States but wants to see more as his forces push their effort to recapture more territory the militants
seized in the past year. ''We, in Iraq, are fighting terrorists on the ground. Terrorism is not only threatening Iraq, it threatens the region and the world alike," Abadi said as he left Baghdad. "We are in need of international support for curbing terrorism. The militants are now smuggling oil and antiquities in order to get money. Thus we are in need of an international effort to halt all criminal attempts by terrorists who aim to continue the bloodletting in Iraq.'' Since August, the U.S. has been leading a coalition that has car-
ried out more than 1,800 airstrikes targeting Islamic State targets in Iraq. U.S. officials said Monday they were not aware of any specific requests from Iraq, but White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Obama will consider requests for more assistance.
Haider al-Abadi
international monitoring group declared on Tuesday that last year's election in Fiji was "credible", but called for restrictions on the media and civil society groups to be eased. The September 2014 vote was the first election in the coupplagued Pacific nation since military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama seized power in 2006. A multinational observer group (MOG) said it was satisfied the poll, which resulted in a landslide victory for Bainimarama's FijiFirst party, was carried out correctly. "While the MOG notes areas for improvement of Fiji's electoral process, it deems this a credible election," said the group, which has 92 members from 13 countries around the world as well as the European Union, in its final report. "The MOG believes the election broadly represented the will of the Fijian voters. The MOG congratulates the people of Fiji on taking this important step in their return to democracy." More than 500 000 people were registered to vote in the election which for the first time extended full voting rights to Indian Fijians, who make up 40% of the 900 000 population. The vote was considered pivotal to ending the country's "coup culture", which saw four governments toppled between 1987 and 2006, largely due to tensions between indigenous Fijians and ethnic Indians.
Hungary send 150-troop aid to Iraq ÏÏÏHungary will send up to 150
troops to help guard a military training centre in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, as part of international efforts against ISIS extremists. The proposal approved on Tuesday 137-57 by lawmakers authorises the contingent's mission until December 2017. Defense Minister Csaba Hende said Hungary had been asked by the United States to join the initiative to train local troops, which Hungary supported because the actions of ISIS "are an increasing threat to international peace and security".
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
15 Opinion
The Obiano and Obi show
A Igboeli Arinze
t first it seemed that the transition was one made in heaven, all for the progress for Anambra they claimed,in their manner Dim Ojukwu in his grave had ordained it, Bianca and Victor Umeh had endorsed it, it was for the people of Anambra to buy into it. No expense was spared, billions of Naira found its way into the system, it found its way into useful arenas, and as we, all know money talks in these climes. Then came the November 16, 2013 polls and Nigerians have knowledge of what transpired, the anointed one from Aguleri was declared the winner despite the cries of foul play. The plotters rejoiced, for reasons best known to them, the Agulu to Aguleri change of baton was perfect and the so-called gains, which they claimed that Anambra had made, would be consolidated. March 17th came and Obiano the new helmsman took the mantle of leadership, under the watchful eyes of Obi, his predecessor, who boasted that his own predecessor was not on hand to pass the baton to him, now
here he was doing that to Obiano. He was to have no business in any matter affecting the business of governance in Anambra, far from it! But not too long, not even three months after the handover, did we the onlookers begin to notice that all was not well with the duo. At first, many dismissed this as the lazy machinations of the market trader in Eke Awka to compensate for the lack of business activity; for some believed that this was too early for the honeymoon to be over. Given the Nigerian trend, it normally takes an average of a few years for godson to part with his godfather and since that of Chris Ngige with the Ubas was an exception, Anambra couldn’t be that lucky or unlucky to experience such a schism twice. But soon the rumors began to give way to silent musings in certain quarters and soon the bubble burst, when the former governor resigned as the APGA’s Board of Trustees (BoT) chair before defecting to the PDP. While it is not clear on what matter or matters made both actors go their different ways, I believe that these matters do not boil down on good governance and when rumours and social media
talk about the repayment of a loan that was raised for an election, or about who was to run for senate in Anambra Central or some form of meddlesomeness or a shortage of funds claimed to have been left in the treasury by his predecessor, I have studied them and believed that there is some truth in them. For example as the Obiano-Obi impasse enters the rofo rofo phase, many have traced the fight to the N86 -13824, Obi claimed he left behind for the Obiano administration. This is also including monies that Obi claimed were saved in the purchase of local and foreign denominated bonds and other businesses like the Sab Miller brewery. Now whilst Governor Obiano has not come out to say how much he met in the state’s treasury, his body language and talk by some of his trusted aides suggest that the situation was the otherwise. Now if it is true that former Governor Obi never left any monies in our public until, then the question is why has Obiano not come out to state things as he met them? Why the quiet murmuring? Why is the matter assailed in the social media and yet the man who knows it all is quiet about the matter? Why are
text messages from the governor’s supporters to my phone suggesting that there were no funds in the treasury? If it is true, that Ex Governor Obi didn’t leave the specified amount it is for Obiano to tell but if he chooses to do otherwise he should then save ndi Anambra the trouble and go on with the business of governance. The state has a lot of pressing issues to deal with, there are schools to be built, roads to be constructed, the quality of life in Anambra needs to be raised, surely we cannot invest such time needed to move this state forward in settling what may be the petty squabbles between the duo. Anambra is surely bigger than them. However, if tomorrow the battle between the duo is one of ideas and ideology, on how to make governance work, on how to move the state forward then the fight will be worth its pitch and persons like myself will then tune in. However, for the now, the Obiano and Obi show isn’t worth my while and it isn’t worth the time of ndi Anambra too, whatever their sychophants tell them or fail to tell them. Anambra is a land of giants, I advise the duo to start acting as such.
as soon as he takes the helm of leadership. His performances for the next four years will determine very largely Nigeria’s political destiny come 2019. The weights on his shoulders are no doubt quite daunting and one only hopes that he fully understands the extent of the damage awaiting him. Buhari has just four years to untangle the myriad of problems that have bedevilled this nation for over 50 years. The political reality in Nigeria now means that the proletariat are determined to remain vigilante long after casting their votes which means government’s chicanery and debauchery can no longer be tolerated. The new political vista in Nigeria has created scores of activists who are prepared to maintain and orchestrate change at every possible stage in the political process. Buhari’s waiting period before the assumption of office on May 29th must be judiciously utilised to further understand the extent of Nigeria’s peculiarity as well as use the time to draw up a list of capable hands that will help drive his vision for the nation. He cannot afford to dillydally come May 29 on matters that should have been long settled during his waiting period. He must at all cost avoid the kind of unnecessary time wasting methods that
characterised President Umaru’s tenure, as well as the early part of President Jonathan’s reign. Dilettantes and political charlatans must never be allowed to infiltrate the Buahri camp in this new dispensation. How Buhari tackles corruption and its accompanying malaise remains to be seen. The high expectation of Nigerians in this regard remains to be satisfied. What processes and methodologies that will be deployed will definitely be intriguing for observers. This period is crunch time for him and how he navigates through the labyrinth of filth, dregs and dross strewn across every facet of our national life requires dexterity, manoeuvrability and avant-garde techniques. Mere clichés and high sounding rhetoric are no more marketable under present realities and at the same time intolerance for legal principles can no longer be acceptable. Insurgency is another sore thumb that will definitely require immediate attention if the President-elect is to stamp his relevance early enough. The extent to which he exerts his experience and professionalism in stamping out the Boko-Haram menace, to that degree will Nigerians and the international community believe his determination for change.
It is not yet Eldorado
A
Paul Thomas
fter a long time of persistent unsavoury news about Nigeria around the world; the recently concluded presidential elections gave the country a phenomenal upward push amongst civilised nations. Nigerians unequivocally demonstrated their political maturity and markedly improved penchant for rational, logical and civilised post election deportment; a far departure from previous animalistic and demonic display of post election violence, especially when the results are not in tandem with the anticipation of the losing party as evidenced in the 2011 post election crisis that saw the maiming and mindless killing of scores of innocent Nigerians. Another school of thought however argues that the absence of post election violence was not because of the political maturity of the plebs but as a result of power shift from one regional bloc to another. In other word violence would still have been perpetuated had power not shifted from the South to the North; especially in an election that saw the opposition defeating an incumbent. Whichever way one looks at the just concluded elections, one can-
not but give kudos to all involved. However the greatest winner in all of this is President Goodluck Jonathan; his concession of defeat and the auspiciousness of the timing cannot but be applauded. Jonathan kept his political masterstroke until the very end. By his adherence to wise counsel from his political strategist and allies, the exiting president has acquired for himself a political mileage that catapults him into the genre of a statesman. His lackadaisical and lacklustre performances in the last six years were completely overturned in one fell swoop through political adroitness that will continue to reverberate around the world for a long time. With President Jonathan exiting in a few weeks by which time the euphoria and jollity of Buhari’s victory would have calmed and Nigerians would now be anxious to see the much-anticipated change that had become the mantra of Buhari’s campaign in the last few months. The enormities of the challenges awaiting the Presidentelect are truly real and palpable. Buhari must understand that a new vista has been accorded him and no excuses will be entertained if the expectations of Nigerians are not met in the shortest possible time. His clamour for governance since 2003 will be truly understood
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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
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17
Business Editor: Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Email: emmanuelogbonnaya@dailytimes.com.ng
Academicians advocate entrepreneurial driven economy Charles Okonji
L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry Ltd (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, vice president, Nigeria Academy of Engineering, Mrs Johanna Maduka and the Academy president, Prof. Raifu Salawu, during a visit of the engineers to Bank of Industry in Lagos. 13/04/2015.
BoI sounds alarm over outdated production technologies Emmanuel Ogbonnaya The Bank of Industry (BoI) has warned that industrial development will continue to be impeded if majority of Nigerian manufacturers continue employing dated technologies in their production processes and called for a synergy of innovative researchers and industry owners. Addressing members of the Nigerian Academy of Engineers, who paid a courtesy visit to the development bank in Lagos, BoI’s Managing Director, Rasheed Olaoluwa, stated that there was a direct correlation between the level of technology in a society and the level of development there. “The rest of the world through artificial intelligence and robotics are moving at a tremendous pace; Africans need to close the gap – things don’t need to get so bad before we start looking for solutions,” he said. He assured that BoI, will continue to promote the linkage between centres of innovation and the industrial sector. “Last year we visited a number of research institutes, because to engender our nation’s development we need to bring industry and research together. I believe
that we still have a long way to go but we are beginning to take the right steps,” he said. He noted that no country will like to release its patented technology to another country and urged research institutes in the country to intensify efforts to solve Nigeria’s industrial sector needs in terms of technology. “We will continue to give the right support like we are doing, through agro-processing – adopting technology from research institutes to transfer to agro processors in the country,” he said. He urged researchers in the country to advance reverse engineering, by looking at what has been done and how it can be adapted to suit the demands of the industrial sector. He stressed that technology was absolutely critical to the way things are being done, noting that today, analogue technology has been integrated with software to change them into smart devices. Other advancements in technology which he noted were defining how things are being done now, include, drones, 3D printing, DNA genomics among others. He said as a development bank, BoI was committed to supporting the advancement of commodity
industrialisation through agroprocessing; Solid minerals beneficiation and crude processing. Earlier, the president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineers, Professor Raifu Salawu, informed the BoI boss of the willingness of the body of engineers to collaborate with the industrial sector. He lamented that most researches being done in the country were not end-user oriented: “there is a need for those in industry to sit down with researchers so that the end product can be tailored to their specific needs thereby making them easily useable.” He added that most researches should be development oriented rather than cutting-edge oriented, because the major need for technological innovation are in the areas of economic development through industrialisation. He said the body through its fellowship has been assisting Ph.D. students to go abroad for further learning, as well as giving grants to post-graduate students to make paper presentations at conferences overseas. “We will continue to assist in domiciling researches for local industries and we are ready to work with BoI to move this nation forward,” Salawu said.
In order for Nigeria to attain its full economic potential, scholars have called for the foundation of an entrepreneurial driven economy via policy instruments. An entrepreneurial expert and Executive Secretary of the Institute of Entrepreneurs, Dr. Rotimi Oladele stated that from findings, African businesses were built around individuals and lacked the requisite structure for sustainability. Oladele stated this at the institute’s 2015 first quarterly conference/induction in Lagos on Tuesday, with the theme “Entrepreneurship as a Desirable Path to Accelerated Development.” In his remark, Chairman of the event, Mr. Edwin Igbokwe, Executive Chairman, Eagle Graphic Equipment Limited said, “For a nation like us, that has all it takes to be an independent nation in the true economic sense, entrepreneurship is the way to go.” Oladele urged that entrepreneurship should be taught across all levels of education and not only at the university level. “Entrepreneurial education is to broaden perspectives and help us identify the opportunities available to us and the learning process starts from the cradle,” he said. He noted that today, Dubai is the world’s best example for national entrepreneurship, which through innovation, turned the
Oladele
desert into the world’s most attractive tourist Centre. He stated; “We are a development agency, we are building individuals, we train teachers on innovative entrepreneurs. We build the right type individuals that the country needs for national entrepreneurship.” The Executive Secretary said that the institute was ready to contribute to the formulation of policies and laws to support SMEs, adding that the organisation would collaborate at the national levels where members of the National Assembly and all government agencies would need adequate training to support national entrepreneurship. Three honourary fellows were inducted into the institute namely: Prof. Isaac Sola Fajana, Vice Chancellor, Joseph Babalola University; Mr. Edwin Igbokwe, and Professor Michael Adikwu, Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja. Others drawn from various economic sectors, including the academia were also inducted as full members of the institute and charged to promote the vision of the institute, which is to synergise opportunities and skills for self-reliance. Earlier Prof. Isaac Fajana, represented by Dr. Dayo Onimole, stated that not many nations are able to achieve sustainability in spite of endowed resources. The Don stressed the need for the government to confront and tackle wide-spread poverty; weak infrastructure and poor attitude to productivity.
