Dtn 16 10 15 by Daily Times of Nigeria

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ÎÎÎThe

Federal Government has com-

menced probe of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety

Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) among other revenue generating agencies for short-changing

the country by remitting dollar revenues Continued on page 2 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

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N150

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.210

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 28th September 2015.

NESTLE

859.7

39.70

4.62%

146.04

5.97

4.09%

SEPLAT

249.9

-5.10

-2.04%

UNILEVER

45.13

-0.87

-1.93%

250

10.01

4.00%

UACN

31.5

1.50

4.76%

JBERGER 41.88

-2.20

-5.25%

ZENITHBANK

17.52

-0.59

-3.37%

Business Tim

Lƈ ƈ ƐƆƏƈ Ƌ ƅƏƆƆ ƈ ë

Olufemi Samuel, ƄƑƉ

Senators divided over Amaechi

ÎÎÎThe scheduled screening of former

IFC invests $18bn in deve

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Barrister Adebayo Shittu Friday Atufe (Oyo) as well as the last batch of minisInternational Finance Cor terial nominees by the Senate failed to poration (IFC), the private secto take place on Thursday as the process arm of the World Bank Group was postponed till next Tuesday . yesterday it has provided said investments of abou Though Senate spokesman, long-term Dino Me$18 (N….) this year for developin laye, on Thursday, linked the postponecountries to enable their privat sector playof an essential role in th ment to the desire of the leadership global effort to end extreme pov the Red chamber to ensure a holistic ap- shared prosperity. erty and boost The IFC is the largest globa proach to the exercise, the Daily Times development institution focused can report that Amaechi’s screening in sector in emerg on the private IFC building particular is being hampered ing bymarkets. sharpWorking with mor division among members of the Senate

Ï Rƍƍ Ɔ Ɛ ƋƋƆ ƆƗ ƅ ƑƏƐ ƏƗƆƏ Ɛ ƍƍƈ ƅƋƆ Ə ƅƆ Ï M ƏƗƆƏ ƈ Ɛ ƆƔé ƒô ƅƏƆƆ ƈ – Rivers APC

Uk to support Ni Continued on page 2

Uk to g17 support 8 Nigeria’s Politics Æs economic stability Shapps

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

There was confusion in Oyo State on Thursday following a report in national newspaper that the Appeal Court in Ibadan has upheld the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the last election and thrown out the appeal of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja who challenged his electoral victory. The confusion was compounded when the broadcast media in the state started airing the news on their network in the state. However, the report was immediately countered by the Ladoja

Confusion in Oyo Charles Okonji over alleged Ajimobi victory at tribunal The government of United (UK), who will be ...As tribunal upholds Kingdom represented by the UK’s Minister for Africa, Grant Shapps has Dankwambo’s election

‘50% g7 Nigerians unsure of Why many areHIV against status’

camp which warned the APC against setting the state on fire with such misinformation. The Accord Party in the state the platform under which Ladoja contested against the incumben Governor Ajimobi of the Al Progressives Congress (APC) warned of the dire consequence of such ‘blatant lies’ in the media The party through a release by its spokesman, Dr. Nureni Ad eniran specifically warned APC against setting the state on fire.

our military cooperation agains Boko Haram, Nigeria is a coun try whose security and prosperity truly matters to the UK. “With more than half of Nige ria currently living without elec CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 Ajimobi pledged to support Nigeria’s sta- tricity, it is vital that more people can access clean and reliable sola bility and development at the start energy. Not onlyMywill this trans quest for ICT has prompted of his first visit to the country. me to visit NITDAlives, and Nigeria everyday i Grant Shapps commended UK’s form people’s Communication Commission (NCC), the two bodies that driv opportunity fo close relationship with Nigeria is a tremendous ICT in Nigeria. We are prepar ing a submission to them becaus and set out how the two countries growth. they do a whole lot of activitie “I am determined Britain and we got athat list of their interven would work together to increase tions in Benue State, there are will build on its visiting close relation team the sites in the stat prosperity, trade and security. to assess what is on ground so tha we canby knowsharing where we needou thei During his visit he will meet ship with Nigeria intervention in the area of train expertise.” ing, empowerment of schools, li with ministers and senior gov- skills, knowledge braries and rejuvenating some o The UK is the providing a com ernment officials, including Vice ICT sites in Benue. We have al ready set up of a committee on cor suppor President Yemi Osinbajo, the Na- prehensive package ICT. That committee has present ed its report about where we are expanded tional Security Adviser Babagana to Nigeria, including where to be and what we need to andnowintelligence do. Right we are implement Monguno and the Kaduna and La- military training ing stage by stage the recommen cooperation, anti-corruption ca dations of that committee, work gos State Governors. is ongoing but these things have and period investigative and very soon be He will also see how the UK’s pacity buildinggestation fore the year runs out, you will se annual develop the manifestation of these thing investment in Nigeria’s solar en- support, and an in theworth ICT world. £218 mil ergy market can provide a clean ment programme There has been series of crit icismsto and the attacksincreas trailing th lion, contributing and reliable answer to the counadministration of Governo Suswam Agerzua Ortom for some ing prosperity Samuel at the heart oftima try’s problem of energy access. He had served as Chief Press owned by the Benue State office. FREDDIE ADAMGBE now. How have you been abl worth Secretary to former Governor Government. In this interview, reports: thriving trade relationship them? Grant Shapps said: “The UKSince you introduced ICT toIaddress George Akume, ICT Consultant the veteran Journalist outlined always react to these wron per year. to the immediate past Governor, the major achievements to governance in the Ortom notions or information abou has a strong relationship with £6.1 billion Gabriel Suswam and Assistant recorded by his principal administration, how has the follows se ONa PAGE Editor of The Voice newspaper one hundred days in to work been? Grant Shapps’ visitCONTINUED Nigeria andwithin we his will continue ries of meetings between the UK’ promote vital investment, tackle Prime Minister and President Bu corruption and create a safer and hari, most recently at the United more prosperous future for the Nations General Assembly, and country. the UK Foreign Secretary’s atten “From a trade relationship dance at the President’s inaugura worth over £6 billion every year to tion in May 2015.

Gov Ortom - Agerzua Why g8 many are against Gov. Ortom – Agerzua

Ortom

Akinjide Akintola Tahav Agerzua is the Special Adviser on Media and ICT to the Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom.

The Buhari Media Support Group (NMSG) has described as historic the recent 795 job approval rating of President Muhammadu Buhari by a cross section of Nigerians. In a statement, the group noted that it was a testament that Nigerians are increasingly rallying around President Buhari as he continues to advance the country on an all-inclusive progressive course,

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Zeeto gL1 Buhari’s 79% job approval rating historic - Group Peller:

Buhari

Jonathan

Rebranding a family tradition Yar’Adua

Obasanjo

News 2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

NESG to FG: Implement Oronsaye Report Ï ^ ƏƐƈƅƈƍ Ɛ ƗƏ Ɠ Ƒƍ ƄƋƑƆƍƏƈ Ɛ Ƈ Ə Ƒ Ɛ ƈ ƄƋƆ Ə ƓƐ

Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÎÎÎParticipants

rose up at the just concluded Economic summit in Abuja with far reaching recommendations and suggestions for economic reforms that can engender sustainable growth and development Amongst the recommendations made to government at various levels is

the conduct of impact assessment of current institutional reforms to enable deepening, consolidation and/or redesigning of government economic policies and programmes. They further called for the implementation of the “Oronsaye Report” which covers issues such as instituting performance management system with new appraisal metrics that track measures and re-

wards performance. According to them, ’’a competency-based HR function founded on a robust performance management system, flexible employment policy and compensation structure to restore Governments as employers of choice, re-engineering MDAs business processes to remodel the bureaucratic system and its red tape and bottlenecks is ideal for growth and de-

velopment’’. Other recommendations include the restructuring of the overall governance of the oil sector by splitting the operator and regulator reporting lines; Breaking up the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into manageable issue-specific laws that amend existing laws or regulations that the Legislative arm of government are not opposed to, such as amending tax laws to

incentivize gas; and Clarifying gas terms for the Production Sharing Contracts. The participants called on government to immediately address the lengthy contracting cycle to reduce the lead time (currently 24-36 months) by delegating more decisions to the private-sector operators and implementing a streamlined contract review and approval process that seamlessly integrates contracting requirements by various agencies. Earlier in his presentation at the plenary titled:’’ Macroeconomic framework, policy thrust and priority programmes for the 2016 budget and medium term successor plan (2016 – 2020)’’, the Secretary to the National Planning commission, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung, called for Medium term National Strategic Plan as a relevant framework for achieving

competitiveness, inclusive growth and sustainable development of any country, and that spirited effort by government and relevant stakeholders is required to facilitate effective growth and development. He further disclosed that igniting a resurgent economic base is consistent with the aspiration of the “Change Agenda” of the current administration. He said: ’’Nigeria currently faces a dual task to restore high economic growth and at the same time ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable. Prior to 2015, Nigeria witnessed the longest period of accelerated GDP growth and emerged as the 21st largest economy in the world in 2014 but that percentage growth is yet to translate into decent jobs and reduction in poverty index.’’

FG probes NNPC, NIMASA, NPA for remitting dollar revenues in naira Continued from page 1

President Muhammedu Buhari (right) receiveing former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… on Thursday

Untold reasons Senate shifted Amaechi, others’ screening Continued from page 1 Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges headed by Sam Anyanwu had told the Senate on Wednesday that the screening of Amaechi would have to be put on hold since the report on probe of the petition filed against him was not yet ready. It was apparent that the Committee’s report was still not ready before the Senate’s sitting on Thursday owing to alleged disagreement among members. As at the time of filing this report, members of the Committee were still meeting to draft the report which would be made available to the Senate next Monday. The Daily Times also

gathered that some senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and members of the Committee are against the screening of the former Rivers State governor. The postponement of Amaechi’s screening is also being linked to the growing opposition against him within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Red Chamber, source told our correspondent. There were reports also on Thursday that a court injunction obtained by a member of the PDP in Rivers State to stop the screening of Amaechi was part of the reasons his screening was postponed. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is said to have been served with

the court paper demanding that the screening of Amaechi should be put on hold in view of the need for him to clear the allegations of corruption levelled against him. However, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday evening debunked the report. In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Chris Finebone, the party insisted that no court order was given either in Rivers State or in any other court in any part of Nigeria to that effect. Recall that Amaechi and the nominee from Oyo State, Adebayo Shittu, had been contending with litigations filed by opponents from their states against

their nominations. Both nominees would have been screened on Thursday but for the resolve by the Senate to shift their screening till next Tuesday. Opposition had greeted the nomination of Shittu almost from the moment President Buhari forwarded the list of nominees to the Senate as the aggrieved parties from Oyo State took to the court in protest against his nomination. The protest against Shittu is being considered alongside that of Amaechi whereas if eventually cleared the two nominees would be sworn in next week. The Daily Times also learnt that the inability of the Department of State Security (DSS) to conclude the Continued on page 6

in naira into government coffers. This was revealed by the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, who led three of his counterparts from Sokoto, Taraba and Ondo states to a press briefing after the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday. Ayade said the NEC presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was briefed by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emiefele, on the disturbing development. He said: “A brief report on the FGN agencies remitting dollar revenues in naira into the Federation Account was also given by the CBN governor. “He said investigations are on-going. Such agencies include but not limited to NNPC, NIMASA and NPA.” It would be recalled that the affected agencies are already undergoing a separate probe instituted by NEC through its Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led ad

hoc committee on remittances by the agencies into the federation account. Quoting the briefing by the CBN boss, Ayade also announced that the excess crude account had hit $2.2 billion as at October 15. On the provisional loans to states based on collateralisation of the excess crude account, the governors stated that the CBN boss told them that 27 states had made request for the N10 billion facility that was being processed. They said the affected states had accordingly been advised to complete all necessary documentation to that effect. “It should be recalled at this point in time that not all states have indicated interest on this ECA collaterised loan,” Ayade noted. On the refund of expenses incurred by state governments on behalf of the Federal Government especially on roads maintenance, the governors said Osinbajo had assured them that states that had followed the right processes and procedures in incurring such expenditure would soon be settled.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Time to pass PIB

hile answering questions during his ministerial screening, the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC),Mr. Ibe Kachikwu told senators that the country was losing in excess of N3trn annually due to the absence of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Kachikwu said it was better for Nigeria not to have embarked on the PIB project than to have started and abandoned it mid-way. We are in cahoots with this call by the NNPC boss. Our position stems from the fact that a passage of the bill would not only engender investment in the oil and gas sector but also cushion the effects of the plummeting price of crude oil at the international market and the devaluation of the Naira. Moreover, its passage would ensure full deregulation and sustainable importation of petroleum products by marketers, even as the continued non-passage has hampered investment in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. There is no denying the fact that passage of the PIB would curb corruption in the oil and gas industry, thus enabling the government to focus more on non-oil sources to boost revenue generation. It would be recalled that the aim of PIB include enhancing the exploitation of oil and gas in Nigeria, commercialising government’s interests in the industry, deregulating and liberalising the downstream petroleum sector, optimising gas supplies to the domestic gas market, reforming the fiscal regime, promoting openness and transparency and encouraging the development of Nigerian content. The idea of the PIB began in 2007 following the recommendations of a Presidential Committee set up to carry out oil and gas sector reforms in the country. The reforms were expected to form the nucleus of Nigeria’s aspiration to become one of the most industrialised nations by the year 2020. Surprising, passage of PIB has been

facing stiff opposition due to ethnic and parochial interests, as legislators from the country’s North have been the most vocal in opposing it. The bill is meant to change everything from fiscal terms to overhauling the NNPC. But its comprehensive nature has caused years of disputes between federal lawmakers. One of the issues in contention is the 10 per cent Petroleum Host Communities Fund which it is alleged grants enormous powers to the petroleum minister. Even at that, lawmakers from the northern states have consistently rejected the fund in disregard to the fact that it is meant to bring Nigeria’s host community relations in line with international best practice. Conversely, southern lawmakers have been the most vocal supporters of the PIB because they see in it an opportunity for the country to atone for the many infractions of the land rights of host communities where extractive industries are active. Also, the PIB provides for compliance with sections of the NEITI Act 2007 which emphasise management of the nation’s extractive industry wealth to the benefit of the people. Another issue is the opposition of international oil companies (IOCs) to the proposed fiscal regime which they claim is unfavourable to them. Despite all the political altercations and opposition to the bill, it is imperative to state that the proposed PIB was designed to strengthen the capacity of indigenous Nigerian companies in the oil and gas sector to compete with international oil companies in the search for and acquisition of hydrocarbons in Nigeria. The measure will also reduce exploitation in the sector and limit the federal government’s exposure to oil and gas exploration and production through joint venture operations. We believe the PIB, if passed would do the Nigerian economy a lot of good. We are therefore calling on the National Assembly to rise above personal, partisan and other parochial interests and pass the bill into law for the good of the country.

Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu (right); Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Daily times Newspapers, Mr. Fidelis Anosike at the first edition of RED Summit held in Lagos… on Thursday

Who is afraid of Rotimi Amaechi? Segun Adio

ÎÎÎFormer

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi is, no doubt, in dire need of deliverance at the moment. He is currently engaged in a battle of wits with some powerful principalities, powers and rulers of darkness, as espoused in Ephesians 6 vs 12. President Muhammadu Buhari by now must have realised that the Director General of his Campaign organisation was not going to have a smooth ride at the Red Chamber. One would have thought that the man whose name appeared third on the list to

the Senate would be among the early nominees to field questions from the lawmakers and have it done with. But that has not happened. After attending to 18 of the nominees in two days, Amaechi’s screening was postponed to yesterday (Thursday). Again, it never happened. In a terse twit message, Nigerians were only informed that the Senate had postponed Amaechi and others’ screening to next Tuesday. The reason given was the failure of Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s led Ad-hoc Committee on Ethics, Public Petitions and Privileges investigating petitions against Amaechi, to submit their report at Thursday’s

Words On Marble :

plenary. For sure, there are more than meets the eye in the whole saga. The former governor is probably being punished for his rejection of the party that brought him wealth and fame, while he pitched tent with an ‘outsider’ in President Buhari. The fear is that anytime he is allowed to address the Red Chamber, those who say NAY to his nomination, would probably have it, as they say. Whatever the case, our distinguished senators need to play less politics in this matter and allow commonsense prevail. If the president thinks Amaechi would be a good instrument for his administration, so be it.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Group Managing Editor Molara Wood

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Ag Head Operations Segun Bamigboye

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News Editor Segun Adio

Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714

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Udo Udoma

Kayode Fayemi

Yemi Osinbajo

“We cannot turn this (Nigerian) economy around if we rely solely on public sector; we have to focus on the private sector.”

“Poverty is the problem between the mindlessly rich and hopelessly poor.”

“We can’t apply the rules except we apply the rules to all of us; there should be no sacred cows.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

5 News

Saraki writes Buhari over confirmation of 18 ministerial nominees

Lagos to sanction drilling boreholes without approval

ÏÏÏSenate President, Dr. Abuba-

Tomi Olabisi

kar Bukola Saraki, has communicated to President Muhammadu Buhari the confirmation by the Senate of 18 nominees who had already been cleared by his colleagues. Buhari had, on September 30, forwarded the ministerial nominees’ names for consideration on ministerial positions. Saraki in an official letter sent through Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President

on Legislative Matters (Senate), informed Buhari that the Senate had found the 18 nominees who passed through screening suitable to occupy the office of ministers of the Federal Republic as provided for in Section 147 (2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. The nominees, whose appointment by the President have been confirmed, are Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh,

Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Danbazau, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Hajiya Amina Ibrahim Mohammed, Eng. Suleiman Adamu and Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril. Others are Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Sen. Aishat Jummai Al-Hassan, Barr. Solomon Dalong, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Sen. Hadi Sirika,

ÏÏÏThe Executive Secretary, La-

Saraki

Gov. Ahmed urges FG to take over primary education Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏKwara

State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has advocated the taking over of primary education from the Local Government Councils by the Federal Government in order to achieve maximum results, while the private sector should actively be involved in the running of tertiary institutions for desired outcome. Ahmed made the suggestions in Abuja while participating in a discussion of Northern region at the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit, organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the National Planning Commission. He explained that the foundational level of education should not be left in the hands of local government authorities, pointing out that the cost of running primary education was beyond the local governments, in view of inconsistencies and dwindling allocations from the federation account. The governor emphasised the need for the prioritisation of intermediate vocational studies to properly equip youths to meet manpower requirements for industries. Ahmed also called for a national emergency in the agriculture sector to save Nigeria from the increasing foreign exchange earnings. According to him, Nigeria does not need to import all sorts of agricultural produce like chicken, turkey and eggs in view of the available human and material resources endowed the country.

Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi (left) receiving the names of nominees recommended for the 2015 NYSC Honours Award from the chairman of the National Selection Commitee, Dr Kevin Ihenetu, in Abuja… on Wednesday

Gowon extols HID Awolowo’s virtues Monday Agu, Jnr

ÏÏÏFormer Head of

State, General Yakubu Gowon, on Thursday, declared that his military administration would eternally remain indebted to late Yeye Oodua and matriarch of the Awolowo family, Mama HID Awolowo for getting her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to serve in his administration, as the Federal Commissioner for Finance in the civil war era. Gowon was at the head of a delegation of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation (OAF) on a condolence visit to the Ikenne country home of the Awolowo dynasty on the death of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo. The former Head of States was accompanied to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos by other members of the Foundation which included the for former Wold Court Judge, Prince Bola

Ajibola, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Professor O.O Akinkungbe, as well as Chief Richard Okafor. Others were Professor ’Funmi Soetan, Pa Olanihun Ajayi, as well as Mr. Olatomiwa Ashaolu, who represented the Obi of Onitsha, among others, who were all received into the Efunyela Hall of the Awolowos by the eldest daughter of the family, Reverend Omotola Oyediran and Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, the Secretary of the Foundation. Delivering the Foundation’s condolence message to the family, Gowon, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, stated that the Foundation was very sad about the passing away of Mama HID, whom he said was a very dear person to the organisation. Gowon noted that the late matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty distinguished herself over the years, emphasising that she also stood with Papa Awolowo throughout the period of his

incarceration before his administration released him and “I made sure that he was re - united with Mama. Of course, you all knew what he did to ensure that we were able to survive as a nation during those two and half years of crisis in Nigeria. And Mama’s contributions really have been tremendous and I will always thank her for that, because if we had not approached her to prevail on papa to join the government, probably he may not have but he then accepted and he did exceptionally well and may God bless him and may God bless his soul. “Papa was very instrumental in some of our successes in government in those days. And how did that come about? It was my fortune and I thank God that it was me that had the opportunity to release papa from prison from Calabar to Lagos and certainly to be able to help us have peace in the West at that time.

gos State Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), Architect Kabir Ahmed Abdullahi, on Thursday, called on residents of the state, to desist from drilling boreholes without government approval. He made the call in Ibadan during a visit tothe President, Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Mr. Michael Ale. He said the state government had directed that, henceforth, anyone interested in drilling a borehole, must go through certain regulations, standardisation, licensing, accreditation, training and enforcements of code of practice. He said these prerequisites and conditions must be strictly adhered to by both the drillers and the beneficiaries. He said that drillers were important to the life of the people of the state considering the salt water intrusion resulting from unregulated drilling. Abdullahi who was honoured with an honorary membership of AWDROP, said the inability of government to provide portable water to its citizenry considering the huge investment and lack of critical urban planning, necessitated the need to have boreholes dug in the nooks and cranny of states in the country.

Five dead as bus plunges into river in Ogun Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏNot

less than five persons reportedly lost their lives when an18-seater commercial bus plunged into Arun River, around J4, at Ogbere, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. The accident reportedly occurred following a break failure. The State Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Adetunji Adegoke, and the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. Both of them said the commercial bus was a Toyota Hiace hummer bus with registration number ONDO AKR 747XA also disclosed that there were only five passengers on board with some goods. Adegoke and Adejobi said the bus was coming from Lagos and heading to Ondo town.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

26 killed, many injured as explosions rock Maiduguri mosque Monday Agu Jr.

ÎÎÎTwo deadly explosions

on Thursday rocked a mosque in Mulai, a suburb of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, leaving at least 26 dead, 25 injured and totally destroying mosque. This is the second attack in three nights that have hit the Borno State capital. The attack was suspected to have been carried out by suicide bombers.

The sound of the explosions echoed over the Borno State capital at about 6:20pm. Sani Usman, spokesman of the Nigerian army, confirmed the attack but said he did not have details. “It’s true that there was an attack but I’m yet to get the details,” he said. A senior official of the Civilian JTF, who asked not to be named in this report, said the two blasts

happened near a mosque in Mulai, some 6 kilometres away from Maiduguri town along the Maiduguri-Biu highways. “We have two bomb explosions this evening in Mulai near a mosque there”, he said. “The bombings happened during prayer time. One cannot immediately give details of the incident but I have sent my boys over there and am still waiting

for their report from the scene.” Another official of the Civilian JTF, who gave his name as Bamusa, “the blasts happened in a mosque during Magrib prayer and many people were killed. “I have nine injured persons in our trucks now and I am heading for the hospital to get them treated because they are in bad shape, “ he said.

L – R: Company Secretary, C & I Leasing Plc, Mr. Mbanugo Udenze; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Managing Director, C&I Leasing Plc, Mr. Emeka Ndu; Chief Finance Officer, C&I Leasing Plc Mr. Alex Mbakogu and Managing Director, C&I Motors, Maureen Ogbonna at the Closing Gong ceremony held at the NSE, Lagos… on Thursday

PDP backs its governorship candidates in Kogi, Bayelsa Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

National Executive Committee, NEC, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the party will support and fight for its candidates in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. The NEC of the PDP has similarly assured that the party will continued to ensure credible, issue based-based opposition as well as strict adherence to democratic tenets and the supremacy of the constitution of the country. These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the NEC meeting of the PDP of Abuja. According to the communique, “After thorough consideration of the report of the Senator Ike Ekweremadu-led Post Election Review Committee, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resolves as follows: “NEC adopted the recommendations of the PostElection Review Committee with amendments. “NEC approved the recommendation of the PostElection Review Committee that the party should seek its 2019 presidential

candidate from the north of Nigeria to enhance its electoral chances. “NEC approved the biometric registration of members nationwide. “NEC approved that the party will support and fight for our candidates in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. “NEC thanked the leaders, elected and appointed officials of the party and members nationwide for their commitment to the party, especially the progress of the National Working Committee (NWC) with regard to the rebuilding efforts. “NEC noted and commended the activities of the party’s publicity in its constructive and robust engagement of the ruling party and urged it to continue in that regard. “NEC assures that the PDP will continued to ensure credible, issue based-based opposition as well as strict adherence to democratic tenets and the supremacy of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “NEC reassures on the re-positioning of the party to regain its pre-eminence in the polity and return to power at the centre come 2019”, it said.

Why Senate shifted Amaechi, others’ screening Continued from page 2 screening of the last batch of the ministerial nominees was one among the reasons the Senate put a hold on their screening. A Senator confided in our correspondent that the list of those cleared by the security operatives was supposed to have been submitted before Thursday’s plenary but that did not happen because some of the nominees were not able to complete the process. It was learnt also that fatigue borne out of the long stretch of screening of nominees by Senators was the reason they shifted the process till next week amid reports that Senators, most especially the leadership

needed a brief period of recess to be able to face another gruelling session of screening next week. However, appearing on a Lagos based television station on Thursday, spokesman of the Senate, Senator Dino Melaye, denied that there was anything untoward about the postponement of the screening of Amaechi, Shittu and the last batch of ministerial nominees. “The leadership has decided that the screening exercise be postponed to Tuesday and Wednesday, because they want a holistic approach to the screening exercise and there is already a resolution that eight or nine would be taken on Tuesday and the rest would be taken on Wednesday.

