Arms deal trial: Court remands Dasuki, Yuguda, Bafarawa, others Ï Ƒ Əƈ ƅ ƋƋƆƅƐƆƗ dny ƆƔéƋƆ ƗƆƏè Ɛ ƢƠƠèƠƠƠ ƇƏ ƌ C Ɛ è ƕ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ ƅƕ Andrew Orolua, Abuja
ÎÎÎThe Federal Government on Tuesday arraigned the former National Se-
curity Adviser, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd); the former Minister of State for Finance, Bashiru Yuguda and three others before another High Court
of the Federal Capital Territory on 22 counts charge for dishonesty, criminal breach of trust and theft of N13.6 billion.
This is even as the Presidency, on Tuesday night, said President Muhammadu Buhari never collected $300,000 as monetary compensation from the Continued on page 6
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 VOL. 2. NO. 2
GAINERS
LOSERS
NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 15th December 2015.
UNILEVER
42
44.05
2.05%
FLOURMILL
21
22.02
1.02%
NESTLE
JBERGER
37.81
39.7
1.89%
ETI
15.9
16.64
0.74%
GUINNESS 127.45
810.3
N150
800
-10.3%
SEPLAT
210
206.51
-3.49%
122
-5.45%
NB
119
117.1
-1.9%
Panic as Shiites protest shuts down Kaduna
Ï ƤƢƠ ƊƈƋƋƆƗè ƋƋƆ Ɔ ƆƅƐ ƌƆƌƄƆƏ Ï Õơ ƗƆ Ɨ Ƅ ƗƈƆ ƏƆƅƆƈƒƆƗ Ɛ nj6 – CMD Ï `ƈ Ɛ ƅ ƌƌƈ ƈ ƆƐ Ƒƍ ƍ ƆƋ Əƌƕ d ƈƈƐƆ ƅƋ Ï 01 Ɠ Ə ƈ Ɛ ƒƈ ƋƆ Ɛ ƍƏ ƐƆ Ɛ Sunday Isuwa, Victor Jibrin, Kaduna and Akor Ejumene, Abuja
ÎÎÎMembers of
the Shiite Muslim sect led by Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakyzaky trooped out in their
thousands on to the streets of Kaduna on Tuesday in protest, throwing residents into panic and forcing businesses to close shop. The incident, which started early in the morning and lasted
till the afternoon, was apparently to protest the killing of several of their members, destruction of property and arrest of their leader, El-Zakyzaky by the Nigerian Army.
Several businesses, including banks, were closed in Kaduna and Zaria as a result of the protest by members of the sect who dressed in black attires and blocked a highway linking Nigeria’s capital
city Abuja and Zaria, where the sect’s headquarters is located. As early as 9am, members of the sect started filling out in Continued on page 6
Malabu oil fraud: British court stops Etete from ƆƐƐƈ MơƣƄ gB1
Bayelsa poll: Questions ƒƆƏ `& ô neutrality g 8 d Ə Ɗƈ ƄƋ ƌƆ arms deal fraud on poor legislative oversight g7
Head, Graphics, Mr. King Ododoru; former Editor, Mr. Oluyinka Olujimi; former Group Managing Editor, Gabrella Osamor; Publisher/Editor-in-chief, Fidelis Anosike; Editor, Biodun Durojaye and Group Executive, Business Development, Ifeoluwa Isijola, cutting the cake during the first anniversary of Daily Times rebirth... on Tuesday in Lagos.
ƑƏƐ ƅƊ ^#^ô ƅƐƈ M Ɛƈ Ƌ ƈƏè nƅ Ɔ dƆƅ ƗƑ g14
Elvi gL1 Kiopouroglou:
Nigeria is fast growing on e-commerce
Event 2
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
FACES AT 1ST YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DAILY TIMES REBIRTH
Art Editor, Agozino Agozino and ICT Correspondent, Tony Nwakekaegho
Corpy Editor, Nduka Uzuakpundu
Business Editor, Friday Atufe and Politics Editor, Mr. Akintola Akinjide
Group News Editor, Segun Adio
Features Correspondent, Jide Okeowo; Production Manager, Olujimi Kolawole, Ag. Head Oprations, Mr Segun Bamgboye and Features Correspondent, Oguntade Ismaila Daniel Ebimi; Biodun Durojaye, Editor
Entertament reporter, Mutiyat Alli
L-R: Corpy Editor, Mr. Scott Babatunde; Tolani Oseni and Deputy Editor, Mr. Sam Nzeh.
Head Facility, Kingsley Onwukwe
Webmaster, Adebowale Adekoya
Graphic Artists, Robiu Abdul-Gafaru; Sunday Gabriel Idagwu and Tonia Mbey
Students on Internship and Sales/ Distributions officer, Tunde Dosunmu.
Editorial Cartoonist, Adeniyi Odeleye and Graphic Artist ,Emma Sunday
Award winner, Laureta Airanoehi (third left); Group Executive, Business Development (third right), Ifeoluwa Isijola and other Daily Times staff
Graphic Artist, Oluwasegun Adebambo and Sport Editor ,Andrew Ekejuba
Feature Editor, Gbugbemi Godscovenant and Sales and Marketing Manager, Abuja, Mr. Babatunde Dosunmu
Deputy Photo Editor, Olawale Rotimi Editorial Page Editor, Okay Osuji
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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
3
Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial The new electricity tariff hike
T
he recent announcement by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to hike electricity tariff leaves a sour taste in the mouth. According to Executive Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, the agency has consulted and agreed with all relevant stakeholders to hike tariff in order to reflect the ongoing market rate, even as he said that Distribution Companies (Discos) had proposed sweeping increase in their current charges to consumers. Definitely, we join other concerned Nigerians to oppose any increase whatsoever in electricity tariff, considering the fact that consumers for long had been at receiving end of a monumental rip off. We recall that the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had last week in Abuja said that electricity tariff would slightly go up. We see the impending hike as daylight robbery, as it does not only amount to exploitation, but stealing from an already impoverished population to augment and favour investors in the power sector. Always, the NERC has authorised hike in electricity tariff even as the megawatts have continued to drop, with the government only comfortable with offering excuses rather than providing solutions. With electricity consumers already facing a bleak Christmas due to the parlous state of the economy, NERC wants them to pay heavily through crazy bills for poor services provided by the various electricity distribution companies. While we do not argue against paying for services rendered, it grates against good conscience and equity to brow beat Nigerians into subsidising the glaring inefficiencies of Generating (GENCOS) and Distribution companies (Discos).
It bears repeating that Nigerians are ready to pay higher tariff. However, this must be when electricity supply has improved. This is a country where the people have not had the luxury of celebrating constant power supply; yet, they live in apprehension of increase in tariff all the time. Due to this, we say the impending increase in tariff is unjustifiable, unacceptable and insensitive. While we appreciate the pressure on NERC and the private investors who have ploughed so much money into the electricity companies, a lot more still needs to be done to meet the people’s need for stable electricity supply at a reasonable cost before increasing tariffs. Moreover, it is important for NERC to note that Nigerians need much more electricity supply than they are getting now, even as they are willing to pay for its regular supply. However, they are bound to complain when they feel that the electricity distribution companies are not doing well enough. In many parts of the world, electricity tariffs are reducing due to fallen oil prices as much of electricity is generated by gas, which is a component of crude. If the incessant increase in electricity hike is not checked, the unwholesome practice would continue to the detriment of the consumers, thereby slowing down the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which spur industrial development. The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) should shelve the idea of tariff hike and address fundamental issues such as constant power and supply of pre-paid meters. Failing to do so, we are calling on the National Assembly to immediately call NERC to order and stop distribution companies (Discos) from further increase in electricity tariff.
Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim
Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru
Group Managing Director Noel Anosike
ÏÏÏThe
Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, appears not yet done with vilification of the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. This, at least, is what his latest comments that Nigeria lost about $1 billion (N197 billion) every month under former president has proved. The Kano Emir, a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stated this during a programme aired on The PBS NewsHour, an American daily evening television show, recently. Hear him: “Frankly, I think a billion dollars under Jonathan a month was about what we were losing.”
Sanusi’s latest salvo adds to his many previous scathing statements about the Jonathan administration, leading many to believe that he has a score to settle with the Jonathan administration. No doubt, the Kano Emir like every Nigerian should be concerned about how the Jonathan administration conducted the affairs of the nation, including how monies accruing to the nation’s treasury were spent. However, many are worried that the former CBN governor in many instances failed to substantiate his allegations. Even when some of the allegations against officials of the Jonathan administration were investigated, the amounts Sanusi alleged were missing were at variance with the findings of the investigators. For instance, shortly
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before he was suspended as CBN governor in February last year, Sanusi alleged that $20 billion was missing from the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The matter was investigated by the Senate and the allegation was found to be untrue. The Jonathan administration also engaged an international audit firm, the PriceWaterHouseCoppers, to do a forensic audit of the accounts of the NNPC, including Sanusi’s allegations. In the end, the auditors failed to agree with the former CBN governor. So, rather than grandstanding, it would be more beneficial for Nigerians if the Kano Emir not only substantiates his allegations against officials of the immediate past administration but also allow them to state their case(s) if any before an impartial arbiter and wait for the verdict.
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Words On Marble :
Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye
Sanusi: Return to familiar turf?
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Lai Mohammed
Bukola Saraki
Shehu Sani
“When leaders lead by example, it will inspire those who are governed to do the right thing.”
“For us to fight corruption, we must have an enabling environment, laws that will strengthen that fight against corruption. We must strengthen the institutions”.
“The use of force against peaceful dissent only encourages a violent reaction”.
44
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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Panic as Shiites protest shuts down Kaduna Continued from page 1 large numbers from Tudun Wada, proceeded to Ibrahim Taiwo Road to Ahmadu Bello Way. Residents of Kaduna metropolis and adjoining areas were thrown into confusion, with people running in opposite directions leading to multiple accidents. A member of the Shiite sect, Mr Abdullahi Tumburkai, who spoke with our correspondent yesterday also said up to 830 members have been killed since the violent clash with the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai in Zaria city, Kaduna, on Saturday. The Shiites protest came as Executive Secretary, Na-
tional Human Rights Commission, Professor Bem Angwe, set up a Special Investigations Panel into the clash between the Army and the Shiite Muslim Sect in Zaria last weekend. This was sequel to complaints received from the Nigerian Army and concerned citizens on the unfortunate incident which led to the loss of lives and damage to properties. Also, the Federal Government yesterday cautioned individuals or groups planning to embark on any demonstrations or processions to ensure that they were conducted peacefully and in accordance with laws of the land. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr
Bassey Akpanyung, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, on behalf of the Minister in Abuja. Akpanyung said that although the constitution guaranteed the freedom of citizens to association and assemblage, they must be done peacefully and in regards to public order and safety. ``It is imperative to remind ourselves that as long as demonstrations or processions are peaceful and do not infringe on the fundamental rights of others, ``The government will as a matter of principle, direct security agencies to protect the individuals or groups involved in such demonstrations or processions,’’ he said.
There are conflicting reports on the number of people killed and those injured in recent clashes between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Lawal Khalid, said the hospital’s mortuary had received 61 bodies from the ongoing turmoil. Mr Abdullahi Tumburkai said even though the Nigeria Army has claimed the killing of seven people while other residents alleged that over 70 have been killed, he went to the mortuary and counted over 830 corpses. “The number is increasing,” Tumburkai told our
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correspondent while condemning Tuesday’s assault by security men on protesters. Tumburkai who works with a weekly paper, AlMizan said the the situation was worrying. Another resident, Sadiq Abubakar said, “As am talking to you, today, two people were killed in Kaduna while nine others injured during a protest. Soldiers and Police opened fire on the peaceful protesters at Lemu road in Tudun Nupawa Kaduna which caused panic today.” The crises started on Saturday when the Shiite members blocked the Kaduna Zaria highway through which Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai was scheduled to pass to an official function. Said Sadiq, “The convoy found the road blocked by civilians. The soldiers pleaded with the Shiites members to allow the chief of Army Staff pass but they refused, insisting that even Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari cannot have access to the road. “It was on that note the Army Chief, Buratai came down from his SUV Jeep and pleaded with the boys to clear the road for them to pass but they refused. Buratai called the Shiites Leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who responded that his boys has been provoked and that he cannot control them again. The army chief said if he cannot control his boys, the military will and before he could return to his car, the Shiite members started throwing dangerous
weapons at him.” It was gathered that the military opened fire, killing seven on the spot. After the tensed encounter on Saturday afternoon, the Military men reinforced and demolished the sect headquarters in Zaria and the movement leader’s house. The headquarters accommodates over 20,000 worshippers. El-Zakyzaky was also arrested. Daily Time gathered that it was a gun battle between the Military and the sect members who have caved out some streets for themselves in the Gyellesu Area of Zaria, where uniform men have been banned from entering. “You dare not question their authority,” a lecturer with Kaduna Polytechnic who doesn’t want his name mentioned said. “Let me tell you, many residents in Zaria are now jubilating not because Shiite sect members have been killed, but because they are running a parallel government in the city. Many of the sect members were killed by the military because the Darika sect in which they had clashed with leading to the killing of three people few days before the Saturday incident were the ones directing military men to the Shiites high out,” the lecturer added. The Military had on Monday evening, December 14, 2015 petitioned the Nigeria’s Human Right Commission tagged, “Letter of Continued on page 12
Arms deal trial: Court remands Dasuki, Yuguda, Bafarawa, others Continued from page 1 administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan or any of its officials in the aftermath of the Boko Haram attack on him in Kaduna last year. The Presidency however admitted that President Buhari only got 5 Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs after the attacks, adding that SUVs were statutory entitlement of Buhari as a former Head of State. Also arraigned on Tuesday before Justice Peter Affen
of the FCT High Court were Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, a former Governor of Sokoto State; his son, Sagir Bafarawa; a former staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shuaibu Salisu and Dalhatu Investment Limited. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges which were different from the 19 counts charge some of them are facing before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf of same FCT High Court in Maitama District of Abuja. Trial judge, Justice Peter
Affen, ordered the accused persons to be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending the determination of their bail applications. Their bail applications could not be taken on Tuesday as the defense counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he needed time to file a further and better counter- affidavit in response to the prosecution counsel’s further affidavit that was served on him in court on Tuesday.