Manufacturing 18
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
world’s first methanol powered ferry
Dangote cement: Advancing backward integration in Sub-region Charles Okonji The quest for countries in the sub-region to be self-sustaining in areas of competitive and comparative advantages, has gained real impetus with the investments of African cement manufacturing giant, Dangote Cement Plc. Such countries include, Nigeria, Senegal and Cameroun, where the company has not only established state of the art cement plants, but has also taken its campaign for the production and proper application of high quality cement grades to the right type of structure. After creating much awareness on the need for Nigerians to adopt the right cement types in 2014, which led to some global standards being made mandatory in the country, Dangote cement has extended the campaign to Nigeria’s regional neighbours Senegal and Cameroun. The impact that the new development has made can be attributed to the commitment of Dangote to invest in the backward integration concept, this further has helped Nigeria a one-time importer of cement to become a net exporter of the commodity, due to expanding production capacity led by the Dangote cement group which produces 20.25MMTPA, of the country’s total capacity of 28mmt.
Dangote Cement’s current total production capacity in Nigeria from its three existing cement plants namely Obajana (10.25MMTPA), Ibese (6.0MMTPA) and Gboko (4.0MMTPA) is 20.25MMTPA, however the company has also revealed plans to escalate Nigeria’s total capacity to 37mmt with expanded capacity soon. The Dangote cement company has been praised for its success in crashing the market prices of cement in Cameroun and its neighbours , when it rolled out 42.5 grade cement from its newly built $150m Douala cement plant with 1.5 million metric tons per annum capacity. The company’s ex-factory price is the cheapest in Cameroun when compared to other products in the Cameroun market, Dangote Cement is even cheaper than the most common 32.5 grade sold in the open market as stated by the company’s general manager, Engr. Abdulahi Baba. The company which rolled out its product massively into the Cameroun market also assured the host country that it would help shore-up local production of the vital product following the ban on importation of cement into Cameroon. Dangote Group who saw the ban as an opportunity for the growth of the cement sector in the country, has put in place ex-
pansion plans, which would enable the company attract more foreign earnings across the neighbouring countries, as local demands of the product would easily be surpassed when in full capacity. The assurance was given during the formal launching of the Company’s high grade 42.5 cement type into the Cameroonian market after a successful inauguration of the company’s 1.5m MTPA capacity cement plant in Douala. Expressing gratitude, the management of the company commended the government of Cameroun for taking a bold step by banning importation of the product, stating that the ban was a vote of confidence on the ability of cement manufacturers in the country, especially Dangote Cement, to meet and surpass local consumption demands. Baba stated that with the company’s 1.5m MTPA, the three manufacturers of cement in the country are about surpassing local consumption demands, explaining that Dangote management is already looking towards export prospects to neighbouring countries. “Cameroon with a consumption growth of eight per cent, and with a local production of 2.9m MTPA, the Dangote management was looking at export potentials in Chad, Central African Repub-
lic, Garbon, Equitorial Guinea and Togo even as the Company considers future expansion,” Baba stated. He explained that the plant has one of the most recent facilities of ensuring that there are no dust emission during production, which is in line with the world’s best practices. The General Manager stated that the company has put strategies in place to achieve 30 per cent market share, noting that there was also plans of achieving 30 per cent export of total production. “The demand is growing every day because of the infrastructural developmental efforts of the government. We will take the advantage of the ban on cement import here in Cameroon. We have structured distributorship system. Our route to market is very clear and defined. We are building a jetty so that we are not held down but have smooth distribution during congestion at the ports.” “We are set to achieve stability of operations in 2015 Q1, pursue aggressive market penetration and consolidation through appropriate above the line and below the line activities. 170 distributors have been selected after the interview process. 85 distributors will start, while the number will gradually increase with increasing production.” “Mines at Tombel has been
opened up and it is under exploitation. The Mines at Batoke would soon become operational. Exploration licence for Foumban deposit has also been secured. EIA and other activities for securing mining lease are being processed. About 5,000 MT of pozzolana is stockpiled at the living area.” Baba stated. During a media tour of the plant, a distributor, Fonoggi Serge, Managing Director, ETS Limited, attested that the product was of a very high quality and sold at a very affordable rate. “Consumers and other dealers are already making demand for the commodity. I sell 20 tons daily and the acceptability of the product is rapidly increasing and it goes for between 4,000 – 4,500 CFA.” He stated. Also, a block maker, Kamdoum Rodrigue, certified that the product is very good, stressing that it takes a shorter period to dry. “Before now, we used to stay for one week waiting for the blocks to dry, but with this new product, we only stay for two to three days and our blocks are ready for supply. Now we meet our customers demand earlier than it used to be,” Rodrigue stated. Last month in Senegal the Dangote Group also rolled out products from its $300 million Cement Plant there amidst excitement by the country’s government for creating 5,000 direct employment. The giant stride of Dangote in the establishment of the cement plant marked the single largest investment by an African in Senegal. The new plant located in Pout district of Senegal, about 75 kilometres East of Dakar, the country’s capital, has a nominal capacity to produce 4000MT per day and 1.2MT per annum and with the capacity to create 5,000 jobs. Indeed Dangote Cement became an instant hit in the market because of the 42.5 high quality grade. Luke Haelterman, the Country Head of Dangote Cement, noted that Dangote Cement offered the best choice for consumers as it is the only 42.5 grade high quality cement available in Senegal market, adding that the commencement of production will boost the housing sub sector of the Senegal building industry. Haelterman noted that the entrance of Dangote cement into the Senegal market has altered the equation in the cement market, saying that the company has targeted the exportation of its product to Mali with the tune of two million tonnes per annum. With a dedicated commitment to investing in the growth of the African continent, Dangote cement has truly proven to be the pride of Africa, the Sub-region and most of all Nigeria.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Fear of Globacom LTE dominance: MTN targets Visafone Kayode Adelowokan Competition is the name of the game in the business world; more so, on the mobile phone horizon in Nigeria as everywhere else. Nigeria’s National Carrier, Globacom, acquired the 700 MHz from the Nigerian Communications Commission. That gives it the capability to do LTE (Long Term Evolution), which is obviously the next big area, thereby laying the foundation for reality on the broadband. Globacom is the only operator that has the licence on the 700 MHz spectrum. Not wanting to be beaten to second place in the LTE offering, MTN now wants to acquire Visafone’s licences, that is, the 800 MHz and the 700 MHz, the latter which is LTE-compliant, to also quickly latch on them and begin offering LTE in Nigeria. LTE is a wireless broadband technology designed to support roaming Internet access via cell phones and handheld devices. Because LTE offers significant improvements over older cellular communication standards, some refer to it as a 4G (fourth generation) technology along with WiMax. With its architecture based on Internet Protocol (IP) unlike many other cellular Internet protocols, Long Term Evolution supports browsing Web sites, VoIP and other IP-based services well. LTE can theoretically support downloads at 300 Megabits per second (Mbps) or more based on experimental trials. However, the actual network bandwidth
available to an individual LTE subscriber sharing the service provider’s network with other customers is significantly less. Long Term Evolution service is only available in limited geographic areas, but telecommunications providers have been actively expanding their LTE services. It will be recalled that MTN bought VGC Communications; a private telephone operator whose services were seen as very reliable, although it was almost a Lagos-based operator. MTN acquired the company due to its spectrum and the fibre ring it has across Lagos. This was
also another proactive move by MTN to prepare itself for landline telephony services, especially as Glo has licence and apparent capability to offer landline telephone service. VGC Communications Limited (VGCCL) was bought for $70 million (N9.3 billion) in 2006, by MTN Nigeria. VGCCL was licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide cabling and radio telephone services nationwide and had laid extensive fibre optic cables, and internet service provision.
Continued on page 20
19 ICT
Apple scales up production to meet watch preorders Tunji Makanjuola
Apple Inc is likely to quickly ramp up production of the Apple Watch after strong pre-orders outstripped limited supply, analysts said on Monday. Apple’s website lists shipping times in June for some models, and four to six weeks for others, suggesting the company is straining to meet demand. However, analysts said Apple could sell between 2.3 million and 4 million watches in the quarter ending June.Apple was widely expected to disclose preorders on Monday, following its usual pattern after a product launch. But Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said this may not happen this time because of the supply issue. “Overall we view the trends over the weekend as an indication of solid demand paired with very limited supply, with supply being the most significant limiting factor,” Munster said in a client note. Munster, who thinks Apple will sell 2.3 million watches in the April-June quarter, expects the company to ramp up production between mid-May and June. Estimates by shopping data firm Slice Intelligence and brokerage Cowen and Co pegged bookings on Friday, the first day of pre-orders, at about 1 million in the United States. For comparison, about 720,000 Android-powered smartwatches offered by companies including Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Sony Corp were shipped in all of 2014, according to market research firm Canalys. Analysts at brokerage Pacific Crest said their checks showed that Apple appeared to be ordering components for the watch that would allow it to make well over 20 million this year.
UBS estimates that Apple will sell 16 million watches in fiscal 2015 ending September and 40 million in fiscal 2016. The watch, which allow users to check email, listen to music and make phone calls when paired with an iPhone, goes on sale officially on April 24. BofA Merrill Lynch expects Apple to ship 4 million smartwatches in the quarter, while Cowen expects 3 million. The watch is Chief Executive Tim Cook’s first new major product launch and the company’s first foray into the personal luxury-goods market. Despite mixed reviews, which generally praised the watch’s styling but criticized its lessthan-spectacular battery life and slow-loading apps, people flocked to Apple stores to get a close-up look. Apple booked pre-orders for about 4 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models when they were released in September.
Munster
LCCI picks Kaymu MD to speak at ICTEL 2015 Expo
Wiles
The Lagos State Chamber for Commerce and Industries (LCCI) has named Managing Director, Kaymu, Evangeline Wiles, as one of the speakers in the upcoming ICT and Telecommunications expo, (ICTEL Expo 2015). The ICTEL Expo will attract the largest gathering of stakeholders in the ICT industry on four days of innovation, information and empowerment beginning from 15th to April 18th
2015 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. Wiles is to address the audience at the official opening ceremony of the event on “The Role of ICT in Improving Communities and Standards of Living”. ICTEL Expo 2015 is an information, communication, technology and telecommunications trade show that is aimed at encouraging conversations, sharing opinions on innovations, pro-
viding an excellent networking platform for business decision makers, innovation managers, start-ups, ICT academics, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s), venture capitalists and other players in the ICT sector and including the organizations in other sectors that find ICT very relevant in their business activities. Other speakers at the event include the Chief Executive Of-
ficer (CEO) of Mainone Cable, Funke Opeke, CEO of Connect Technologies, Chris Uwaje, CEO and Co-Founder of CCHUB, Bosun Tijani, Vice President VAS Airtel, Francis Ebuehi amongst others. ICTEL Expo 2015 is organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Established in 1888, the LCCI is the premier chamber of commerce in Sub-Sahara Africa.
ICT 20
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
5G: Ericsson collaborates with universities on research Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Ericsson has commenced its collaboration with two universities, King’s College London and Technische Universit Dresden (TU Dresden) with focus on 5G research, addressing both the technical implications and the societal challenges of implementing the next generation of communications technology. The collaborations with the two universities will further build on other leading European research institute and university such as those with the Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology
and Lund University in Sweden collaborations in the 5G sphere. Ericsson Head of Region Western and Central Europe, Valter D’Avino, said “The collaboration with King’s College London and TU Dresden will accelerate the momentum around smart sustainable cities, the Internet of Things and evolved industries powered by 5G in UK and Germany. “They underscore Ericsson’s ongoing commitment to innovate in Europe and develop 5G with relevant partners as the basis of a networked society and of digitized economies in the next decades.”
Ericsson is also leading the EU project METIS (Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for 2020 Information Society and has been a driving force of 5G Infrastructure PublicPrivate Partnership, (5G PPP) in which vendors, operators and players from industries such as the automotive, utilities and automation sectors are working closely together. 5G is expected to begin its commercial rollout in 2020, by which time Ericsson believes that there will be up to 50 billion connected devices in the world, mainly in machine-to-machine communication.
D’Avino
Using multiple service providers can compromise security— Accenture report may or may not work in some locations. Thus it may be wise to employ the services of more than one SP in order to be within reach at all times,” Loozen added. On his part, Group Managing Director Accenture Digital, Jim Bailey, at the 2015 MWC opined also that “with the potential of digital technology to transform business and thus the economy at large, a unique partnership with mobile manufacturers
Loozen
Despite the fiery competition among mobile telecommunication operators in their quest to garner more subscribers in the Nigeria market, consumers are still bent on using more than one service provider to meet their communication needs, which according to an Accenture 2015 Digital Consumer Survey is not a popular trend globally. According to the Accenture 2015 Digital Consumer Survey report, globally, consumers engage the use of a single service provider to manage communication and entertainment products because they believe that this aids security. Accenture’s Managing Director, Tom Loozen said at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC) that Consumers’ preferences for a single, trusted provider also place
Service Providers in the spotlight, adding that “ this can be a distinct advantage for Service Providers(SPs), because they can combine their expertise in building and managing IP networks with their increased capabilities to develop and deliver new, customer-focused services that incorporate data analytics for highly personalized services. As a result, SPs are positioned to do well in the digital ecosystem.” “However, in Nigeria this is not the case as individuals and organisations use different SPs on their different devices. Businesses may stand on the fact that the use of different SPs makes it easier to connect with their customers. Also connected to this is the issue of signals in different areas in Nigeria. Due to the terrain of the country, the networks provided by some SPs
and service providers should be considered. Though it may seem like the functions of mobile manufacturers and service providers are clearly different in the business of digital technologies, collaboration with both parties can transform not just individual lives but the face of business. “Mobile manufacturers should continually design, manufacture and sell wireless technological equipment that allow
for seamless business transactions and interactions. And on the other hand, service providers should ensure that information is efficiently and effectively transmitted. The benefits of this partnership are innumerable with some including the ability to create new revenue opportunities, increase product and service development speed, an increase in customer engagement and also help create new markets for business.”
GLO, MTN battle for LTE dominance Continued from page 19 The company was established in April 1995 with the primary objective of providing all the communications related services required by the residents of Victoria Garden City and Ikota shopping Complex area of Lagos state. Now, here is how the MTN’s Visafone deal would have to be wrapped up sooner than anyone might guess: Globacom has set a deadline of June 1 to launch LTE services. The company only recently held series of meetings, taking presentations from all the leading vendors and network equipment companies, among them
Huawei, ZTE, Nokia Networks, Ceragon, on launching LTE services on June 1. In fact, the company has already hired a leading international technology consulting company on this area for the purpose. Glo’s plan is to launch LTE services in six cities of the country in the first phase of the planned nationwide launch. And, as the planned take-off of Glo’s LTE services on June 1, continues to gain momentum, MTN is not leaving anything to chance; hence, the race to finalise the deal for the purchase of Visafone as soon as possible. Visafone also has the spectrum for the operations of LTE,
just like Glo; MTN’s calculation therefore is to quickly acquire Visafone and put itself in good stead for real showdown with Glo come June. Meanwhile, Nigeria government has declared year 2015 as the Broadband year and for mobile operators, the most technically advanced technology for broadband offering is the Long Term Evolution, hence the race to acquire the necessary but scarce spectrum to enable them roll out services and offer broadband. Currently there are 279 commercially launched LTE networks in 101 countries and 482 LTE network commitments in 147 countries. (GSA March 2014).