“Basically, I would want to say I’m a member of that committee and the two petitions were actually examined, and both of them, resolutions reached, and that of Amina Ibrahim has been presented on the floor. “That of Rotimi Amaechi is actually a one-line resolution because in compliance to our response to rules and regulation that any matter that is in court or that is undergoing judicial remedy cannot be presented or even looked into and that is our resolution, because the matter is still undergoing judicial remedy, we cannot look into it. Rotimi Ameachi has no problem. “I have just confirmed now that the report would be ready and be presented

on the floor on Tuesday because he is going to be screened on Tuesday. The essence of the report is to clear him for screening and it has been resolved that it should come on the same day.” The Senate also on Thursday received a petition against one of the nominees, Aisha Abubakar. Presenting the petition before the Senate on Thursday, Ibrahim Gobir, the senator representing Sokoto-east, said “Sokoto people want her to be replaced with a more competent person.” He thereafter laid it before the senate, after which Senate President Bukola Saraki referred it to the committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions.

Aisha, who is in the second list of ministerial nominees forwarded to the Senate on Monday, is the second woman whose nomination has been challenged through a petition. The nomination of Amina Mohammed was challenged through a petition by a group from Kaduna state, who erroneously thought she was nominated to represent Kaduna rather than her native Gombe state. However, after clarifying her state of origin with the fact-finding committee on Monday, she was screened on Tuesday and confirmed minister on Wednesday. Meanwhile, reacting to reports that a member of the PDP in Rivers State, Livingstone Wechie, had secured

an injunction stopping the Senate from screening the Amaechi, the APC in the state insisted that there is no such order from any part of the country. In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Chris Finebone, the party insisted that no court order was given either in Rivers State or in any other court in any part of Nigeria to that effect. The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a statement being circulated in the media that Mr. Livingstone Wechie has obtained a court order restraining the Senate from screening Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as a ministerial nominee.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Police arraign five suspected abductors of Olu Falae ’Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏ Five suspected kidnappers, who allegedly kidnapped the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Olu Falae, were on Thursday, arraigned at the Ondo State High Court in Akure. The suspects; Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibrahim, Masahuda Muhammad, and Idris Lawal were arraigned before Justice Williams Rotimi Ol-

amide. The suspects were paraded in the court by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Ondo State Command, on five count charge bordering on procuring or counselling another for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting, aiding and abetting, kidnapping, conspiracy and armed robbery. The Police told the court that the suspected kidnappers were arrested in different locations of Ondo, Ekiti, and Niger states, while it arrested the king-

pin, Abubakar Auta, who served as the middle man, with the sum of N823, 093. Other items recovered from the suspects were; 12 Sim cards, phone used for Chief Falae ransom negotiation and a Red Bajaj motorcycle with Reg. No; KER 385 QA, used for the kidnapping operation and carrying Chief Olu Falae to their camp when he got tired working in the bush. The Prosecution sheet read that, “Abubakar Auta was arrested In Niger State, Idris Lawan in Ekiti,

Umar Ibrahim in Ondo, while Masahudu Muhammed and Bello Tanu were also arrested in Ekiti State”. It read further “That you, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed, Idris Lawal and others now at large, on or about Monday, 21st September, 2015 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division, did give information for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

7 News

Fayose’s wife frowns at pregnancy rate in Ekiti

ÏÏÏ Wife of

Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, has lamented the high rate of pregnancy among the women in Ekiti State, saying the development is worrisome. The governor’s wife expressed worries over the women delivering more that the number of children they can fend for and advised on the need for women in the productive age bracket to minimise the number of their children. She spoke at Erelu An-

Petrol marketers worry over shut down of loading depots ÏÏÏ Some marketers on

L-R: Vice Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mrs. Sola David Borha; Chairman, NESG, Mr. Kyari Abba Bukar; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal; Chairman, Phillips Consulting, Mr. Folusho Philips and CEO, Kainos Edge Consulting, Mrs. Wonu Adetayo at the closing of the 21st edition of summit group in Abuja… on Thursday

PDP faults APC on state of economy Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) has again lamented the state of Nigerian economy, which is sliding into recession in the hands of the All Progressives Party (APC). The acting Chairman of the Party, Chief Uche Secondus noted this in his speech Thursday, while addressing the National Executive Council NEC in its 67th general meeting. According to Secondus, lack of economic direction by the ruling party, has placed Nigeria on a danger list among nations. He, therefore, called on individual Nigerians to join in criticising every bad move made by the APC as that will bring out the true leadership they crave.

He noted that the success of the party in the National Assembly was as a result of its strong opposition, formed to challenge the incompetence of the ruling party. “It was a forum, which was used to train and mobilise our legislators to excel in our new role as the leading opposition Party. Happily, that initiative became a huge success. Today, the PDP as an opposition Party, has become the driving force in the National Assembly and our own Senator Ike Ekweremadu, is the Deputy Senate President, a feat unprecedented in the political history of Nigeria” Secondus declared. Chief Secondus maintained that the impact of the improved capacity of our communication machinery is resonating in

the body polity and which the PDP have effectively engaged the ruling APC government constructively in the national interest. According to him, the leadership of the Party has equally been effective in galvanising support for all elected officials against the inordinate ambition of the ruling Party to take our mandates from the back door. “We did it in Ekiti where we mobilised to prevent the so-called impeachment of Gov. Ayo Fayose. Our legal department is equally doing a wonderful job in pursuing cases affecting our members in the election tribunals. “Also, we have successfully conducted a credible and generally accepted governorship primaries for Kogi and Bayelsa States.

The processes in those two states have shown-cased our resolve to engender internal democracy and cost efficiency in our Party primaries processes. Our candidates for the elections would not need to spend all their funds in the primary election.

Secondus

gela Adebayo Children’s Home, Iyin Ekiti on Thursday shortly after she donated a model school to the orphanage, saying “the record of pregnancy in the state is frightening. It is high time the family raised the number of children it can cater for. “What really happened was that I took a statistics of pregnant women in Ekiti State. And in only 13 local governments, we have over 3,715 pregnant women as at July this year, which I think is too much.

Thursday expressed concern over the shutdown of all loading depots of the Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC) in the South West due to activities of vandals. The marketers, who spoke in Lagos on condition of anonymity, expressed worry as over 2,000 trucks from various states in the South West now come to load at private depots in Apapa. Our correspondent, who monitored the situation at Ejigbo Satellite Depot in Lagos, and Mosimi Depot

in Ogun State, reported that loading was no longer going on at these places although trucks were parked there. An executive member of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at Ejigbo Satellite Depot, who preferred anonymity, said that it had been a serious challenge to trucks coming from Kwara, Ilorin, Ekiti, and Kogi to load at Apapa. The source said that the current situation could lead to fuel scarcity if urgent steps were not taken.

50% Nigerians unsure of HIV status – Group Monday Agu Jnr

ÏÏÏ

The AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF), an NGO, on Thursday, said that about 50 per cent of Nigerians were yet to know their HIV status. Advocacy Manager of the group, Mrs Oluwakemi Gbadamosi, said this in Abuja in an interview with reporters. Gbadamosi said the figure was worrisome because of Nigeria’s population of about 170 million people and its status as a country with the second highest burden of HIV in Africa after South Africa. According to her, Nigeria’s current HIV testing uptake is quite low and for a country targeting 50 percent testing coverage, a

robust community testing drive is needed to bridge the yawning gap. Speaking on the prevalence rate, Gbadamosi said the country had 3.1 per cent prevalence, with about 3.5 million people living with the disease globally. She said the UNAIDS in 2013, put the figures at 3.5 million people living with HIV out of which 1.6 million people required antiretro viral drugs. The UNAIDS, she said, puts the treatment gap at over 54 per cent, revealing that only about 673,000 persons out of those living with the disease were currently accessing treatment. However, she urged stakeholders to put in place policies to enable more people living with the virus access treatment using anti-retroviral drugs.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Politics

Æs There was confusion in Oyo State on Thursday following a report in national newspaper that the Appeal Court in Ibadan has upheld the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the last election and thrown out the appeal of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja who challenged his electoral victory. The confusion was compounded when the broadcast media in the state started airing the news on their network in the state. However, the report was immediately countered by the Ladoja

Confusion in Oyo over alleged Ajimobi victory at tribunal ...As tribunal upholds Dankwambo’s election

Ajimobi

Why many are against Gov Ortom - Agerzua

Ortom

Suswam

Akinjide Akintola Tahav Agerzua is the Special Adviser on Media and ICT to the Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom.

He had served as Chief Press Secretary to former Governor George Akume, ICT Consultant to the immediate past Governor, Gabriel Suswam and Assistant Editor of The Voice newspaper

Agerzua owned by the Benue State Government. In this interview, the veteran Journalist outlined the major achievements recorded by his principal within his one hundred days in

office. FREDDIE ADAMGBE reports: Since you introduced ICT to governance in the Ortom administration, how has the work been?

camp which warned the APC against setting the state on fire with such misinformation. The Accord Party in the state, the platform under which Ladoja contested against the incumbent Governor Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warned of the dire consequence of such ‘blatant lies’ in the media. The party through a release by its spokesman, Dr. Nureni Adeniran specifically warned APC against setting the state on fire. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

My quest for ICT has prompted me to visit NITDA and Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), the two bodies that drive ICT in Nigeria. We are preparing a submission to them because they do a whole lot of activities and we got a list of their interventions in Benue State, there are a team visiting the sites in the state to assess what is on ground so that we can know where we need their intervention in the area of training, empowerment of schools, libraries and rejuvenating some of the ICT sites in Benue. We have already set up a committee on core ICT. That committee has presented its report about where we are, where to be and what we need to do. Right now we are implementing stage by stage the recommendations of that committee, work is ongoing but these things have a gestation period and very soon before the year runs out, you will see the manifestation of these things in the ICT world. There has been series of criticisms and attacks trailing the administration of Governor Samuel Ortom for some time now. How have you been able to address them? I always react to these wrong notions or information about CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Buhari’s 79% job approval rating historic - Group

Buhari

Jonathan

Yar’Adua

Obasanjo

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

9 Politics

As Tribunal upholds Dankwambo’s election CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

The statement read in parts: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication in The Nation newspaper this morning titled “Court upholds Ajimobi’s election”, We have discovered that All Progressive Congress (APC) has the tradition of distorting and twisting the court proceedings to mislead the general public. The APC stalwarts engaged in this misinformation with the connivance with some section of the media particularly The Nation newspapers. “We are therefore constraint to put across to the general public that the publication that has been hyped by some broadcast media was not the true actuality of what transpired at the court. It is therefore necessary for ACCORD to state what transpired and the party’s prayers before the court. The Appellate court sitting in Ibadan affirmed the decision of the Tribunal that dismissed the application of the petitioners which seek to submit the forensic report of the recounting of ballot papers for which they earlier got leave of the tribunal. “The Appeal held that parties to a case cannot consent to contravene the law, that the verbal agreement counsel to the appellant based is argument on is grossly insufficient, while the judges dismissed the objections raised by counsels to the respondents that the motion brought before the court by the appellant was not duly signed. The learned judges held that the motion was duly signed by leading counsel of the appellant R A Ogunwole SAN, and therefore dismissed the objection.

Ajimobi

Ladoja

Dankwambo

“The ruling of the appellate court does not in anyway affect the substantive suit before the election tribunal as regards the election petition filed by the ACCORD and its flag bearer in 2015 governorship election in Oyo state, Senator Ladoja. The tribunal has not set aside any date for its ruling. The published story negates what was transpired in court. “The newspaper authority threw decency to the wind to work against the Journalism Code of Ethics (Part 1 and 3) which states: The public has a right to know. Factual, accurate balance and fair reporting is the ultimate objective of good journalism and the basis of earning public trust and confidence. A journalist should refrain from publishing inaccurate and misleading information. Where such information has been inadvertently published, prompt cor-

rection should be made. A journalist must hold the right of reply as a cardinal rule of practice. In the course of his duties a journalist should strive to separate facts from conjecture and comment. While sections of 11 and 12 says: PUBLIC INTEREST A journalist should strive to enhance national unity and public good. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY A journalist should promote universal principles of human rights, democracy, justice, equity, peace and international understanding. “As a disciplined party that believes in the rule of law, we have maintained our calmness within the ambits of constitution/laws of the land. We are constraint to watch the flagrant abuse of privilege and recklessness with which the leadership of the All Progressive Congress has taken laws into

their hands making/running comments on case that are yet to be adjudicated on while the authority concerned look the other way. The law-enforcement agents also did not help matters while acting on spurious allegations against our party members. “We therefore want to warn the APC and it’s agents not to task our patience anymore and we call on the law enforcement and security agents in the state to call the party-APC to order before they set the state on fire. We are law abiding citizens and politicians willing to ensure that peace reign in the state, but would not fold arms watching our supporters and members being subjected to public ridicule by miscreants masquerading as politicians”. Meanwhile, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Gombe has upheld the return of Ahaji Ibrahim Dankwambo of the PDP as the duly elected gover-

nor of Gombe State. Delivering judgement on the petition filed by the APC and its gubernatorial candidate in the state, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Mohammad Sirajo, held that the petitioners had not mustered enough evidence to prove their allegations of electoral malpractice and irregularity. He said that the allegations of violence during the election, overstuffing and snatching of ballot boxes as well as falsification of results, were criminal in nature that needed to be proved “beyond all reasonable doubts”. The Chairman noted that the petitioners had failed to discharge their responsibility of providing enough proof that would warrant the granting of their prayers. He therefore dismissed the petition for lack of merit and upheld the return of Dankwambo as the governor of the state. In his reaction after the verdict, counsel to the petitioners, Barr. Abdulganiyu Bello, said he would consult with his clients to decide on the next line of action. “We are all members to the temple of justice; I urge our supporters to take it easy, this is just the first step,” he told newsmen. However, Counsel to Gov. Dankwambo who was the First Respondents, Barr Zubairu Mohammed, hailed the verdict, describing it as fair. “We deserve the victory because all the grounds of petition were very weak” “We are grateful to Almighty God for seeing us through to the end of this case,” he said.

Gov Ortom is the best bargain for Benue - Agerzua CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

ment but you see this is democracy and what you referred to as attacks or criticisms are feedback. You need to know how people feel or think about our administration. However it is sad to know that some people from the beginning have a set mind that nothing good could come out of Ortom for various reasons. Some for pecuniary reasons because they know that Ortom would not patronize them because of what they do that has no appeal to what we do and how we came into office. Some it is a carryover of the election and they still feel bitter because their comfort zones had been disturbed by our victory. Then some it is simply mischief because they know

that what they say is not true. But what baffles me most is that the media is not playing its role of balancing these reports before they go to the press. One of the professional requirements is that you will be fair to all sides. There would no need for me to go on air to clear these wrong notions if media practitioners attempt to reach us. You know that government is structured in such a way that there are several media managers, if you can’t reach me, you can meet the Commissioner for information or the Senior Special Assistant or the governor himself. The government media team is structured in a way that no man can hold government from CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Ortom

Suswam

Agerzua

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Agerzua: This masquerade will dance very well

Ortom

Suswam

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

man can hold government from grinding. But let me appreciate my colleagues for what they have been doing for us. Let me also request them to always hear our side of the story to make my work lighter and enjoy it better. You can agree with me that Ortom’ s government is the best bargain that this state has ever had. This is someone who has schooled in the school of life. His background from humble beginning to where he is today. Someone who works at different levels and he is the man that is best equipped for the job. Benue people who gave him their mandate should also know that he is the right person they asked for and God gave them. What are the benefits of Governor Ortom’s foreign trips to the people of Benue State? United Nations is the umbrella body for many development partners with so many organs to deliver service to the people. Most of these organs have become development partners. For instance,

UNICEF, IFAD and many others that are already executing projects in the state. So when a General Assembly of UN is convened, most of the leaders or managers of these agencies converged at the assembly. There are many events that go on simultaneously during the UN Assembly. There are side events that target particular areas. For instance, when we went there, what attracted us most was the side event on the control of HIV/ AIDS. Benue State took the lead in the prevalent rate for several years. Fortunately for us, it is dropping and our desire is to keep it as low as possible. So we went there so as to deepen our relationship withj these partners. Before we went there were aware that President Buhari was going to address the UN Assembly and deliver an address at these side events. Our interest was to present there and take up issues with him and so many other people particularly in that area. Incidentally, our son, Prof John Idoko is the president of NACA and also delivered a paper there. The winding down

Agerzua of the Millennium Development Goals was discussed there and its transition to Sustainable Development Goals. Those were the two greatest things that attracted us. Interestingly, the Sustainable Development Goals was anchored by another Benue indigene who was the former General Manager of The Voice newspaper, Mr Ochapa Ogenyi. In fact, it was an opportunity to meet the people in those areas and we held a very useful discussion with them. It was interesting that we have met with people who are interested to come over and do massive housing projects. These houses are prefabricated all the components are manufactured and kept. They just come and assemble them in place. We have similar houses here but with better technology now they more durable and cheaper and available and easier to build. So we invited them to the state to join our professionals and fine tune the discussion and reduce it to a workable frame work. Recently, Governor Ortom clocked 100 days in office, can

you avail us with his achievements with in this period? As a matter of fact, you cannot assess an administration that has a tenure of four years in just 100 days. But there is a saying that a masquerade that dances well is known by its first step in the dancing arena. I think this masquerade will dance very well because of its first step we took. Benue people are aware that we inherited a deficit treasury. This is the first time a government in this state will face such a situation. All the past administrations started on a sound footing and hit the ground running from day one. However, when Ortom took over, the first step he took to demonstrate that he met a difficult situation, trimmed down the number ministries from 17 to 13 and the number of Special Advisers from 28 to 20. This is to show that the cost of overhead and cost of running government is reduced. Then we followed this shortly by organising retreats for government officials at the Banquet Hall of the Peoples House

inside Government House here in Makurdi instead of going to Obudu Mountain Resort as it was the case when the economy was stable and the state could afford that. And because Governor Ortom was eager to perform, Benue was among the five states in this country to constitute the Executive Council. It must interest you to know that some states are even yet to constitute theirs. We have already held the 8th Executive Council which afforded us to take decisions at the highest level in the state, that shows that we are ready and prepared for work. At the time we came in there were disputes between unions and the government in the state at the Benue State University for several months. We went into dialogue with the University lecturers and that was resolved and they have resumed work. The implication of that resumption and the commitment we have made was similar to starting a new university. As you know education is the greatest industry in Benue. Benue State CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

“As a matter of fact, you cannot assess an administration that has a tenure of four years in just 100 days. But there is a saying that a masquerade that dances well is known by its first step in the dancing arena. I think this masquerade will dance very well because of its first step we took. All the past administrations started on a sound footing and hit the ground running from day one. However, when Ortom took over, the first step he took to demonstrate that he met a difficult situation”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

11 Politics

How Ortom restored Benue’s pride - Agerzua CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

University has students from every council ward in Benue and if the University is reopened then the Ortom administration automatically touched every council ward in the state. If you asked me to name one single thing we have achieved in the first 100 days in office, I will tell you that it is the reopening of the Benue State University. But our greatest joy is the accreditation of the School of Health Sciences in the University which lasted for more 13 years and medical students who ought have graduated 12 years ago remained stagnant. So despite the lean resources, Governor Ortom tackled that accreditation challenge and now the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria have given accreditation for five years and that means that in the next five years the School of Health Sciences will be graduating 50 medical doctors every year. So we are going to produce 250 doctors from our own medical school by the grace of God and you know what that can do to the health care system in the state. The students have signed a bond to work in the state for a number years upon graduation before they move out. The state government has placed them on a salary grade level that has committed them to that arrangement. We are happy that we do that. Go to the School of Nursing and

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

The BMSG makes the assertion against the backdrop of the NOI Poll monthly report for September, 2015 that puts the President’s latest approval rating at a historical high of 79%. According to BMSG, the 79 percent job rating of the President by Nigerians across the country, according to NOI, has clearly shown that more Nigerians are becoming enthused with the work rate and service delivery threshold of President Buhari. Quoting from the result of the poll unveiled by NOI, BMSG notes that mere 11 percent of Nigerians disapproved of the job rating of the President while 11 percent were undecided. “It must be noted that no other President had recorded this level of approval rating since the NOI Polls commenced the business of pollster in the country some four years ago,” Malam Muhammad Labbo and Chief Cassidy Madueke, Coordinator and Secretary, respec-

Ortom

Suswam

Midwifery and now see ongoing work there. That is the school where graduates used to have jobs in every part of the world: Europe, Asia, America. That is the school that has its accreditation withdrawn in the last three years and was going to fold up after this year. Today the Ortom administration sunk funds into it and renovation is in top gear and we hope that by the end of this year the structures will be completed and the accreditation team will come inspect it full accreditation. Before we came in, things were so bad that workers were paid half or quarter salaries. But in spite of hard times and dwindling re-

sources, Ortom commenced the payment of full salaries. Plans are in top gear to beef up IGR to for the welfare of other section of the state who are not employed in anywhere. Remember also that the staff of the Technical College at BSU were not paid salaries for five years which Ortom had paid three months salary. We also promote peace between Tiv and Fulani herders as well as deepen or relationship with our neighbour Taraba state. Remember the recent meeting with governor of Taraba State and our governor for joint security meeting so many peace efforts are put in place. This is part of Governor Ortom’

Agerzua s pledge to reconcile the people within his 100 days in office. He interfaced with traditional rulers especially in Tiv land. Part of that reconciliation is the Amnesty program. The spate of crime was on the rise when we came in with a lot of killings especially in Benue North East. This program was imperative since insecurity is capable of distracting investment in the state and so the government has to secure the Benue environment. The governor has introduced the stick and carrot approach in the first phase of the Amnesty Program which has yielded positive results. The underworld kingpins led by Ghana

had surrendered their weapons. Also all the international development partners who had left the state are now returning to the state and the government is committed to paying its counterpart funds and signed an MOU with Chinese and American investors in several areas in infrastructure. Government has also procured new transmitters for the state owned radio station. As part of our determination to collaborate with the private sector government has paid the compensation fund to the community in North Bank for the take of AIT. Government has released funds for the construction and equipping of a laboratory at Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev. We sponsored lawyers from both the official and private bars to attend the NBA 2015 Conference in Abuja. We also released funds for the renovation of courts and judges quarters. We procured vehicles for government officials and released funds for completion of Benue State Assembly Complex. Today water is flowing in Otobi and Katsina Ala because water we have cleared the outstanding bills owned the water companies. Work on the construction of Daudu Gbajimba Road is ongoing. So these are some of the achievements of the Chief Samuel Ortom administration with in the period of one hundred days in office.

‘It must be noted that no other President had recorded this level of approval rating’ tively of the group said in the statement. “When considered along the fact that President Buhari had continuously secured high approval ratings of Nigerians for his work rate and service deliv-

ery since the first month after his inauguration in June when he recorded 70 percent job approval only declining marginally to 69 percent in June but rising sharply to 77 per cent in August to the current 79

percent job rating approval in September, it can be surmised that the President was well prepared for the task of elevating Nigeria to higher social and economic status. “What these impressive pub-

lished job ratings imply is that Nigerians have become trusting of the capacity and commitment of the President to deliver on promises made during his campaigns”, the group stressed.

Buhari

Jonathan

Yar’Adua

Obasanjo

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Fadipe's widow narrates how late husband, mother, others were stabbed Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏWife

of late Lagosbased human rights activist, lawyer Fadipe, Mrs Kemi Fadipe, narrated to a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Thursday, how alleged suspected killer, stabbed her husband, mother, son and her sister. During the trial before Justice Atinuke Ipaye, Mrs Fadipe, the first prosecution witness, told the court how her husband sustained various injuries before he died in the hospital. While narrating the incident, she said the incident happened on July 3, 2014 at10p.m. after the deceased returned home late from the office, took his meal and re-

tired into his room. "He retired into his roon, after taking his meal, my sons went to their room adjacent to his. My sister, (Abiola Owolabi) who worked with him in the chamber lived with us. My mother who came for her eye surgery was also with us at home. “The power generator set was on because there was no light. So, I asked my17 years old boy, Folahanmi, to go and switch off the generator. After about five minutes later, I heard him shouting ‘my daddy, my daddy, there is a thief in the house’”, she said. Mrs Fadipe also told the court that the accused chased his son to the liv-

ing room, having stabbed him, where she was watching television with the deceased. "He (accused) was shouting that somebody was going to die that night. I was scared and hid behind my husband. He said the house was surrounded by other members of his gang. He demanded for N500,000, but we kept begging him. My husband asked me to bring the envelope in his trouser which contained money but the defendant slapped my son at that point, all of us got angry and pushed him. Immediately he stabbed my mother, son and sister. He also stabbed my husband with the knife which cut my husband’s

neck. At that period, the OPC member came in and over powered him. We took my husband to hospital some minutes before 12 a.m. but he died some minutes past 1a.m. My mother died two weeks after she heard of my husband’s death.” Mrs. Fadipe’s sister, Abiola Owolabi, also told the court that the accused stabbed the deceased on several parts of his body. She added that efforts by members of the family to overpower the accused by hitting him on the head with various objects was not successful. “He was very strong and had strength of 10 persons,” she said.