Some of the charges read in part: That you, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) whilst being the National Security Adviser and Shuaibu Salisu whilst being the Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the National Security Adviser between 14th April, 2014 and 7th May, 2015 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: N3, 350,000,000 being part of the funds in the account of the office of the National Security Ad-
viser with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said properties when you transferred same to the account of Dalhatu Investment Limited with the United Bank for Africa Plc, purporting same to be payment for supply of security equipment and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004; That you, Dalhatu Investment Limited, Sagir Attahiru and Attahiru Dalhatu Bafara-
wa whilst being between 14th April, 2014 and 7th May, 2015 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, dishonestly received stolen property to wit: an aggregate sum of N3, 350,000,000 into your account with United Bank for Africa Plc, from the account of the office of the National Security Adviser with the Central Bank of Nigeria, which belonged to the Federal Government of Nigeria and knowing the said sum to be stolen property but Continued on page 12
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Saraki blames arms deal fraud on poor legislative oversight Olufemi Samuel, Abuja
ÎÎÎThe reckless looting of
national treasury by past governments in Nigeria, as exposed by the sleaze in arms deal, is a reflection of failure by the National Assembly to hold the governments accountable by means of proper oversight functions, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said on Tuesday. He said this in his remarks on a motion on abandoned projects in the country. He said had the legislature carried out its oversight effectively it could have ensured that the money appropriated for arms purchase was strictly used for the purpose. Saraki vowed that the 8th
Senate, under his leadership, would not allow poor oversight of the executive arms, again. He said: “This issue about Dasuki and the arms deal is a failure of the lack of oversight on the part of the National Assembly. If we had done our job, this would not have happened. I think we shied away from our responsibility. This issue is an indictment on the National Assembly. “It is our duty to ensure that projects are not abandoned and that funds appropriated are well used. This 8th Assembly must play its role. “I think we have shied away today from one of the main reasons we are here because some of the proj-
ects are duly appropriated in the budget and embarked upon by various ministries and agencies and the motion whether we like it or not is a partial indictment on us in the National Assembly and we must accept that because these projects that we are talking about under Section 88 of the Constitution, 1(a) (b) it is our responsibility to oversight these functions and these projects to ensure they are not abandoned and to ensure that the funds appropriated are properly used. “I want us in this 8th Senate to ensure that our committees carry out proper oversight and we are going to ensure that we find a way to make sure that committees do their work on over-
sight because truly that is the bottom line to this. “The current investigation going on in the National Security Advisers Office queries the effectiveness of the oversight function of the National Assembly. “We must play our roles in the area of oversight, because if we don’t do it, at the end of the day this is what we will get.” Senator Nazif Suleiman, who moved a motion titled: “Abandonment of Projects: A menace to development in Nigeria”, lamented the case of abandoned projects, stating that so far 11, 886 of projects were almost abandoned in the country. He said Nigeria required a total sum of N7.78 trillion to complete projects aban-
7 News
‘Police need N1tr annually for next 30 yrs’ ment.
Arase
Benjamin Omoike
ÎÎÎChairman of the newly-
Inaugurated board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Mr. Oye Hassan, has lamented that the years of under-funding of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies by successive administrations at the centre which had left a huge deficit that would require a yearly injection of at least N1 trillion for the next thirty years by the Federal Govern-
Speaking on Tuesday at the ninth Town Hall Meeting on Security organised by LSSTF, with the theme: “Refreshing Our Security Model”, noted that the contributions from donors had sustained the Fund in the last nine years. Hassan regretted the utter neglect of key security agencies, especially the police, by past administrations at the centre, but noted that the era of change had come. While assuring the governor of the board’s unwavering commitment and determination to succeed, Hassan said that he and other members of the board would continue from where the last board left off. He pledged to sustain the tempo and up the ante in their quest to succeed.
Bomb scare stalls NYSC parade in Ebonyi Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki
ÎÎÎThe terminal parade of
L-R: National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Representative of the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP), Dr. Mohammad Yousif Abdalla and Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ibrahim Albushra Mohammed during a courtesy visit to OdigieOyegun at the party’s headquarters in Abuja... on Tuesday.
FG stripping Boko Haram of religious pretentions, says Buhari Egena Egena, Abuja
ÎÎÎPresident
Muhammadu Buhari said, on Tuesday, in Abuja. that he expected religious leaders in Nigeria to do more to support his administration’s efforts to strip Boko Haram of all of its religious pretensions and fully expose the group as vicious terrorists, devoid of any moral or philosophical direction. Buhari spoke at an audience with Ecuador’s new Ambassador to Nigeria,
Leopoldo Rovayo Verdesoto, during the presentation of his letter of credence at the Presidential Villa, A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as saying that a lot had already been done to properly expose Boko Haram as a ruthless, destructive and misguided terrorist group. “What we have succeeded in doing is to separate terrorism from religion. The initial attraction for
recruitments was religion. But now, people cannot relate with their relevance anymore and they are only associated with the destruction of lives and properties. “If your life does not mean anything to you, other peoples’ lives will not mean anything to you as well. And people are beginning to see that Boko Haram is just about destruction and nothing else,” the President was quoted as saying. Buhari also told Verdesoto, that his administration
would continue to prioritise diversification and other measures to help the Nigerian economy withstand the shock of falling crude oil prices, the statement noted. It disclosed further that the President also received the letters of credence of the new Ambassador of Zambia, Dr. Solomon Jere and the new Ambassador of Colombia, Ms. Claudia Turbay Quintereo, wishing all the three new ambassadors successful tenures in Nigeria.
the 2015 Batch B stream two in the orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp, in Macgregor College, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was stalled, on Tuesday, following the discovery of an object suspected to be an impoverished explosive device (IED) in the area. The camp field had been marked out by military agents training the corps members in the evening proceeding the parade day. But the corps members af-
ter filing-out for the exercise were asked to leave the area by the NYSC officials and security agents. The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP George Okafor, said a cable suspected to be a bomb was discovered by the police and that it cannot be said to be bomb until after investigation. He said the camp was safe for the training of corps members, adding that the anti-bomb squad of the command had combed the orientation camp. He added that security had been beefed up in the area and urged the people to go about their normal business.
Uwazuruike slams politicians over IPOB-Biafran protests Val Okara, Owerri
ÎÎÎThe leader and founder
of the Biafra Independent Movement (BIM), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has accused some politicians of sponsoring pro-Biafra protest across the country by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra. Uwazuruike, who made the assertions, on Tuesday, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, while introducing the leadership of the Movement for the actualization of the sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) led by Mr. Solomon Chukwu,
stated that MASSOB was ready to sacrifice anything to ensure that the members of the group observe nonviolence to achieve their mission. Dismissing Comrade Uchenna Madu as the new leader of MASSOB, Uwazuruike alleged that Madu was not only a member of IPOB but the spokesman of the group. He therefore, urged the new leadership of MASSOB to continue adopt non-violence in order to actualise Biafra republic.