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April15, 2015
21 News
CBN cuts spending limits on Naira MasterCard ÏÏÏThe
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has moved to firm up the naira against the dollar. To this end, the apex bank yesterday unveiled a reduction on spending limits on foreign exchange with the Naira Mastercard.
Emefiele
In a release made available to the Daily Times by GTBank, the new monetary policy unveiled by the Central Bank revealed that henceforth, the FX will be reduced from $150,000 to $50,000 per annum. This means that a customer can only spend a
maximum of $50,000 in a year using his MasterCard when abroad (shopping online at foreign stores, ATMs and POS). Besides, the CBN has also announced a new regime on the daily cash withdrawal limit for the Naira MasterCard which has also been reduced to
TOLULOPE AKINDAYO ABIODUN FOUNDATION
GREAT ISU ELITE CLUB OF NIGERIA
This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
This is to inform the general public that the above named Club has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abiodun Kamal Seyi - Chairman 2. Adegbite Adekunle Emmanuel - Secretary AIMS & OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To provide first Aid facilities for Nigerian Secondary Schools 2. To train and equip paramedic personnel to property manage emergency issues with the use of First Aid Kit. 3. To create awareness among parents, students and teachers in respect of minimum acceptable emergency response facilities in schools. 4. To be an active agent in legislations that will ensure/enforce child safety and first Aid response in schools. 5. To enlighten people about the need for life insurance for children in schools. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. Signed by: Secretary.
GLOBAL JOY MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has apply to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration, under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Okoro Romanus Onyemaechi - President 2. Ogbonna Henry - Secretary AIMS & OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote the welfare of the members 2. To foster and promote unity Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. Signed by: President
2.Wabara Omotayo Bolatito. 4. Olayanju Oladipo. 6. Atolagbe Agnes Olamide. 8. Mr Oluwatobi Akinbiyi.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off aguiyi irons I street, maitama Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.
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.
GLOBAL HOPE INTEGRAED AND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, No. 1 of 1990.
Aims and Objectives 1. To provide education and health welfare to the disabled and vulnerable 2. To assist the less privileged. 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; Jatto Tamilore (sec).
GREAT VESSELS REVIVAL MINISTRY This is to inform the General Public that the above named Ministry has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.
Signed; Secretary
WHITE STARS BROTHERS CLUB OF NIGERIA This is to inform the General Public that the above named Club has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. The Names of the Trustees are:1. Chibuike Olubuogu 2. Okoli Chijioke 3. Obasi Amaechi 4. Okafor Hyacinth Ejike 5. Uwaekwe Chukwuma Linus
THE NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Odubona Tijani Olayinka - Pastor /Chairman 2. Moore Aderonke Odunayo - General Secretary 3. Shotala Temitope Oluwato - Treasurer 4. Victor Ile Musa - Member 5. Babatunde Kehinde Aduraa - Member 6. Oladehinde Olayemi Oluwaseun - Member 7. Odeshola Sanjo Felix - Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To cause a revival both in churches and campuses 2. To spread the good news of christ across the nation 3. To involve in all kinds of evangelism through schools, prison, hospital and crusade 4. To be involved in film shows and drama ministry Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication
SIGNED BY:- CHAIRMAN
The general public is hereby notify that the above named Organisation has apply to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration, under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Sheik Muhammadu Bashir Modawa (R.T. A.) - President 2. Bro. Durojaiye Sulaimon Olakunle -General Secretary 3. Bro. Adetayo Adeniyi Modawa - P. R. O. 4. Bro. Balogun Jamiu Olaniyi -W. F. O. 5. Bro. Abdulrazak Olaide Adesina -Financial Secretary 6. Bro. Lawal Lateef Adisa -Member 7. Mallam Usman Sulaimon -Treasurer 8. Bro. Adebayo Muftau Abiodun - Member 9. Seida Amuda Akanni -Member 10. Seida Muinat Dasola Bankole -Member. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote and uplift Islamic standard 2. To spread the real message of Allah all over the world 3. To bring about scientific and technological advancement through Islam 4. To promote mutual co existence among muslims and other faiths 5. To bring the require reformation in Islam. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication. SINGNED BY: SECRETARY.
THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE : l. Taoridi Lasisi 2. Amidu Rasaki Opeolu. 3.Jimo Alimi 4. Adunbi Christopher 5. Surat Omolabake 6. Kehinde Lawal 7. Adeyeye Dada 8. Mudashiru Adedeji
NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Taoridi Lasisi 2. Amidu Rasaki Opeolu 3. Kehinde Lawal 4. Adeyeye Dada 5. Mudashiru Adedeji 6. Olakunle Folarin
AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To promote unity among the members. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Signed: General secretary.
TRUSTEES: 1. Kusimo Rhoda Olurunfunmibi Oluwagbemisola. 2. Kusimo Abigail Olamide. 3. Kusimo Joanah Olufunke.
Aims and Objectives 1. To propagate the Gosple of Christ 2. To promote and sustain the Biblical faith amongst believers.
DAHIRATUL-S -SIDIQ HULUM MODAWA JAMIHIYYAH ISLAMIC ORGANISATION
ALLAH-EMMA TRANSPORTERS CLUB
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. To offer scholarships and training to outstanding students in schools. 2. To provide the platform for the expression of talents.
TRUSTEES: 1. Jatto Joseph (Chairman) 2. Hassan Danladi Olajide 3. Odiah Clever 4. Jatto Tamilore (sec) 5. Emeka Patrick Duru 6. Orhaga Eunice.
I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunsuji Ayobami Opeoluwa now wished to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abiodun Ayobami Opeoluwa. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
This is to inform the general public that the above name ALLAH-EMMA TRANSPORTERS CLUB. has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for CHANGE OF TRUSTEE Registration under part c of the Companies and Allied Matter Act l990.
AMIS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Preach the gospel to the nations of the world. 2. Rehabilitate ex-prostitutes, street urchins, etc. 3. Empower the underprivileged 4. Run vocational training center.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named assembly has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, No. 1 of 1990.
ABIODUN AYOBAMI OPEOLUWA
POSSIBLE TALENT EXPRESSION FOUNDATION
The Trustees are: 1. Caroline Olanike Atolagbe. 3. Durodola Olajide Olayemi. 5. Atolagbe Emmanuel Mobolaji. 7. Mutiu Mary Ramota (Mrs). 9. Bonuola Oluwakemi Akanke.
FAITH OF THE SON HERITAGE ASSEMBLY
suing dud cheques. This is part of efforts to curb issuance of dud cheques.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evangelist Esther Adjah 2. Prof. Vic Nnamdi Ronnie 3. Tracy Effiom-Oyekanmi 4. Dome Lilian Adams.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication. Signed- Bar. Folashade Fasonu.
$300 per day. These moves were to ensure sanity in financial transactions in the country. In another move to ensure sanity in financial transactions in the country, the CBN has directed banks to immediately forward details of Nigerians who are in the habit of is-
THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To promote peace and unity among friends. 2. To promote high degree of mutual understanding, co-operation and good relationship among members. 3. To provide a link between the club and other social club locally as well as internationally. 4. To represent in a beneficial capacity in functions organised by members. 5. To promote moral uprightness, financial soundness and strong family ties. 6. To enhance interest of members. 7. To protect interest of members. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication SIGNED BY:Barr. Victor Enemali
Signed: Omoniyi Olanrewaju
WINDING UP!
WINDING UP!!
WINDING UP!!!
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
Special Resolution Of The Members Of Ibadan Gas Company Limited Notice Of Members Voluntary Winding Up And Appointment Of Liquidator (Pursuant To Section 458 And 491) At the Extra Ordinary General Meeting of the above named Company duly convened and held at its registered office on the ……1st…. day of ……APRIL….., 2015, the following resolutions were proposed and duly passed as special resolution: 1. “That the Shareholders are satisfied that the Company can no longer continue its business and consider it advisable to wind up the business, and it is hereby resolved. 2. That the company be wound up voluntarily in accordance with the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 3. That Mr. Tolulope Akinfire of 12, Oyeelegunde Street, Beckly Estate, Abule- Egba, Lagos be and is hereby appointed as liquidator for the purpose of the winding up.” DATED THIS…1ST………….. DAY OF ……………APRIL……………………….2015 DIRECTOR PULAK SEN
DIRECTOR VICTOR EBURAJOLO (MNI)
OYEWOLE AANU BISOYE
OLUWOLE PHILOMENA ONEISI
I formerly known and addressed as Miss Morakinyo Aanu Bisoye, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oyewole Aanu Bisoye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
I, formely known and address as Miss Okofu Philomena Oneisi now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwole Philomena Oneisi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.
YAKUB KAFILAT ABIDEMI
BANKOLE-OBADINA JANET OMOBOLANLE
I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedeji Kafilat Abidemi now wished to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yakub Kafilat Abidemi. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service should please take note.
I, formely known and addressed as Miss Obadina Janet Omobolanle now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bankole-Obadina Janet Omobolanle. Former documents remain valid. General public take note
22
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Today in History Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola
s
Cartoons from our Archives
1865 President Lincoln dies At 7:22 a.m., Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, died from a bullet wound inflicted the night before by John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer. The president’s death came only six days after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his massive army at Appomattox, effectively ending the American Civil War. Booth, who remained in the North during the war despite his Confederate sympathies, initially plotted to capture President Lincoln and take him to Richmond, the Confederate capital. However, on March 20, 1865, the day of the planned kidnapping, the president failed to appear at the spot where Booth and his six fellow conspirators lay in wait. Two weeks later, Richmond fell to Union forces. In April, with Confederate armies near collapse across the South, Booth hatched a desper-
ate plan to save the Confederacy. Learning that Lincoln was to attend Laura Keene’s acclaimed performance in Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theater on April 14, Booth plotted the simultaneous assassination of Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson, and Secretary of State William H. Seward. By murdering the president and two of his possible successors, Booth and his conspirators hoped to throw the U.S. government into a paralyzing disarray. On the evening of April 14, conspirator Lewis T. Powell burst into Secretary of State Seward’s home, seriously wounding him and three others, while George A. Atzerodt, assigned to Vice President Johnson, lost his nerve and fled. Meanwhile, just after 10 p.m., Booth entered Lincoln’s private box unnoticed and shot the president with a single bullet in the back of his head.
Daily Times April 15, 1961
ratifies peace 1783 Congress with Great Britain
1912
On this day in 1783, the Continental Congress of the United States officially ratified the preliminary peace treaty with Great Britain that was signed in November 1782. The congressional move brings the nascent nation one step closer to the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Five months later, on September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed by representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Spain and France, officially bringing an end to the Revolutionary War. It also formalized Great Britain’s recognition of America’s independence. The treaty established the Mississippi River as the western boundary of the new United States; allowed U.S. fishermen to troll the waters off Newfoundland, Canada; recognized the legitimacy of pre-war debts owed by Americans and Britons; and promised to reunite American Loyalists with property seized from them during the war. The
The RMS Titanic, billed as unsinkable, sinks into the icy waters of the North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage, killing 1,517 people. The United Kingdom’s White Star Line built the Titanic to be the most luxurious cruise ship in the world. It was nearly 900 feet long and more than 100 feet high. The Titanic could reach speeds of 30 knots and was thought to be the world’s fastest ship. With its individualized watertight compartments, it was seen as virtually unsinkable. On its first voyage, from Southampton, England, to New York with stops in Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown, Ireland, the Titanic was carrying 2,206 people, including a crew of 898. A relatively mild winter had produced a bumper crop of icebergs in the North Atlantic, but the crew, believing their ship was unsinkable, paid scant attention to warnings. On the night of Sunday, April 14, other ships in the area reported icebergs by radio, but their mes-
American and Britons were satisfied with the agreement. However, western Indians who had allied themselves to Britain discovered that their land had been handed over by the British to the Americans without consultation or compensation. As they had neither lost their battles nor negotiated a treaty with the Americans, they continued to fight until 1795. Spain assisted southern Indians as they fought to protect their land from encroaching Georgians. North of the Ohio Valley, the British maintained their forts at Niagara and Detroit, despite their promise to withdraw in the Treaty of Paris. They argued that Americans had breached the treaty by failing to return Loyalist property and pay British creditors as promised. American willingness to trade with revolutionary France further angered the British, and increased their promises of British aid to aggrieved Indians.
“Unsinkable” Titanic sinks sages were not delivered to the bridge or the captain of the Titanic. The iceberg that struck the ship was spotted at 11:40 p.m. Although a dead-on collision was avoided, the Titanic‘s starboard side violently scraped the iceberg, ripping open six compartments. The ship’s design could withstand only four compartments flooding. Minutes later, the crew radioed for help, sending out an SOS signal, the first time the new type of help signal was used. Ten minutes after midnight, the order for passengers to head for the lifeboats was given. Unfortunately, there were only lifeboats for about half of the people on board. Additionally, there had been no instruction or drills regarding such a procedure and general panic broke out on deck. The survivors–those who successfully made it onto the lifeboats–were largely women who were traveling first class. In fact, the third-class passengers were not even allowed onto the deck until the first-class female passengers had abandoned the ship.