‘Ember’ months: Imo govt tasks road users on safety Ogunyemi Esther

ÏÏÏThe Imo State Govern-

ment, on Thursday, advised all road users in the state to respect rules and regulation stipulated under the law to avoid accident. The Secretary to the Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu, gave this advice, while inaugurating the 2015 Federal Road Safety Corps for Ember Months with the theme, "Operation Sanity: Driving Safety into Year 2016 at Chukwuma Nwoha Junction, Egbu Road. The event attracted top officers from the Nigeria Po-

Stakeholders call for continuous training of civil servants Remi Oladoye

Ibadan Stakeholders in the academic, civil and public services have called for training and retraining of the current crop of civil servants to ensure efficiency in the service. They made the call, on Thursday, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, during the launch of two books; “Ibadan Empire” and “Trained to Advise”, written by a former permanent secretary in the old Western Region and Oyo State, Chief Toye Ogunyemi. Speaking at the occasion, the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, declared that the need to

ÏÏÏ

Wife of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio (2nd left); Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, (3rd left) and others jubilating after the tribunal upheld the victory of Senator Akpabio in Abuja… on Wednesday

Pensioners want Buhari to revisit PHCN sale ÏÏÏA passionate call has

been made to President Muhammadu Buhari by the pensioners of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to revisit the sale agreement of the company as part of the efforts to sanitise the power sector and save funds for the country. Leading the pensioners in a chat with newsmen, Alhaji Idris Amasa, said the call was necessary as “PHCN buildings and the National Integrated Power Project

(NIPP) were not included in the agreement”. The pensioners spoke in Gombe during the weekend while making a case for their unpaid pension and arrears of salary. According to him, PHCN pensioners were in penury and suffering as a result of their unpaid pension. He said, “We pensioners are in great financial difficulty because of the nonpayment of our pension and arrears as most of us do not

have alternative means of income and cannot even pay our children’s school fees”. He said, “The last sallah celebration was the worst for most of us as none of us was able to slaughter a lamb, let alone a ram and meeting up with other family obligations. “Mr. President needs to know that PHCN pensioners have not been paid their pensions for December 2014, August and September 2015”, said Amasa.

He therefore appealed to Buhari to prevail on the authorities of the company to pay the pension and all arrears owed their retirees and bail them out of the penury they are faced with.

Buhari

lice, military and paramilitary establishments in the country. Ejiogu maintained that over the years, the FRSC had done well to keep road traffic crashes and attendant casualties in check, saying that the commission had deployed every available resources through viable programmes and strategies towards creating a serene motoring environment. He further said that the vision could not be achieved by mere wish but through robust efforts geared towards respecting laid down road rules and regulations.

Kogi: Wada to improve welfare of judges ÏÏÏKogi

State governor, Captain Idris Wada, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to improve upon the welfare of the Judges in the state. He also stressed that his administration would sustain the renewed efforts to make their work environment more comfortable and more convenient. Wada, who made this known while speaking at inauguration of Kogi State

train more workers was imperative to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in service. Ajimobi, who declared that his administration had trained many workers in the state both at home and abroad, noted that over 50 workers have been sent for trainings abroad in the last one year. He noted that the nonpartisan nature of the celebrator had paid off urging other workers to borrow a leave from him. The Chairman of the occasion and the immediate past President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, urged the state head of service to embark on training and retraining of civil servants to meet the present realities. High Court Justice Information Communication Technology Centre, as well as Lugard Court and Family Court, in Lokoja, on Thursday, stated that the inauguration of the centre marked a critical point in a bid to enhance efficiency of judicial function through the use of information technology. The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, stated that lawyers’ responsibilities were information-intensive, which made it imperative for him to access such tools and technologies that would speed up documentation, management and information processing.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday October 16, 2015

13 International

Burundi, Rwanda relations deteriorate

French Special Forces hurt in Mali mine blast

ÏÏÏParis - Three members of the

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza is sworn in for a third term at a ceremony in the parliament in Bujumbura, Aug. 20, 2015.

ÏÏÏBurundi

has been dealing with unrest on and off since April when President Pierre Nkurunziza launched his bid for a third term. But the conflict isn’t just internal. Tensions with neighboring Rwanda have steadily been on the rise. Relations between Central African neighbors Burundi and Rwanda, rarely warm, have been on the downswing in recent months. “Before the crisis, the relations were already a bit complicated, but during the crisis, there has been an

exchange of accusations between Bujumbura and Kigali, and both capitals consider that the other capital is supportive of its opponents,” said Thierry Vircoulon, Central Africa project director at the International Crisis Group. The crisis he refers to is Burundi's internal unrest. Opponents of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza said his bid for reelection in April violated the constitution and the Arusha Agreement that led to the end of Burundi's civil war in 2003, when the cease-fire

was signed. A coup attempt in May and Nkurunziza’s re-election in a poll boycotted by opponents did nothing to calm the situation. Rwandan President also criticized Nkurunziza’s decision to seek a third term, and accused him of harboring a Rwandan rebel group. “Kigali accused the Burundian government of basically hosting or relegating some elements of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) to be in Burundi, and to move more or less freely between Burundi and

Congo. And at the same time, the Burundian government has accused Kigali of supporting its opponents,” said Vircoulon. Some Rwandans traveling to Burundi have reported arrests and beatings. Earlier this month, Burundi expelled Rwandan diplomat Desire Nyaruhirira, whom it accused of trying to destabilize the country. Meanwhile, Kagame has been accused by Burundian officials of aiding the coup attempt and backing fighters in northern Burundi -- allegations that Kigali denies.

Obama to keep troops in Afghanistan beyond 2016

French special forces were injured this week in a landmine blast in northern Mali, the ministry of defence said on Thursday. The incident happened on Tuesday, the ministry said, without giving details of the seriousness of their injuries. "Three members of the special forces were injured this week," ministry spokesperson Pierre Bayle said. Army spokesperson Colonel Gilles Jaron added: "They triggered a mine in the north of Mali." Nine French soldiers have died in Mali where 1 300 French military personnel are deployed to fight jihadists.In July 2014, a soldier was killed in a suicide attack and in August another died from "accidental fire" from one of his comrades in the main French camp in the town of Gao. The troops in Mali are part of a 3 000-strong French force fighting jihadists in west Africa in what is called Operation Barkhane. The jihadists still control large parts of Mali and while attacks were previously concentrated in the north, they have spread to the centre and south of the country this year.

Kerekou, ex-Benin president, dies at 82 ÏÏÏBenin has declared a week

the changes Thursday morning from the White House. Officials said he would outline plans to maintain the current force of 9,800 troops in Afghanistan through most of next year, then draw down to 5 500 troops in 2017, at a pace still to be determined by commanders. The officials previewed the decisions on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly ahead of the president. US officials have been hinting at the policy shift for weeks, noting that conditions on the ground in Afghanistan have changed since Obama's initial decision on a sharper troop withdrawal timeline was made more than two years

ago. The White House has also been buoyed by having a more reliable partner in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who succeeded the mercurial Hamid Karzai last year. "The narrative that we're leaving Afghanistan is self-defeating," Defence Secretary Ash Carter said Wednesday during a speech at the Association of the US Army. "We're not, we can't and to do so would not be to take advantage of the success we've had to date." While officials said the Afghan policy had been under review for several months, Obama's decision to leave more forces in Afghanistan than initially envisioned was reinforced when Taliban fighters took control of the key northern

city of Kunduz late last month, prompting a protracted battle with Afghan forces on the ground, supported by US airstrikes. During the fighting, a US airstrike hit a hospital, killing 22 people, including 12 Doctors Without Borders staff and 10 patients.

Obama

of mourning for former President Mathieu Kerekou, who died Wednesday at age 82. No cause of death was announced. Kerekou received his military training in Paris and returned to what was then the French colony of Dahomey as a senior military officer. He seized power in 1972 and declared a Marxist state, later changing its name to Benin. But after a failed economy and a long period of social unrest in the country, Kerekou renounced Marxism and declared Benin a democracy, becoming one of the first West African leaders to hold a free presidential election. He lost the 1991 vote but won in 1996 and rem

Egyptians are preparing to Egypt's next ÏÏÏ go to the polls in the second parliamentary elections since dictator parliament Hosni Mubarak was toppled in a 2011 revolution. But with PresiAbdel-Fattah al-Sisi firmly in unlikely to dent control, there is little excitement about elections many expect to challenge result in a fractured but loyalist parliament. The Cairo headquarof Egypt's former ruling party, Sisi ters torched during the 2011 uprising

against Hosni Mubarak, is being demolished just as the country prepares for its second parliamentary elections since the dictator was toppled. The 14-storey burned-out hulk, a constant reminder of the revolt over the past four years, has been levelled halfway to the ground. Former army chief Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi ousted the country's first elected president, Islamist

Mohammed Morsi, amid mass demonstrations two years ago. Last year he himself was elected president with over 96% of the vote.Since then, he has been ruling by decree - an Islamist-dominated parliament elected in 2011-12 was dissolved after a 2012 court ruling. But many suspect that the coming parliament will be no more inclined to challenge the ruler than past assemblies dominated by

Mubarak's National Democratic Party. The multi-phase polls, which start on Sunday, have aroused scant enthusiasm. In cafes and on the streets, there is little sign of the lively political discussions that marked the first elections after Mubarak's fall. That, of course, may also be due to the revival of the feared National Security service - these days, many are wary of talking about politics in public.

ÏÏÏPresident Barack Obama will

keep 5 500 US troops in Afghanistan when he leaves office in 2017, according to senior administration officials, casting aside his promise to end the war on his watch. Obama had originally planned to pull out all but a small, embassybased US military presence by the end of next year, a timeline coinciding with the final weeks of his presidency. But military leaders argued for months that the Afghans needed additional assistance and support from the US to beat back a resurgent Taliban and hold onto gains made over the last 14 years of American bloodshed and billions of dollars in aid. The president was to announce

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Ogun Senatorial tribunal: Dapo Abiodun replies Kashamu Tomi Olabisi

ÏÏÏThe

Ogun East Senatorial District candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general election, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Prince Buruji Kashamu to seek further legal advice in the interpretation of the judgement passed against him by the National and State Assemblies Election Petitions Tribunal recently. Prince Abiodun had petitioned the tribunal seeking among others, nullification of Kashamu’s victory at the polls and the tribunal had, last week, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to carry out fresh elections into some of the disputed areas in

90 days. In some national dailies (not the Daily Times), Prince Kashamu, had through his spokesman, Austin Oniyokor, said that "For clarification purposes, we reiterate that the tribunal did not nullify Kashamu’s election". But in a statement, responding to the newspaper report, Prince Abiodun, through his media aide, Femi Ezekiel, wondered why the Senator was finding it difficult to interpret the verdict of the tribunal. The statement read: "What does 'set aside' mean, as used by the three Justices in their verdict on Friday, October 9? Is this not a matter of semantic? I think, the 1st

Respondent has to take the judgement papers to his counsels for proper interpretation and understanding. "Our team of brilliant counsels, led by Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN), and three other SANs, Rickey Tarfa, Abiodun Owonikoko, K.K. Eleja, and 12 others, including Dr. Olumide Afenifere, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude, can't be misinterpreting this judgment and Kashamu should just do himself good by consulting his lawyers for interpretation. "Ideally, Kashamu lacks basis to remain in the National Assembly anymore, as the very basis has been set aside by the Tribunal until he appeals the judgement.

“I wonder why he continues to go to the red chamber to benchwarm. We are patiently waiting for his next line of action and it is only a matter of time, 90 days will one day be only a day away". But the APC Senatorial candidate said the tribunal's verdict has confirmed his position that the said Senatorial election was majorly characterised by fraud, irregularities, violence, intimidation and inducement of voters, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, several breaches of the 2015 guidelines for elections, and other electoral malpractices perpetrated by the PDP candidate, his paid agent, crannies, thugs and members of the PDP.

Oyo: Accord Party warns APC against misinformation Remi Oladoye

Ibadan Accord party in Oyo State has warned the Senator Ajimobiled All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State from distabilising the peace in Oyo state by misinforming the public about the ongoing gubernatorial tribunal case. The party, in a release by its spokesman, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, specifically warned APC against setting the state on fire. The statement read in parts: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication in The Nation newspaper this morning titled “Court upholds Ajimobi’s election”, we have discovered that All Progressives Congress (APC) has the tradition of distorting and twisting the court proceedings to mislead the general public. “The APC stalwarts engaged in this misinformation with the connivance with some section of the media particularly, The Nation newspapers. “We are therefore constraint to put across to the general public that the publication that being hype by some broadcast media, was not the true actuality of what transpired at the court on Tuesday. It is therefore necessary for ACCORD to state what transpired and the party’s prayers before the court” the statement added.

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Araba of Mushin, Ifagbemi Ifajobi; President, Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Evah; Guest Speaker, Dr. Enomhen Omhanke Sylvester and Chief Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams during a lecture in commemoration of the Olokun festival in Lagos.

We shall resist increase in electricity tariff, says TUC

ÏÏÏThe Trade Union Congress

of Nigeria (TUC) has noted with dismay recent media reports on plans by electricity distribution companies (DISCO) in the country to increase the tariff on electricity by an average of 49.4 percent. In a statement issued on Thursday by the TUC, read thus: “We understand that a number of proposals have already been submitted to the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) pursuant to this objective. In view of the present harsh economic realities in the land, it is our view that the proposed increase is wrong and lacks human face. “Why should the masses be at the receiving end of every wrong and retrogressive policy in the country? Why must they always pay for what the rich consume more of ? What sense does it make

for a man who earns less than N20, 000 per month to be made to pay over N8, 000 for electricity bill alone within the same month? “Why should they pay so much for what they do not use regularly enough, with officers of the distribution companies rarely bothering to read the analogue metres? Why should these questionable issues that are spared no thought in other climes always take centre stage in Nigeria? Surely Nigerians deserve a much better deal. “Also, the Congress is informed that NERC is considering introducing measures that will facilitate reduction of the rate of the fixed charge on consumers. What has been happening all along is same with what is obtainable in the telecom sector. They either assign tones to subscribers or enrol them on plans that attract daily,

weekly or monthly deductions. We say no to this nonsensical idea. “The N750 charge is fundamentally fraudulent and unjust and must be outrightly abolished. Anyone canvassing its sustenance or any increase in tariff does a grave disservice to the nation. “Implementation of the planned increase would amount to an invitation to anarchy. It is totally oppressive, indefensible and retrogressive. Little wonder that the NERC has been foot-dragging on the issue of making prepaid meters readily available to consumers of electricity because of the excessive billing they have been imposing on all and sundry. There is no gainsaying the fact that the present billing system is crazy, and any increase in tariff at this time is bound to make it even crazier.

Ajimobi

Bus driver, conductor arraigned for stealing Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏA

Lagos Chief Magistrate Court, sitting in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, has arraigned two persons, Dare Akpabieku and Sunday Idowu on alleged stealing. Akpabieku, a conductor and Idowu, a driver who both have no fixed address were alleged to have conspire with one another to steal on Alex Ekocha, after burgling his car. The accused persons were arraigned on three charges bordering on conspiracy, burgling and stealing. The charge against the duo read: "That you Dare Akpabieku 'm' and Sunday Idowu 'm' on the 7th October, 2015, at about 0200hrs, Railway Line, Jetty Iddo, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire with one another to commit felony to wit stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 409 of the criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011. "That you Dare Akpabieku 'm' and Sunday Idowu 'm' on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district, did burgled one Ford Space Wagon car with registration no TA 01 LND, property of one Alex Ekocha and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 306(2)of the criminal law of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

Legal experts canvass total reform of judiciary Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏLegal experts in the country

on Thursday, in a communique, called for a total reform of the nation’s judiciary to make it more accountable and responsive to changes in the society. They insisted that a complete overhaul of the judiciary was inevitable to make its institution stand for what it should be, as the last hope of the common man, especially the aggrieved ones. And to enable judiciary at all the tier of government enjoy sustainable public confidence and trust in the performance of its constitutional roles. This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), annual colloquium, held in Abuja, on Thursday. They said that the judicial financial autonomy must be enforced in the new reform and implemented as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. It must be enforced to sustain its integrity and free it from undue influence and interference from other arms of the government.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

15 Opinion

Vendetta in Department of State Security (DSS)

Ikechukwu Amaechi

hen President Muhammadu Buhari pulled out his kinsman, Lawal Daura, from retirement to head the Department of State Services (DSS), it did not come as a surprise to many. The DSS with Ita Ekpenyong as Director General had become overtly partisan in the run up to the 2015 general election and the moment former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the vote, it was apparent that Ekpenyong’s days were numbered. It didn’t also come as a surprise to many discerning observers of the country’s security and power architecture when about 40 DSS top ranking personnel, including its rambunctious and noisy spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, were sacked or compulsorily retired on August 31. What many Nigerians did not foresee, however, was what happened two weeks later. On September 11, the appointments of 60 trainee officers out of 452 that belonged to Basic Course 28 of 2014 codenamed COBC28/2014 were whimsically terminated and

the trainees thrown out of the State Services Academy (SSA) in Lagos. Those dismissed had only one month of training to undergo before their commissioning as senior intelligence officers on October 26, 2015. Those whose appointments were terminated had not only undergone the basic training in the academy but also the three-month attachment at DSS state commands nationwide where they learnt how to handle high calibre weapons, detonate bombs and all sorts of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Security experts from the British Secret Service were also hired by Nigeria to take them on special intelligence gathering courses in counterterrorism and insurgency. They had been on this since December 2014 and many of them were already in celebratory mood, having only one month left. None of the trainees had an inkling what was in the offing. It was just like any other normal day in the camp until about noon when some officers (messengers of death) arrived from Abuja, called out their names and handed them their dismissal letters. They were marched to their various rooms to pick their personal

belongings and thrown out of the camp, under the rain, with the gate shut behind them. Just like that! But one thing was certain. Many of those rusticated were not found wanting. They were not thrown out of the service because they performed below expectation in training. These are young men and women, Nigerian youths, who had looked forward to serving their country with all their God-given physical and mental abilities being treated so shabbily by a country that expects them to be patriotic. Many Nigerians didn’t get to know about this injustice. It was done in a hush-hush manner. The media has been largely silent over it. There is no outcry possibly because a new sheriff who can do no wrong is in town. The termination letter dated September 4 and signed by one GK Mohammed on behalf of Daura simply read: “I am directed to inform you that the Director General, State Services (DGSS) has approved the termination of your appointment from service with immediate effect.” Didn’t they have a right to know what the issues were why they were sacked without any notice?

To add insult to injury, the victims were demonised after they had left camp because the instructors reportedly told those left behind that the rusticated trainees had fake certificates and gained admission through the back door. But that was an after-thought. In any case, shouldn’t anyone who gained admission to any institution, particularly the country’s foremost secret service, with fake credentials be punished beyond mere rustication? In the same vein, it amounts to being economical with the truth for the service to claim that some of the trainees came through the back door (whatever that means) because truth be told, none of them came through the front door, figuratively speaking. The DSS does not advertise vacancies and the process of recruitment is always secretive. If sponsorship was the crime committed by those sent parking, then all the 452 trainees were guilty. So, why were some kicked out and others allowed to stay? The flip side is that no country runs on these paradigms ever achieves greatness. History is our witness.

The Growing Unemployment

T Capt. Daniel Omale

he long awaited list of potential ministers has come. Hopefully, the successful candidates will mount the podium and form the federal cabinet. But in reality, how does that change the growing unemployment in our country? With the exception of the presidential election results, the anxiety and anticipation about the ministerial list exceeded anything we have ever witnessed in Nigeria. Reason being that Nigerians are more secure in government employment, where access to easy funds is commonplace. This abnormal reality is the core reason why everyone wants to get into government. In a normal country, the Ministry of Labour and Productivity would have, on a monthly basis, surveyed thousands of households to gather information about labour market activities. It would have used the information to derive the number of Nigerians unemployed. The population of Nigeria can be divided into two broad groups; one group consists of persons who are (1) under 16 years of age, (2) in the armed forces, or (3) institutionalised (in prison, mental institutions, or homes for the aged). The second group, which consists of all others in the total population, is called the civilian, non-institutional population. Roger Arnold stated, “The civil-

ian non-institutional population, in turn, can be divided into two groups: persons not in labour or workforce and persons in the labour force. The unemployment rate is the percentage change of the civilian labour force that is unemployed. It is equal to the number of unemployed persons divided by the civilian labour force.” By May 29 this year when Jonathan’s term formally ended, the unemployment rate was about 50 percent of the labour force. Therefore, nearly 50 million Nigerians were either out of job, under-employed or never formally employed. Today, the rate of unemployment has surged to over 65percent and the figure keeps rising. This staggering figure is one of the largest in the world and it indicates danger in our society. Ministers or not, employment is always created through the fiscal and monetary policies of a country’s Central Bank. As such, once there is an active Central Bank governor, there must be a stimulus package to grease the economy into creation of jobs. The ultra-high lending rates of commercial banks are a direct impediment to sustainability of jobs. The United States Federal Reserves (their own Central Bank) cautiously kept interest rates

abysmally low, to enable businesses grow and prosper after the recession. If a business grows, employment is induced and vice versa. The only viable business in Nigeria is politics. This is the only country where the majority of the citizens want to be engaged in politics. It is the most profitable business; even professionals hang around the corridors of power. Somehow, the effect of such notion has left many Nigerian professionals delusional about getting regular jobs. The norm in Nigeria is the high craving for government jobs. Everyone hopes to get employed in a government agency or enterprise. The mistake this nation makes all the time is that government is supposed to create an enabling environment for private businesses to thrive. A mere catalyst, but the economic development of any country is the prime effort of privately owned companies. Unnecessarily absurd policies aimed at truncating non-government enterprises keep roaming around our economic domain, but it seems very few top government officials, especially at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), understand how privatisation drives other countries’ economies. The tight control of the foreign exchange market has had an adverse effect on businesses, which has directly affected job creation.

Also, the lengthy and unorthodox procedures by which banks process loan requests in Nigeria cannot support economic development that will lead to the proliferation of jobs. Despite tight control, the Naira has constantly declined in value – another error from trying to over-control economic activities in Nigeria. A friend of mine was recently kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen. In the conversation with his captors, he realised that these criminals prefer kidnapping for ransom to rearing cattle. They confirmed to him that it’s much easier to make money that way, because cattle rustlers deprive them of their livelihood. Fulani cattle rearers are unemployed, active young men who must survive by any means necessary. These days, the majority of highway armed robbers are young university graduates who have found the system unresponsive to their plight. They must survive. Therefore, taking up arms to force innocent Nigerians to cough out money becomes the easiest path to life. The CBN’s draconian foreign exchange policy in July of this year has gravely contributed to the growing unemployment. The future of this great nation lies in getting the workforce gainfully employed.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Business Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

IFC invests $18bn in developing countries to enhance prosperity Friday Atufe

IFC building

International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group said yesterday it has provided long-term investments of about $18 (N….) this year for developing countries to enable their private sector play an essential role in the global effort to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. The IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more

than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence, to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In continuation of its investment in developing countries, the IFC has launched a $5 million programme to increase access to energy in Tanzania by developing a market for mini-grids. The initiative aims to bring affordable, off-grid renewable energy to households and businesses in rural Tanzania like General Electric, the American multinational conglomerate corporation is do-

ing in rural areas in Nigeria. The IFC said in a statement that it would work with project developers in Tanzania to promote commercially viable mini-grid business models, and will advise banks and financial institutions on how to extend long term finance to mini-grid developers. It said Tanzania had been selected as one of the first countries to test the concept of using small-scale renewable energy production sources under a new program, called the Scaling-up Renewable Energy in Low In-

come Countries Program. In Tanzania, it aims to help diversify energy production away from fossil fuel based sources. Mini-grids are technically and commercially viable for highdensity populations that live outside the reach of the national electricity grid. The Tanzanian government estimates that about half of the country’s rural population could be served by off-grid options in a cost-effective manner. Mini-grids could provide access to electricity for 9.1 million people in Tanzania.

Uk to support Nigeria’s economic stability Shapps

Charles Okonji The government of United Kingdom (UK), who will be represented by the UK’s Minister for Africa, Grant Shapps has pledged to support Nigeria’s stability and development at the start of his first visit to the country. Grant Shapps commended UK’s close relationship with Nigeria and set out how the two countries would work together to increase prosperity, trade and security. During his visit he will meet with ministers and senior government officials, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno and the Kaduna and Lagos State Governors. He will also see how the UK’s investment in Nigeria’s solar energy market can provide a clean and reliable answer to the country’s problem of energy access. Grant Shapps said: “The UK has a strong relationship with Nigeria and we will continue to promote vital investment, tackle corruption and create a safer and more prosperous future for the country. “From a trade relationship worth over £6 billion every year to

our military cooperation against Boko Haram, Nigeria is a country whose security and prosperity truly matters to the UK. “With more than half of Nigeria currently living without electricity, it is vital that more people can access clean and reliable solar energy. Not only will this transform people’s everyday lives, it is a tremendous opportunity for growth. “I am determined that Britain will build on its close relationship with Nigeria by sharing our skills, knowledge expertise.” The UK is providing a comprehensive package of support to Nigeria, including expanded military training and intelligence cooperation, anti-corruption capacity building and investigative support, and an annual development programme worth £218 million, contributing to the increasing prosperity at the heart of a thriving trade relationship worth £6.1 billion per year. Grant Shapps’ visit follows a series of meetings between the UK’s Prime Minister and President Buhari, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly, and the UK Foreign Secretary’s attendance at the President’s inauguration in May 2015.