8
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Politics
Æs
Bayelsa poll: Questions over REC’s neutrality Following the controversy that attended the December 5 Bayelsa governorship election, questions are now being raised on the neutrality of the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) in the state, Mr. Baritor Kpagih. Seven of the eight local governments in the state had their results announced while the eighth, Southern Ijaw, believed to be the stronghold of the APC had the result declared inconclusive due to alleged violence in the area. Already, the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State raised an alarm over what it described as the level of complicity of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, in the last governorship election. The alarm is coming on the heels of the allegation by the APC that some top officers of the commission in Yenagoa office were working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the election. In a statement, the Director, Media and Publicity, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, said: “We had thought that Mr. Kpagih would remain neutral and not allow his relationship with the former
How PDP, APC created fresh Biafra agitations SKC Ogbonnia
Sylva President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the former first Lady, Dame Patience, affect the conduct of the election. “But his actions clearly showed that he was doing the bidding of the former President who appointed him into INEC as a Resident Electoral Commissioner in 2012.” The statement further said: “We are now compelled to let the whole world know that
Dickson Mr.Kpagih and Dr. Jonathan were colleagues in the Nigeria Customs Service”, they alleged. “Mr. Kpagih rose to the position of an Assistant Comptroller-General of the customs service before his compulsory retirement in 2008, after which he was appointed into INEC by Dr. Jonathan.” “The body language of Mr. Kpagih, who is from Rivers State (state of birth of former
First lady, Dame Patience) was a clear indication that he was acting out a script handed over to him to deliver the PDP like he has done previously.” “For Mr. Kpagih to have allowed the charade called election in the 7 Local Government Areas already declared sends strong signals that the INEC was willing to just announce CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Unlike my father, my mother Esther Oligwe Ogbonnia hardly cares who wins or who loses in presidential politics so far there is peace. Not in 2015! Full of excitement following Muhammadu Buhari’s victory, I placed a call to my mother in Nigeria, but she was not her usual cheerful self. SKC (Me): “Mama, why are you sounding strange?” Mother: “Hmmm…I am okay but not very okay. There is trouble. The problem seems to be your friend—the Hausa man. They say the man has become the president again by force and plans to take away our Bible. They also say he is the same person who caused us harm during the war, and is going to replace all our people in government work with Hausa.” SKC: “Who is saying all those things about Buhari? When did you become a politician?” Mother: “Well, I am not a politician. And I may never have crossed River Niger or know how to count 1.2.3, but I can smell counterfeit from a distance. My son, the fear of that man is rearing up everywhere—in the church, our meetings, and the marketplace. Even our ‘who is who’ in the North have already packed back to Enugu. I pray this aura of doom will not be felt CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Disquiet in Oyo APC over Akala’s decamping
Akala
Ajimobi
There is disquiet in Oyo State following the decision of the former governor of the state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala to decamp from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) . Otunba Akala contested the last governorship election in the state on the platform of the Labour Party but lost to the Senator Abiola Ajimobi of the APC, who broke the jinx of a second term in the state. He was governor of the state between 2007 and 2011 as the
flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He contested for re-election in 2011 elections on the same party but lost to Ajimobi, in spite of the federal might at his disposal. Since he lost again in the last election, he had refused to challenge the outcome in the court unlike in 2011 when he went through the tribunal and the Appeal Court and lost. His decision to dump the Labour Party for the APC is already generating controversy CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Kanu
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
9 Politics
How PDP, APC created fresh Biafra agitations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
where you are in America…” SKC: “Mama, please do not mind them. I am very happy to have supported the man. As I told you before, he is better than Jonathan by far. He will end corruption and provide jobs for our youths. Kidnapping and armed robbery will go away. Those saying bad things about Buhari are some of the same people who stole the money meant to complete Ugbo road. They are afraid he will put them in prison. That is why” Mother: “So the Buhari man is truly a good person? But did you hear that he locked up Jim Nwobodo and one good man from Onitsha area for no just cause? Do you know they also say that he killed one young boy from Udi Agbaja for nothing? Biko, how did you know the man?” SKC: No, I did not know Buhari before. However, when he was head of state, there was no corruption. Watch…things will change within few months. NEPA will provide light day and night… You will say, I told you so.” Mother: “Well, I have heard you, my son. So, we should not worry? I am feeling better now, but I don’t know about our people. They see the man as danger…” Clearly, the general perception of Muhammadu Buhari in the East before the election was that of a jihadist, dictator, and a bigot—all roped in one, thanks to a montage of propaganda orchestrated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The then ruling party did everything humanly possible to cling on to power. And you can’t blame them. Having squandered our common wealth while at the helm, PDP had nothing on the ground for the Igbo masses and thus needed to sustain mass
following by deceit. For example, one infantile lie drummed since 2011 to prevent the restless Igbo youths from revolt had been that “Things will get better once President Goodluck Jonathan zones presidency to the Igbos after his tenure.” It was not surprising, therefore, that Buhari’s victory was readily seen as a coup d’état in the East, particularly among the jobless youths, who thence seem to have nowhere else to perch than clench their angst towards one form of Biafra or another. The gist, if it is not already manifest, is that these new Biafrans, most of who are under the aegis of PDP Youth Wing, are the byproduct of the party’s gloomy narratives of Buhari. In fact, any careful review of the recent activities of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), leaves no one in doubt that his rebellion was heightened by the defeat of Jonathan and PDP. And it does not take a genius to discern why prominent opposition leaders from the East have continued to tiptoe around the Biafran agitation even when it has widened. For sure, the rallying cry for the current Biafran movement is the inexplicable marginalization of the Igbos. But we must not ignore one bitter truth: The last 16 years of democratic rule did not take place under Muhammadu Buhari or the All Progressive Congress (APC)—but squarely under PDP where every ethnic group, including the Igbos and their Southern neighbors were well represented. Yet both President Buhari and APC have not helped matters. Upon assuming office, Buhari’s body language, including lopsided political appointments, began to appear as if the old Eastern
Oyegun-Odigie
Secondus Region was an illegal alien. To add salt to an open injury, the president shocked the democratic world by stoking a statement generally interpreted as a plot to marginalize the zones that gave him fewer votes. This gaffe was definitely beyond the pale and had deserved every damage control. Sadly, instead of telling the president the simple truth, many APC leaders went as far lampooning the Igbos for expressing their right to choose. The ruling party conveniently brushed aside the fact that virtually all Nigerian presidential elections in history were influenced by ethnic sentiments, yet there is no record
where a section of the country was denied its share of the national cake on the basis of voting pattern. The whole APC approach on political appointments triggered a nationwide outrage, with many groups charging the new government of ethnic chauvinism. According to a faction of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the development was a clear testament “that Buhari is not seeing Ndigbo as part of Nigeria.” The presidency reluctantly addressed the dilemma, quipping that, “At the end of the exercise, no part of the country will be left
feeling left out.” Unfortunately, recent events suggest otherwise. The much-awaited ministerial allocations have come and gone but failed to reflect the balance needed to allay the fear of Igbo marginalization. Although it is true that Igbos, particularly Chibuike Amaechi, Kachikwu Ibe, and Godwin Emefiele, occupy powerful positions in the central government, the gesture is wallowed in mistrust. The crème of Igbo intelligentsia as well as leaders of the Biafran agitation perceive the motive as a postwar federal agenda to drive a wedge between the Igbos of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Bayelsa poll: Questions over REC’s neutrality CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
the PDP the winner.” “The preliminary report of the number one election monitoring group in Nigeria, Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, has painted the true picture of the December 5 election, which was characterised by violence, intimidation and manipulation.” “And as a campaign organization, we are worried that
the umpire, INEC, will accept results in such local government areas as Sagbama, Ekeremor, Nembe, Ogbia and parts of Yenagoa despite our protest highlighting that the electoral process had been compromised. “Our resolve therefore, is that Mr. Baritor Kpagih should be honest to disqualify himself from the conduct of this election or he be redeployed immediately because of his personal relationship with the former
President, who is an interested party in the election”, they said. Since the election, there have been claims and counter claims by the major candidates in the last election, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is seeking re-election and believed to be in the lead in the election results declared in the seven local government areas.