White Star President Bruce Ismay jumped onto the last lifeboat though there were women and children still waiting to board. At 2:20 a.m., the Titanic finally sank. Breaking in half, it plunged downward to the sea floor. Captain Edward Smith went down with the ship. The Carpathia arrived about an hour later and rescued the 705 people who made it onto the lifeboats. The people who were forced into the cold waters all perished. Official blame for the tragedy was placed on the captain and bridge crew, all of whom had died. In the wake of the accident, significant safety-improvement measures were established, including a requirement that the number of lifeboats on board a ship reflect the entire number of passengers. The sinking of the Titanic has become a legendary story about the dangers of hubris. In 1985, after many attempts over many years, divers were finally able to locate the wreckage of the Titanic on the floor of the North Atlantic.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Ondo APC rejects House of Assembly results Tosin Ajuwon Akure
ÏÏÏThe
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has condemned the outcome of last Saturday's House of Assembly election and rejected the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party, in a statement issued to reporters, on Monday, by its state Chairman, Mr. Isaac kekemeke, in Akure, the state capital,
said the result of the election did not reflect the true wishes and aspirations of the people. He said the outcome of the election showed that the people had been cheated, and their wishes subverted. He disclosed that Governor Mimiko had lived up to his name and character by achieving his political goals at all costs without a thought for decency and the conduct expected of his high office. The statement read: "Nev-
er in the history of Ondo State had any election been marred by brigandage, thuggery, open inducement of voters before and during the election at the gate of the Government House and the polling booth; ballot- snatching and stuffing, open and shameless bribing of local election officials and ad-hoc staff of INEC. "Changing of election results, change of election venue and mass thumbprinting, deliberate allocations of wrong ballot papers
to constituencies to cause confusion and attendant announcement of fake results, neglect and non-use of card readers and many breaches too numerous to mention," he said. The party further said it would exposed to the world what he called the charade in the state election. The APC, however, appealed to all its supporters to remain strong, steadfast and law abiding, as it promised to retrieve all stolen mandates through lawful means.
23 News
Pita Chikwem Minna
ÏÏÏ As part its significant
improvement in academic profile, the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said it had produced thirtyfour (34) first class graduates, out of 3,490 graduands of the 2013/2014 academic session. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Musbau Adewumi Akanji, said on Tuesday at a press briefing, on the occasion of the 24th convocation of the institution that, in the last set, 82 first class was recorded. He said: "A total of 3,490 graduands will be conferred
Abeokuta
NIPR advocates leadership with integrity, good governance Nduka Uzuakpundu
ÏÏÏThe intention by President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to combat corruption and end years of distortion and drain of the country’s economy should be the core of a long-standing political mantra. Speaking at the Fourth Convocation of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in Lagos recently, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, Dean of the College of Social and Management Sciences, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, alluded to the fact that such a herculean task would require “leadership with integrity”, as one of the
firm traits “for good governance.” He said that the Buhari team, as the head of a democracy in transition, would have to “operate differently, with an effective leadership style, realistic economic policy directed at meeting the aspirations of the masses on the basis of truth”, in consonance with global template. Owens-Ibie said that the Buhari administration should have little quarters for the army of PDP elements who had decamped to his APC, basically, because such characters, however influential, might not have reliable qualities of leadership and integrity required in fighting a
legacy of corruption and squandermania. On the same occasion, when graduands were awarded either diplomas or certificates, OwensIbie alongside the VicePresident and Chairman of Council, NIPR, Mr. Mukhtar Sirajo and NIPR President, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, applauded the promising signs of sportsmanship as exhibited by President Goodluck Jonathan, when he congratulated Buhari, as the winner of the March 28 election. All three tended to agree that for Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Buhari, at the extremes of defeat and victory, respectively, their con-
duct, which raised hope for the country’s transitional, democratic dispensation, was an unrivalled exercise in public relations. Owens-Ibie and Mukhtar, for instance, said that there was a pressing need, henceforward, to make the impressive, Jonathan-Buhari public relations exercise a binding feature in Nigeria’s democratic administration, if only because the country had, for too long, drifted from the accepted path of democracy. “It would save the country from the destructive culture of violence, just as it would help the image of the country, as the foremost black nation on earth,” said Oladele.
with degrees and diplomas. This is made up of 2,903 First degrees, 105 Post-graduate diplomas, 453 Masters' and 29 Doctoral degrees. "Of the first degree category, which is classified, 34 are first class, 811 in second class upper division, 1,363 in second class lower division, 648 in third class, while 47 are with pass degrees."
NACOMYO congratulates Amosun Abiodun Taiwo
Senate President, Sen. David Mark (right) receiving certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Lawrence Nwuruku, as Senator-elect for Benue South Senatorial District, in Abuja… on Tuesday Photo: JIMMY JOHN BABA
FUT Minna graduates 34 First CLass
ÏÏÏ The National Council
of Muslim Youths Organisation has congratulated Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on his victory at the Saturday governorship election. In a press release, signed by its State Secretary, Oluoyeneye AbdRahman, NACOMYO said the victory was a well deserved one. "Considering the magnitude of work you executed during your first term, every well-meaning residents of this state knew that your second-term bid
was going to be an easy ride." "While congratulating Your Excellency, we believe that you are not going to relent on your effort at taking Ogun State to a
Amosun
Miyetti Allah congratulates Al-Makura Sunday Isuwa Abuja
ÏÏÏA Fulani sociocultural association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has urged the Nasarawa State Governor-elect, Alhaji Tanko Umar Al-Makura, of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to fashion out policies and programmes that would benefit the entire people of the state. The body also stated that its members were prepared to support the state government in prursuing the cause of peace. Speaking to journalists shortly after meeting with Hausa/Fulani community at the association’s national headquarters, the
National President of the association, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, affirmed that Fulani pastoralists respected the outcome of the poll, adding that citizens of Nasarawa State had demonstrated through the ballot, that democracy had come to stay.
Al-Makura
News 24
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15 2015
Anambra residents petition Jonathan, IGP over Ubah, Offor Nkiru Nwagbo Awka
ÏÏÏ Following the controversy that trailed the April 11 Anambra State Assembly election, the people of the state have petitioned the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abbah, over activities of two oil moguls in the state. Also copied were the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra state Gov-
ernor, Chief Willie Obiano and the Commissioner of police in the state. The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Atthiru Jega, has also been called upon to address the matter before the supplementary election in the state on Saturday, April 18. The petition, written by concerned citizens of the state, alleged that the two oil moguls, Chief Emeka Offor and Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, had become a menace during elections in the state. The two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains were said to have been
the brain behind the violence in Ekwusigo and Ihiala respectively, during the presidential, National and State Assembly elections in the state recently. According to the petition made available to reporters on Tuesday, in Awka, they perpetrated their acts brazenly in the presence and assistance of security personnel. The petition reads in parts: “Sir, what we have just recounted may sound incredible but that is exactly how it happened. The most shocking aspect of his commando – like operation is that these men performed
these criminal acts under the protection of armed police, naval and army officers. “Both Emeka Offor and Ifeanyi Ubah, have a track record of such thuggish and lawless conduct at election periods. Offor had previously done such act in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo L.G.A. with impunity in the service of PDP in 1998/1999 and 2007. “Ubah, in the present election cycle, had done similar acts at Ihiala, Nnewi North and Nnewi South INEC offices with impunity and in the act, distorted the results of earlier elections with the death of a policeman in
Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (middle) and his Deputy Governor-elect, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (left) during the governor's thank you visit to Ogun West Senatorial District... on Tuesday
Youths partner Buhari, el-Rufai on insecurity, unemployment Sunday Isuwa Abuja
ÏÏÏYouth
groups, under the auspices of Nazifi Organisation, have offered to give their own support to the President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and Kaduna State governor -elect, Mallam Nasiru elRufai in tackling insecurity, unemployment, corruption and poverty in the country. Nazifi Youth organisation, was adopted by other youth groups and worked for the success of Gen Buhari and Mallam el-Rufai at
the polls. Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the convener, Comrade Nazifi Sulaiman, assured Nigerians that both Buhari and el-Rufai will deliver the change they have been yearning for. He said: “We believe that as a disciplined General with years of experience, we are confident that Buhari will tackle the economic, insecurity, corruption and infrastructural challenges that has eaten deep into the heart of Nigerians. We join other friends and well-wishers in wishing
you a resounding success during your tenure as president, Ffederal Republic of Nigeria. And we assure you of our support in tackling these challenges,” Sulaiman said. “Mr President, your priority is for the youths to secure Job opportunities. Nazifi Organization, as a body, cut across experience, transparent and educated young Nigerians. We wish to plead Sir, at any time you want to bring any development to the youths, we have all the criteria to contribute to the future.
“We also wish most sincerely, to commend President Goodluck Jonathan for his public commitments to non-violence, throughout the campaign."
Buhari
Ihiala. “Astonishingly, these two men are so proud of their actions and as we write, they are boasting that they will do even worse things or whatever it takes to ensure that their wish prevails on the day to which election in Ekwusigo had been rescheduled.“Their wellknown modus operandi is usually to offer INEC officials and senior law enforcement officer’s heavy sums of money (US Dollars) and do asked them to intimidate and keep the people and candidates of other political parties from protesting the illegalities".
Airline boss wants FG to establish joint MRO Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo
ÏÏÏThe
Federal Government has been advised to go into partnership with Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) companies abroad to invest in Nigeria, so as to save the aviation industry from imminent collapse. The Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Munner Bankoke, who gave the advice in Lagos at a briefing while receiving its acquired plane, said investing in MRO facilities will bring life into the aviation industry in the country. "Government should invite MRO companies to invest and partner with them in the country and by so doing, we will be doing our C-checks here. It will reduce the cost of maintaining aircraft outside” Bankole said. According to him, airlines in the country were passing through hard times in taking their planes outside for C-checks, describing it as capital intensive while adding that the establishment of such facilities will reduce the burden of airlines in the country.
Freedom, not negotiable in Kwara, says defeated PDP Dep Gov Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin
ÏÏÏThe
defeated Kwara Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election, Mallam Ahmed Yinka Aluko, has disclosed that despite the outcome of the election, the freedom struggle is not negotiable. Aluko stated that the PDP family has indeed shown enthusiasm towards freeing the state from the agedlong economic and social bondage which has further subjected the people to hardship and financial difficulties in the face of electoral inadequacies. The PDP chieftain, who stated this in his congratulatory message to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that there were more challenges that lie ahead in the area of creating an enabling environment for the peaceful co-existence of the people as well as genuine welfarerism.
Esuene calls for cancellation of A’Ibom results Eno-Obong Okon Uyo
ÏÏÏGovernorship
candidate of Labour Party (LP) in Akwa Ibom State, Helen Esuene, has called for cancellation of last weekend governorship election, alleging irregularities. Esuene, in a statement issued in Uyo, considered the outcome of the result as disappointing as there were shortage of ballot papers and snatching of ballot boxes in Eket, Esit Eket, Onna among others places in the state. She commended INEC for putting in a lot of work to guarantee a free and fair election but however expressed disappointment that the Nigerian public have displayed great indiscipline, and called on the commission to cancel the result.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Polls: IPAC commends INEC, security agencies
Abandon Taiwo Abeokuta
Ă?Ă?Ă?Ogun
State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), on Tuesday, urged Governor Ibikunle Amosun to look beyond the All Progressives Congress (Ă€PC) when selecting people that would form his new government. IPAC, which is an umbrella body of all registered political parties that participated in the 2015 general election, advised Amosun, who was declared winner of the last Saturday gover-
Lagos Assembly: Idimogu assures of adequate representation
Ă?Ă?Ă? Winner of
the Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Emeka Idimogu, has assured that he would ensure that adequate laws were made in the state to benefit the generality of the people. He stated this during a chat with newsmen on Monday, adding that the idea of referring to some people in the state as nonindigenes was obsolete and should be discarded for the polity to develop unhindered. Returning Officer in the election, Dr. Adeyemi Osinowo, had on Sunday, announced Idimogu, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the seat with 27,423 votes. Idimogu, who expressed gratitude to the people of the area for choosing him to represent them, assured that he would do his best to justify the trust reposed in him. He stated that everyone is a stakeholder in the project to develop the constituency, and the nation, adding that he would use everything at his disposal to attract development to the area.
norship poll, to run an “all - inclusive government.� The body congratulated Amosun on his victory in the election, which it also described as “free, fair, peaceful and transparent�, just as it advised anybody not satisfied with the outcome to approach the court for redress. The state chairman of IPAC, Mr. Biola Martins, made this known in Abeokuta, the state capital, while addressing reporters. In attendance at the joint press briefing were the governorship candidates of
the United Democratic Party (UDP), Biola Lawal, and the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Prince Segun Sokunbi, among others. Martins said Amosun should invite technocrats to form part of his in-coming new government to help move the state further on the path of growth and development. He noted that such technocrats did not necessarily have to be members of APC alone or its supporters, but could be drawn from other political parties, and provided such people were indigenes of Ogun State or
Nigerians. He said: "We believe there is no victor, no vanquish. Ogun State is the winner, because our people have demonstrated the spirit of politics without bitterness by voting without any form of violence. "There will always be another day for all contestants who did not win to test their popularity. “Amosun should run an all-inclusive government. He should extend the hand of fellowship to other contestants and members of other political parties,� IPAC said.
6
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APGA seeks cancellation of results in Abia LGs Ifeanyi Onwuneme Umuahia
Ă?Ă?Ă? The All Progressives
Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, has called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the election of the local government areas of Isiala Ngwa North, Osisioma and Obingwa results as announced by the state Returning Officer (RO) for the state governorship election, Professor Chukwuma Benjamin Ozumba, and be included in the areas for the rescheduled election. He also called for the prosecution of the State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Col. Austin Akobundu, Minister of State for Defence, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Dr. Eme
PPPRA confirms Majope N1.1bn subsidy fraud transaction in order
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Okoro, National Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh, Charles Esonu and other top notchers PDP for invading the collation centers, causing trouble, an act which ran contrary to the electoral guidelines and which might have influenced the reversal of the earlier cancellation by Ozumba. In his address to journalists on the development at the campaign office of Dr. Alex Otti, the governoship candidate of APGA, in Abia State, Umeh noted that the visit of Orji and other PDP chieftains to the collation center at INEC put pressure on Ozumba to reverse himself, saying that he took the decision to cancel the election, based on overwhelming evidence of irregularities in the three local government areas.
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prosecution witness declared on Tuesday before an Ikeja High Court in Lagos that the N1.1billion transaction of an on-going subsidy, which was alleged to be a fraud involving an oil marketer, Opeyemi Ajuwah, which was carried out in year 2011, was in order. The witness, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Ghidi, a Senior Research Officer with Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), confirmed to the presiding judge, Justice Lateefa Okunnu, that the computation made in 2011, based on the documents that was submitted by the marketer, Majope Investment Limited, was in order. Mohammed, who is an engineer, confirmed this, while being crossexamined by the defence counsel, Mr. Lanrewaju Ajanaku, Mr. Remi Oguntoye and Mr. Ajuyah and her company, Majope In-
vestment Limited, were being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N1.1bn subsidy fraud. They are standing trial with the son of late Arisekola Alao, Abdullahi Alao, his company, Axenergy Limited, and one Mr. Olanrewaju Olalusi. The witness further told the court that he was not aware of the case until he received a request letter from EFCC in May 2013. He also said that the PPPRA received a letter, dated May 10, 2013, from the EFCC requesting them to recompute the Majope Investment Ltd transaction which was carried out in 2011. According to the witness, the EFCC had asked his agency to recompute the transaction based on a quoted figure to the tune of 5.7 million litres as against the initial total of 20.3 million litres for which the marketer claimed subsidy payment.