L-R: Elected Ex-Officio,Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. David Etim; Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, Ambassador Adamu Emozozo; Brazil Consular General, Maria Figuieredo; Leader of Delegation, Erardor Silver Junior and President, Nigeria-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Emmanuel Ibru at the Nigeria-Brazil Business Meeting held at NACCIMA Secretariat in Lagos.

UBA reports 44% increase in gross profit Adesola Akindele United Bank for Africa Plc, a financial services provider and top player in the banking sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange has posted 17 percent growth in the group’s gross earnings from N210.7 million posted in 2014 to N247.2 million in 2015 in its third quarter results for the period ended 30th September, 2015. Profit for the group in the period under review likewise increased by 44 percent or N14.9 million from N22.86 billion recorded in the first half of 2014 to N32 billion in the same period of 2015. A 35 percent rise in pretax

profit to 57.4 million was also recorded as total income for the period increased by 104.2 percent to N56.4 million from N27.6 million posted in 2014. The group’s statement of financial position showed that customer deposits rose by four percent to N2.176 billion from N2.093 billion recorded in Q3 2014, as total asset scaled up 8.3 percent from N2.651 billion to N2.872 billion while total liabilities increased by six percent to N2.550 billion from N2.405 billion in the period under review. Despite the group’s impressive results, activities on the equity board on Thursday showed the company shares decreased by eight kobo or 1.91 percent to

close at N4.1 per share. The bank’s group has 36.3 billion shares outstanding, and market capitalisation of N148.7 billion as at 15th October 2015.

Oduoza

Maritime 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Maritime Academy wastes N8bn on projects Goods seized by Customs in Katsina

Customs seizes cartons of contaminated poultry products in Katsina Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized over 112 cartons of contaminated poultry products smuggled into the country through Katsina border. Briefing journalists in Katsina, the Area Controller, Kaduna/ Katsina Command, Gidado Bala,

said that the smugglers were intercepted at Dankama in Kaita Local Government Area. He said that the smugglers on sighting the customs patrol team abandoned their goods and took to their heels. He said that the frozen poultry

products were discovered to be unsuitable for human consumption when examined. Bala said that the Federal Government banned importation of poultry products in order to protect the health of its citizens and to encourage animal husbandry and poultry farming in the country. The controller, therefore, advised smugglers to desist from such illegal business or face arrest and prosecution. The seized items were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for destruction. The NAFDAC Coordinator, Habibu Garo, said that they would continue to collaborate with customs and other security agencies to curtail smuggling of dangerous products into the country. Garo advised the public to desist from patronising imported poultry products because it posed health hazards.

SON partners Customs to combat influx of fake products Charles Okonji

Okpo

Stories by Funmi Coker Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State may have wasted a total of N8 billion on jetties and swimming pool construction in the last two years. It was learnt that despite the huge amount spent on the projects, the academy has not recorded any meaningful development. Also, the school, which was established by the Federal Government in 1979, is still struggling to achieve adequate training for seafarers due to mismanagement of resources. The money was from the statutory five per cent released by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to fund the academy. A source at Maritime Academy said that the management of the institution was not serious about the development of the academy. According to the source, no attempt has been made by the institution to provide training vessel for the academy from the fund released to the school by NIMASA. The source explained: “There is infrastructure decay at MAN, Oron as students are sitting on

the floor to receive lectures. “The management has suddenly increased the tuition by 80 percent. Our students are withdrawing gradually because of the hike in tuition fees introduced by management.” It was learnt that academy’s management raised the fees by 80 percent with effect from the 2014/2015 session. Before the tuition was increased, National Diploma (ND I) and higher National Diploma (HND I) cadets paid N100,702, while ND II and HND II paid N61,340. But with the increase, ND I and HND I students now pay N200,704, while ND II and HND II cadets will pay N121,980. A lecturer at the academy alleged that thirty-five years after its establishment, cadets of the academy were still sitting on the floor to receive lectures. Some cadets of the academy, who spoke anonymously over the tuition fees, said that they could not afford the money. They noted that some of the students had withdrawn from the school. “We all know that this is a Federal Government institution and we expect the tuition fees not to be on the high side,” they said.

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has entered into a joint agreement with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to check the influx of fake, sub-standard and prohibited products into the country. At a meeting Wednesday in Lagos, the NCS Comptroller-General, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd), stated that the collaborative understanding by the two government regulatory agencies was to ensure that sub-standard products would no longer find their way into the Nigerian markets by the end of 2015. During a visit to SON’s operations office, Lekki, Lagos, Wednesday, the Customs boss made it clear that there was need to strengthen the existing relationship between NCS and SON, stressing that it was necessary to drive home the nation’s quest for economic growth and development. The Comptroller General maintained that his visit to SON was to strengthen the synergy already existing between the two agencies, pointing out that SON has been one of the key government apparatus for driving economic growth and development. “We have always worked with SON. On the assumption of office, we identified key government parastatals that we must create synergies with for going forward. SON is one of those key government apparati that we must work closely with to ensure

that what comes into the country meets minimum requirements of the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).” “We are here to agree that henceforth, we will be working hand in hand in order to ensure that our jobs are made easier. I want to assure that this partnership is the beginning of something good for Nigeria. I am going to make Lagos my second place of abode in terms of office because 60 to 70 per cent of our operations are in Lagos. I want to assure you that I will continuously pay courtesy visits to you because I believe there are so many areas of collaborations between the two agencies.” the Customs helmsman deposed. He stressed the need for effective collaboration among government agencies, while assuring SON that the NCS would deliberate on the way forward on strategic steps to tackle the vexed issue of the importation of substandard goods in the country. “I want to state that our job as regulators is made easier if we collaborate. With regards to the issues you have raised, we will go back and discuss some of them and later get back to you. I am very sure that these are things one would consider looking at the prime factors that drive our job so that together we can make progress,” Ali told the Director General, SON. “Our visit is also to look at issues that border on our collaboration so that we can itemize them and proffer solutions

to surmount the challenges. The expertise to identify the standards of products is rested with SON.” Earlier in his speech, Director General, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu announced that within six months, Nigerians should expect a drastic reduction of the level of substandard products in Nigeria, courtesy of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), the agency launched recently. Odumodu affirmed that the collaboration with the Customs was very imperative, adding that without it SON’s operations will be limited, maintaining that the agency’s success was largely dependent on the level of collaboration with the NCS. “We know that without the Customs, our job as SON is very limited. Our success is dependent to a very large extent on the level of collaboration we have with the NCS. I really must say that within the last three months, the level of collaboration with the Nigerian Customs has actually grown so rapidly that we are beginning to feel we can achieve a lot more in our enforcement activities,” he added. Odumodu asserted, “I do not have any doubt in my mind that the current Comptroller General of Customs will succeed on his new appointment. The NCS holds the key to trade facilitation in Nigeria. With the kind of leadership we have now, it is only a matter of time before we start to see the fruits.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

19 Industry

Real Sector Digest

FG plans social investment economic model Stories by Siaka Momoh

It does not make sense if we talk of fiscal and monetary policies as if we are in Sweden. What kind of economy includes 110 million poor like Nigeria’s? The federal government has said it would build a social investment skewed economic model. President Muhammadu Buhari stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit with the theme “Tough Choices: Achieving Competitiveness, Inclusive Growth and Sustainability.” The President who was represented by the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said his government would build an economic model that would involve substantial social investment over the next three years. He noted that for some years now, Nigeria has recorded

seven percent average growth rate and that with this growth rate, he observed from reports that unemployment “is still increasing in the country.” He argued, “It does not make sense if we talk of fiscal and monetary policy as if we are in Sweden. What kind of economy includes 110 million poor like Nigeria’s? “This is why the APC includes social investment in its manifesto. We are going to invest in MSMEs – in market women and men. The informal sector of the economy must be brought in. We should not talk of an economy that leaves out the large poor.” For him, we need to “re-inflate” the economy. “We need to put money in the hands of the poor. Most importantly, we are giving money to women because we believe they can manage money better.” He said every country “does some kind of social investment,

some social protection.” “About a million people die yearly on account of no provision for them health wise. The poor are completely alienated in the economy. We knew this during our campaign across the country. You cannot talk of government if you cannot take care of the poor.” The President said that the country is currently in a period of monumental challenges and tough choices, adding that Nigeria was also at a time of incredible opportunities for achieving competitiveness. “We are at a time of monumental challenges and tough choices, but also a time of incredible opportunities for achieving competitiveness, inclusive growth and sustainability,” he said. Buhari said that he was called upon to clean up the mess in the country and rebuild the institutions that corruption had ravaged over the years. He said: “We, as a government,

Enterprise Strokes

Street scamps and social entrepreneurship One interesting virtue of the business of wordsmithing, if you like call it journalism or literary business or media business, is the fulfillment that come your way when an issue you have written about are responded to or commented on by other parties. I will briefly recall two here. One, I did a piece on how traders operating along the newly rehabilitated Lagos/Badagry motorway (the Orile Iganmu end), blocked drainages indiscriminately and as a result get the road flooded. Enable, an independent international media watch and training agency, singled out the story as an outstanding one. Two, is a story titled ‘Rescuing street scamps’ I wrote years back, at BusinessDay, a story which now offers answer to the issue of social investment which Mr. President told participants at the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit which held recently in Abuja he would robustly do. A story on President Buhari’s stand is on this page today. This is what informs my drawing on the old story on street scamps this week. Street scamps are menace on the streets daily. They look pitiable and scruffy. You wouldn’t want them to get close to you be-

cause they stink. In local parlance, they are called ‘Area Boys.’ Their stock in trade: Pick-pocketing; snatching people’s possessions from them – bags, purses, mobile phones and all that. One common pre-occupation they are notorious for is harassing those on wheels to part with their money. Truck drivers conveying goods from the ports are popular targets. Some younger ones – under-age – are recruits of older ones who engage in a myriad of criminal activities. But some of these juveniles now do windscreen watching, unsolicited though. They hawk wares too. These are children of school age – primary and secondary school levels. This is big problem, one that is a huge challenge for Generation Enterprise (GEN). Generation Enterprise is a small business incubator programme that co-creates scalable businesses with unemployed and the marginalised youth. In doing so, Generation Enterprise integrates these youths into local economies. Developed by Wharton and Oxford business students, McKinsey consultants, and Nigerian youth leaders, the organisation adapts lean start-up methodology from

Silicon Valley to Lagos’ bottomof-the-pyramid markets. The goal is to foster new high-growth businesses, generate sustainable jobs and get youth off the streets. More than 80 million of the world’s young people are unemployed. Another 150 million youth are part of the “working poor,” eking out paltry and precarious livelihoods in the informal economy. This figure is the highest number of unemployed youth ever measured by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and represents the breeding ground for a global social crisis. The young social entrepreneurs on Generation Enterprise’s team are fighting to defuse this ‘ticking time bomb’ and help a ‘lost generation’ find its way. They have descended on Lagos, the world’s fastest-growing megacity where population explosion, slum expansion, desperate poverty, but also entrepreneurial drive and a new spirit of civic engagement collide. Not too long ago, some GEN drivers came down from Washington DC, Atlanta, Berlin, and New York City to join their Nigerian team mates in Lagos and engage the city’s leaders in a discussion about scaling the Generation

Buhari

are called upon to make tough choices in exchange control restrictions, altering the absurd recurrent to capital expenditure ratio, reducing the deficit and

reducing the overall size of governance. We are called upon to clean up the mess and rebuild the institutions that corruption has ravaged over the years.”

Enterprise project, which has already launched several street youth-led businesses and partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and the Wiseup Foundation to open incubators in Alimosho and Agege. Launched in 2009, Generation Enterprise is comprised of a team of all-volunteer young professionals and students in the USA, Nigeria, Germany, Canada, and Singapore, dedicated to transforming slum economies by equipping the youth to get off the streets and become socially-responsible business owners and community leaders. Generation Enterprise’s unique two-phase incubator model targets youth in the urban developing world, a population largely left behind by the microfinance revolution. In ten years from now, 40 million Nigerians will become job seekers. And most of them will be unskilled hands. What do we do with these job seekers? Generation Enterprise (GEN) raised this question in Lagos. It is GEN’s mandate to solve this problem. GEN, a model which provides an end-to-end solution to youth poverty and unemployment brought leaders in Nigeria’s public, private, and social sectors together in Lagos to tackle the related issues of youth unemployment and economic development

in an innovative new way. They met at the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos to discuss GEN, a non-profit social enterprise run entirely by dedicated students and young professionals from across Nigeria, the USA, Germany, and Singapore. GEN is doing a great job, but the impact is not high enough, concerned observers have noted. In spite of its efforts and those of the Lagos State Government, street scamps still constitute a menace in Lagos. They do also in cities like Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Warri, Maiduguri and Bauchi. It follows therefore that we need more of GENs to record the required impact. Interestingly, participants at the U.S. Public Affairs Section event commended the effort of GEN and made recommendations for improvement. One Folarin Gbadebo-Smith a former chairman of Eti-osa Local Government, Lagos State, advised officials of the organisation to link up with local governments, whom he said have programmes that GEN could tap into. Some others pledged their organisations could complement GEN’s efforts. Siaka Momoh, a media consultant is Publisher/CEO, Realsectordigest.com; siakamomoh@yahoo.com; 08061396410

Business News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Medview commiserates with families of Saudi stampede Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

From left, Chief Executive Officer, CHELLARAMS Plc, Aditya Chellaram; Group Head, Food and Beverages, Keystone Bank, Ladi Garba and Chief Operating Officer, Afro Beverages Distillers Limited, Reuben Onwubiko at the Afro Beverages and Chellarams product launch in Lagos..yesterday.

Nigeria, Israel to boost non-oil ties Charles Okonji

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has joined forces with Israel businessmen to enhance Nigeria’s non-oil sector and diversify its mono product economy to improve trade relations between the two countries. According to the partnership, Israel, which is known for hi-tech production in medicine, security wares and agriculture, is expected to transfer such technology and know-how to Nigerian entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers and other players in the

Godwin Anyebe The quest for the best teacher in public secondary schools in Nigeria came to a glorious end at a grand ceremony recently in Lagos as a 37 year-old teacher from Anambra State, Mrs. Rose Nkemdilim Obi emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Maltina Teacher-of-the-Year. Obi, who is equally a daughter of a teacher, teaches Mathematics and Chemistry at the Federal Government Girls College, FGC Onitsha. The year 2000 graduate of Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State beat

real sector to ensure that Africa’s largest economy experiences real economic diversification. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a business meeting organized by NACCIMA in Lagos last weekend, the National President of the Association, Chief Bassey Edem stated that the relationship between Nigeria and Israel has come of age and need to be improved upon. Edem noted that there have been a lot of exchanges between Nigeria and Israel in the area of education, security, technology exchange and agriculture, stressing that these need to be enhanced considering Nigeria’s po-

sition in the West Africa market and as the most populous black nation in the world with the population of over 180 million people and Africa’s largest economy. The NACCIMA boss explained that the peculiar challenges of Nigerian business and investment environment like any other developing economies in the world have tremendously improved with numerous opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, solid mineral, power and telecommunication. “In this period that the Nigerian government is working earnestly to diversify the economy, we wish to state that the state of

Israel should take advantage of the several incentives that the Federal Government is providing for all prospective investors that have decided to make our country their next destination. There are vast opportunities in the Agricultural Sector which Israel can use its comparative advantage to invest into” Edem stated. The NACCIMA Boss noted that membership of (NACCIMA) cut across all sectors and covers every area of Nigeria economy, maintaining that the association is ready to collaborate with the embassy of Israel in Nigeria to promote bilateral trade between the two countries. The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Uriel Palti, stated that the countries could collaborate in agriculture, security, water technology and other areas of the real sector, stressing that Israeli companies are on hi-tech frontline and would want to give their know-how.

Maltina Teacher-Of-The-Year emerges nine other finalists to the coveted prize. The 10 finalists who slugged it out at the final lap, were winners from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States. The first runner-up was Mrs. Binta Mohammed Lawan of Federal Government College Maiduguri, Borno State, in the war ravaged North East, while her counterpart from Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Daniel Sunday Udiong emerged as the second runner-up. The award instituted by Maltina, the non-alcoholic malt brand

from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, is courtesy of Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund. It is aimed at restoring the pride of teachers and the dignity of the teaching profession. For their effort, the national winner got one million and one million naira will be paid into her account annually for five years. Obi will also be sent abroad for professional training on the bill of Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, just as the Federal Government Col-

lege Onitsha, Obi’s school, has also become an instant beneficiary of a block of six classrooms. The first runner-up got one million naira plus another five hundred thousand naira finalists’ prize money, while the second runner-up took seven hundred and fifty naira and another five hundred thousand naira for getting to the finals. Speaking after her declaration as winner, Obi, dedicated her victory to God and her fellow teachers. She also thanked Nigerian Breweries, for the great

Medview Airline Nigeria’s major Hajj carrier yesterday commiserated with the families of pilgrims who lost their lives in the stampede in Saudi Arabia during the 2015 Hajj. In a message to the families, NAHCON and states’ government, the airline Managing Director/CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He said no one can question the will of God, who created the human race, saying: only God knows why such a calamity should occur at that time. Alhaji Bankole who spoke when the last batch of pilgrims was flown home yesterday said the airline has completed the 2015 Hajj airlift. The aircraft marked “Abeke” with 221 pilgrims arrived the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos via Port Harcourt at 12 noon. The National Pilgrims Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) contracted Medview airline to airlift pilgrims from states in SouthWest, South East, South-South zones, Borno State and members of the armed forces.

Bankole

honour and motivation done to teachers and the teaching profession. “Teaching is a noble profession. It is a commitment to building the nation. I thank God today for my life, and I thank Nigerian Breweries for restoring the dignity and pride of teachers,” she said. In his welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde explained that the company operates with a philosophy of “winning with Nigeria” and has championed causes that add value to the society since its inception in 1946.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

21 Public Notice

LANDMARK GLOBAL MISSION

POWERHOUSE GOSPEL EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

WORD EXPLOITS ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above named CHURCH has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Johnson Olusegun Tella 2. Pastor Deborah Omowumi Tella 3. Samuel Oladapo Tella 4. Victor Kolawole Olabiyi 5. Mofoluwaso Olusoji Olutayo

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Olusola Ajayi Oloko (2) Esther Olapinsin (3) Bode Akinlosotu (4) Omotayo Akinde (5.) Tolulope Ogundeyi (6) Idowu Ademola

The Trustees are: (1). Rev Best Ozuligbo...Chairman...Retained (2). Rev, Dr, Godwin Nwachukwu .....General Secretary..Appointed (3). Rev. Tope Ilesanmi.... Appointed (4). Pastor Charity Ozuligbo...... Retained (5). Deacon Temitope. Okunowo....Retained (6). Deacon Ifeanyi Odashi ......Resigned (7). Deacon Azuka Egwuatu......Resigned

Aims And Objectives: 1. To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To propagate the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ 2. Publication of tracts, business books, journals etc.

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, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Trustees

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

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Rev Best Ozuligbo Chairman Board Of Trustee

CHRIST’S WILL OF GOD INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY, IKIRUN

CHRISTIANS YOUTH FOR CHRIST KINGDOM ASSEMBLY

UGWUAJI YOUTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

This is to inform the General public that the above named MINISTRY has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under art ”C “of The Companies And Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE:( 1) Adewusi Joseph Adebayo (2) Adeyemo Remi (3) Oduwole Olanrewaju David (4) Ayokanmi Joseph Ola (5) Taiwo Abraham Lanre (6) Amure Oladeji Peter (7) Olorunmolu Matthew Ayodele ( 8) Ola Funmilayo Omolola

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Godstime Jonah Udofia ( President) (2) Okoye Arinze Ephraim ( General Secretary) (3) Akhabue Christian Ighodaro ( Deputy President )

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Comrade Samuel Arinze Ugwu – Chairman 2. Chizoba Ugwu –Vice Chairman 3. Igwesi David – Secretary 4. Ani Okechukwu Sunday- Treasurer

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ. ( 2) To carry out missionary work and give also to the needy. (3)To deliver the oppressed, heal and sick, and set the captive free.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to The Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

WOMEN FOR DECENCY INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

SOLANUM TRADE & PROCESSING ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named outreach has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. Trustees 1. Omey Joy 2. Onah Benedette 3. Ude Ifeoma 4. Chukwukasike Bliss 5. Chukwukasike Success AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To evangelize and preach the gospel. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEES

SOCIETY OF COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Odeyinka Oluyemi (2) Odeyinka Memunat Oduntan (3) Alade- Raji Kehinde Olushola Sophia (4) Odugbesan Temitope Grace (5.) Otusanya Grace Olasunbo THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. Promotion of learning through maintaining standard social development support for the youth and community 2. To foster unity among members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

PRIVATE PARK LORRY PROPRIETORS ASSOCIATION, NNEWI The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Association is seeking to be registered under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree (ACT) 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Akunne Emmanuel 3. Mr. Chukwuma Izunna Damian 5. Mr. Oboh Paul Madueke

2. Mr. Igwilo Richard Onwuegbuokwu 4. Mr. Ezenwa Azuka Bartholomew 6. Mr. Nsofor Augustine

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: (1) To advance the welfare of members who are engaged in their lawful business and to adequately promote their interests. (2) To give collective support and assistants to needy members especially those in problem with government agents. (3) To generally protect and improve the life and business of members of the Association and their family. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. SIGNED: IKENNA OBIDIEGWU ESQ. (Solicitor)

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To under take the training of students in various secondary schools in Nigeria. 2. Youth empowerment. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: BARR.OBINNA UGWU

THE MESSAGE OF HIS GRACE PROPHETIC MISSION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Association has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part ”C “of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notify that the above name Church has apply to the corporate affairs commission for the registration under part ``C’’ of the company Allied Matters Act 1999

TRUSTEES 1. Mr. Adeleye Michael- Chairman 3. Mr. Adeleke Samuel Adebanjo- P.O.R 5. Mr. Oketade Olufemi 7. Mr. Amachi Chinedum Alozie 9. Mr. Bawa Abdurrahman Sulaiman

TRUSTEES 1. Pastor Omiwole Simeon Adekunle- General Overseer 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Omiwole Oluwayemisi Victoria-Good woman president/secretary 3. Pastor Omiwole Oluwamayowa Abraham -General Evangelist.

2. Prof Waheed Akinola Hassan vice Chairman 4. Mr. Auwalu Rabiu Yakasai- Secretary 6. Mr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna 8. Mrs. Fawole Folasade Olufisayo

AIMS 1. Processing of raw material & trading. 2. To carry on business as paste processors, to wash, sort, select cut, dress, extract, grind mill refine purity and other wise prepared farm and agriculture production for market use. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral corporate affairs commission. plot 420 trgris cresent, off aguyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28 days of this application. Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that Ideal Polytechnic, Nung Ukim Ikono, Uyo, Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State is in the process of being granted approval from National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The general public should by this notice be informed that Ideal Polytechnic is not affiliated to any other polytechnic neither has it started academic programmes as speculated. Therefore, the general public should disregard any information geared at truncating the smooth process of approval/ accreditation by NBTE. Signed: Management.

OFFTHEHOOK FOUNDATION FOR RURAL DWELLERS The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “c” of The Companies And Allied Matters act, no. 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRH Nwamara Mike Emeka 2. HRH Nwamra Chigbo 3. Ogbonna Chinomso AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To bring together both young and old rural dwellers in order to improve their living standards. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to The Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: BARR IKENNA OKOLIE

AIMS 1. To propagate the massage of the Christian scripture around the world 2. To proclaim the salvation found in Christ 3. To make and prepare a total man for the coming king (Jesus) Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Secretary

OKALIGBO VISION CLUB OF NIGERIA The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990 Trustees 1. Eze Chukwuma Desmond - (Chairman) 2.Ero Eunice - (Secretary) 3. Hajia Atawodi 4. An Agbo 5. Moses Ugwu 6. Johnson Ohifueme 7. Agu Sunday. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help d less privileges. Any objection to the Re-registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed : BARR. EME KALU EKPU (08039549931)

SOLICITOR ADVOCATEHOUSE ASSEMBLY This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Enobong Akpan Ekaetor 3. Mrs. Abiola Adebayor Helen

2. Chief Akpabio Michael 4. Pastor Charity Ossai Ekaetor

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.To preach the word of God. 2.To be used as a forum to encourage miracle and religion. 3.To encourage the study, understanding and practical application of Bible truths in everyday life. 4.To organize Prayer Meetings and conduct Open Crusades at any place as deemed fit and in the interest of the Church. Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: OKOKPUJIE ODION ESQ Suite AP-K 1 AMAC Plaza,Wuse Zone 3, Abuja (08033610598)

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Lagos NSCDC to end illegal private guard firms Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏThe Lagos State Com-

mandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, Gabriel Abafi, has once again restated his commitment to bring to an end the activities of illegal private guard companies in the state. Abafi, who disclosed this during the visit of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Lagos Chapter, at the command headquarters, in Lagos, said that as part of the Commands effort to combat crime and insecurity, about 80 illegal private security companies in the state had been shot down. He said the move was necessitated because the private security guard companies play a key role in securing life and property at the grassroots level. According to Abafi , “As part of our responsibilities to monitor private guards companies, we have sealed up about 80 illegal private guard companies that have not been duly registered. We have also been true to our mandate of monitoring and supervising all the activities of private guards. We have been having constant training with some of them. For those who have adequately made

Henry Omunu

their proposals known we have met with them on the training pitch to give them some more security tips on how to go about their duty. “Also, the board of directors has been meeting to synergise with one another in the issue of security. We have meet twice and our third meeting will be coming up on the November 6, and we are calling on all private guards companies to avail themselves the opportunity of attending, so as to be acquainted with new security tips. “Registration of new private guard companies are ongoing and we have about 20 of them. So, for those who would want to patronise private security guards, it is better they come to us, so that we can inform them and let them know the registered private guard companies which they can patronise.” Abafi emphasized that these activities are all geared towards ensuring the safety of Lagosians. He also advised the members of ALPSPN to also look into the issue of retraining of staff, the recruitment of under-age and over-age persons as well as the recruitment of foreigners which was against the policy of operation.