Dickson
Sylva
Politics 10
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
How PDP, APC created fresh Biafra agitations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
South East and their brothers and sisters of the South-South. Moreover, many are dismayed with the attempt by the Federal Government to isolate the history of Biafran movement solely to the Southeast. After all, not only does the Igbo territory extend beyond the Southeast, the diehard leaders of the Biafran war included the natives of the SouthSouth zone, such as Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Phillip Effiong, and Joe Achusia, to name a few. This medley of unforced errors on the part of APC government did nothing but play into the prevailing PDP narratives—those very fears narrated by my mother when I had called from America after Buhari’s victory. Today, the opposition is gaily saying “I told you so.” For the restless Eastern youths, it was the perfect excuse to finally embrace the call for secession from Nigeria—with Nnamdi Kanu as the totemic leader. Kanu has since been arrested and denied bail by the federal authorities. And different pleas for his release have also been rebuffed, leading to mass protests and loss of property as well as innocent lives. But the quagmire must not continue. Rather than brute force,
there is the need for solution through diplomacy. First, President Buhari should go above the fray and order without further delay the release of Nnamdi Kanu. There is no doubt that Kanu’s rhetoric is hugely offensive, and deserves every condemnation, but keeping him behind bars for expressing his fundamental rights of self-determination does more harm than good. The matter is gradually gaining worldwide sympathy, and Nigeria’s economy must not be exposed to a new wave of ethnic havoc on top of Boko Haram. Second, the APC government ought to find ways to dialogue with the pro-Biafra groups and reassure them of a genuine desire to carry the Igbos along, with specific attention to youth employment. Such dialogue can help the agitators to realize that the real enemies include their own brothers, faceless politicians, who carted away development funds in the East. Third, but most ironic, if the war against corruption is a good omen, Buhari must be careful to avoid being mired into another form of Igbo marginalization. Even though the anticorruption war has already visited high profile culprits in every other zone of the federation, notorious
Secondus
Kanu
Odigie-Oyegun
politicians in the Southeast are still acting as if Goodluck Jonathan still holds sway. It is time to double up and expose the political merchants who abetted ageless money-spinners, such as EnuguOnitsha/Enugu-PH Expressways, 2nd River Niger Bridge, Dredging of River Niger, Akanu
Ibiam International Airport, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Constitutional Amendment exercise, the criminal demolition of Eastern Nigeria Secretariat at Enugu and, of course, various abandoned Constituency projects littered across the area. The president may as well head
further south to unmask the incubus choking other vital projects with huge employment opportunities, particularly Calabar and PH ports, PH International Airport, and the East-West Highway. Seeing is believing. Nothing
My victory at Appeal Court, triumph over falsehood- Hon Odebunmi Remi Oladoye Hon. Segun Odebunmi (PDP-Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere Federal of Oyo State has described his victory at the appellate court as triumph of truth over falsehood. He told newsmen in Ibadan that his opponents, rather than accepting defeat had wanted him to fall, hailing the court for granting him victory. The Appeal Court sitting in Ibadan had in an unanimous judgment on Thursday, upheld the Odebunmi’s victory at the tribunal. The duo of Hon. Israel Ogundiran (Labour Party) and Mathew Abioye (All Progressives Congress) had challenged Odebunmi’s victory at both the tribunal and appellate court. Justice M.L. Shuaib of the Appeal Court had dismissed the duo’s appeal on account that they lacked merit as also ruled
by the tribunal. Odebunmi , who emerged the only elected PDP public office holder in the state said that the judgment was a triumph over his detractors. He said that his political detractors were bent on disrupting his good plan and vision for the people of his constituency. Odebunmi, the Chairman,
House committee on National Orientation and Value, maintained that the judiciary system in Nigeria was gradually taking its normal shape and position. “It is the last hope of the common man. Thank you, we now have people of integrity manning the system and I am sure it is good for Nigeria”, he stressed.
Odebunmi
Mahmud
Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, said in Abuja that inconclusive elections he recorded since he assumed duties were reflections of competitiveness of the polls. Yakubu said this at the 11th edition of a public lecture of INEC’s Electoral Institute entitled: “Between Refuge and Rights: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Inconclusive Electoral Process in Nigeria”. He said that elections in the country were getting better with the development. According to him, the use of card reader machines for elections has come to stay in spite of the regrettable difficulties experienced during its use. He assured that the process of declaration of winners of election as contained in the party’s guidelines would never be compromised. It would be recalled that the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa conducted by INEC under Yakubu were declared inconclusive at the first ballot. “The truth is that our elections are getting better, they are
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INEC boss: Inconclusive elections, reflection of competitive polls also becoming competitive. “By the same token, citizens are now more confident that the votes really count. “INEC will continue to ensure that the credibility of our elections remain sacrosanct. “Acts of thuggery, ballot box snatching, willful violation of guidelines and deliberate acts to void the card readers will always attract sanctions”, he said. Yakubu also said that the commission under his watch had conducted four elections, including two state assembly seats, in Plateau and Katsina. “We are satisfied with the processes and procedures and we had no major problem with deployment of logistics and personnel for the elections. “However, I must admit that we have recorded some glitches CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
N5,000 stipend: FG commended Social Workers under the umbrella of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) have Commended the Federal Government over decision to pay the 5,000 monthly stipend for unemployed youths in the country. The association described the step as one of the ways to reduce involvement of youths in social vices. Describing the step as a relief to the youths, the association noted that all hands must be on the desk to reduce social vices such as robbery, rape, examination malpractices and kidnapping among others. In a communique issued at the end of a two-day meeting under the theme “A Review of the Bill to Professionalise Social Work Practice in Nigeria Pending before the 8th National Assembly” signed by NASoW National President, Mr. Olawale Kolawole and Director, Social Welfare, Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development, Lagos State, Mrs. Laide Latinwo, NASoW commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for its support for the introduction of the Bill and implored them to intensify efforts on the passage of the Bill. The meeting which was organized by Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in conjunction with Nigeria Association of Social Workers supported by UNICEF, Lagos Office was attended by Social Workers across the coun-
INEC boss: Inconclusive elections, reflection of competitive polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
Buhari try and representatives of UNICEF. The communique after the meeting further read in parts: “The Federal Government was applauded for its efforts at reducing social vices through the introduction of 5,000 stipend payable to unemployed Nigerians “The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was commended for its support for the introduction
of the Bill and implore them to intensify efforts on the passage of the Bill. “The Bill was extensively discussed and edited for plausible amendment at the National Assembly “NASoW members must be involved in advocacy and sensitisation visits to all relevant stakeholders for quick passage of the Bill expectedly in 2nd quarter of 2016. “NASoW members at state
and national levels must mobilise resources to support the passage of the Bill “All social workers must carry themselves with dignity and purpose thus projecting the profession as a helping one. “A Publicity Committee comprising 9 members across the South Western Geo –political Zone was constituted for awareness creation and mobilization of support for the Bill”.