26
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Education Times
s
Education agenda for Buhari Tunde Atobatele
Buhari
Nigeria’s 2015 general elections as the new talking point, has attracted global attention with great admiration for the efforts and resilience of the citizens. Soon after the election produced General Muhamadu Buhari as the next president, several people and groups have been setting agenda for the incoming administration. Expectedly though, the populace anticipates that governance would be given a new face and new policies would be brought to the front burner for consideration. So,
it is posited that the education sector, being one of the pivots of purposeful government, should not be relegated. In respect to this, the Daily Times went to town to garner opinions of Nigerians and the stakeholders, in setting what they termed as, education agenda for the incoming administration. The calls for further improvement is imminent, going by the huge investment of the current government in the education sector, which is seen as unprecedented as recently declared by the minister of education, Mallam
Ibrahim Shekarau that, the government has increased the allocation from 234 Billion Naira in 2010 to 495 Billion Naira in 2014. Dr. Amos Adeniyi, a private education consultant in Ibadan, Oyo State, believes that the sector as a bedrock of development must as a matter of fact be the major focus during the next administration. He said: ”Education sector must be greatly prioritised and focused in the next administration, because if this sector is not put at the front burner, then the nation will greatly improve”. Adeniyi further highlighted
MATHEMATICS MADE SIMPLE THE ALGEBRA AND CALCULUS PROJECT FOR THE DIFFUSION OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE FOR YOUNG MINDS MOTTO: HAPPY IS HE WHO IS ABLE TO KNOW THE CAUSES OF THINGS AND ABLE TO USE THAT KNOWLEDGE WISELY
that the incoming government must be clear on the policies it wants to entrench at primary and secondary levels. Most essentially, Buhari must bring all stakeholders together to a roundtable to galvanise ideas on the way forward. To a renowned private school proprietor, Chief Akinotu Alade, advancing qualitative teacher education in Nigeria is paramount. According to Alade, if there are good teachers at the Basic levels of schools, like the Primary and Secondary, the foundation will be solid enough for further educational development.
By OGUNSHOLA , SHINA SAMUEL SEYI ogunsholashina@gmail.com
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
27 Education Times
28
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Inside Campus
s
Inside Campus Editor: Mutiat Alli mutiat.alli@dailytimes.com.ng
Department welcomes new students with music, comedy Uwoghiren Louis, Kelvin Osakpolor, Igbinigie Ehosa (AAU) EKPOMA
Olukoga
Nenuwa
Lawal
Nenuwa emerges Best Graduating Student in LASPOTECH ÏÏÏ0 Ƌ ƑƏ Ɔ graduands to be employers of labour Mutiat Alli & Fagbemi Ademola Evelyn Osarumese Nenuwa has come out tops as the Best Graduating Student in the Higher National Diploma category of the Lagos State Polytechnic, (LASPOTECH), with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.89. The Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry option) student in the School of Pure and Applied Science, was won the laurel at the 23rd convocation
ceremony held at the school’s main campus in Ikorodu. Nenuwa, 26, also received won other several laurels, including the Academic Board Prize; Rector’s Award; Muyiwa Sunday Osikoya Memorial Award; Alumni Association Award; Gabriel Popoola Sodeinde Memorial Award; Victoria Morenike Sodeinde Memorial Award; Madam Margaret Omobowale Gasper Memorial Award; Madam Anifatu Eletu-Edibo Memorial Award; Fasasi Dehinbo Oloro Memorial Award; Mrs. Abiodun Oshin Memorial Award; Ajibike Taofeek Memorial Award and BalogunOluwa Memorial Award. In the valedictory speech on behalf of other graduating stu-
dents, Nenuwa thanked parents and guardians, saying their never-ending financial and moral support assisted them to succeed in their academic pursuits. Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), urged the graduands to be confident in creating jobs, not only for themselves, but, for others job seekers across the globe. Fashola, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Education, Chief Fatai Olukoga, noted that the Polytechnic had impacted the lives of students with what would make them self-sufficient in life, “We want our students to leave school as well-rounded people who will be able to, not only work, but, create jobs for others”.
Students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, recently, converged on the new lecture theatre, to welcome new students with the Theatre la’danza show, organised by the Department of Theatre and Media Arts. The two-day show, according to the Chief Choreographer and Initiator, Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam Iyeh, is an annual event organised by the Department to welcome new students. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Cordelia Agbebaku, in her opening remarks, commended the department for, religiously, hosting the programme, over the years, stressing that there was the need for students to relate and have fun. With performances from various ethnic groups, through music, comedy and contemporary dance, the event also witnessed award presentation to deserving students. Dignitaries at the event included Dr. E. Ewakareh, Prof. C. Isiramen, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dr C.O. Aluede, Head, Department of Theatre and Media Arts, Prof. Prince Oguele, Dr. Josephine Abi, Mrs. Alero Uwaya and Mrs. Abumen, the Chief Liberian.
Dr. Akera, seven times on top Odeyemi Olawale, (UNILORIN) As the University of Ilorin graduated 64 medical students from the College of Health Sciences, in Ilorin penultimate Wednesday, a female medical student, Miss Akera Ganiyat Ade, has bagged the highest award during the induction ceremony. She was the cynosure of all eyes at the ceremony as she got a standing ovation from the happy crowd. Her continual appearance
on the podium to receive one award or the other was the cause of the applause. Akera, at the last count, went home with her head high, with seven awards, including the College Annual Prize Award, donated by the Academic Staff of the College of Health Sciences (Unilorin) to the Best Student in Maternal and Child Health; Annual Prize, donated by the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) to the Best Female Student in Maternal and Child Health; Annual Prize, donated by the Academic
The Medical Graduands taking the Professional oath
Staff College of Health Sciences to the Best Student in Pathology; the Professor Mathew Akinyemi Araoye Annual Prize to the Best Student in Medicine. The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Wa-
hab R.B Johnson, a renowned expert in Paediatrics and Child Health, welcomed the graduands, whom he described as the Quinta Essentia class and 64 olive green inductees of the day into one of the world most fulfilling professions.
Cross section of participants
Igbo students celebrate culture Jennifer Umeh, (Offa Poly) It was a fun-filled day at The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, when students of Igbo tribe, celebrated their culture on a day, popularly, tagged the Igbo Day. Clad in different attires, the students, under the aegis of Federation of Igbo Students Association (FISA), converged on the Farm Pulse Hotel, venue of the programme. The event, which was organised to showcase the cultural heritage of the Igbo, was graced by members of the Igbo community in Kwara, including Mr. T.N. Njoku, who was as the Father of the Day. Others were the chairman on the occasion, Engr. Uche Okeafor, Mr. Patrick Anonyuo, Imo State chairman of Offa, Nze Chinweoke E. Frank, and Mr. Azuka Emodi. President of the association, Igwe Ejike Ogechukwu, advised members of the need to promote the Igbo language and culture. Guest were thrilled by the recitation of proverbs (Inu), News casting (Akuko Uwa), cultural dance and choreography. A 100-Level Mass Communication student, Ebele Igwemezie, disclosed to Inside Campus that the messages of Inu (proverbs) and the drums were to educate and prick the conscience of the people to always be truthful. Highlight of the occasion included the presentation of awards to some dignitaries, launching of the association’s Heritage Magazine and coronation of the new Igwe and his executive committee.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Features I see polygamy as evolution – Joke Silva
While many people in our society today frown at polygamy, veteran actress, Joke Silva is all for it as she explains to GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR. She first came to limelight in that short but intense television soap, ‘Mind Bending’ that really bent the mind of viewers in the 1980s and left no one in doubt that a local Liz Taylor has been discovered on
29
s the home front; and her successive conquest thereafter proved everyone right as rain. Since the debut of the MTN Project Fame, she has been here, there, and everywhere, working both behind and on the scene. Revolving like roulette in her enchanting elegance, Joke Silva is every act you see on television, in the movies, and in her personae. Seeing that everything about
her has made news everywhere, our correspondent probed her mind on the issue of serial divorces and immorality in Pentecostal age Nigeria and, of course, her inner thoughts came pouring out. Hear the thoughts of Ajoke Mabel Arinola Silval-Jacobs ... live: “If you’re talking about serial divorces and immorality in this CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Joke Silva
Stakeholders urge Buhari to stop planned sale of steel, oil and gas firms The arbitrary sell off of government assets since the Second Republic has been a source of distress and poverty to millions of Nigerians who are retired from those companies without benefits. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR looks into the ongoing privatisation of steel rolling mills in the country and reports. Stakeholders in the steel, oil and gas industries have called on the President-Elect, General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) to cancel plans by the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration to sell off the Delta Steel Company, Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill and the Pipeline Products Marketing Company, PPMC, among others. A top member of the Delta Steel Stakeholders’ Forum and one of the leaders of the disengaged workers of the company in Aladja, Warri, Mr. Ovakpo Omajaro, said the fate of the steel company is no longer in the hands of politicians under the PDP- led government. Speaking at a victory stakeholders’ meeting held to celebrate the victory of the APC, Omojaro told the forum that the incoming government must save the company and restore its place in the economic infrastructure of the nation. He said: “You will remember that only about four weeks before the presidential election that ushered in the Presidentelect, General Muhamadu Buhari, we had heard a rumour that the Ministry of Mines and
A lone protester at Delta Steel Company, Aladja, Warri. Inset: Sada Steel Development was planning to sell off Aladja Steel Company to an automobile company. “But when we protested the move, especially that all our salaries and severance benefits have not been addressed, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Muhammed Sada, had said that his ministry was not involved in the sale. Now, whether they are involved or not, we want the sale cancelled; Aladja Steel Company has a place in the economy of the country and all the families that
have been displaced and scattered because of the closing of the company must be restored back. “The new change and the coming of General Buhari is our life saver and we want him to wade into the matter from Day 1 of his coming to office on May 29th 2015.” Amidst shouts of ‘We don win o, We don win!’, the forum matched round the company’s administrative block before delegation that will present their request to the new APC-led Federal Government was set up.
Daily Times investigation revealed that though the proposed sale has been a long standing issue involving the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Senate Committee on Mines and Power with stakeholders as the watchdog, A reliable source at the office of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Abuja, denied any involvement of the ministry in the sale, but confirmed that it was working in close partnership with the Assets Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, being the
government agency handling the sale. In a recent press brief, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Sada, had said that the steel company had been in the hands of a private investor, but was retrieved by AMCON and is now set to sell it to another investor who is interested in the automobile industry. He said: “Now AMCON is in the process of selling it and I am aware there are quite a number of people that have written letters of intent that they are interested. What interests us in the ministry is that those interested are people that are interested in automobile development. “We have no role to play by the way, they are consulting us as experts in the industry and we have had several meetings with them to guide them. “The last time I had a meeting with the MD of AMCON, he assured me that in the next couple of weeks, they are going to have somebody they are discussing with a view to selling it”. Dismissing fears of future claims to the steel company by any other private investor, Sada said that all pending issues have been resolved. Sada further explained that AMCON had given the initial company the opportunity to pay back the loan but the company was unable to do so and the grace period had long lapsed. The minister said: “There CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Features 30
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
‘I am seriously learning everyday’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
they’re lucky, they get married again.”
age, it would appear that we’re coming from polygamy into serial monogamy, and I see this trend as another aspect of evolution. “Polygamy for a lot of people didn’t work out; this can be very harsh on women and children and this is very much a part of our society. There was a time when we didn’t have serial monogamy neither did we have polygamy. So what we have on the surface was monogamy, but if you go down to the family, you’ll find the man has several women, you know; he even has children from different women, so really there was a kind of polygamy being practiced, but which wasn’t overt as we had in the traditional way. “Now is that not what we would call serial polygamy, and serial monogamy? Because people are now getting to the point where they say, why do I have to go ahead and put up a front and say, all is well in my marriage, while it’s not? There’s only so much I can take, and I really am not prepared to continue with this condition. And so they leave the marriage, and if
Where do you lay the cause then? “I cannot honestly blame any couple who decide that they cannot live together, because in the Holy Bible, there’re some areas that some of us pretend not to see, but they’re all there. There’s an area there that says, if a man does not perform his
“Polygamy for a lot of people didn’t work out; this can be very harsh on women and children and this is very much a part of our society. There was a time when we didn’t have serial monogamy neither did we have polygamy.”
Joke Silva
conjugal duty, the woman has every right to leave him. It’s in the Bible, people just refuse to see that. And there’s an area in the law that says if a woman has been unfaithful to her husband the man has every right to leave. It’s all there.” What’s your conception of life? “I think life is a school; that’s the way I can put it. It’s a school where we all are continually learning; from the day you’re born to the day you die, we’re learning. Then you’re required to bring whatever you’ve learnt or are learning to bear, to reflect and fine-tune everything you do. Also, you are required to or expected to bring your experiences to bear on everything you see, everything you pass through in life, so that that help you to be able to manoeuvre. I am seriously learning every day.” To the young people? “In the area of education, just be diligent, and don’t expect that at the end of the day, that there’s a job out there waiting for you. If it’s possible for you and a group of others to get together and start something, do so.”