MRS AFOLAYAN ADEYINKA ABOSEDE

I formerly known and addressed

as Miss Deborah Egbamuno now

as Miss

wish to be known and addressed

Abosede, now wish to be known

and addressed as Mrs

Deborah

Onakeme

23 Public Notice

NASS to return Constitution amendment Bill to Buhari for assent

MRS DEBORAH ONAKEME AGAWA

Mrs

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Adewumi

Adeyinka Afolayan

Agawa. All former documents

Adeyinka

Abosede. All Former

remain valid. General public

documents

remain

please take note

general public take note

valid.

The

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has disclosed that the fourth constitution amendment bill would be sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent. Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said, on Thursday, that Dogara said so much when he received the report of the 2015 elections European Union Observer Mission in Nigeria from the Chief Observer, Mr. Santiago Fisas in his office. He said the constitution alteration bill was forwarded to former president Goodluck Jonathan but was not assented to.

Dogara said the bill was still very much alive in the National Assembly as both chambers had provided room for such legislation after amending their standing rules, and that they would not commence amending the constitution afresh. “I wish to inform you that some of the recommendations by the mission, such as independent candidature, has received the support of the National Assembly,” he said. Dogara told the EU delegation that the National Assembly had made provisions for independent candidates in the bill, which was also supported by a twothird majority vote at the State Houses of Assembly. He, however, regretted that “it is one of the casual-

ties of the non-signing of the bill by the former president. I want to assure you that we will definitely revisit that amendment as it increases the democratic space and more citizen participation in the electoral process.” Dogara said that Nigeria, “is committed to the growing of a robust democracy that would not only meet domestic aspirations, but, indeed, that which will stand the test of international best practices.” He commended the EU for supporting the growth of democracy in Nigeria especially through the committed participation of its Observation Mission in the 2015 General Elections. Fisas said the report contained 30 recommendations aimed at helping Nigeria do

better in subsequent elections. He said the EU was not trying to impose anything on Nigeria but that the recommendations were in line with both Nigerian and international laws. Among the recommendations was that the process of appointing the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should be independent.

Buhari

3, 799 corps members complete assignment in Abia Sunday Nwakanma

Umuahia ÏÏÏA total of 3,799 of the 2014 Batch "C" corps members of the National Youths Service Corp, on Thursday, in Umuahia, Abia State, completed their national mandatory one-year service. The number was made up of 2,375 males and 1,424

females. Speaking on the occasion of the passing-out ceremony, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu asked them not to rest on their oars but to continue in the stride as service to their fatherland, which was a continuum. The NYSC, he said, had, over the years, made indel-

ible impacts in the development of the state and expressed his wish that the scheme would continue to add more value to its services to humanity, especially in Abia State, in such areas as environmental sustainability, rural health infrastructure development and education. The

governor, who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, gave an assurance that his administration would continue to discharge all its statutory duties to the scheme and would not relent in its effort in making the stay of the corps members in the state memorable.

OGOR- IKEM PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION, LAGOS

FIRST GREAT ROYAL BORN SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied for registration under part ‘C’ of companies and Allied matters Act 2004.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Mr. Ejike Odo - President 3. Chief Lawrence Ugwuoke - Member 5. Mr. Mark Ugwuodo - Member

2. Mr. Cajethan Ugwuodo - Secretary 4. Mr. Obinna Nnamami - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Provide a forum for constructive and meaningful discussion of matters affecting the development and progress of the Association. 2. To promote social, economic and cultural development of Ogor indigenes resident in Lagos and environs. 3. To co-operate with any other development association, institution or group of persons within and outside Ogor for the purpose of attaining these laid down objectives. 4. To accept from or make donations to such organizations, institutions or group of persons in cash or kind as the Association may deem fit and proper for the attainment of these objectives or as otherwise expedient. 5. To raise fund or other assets through dances, cultural displays, dinner or in any other manner the Association may deem fit. 6. To promote love, unity and understanding amongst Ogor people and their neighbours. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Emmanuel I. Eze, Esq.

The Trustees Are: 1. Okeke Obed Alochukwu 2. Okorofor Onyinyechi Gift 3. Robinson Tochukwu Solomon 4. Arachie Simeon Ginikachi Aims And Objectives 1. To promote the general welfare of the club 2. To enhance integration among members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed by Trustees.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNION OF CHARISMATIC AND APOSTOLIC MINISTRY

CHRIST PROPHETIC PRAISE AND POWER INT’L MINISTRY

HORIZON OF HOPE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Bishop (Dr.) Obembe Joseph Olanrewaju 3. Bishop (Dr.) Akinola Taiwo 5. Bishop Nissi Joshua Ayorinde 7. Bishop Bankole Michael Olabisi

applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

2. Rev. (Dr.) Obembe Oluremi Ayotunde 4. Bishop (Dr.) Etukudo Aniete Aniefiok 6. Bishop Dauji Grace Chioma

Aims And Objectives 1. To preach the word of God 2. To help restore the lost glory of man 3. To deliver the oppress, heal the sick and set the captive free and establish faith clinic 4. To organise seminars, conferences, workshops, faith spiritual growth of the people in the Lord 5. To establish a Bible College, training, license and ordain ministers with the collaboration of International Bible 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 28 days of this publication. Signed by Secretary

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Dele Adeoye - Chairman 2. Mrs. Adetokunbo Ganiyat Adeoye - Secertary 3. Damilare Adeoye 4. Tosin Adeoye 5. Ronke Adeoye

The Trustee: 1. Prophetess Aims And Objectives 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the lost soul. 2. To Teach the word of God to the lost soul in all nations Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Secretary

Aims And Objectives 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the lost soul. 2. To Teach the word of God to the lost soul in all nations Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Insurgency: FG advised on way out Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏWorried

about the spate of attack on innocent citizens of Nigeria by the Boko Haram sect, an Ekiti born, United State of America (USA)-based Nigerian, Mr. Charles Oribamise, has called on the government to intensify the battle against the sect by using education, which they (the sect) hate most. Oribamise in a telephone

chat with our correspondent, on Thursday, said the ignorance of the Boko Haram sect about education needed to be removed once and for all from Nigeria in spite of the successes recorded by the military against them. He advised the Federal Government to embark on a modelled marshal plan to transform the north-east which is the stronghold of Boko Haram. “The enduring weapon should be edu-

cating the teeming youth that has fallen prey to the ugly doctrine of Boko Haram after the battle must have be won,” Oribamise stressed. He added that all indigenes in the country should be ready to contribute for the children ravaged in the north-east so that they could get back on track. According to him, youngsters in the region should be made to be aware that the government cares for

them and willing to give them a chance to succeed. “The moment we build a patriotic fervor in our children’s mind, it will be very hard if not impossible for sects, like Boko Haram, to hijack them from the wheel of progress. Oribamise praised Buhari on his stand on the rescue of the Chibok girls alive and called on Nigerians to have a positive mind towards making Nigeria great again.

L-R: Maj. Bayo Daniel (rtd); Charles Keku; Gbemisola Numa; Assistant Commandant of Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, Oyesanya W. Sanya; Commandant, Lagos State Command, NSCDC, Abafi Gabriel; Lagos State Chairman, Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Wilson Esangbedo; Deputy Commandant of Corps, (NSCDC), Apeh Daniel and ViceChairman ALPSPN, Ibeh Nnah during the courtesy visit to NSCDC in Lagos... on Thursday

Confusion as Ooni’s second in command, Obalufe dies Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏReliable

sources close to the Ile-Ife traditional council and king-makers sphere, on Thursday, confirmed to our correspondent that Obalufe, Oba Solomon Folorunsho Omisakin, was dead. It was learnt that the Obalufe is the second-incommand to the Ooni of Ife. It was gathered that Omisakin was on his sick bed when late Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II passed

SON decries proliferation of adulterated engine oil

on at a London Hospital, after a brief illness. When our correspondent visited Obalufe’s residence at Iremo in Ile-Ife, relations and some residents of IleIfe were seen, in groups, discussing the development. “The death of a prominent person like this is not announced immediately. It has procedures and we should not forget that in the absence of Ooni, he is the number one traditional ruler,” one of them said. However, It is feared that the demise of Obalufe may

affect the selection process of a new Ooni. When asked if the reported demise would have effect on the ongoing selection process, one of the king makers said, “It may cause some delay.” Meanwhile it was learn that arrangements were reportedly being made by the relations for mourning and burial preparations before the conclusion of the selection process of a new Ooni. With Obalufe’s demise, the next in the rank, Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola,

will take charge of functions of Obalufe. Meanwhile, a faction of the Giesi royal family have called for a re-composition of the screening committee set up to suggest names that could be presented to the Ile-Ife king-makers to occupy the vacant stool of Ooni. It would be recalled that Daily Times had exclusively reported that members of the Giesi Ruling House are currently divided over the selection of candidate(s) for the vacant stool of Ooni.

Mathew Dadiya

disclosed that market surveillance carried out by SON indicated that there were many fake brands of engine oil imported into the country accusing some members of LUPAN of involving in the illegal business. According to him, the incessant use of base oil as engine oil had reduced the life span of engines nation-

wide. He said, “base oil imported into the country is from Dubai. We will have a strong collaboration with Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) which is responsible for issuing out import permits to companies. We found out that these companies import more base oil than they have capacity to blend.”

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Director General of Standard Organisation (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, has decried the increasing rate of proliferation of fake and substandard engine oil in the country. Addressing members of Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN), in Abuja, Odumodu

23 News

Bauchi PHCDA faults Nigeria’s polio free status Daniel Jolly Bauchi

ÏÏÏThe

Director, Bauchi local government Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), Bako Garba Gamawa, has debunked the rumour that Nigeria had been removed from the list of polio-prone countries. He stated this during a one-day sensitization exercise organized by Bauchi Primary Health Care in collaboration with Journalists Against Polio (JAPS) on routine immunization, on Thursday, held for men and women in Bauchi. He explained that Nigeria only had one year of interruption of wild polio virus, and not eradication or removal from polio immunization as speculated in some

quarters. He said: “We need 24 months of interruption, in order to eradicate polio and be certified polio-free”. Gamawa called on all those spreading the wrong information making people to reject the Routine Immunization (RI) vaccine on the notion that Nigeria was polio-free to desist from doing so. He added that anyone caught would be dealt with, adding that the people of the state should keep their environment clean. Also speaking, a religious leader, Imam Hadi Abbakar, called on traditional leaders and clergies to support and create awareness among their followers and in their domain on the need to make their children available for anti-polio vaccination.

Group greets Omoworare on victory at tribunal Sodiq Adekunle

Osogbo ÏÏÏA group known as Osun Positive Force (OPF) has congratulated the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Babajide Omoworare on his victory at the election tribunal, sitting in Osogbo, the state capital. The group’s Media Director, Mr. Yinka Diamond, said the victory was a validation of the confidence reposed in the distinguished senator by the people to move the senatorial district to a greater height. The group described the victory as a true reflection of overwhelming support given to him during April 28 election. It also said the victory was a triumph well de-

Odumodu noted that market statistics, intelligence and analysis show that at least 300 metric tons of base oil was imported annually into the country for lubricant production, while the total plants production capacity utilization, nationwide, was about 240 million metric tons, which he said revealed a surplus of 60 million metric tons that did not

served, which would further entrench of democracy in the country. “We are happy with the outcome of the case. The victory reinforces the confidence reposed in him by the electorates,” it added. While praising the judgment, the group said “it has confirmed that the PDP’s case was a mere distraction and instituted purposely to harass the winner of the election, Senator Babajide Omoworare and his party, the All Progressives Congress".

Omoworare

go into the plants. The surplus according to SON’s findings was mostly diverted for other uses. The DG further explained that an average of more than 300 million litres of lubricating oil was consumed in the country annually, he added. He put the potential waste oil level to about 80% of the annual consumption.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Sylva campaign group accuses Dickson of meddlesomeness Babalola Oluwaseun

ÏÏÏThe

Timipre Sylva Campaign Organisation has accused the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson, of sponsoring a media publication alleging a plot to arrest the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairman, Mr. Tiwe Orunimighe. This followed reports by some news organs that the APC governorship candidate for the December 5 election in the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, was persuad-

ing the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to order Orunimighe’s arrest. The Sylva campaign said in a release, Thursday in Yenagoa, signed by Mr. Doifie Buokoribo that the false publication was part of a PDP campaign programme based on reckless interference in the affairs of the APC due to lack of achievements to campaign with. The statement said, “Hon. Seriake Dickson and his party, Peoples Democratic

Party, have since the beginning of the campaign for the December 5 governorship election become ruthless interfering busybodies in the affairs of the All Progressives Congress. The fascination with APC and Chief Timipre Sylva is understandable, especially, for a governor who hardly has any achievements to point to after nearly four years in office. Besides, Dickson and PDP cannot afford not to be interested in APC, a political party the vast majority of people in Bayelsa State

are looking up to for redemption from the current regime of deceit and maladministration. “For the avoidance of doubt, we want to state clearly that APC in Bayelsa State is united. We, and indeed, the people of Bayelsa, cannot be distracted by the campaign of calumny by a governor and his party that do not have any bankable attainments to share with the people in seeking their votes. We are presenting a united front, with the good people of the state, to acL-R: Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo; Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Pius Sinebe; Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, Bishop AyoMaria Atoyebi during the 8th Anthony Cardinal Okogie Annual Lecture/ Foundation organised by Catholic Lay Apostolate Centre/ Association of the Knights of St. John International, Lagos Archdiocese held in Lagos

Imo varsity students protest poor academic condition Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏMedical

students of the Imo state University, on Thursday, took to the major streets of Owerri, the state capital, in protest of deteriorating quality of medical training in the university. The protesting students numbering over 700, clad in their laboratory coats, took the state capital by storm, blocking all the major roads and brandishing placards with different inscriptions. The aggrieved students, under the aegis of Imo state University Medical Students Association (IMSUMSA), stated that it takes an

AUN media challenges African leaders

upward of 10 years instead of six for a medical student to graduate from the university as a result of poor facilities, inadequate funding and unrealistic education policies. The demonstrating students noted that there is no hope of retaining MDCN accreditation by the end of this year due to inadequate number of doctors and lecturers. A student, who pleaded anonymity said, “I have spent 12 years in medical school yet have not been able to graduate from the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) due to unprofessional policies

and inadequate medical personnel and facilities for training. When I gained admission to study medicine at IMSU, my kid brother was in primary three, now he is in the University and I am yet to graduate. This is frustrating and unhealthy for the medical profession.” The students, who regretted that their professional examination was abruptly stopped and their training halted because of the current strike embarked upon by doctors of the teaching hospital, noted that no patient has been admitted into the hospital since July, 2015. A statement by the

protesting students read in part: “We do not have enough lecturers, yet the ones we have are resigning en masse due to poor remunerations. We do not have class rooms; 10 levels of medical students and five levels of nursing students share only four classrooms. Students’ accommodations are few and very poor, leaving medical students at the mercy of the villagers. ” Some of the placards displayed by the students read: “Our parents are tired. 10 years not 10 days.” Okorocha is killing University education in Imo. #SaveIMSUTH”; “Our accreditation is at risk. #SaveIMSUTH.

Wale Akintunde

changing the stereotypes of the continent, as bastion of corruption and underdevelopment. Karen Attiah, an AfricanAmerican US journalist, working with the Washington Post, who made the call on Thursday in Yola, during the distinguished Journalist lecture series organised

by the American University of Nigeria, said she felt pained about some of the negative reportage by the western press, stressing that some of their reporting have been largely informed by perception. Karen, who is also the deputy editor digital media for the Washington Post,

Yola

ÏÏÏAfrican

leaders and government in the continent, have been challenged to support the growth of media in the face of daunting economic downturns being experienced by governments, as a panacea to

complish the historic mission of ending PDP’s reign of underdevelopment on December 5. “As for the falsehood put out by Dickson and his party about the APC state chairman, any right-thinking person would know that the publication is a mere frivolity that exposes the distress of a sinking administration. “First, in their haste to misinform, they confused the name of the Inspector General of Police, calling him “Sunday Arise” – instead of Solomon Arase.

They also lied about the age of the deputy governorship candidate of APC, Elder Wilberforce Titus Igiri. We are at a loss how any responsible media organ could be used for such unimaginative campaign.

Pita Chikwem

Motorcyclist stabbed to death in Minna

Minna

ÏÏÏTwo

unidentified suspected motorcycle snatchers, on Thursday, stabbed a motorcyclist to death at about 6: 00am, at St. John road, in Chanchaga area of Minna, Niger State capital. A community leader in the area, Mr Sylvester Bala, told our correspondent that he was called back from the Church where he was attending fellowship when the ugly incident occured. Bala said, “It is true that two young men in their early 20’s, whom the police is yet to identify, lured a commercial motorcyclist, also yet to be identified to our

Sylva

street, stabbed him to death, and snatched his motorcycle before youths in the area mobilised and overpowered one, while the other one escaped." He disclosed that the suspected motorcycle robbers pretended to be passengers as they arranged with the late motorcyclist to convey them to St. John's road from unknown place. The community leader also confirmed that the matter has been reported to the police to unravel the circumstances behind the incident.

Benue govt introduces joint account as bailout funds arrives Freddie Adamgbe week after the Benue State government received the first phase of the bail out for Local Government Staff, amounting to N15million, while the second phase, which is N12.5billion, meant for the state workers was received on Thursday in Makurdi. To this end, the state government, on Thursday, constituted a committee which looks like a joint ac-

count, headed by the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu, the Secretary to the State Government, Bar. Targema Takema, and the Head of Service, Mr Adaikwu Inwata to commence the immediate disbursement of the arrears of salaries to the workers. A statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Terver Akase, Governor Ortom ordered the immediate disbursement of the funds without delay.

said the advent of the social media has presented Africa with a golden opportunity to reset these perceptions, which she observed was not just the responsibility of government alone because citizens have a role to play. She, therefore, challenged Nigeria which she said will be a leader on the African

continent once it deals with the Boko Haram debacle and other African countries, to support media operations in their respective countries, to tell their own stories because the western media have for far too long portrayed them as bastion of corruption and underdevelopment.

Makurdi

ÏÏÏA

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Art Review Æ s

An untitled work by Grillo..

The greatest fulfillment is art, not money - Yusuf Grillo Agozino Agozino

LIKE a blindfolded journey, Nigeria’s early artists just plunged into the field without a guide. Moreso, they had no mentors, no facilities or supporting state policy framework and most parents never encouraged their children’s interest in the field. But the masters carried on. Today, many of them look back and count more blessings than losses like the veteran artist, Prof. Adebayo Yusuf Grillo, the founding president of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). Grillo. whose works are currently being exhibited by Arthouse gallery Lagos is a veteran of many years. A visit to the Ikeja, Lagos home of the veteran artists whose works was exhibited last week by Arthouse in Lagos shows a man who is so in love with art practice that he still paints, sculpts and executes commissions. The former dean of School of Art and Design, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) still works like a young studio artist who is eager to make a mark even as he has long gained local and international reckoning and an institutional status in the minds of many Nigerian art practitioners. But he recalls that the

road to that height did not come easily. At his home where art pieces of varied sizes, materials and visual appeal, the distinguished artist and member of the phenomenal Zaria Rebels recalled how precarious his generation’s early days in profession was. “Then it was more fashionable to tell your parents that you were going to become a lawyer, engineer or a medical doctor than to tell them that you will like to be an artist.” “When we went into arts as a course many thought we were crazy. We ourselves were not even sure of what we were going into. The reason being that there was no nothing to tell us that this is where we were heading to,” he said. But he noted that the profession has changed tremendously due to many factors. One of the causes of the change is the yeoman roles played by such founding fathers on modern Nigerian art as Aina Onabolu and Ben Enwonwu. Grillo said Onabolu’s roles at the beginning period were significant and remarkably pace-setting. According to him, Onabolu was like the pathfinder. He was a titan who despite all the odds

against the arts at the time, forged on. He could not be discouraged because the profession was not as rewarding as others then. “Can you imagine what it was for him to carry on when nobody wants to identify with arts?” Grillo asked. Using the model of Onobolu’s conduct then as an example, Grillo urged the artists of the current era to have self-confidence and pride in their profession despite current challenges. Grillo noted that Onabolu had passion for arts and was not moved by material gains. He therefore advised that if the present day younger artists will like to leave a lasting legacy, they should emulate the vision and ideals of Onabolu. He also advised young artists not to make money, their ultimate motivator for studio practice as the society needs more from them and their creativity. He emphasized the need for artists to strive to leave lasting legacies. According to him, it was these ideals that inspired their phenomenal Zaria Rebels movement of the late 1950s through the 1960s era. “I was fortunate that I had a little time under him (Onabolu). He was going from school to school teaching arts. But one will not call him a successful man es-

pecially when compared to other professions yet he was fulfilled.” Grillo noted that the sector picked up with the zeal and sacrifice of some committed artists who never backed out of challenges until they saw something positive happen. Another figure that featured well in Grillo’s recollection was the late Prof. Enwonwu. He informed that it was when the then colonial government appointed Enweonwu as the Federal Art Adviser that the sector began to shift to the mainstream of the nation. Grillo underscored that appointment of Enwonwu and the pioneering efforts of Onabolu as the vital stepping stones of the Zaria Rebels group. The actions of the Onabolu and Enwonwu duo not only became an inspiration to the art movement, it also provided them with an idea of things to do and not. Noting though that Enwonwu was most of the time in England, Grillo said the few times he was around rubbed off well on the art sector and raised practitioners’ expectation too. “He was, most of the time in Britain. We did not have much contact with him initially. But when he eventually came back to

Nigeria we were proud that arts could produce such an important personality. To us then it was big morale boost. So it was under that type of climate that we went into arts.” But even as they had the image lift, there were few opportunities in the form of jobs or social commissions except in teaching. “Many of us started as teachers. I was posted at Kings College, Lagos after which I was posted to YABATECH. The practice of arts was limited then. The encouragement we got as young artists were mainly from the expatriates. But today you can see that it is a different thing,” he said. Thanking God for his blessings over his life and career, Grillo who believes that the greatest achievement of an artist is the ability to create acceptable works, said the fact that he has been able to do some works that the society remembers gives him great joy. He reasoned that any artist that lives to see his works accepted universally should be very happy. “The greatest fulfillment is in the art itself. It is not about making the money or the type of investment one makes off his art. It is to be able to create good works and continue to work.

Art Review 26 Agozino Agozino For adherents of good classical music, continuity is key, thus, their belief that there is the need to hone the creative skills of the younger generation and initiate them into its nuances. It is in line with this philosophy that the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), Onikan, Lagos, and MTN foundation runs a Diploma school where youngsters, interested in classical music as a career, are trained to realise their dreams and ensure continuity. This year’s edition of their graduation, in which the students had the opportunity to display their skills in a one-day performance, in fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Diploma in Music was held recently in Lagos. The event, held in the Agip Recital Hall of MUSON Centre, Onikan, was tagged, Students’ Recital, the atmosphere was peaceful as the young students, including Oladimeji Ibukun Adelaja, Trumpet; Emmanuel Adetunji, Tenor; Temitope Gift Adepoju, Soprano Saxophone and others showcased their prowess in musical vocalization, stage art and instrumental rendition. The event was the fourth graduation since initiated. The aim of the MTN/ MUSON School of Music is to equip its students with creative thinking techniques and the detailed background of classical music. The students are exposed to music appreciation, how to play different instruments, soprano performances and other aspects of music. For the staff and students, the recital was not only a good performance, but one that lived up to expectations. “The essence of these presen-

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

At MUSON, fresh acts take the stage tations is because the School of Music believes that as leaders of tomorrow, our students need to be properly equipped with skills and what classical music is all about,” said Lt. Enesi Salawu (rtd.), a trumpet and percussion teacher and one of the principal organisers of the recital. Salawu’s words were verified in the sterling performances rendered by the students. First, came the performance of Mozart’s Un’aura Amorosa, J. Haydn’s Sailor Song, Franze Schubert’s Die Lerch by Oladimeji Ibukun Adelaja with Tosin Ajayi on piano, which thrilled the audience, with Adelaja’s vocal and his dexterity with the trumpet. Others pieces rendered by Dionysus Weber’s Variation in F by Temitope Gift Adepoju, with Bright Kpalap on piano, Emmanuel Adetunji’s tenor performances in James Rae’s Sonatina and Duke Ellington’s Take the ‘A’ Train lightened the hall. After his performance, Adelaja beheld his audience with an expression of joy. Explaining the significance of the concert, Director, MUSON School of Music, Mrs. Marion Akpata, said the philosophy behind the event was to see how music, if properly incul-

cated in students, can become a veritable tool for creativity. Akpata informed that MUSON School of Music was working in this direction; because it believes in the saying “the young shall grow.” Unlike other programmes, the importance of the Diploma Recital is to give the students the opportunity to share what they have learnt with the audience. We believe that a programme like this has the capacity of inspiring young students for the future. According to her, the programme was purposely designed to induct them with creative minds. “At the MUSON School of Music, we believe that every child is a star”, she added. Akpata also noted that the school did not just embark on the programme by chance, but it was part of its commitment towards developing holistic education”. For Emeka Nwokedi, a veteran music conductor and one of the organisers, the programme could not have come at a better time. Nwokedi, a renowned choir master and member of the Lagos Musical Society of Nigeria, (MUSON), said the programme offers youngsters the opportunity, as practicing music students, to control the audience. On the nature of

Wordslam returns to Goethe-Institut, Lagos Art advocacy groups, AJ House in collaboration with Goethe-Institut will on Friday October 16, present an evening of spoken word poetry tagged Verses of a Tal. , The event which is the 8th edition feature Uche Uwadinachi. According to the organisers, other line-ups for the show include AJ House of poetry crew, and James Ademuyiwa. The climax of the event would be an open-mic session featuring various performances. Freedom Spoke Words exists to enrich the immediate space we live in through poetic and intellectual exchange in different areas of life and living.