in the operation and configuration of the smart card readers with particular respect to the biometric authentication of voters. “Although the reported cases are not substantial enough to mar the elections, we are, however, determined to ensure that we address these challenges in future elections, be it at the level of technology or staff training. “We welcome suggestions from Nigerians at large in this regard, bearing in mind that the smart card reader is still a technology in its pioneering stage in our electioneering stage. ‘’But, the device has already revolutionized our electoral process,’’ Yakubu said. In his contribution, former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, commended the progress made by INEC in the conduct of general elections from 2007 to 2015. Odinkalu said that while in 2007, 86.1 per cent of the elections were decided by the judiciary, in 2011, it reduced to 51 per cent and later 40 per cent in 2015. He expressed confidence that INEC under Yakubu would sustain the success and progress made by his predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega.
How PDP, APC created Biafran new agitations
Disquiet in Oyo APC over Akala’s decamping
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as the spokesman of the APC was reported to have denounced the action but later refuted the report. The reported decampment was received with a pinch of salt within the APC fold as many of the chieftains believed Akala wanted to reap where he did not sow. Besides, many were said to have queried the rationale behind the move when he only recently decamped from his original party, PDP on which platform he ruled the state for four years. Many even see him as a sort of baggage for the APC consid-
can assuage the feelings of these youths more than prosecuting the crooked politicians who exploited the poor masses for selfish gains. The view immediately above mirrors a topical goal of the current Biafran movement which, in its own words, strives to hold accountable “all looters, embezzlers, kidnappers, sponsors of terrorism, child traffickers, corrupt judges, crooked university lecturers, murderous Nigerian security forces and all thieving individuals masquerading as public officials who steal public funds
thereby preventing developmental projects from impacting positively on the lives of the ordinary people.” This very idea of the proBiafra group is hardly unpopular. In fact, one may think their statement was adapted word-for-word from the campaign book of President Muhammadu Buhari. Said differently, these youths and Buhari share common dreams for a corrupt free society, after all. And they need each other. Sustaining our hard-fought change demands broad participation across the breadth and depth of Nigeria.
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Kanu
ering its avowed change mantra especially with the untidy revelations coming out daily from investigations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Akala
News 12
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Court sentences 9 foreigners to 5 years imprisonment over oil theft ÎÎÎA
Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday sentenced nine foreigners to five years imprisonment for stealing 3,423 metric tons of crude oil. Among the convicts were five Filipinos and four Bangladeshi. They are Axel Joseph, Gibo Jabone, Juanito Camireno, Suarin Fernando and Gatila Jaypee. Others are Islam Shahinul, Islam Rafiqul, Shibli Nomany and Rolando Comendador. Justice Ibrahim Buba convicted them on four counts in relation to the crime and sentenced each of them to a jail term of five years. He, however, gave an option of N20 million fine.
Delivering the judgment, Buba said that he was satisfied that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), proved its case beyond reasonable doubts. ``The case of the prosecution is as clear as the daylight,” he said He added that the failure of the convicts to supply evidence that they had lawful permit to deal in crude oil further strengthened the prosecution’s case. The judge said the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was not opposed. He agreed with PW5 who stated that the product was illegally sourced in Nigeria as the Department of Petroleum Resources confirmed to the EFCC that MT Asteris was not licenced to deal
with crude oil in Nigeria. The judge noted that it was the likes of the convicts that had made Nigeria a laughing stock in the eye of the world. He said it was not right for anyone to deprive the country the enjoyment of its natural resources by illegal means. Justice Buba said the court had the duty to send a strong signal to Nigerians and non-Nigerians, that the country had laws which were enforceable. ``It is people like the convicts that have made Nigeria a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. ``The court must send a strong signal that Nigeria is a nation; not a nation of booty.
``It is not right for either Nigerians or foreigners to deny this country its Godgiven natural resources through illegal use. ``Accordingly, this court hereby sentence each convict to five years imprisonment on count one with effect from March 27, with an option of N5 million fine,” the judge held. He also sentenced them to five years imprisonment each on counts two, three and four or a fine of N5 million for each count. The judge held that all the sentences were to run concurrently excluding the option of fine. In addition, the judge ruled that the vessel, MT Asteris, and the cargo on board are to be forfeited to the Fed-
L-R: Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; Ogun State Chairman, Pensioners Association (PA), Mr. Kehinton Odukoya and Secretary, (PA), Dr. Bola Lawal during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Ogun State… on Tuesday. Photo: David Idowu
Panic as Shiites protest shuts down Kaduna Continued from page 6 complaint against Shiite sect attack on the Chief of Army Staff ’, and with reference number NA/COAS/ G1/52 was signed by Col. F.U Mijinyawa on behalf of the COAS and submitted by Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar , saying that only seven Shiites members were killed on Saturday. However, the military failed to reveal further attacks on
the group who protested in major state capitals of Northern Nigeria. In setting the panel, Professor Angwe of the National Human Rights Commission stressed the need for all the parties in the dispute to sheath their sword and assured that the Commission will get to the root of the matter The Executive Secretary noted that the country is operating a democracy which
demands that institutions must act within the ambits of the law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. “In democracy, the rule of law is supreme and it important that we continue to remind everyone about the need to respect one another right” he said. The Commission, the Executive Secretary promised will thoroughly investigate the incident with a view
to coming up with a report that will not only address the current issues but will assist in preventing future occurrences. In a statement signed by Lambert Oparah in Abuja for the executive secretary, the panel made up of top management staff in legal, investigations and monitoring departments is headed by Barrister Tony Ojukwu, Director, Monitoring department.
eral Government. ``For purposes of clarity, each convict is to serve five years term of imprisonment with effect from March 27 or a fine of N20 million for all the four counts.” he held. The convicts were arrested by the Nigerian Navy on March 27 while trying to export the product which was loaded in their vessel, out of the country. The EFCC prosecutor, Mr
Rotimi Oyedepo, had told the court that the foreigners acted contrary to Section 1(19) (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation, 2004. Oyedepo said the offence also contravened the provisions of Section 4 of the Petroleum Act, Cap P10, Laws of the Federation 2004. To prove his case, he called six witnesses.