SALE OF STEEL FIRMS:
Buhari can make the process transparent –Obinaike CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
were no previous claims. Delta steel was a privately owned company, the company took loans from the local banks, and by Nigerian Law, AMCON was put in place to make sure that banks do not fail. “So, AMCON bought over the loans of that company, they gave them a payment schedule which they failed, so AMCON has no issue with anybody. Our concern is steel protection. Delta Steel Company still has the latest technology, whoever is buying the company can start working immediately.” However, stakeholders fear that except the President-elect intervenes, the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill is on the verge of being sold off by the outgoing PDP-led government. This was confirmed by Mr. Benjamin Dikki, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, who revealed that
a new process to either privatise or concession the moribund Ajaokuta Rolling Mill would soon be undertaken by the Federal Government. But Daily Times investigation revealed that the sale may not see the light of day as an ongoing litigation at the International Court of Arbitration is yet to be resolved. It was gathered that the suit, instituted by Global International Nigeria Limited, GINL, against the Federal Government was seeking redress for Federal Government’s unlawfully abrogating a sale agreement for the management of the Steel plant without due process. Until the issues involved are resolved amicably, all the privitisation process would be put on hold. Daily Times sought the views of Cryogenic engineer and former managing director of BOC Gases Nig. Plc, Engr. Festus Obinaike. In a chat with Daily Times, Obinaike be-
moaned the sorry state of the steel industry in Nigeria and said government, especially in Nigeria is not known to do good business. He said: “The steel companies are not really working, they started with Aladja; then gave Ajaokuta to the Russians. Afterwards the Russians said they finished 95 percent of the work and came around to say the remaining five percent will cost what the 95 percent cost us; you know international politics came into the game. “We need a vibrant steel industry and if we must tell the truth, government cannot run that effectively; may be when Buhari comes he would devise a way of doing it because our government has not been able to do anything good in that sector. “We need honest people, but how are we going to find them and how many of them are available, anyway? In all the money we have spent on Ajaokuta and the others, it all en-
tered into voice mail because of a government without accountability. “So I am not opposed to privitisation, but you know the process will not be transparent, but again, we can only hope that when Buhari gets there, he can make the process to be transparent because government can’t do clean business, that is the truth.”
Ajaokuta Steel
“Everywhere in the world, government encourages private participation, then creates enabling environment for them and enacts policies that will protect their production and marketing and all that are lacking in Nigeria. “I don’t know if Buhari can do it all, but he might just be able to clean the system and that is a major step forward.”
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 15, 2015
31
Education
Education agenda for Buhari
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015
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Boko Haram attacked a school in the town of Chibok, in northeastern Nigeria, kidnapping more than 200 girls, on the night of April 14, 2014, the people of my country were aghast. Across the world, millions of people joined them in asking: How was it possible for this terrorist group to act with such impunity? It took nearly two weeks before the government even commented on the crime. This lack of reaction was symptomatic of why the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was swept aside last month — the first time an incumbent president has been successfully voted out of office in the history of our nation. For too long they ruled, not governed, and in doing so had become so focused on their own self-interest and embroiled in corruption that the duty to react to the anguish suffered by their citizens had become alien to them. My administration, which will take office on May 29, will act differently — indeed it is the very reason we have been elected. This must begin with honesty as to whether the Chibok
girls can be rescued. Currently their whereabouts remain unknown. We do not know the state of their health or welfare, or whether they are even still together or alive. As much as I wish to, I cannot promise that we can find them: to do so would be to offer unfounded hope, only to compound the grief if, later, we find we cannot match such expectation. But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my government will do everything in its power to bring them home. What I can pledge, with absolute certainty, is that from the first day of my administration, Boko Haram will know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas. Until now, Nigeria has been wanting in its response to their threat: With our neighbours fighting hard to push the terrorists south and out of their countries, our military was not sufficiently supported or equipped to push north. As a consequence, the outgoing government’s lack of determination was an
accidental enabler of the group, allowing them to operate with impunity in Nigerian territory. That is why the answer to defeating Boko Haram begins and ends with Nigeria. That is not to say that allies cannot help us. My administration would welcome the resumption of a military training agreement with the United States, which was halted during the previous administration. We must, of course, have better coordination with the military campaigns our African allies, like Chad and Niger, are waging in the struggle against Boko Haram. But, in the end, the answer to this threat must come from within Nigeria. We must start by deploying more troops to the front and away from civilian areas in central and southern Nigeria where for too long they have been used by successive governments to quell dissent. We must work closer with our neighbours in coordinating our military efforts so an offensive by one army does not see their country’s lands rid of Boko Haram only to push it across the border onto their neighbors’ ter-
ritory. But as our military pushes Boko Haram back, as it will, we must be ready to focus on what else must be done to counter the terrorists. We must address why it is that young people join Boko Haram. There are many reasons why vulnerable young people join militant groups, but among them are poverty and ignorance. Indeed Boko Haram — which translates in English, roughly, as “Western Education Is Sinful” — preys on the perverted belief that the opportunities that education brings are sinful. If you are starving and young, and in search of answers as to why your life is so difficult, fundamentalism can be alluring. We know this for a fact because former members of Boko Haram have admitted it: They offer impressionable young people money and the promise of food, while the group’s mentors twist their minds with fanaticism. So we must be ready to offer the parts of our country affected by this group an alternative. Boosting education will be a direct counterbalance to Boko Haram’s appeal. In particular we must educate
more young girls, ensuring they will grow up to be empowered through learning to play their full part as citizens of Nigeria and pull themselves up and out of poverty. Indeed, we owe it to the schoolgirls of Chibok to provide as best an education as possible for their fellow young citizens. Boko Haram feeds off despair. It feeds off a lack of hope that things can improve. By attacking a site of learning, and kidnapping more than 200 schoolgirls, it sought to strike at the very place where hope for the future is nurtured, and the promise of a better Nigeria. It is our intention to show Boko Haram that it will not succeed. My government will first act to defeat it militarily and then ensure that we provide the very education it despises to help our people help themselves. Boko Haram will soon learn that, as Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ...This opinion article by General Buhari was published in the Tuesday 14 April 2015 edition of the New York Times
Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528
Life&
TIMES Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Aminah Sagoe
The beauty entrepreneur
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What works at work
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The wonders of makeup L7
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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 15, 2015
I have no time
for glamour - Aminah Sagoe
to a skin condition I suffer from, keratosis pilaris, more common-
goose bump type of appearance on the skin, and can appear anywhere on the body. Even though it contagious, it is however aesthetically displeasing to the eye and can be quite frustrating especially because I treatment for it for a long time. In my quest up becoming a product junkie but I got lucky when I discovered a unique combination of ingredients that not only helps with the condition, but also relieves dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, body acne, dark spots and discolorations. That was how Emmaus was born. How long was this quest for a solution and your eventual discovery? Almost two years of research. It was a long and hectic journey but I kept at it. So Emmaus skin care
Nkarenyi Ukonu Beauty entrepreneur, Aminah Sagoe speaks on her battle with skin condition, keratosis pilaris, discovering a respite for it through a luxury skin care range and how she intends to sustain the brand which is built on biblical principles.
Life&
T E A M
How has the journey to becoming a beauty entrepreneur been like? The journey was borne purely
line to mix plant stem cells with natural ingredients. It can be used by both sexes but it ents are extremely healthy and safe for the skin. The three step range consists of the pampering smiling beads body wash, touch of love mini towels and a soothing softness bliss body lotion that nourishes and protects the skin. Is it affordable or is it strictly for a niche market?
the saying that, “You get what you pay for�. I am cautious of what I put into and on my skin, I pay attention to ingredient listings on luted ingredients, cheap and toxic
Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427
Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784
preservatives. All Emmaus products contain natural ingredients and preservatives using plant stem cell technology. I believe my skin deserves only the best, and being the best is what Emmaus is about. The fact of the matter is, I will only
formulated to produce the results you expect from quality skincare.
use on my own skin. You say that Emmaus products do not bleach. In a society like ours where skin lightening products are big sellers, how do you intend to break even? Cancer is prevalent because of the harmful bleaching creams people apply on their skin we therefore have to be mindful of what we apply on our skin. I do know it is going to take time to create the necessary awareness about this but I also know that there is a market for everyone, even the ones who bleach their skin. Besides, the market is a huge one and there is enough to go round. Could you highlight some of the common mistakes that women make with their skin? Women put all kinds of things on their body based on recommendations of friends or family. Once people say a cream will make them a few shades lighter, they use it without reading the label cautiously to know the ingredients used. Cancer is everywhere and there is a reason why cancer is spreading so fast and it is not just from the food we eat but what we do to our skin. How did you come up with the name, Emmaus, what does it represent? Emmaus is biblically centered, it ning. I was born a Muslim but I am now a Christian. I got converted after I got married to my husband who is a Christian. I was in my late 20s when I picked up the Bible, read it and believed it. Believing in Christ has brought me so much joy and peace. So Emmaus promotes doing good, loving yourself, as well as others. On a lighter note, Emmaus represents luxury, style, elegance and sophistication. The Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378
quintessential Emmaus woman/ man, exudes these qualities. Users of Emmaus products are people who desire a safe and healthy alternative to synthetic skincare because Emmaus uses natural
What were some of the challenges you went through trying to produce Emmaus? The formulation took so long because it is made up of natural products and preservatives. At some point, we had issues where one product interacted with annatural active ingredients with natural preservatives and it took
in God. I was born and raised in Nigeria but schooled in the United Kingdom, Cairo and the United States of America. I have a degree in Business Administration. My late father was an Egyptian and a staff of Egypt Air when he met my mother during one of his trips. I had a close relationship with him and I lived in Cairo for a while. I speak being spoilt as the last child. How do you create a balance between being a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman? Being a mother is probably the can have, plus I live in a country where nannies and housekeepers the grace of God, I have been successful in balancing all three. How-
work, determination, persistence, were able to complete the process in 15 months. What were you into before Emmaus? I own a procurement company alongside my husband, Yomi. We import a lot of products including vehicles. As a business woman, who are some of the people you look up to businesswise? Estee Lauder. Her business was built from scratch, starting with a dream, very few products but through extraordinary ambition, perseverance, innovative marketing and hard work, this creative visionary became the wealthiest self-made woman in America and created a family dynasty that continues today. Also Richard Branson. His dyslexia and poor academic performance as a student did not prevent him from achieving his dreams, and his unconventional methods of doing business demonstrates that bring fun and passion into your trade. Who exactly is Aminah Sagoes? I am a mother, a wife, busi-
Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893
Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478
will probably be the case until my children are much older. What determines what you wear? I have no time for glamour, which is probably why I love to wear casuals. I am a jeans and sweat shirts person. I am what they call a soccer mom because I am always busy with my kids; from dropping them off at school to taking them to their different activities. But as a woman, there must be one fashion item that you love Well, I like good bags and the most expensive item in my wardrobe is a watch my husband gifted me. How do you unwind? I love going out to eat with friends and family, and I enjoy a good laugh so I tend to surround myself with people that are funny. What would you consider to be your motivating factor? God. He is the driving force behind me. I believe that my future is
morning because of my wonderful day and opportunity to grow Emmaus. Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 15, 2015
L3 Global Fashion & Beauty News
Nkarenyi Ukonu
Uti Nwachukwu models for emerging label OnPoint Clothing’s new campaign
For new Nigerian clothing brand, OnPoint Clothing created by George Abba George, Winner of the Big Brother Africa reality show, season 5, Uti Nwachukwu, scored tops over and above an array of celebrities, as the one person to cool enough to rock pieces cording to the brand, the fashion house believes in Nigerian creativity but does not shy away from opening its doors to foreign ideas. With a celeb clientele that includes Juliet Ibrahim, Bryan Okwara, Timaya, Patoranking, Runtown and more, the brand enforces the essence of street wear. On why Uti was selected as the model for their shoot in South Africa, the brand believes
a slayer and virtually all attire came out well on him 110 per cent.
How Jennifer Lopez’s green Versace dress led to the creation of Google image search That green Versace dress, worn by Jennifer Lopez to the 2000 Grammy awards will go down in history as one of the most iconic looks of all far more wide-reaching as has been revealed by Google chairman, Eric Schmidt, who explained the effect it had on the internet search engine: “People wanted more than parent after the 2000 Grammy Awards, where Jennifer Lopez wore a green dress
Uti Nwachukwu
attention. At the time, it was the most popular search query we had ever seen. But we
users exactly what they wanted: J¬Lo wearing that dress. That was how Google Image Search was born.” Lopez caused a stir back in 2000 when she attended the Grammy awards alongside then partner, Puff Daddy in the green sheer printed dress with a belly button baring neckline designed by Vercarpet appearances for JLo its appearance but a decade
memories.
Jennifer Lopez
North West proves it’s never too early to care about fashion Daughter of American rapper and Reality star, Kim Kardashian, North West, makes her modeling debut in the newest issue of CR Fashion Book and in a twist that surprises absolutely no one, she already knows exactly how to work the camera and why not, when her mother, is
Karl Lagerfeld and cat, Choupette
Karl Lagerfeld’s cat turns model, makes £2m a year She already has two maids, an cat, Choupette, is worth her weight in whiskas after earning more than ling work last year. Even supermodels are struggling to match the earning power of the cat, believed to be Lagerfeld revealed that his cat raked in £2,172,625 from just two jobs; a collaboration with cosmetics brand, Shu Uemura, a Japanese beauty product which produced the Shupette collection and a session posing for a Vauxhall Corsa car calendar a German made car. This comes to 3 are however dwarfed by the $100m in commercial deals which Internet sensation Grumpy Cat is believed to have accrued. But that is by design. ed for that,” the designer said of his whiskered muse. Choupette recently accompanied Lagerfeld to the launch for Chanel in New York, where she enjoyed her own room at the Mercer Hotel, with a maid on attendance. The cat has provided the 81 year old German designer with design inspiration and occasionally delivers words of wisdom to her devotees via
to-toe Chanel, including the cutest and likely, the most expensive baby purse, the 14 month old who already has a stylist, is a total natural. The
Twitter. A book, The Private Life of a High-Flying Fashion Cat, disclosed that Choupette has her own iPad and eats next to Lagerfeld on the dining table. singular devotion. “She hates other animals and she hates children,” he said. “She stays always with me and she has two personal maids. They play with her, they have to take care of her beautiful white hair, the beauty treatments for her eyes, and they entertain her. She is the centre of the world. If you see her, you would understand.” “There is something unforgettable about her, the way she moves, the for elegance. For attitude.” Speaking on how they met, “Choupette belonged to a friend of mine who asked if my maid could take care of her for two weeks when he was away,” Lagerfeld explained. “When he came back, he was told that Choupette would not return to him. He got another cat who became fat, and Choupette became the most famous cat in the world, and the richest.”
complete without a quote from Chatoo early to care about fashion.”
North West
Kristen Stewart stars in new Chanel eyewear
set to continue. She is the new cover
Kristen Stewart has once again gone behind the lens to front a Chanel campaign, this time for the spring/summer 2015 eyewear collection. The American actress who came to prominence by playing the protagonist, Bella Swan ries between 2008 and 2012, has appeared in numerous campaigns for the legendary fashion house including being
“100+ Stylish Animals” issue.