Uwadinachi

Adedeji performing at the concert

this year’s presentations, he said that many of the participating students were of different types. “We believe that this programme would have helped them to develop sound music appreciation. The purpose is to expose them to the joy and fun of creative music thinking, especially, as it relates to music. We believe that some of them will grow better through this in-

Former Senate minority leader, Senator Dr. George Akume is billed to deliver this year’s JS Tarka memorial lecture. The yearly event is organised by students of the University of Lagos who are of Benue State origin. The theme for this year’s edition of the lecture is The Change Phenomenon and the Lessons of JS Tarka’s Populist ideology. The event is slated for Friday October 16, at the main campus of the University of Lagos. Last year’s edition of the lecture was delivered by the Head, Department of European Languages, University of Lagos, Prof. Jide Timothy Asobele who is one of the most ardent followers of JS Tarka’s political history and ideologies. Interestingly, Senator George

spiration. To awaken the potentials in young students requires that we expose them to this type of programme. It will bring out their potentials; significantly, this is what you see in other parts of the world.” Nwokedi advised families to expose their young ones to creativity through music, believing that this would go a long way in helping the child in future.

Akume to deliver second JS Tarka lecture Akume is a relative of the late minority rights crusader and middle-belt champion and happens to be the only kinsman of Tarka to occupy the senatorial seat after the demise of the late icon who died while still serving the nation as a senator, thirty-five years ago.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Features Æ s How ‘Integrated Science’ became lurid sex education in high schools (1) Sometime in 2005, the nation’s education sector was embroiled in a controversy involving lurid, sexually offensive contents of a new school syllabus which first introduced sex education in Junior high schools in Lagos State under Integrated Science, Family Life and Hiv/AIDS Scheme of Works before it spread to other states. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR today presents an update. If as a parent or guardian you missed the controversy, you may also have failed to observe subtle changes in the moral character of your little boy or girl who passed through the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) in Nigeria since 2005. Some parents viewed it as a virus ‘injected into the educational system’ without knowledge of parents, and children of adolescent age were the target. But the storm that rose with it, education ministry’s efforts to manage the situation and ripples that continue to trail the subject is still a subject of apprehension today in the absence of a thorough examination of the contents of the integrated science curricula. Mr. Femi George-West, a top security officer with a vehicle assembly company in Lagos sometime in 2005, lost his peace when his 15 year old daughter came from school late one afternoon and asked, ‘Daddy, what is ejaculation?’ Narrating his experience to Daily Times at his Ilori Street, Ire-Akari Estate, Isolo, residence, George-West said the child was only in her first year

in the senior high school. “When I recovered from the shock, I quizzed her to know where she got that kind of word from; then she said some new teachers have started taking the junior and senior secondary students in a special science class after school hours.” The parent was thoroughly shaken and went with his ward the next day to her school, Okota Grammar School, Okota. “I demanded to see the teacher and to know what science subject required my daughter to know about ejaculation. I was told the teachers were not even part of the school, that they represent some NGO called Action Health Incorporated or something like that, but I was furious; I forbade my daughter never to continue with them in that class.” But Alhaji Ahmed Hamma, a business executive, philanthropist and Muslim scholar of 28, Bishop Crowther Street, Surulere, Lagos, did more than restrict his daughter from continuing with the class. His story. “Sometime last year, my daughter aged 14 in junior secondary school two (JSS2) at Satellite Town Secondary School, Satellite Town, Lagos, told me that some trained teachers have been coming to their school to teach them the techniques of masturbation, dating and putting on condoms. “That was not all, the teachings included sexual communications and negotiations, how to do abortion in secret, how to practice ‘safe-sex’ in secret without getting pregnant by using contraceptives like IUCD, injectables, vaginal foams and jellies, diaphragm, hormonal implants, oral contraceptive pills, touching and examination of male and female reproductive organs.

A Lagos State Secondary School

Sometime last year, my daughter aged 14 in junior secondary school two (JSS2) in Lagos, told me that some trained teachers have been coming to their school to teach them the techniques of masturbation, dating and putting on condoms. — Alhaji Haruna Sonnie Ekwowusi

“She said the teachers brought naked body images and taught them about erection, ejaculation, kissing, caressing, and sterilisation procedure for male, by making incision in scrotum and by cutting and tying the Vas deferens, sterilization procedure for female by cutting and tying the Fallopian tube, infertility and other similar immoral topics during their integrated science class.” Shaking his head in anguish, Alhaji Hamma revealed further that his daughter told him the teachers bring out a rubber penis and a rubber vagina to demonstrate to the students in open classroom on how to put on the condoms and enjoy sex without getting pregnant and without anyone knowing about it. “I became alarmed and rushed to my daughter’s school to ascertain from the school authorities why they were teaching my daughter such immoralities. “To my chagrin, I met a teacher who confirmed what my daughter told me and I learnt

that the immoral topics which my daughter and her fellow students were forced to learn were topics in the newly introduced Integrated Science Scheme of Work being used to teach young students in junior secondary school level of education in Lagos State and other States.” A further probe by the upset father of many young children in different secondary schools in Nigeria revealed that the teachings first started in public schools in Lagos State but was extended to other schools in Nigeria with effect from September 2005 without the consent of parents and other stakeholders of education in Nigeria. “I went to the staff room of the Satellite Town Secondary School and with the assistance of a teacher there, I found copies of the corrupted Integrated Science Schemes of Work for students in junior secondary school and Sexuality Education Scheme of Work for students in senior secondary schools. “After securing a copy, I en-

gaged the teacher in a further conversation about the teachings, and she told me that, to ensure the success of the teaching of the above topics in Lagos State and all over Nigeria, the Ministry of Education at the instance of Action Health Incorporated had recruited some special teachers in Nigeria, gave them special training on how to teach the above immoralities in schools and thereafter, gave each of them a copy of a Teaching Manual called Comprehensive Sexuality Education and dispatched them to different schools to be teaching these topics.” The discovery generated uproar among stakeholders and Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria who were all not informed of the changes in the school curricula. In March of 2005, Family Enhancement Programme, an arm of the Lekki Club for Ladies, led by its director of special programmes, Mrs. R. Elesho, CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Features 28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Sex education: Integrated Science still a cause of apprehension in schools

volvement in armed robberies, gambling and indiscriminate visits to pornographic sites in cyber cafes. Despite these explanations, the Commissioner accepted responsibility for the Scheme of Work, although, he said, he was personally unaware that such unnecessarily explicit and immoral topics had been smuggled into the syllabus. In response to the agitations and articulated misgivings by the organisation, Lawal gave six undertakings, including a directive to the Director of Special Programmes in his ministry to immediately suspend the teaching of those topics. But when the education min-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

confronted the Lagos State Commissioner for Education and education minister with the offensive school syllabus in use and demanded an explanation for such unilateral decision without involving stakeholders; the meeting was held at the Lagos State Ministry of Education Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja on 23rd of March of the same year. In a report prepared by Mrs. Noela Nwosu and made available to Daily Times, the then Hon Commissioner, Mr. Kunle Lawal, while agreeing that there were obvious areas of mistake, an otherwise ‘innocent innovation’ seems to have been misunderstood. Lawal had in defence of his ministry’s action, had explained that the scheme was a ‘life skills/sexuality education programme’ pioneered by Lagos State in collaboration with an NGO – Action Health Incorporated. “We were informed that eight other states in the country had already sent delegations from their Education Ministries to understudy the Lagos State initiative.” Contrary to the Commissioner’s insinuation that the scheme was pioneered by Lagos State in collaboration with an NGO, Daily Times investigation revealed that Action Health Incorporated is a section of United States School Syllabus, giving children a no-holds-barred insight into sex education. How it was smuggled into the Nigerian school curricula by whom, is a question begging to be answered by the

I demanded to see the teacher and to know what science subject required my daughter to know about ejaculation. I was told the teachers were not even part of the school, that they represent some NGO called Action Health Incorporated or something like that, but I was furious; I forbade my daughter never to continue with them in that class. — Femi George-West istry was foot dragging over the suspension of the programme and continued the teaching and spreading the immoral knowledge to other states of the Federation, Alhaji Hamma took a bold step. “I went to consult the Incorporated Trustees of Project for Human Development (PHD), which office wrote letters to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and Ministry of Education among others, complaining about the teaching of immorality in secondary schools in Lagos State and other States in Nigeria and threatened to go to court if the illegal practice was not stopped.”

Alhaji Ahmed Hamma

nation’s education ministry. Also defending his ministry’s reason for the initiative, Lawal said a recent study had projected that by 2015, Lagos State is envisaged to become the largest city in the world and would face serious challenges on every front, especially socio-economic aspects. “The state was therefore trying to position itself to develop a modern urban state with changes in its approach to life/ education.” The Commissioner also mentioned the intention of Lagos State government to raise level of awareness of HIV/AIDS and the danger of being careless with our bodies.” According to the commissioner, his concerns were heightened by recent upsurge of truancy in Lagos State schools, students’ in-

JUST HUMAN

11.10 am. A quiet afternoon Egan Street, Makoko Oriomi in Lagos. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/089

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

29 Faith

All road leads to the Lord’s Chosen Crusade in Nsukka The two-day Holy-Ghost International Crusade of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries titled: ‘God’s Time to take over’, will take place on Saturday 17th, and Sunday 18th October, 2015 by 8:00am daily at Agric farm, near (Uru Junction), University of Nigeria Nsukka ground, Enugu State. Science Editor STANLEY CHIBUIHEM AMALAHA, captures the preparatory event in pictures. It is not unconnected with the recent occurrence at the Lord’s Chosen Crusade in Enugu, that Nsukka, the home town of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, wants a resurgence of that overflow in their abode. Nobody sees 100 and settle for 99 intentionally,it is extremely impossible. That is why the people of Nsukka, having seen the practical manifestations of God’s Power at the Lord’s Chosen, have settled to play host to the 12 year old mega ministry. All harbingers of good tidings far and near, will converge for the two day event which promises to destroy the centrifugal and centripetal forces in the atmosphere. He that walked upon the sea, and defy the universal law of gravity, will do it again this time at Nsukka, through his anointed son and General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka. STANLEY CHIBUIHEM A.

Tel: 08035624538

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries

Sis Joy Ezema , genuine salvation granted

Bro Tony Michael delieved from ritualists

Sis Susan Onoja, 6years barreness gone

Sis Obioma faith, successful delivery granted

Bro Charles vincent, 9years indian hemp smoking cancelled

Pa Benedith Ayogu, 117 years healed of partial stroke

Bro. Ifeanyi Ayogu, promoted from constable to sergeant. Favoured with houses and cars.

Bro Samuel Obiako - Delivered from 25yrs smoking and alcoholism.

Sis Joy Sebastine, restored to life after a brief illness

Some Nsukka brothers of The Lord’s chosen Chuch in Lagos

Some Nsukka leaders of The Lord’s chosen Chuch in Lagos

Nsukka brethens of The Lord’s chosen Regional HQTRS (G.R.A) Nsukka

Some Nsukka sisters of The Lord’s chosen Chuch in Lagos

Science 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Decay in Energy Commission of Nigeria Ï ^ Ə ƋƋƆƋ ƍƍ ƈ ƐƌƆ Ɛ ƄƏ ƐƆƗ ƓƈƐ ƑƐ 1 ƒƆƏ ƈ ƏƗ ƍƍƏ ƒ Ƌê Ï `Ɔƌ ƒ Ƌ Ƈ ƍƏ ƇƆ Əƈ Ƌ ƅ ƗƏƆ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɔ ƐƏƆê Ï M éƍ ƕƌƆ Ɛ Ƈ Ɛ ƇƇ Ƌ ƏƈƆ Ɨ Ɔ ƐƈƐƋƆƌƆ Ɛ ê The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) was established in 1989. Its major responsibility is to strategically plan and coordinate the nation’s energy policies in all ramifications, without prejudice. However, recent investigation shows that ECN has drifted from its responsibility especially at one of its activity Centres –the National Centre for Energy Research and Development {NCERD} Nsukka, where several reports have been written, characterized by irregular appointments, abrogation of parallel appointments, non-payment of outstanding staff salaries, just to mention but a few. Science Reporter, STANLEY CHIBUIHEM AMALAHA, who visited the Centre recently, reports. The world oil crisis in the 1970s stimulated global attention to explore and exploit alternative sources of energy. Some Nigerian Universities joined their counterparts all over the world to initiate research and development in new and renewable energy resources. In the early 1980s the Federal Government, in its wisdom, and in recognition of the importance of energy in national development, set up Energy Research Centers in four Universities in the Country namely: Ahmadu Bello University (Nuclear Energy), Obafemi Awolowo University (Nuclear energy), University of Nigeria Nsukka (Solar energy) and Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto (Solar energy). The Centres were fully administered by the Universities in which they were situated. Staff recruitment, promotion and discipline were carried out by the Universities. With the establishment of the Energy Commission in 1988, the Commission was charged with the responsibility to supervise the Centers and report their performance to the Presidency through the Board of the Commission, chaired by the President. At the National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), located at Nsukka, for example, investigations from the Centre show that: • Parallel appointments of research staff which hitherto has been promoting synergy between the Energy Centre and the hosting University, thereby enhancing research output, has been abrogated. • Promotion of research staff in the Energy Centre to the rank of Professor has been stopped. • Seven months salaries of a staff(a Professor and former Director of the Centre), who made con-

^Ə Ƈê Ƌ

#Əê R ƓƑ ƊƆ

structive criticisms and good suggestions for better administration of the Centre, have been unjustifiably withheld, with impunity. • Promotion arrears of several staff have been mismanaged and left unpaid since 2012. • The Centre is characterized by several petitions written by former and current staff of the Centre against the Acting Director, Dr. Paulinus E. Ugwuoke. • Some petitions written against Ugwuoke which were made available to the writer, outline the following irregularities in parts: • That the appointment of Dr Paulinus Ugwuoke as Director of the Centre, violates the guidelines in the statute of the Energy Centre. The statute stipulates that only a Senior Academic Staff can occupy the position of Director and that any senior academic staff, not in the Professorial cadre, can only do so in Acting capacity and for a maximum of two years. By the records of the Energy Centre and the University, Dr. Ugwuoke was not a senior Academic staff on appointment as Acting Director. Regretably, he is still not a senior academic staff but has remained in perpetuity as Acting Director since 2011, far above the statutory two years limit. No wonder there has been an abysmal poor performance in terms of research output under his watch. • Another section of the petition against Ugwuoke reads: “The Acting Director himself, from the record available now in official documents has also changed his date of birth from sometime in 1956 to 1965”. All efforts by the writer to reach Dr. Ugwuoke proved abortive. With regard to the abrogation of parallel appointment by ECN, all the staff of NCERD condemned the act but spoke unanimously for fear of being retrenched from office. One of them stated that “removal of parallel appointment is a deadly blow on us because they are drifting from the mandate on which the Centre was established”. He stated that prior to the abrogation, almost all the academic(research) staff in the Energy Centre lecture and su-

pervise students research projects in their base departments within the University, with the attendant positive impacts on energy research outputs. Another staff of the Centre lamented that “removal of parallel appointment and eradication of professorial cadres in the Centre will result to brain drain and extinction of quality research output”. He stated that the founding fathers of the Centre wanted the research staff in the Centre to have similar academic career progression , even up to the professorial rank, like their counterparts within the hosting University. A Professor cited a symbiotic relationship between the University and the Energy Centre and commented “as a University-based research Centre, parallel appointment abrogation and removal of professorial cadre in the centre will destroy the symbiotic relationship already existing between the two systems”. In the same light, another staff of the Centre said:”the Acting Director Ugwuoke, feels that the presence of professors will intimidate him since he is still a junior academic. He lamented that the new obnoscious law has led to the loss of four professors at NCERD”. He further stated that staff holding doctorate degree in the Center can no longer be promoted to the professorial cadre and that this will affect Research & Development output. It will also affect the career progression or growth of the younger staff. Hence the staff is of the view that stakeholders and the Federal Government should reverse this ugly trend”. A staff of the University also criticized how seven months salaries of a distinguished Professor and former director at the Centre (NCERD) have not been paid. He further commented that “the Energy Commission should pay the Professor his salaries and recall all the Professors who have left the Centre recently because of the Commission’s retrogressive policies . Their experiences count. Losing them will lead to brain drain and to a

stifling of Research/Development output in the Centre”. A senior academic staff of the university stated that for the growth of the Centre, they should pay the Professor his outstanding salaries. Secondly, Academic & Research staff of the Centre should be promoted to ultimately attain, where merited, the same professorial rank with their counterparts in the University and also retire at the same age of 70 years which obtains for that cadre. It is regrettable that in the past few years under the current Director-General, Professor Eli Jidere Bala, the Commission has drifted from the vision of the Universities and the Federal Government for the Energy Research Centers. For instance, the Commission unilaterally abrogated parallel appointment of research staff which was instituted by the Universities to ensure that research staff engaged in some level of teaching and supervision of students’ projects in the University Academic Departments. Consequently, Professors in the research Centers have been directed to make the choice of remaining in the Centers and loose their professorial status or go back to their base departments in the Universities where they will retain that status. Expectedly, all the Professors in the Energy Centre in University of Nigeria have left the Energy Research and gone back to their academic departments. The implication of this retrogressive policy of the Energy Commission is that research staff in the University-based research Centers will at some point leave the Centre and join academic departments in any of the universities where they are likely to attain the ultimate rank of Professor. The imminent brain drain of research staff will, no doubt, lead to very poor research and development output in our Energy Research Centers. Our visit to the Centre at Nsukka also exposed the fact that the Energy Commission of Nigeria, in the past few months, went beyond its authority to demote some staff who were promoted two to four years ago. These demoted staff were promoted based on the statutory guidelines of the University of Nigeria Appraisal Committees which, since the inception of the research Centre in 1982, were vested with the powers to recruit and promote staff. The concerned demoralized staff are of the view that the Energy Commission ought to have consulted the University before taking

such a retrogressive step which has seriously dampened their moral. They wonder why this negative radical shift in policy has taken place within the tenure of the current Director-General of the Commission Prof. E.J Bala and the immediate past Minister of Science and Technology, at a time when the Federal Government needs the Centers to generate new ideas and research findings to solve the current problems of energy supply in the Country. They are also wondering why University-based research Centers should be placed under agencies which override the University authorities in the management of the research Centers. Should the Energy Commission Nigeria be allowed to manage and administer research Centers situated in Universities when it does not have the academic machinery, capacity and wherewithal to do so? In their opinion, it is just enough for ECN to play the supervisory role and not get involved in the technical and administrative management which should be left for the institutions that have the capacity to do so--the hosting Universities. A situation where the research Centers prepare their budgets and receive government funds through intermediary agencies and not through the Universities where they are based, leaves much to be desired. Experience has shown that the present arrangement where funds are channeled through the Commission to the Centers has often led to distortions whereby the Centers do not get all the funds meant for them. Therefore, they have not been meeting the expectations as stipulated in their mandates. The activities of the Energy Commission of Nigeria deserves urgent attention by the Federal Government to ensure that its management is left in the hands of competent men or women with vision, and not in the hands of mediocres. If the nation is to move forward in Energy research, the Energy Centers should go extra mile to retain their staff, most of who the Federal Government had invested a lot to train. Staff entitlements should be paid as and when due. For the Centres to make the required and necessary impacts, the Federal Government should consider placing them under the full control and administration of the Universities in which they are situated, while the Energy Commission of Nigeria focuses on its enormous core mandates which are still begging for attention.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

31 Opinion

‘After the reggae, play the blues’

ÎÎÎ Art

imitates life in spectacular ways and recreates and represents life in art forms, diverse as the mediums that make every artistic expression profound, every endeavor a depiction of the triumphs or travails or the certainty or uncertainty of life, or the vulgar, refined, beautiful or ugly aspects of life itself. As higher beings, we are placed at the heart of life to pry into its soul, behold its beauty and ugliness the same way we behold ours, listen to songs, hues and cries, watch the movements of things around us, so we can render them into our own songs, tales and stories. It is because “we lie in the lap of immense intelligence” that we can create arts that lend themselves out either as parodies of life or as mimics, as representations of life events, true stories that touch the heart. In effect, we, as artists, make own choices- whether bohemian, epicurean or simply art for art’s sake- to find our artistic voices, calm amid human chaos, to provide harmony to all mimetic relationships, value to productive and creative enterprises and to ultimately give life to our experiences and the realities around us. It is as though life presents itself before us as a

set of choices we draw on life to encounter the metaphors and the epiphanies of our individual lives, songs, tales and photographs. Here, life stands either as a lighthouse to be observed, imagined and constructed in creative mediums or as a wasteland to be depicted in our imitative compositions. The truth is simply this: the choices we make are dependent on the powers of our observation and how we consult those powers to reach out to the possible and impossible, the probable and improbable and to seek out the symbolic and the ideal of life, in order to reveal the truth of life and also of ourselves. The truth that is revealed often points to the beauty of life or the ugliness of our existence, shames us, often makes us reflect on life as much as we reflect on ourselves and experiences. So, in a sense, every artistic endeavor has its purpose and it is this purpose we find in the metaphors we observe and create, in our epiphanies and in our moments of catharsis. No wonder we are always wowed by those compositions that make the spectacles and the harmonies of life manifest; we always cry when stories that touch the heart are told. But, we don’t cry for the sake of crying; we cry because somewhere in

Harrysong

a story, the travails of our lives are painfully laid bare to the mind’s eye. Harrysong’s Reggae Blues’ is an anthem. The hit single, a composition that mimics life in the most epicurean sense, seemingly promotes worldliness and highlights certain imagery of nothingness, underpinned by its appeal to the life of sexual happiness that is at once attained through friendship and intimacy- of the body and flesh. To appreciate Harrysong’s Reggae Blues, one has to appreciate our vulgar enjoyment of life, the pleasure we attach to desire and the care of the body of the other and the hedonism of our society. The epicurean vulgarisms, slangs, speech styles, attitudes and the sexual assertions of our society combine with the rhythms of

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our contemporary hiphop to produce an art form that parodies us. Here, Harrysong imitates our hedonistic highs and lows and highlights our inescapable ways of living not only with flesh and blood, but with the monster we gift our flesh and blood to inhabit where we live in. Reggae Blues is one example of how art imitates life and connects with our broken politics. Here are its lyrics: “ After the reggae, play the blues/ the blues the blues/ make you do as I do/ I do, I do/ enjoy yourself baby boo/ bae boo bae boo/share the Gala, share the booze/ the booze, the booze/ everybody wanna groove/ they groove, they groove/...baby anything you want make I do/ I do, I do/ if your body touch omoge she go get belle. The connection between

Harrysong’s Reggae Blues and the Confirmation Hearings of the Senate we have been entertained to all week appears tenuous on the surface, but something connects them. This is what connects them: they imitate us and mimic the way we treat our kind with pretentious “tuales”, almost to the point of doing the “Kabiyesi” prostration and trivializing an August event. Did you observe all of this like I observed Senator Akpabio during the confirmation hearings? Politics imitates life, composes and presents itself to citizens who stay glued to their television sets in real space and real time to discern the pretenses and infelicities of those they saddle their future with. Sadly, citizens can only sneer at their Senators on their television

sets and shake their heads in disgust. But, there is also a contrast- by every means a total contrast- between Harrysong’s and the Confirmation Hearings. A contrast that is made distinct by the very unserious manner Senators posed their questions during the hearings and the lighthearted way they took a constitutional exercise which ordinary should be the most important exercise in the life of the Senate. At times, our senators turned silence into a caterwaul and at other times, they grasped at every conceivable straw, scratched the surfaces of subjects but did not go into them deeply. They simply allowed ministerial nominees to either place their hands on the door latch or cut free with answers lacking in substance, pretentious enthusiasms and visible emotions that exploded the lie that they truly cared about our future. They don’t care, folks. Are there lessons we can learn here? Yes. First, the quality of the questions our senators posed sadly highlights the decline of public leadership in our country today. Second, a ministerial nominee with a brilliant grasp of the art of public speaking would literarily get away with the charge of murder. Tomorrow, when the Confirmation Hearings will be over, our ministers will dance the blues with corrupt civil servants who hold the yams, goats and the knives. Did I hear someone sing, “after the reggae, play the blues, make you do as I do: share the yams, the goats, the loot, the loot”? Please, sing along. Politics imitates life in our part.