Arms deal trial: Court remands Dasuki, Yuguda, Bafarawa, others Continued from page 6 purporting same to be payment for the supply of security equipment and you hereby committed an offence punishable under section 317 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004; Meanwhile, reacting to the reports that President Buhari was settled with $300,000 and 5 Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs after Boko Haram attacks on his convoy in Kaduna in 2014, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina on Tuesday, in a statement refuted the claims. He however accepted that only two jeeps were given to the president. According to him, the jeeps were only two, one armoured and one not amoured. Adesina added that the SUVs were statutory entitlement of president Buhari as a former Head of State. He stated that the president could not have compromised his integrity by accepting monetary compensation from a discredited regime of President Jonathan. The statement read in full: “Our attention has been drawn to reports making the rounds, especially on internet-based media, that President Muhammadu Buhari received $300,000.00 and up to five armoured SUVs from the Office of the National Security Adviser in the aftermath of the attack on his convoy in Kaduna last year. “We unequivocally deny that President Buhari received $300,000.00 or any mon-
etary compensation whatsoever from the Jonathan Presidency or any of its officials, in the aftermath of that attack, or at any other time since then. “While it is true that one armoured SUV and one untreated SUV were sent to the President in the aftermath of the attack, the vehicles were in keeping with his entitlements as a former Head of State under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (And other Ancillary Matters) Decree of 1999. “Section 3, Sub Section 1 of that Decree provides that three vehicles will be provided for former heads of state and replaced every four years. “There was therefore nothing untoward, illegal or tending to corruption in former Head of State Buhari and Presidential aspirant, as he then was, receiving vehicles, to which he was statutorily entitled, from the Federal Government of Nigeria. “President Buhari had in keeping with his austere, spartan and frugal disposition shunned most of his entitlements as a former Head of State, but was prevailed upon by his supporters to accept the two vehicles for his personal safety in the aftermath of the dastardly attempt to assassinate him. “It is preposterous to think that the President will allow his acclaimed reputation of honesty and incorruptibility to be tarnished by accepting a questionable monetary compensation from a discredited regime.”
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Poor finance affecting gratuity in Ogun, says Amosun Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta
ÏÏÏRetired civil servants from
the Ogun State government may not be able to receive their monthly pensions and gratuities as at when due as the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has disclosed that the poor state of the nation’s economy and dwindling federal monthly allocation will seriously affect the pay. Amosun, who spoke when Executive members of the state chapter of the Nigeria Pensioners Union called on him at his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office, on Tuesday, said the government will continue to pay their entitlements based on availability of funds. The pensioners, led by their Chairman, Comrade Kensington
Olukoya, said they called on the governor to tell him that they were not behind newspaper report that the government owes them several months of pension arrears. Olukoya admitted that the government had paid pension up to date but stressed "what the government owes is gratuity and its own share of the contributory fund which it has not been remitted." He apologised to the governor on the said report indicating that it owe them pension arrears. The Union chairman said their members who retired since 2011 have not been paid their gratuity thereby putting them in serious economic hardship. Also speaking, the Chairman Local Government Pensioners, Alhaji Sikiru Ayilara, highlighted the plights of pensioners in the state in terms of nonpayment of
gratuities, need for harmonisation of pensions due to those who had retired since 1990 and the unremitted deductions of the contributory pension scheme. He appealed to the state government to see to resolving the challenges of pensioners in the state, noting that their lives depended on it. Ayilara added that the monthly pension was not enough to take care of their families. He emphasised that contributory pension affected because it started off without any fund set aside for it by the state government. According to him, local government staff that retired four and half years ago are yet to be paid their gratuity, disclosing that the total amount owed to that effect totaled N10 billion.
Amosun, in response, explained that as much as he would love to meet all their demands, the situation on ground did not make it practicable. The governor disclosed that because of the drastic fall in oil price resulted in dwindling "Federal Allocation" to the state, his administration received little over N2 billion monthly against between N7 billion and N9 billion the past administration received and which is barely enough to pay workers’ salaries and meet other obligations. For the government to meet all demands, Amosun said, it must be able to raise at least N400 million daily as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), but said "As at now we are raising only between N100 million and N120 million."
13 News Anambra to employ 5000 rice workers Nkiru Nwagbo Awka
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The Anambra state government has affirmed its determination to employ no fewer than 5000 rice workers in its farms across the state to create job opportunities for the youths in the area. The state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who gave this hints on Tuesday in a town hall meeting with stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in Awka South Local Government Area of the state. He said that was in fulfillment of his campaign promises to create job opportunities for the youth of the state as well as invest in Agriculture.
Dogara urges State Assembly Speakers to revive LGs system Henry Omunu Abuja
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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Suleiman Lasun Yussuff has challenged the Speakers of the state Houses of Assembly to rescue the local government system from imminent collapse. Lasun, who represented the Speaker of the House, Jakub Dogara gave the charge Tuesday, at the opening ceremony of one-day consultation meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Inter- Parliamentary Affairs and the Conference of Nigerian Speakers. He said that the local government system has lost its value, declaring that people at the grassroots are not feeling the impact of the third tier of government.
Ondo 2016: 22 Political parties meet Wife of Governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode (middle); MD LASPARK. (Mrs) Titilayo Anibaba (3rd right); MD, OURKRAFT Venture Yemisi Onimole, (3rd left) and children at the LASPARK 2015 Christmas Family Fun Share celebration at Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos... on Tuesday.
Nigeria's elections are getting better - INEC chair Lateef Ibrahim Abuja
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The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, on Tuesday, declared that the nation's elections are getting better and competitive despite the controversies that are trailing the Kogi and Bayelsa States' governorship elections. Yakubu added that Nigerians are now more confident that their votes really count.
The INEC Chairman stated this while speaking at the 11th public lecture of The Electoral Institute (TEI). The Institute is an arm of INEC. The INEC Chairman equally gave insight into the two inconclusive elections conducted under his watch. The Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections so far conducted by Prof Yakubu were declared inconclusive at the first ballot. While the Kogi election has been concluded, the Commission is yet
to fix a date for the supplementary polls in the Bayelsa state. The INEC Chairman explained that the inconclusiveness of the elections was a reflection of competitiveness and confidence Nigerians now have on the electoral process. His words, "The truth is that our elections are getting better, they are also becoming competitive. "By the same token, citizens are now more confident that the votes really count. "INEC will continue to ensure
that the credibility of our elections remain sacrosanct. Acts of thuggery, ballot box snatching, wilful violation of guidelines and deliberate acts to void the card reader will always attract sanctions," he vowed. Yakubu recalled that in 2012, the margin between a governorelect and the runner up was 417, 000 votes, "but today, the margin is 33,000 votes, which indicates that the election is getting better, more competitive."
'Tosin Ajuwon Akure
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Ahead of the 2016 governorship election in Ondo state, no fewer than 22 registered political parties have met to discuss how to make the forthcoming poll a successful one. At a meeting held on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital, leaders of the various political parties in attendance resolved to join hands together for a free and fair election slated for next year in the state. The Daily Times gathered after the meeting that far reaching discussions were made including several suggestions and input on how the coming election in the state could lay a good precedent for democracy.