Paris-Dallas 2013/14 collection
and more recently, as the face of the 11.12 handbag. In the eye wear campaign, Kristen plays the role of a photographer modelling the and opticals. Styled with her now signature cropped locks and with a rock-chick edge, the 25 year old is captured by the multitalented house creative director Karl Lagerfeld. Kristen Stewart
W
Work
Fashion & Style L4
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 15, 2015
hat orks
If your office is creative Think fashionable but not over-the-top Try unique shapes Play with prints Have fun with details Keep extras simple
at
Eunice Efoli stylish ensemble makes a perfect combo.
Ngozi Princewill Utchay
Nkarenyi Ukonu
Building a work wardrobe from scratch is no easy feat but if you have a good understanding of what you want and the environment where you operate, doing so would be as easy as a walk in the park.
If your office is conservative Strive to look sophisticated and professional Cover up Pick understated hues Keep extras simple
A business dress, not-too- bare sleeveless or otherwise in grey, black or brown is just perfect.
A blazer in camel shade looks and feels crisp.
A black blazer will keep you looking cool.
Vivian Oputa’s stylish ensemble makes a perfect combo.
A silk blouse with neck tie details, speaks feminity.
The gold detail gives this Zara skirt a bit of an edge.
A pencil skirt in a structred fabric like wool or tweed always works.
Kerry Washington’s pant suit gives off a polish vibe.
Mo Abudu takes the conservative look, a luxe notch up.
A unique floral-print shift dress turns basic into standout.
Straight legs get an upgrade with subtle detailing especially for this grey houndstooth pants.
Pinstripe stretch cotton pants look sharp.
Brown bag in muted colour, clean shape and butter leather speaks luxe.
Pointy black pumps look of the moment with metallic cap toe is the real deal.
The gold chain detail on the handbag helps to elevate your look.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 15, 2015
L5 Fashion & Style
If your office is casual You want laid back and not a sloppy look Think comfy but chic Keep shapes easy Go for cool extras
The pleats and the colour choice on this dress takes the style a notch up. Dark colours and croc embossed leather bags gives off a luxe finish to your ensemble. Nautical stripped blouse gives off a relaxed look.
In dark denim, skinny jeans have a classic vibe.
Jessica Simpson dany coffee shoes are so versertile and so right-now
Temitope’s head to toe look, looks streamlined and fresh.
Abby Ikomi
Short flared skirt feels breezy against your skin with no restrictions.
Key accessories for work Give off a polished vibe with this Tony Perotti Italian leather laptop briefcase.
Sterling silver white water pearl is one accessory that gives off a luxe look on a skirt or pant suit ensemble. Gold brightens every complexion and this design is face framing.
Michael kors leather braided belt is just the right width on any torso.
95
Beauty L6
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 15, 2015
to
5 hair styles 9 looks
that work
Nkarenyi Ukonu
The work place is a professional place and as a result, you should always look the part. Having
9 5makeup
to look good while still retaining the corporate look
to
Overpowering makeup is distracting and unfashionable in any profession. Keeping your makeup moderate and simple should be part of your daily beauty routine, Your makeup should be decent,
Foundation and concealer
Eye shadows There is no use being melodramatic with your day time makeup, rather use shadows that would enhance your look.
Use light foundation and concealer for your skin tone to evenly tone your face for a smooth appearance that will mask up all marks and blemishes on your face.
to
A hair style can change the entire look of a lady. But for a
styles. Whether you have wavy long hair or straight short hair, you can still get the best of it easily by choosing the right style. Here are few easy, yet classy looking hairstyles for the working woman.
The Ponytail Easy, effortless and great for those days you are running late to work. Go for either a high ponytail or a side one.
Sleek
Part your hair on either of the two sides of your head and smooth the hair shaft down with gel or hairspray. A center parting suits very few faces, but side one is generally a safer bet.
Short
Keeping hair short is convenient for a lot of working women; quick to wash and dry, and needs minimal or no styling on a daily basis. Very easy to maintain, chic and feminine!
The Bob cut
Blush
Lipsticks and lip glosses
blush looks best when applied sparingly and with a light touch. Stay away from bright colours and use a shade that compliments your skin tone.
Use light or neutral shade such as a soft coral, pale pink, nude or even clear lipstick. They are subtle and at the same time gives a great look. You might also opt for a tinted lip balm or a low shine lip gloss.
Mascara and falsies
Eyeliners -
and makes you appear wide awake. Also, avoid using fake lashes; they are a no- no for work places.
Black or brown eyeliners are recommended for workplace as they
This is easy to maintain yet elegant. Go for a girly bob cut with longer layers in the front and short at the back, or bangs with a side parting.
The bun The bun hairstyle is a great hair look style for to keep it simple. If you go for this style, make sure you accessorise minimally.
Braids Braids never get out of fashion, moreover, they are convenient. So add an interesting twist to you work look by trying the braid
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 15, 2015
9 5nails to
L7 Beauty
Keep it classy
Blue ‘blood’
Red is a timeless nail colour which has always been used at
is a great colour for
a deeper hue to give -
have a way of giving you enough personality at work and even
French manicure
Naturally so
Pretty in pink
If you want a chic and
have to stick to neutrals does not mean your nails have to be
a
picking a nail polish that is work appropriate can be a bit -
colour
like
pink
hue needs to be dispink or clear base coat and make your tips pop with a crescent of white
opaque creams and
your manicure with a
no end to nailing the
weekend-ready
Beauty Issue
The wonders of makeup Makeup is a cosmetics colorant and substance that can be applied to the skin to Makeup could also be any substances one applies on
start to use makeup? No cords of clear makeup use come from Ancient Egyptian as far back as around 3500
Women and makeup do have a complicated rela-
other natural ingredients to
running from one makeup
had specialized tools to ap-
transforming their look with
paints and other means of self-decoration date back Archaeological
the bare basics and often
sites
in dence that body paint may ple painted their bodies be-
sixth century women made their faces paler by bleeding
During the Italian Renaisfaces with toxic chemicals lar to look sickly in the 19th era emphasized the circles under their eyes and used
makeup use across cultures and eras presents a similar pattern: the maintenance of youthful features and the exaggeration of female typical
Advantages of wearing makeup Makeup works because tility and sexual availabil-
change how men view asked
about
personal-
rally give higher scores to women who wear makeWomen feel prettier when
been shown to boost selfIt is a way to be expressive It corrects thing that we cannot always correct on
Little wonder the makeup industry is a billion dollar in-
With additional reports by Okonkwo Uchechukwu Ethel.
but
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 15, 2015
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Poster!
OKPEKPE
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
RACE ATTRACTS X3 3000 RUNNERS
X4,5 Wednesday, April 15, 2015
E U Q I R EN
WARY OF
PSG X8
Keshi
signs new contract April 17 X7
Bayern plot Porto’s fall X2
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015
EXTRATIME
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homas Muller says Bayern Munich are brimming with confidence ahead of today’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal with Porto despite the injury crisis that has hit the Bundesliga champions. Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger were the latest two players to be ruled out of the last eight clash due to an ankle injury and illness respectively. They joined Arjen Robben (stomach), Medhi Benatia (hamstring), David Alaba and Javi
Bayern Munich’s hitman, Franck Ribery, will miss today’s cracker against FC Porto due to an ankle injury.
BAYERN
Ref to earn £6,800 in Mayweather, Pacquiao fight
Martinez (both knee) on the sidelines, leaving Bayern short of numbers. Pep Guardiola was only able to name four substitutes for the Bundesliga win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend, but Muller believes the Bavarian giants can still
he referee for Floyd Mayweather’s showdown with Manny Pacquiao will earn the sum of $10,000 (£6,800) for officiating the biggest fight since the turn of the millennium. Mayweather and Pacquiao are expected to pocket £82m and £54.5m respectively from the fight which is reportedly worth an estimated $300m (£205m). If those figures are accurate, undefeated Mayweather will earn
PLOT PORTO’S FALL
triumph in the face of adversity. “The squad has the experience to play without some of our important players and because of this we move together,” he said. “We know that we have not so many opportunities to change at the moment, but this can be very important and helpful. “The last matches against Leverkusen, Dortmund and Frankfurt were good experiences for us. We are very self-confident and trust each other.”
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Mungara breaks world marathon record
K TODAY’S QUARTER FINAL MATCHES FC Porto v Bayern Munich 19:45 PSG v Barcelona19:45
over 12,000 times more than ‘the third man in the ring’ for his night’s work. $10,000 is the standard amount the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) pays referees for big fights. The referee for the bout has not yet been decided but the NSAC are expected to make an announcement this week. Kenny Bayless and Tony Weeks have emerged as the front runners to be given the nod.
enneth Mungara, 41, set a new masters world marathon record of 2:08:44 on Sunday as he won the Milan Marathon. The Kenyan’s time is two seconds faster than the previous record, set in 2003 in Berlin by Andres Espinosa of Mexico, the IAAF reports. Mungara, a late bloomer, now has ten career marathon
victories, including four at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. On Sunday in Milan, he was in a pack of five runners before he separated himself with a kilometer remaining and won by 11 seconds over Cyrian Kotut, the younger brother of Martin Lel, a three-time London Marathon champion and a World Marathon Majors series winner.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
EXTRATIME
FEDERATION WATCH
With Osaretin Emuze
W
Super Falcons line up before a match.
Canada 2015:
FALCONS
yet to commence adequate preparation
ith less than 60 days to kick-off of the 7th FIFA/ Women World Cup in Canada, the Super Falcons are yet to begin meaningful preparation for the biggest and best women’s tournament despite the fact that Nigeria is drawn in ‘The group of death’ that included USA, Sweden and Australia. A cross section of the sport writers in Lagos expressed sadness over the lackadaisical attitude shown towards Falcons’ preparation for the Women’s World Cup scheduled to begin in June in Canada. Nigeria is drawn in Group D and these countries have intensified their preparations since January this year. USA had played over six friendlies and lined up other four before the tourney takes off in two months’ time. In February USA defeated France 2-0, beat England 1-0, and stunned Norway 2-1 in an international competition. Also in March USA also whitewashed Switzerland 3-0, drew 0-0 with Iceland and humiliated France 3-0 in a friendly. Sweden on the other hand had played five top ranked friendlies between January and now. They beat Norway 3-2, spanked Finland 3-0, humbled Germany 4-2, lost to Brazil 0-2 and lost the final of that competition to Germany on March 15. Australia too are not left out as
N
OKPEKPE race attracts 3000 runners
O
ver 3000 runners are expected to participate in next month’s 3rd Okpekpe 10km Road Race scheduled to hold in Okpekpe, Auchi in Edo State, organisers of the race have confirmed. Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Technical Director, Yusuf Alli, said a lot of entries have come from across the world for the race. “We are expecting over three thousand runners for this year’s race which will hold on May 16,” reveals the former Nigeria track and field international. Alli added that runners are expected to submit their registration forms with medical certificate of fitness and they are expected to sign a waiver form to acknowledge among other things the
risks inherent in running a 10km race unfit. He further revealed that the race will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). “IAAF Road Race Label Regulations will also apply to the Okpekpe Road Race 2015 which has been certified by the IAAF as a bronze label road race,” said Alli. The Okpekpe 10km road race is organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing, a leader in sports marketing, sponsorship, hospitality and rights acquisition business in Nigeria in conjunction with the AFN and Edo State Government.
igeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Engineer Habu Gumel has congratulated the president-elect General Mohammadu Buhari (Rtd), for winning the March 28 presidential election in the country. He said NOC has tipped General Buhari to revamp the sporting fortune of Nigeria at major international and continental sports championships. In a congratulatory message to the president-elect, Gumel extended the warm compliments of the board and members of the Olympic family in Nigeria, said it was a privilege and honour to warmly congratulate his Excellency on his remarkable victory at the Presidential elections held on Saturday, March 28. “Your ultimate triumph at the hotly contested polls is no doubt a reward for your resilience and passion for Nigeria, which was widely acknowledged by the electorates nationwide. “We in the Olympic Movement rejoice with the president-elect on this joyous occasion, which is no doubt a progressive landmark for our democracy. We are therefore optimistic that your Excellency would bring to bear your wealth of experience in governance to steer the ship of this nation to greater heights, both economically, politically and sports-wise,” the statement read.
they have been playing friendlies and participating in women tournaments across the globe. Based on the opponents’ avalanche of results in prepaAration towards the world cup, concerned sport journalists based in Lagos voiced out their bitterness over Super Falcons lack of activities despite the fact that NFF gave Falcons a tall order to get to the semifinal of the women’s world cup. Veteran sport journalist Tony Ubani revealed that it is very sad that up till this moment nothing is being done to prepare the Super Falcons for the world cup. George Aluo another sport journalist frowned at the lip service the NFF is paying towards Falcons preparation. He urged the Amaju Pinnik-led NFF to wake up from their apparent slumber and send the Falcons out of the country now to make good use of the remaining time for preparations. Female soccer analyst Oluchi Tobechukwu said it is criminal not to prepare the Falcons well before sending them to play against Sweden, USA and Australia; three of the best teams in the world. The Super Falcons will kick off their FIFA Women World Cup group matches with Sweden on June 8, Australia on June 12 and USA on June 16 at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
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Gumel felicitates with Buhari
Action at the previous edition of Okepekpe Road Race.
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Quadri
op Nigeria Table Tennis Star Aruna Quadri will lead Team Nigeria to 2015 ITTF QOROS World Table Tennis Championship (WTTC) taking place in Suohou, China, from April 26 to May 3. Sources close to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) said Aruna will be joined by Ojo Onoalopo, Kazeem Makanjuola and Segun Toriola in the male category, while Funke Oshonaike and Edem Effiong are the two Nigerians in the female category. 310 male and 238 female players from well over 100 countries are expected to feature at the tournament. All eyes will surely be on Quadri in the six-day championship. The Nigerian super star was crowned the World Table Tennis Player of the Year in 2014. He has moved from the 30th position he was ranked at the end of last year to 38th in the first quarter of this year. This was however due to the defeat Quadri suffered from his Egyptian rival Oman Hassan in the ITTF tournaments held in Egypt and Lagos respectively.