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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: 08086296714

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.210

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ANDREW EKEJIUBA

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R TIPS PSG FO S CHAMPION LEAGUE GLORY

S K C A B A UEF I L A S A PLATINI, A F I F S T I SUBM D I B Y C N PRESIDE KLOPP: I WANT TO SEE X6 LIVERPOOL PLAY WITH MORE FUN

EFA President Michel Platini still has the support of European football’s governing body in his bid to become FIFA President, despite concerns over a £1.35m payment from Sepp Blatter. Outgoing FIFA boss Blatter is under criminal investigation over the 2011 payment, while Platini has also been questioned - they deny any wrongdoing. UEFA’s 54 members met in Switzerland on Thursday to discuss the issue. Platini should have the chance “to clear his name”, a UEFA statement said. It also called for investigators to “work rapidly” and decide “on the merits of the case by, at the latest, midNovember 2015”. Outside the meeting, reporters were told by Austrian soccer federation president Leo Windtner that all 54-member nations “fully support” their president. Although, Michael Van Praag, head of the Dutch FA, is being considered as an alternative candidate to Platini by some member associations. In another development, earlier on Thursday, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan revealed he had officially submitted his candidature for the FIFA presidency, after insisting February’s election should proceed as planned. It came on the same day that acting FIFA President Issa Hayatou, who is standing in for the suspended Blatter, arrived in Zurich to commence his role. In an address, he told the organisation’s staff they are in “an unprecedented situation”. Meanwhile, the FIFA reform committee that was set up following the arrest and indictment of seven FIFA officials in Zurich earlier this year is to hold its second meeting today. One of those seven, former Nicaraguan Football Federation President Julio Rocha, had his extradition to the United States approved by Swiss authorities on Thursday, although he has 30 days to appeal against the decision.

BENITEZ plays down Real rifts X7

Life &

TIMES Friday, October 16, 2015

Zeeto

Peller

Rebranding a family tradition

L2,3

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

People now appreciate magic as a form of entertainment – Zeeto Peller Professor Peller›s son, Zeeto Peller and his sister, Chief (Mrs). Nike Peller, are not leaving any stone unturned as they plan to make magic a foremost entertainment ingredient in Nigeria. Last year, they were paid heavily to perform at the Gulder Club Ultimate launch, where Zeeto made his sister, Nike, to float in the air. In this interview with ISAAC OGUNTOYE, Zeeto Peller, a lawyer cum magician speaks on his sojourn into magic world and why he picked his sister, Nike, to join him in the vocation. Excerpts:

For the purpose of those who don’t know you and what you do, can you introduce yourself briefly? My name is Zeeto Peller. I am a magician; I’m the son of the late Professor Peller. My father was a magician; he was the best magician in Africa representing Nigeria all over the world. So, I’m a magician, I do magic. Your late father was very famous with magic and what we have been asking is why it took you these long before you stepped into your father’s shoe? When my dad died, you know, I had to take a break because he was my closest friend and I was really missing him so I had to leave the country. I took a long break; I’m a lawyer, so I was practicing law abroad. I have been around for a while and we thank God things are taking shape right now. I›ve been around for the past 3 years and we have been having shows here and there and people are now aware that magic didn’t die with Professor Peller; magic lives. Since I came back, we›ve been having series of shows for corporate bodies and other well-meaning Nigerians. We thank God people are now appreciating magic as a form of entertainment.

Life&

T E A M

As a lawyer who has delved into magic, how do you cope being a lawyer and a magician? I still practice both. I was trained to be a lawyer - a barrister and a solicitor. So now what I do mostly is soliciting job. I have a chamber, so we are into partnership. I do the soliciting, while my friends do the

legal thing. I don’t really have time to go to court now because most of the time I’m in the studio and on stage and you know entertainment takes you all around. You are always moving from one place to another but I still find time to do my soliciting job and it is not stressful for me. How do you feel when one of your clients is among the audience watching you on stage? I›ve seen lots of my clients seeing me on stage. They are really amazed because magic is a kind of entertainment, that is not coming often and when you see it, it takes you to another level. When my clients see me when am off stage, I›m barrister Saheed Abiola Peller but when I’m on stage, I’m a different person, I›m Zeeto Peller; so when clients see me in my office, my chambers they see me as lawyer, but when they see me on stage, they know this is my tradition. I›m from a magic home, so they are really thrilled and most of them do encourage me, because most of them were people that where asking me questions like what happened to your daddy’s show. After your dad died nothing is happening on the magic scene in Nigeria? When people talk to me like that I used to feel very guilty about it because my dad trained me to be a lawyer and also sent me to magic school abroad, so I have to justify that. I just concluded it›s high time to come back and do magic and you find out people are appreciating it. So how would you differentiate magic from the African juju (Voo-doo)? There is always confusion; sometimes when I introduce myself as a magician or if you are going to see a show, and they say a magician is going be on the show, you expect to see someone that would come on stage with charms all over is body, and it does discourage people from going to watch magic show. But I tell people anytime I›m on stage that magic is not voo-doo. I have been enlightening people about what magic really is. There is nothing fetish about magic. I learnt from

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Continued on

Pfromfrom

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Zeeto Peller

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Adebambo Segun

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Continued from

Pfromfrom

my dad and from magic school abroad, so the basic thing about magic is to be able to concentrate and meditate. I don’t have to chant anything on stage. If I want to make my sister float in the air, all I have to do is to concentrate and meditate about it. When I come on stage, I can cut her into pieces, I can make it appear and disappear on stage. It’s all about being able to master the act of meditation and concentration, so there is nothing fetish about it and there is nothing voodoo about it.

L3 Interview

Magic is not voodoo

Why bring your sister into magic; is it something you cannot do alone? You see during my dad’s days, you normally needed someone as a scape goat. If I want to cut someone into two pieces, I won’t cut myself into two. I need a scape goat and my mum was my dad’s scape goat. It was kind of family show then with Professor Peller and lady Peller. I am playing the role of Professor Peller while my sister is playing the role of Lady Peller and we started this at a very young age; we used to go on tour with dad and mum, so it has been in us for many years and I would say I was born into it. Your dad used to hold a magical show and now you are into it and everything has changed over time; how are you bringing modernization into it? That is a good question. Like I said, I haven’t been around for sometimes, I just came back some years back and while I was abroad practicing Law, I was still very much into magic because I am a member of International Magicians, the British wing and the American wing. My dad was also a member and I’m now representing my dad there. These are meetings that brings magicians from all over the world where whatever you invent, you bring it to the convention, we talk about it and I›ve always been a part of that meeting. I have seen it all, so that›s what I’m bringing back to Nigeria. If you see my show now, it›s kind of different from my dad’s because if my dad was still alive, the show would have changed anyway, because we move with time and trend. What you see on my dad’s show, you might not see it on my show now because things have really moved on. Now, I make sure I study my audience before I present anything. I can›t show what am going to do for adult show for kids and what I’m doing for kids won›t thrill adults. So, I just look at that and I follow the trend and that has made the different. There is no job without its own challenges and I know that in one or two situations you must have had some challenges while trying to entertain people with magic, can you share the

audience? That is normal with people, they would pull your legs. There was a time, I had a show with some of these musicians. After the show, one of the artistes refused to shake my hands, 2face precisely. Before the show, we were back stage talking, playing and drinking together, then after the show, he refused to shake me. He said: ‘I don’t want you to turn me into something’. I had to explain to him that this is entertainment and that I didn’t have the voodoo to turn him into anything but I have what it takes to entertain people which I just did and people appreciated it. What is your vision for magic and what are you working on right now? Like I said, we have come a long way. We thank God that people are now aware that magic didn’t die with Professor Peller and people have seen magic live unlike before that they only had the opportunity to see it on television and they even confess that they›ve never knew we had anything like this in Nigeria. So they really appreciate it and now we have lots of clients from both corporate and public sectors. Can you tell us the people you have done shows for? We have done shows for Nigerian Breweries, Etisalat, MTN, Private Chambers Law Firms and end of the year pack for lots of corporate bodies.

Zeeto Peller during a stage performance challenge or experience? Basically for me, I am going to give God the glory because it has all been smooth. I usually do my homework before I go on stage. Once I’m able to do my homework very well, I would go on stage and nothing is going to fail. Everything will definitely go as planned and it has been like that, so I give God the glory. What you are saying is that your magic as never failed you? No! By the grace of God, no. If you are too change something about people’s perception when it comes to magic, what would that be? Like I always tell people when I go on stage that I want you to watch my show with an open mind; don’t watch it as a Christian or as a Muslim. I’m an entertainer; watch it as if you are watching theatre, music, comedy because some people get agitated when they hear magic and I have been able to enlighten people that magic is not voodoo. We had a show sometime and after the show, some persons

in the audience walked up to me and said wow! ‘You are a magician. I was really thrilled with what I saw. Before I came to this show, I was told a magician was going to come, I was expecting to see him with charms all over and would be chanting but when I saw you, I knew this is a modern day magician”. Looking at the Nigerian environment, would you say they›ve started embracing magic? Yes, like I said, we have cause to thank God now because things are really working out. When I started some few years back, magic as not on the entertainment scene in Nigeria, but magic has been in entertainment scene all over the world. If you go to North America, they’ve got lots of magicians. If you go to the United States, they also have lots of magicians like Toe Daniel, Chris Angel, and David Blade. Since my dad died, nothing had been heard about magic but since we started, Nigerians have started appreciating magic. People that knew my dad then thought

my dad died with the magic, that he didn’t train anybody. When I came back, they now appreciate me. It gives them memories of yesteryears. All they do is just pray for me; they didn’t really believe anybody could do this. Do you intend to have a school where you could teach young stars or you just want to make it a family thing? No, it is no longer a family thing because I have people under training that are not related to me. They’ve shown interest in magic because it was my dad’s dream to establish a magic school but it is still in my plan. I still have the plan to do that but what we are doing now is to lay the awareness to let people see that magic is entertainment. Magic is not voodoo, let people appreciate it. So I have been able to enlighten people about it. It›s like a crusade to enlighten people that this is entertainment, this is not voodoo and watch it with an open mind and just be entertained. Have you been challenged to do one particular magic by your

In few years to come, where do you see your magic? At the rate we are going, people are getting to appreciate magic. They are getting to know that this is entertainment, this is more like watching drama, comedy, music and there is nothing to be afraid of; this is pure entertainment. So my vision is to breed other magicians because like I tell people, why you don’t really see so many people in magic entertainment is because people don’t really know how to go about. I’m lucky to be born in into a magic family. I know the school even though I started my training from my dad and then magic school. So what I’m doing now is to have people under my tutelage. What does it take to be a magician? You must be able to read and write and then the interest. Once you have the interest, the key things are the ability to meditate and concentrate. These are two key things and once you are able to master them, then the sky is your limit. How do you inculcate discipline into your students in other for them not to go astray? I am guarding against that. It is very strict being under my school. The ones under me have passion for it and they are God-fearing.

Society Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

Isaac Oguntoye

Controversy trials Ooni of Ife Screening Committee member Since the death of Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade and the controversy surrounding his death, all hands has been on deck to make sure they installed the right person as the new king. Recently, one of the royal compound accused Professor Ade Aderibigbeled Ooni of Ife Screening Committee of taken bride to install the next Ooni of Ife.

Prior to that, a member of Agbedegbede Royal Compound, Prince Ade Ogunleye, had refuted and dissociated the royal compound from the pronouncements, actions and decisions of the Professor. As at this moment, no one could ascertain who will succeed the late Ooni of Ife as the situation on ground is taking new dimension.

K1 De Ultimate reacts to shooting of OOU student

Kwam 1

It is no longer news that a student, Azeez Kofowora, of Department of Business Education at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State was hit by a bullet allegedly fired by the KWAM 1’s bodyguard during a late night party on Saturday. But what make news here is the response of the czar of Fuji music to the allegation. In his statement, K1 De Ultimate as he’s fondly called by music lovers stated that “My attention has been drawn to a story about a student purportedly shot at Ago Iwoye where my band was engaged to perform early Sunday morning. I wish to state that no such incident happened throughout the few hours we stayed at the community, at least to the best of my knowledge, such never happened. It should be noted that there were good presence of security personnel of both police and soldiers at the venue which obviously will reinforce the fact that there would not be any act of thuggery or harassment at the event.”

Top business woman, Yetunde Dada is missing As you’re reading this piece, Ekiti based business woman, Yetunde Dada, has been declared missing by family members. According to information, the easy going woman who hails from IfakiEkiti in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of

Ekiti State left home since May 20, 2015 and she’s yet to return home. At this moment, no one could ascertain her whereabouts. This we gathered, has been giving the family members some sleepless night.

What you can’t take away from

Aisha Buhari

Aisha Buhari is the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, a position she’s holding with all humanity. If there is Aisha Buhari anything the wife of the president is so passionate about, is already championing the Mother and Child it will definitely be promoting Mother and Child health in Nigeria. Her recent vision with the help of local and international intervention and support for many nursing donor agencies and development partners mothers across the country, especially those within and outside of Nigeria because she in rural areas point out to the fact that Hajia simply believes that the health of women and Buhari is not leaving anything to chance at en- children goes a long way at providing a measuring that the plight of women and children is sure of development for any country and the attended to by the present government. She world at large.

Billionaire, Rasaq Okoya honoured with Doctorate degree

Vice-Chancellor University Of Crescent Abeokuta, Prof. Gbajabiamila Ibrahim, AlhajiChief (Dr.) Razak Akani Okoya with Wife Chief (Dr.) Mrs Shade Okoya doing thepresentation of award and honoring Chief Razak Okoya Doctorate Degree inBusiness Administration by University Of Crescent Abeokuta recently. Photo By: QuadriOlowolagba

Friends and family rejoice with a man of means, Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Razak Akani Okoya, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of one of Nigeria’s largest conglomerates, Eleganza Group as he was honoured with a Doctorate degree by Crescent University Abeokuta, Ogun State recently. The city of Abeokuta received massive crowd, some classy and unusual guests during the event. In attendance where Chief (Dr.) Shade Okoya; Alhaja Kudirat Okoya; Chief Ademola Adedoyin; Justice Oguntade and wife, Chief Gbenga Obasa; Mrs. Abba Folawiyo with friend, Wosilat Seriki and many more.

There is no limitation to what I can attain in life – Lagos Lawyer, Barrister Ubani Former Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Barrister Monday Onyekachi Ubani, needs little or no introduction. He is a regular voice and face in the media giving insight to issues that are germane to national development. Recently, the articulate human right lawyer was asked about the kind of future he wants

for himself. He said: “There is no limitation to what I can attain in life. It is God that takes you to any level in life, am a believer. What I need to do is to remain healthy, remain a child of God, to be on the side of truth and the people. If I have all that, I believe there is no limitation to where I will see myself even in a short while by the God grace.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

L5 Society Gists

Isaac Oguntoye

Between widow of Falae’s son and Associated Airline Before now, the news was about the kidnap and release of Chief Olu Falae but this time around, it is between his late son’s wife and the Associated Airline. Recall that Deji Falae was a passenger on board on the Associated Airline’s Flight 361 that took off on October 3, 2013 from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to Akure, the Ondo State capital. As part of the Ondo State Government’s funeral arrangements of the late Olusegun Agagu, former governor of Ondo State who died on September 13, 2013. In Lagos, the deceased and some other Ondo State Government officials were directed by the Governor Olusegun Mimiko to support the family of late Agagu for Agagu’s funeral that was scheduled to hold

Gov. Ajimobi’s daughter, Bisola in joyous mood The entire family of Ajimobi and Kolapo Kola Daisi are in joyous mood as the beautiful daughter of Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State, Bisola has been blessed with the fruit of the womb. The ever-radiant daughter of

My richness is not in naira and kobo – Top Designer, Mudi

Deji Falae and wife

on October 4, 2013 but the reverse was the case as the flight crashed after it took off. Now, the widow Ese Lynn Falae and her three children are demanding for compensation in the sum of N245.5 million which they calculated their bread winner would have made in 15 years, less living expenses, cash discount and the statutory limit

the Oyo State governor we gathered gave birth abroad. We scooped this will make it third after Koko and KJ junior. The husband we learnt travelled out of the country last Friday to be with his wife.

of One hundred thousand Dollars or in the alternative the sums of N113, 277,750, £160,740 and $19,000. It will interest you to know that Deji was aged 42 at the time of his death. He was a Legal practitioner. In 2013, at the time of his death, he was serving as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ondo State.

Dare Durosimi emerges new RATTAWU Lagos Council boss Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Lagos Council held its council elections recently with Comrade Dare Durosimi emerging as the new chairman of the union. Dare attained this new position by defeating his opponent and colleague, Femi Taiwo (from Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in a keenly contested election with 104 to 52 votes. Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union

was registered on August 15, 1978. The name was later changed to Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria at the 2003 special delegate’s conference to accommodate the workers in the Arts sector. Lagos State Council of the union came to existence according to the provision of the constitution of the union but became active around 1995. Since inception, several leaders have presided over the union with various tendencies and made contribution towards her growth.

Sammy Okposo, Gozie Okeke, others stormed 2015 Audacity of Praise

Sammy Okposo

The Audacity of Praise (AOP) event is on live today at Shepherdhill Baptist Church around Latude Labinjo Avenue, Obanikoro, Lagos. From inception in 2011, the programme has been filled with “Grace Anointing” and there have been several testimonies of God’s goodness in the form of miraculous healing, jobs, business opportunities, children, etc. This year’s AOP will feature some renowned gospel artistes like Nathaniel Bassey, Sammy Okposo and Gozie Okeke and will as usual feature primarily the following: Miracle Inspiring Worship, Glory-Filled High Praise, Rhema Word and Prophetic Declarations. The theme for this year AOP is “A Foretaste of God’s Shekinah Glory”.

Mudi The name MUDI is undoubtedly one of the most popular designers in Nigeria and perhaps Africa at large. The very amiable man behind it, Clement Enajemo, is definitely a force to reckon with in the Fashion industry. The creative designer has been perceived by many as a successful businessman. But in an interview recently, the young and dynamic businessman played it down when he was asked how successful he is. According to him, he said: “Rich in what sense, am not rich but am contended, my richness is not in naira and kobo, but contentment”.

I don’t talk to Weed

– Dr. Quincy Ayodele Pioneer of Herbal Slimming products in Nigeria and World Health Organisation [WHO] certified Expert on Traditional Medicine, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele, has distanced herself from a statement credited to her by a publication (not Daily Times) that she ‘Speaks with Weed and Plants’. While acknowledging granting the said interview, the pretty grandmother clarified it was a misrepresentation of her statement. In her words: “I don’t talk to weeds or plants. I never have and I never will. That means either incantation or mental illness which isn’t Herbal medicine and I am vehemently against practices of the occult and calling it Herbal medicine. Sec-

ondly, Quincy Herbals products are made and packaged for a global market”. While emphasizing on her displeasure over the wrong statement credited to her, Mrs. Ayodele said: “How does one do incantation into cream, soap or dietary supplement? Particularly the ones we sell on Amazon in the USA!! Please visit bit.ly/ QuincyAmazon or www.quincyherbals.com to see our stuffs, and you won’t see any sign of incantation there. I did grant the interview, but I didn’t say you speak to plants. Cream or weight-loss supplements do not require incantations, it only requires effective ingredients”.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

L7 Events

e r e h W â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;N hen W Compiled by: Onyegbula Onyenaturuchi

What: Empowerment Laughter Day When: November 1, 2015 Where: Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

What: OGA MADAM LIVE 2015 When: Sunday 1st November 2015 Where: Muson center Lagos

What: Jungle Justice Stage drama When: October, 18th -25th 2015 Where: Ethnic Heritage Centre, 35A, Raymond Njoku Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

What: Greatest of all time (GOAT) When: November 14, 2015 Where: Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos. What: Football for a cause When: October 18, 2015 Where: Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.

What: Face of Democracy Nigeria When: 24th October 2015 Where: Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 16, 2015

L8 TV guide

Showing on

152 Africa Magic Epic

141 Eva Channel

00:45

03:00

Fri, 16 Oct | 16

Fri, 16 Oct | PG 13

Aka Nneka My Princess. A rebellious prince is forced to choose a wife hoping that this would make him settle down. However, the prince is determined to have his way regardless. Nuella Njubigbo, Charles Okocha. (2012) Ifeanyi Azodo.

101 M-Net West

03:00 Caught On Camera 04:00 The Voice 05:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 06:00 Modern Family 06:30 The Blacklist 07:30 Battle Creek 08:30 Iron Man 3 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 NCIS: New Orleans 14:00 Hawaii Five-0 15:00 The Fixer 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Odd Couple 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Resurrection 19:30 Arrow 20:30 The Bag Man 22:30 The Deadly Game

154 Africa Magic Family

00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Good Morning Africa 03:27 Secret Room 03:49 Behind The Scenes: Invasion 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

07:25 Paul’s Puzzle 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Nowhere To Be Found 14:30 Nowhere To Be Found 15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Goal Diggerz 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Days Without Rain 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

‘S1/E59 - 1/59’. A tearful Marthita confides her secret to Olvido. Regardless of his pain, Armando refuses to see a doctor. Everybody celebrates the birth of Iran’s baby girl, except Iran.

155 AfricaMagic World

00:25 Most Shocking 01:20 Sexy Car Wash 01:50 Rude Tube 00:30 The Weakest Link

10:25 Deal Or No Deal

01:20 Scott And Bailey

11:05 My Family

02:10 Come Dine With Me

11:35 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:05 EastEnders

12:25 Top Gear

03:35 QI

13:25 Come Dine With Me

04:05 Top Gear

14:10 Celebrity MasterChef

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

15:05 The Weakest Link

05:25 QI

16:00 Casualty

05:55 The Thin Blue Line

17:00 The Chase

06:25 EastEnders

18:00 The Cube

06:55 Antiques Roadshow

19:00 New Tricks

07:50 The Weakest Link

20:00 The Graham Norton Show

08:35 The Chase

21:00 Dragons’ Den

09:25 QI

22:00 Live At The Apollo

09:55 Would I Lie To You?