WTTC: QUADRI LEADS TEAM NIGERIA TO CHINA
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015
EXTRATIME
PERSONAL INFORMATION Full name:
Robin van Persie
Date of birth:
August 6, 1983 (age 31)
Place of birth:
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Height:
1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position: Striker Current team: Number:
Manchester United 20
Youth career 1997–1999:
Excelsior
1998–2001:
Feyenoord
Senior career 2001–2004:
Feyenoord
2004–2012:
Arsenal
2012–Present: Manchester United National team 2000:
Netherlands U-17
2001:
Netherlands U-19
2002–2005:
Netherlands U-21
2005–Present
N A V
O R Netherlands
E I S R E P N
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
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N I B O
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X6
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
EXTRATIME
INTERVIEW
I’M A BIG FAN OF
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
–COOKSON The President of Union Cycliste International (UCI), BRIAN COOKSON, has opened up on his love and passion for the English Premier League. Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com he revealed the similarities between cycling and football and further stressed the benefits of sport on two wheels. Excerpts: What commonalities do you see between football and cycling? I think both football and cycling are both very popular sports worldwide. They’re quite easy to get into seriously and on an amateur basis. There’s lots of commonality between us. Do you follow football? I do. I don’t have a lot of time to follow football, but I’m a big fan of the English Premier League, obviously. My hometown is Preston, in the north of England, so Preston North End which is a very historic club that’s been there for many, many years, would be my first team. How did your passion for cycling start? I’ve been cycling all of my life. My very first memories are of riding my tricycle around the garden at home. Cycling is a sport that I got into in my teenage years. I joined a local club and had a small amount of success. I was never good enough to be a professional or anything like that, but I really enjoyed it. As I became older and had a profession and a family, I began to realise I didn’t really have the time to keep training as much as you need to do to compete. I then began to move more into the organising and administering of the sport. This is something I worked hard at behind the scenes and ultimately became president of the British Cycling Federation for 16 years. I put a lot of time and effort in there and worked with a lot of great people and we managed to make the sport quite a big and successful sport in Great Britain. Did you have a cycling role model when you were growing up? I had a lot of idols. Some of the
great riders from that era. One of my idols was Tom Simpson who sadly died as a result of the exhaustion and doping in the Tour de France. This was something that informed my view of the sport. But over those years I also used to follow the greats like Eddie Merckx. He was the king, of course. I also followed some of the other great Italian, French, and Belgian riders. It’s a wonderful sport and it’s great to follow. What are some of your goals with the sport? One of the things I feel we really need to do with our sport is to restore the reputational damage that’s been done by the controversies of recent years. Obviously most noticeably around doping. We’re trying to work very hard, carrying on the work that my predecessors have done in that. But I think we’re trying to expand and improve the anti-doping processes. We’re looking at proper independent investigation into the allegations of the past and we’re looking at trying to learn the lessons from that past, so we don’t fall into the same traps again as a sport. As you mentioned, obviously doping is a topic in your sport. FIFA is following the steps in the sense that a biological passport is used in football, which has also been the case in cycling. Do you think this is the way forward to fight against doping? Absolutely. Cycling is a sport that’s been blighted and had many problems as a result of doping. But I don’t believe cycling is the only sport. If there are sports out there that think they don’t have a doping problem, then they are deluding themselves. Frankly, there will always be people who try and find ways of cheating. We have to keep
fighting against that. We are doing a lot in our sport. I think other sports are doing quite a bit as well. I’m sure football is trying very hard as well, from what I hear. I want to extend that and work with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), work with our partners to make sure that we learn any lessons from other sports and other sports can learn lessons from us as well. Are you satisfied with what you have achieved so far in your eighteen months of presidency? Governance of sport, administration, leading sport is not a 24-hour thing, there’s no magic switch you can flick and everything will be okay from then on. But I’m pleased with the progress that we’ve made. I think we have a good setup at the UCI now, we have some good vice presidents, good management, and good committee. We have excellent members of staff working really hard behind the scenes. I think most of the things that we’ve done in the first eighteen months of my presidency have been very well received. And I think we are rebuilding the image of our sport.
“I’m a big fan of the English Premier League, obviously. My hometown is Preston, in the north of England, so Preston North End which is a very historic club that’s been there for many, many years, would be my first team.”
We’ve got a beautiful sport and pastime that is very, very popular despite all of the problems that we’ve had, and it’s a great sport that anyone can take part in. You don’t have to have carbon fiber. You don’t have to have Lycra clothing. You can go out and buy a bike at your local bike shop and really enjoy yourself riding around the countryside and wherever you live. If you want to take part in it at a serious level then you can do that as well. It’s a wonderful sport and pastime, it’s good for your health, it’s good for the environment, it’s
good for transport, and I think the future for our sport is very bright. Is it not strange last year for you as a Lancastrian seeing the first Tour de France of your era starting in fact in Yorkshire? Yes, I think it’s fair to say there’s always been strong rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire. But you know the Wars of the Roses were about 500 years ago, and we’ve stopped fighting now, so it was a friendly rivalry which was a great sight to behold.
Cookson
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
EXTRATIME
X7
DANAGOGO
congratulates Falcons, U-23 team Stories by Andrew Ekejiuba
S
ports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has congratulated the female national team, the Falcons and the national U-23 football team for posting superlative victories against their opponents last weekend. While the Falcons hosted their Malian counterparts in the second leg of the All Africa Games qualifiers at the Abuja National Stadium Friday, the U-23 side, tutored by Samson Siasia, engaged their Zambian counterparts in a make or mar second leg also in the All Africa
Games qualifier in Lusaka. According to the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Patrick Omorodion, Danagogo was full of praises for both teams, especially the U-23 side who had a more difficult nut to crack after they drew 0-0 with the Zambians in the first leg of the qualifier decided at the Abuja National Stadium a fortnight ago. “Most people had given up hope of the team qualifying but like the typical Nigerian who never gives up until it is over, they went to Zambia and played their hearts out and came out victorious. They must be commended for their team spirit and determination to succeed.
“The Falcons were not left out too as they rose to the occasion and showed that the 1-1 they played earlier in Mali was not a true reflection of what makes them the champions of Africa. “They were business-like and didn’t want to leave anything to chance. So, I commend the efforts of both teams and their technical crew for the wonderful performance and urge them to redouble their efforts as they prepare for the competition proper,” the Minister said, stressing that “We at the National Sports Commission will play our own part to ensure they get all they need to represent our country creditably.”
KESHI SIGNS NEW CONTRACT APRIL 17
Ben Nwachukwu Abuja
T
he long awaited contract between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Stephen Keshi as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles will be finally signed on Friday, April 17. General Secretary of NFF, Mohammed Sanusi told Extra Time in Abuja that the Federation have concluded to name a coach for the Super Eagles on the said date. He noted that before naming the coach the contract would be signed
first and argued that there was no way the federation would announce a coach without signing the contract with such coach. Sanusi noted further that the federation is working harder to ensure that football in the country is revamped from the grassroots. “The present board of the Federation is open to all stakeholders and we have enjoined them to come together so that we can move football further,” he said. Meanwhile, Sanusi disclosed that the NFF and the NSC will meet before the announcement of the coach.
CAF CL: GLO STUNNED OVER ENYIMBA, PILLARS OUSTER Andrew Ekejiuba
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Keshi
EX-INTERNATIONALS CLASH IN MTN BEST 11 PROMO
F
ormer Super Eagles players, especially those of the USA ’94 and Atlanta ’96 fame, teamed up with sports writers, music stars and other On Air Personalities (OAPs), for a rare appearance in a football match recently, at the Campos Mini Stadium, in Lagos Island. The novelty match was organized by Nigeria’s leading telecommunications and ICT Company, MTN, to commemorate its launch of the MTN Best 11 Promotion, an initiative that enables subscribers who tap into the new MTN Trutalk proposition, stand a chance of winning eye-popping prizes ranging from houses to cash gifts. Speaking on the rationale behind the MTN Best 11Promo, MTN’s Chief
Marketing Officer, Bayo Adekanmbi stated that the Company introduced MTN Trutalk, a value proposition that enables subscribers to register 11 numbers and make calls to those numbers at 50% discount. Speaking further, Bayo said, subscribers on the MTN Trutalk proposition will therefore qualify for the MTN Best 11 Promo, where one winner will become a landlord every week and 24 winners will win N11, 000 every hour daily for the next 11 weeks. The promo is also extended to non TruTalk customers on the MTN network; customers who continue to use their phones regularly to make calls and customers who consume the 11MB data also stand a chance
Danagogo
of winning these exciting prizes in the promo. To enjoy the MTN Trutalk proposition, subscribers are to dial *400# or send 400 to 131. The match which attracted a sizeable crowd featured notable exinternationals like Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal, Celestine Babayaro, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Jonathan Akpoborie, Peter Rufai and a host of others. Also featured were topmost football analysts, MTN musical ambassadors and TV presenters such as Charles Anazodo, Wole Opatola, Frank Edoho, Harry Iwuala, Praiz, Sound Sultan, Doctor Sid and Harrysong.
itle sponsor of the Glo Premier League, Globacom, has expressed concern over the early exit of Kano Pillars FC and Enyimba FC of Aba after both sides were eliminated from the ongoing CAF Champions League. Pillars and Enyimba lost out in the second round to teams from Algeria and Egypt respectively in what observers termed their inadequate preparedness for the continental challenge. In a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, Globacom expressed concern at the clubs’ early ouster from the lucrative Champions League, saying Nigeria had lost some prestige in the process. “We believe Kano Pillars and Enyimba have the pedigree to go far in the competition having both won the Glo Premier League between themselves in the past five years,” the
statement said. “The situation can only be described as unfortunate, especially after the Clubs participated in the recently concluded Super Four competition which was expected to put them in shape for local and continental tournaments this season,” it added. The telecoms provider, however, expressed delight that Warri Wolves FC is still in contention for the CAF Confederation Cup glory after dispatching Dedebit FC of Ethiopia to move to the next round. “Wolves are the shining light at the moment and we wish to commend the team while urging its management and coaching crew not to relent in their effort to go all the way in the competition. We also want to call on the Delta State government and Nigeria Football Federation to continuously give the club adequate support,” the statement concluded.
L-R: Lanre Fasasi (Sound Sultan), Nigerian Hip-hop Artiste; Kanu Nwankwo, former Super Eagles captain and Wahid Akanni, Nigerian ex-international at the launch of MTN Best 11 Promo at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos recently.
X8
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
EXTRATIME
EXTRATIME
E U Q I ENR WARY OF D E T E L P E D
h Luis Enrique says arcelona head coac y in still have the abilit Paris Saint-Germa of st ho a ing ite miss to hurt his side desp key players. r their s travel to Paris fo The Catalan giant final erart League (UCL) qu UEFA Champions out th wi be the hosts could first leg today, but rs. rte st-team sta up to four regular fir ovic is n Zlatan Ibrahim ma rca Ba Former David ile Marco Verratti, wh suspended, as is ) are igh (th tta d Thiago Mo Luiz (hamstring) an
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Pastore is world’s best, declares Cantona
E
ric Cantona proved a controversial and outspoken figure during his playing career, and his latest claims about who is the world’s greatest player will surprise many. The ongoing debate usually surrounds two men - Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. But Cantona has shunned both of those names in favour of Paris SaintGermain’s Javier Pastore, whom the Frenchman says boasts unique talent. “For me, the best player in the world, the most exciting player in the world is Javier Pastore,” Cantona said. “Why? Because I watched two games just to see Pastore playing, giving passes - he has got something special. Not only scoring spectacular goals, everything. Passing, passing,
PSG
Pastore he is a very creative player. “Football is interactive, that’s why football is so popular, I think. And Pastore can do things that other players don’t know. “For me, he is the most creative player in the world today. That’s why I think he is the best player in the world because I love this kind of player.”
’re going ep squad and they but they’ve got a de id. ions for us,” he sa to create complicat tti and r, David Luiz, Verra be em Back in Sept home G’s PS in et rg all on ta Blaise Matuidi were well is h and the Barca coac triumph in Group F, s at se lap r ila nnot afford sim aware his players ca the back. n on refused to be draw Luis Enrique also cted rea g Neymar, who questions concernin ay’s rd tu Sa g bstituted durin angrily to being su la. 2-2 draw with Sevil
RFU still struggling to pay
Capello
F
abio Capello continues to go unpaid as head coach of Russia, the country’s Football Union (RFU) president Nikolai Tolstoy has revealed. Former Milan, Real Madrid and England manager Capello signed a new contract with Russia until their home World Cup in 2018 last July, but there have been ongoing issues regarding his salary. The RFU admitted they were struggling to pay Capello’s wages in November, and Tolstoy confirmed the problems still exist. “There is still no dedicated source to pay the wages of Capello,” he said. “Perhaps it will cause further delay in paying the salary of the head coach of the national team. “We are taking every effort to find additional sources, but once again I want to emphasise that initially when signing the contract with Capello we envisaged a source for the salaries of Fabio Capello and his coaching staff. “I must admit that it is an abnormal situation, to put it mildly.”
Capello
Enrique
Pasqual extends Fiorentina stay Fiorentina captain Manuel Pasqual has signed a one-year contract extension with the Serie A club. The full-back’s current deal was set to expire at the end of the season, but he has agreed fresh terms until June 2016. Pasqual moved to Fiorentina in July 2005, making 330 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and has featured on 16 occasions for Vincenzo Montella’s side in Serie A this term.
Lukaku nearing Everton return Romelu Lukaku is nearing a return for Everton against Burnley this weekend after a hamstring injury. The £28 million summer signing is Everton’s top scorer in the Premier League with eight goals, but has missed their last two games after limping off against QPR on March 22. He made good progress last week but was not risked by Roberto Martinez in the 1-1 draw with Swansea City.
Bellerin, Walcott in £30,000 race challenge
H
ector Bellerin and Theo Walcott have been challenged to a £30,000 sprint race by the World and European indoor 60 metre champion Richard Kilty after the Arsenal pair were labelled “faster than Usain Bolt”. Walcott said last week that Bellerin had usurped his previous Arsenal record over 40 metres of 4.42 seconds – a quicker mark than that clocked officially by Bolt during his 100m
record-breaking run of 9.58secs. Reports claiming the Arsenal duo may be swifter than the six-time Olympic gold medalist have been wildly dismissed by professional sprinters, with former British athlete Craig Pickering questioning the reports. Kilty, who won gold over 60m at last year’s World Indoor Championships before adding the European title in March, has now challenged the Arsenal duo to prove their true pace.