22:50 QI

155 Africa Magic World

00:02 Music Block 01:00 Good Morning Africa 02:05 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Music Block 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:05 Last Angel In Hell 07:20 Star Gist 07:55 Star Gist

08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Kumwesu 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 The Bleeding Heart 21:45 Jara 22:15 Music Block

02:20 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:45 The Boondocks 03:10 Rude Tube 03:35 Most Shocking 04:30 South Beach Tow 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow 15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Tattoo Nightmares 20:30 Skin Wars 21:30 Hip Hop Squares 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 1000 Ways To Die

IGHALO

READY TO BATTLE GUNNERS!

g X2 g X7

backs Messi to reclaim Ballon d´Or

CHUBA AKPO M

2011: 2011–2012: 2012–2014: 2014: 2015–Till date:

2013: 2014: 2014: 2015: 2015–Till date: National team

2002–2013: Senior career

Arsenal Arsenal Brentford (loan) Coventry City (loan) Nottingham Forest (loan)

England U20 England U-21

England U-16 England U-17 England U-19

Hull City (loan)

Poster! Akpom

Chuba

Chuba Amechi Akpom an English profession (born October 9, 1995) striker for Hull al footballer is represented City, on loan from who plays as a Arsenal. England at youth internatio He has Akpom joined nal levels. his debut for Arsenal at the age of the Arsenal 15, and signed U18 side atsix. He made his first the age Arsenal on October 10, professional contract of 17. 2012, a day with after turning In Decembe r 2012 Akpom into the Arsenal received his senior squad, first unused substitute when he was call defeat to Olympiakfor a 2–1 Champion an s League League appearan os. He made 20 U-21 Premier ces during and scored the games in the13 goals, including 2012/13 season 10 goals in Elite Group 10 stage. In the lead-up selected for to the 2013/14 season, Akpom was scored once Arsenal’s pre-seaso Dream Team,in a 7–0 win againstn tour of Asia and Vietnam and two more in a 7–1 an Indonesia win another in the tour against Arsenal’s finalagainst Urawa Red Diamonds.game of Akpom made his competitiv Premier League win over e debut in a 3–1 September 14, 2013. He Sunderland on minute of injury came on in the third Olivier Giroud. time as a substitute for the injured On February international 15, 2011 Akpom made his match againstdebut for England Slovenia, which U16s in a friendly draw. His second ended in a and came in a 0–0 3–0 2010/11final game for the U16s Northern Ireland Victory on March 23, Shield win over 2011. On August 2, 2011 Akpom scoring once in 4–0 win made his U17 debut, He played over the Faroe in all six games Islands. during England’s and U-17 Champion unsuccessful scored two goals ship qualifying 2012 European made 13 appearan ces in total campaign. He scored five for the U17s goals. and On Septembe U-19 debut r 6, 2012 Akpom made his England scored his in a 3–1 defeat to Germany. first goal He for the U19s 26, 2012, in Champion a 3–0 2013 Europeanon September days later, ship qualifying win over U19 he scored Estonia. Two the Faroe Islands. two goals He played in a 6–0 win over six 2013 European in five of England’s U19 Champion and elite stage England failed games and scored ship qualifying three to qualify for the finals. goals, as On October 11, 2014, Akpom goals for England scored his first minute substitute U20 coming on as a 87thto score Netherlands U20 in a 3–2 a brace against 13, 2015, Akpom victory. On October made playing 90 minutes and his England U21 debut of the match scoring with in a the European Kazakhstan. qualifying winlast kick over

About

g X4,5 Number: 19 Youth career

Chuba Akpom Name: Chuba Amechi Akpom Full name: October 1995 (age 20) Date of birth: Canning Town, Newham, England Place of birth: Height: 1.83 m (6 ft) Playing position: Striker Hull City (on loan from Arsenal) Current team:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

CHUBA AKPOM

MATTHAUS

ADI SHINES IN MLS, HITS g X3 11TH GOAL X4 Friday, October 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

Friday, October 16, 2015

Dike cautions g X2 Eaglets against USA

Chile 2015:

Friday, October 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

IGHALO

Moses relishes

return to Palace

BRACED TO BATTLE GUNNERS!

dion Ighalo is certain that his club, Watford, can pull off a result against Arsenal when they play hosts to the London club this Saturday. The 26-year-old, despite admitting that the Gunners are one of the big guns in the English top division, is also hopeful that they can ruffle the feathers of Arsene Wenger’s men. Ighalo, who has scored The Hornets’ last five goals this term, is optimistic of adding to his number of goals for the club when Arsenal visit Vicarage Road this weekend. The Nigerian international also knows that they would have to work their socks off if they want to stand any chance of claiming a result against the North London club. “Arsenal are a big team and it is not going to be easy. They are not a team we are going to take lightly because they are doing very well at the moment. They are not just doing well but also scoring goals. “So we just have to work hard against them - play to the coach’s instructions, and hopefully we can get all three points or may be one. It is

igeria forward Victor Moses will return to Crystal Palace on Saturday when he leads West Ham United’s forward line against his former team. Moses went to school just a few streets away from Selhurst Park and was given his breakthrough into the professional game by ‘The Eagles’ after becoming one of the star performers at the club’s Academy. The Nigeria international made his debut for the club back in 2007 and spent three-years at Palace before making a move to Wigan in

n o t going to be a n easy game because Arsenal are a good team. But in football anything can happen and I am hoping by God’s grace I can add to my goal tally,” he said. Ighalo is currently the third highest goalscorer in the English top-flight this season with five goals, behind Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City on seven and six goals respectively. The former Udinese man has scored a goal each against Everton, Swansea City, AFC Bournemouth and two against Newcastle United.

Moses

2010. Moses, who joined West Ham on a season-long loan from Chelsea during the summer, said he will never forget his time in south London, but stressed he is now part of a new challenge at his latest club.

Chile 2015: Dike cautions Eaglets against USA

Ighalo

Dike

ormer Golden Eaglets coach, Alphonsus Dike has called for caution in the side’s opening match against the United States of America

(USA). The reigning world champions will open their defence title account against the USA in Saturday’s match day 1 of the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradaos in Santiago De Chile. Dike said though Eaglets have everything to overcome the Americans in the tournament first test clash the Nigerians should not for whatever reason underrate their opponents from the United States of America.

Friday, October 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

CHAH qualifier:

SALAMI

to captain Nigeria against Burkina

Mike Otanwa

Gbolahan Salami on the prowl for Nigeria.

Adi shines in MLS, hits 11th goal

igerian striker Fanendo Adi scored the only goal to give Portland Timbers a 1-0 win over hosts Real

Salt Lake. Adi hit his 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 54th minute for their third straight win on the road. Jamison Olave was given a straight red card in the 52nd minute for taking down Lucas Melano in a goal-scoring position. Nick Rimando picked the wrong direction on Adi’s penalty kick. Adi had a close-range shot saved in the 21st minute, and Rimando came out of his box to block Adi’s fast-break attempt in the 44th minute. “That’s the game, I felt very comfortable,” Adi said. Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey preserved his MLS-leading 13th shootout with a reaction save of Javier Morales deflected shot in the 91st minute.

Adi

or the first time in his Nigeria career, forward Gbolahan Salami is expected to captain the Super Eagles when they face Burkina Faso in Saturday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier. Our correspondent gathered that the powerful forward, was named skipper owing to his wealth of experience with the senior national team. “Gbolahan will wear the armband when Nigeria host Burkina Faso on Saturday,” the

source said. “He has experience and the ability to lead the rest of the squad now that the team is without a skipper.” Sharks’ Chima Akas was named assistant captain for the game billed for the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. Salami has won 13 caps and scored three goals for Nigeria since making his debut in 2014. The winner between Nigeria and Burkina Faso will qualify for the 2016 CHAN billed for Rwanda in January.

Esobe K

wara United dazzling winger, Chukwudi Esobe, is a happy man after his recent invitation to the Dream Team squad. It would be recalled that Nigeria U-23 National Team handler Samson Siasia released a 30-man list on Friday, October 10, for the forthcoming CAF U-23 Championship in Senegal. The Harmony Boys winger who was impressive in his team’s 2-1 loss to Lobi Stars on Sunday said it is a dream come true to be worthy of a call-up to the U-23 side. “I am delighted to get the attention of the U-23 technical crew because there are plenty of good players in the country. “I want to thank my team (Kwara United), for the opportunity given to me to play at the Premier League level. “I will try my best to make the final list because I know it is going to be tough, but since getting here is tough, am sure to finish the job will also be something I must work hard for,” he said. “I want to thank my teammates too because they are part of making this possible, if not for them I may not have gotten this opportunity.”

delighted with Dream Team call-up

Esobe

UWCL: Michael, Chukwudi on fire! S arah Michael and Ogonna Chukwudi scored a goal each in KIF Orebro’s five-nil thrashing of Greek side PAOK to qualify for the third round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) on Wednesday. Both teams locked horns at the Behrn Arena, with the homers, Orebro, aiming to complete a double over the visitors having won 3-0 in the first leg encounter in Greece. It was Michael who grabbed the first goal of the game in the tenth minute of action, while her

compatriot Ogonna scored early in the second half. Orebro qualified for the next round of the competition with a comfortable 8-0 aggregate victory. The club didn’t fare well in the 2015 Dammalsveskan season which is due to end this weekend but have been impressive in the biggest women’s club competition in the world. “It was a game we deserved to win having dominated the Greeks. Thank God we are through to the next round of the competition,” a delighted Ogonna said.

Meanwhile, Asisat Oshoala’s Liverpool Ladies failed to progress to the next round of the UWCL after losing 1-0 at home to Brescia at the Select Security Stadium on Wednesday night. The game which was Matt Beard’s final game in charge before moving to Boston Breakers in the USA saw Barbara Bonansea score the only goal of the game midway in the first half. The first real chance fell to Asisat Oshoala in the 20th minute after she was played through by Natasha Dowie, but the Reds number 14 fired over

from close range. In the 26th minute, Beard’s side were left with a mountain to climb when the visitors took the lead against the run of play. She was played through by Daniela Sabatio on the left side after she dispossessed Martha Harris, and Bonansea calmly placed the ball past Libby Stout. With 14 minutes to go, Oshoala had the ball in the back of the net, which would have set up an exciting final 15 minutes, but it was disallowed for a foul on the Brescia goalkeeper.

POM

CHUBA AK

Chuba Am an English echi Akpom (born Oct striker for Hprofessional footballeober 9, 1995) is represente ull City, on loan from r who plays as a d England at youth in Arsenal. He has Akpom join ternational levels. his debut foed Arsenal at the ag 15, and sig r the Arsenal U18 si e of six. He made Arsenal on ned his first professiode at the age of October 10 n 17. , 2012, a d al contract with ay after turn ing In Decemb e r 2 0 1 2 Akpom re into the Ars ce unused su enal senior squad, wived his first call defeat to Obstitute for a 2–1 Cha hen he was an League ap lympiakos. He made mpions League and scoredpearances during the 20 U-21 Premier games in th 13 goals, including 2012/13 season 10 e Elite Gro up stage. goals in 10 In the lead selected fo-up to the 2013/14 se scored oncer Arsenal’s pre-seasoason, Akpom was n

About

2011: 2011–2012: 2012–2014: 2014: 2015–Till date:

2013: 2014: 2014: 2015: 2015–Till date: National team

Number: 19 Youth career 2002–2013: Senior career

England U20 England U-21

England U-16 England U-17 England U-19

Hull City (loan)

Arsenal Brentford (loan) Coventry City (loan) Nottingham Forest (loan)

Arsenal

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4 Friday, October 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

Akpom

Chuba

Dream Tea in a 7–0 win again tour of Asia and Vietnam anm, two more in a 7–1st an Indonesia the tour ag d another in Arsenal’swin against ainst Uraw a Red Diam final game of Akpom ma onds. d e Premier Le his competitive de Septembe ague win over Sund but in a 3–1 minute of inr 14, 2013. He came erland on Olivier Giro jury time as a subst on in the third itute for the ud. injured On Februa internation ry 15, 2011 Akpom m match aga al debut for England ade his inst Sloven U draw. His se ia, which 16s in a friendly came in a cond and final gamended in a 0–0 Northern Ir3–0 2010/11 Victory Se for the U16s eland on M arch 23, 20hield win over On August 11. 2 , 2011 Akpo scoring on m m a d ce e his U17 de in 4–0 win He played but, over th during Eng in all six games and e Faroe Islands. sc la n o d re ’s d unsuccess U-17 Cham ful 2012 Eutwo goals ropean made 13 a pionship qualifying ca p p scored five earances in total fo mpaign. He goals. r the U17s and On Septem b e r 6 , 2012 Akp U-19 debu om scored his t in a 3–1 defeat to Gmade his England fir e st g o a l fo 26, 2012, in r the U19s rmany. He on Septem a 3 – 0 2013 Euro Champion ber pe days later, ship qualifying win ovean U19 h e r E scored two stonia. Two the Faroe goals six 2013 EIslands. He played in in a 6–0 win over and elite sturopean U19 Champ five of England’s England fa age games and scoreionship qualifying iled to qua lify for the d three goals, as On Octobe finals. r goals for E 11, 2014, Akpom sc minute subngland U20 coming ored his first Netherland stitute to score a braon as a 87th13, 2015, As U20 in a 3–2 victo ce against playing 90 kpom made his Engry. On October of the matcminutes and scoring land U21 debut Kazakhsta h in a European qua with the last kick n. lifying win over

EXTRATIME

Friday, October 16, 2015

EXTRATIME PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015

Parlour:

Tottenham v Liverpool 12:45 Chelsea v Aston Villa 15:00 Crystal Palace v West Ham 15:00 Everton v Manchester United 15:00

Gunners can win EPL title!

Man City v Bournemouth 15:00 Southampton v Leicester 15:00 West Brom v Sunderland 15:00 Watford v Arsenal 17:30 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015 Newcastle v Norwich City 16:00 MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 Swansea v Stoke City 20:00

Parlour

ormer Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes the Gunners have a “good chance” of winning the Premier League title this year, but says keeping key players fit is vital. Arsene Wenger’s side thrashed Manchester United 3-0 in the Premier League before the international break to lift them up to second in the Premier League table, where they currently sit two points behind leaders

Manchester City. And Parlour further revealed that if Arsenal can stay in contention until the title run-in, they’ll have every chance of lifting the trophy in May. “I think the most important thing for Arsenal is being involved around March or April time to be in with a chance of winning it,” said Parlour. “Over the last few seasons they’ve seemed to drop off.

“It was a huge game against Manchester United, bouncing back from Olympiakos, they had to get a result and start quickly. Theo Walcott is playing well at the moment up front, and he’s got competition from Olivier Giroud, who scored for France in midweek. “So everything is going well for Arsene Wenger at the moment but the key is keeping players fit, (if they do)

KLOPP:

I WANT TO SEE LIVERPOOL PLAY WITH MORE FUN

urgen Klopp wants Liverpool to play with “more fun in their eyes” when they take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday. The former Borussia Dortmund boss will take charge of his first Premier League game against Mauricio Pochettino’s side, with the visitors looking to secure only a fourth top-flight win of the season. Klopp says he understands the pressure of the top job at Anfield but has called on his players to enjoy their football again in order to recapture their best form. “The most important thing is to train as often and as long as it’s possible to do, and not think about expectations from outside. I’m not interested in them,” he said on Thursday. “The pressure I make for myself is big enough - I don’t need anyone else to tell me I have to be suc-

cessful. I know that. “If I say we have to make a restart, we have to start new. So I’m not interested in the faults of a few weeks ago, I’m only thinking about making things stable. “We have to be active, ready for work, ready to enjoy the game. We’re playing against a very, very good Premier League team. They look fine-tuned, maybe they have some problems with injuries or other things but it’s a good team. “I know how I want to play. But in the end, it’s only football. All these guys are able to play real good football, it’s the reason they’re here. Now we have to open our chest and run, fight, shoot, defend together, attack together, like it looks like in your best dream. “I want to see more bravery, more fun in their eyes, I want to see that they like what they do.”

I think they’ll have a good chance this year.” Parlour was full of praise for forward Alexis Sanchez, who has fitness concerns heading into Saturday’s trip to Watford following the international break. The forward started both games for Chile and scored three times, despite picking up a hip injury in Arsenal’s win over Manchester United.

Sanchez rubbishes exit rumours

rsenal striker Alexis Sanchez says he has not considered leaving the club amid speculation Real Madrid are interested in signing him. The Chile international was the subject of reports suggesting Madrid were set to bid for the former Barcelona man, who continued his fine form with three goals during the international break. After a slow start to the season with Arsenal, Sanchez now has nine goals in his last five games for club and country. Three goals while on international duty helped Chile to win Brazil and Peru in their opening World Cup qualifiers, with Sanchez now focused on his return to club action. Speaking at a press conference ahead of his return to England, the 26-year-old told reporters: “I’m very happy at Arsenal, I don’t think about leaving. “I always want to be the best at everything I do. I’m never happy with what I do, I always want to give more.” Sanchez scored 25 goals in all competitions during his debut season with the north London club last term - helping Arsenal defend the FA Cup as Arsene Wenger’s men finished third in the Premier League.

Depay

Depay can be Man United great

—De Boer J

Klopp

oe Gomez insists Liverpool have always been confident in their potential despite their disappointing start to the season. Back-to-back Premier League defeats against West Ham United and Manchester United were followed by consecutive 1-1 draws against Norwich City and Bordeaux, while Brendan Rodgers’ side required penalties to beat Carlisle United in last week’s League Cup third round. However, some of the pressure on

Rodgers was alleviated following Saturday’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa, and Gomez is confident the Anfield club can build on that victory in the Europa League and in this weekend’s Merseyside derby. “I don’t think there was much doubt that we were capable of performing that way,” the defender told reporters. “Everybody is up and positive and just looking forward to the next game and onto the weekend against Everton because that’s a massive game.”

Friday, October 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

MATTHAUS

UCL: BAYERN SUPPORTERS backs Messi to reclaim Ballon d´Or GROUP PLAN G ARSENAL BOYCOTT ermany legend Lothar Matthaus believes Lionel Messi will reclaim the FIFA Ballon d’Or from Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi was an integral figure as Barcelona went on to win the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League in Luis Enrique’s first season in 2014-15. The Argentinian scored an incredible 58 goals in 57 games in another stunning campaign, also guiding Ar-

gentina to the final of the Copa America. “There’s really only one player who can win the Ballon d’Or this year: Lionel Messi,” Matthaus - who won the World Player of the Year award in 1991 - said in an interview. “He’s had another exceptional year for Barcelona by winning not only the Champions League but also the double in Spain, and only just missed out on a trophy with Argentina.

“Nevertheless, his goal tally, spectacular play and the successes he has celebrated with Barcelona speak for themselves. “He has repeatedly proven his exceptional class and remarkable talent. For me it would be a huge surprise if Messi didn’t win.” Messi has not won the coveted prize since 2012, with Cristiano Ronaldo taking out the 2013 and 2014 awards.

Messi

MAXWELL

tips PSG for Champions League glory

axwell believes Paris Saint-Germain are capable of winning the Champions League, adding he would consider staying at the Parc des Princes if they claimed the trophy. The Brazilian full-back agreed a new one-year contract extension with the French champions in May, with this season set to be his last, having moved from Barcelona in 2012. PSG bowed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage in their last three attempts but the 34-year-old insists this could be their year in Europe.

“The aim is to go further than last year that is for sure. We have started the Champions League well, with two wins, but for us to make the situation more favourable, we need to get points against Real Madrid,” he said. “For a while now we have had a lot of motivation, confidence. To go far in the Champions League, you have to give everything. It could be for us, like last season. It always depends on the moments and who you play in the two-legged ties. “We will need luck, for the whole squad to be available. Unfortunately, last year, we had some problems

Bayern Munich supporters group is planning not to enter the away section of the Emirates Stadium for the first five minutes of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash with Arsenal in protest at ticket prices. FC Bayern Worldwide have hit out at what they describe as an “excessive” price structure for next Tuesday’s Group F match. The lowest-priced ticket for Bayern fans is £64, but the group claims fees and postage will result in most fans paying close to £74. A statement on the group’s Facebook page read: “We will not enter the away sector for the first five minutes of the game between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern Munchen on the 20th of October 2015. “We will be taking this action to draw attention to the excessive ticket prices for this fixture. The cheapest ticket for this group phase match

is priced at £64, which with fees and postage included will cost Bayern fans almost €100. “This kind of a price structure makes a stadium visit impossible for younger and socially disadvantaged fans. It destroys fan culture, which is the basis of football. In England, this development has already taken place. “We want to remind clubs and associations of their social responsibility and warn them of the effects, which we will all feel, both as fans and club officials. “The first five minutes of the game in London will be, what future football will look like if this madness continues. Empty seats in the stands and no singing or emotion in the stands. “In the following 85 minutes we want to show the alternative and show how fundamentally important a lively fan-culture is for football.”

BRIEFS Bale vows to make Real fans happy

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale wants to carry the feel-good factor from Wales’ Euro 2016 qualification into his club form and contribute to a successful season at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bale was on target in Wales’ final qualifier against Andorra - a 2-0 win at Cardiff City Stadium sparking celebrations as the nation reached their first European Championship and a first major tournament in 58 years.

Niang: AC Milan still eyeing top-three finish

Maxwell which stopped us from playing our game against Barca. I think that this year, with the team that we have, we have more of a chance.”

AC Milan forward M’Baye Niang believes the club can still finish in the Serie A top three despite a slow start to the season. Sinisa Mihajlovic has endured a tough start at Milan, with the club in the bottom-half of the table after four defeats in seven games. But Niang, who did a video Q&A with his followers on Twitter, insists there is a belief in the squad that the Rossoneri can turn their season around.

Benitez plays down reports of Real rifts R afael Benitez has reported a united dressing room at Real Madrid ahead of his team’s return to La Liga action against Levante. Real resume after the international break second in the standings, a point behind surprise early leaders Villarreal. They are unbeaten in all competitions under Benitez, but the former Liverpool boss has come in for criticism following back-to-back Liga draws with Malaga and Atletico Madrid, with detractors pointing towards a perceived negative style of play. Rumours of rifts with key members of the

playing staff, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo, have also been a feature of the fallout from the Madrid derby – something Benitez was keen to refute. “I’m surprised how many stories are invented, we have a very good locker room,” he said. “The relationship between them is quite good, a very good atmosphere among the players, relaxed and healthy. “I have no problems with any player in the squad. Yesterday I had a good time talking with Cristiano. “I have a custom that is to greet them and

ask how they are. I greet the players one by one. I’ve had more complicated locker rooms than this one.” Captain Sergio Ramos, who Benitez described as “a phenomenon” and stated that there were “zero problems between us”, is back in training after missing Spain’s closing Euro 2016 qualifiers with a shoulder injury. Luka Modric sustained an adductor injury while away with Croatia and he is set for a period on the sidelines, although Gareth Bale played a full part in Wales’ qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Andorra to put his recent calf injury behind him.

Benitez

Friday, October 16, 2015

EXTRATIME

Special feature

Nick Wright

ector Bellerin has become one of the Premier League’s finest attacking full-backs since his breakthrough last season as it is depicted in his rapid rise from disillusioned Barcelona youngster to trusted Arsenal starter. As a kicker, a video recently surfaced of Barcelona’s Alevín A scoring a mesmerising goal on the training pitches of La Masia. The footage exploded on social media as football fans across the world watched and re-watched the extraordinary skill of Barca’s pintsized prodigies. It was the kind of scene Hector Bellerin might have been a part of not so long ago. Bellerin joined Barcelona at the age of eight. He was regarded as one of the brightest talent in his age group as he made his way through the youth ranks, but even for La Masia’s top prospects the first team can feel light-years away. Bellerin had watched Cesc Fabregas flourish after leaving for Arsenal as a 16-year-old, so when same opportunity arose for him in 2011, he made the move to north London. “It was hard, but I always say the train comes just once and you either take it or you don’t,” he said last month. “I took it and I am very happy with the opportunity Arsenal have given me and very happy to be in the position I am in today.” Bellerin’s development accelerated in Arsenal’s academy, where he was converted from a winger into an attacking full-back at Arsene Wenger’s request. With his searing pace and immaculate technique, it soon became clear that the boy from Barcelona was destined for big things, and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown remembers a sense of anticipation surrounding the youngster. “Bellerin has been a real find,” he enthused of the 20-year-old. “I went to the training ground a few years ago and former reserves and head development coach Terry Burton was working with the youngsters. He was doing some extra stuff with Bellerin because he said he thought he had a chance. He’s been proved right.” Bellerin would later clock a faster sprinting time than Theo Walcott over 40 metres, and his marauding displays for Arsenal’s U19s in the 2012/13 NextGen Series were a sign of what was to come. Bellerin set up Serge Gnabry for their winning goal in the quarter-

Bellerin (pictured) has usurped Mathieu Debuchy as Arsenal’s firstchoice right-back.

THE RISE AND RISE OF

BELLERIN!

final against CSKA Moscow, and he claimed two more assists as they were narrowly beaten by Chelsea in the semis. Bellerin was mentored by Bacary Sagna as he began training with the first team, but his first real taste of senior football came with a loan move to Watford. His spell at Vicarage road was cut short in February 2014 following Gianfranco Zola’s resignation, but the experience served him well and he returns to the club on Saturday Night Football as a key player in Wenger’s XI. A curtailed loan spell was not the only setback Bellerin had to overcome on his route to the top. His full debut against Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion 13 months ago could hardly have been tougher, and he was also withdrawn halfway through a galling defeat to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium in December. Many young players would have hidden away from the spotlight, but Bellerin kept his place and his determined response showed his

strength of character. Gary Neville described his progress as “massively impressive” after he shone in a 2-0 win at Manchester City in February, and his status as first-choice right-back was confirmed when he was picked for the FA Cup final despite Mathieu Debuchy’s return from injury. “Debuchy was a worthy No 1 last year so it was a really big decision for Wenger to put Bellerin in,” added Keown. “It’s very satisfying for the Arsenal academy to see him come through and do so well. He scored some really good goals as well which showed his composure. We know he’s got terrific pace, and he defends really well too. The more he plays the more confident he becomes.” Bellerin has got better and better this season. He is still honing some of the defensive aspects of his game, but he looks more assured with every passing week, and his blistering acceleration helps him recover on occasions when he is caught out of position. It is at the other end of the pitch, though,

where his impact has been most impressive. Aaron Ramsey’s deployment on Arsenal’s right flank has been questioned by some, but it has certainly brought the best out of Bellerin. Ramsey’s inclination to drift inside gives Arsenal’s rightback the freedom to bomb down the flank when they have possession, and he has become a remarkably effective outlet. According to Opta, Bellerin has created more clear-cut chances (six) than any other player in the Premier League this season. The likes of David Silva and Fabregas fall well short of that number, and no other defender has created more than two. Indeed, it is only the wasteful finishing of Arsenal’s forwards that has prevented him from racking up the assists too. Bellerin has stamina as well as pace and defends with the same gusto as he attacks. The little Spaniard charges tirelessly up and down his flank, and Premier League tracking data shows he has run an average of 10.7km per game

this season - second at Arsenal to Ramsey, who is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s fittest players. As attacking full-backs go, Bellerin is about as good as it gets in the Premier League. It is surely only a matter of time until he is called up to Spain’s senior squad, and in Barcelona they are already cursing his departure. “If there is one position we don’t have absolutely covered by two players, its right-back,” Spanish journalist Josep Minguella wrote last season. “I shed a symbolic tear every time I see Hector Bellerin start for Arsenal, playing with composure and pace and even scoring goals. His departure was a pity.” For Arsenal, the rewards have been plentiful. Bellerin might be shadowing Dani Alves had he stayed at the Nou Camp, but he has fast-tracked his career in north London. As he said, the train only comes once. And you won’t catch him when he boards it. Ï ƑƋƋƆƗ ƇƏ ƌ ƓƓƓê Ɗƕ ƍ ƏƐ ê