News14
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Why EFCC can’t prosecute CCT chair Henry Omunu, Abuja
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The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the government cannot prosecute the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, because the petition instituted against him over allegations of corruption contained insufficient
evidence to back up the claims. Malami said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the resumed hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions on the petition submitted by the Anti-Corruption Network, accusing Umar of corrupt practices. He informed the committee that upon the receipt of the petition against Umar, his office, in complying with the provisions
of Section 36, Sub-section 5 of the Constitution contacted the relevant anticorruption agencies and sought their inputs in respect of the fraud allegation against Umar with the anti-graft agency responding to the query that the petition was based on mere suspicion not backed with facts. “I’m happy to bring to the notice of the committee that the EFCC has provided opinion on the basis of which we acted,
a copy of that letter I believe has been made available to the committee. It is dated March 5, 2015. Of particular interest is the second to the last paragraph, which is paragraph five of the letter, with the permission of the chairman of the committee I quote; facts as they are now against Justice Umar raised a mere suspicion and will not, therefore, be sufficient to successfully prosecute him for the offence”, he said.
L-R: Com. Bede Opara; 3rd Deputy President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Com. Ola Olagoke; Auditor, Com. Babatunde Abdulrahman; National Treasurer, Comrade Augustine Etafo; 2nd Deputy President, Com. (Barr.) Musa Lawal; Secretary General, Com. Bobboi Bala Kaigama; President, Com. Moshood Akinade; Trustee, Com. Engr. Matthew Alalade and Auditor, Com. Benjamin Okewu at TUC National Executive Council meeting in Lagos… at the weekend.
Senate orders reinstatement of cops suspended for 21-yrs *Asks Police Authorities To Approve His Due Promotions, Entitlements Olufemi Samuel, Abuja
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An officer, who was suspended from the Police Force 21 years ago, Sergeant Amos Olaniyan, has got a reprieve by the intervention of the Senate which ordered his immediate re-instatement and
promotion on Tuesday. Olaniyan, according to a petition filed before the Senate was verbally suspended on instruction by the then Commissioner of Police Lagos State, Abubakar Tsav, who is now retired. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition, which investigated the petition had recommended the reinstatement of the police officer, which the Senate
finally approved during its plenary. While ordering his re-instatement, the Senate adopted the two recommendations of the committee namely: “That the officer, Sergeant Amos Olaniyan, be fully re-integrated into the Police Force with a letter of reinstatement and apology “That all his dues including promotions and entitlements be fully granted and paid.”
Accordingly, the Senate directed its committee on Police Affairs to follow up the implementation of the resolutions by the Nigeria Police Force and report back to it. Olaniyan’s predicament was brought before the Senate through a petition presented by Senator Solomon Adeola (APC Lagos West) on October 6, 2015, on his behalf. While presenting the petition, Adeola stated that Olaniyan was verbally suspended in 1994 on a baseless allegation of bribery.
Ambode’s wife urges Lagosians to relax more ÏÏÏ
The wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, on Tuesday, stressed the importance of relaxation for healthy living, just as she urged the people to embrace
such in the interest of living healthier and longer. Mrs. Ambode, who spoke in Lagos, at the 2015 Christmas Family Fun Share organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), said
much as Lagosians love their jobs and businesses, as hardworking people, it was equally important for people to cultivate the habit of relaxation, so as to live longer and healthier to enjoy the money they
have worked for. The programme, which took place at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Mobolaji Johnson Avenue, at Ikeja, was organised by LASPARK, in conjunction with Ourkraft Ventures.
The minister further disclosed that since Umar was entitled to fair hearing. The accused made presentations to the EFCC and based on his response to the petition, the EFCC reached a conclusion. “From the conclusion, it became difficult for any prosecution to be initiated based on the facts as they were presented. The position of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation is that in the absence of further mate-
rial fact in the allegation, we find it very difficult to prosecute Umar in the circumstances against the background of his presentation and the further conclusion arrived at by the EFCC”, Malami added. However, the Executive Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Network, Ajufo Ajufo, in his presentation before the committee, said as whistle blowers, the body stood by the allegation of corruption contained in its petition against Umar.
Corruption not Nigeria's greatest problemBarr. Ogunde
of a man's life is spelt out by the number of lives the person impacted positively. "The greatest of Nigeria's problems is not corruption, but the rising population of youths who are groomed as consumers rather than conceivers of ideas, there lies ahead of us a tragedy, we all need to go back to our alma mater and make things work" Ogunde said. The Chairman, Trinity Board of Governors, Pastor Samuel Olatunji, stated that the existence of the institute is anchored on God's grace, while giving a trajectory of the journey so far, noted that the school began in a four rooms apartment in Ikeja 20 years back before moving to its permanent site at Ofada, Ogun state, adding that it was built on friendly ties and bond which sustained it thus far.
Babajide Okeowo
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A legal luminary, Barrister Wemimo Adepoju Ogunde (SAN), has stated that corruption is not the greatest problem facing Nigeria, but the dearth of creative and innovative minds and the resolve to engender a society driven by the pursuit of common good of all. Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of Trinity International College's, Alumni Dinner and Award Night held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Bar. Wemimo hinted that the quality
I’ll jail any officer found collecting bribe – Custom boss By Tom Garba, Yola
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The ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Customs, Col. Ahmed Ali (rtd) has said that he would not hesitate to jail any of the officers of the agency found collecting bribe. Ali also said that corruption was a two way thing that: “there must be a giver and a receiver,” stressing that the penalty of corruption goes to both the giver and the taker and he would make sure that he exercised the law on any one found guilty. Said he: “In want to assure you that we are in the era of change. You all
know the kind of president that we have. I am reminding you that any officer found collecting bribe will be jailed – including the one given it. We are not going to dismiss the person but we will make sure that the officer is properly dealt with.” Ahmed said this in Yola on what he describe as an ongoing national tour to all the customs formations across the country to the Custom officers, reminding them that their work, as one of those generating revenue for the federal Government requires sense of integrity, honesty and sincerity to stand the test of time.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
15 Opinion
Making a martyr of Nnamdi Kanu
F Dele Momodu
ellow Nigerians, the roof is on fire. And the owners of the house should not sleep and snore lest they get badly burnt. Please, let no one treat or dismiss this Biafra controversy as humbug because it is very serious and has the potential of spiraling out of control. I was about seven years old when the Nigerian civil war broke out in July 1967. I certainly felt the tremor even in far-away Ile-Ife. We knew something was definitely wrong when we suddenly noticed the inexplicable disappearance of our neighbours and family friends. The most painful was the forceful separation from our prayer warrior and spiritual Guru, Papa Fineface. Papa Fineface had migrated from tEastern Nigeria to Ile-Ife many years earlier. Suddenly like a wisp of smoke, he was gone! At that time, we called such citizens of Nigeria from that part, Ibo. Much later, I somehow learnt that the people should be addressed as Igbo. The civil war that started like a joke raged on for about three years and sent many innocent casualties, running into millions, into despair
and sorrow. Hundreds of thousands went on a journey of no return to their Maker. Many more lost their limbs and other vital body parts. Others parted ways with all their worldly possessions. Some still carry the scars of war until this day. The post war trauma is certainly even far worse. I have read many Nigerian civil war accounts, as I grew older, in newspapers, books, novels and memoirs. By any of the accounts, the pogrom was maniacal and the extent of man’s inhumanity to man was heartrending. Unfortunately, History is no longer a compulsory subject in our school curriculum. Therefore, there is no point blaming those beating the drums of war. It is therefore easy for them to romanticise the ideals which they fight for and issue a call to arms. If they could just travel down memory lane and see for themselves what the true meaning of war is maybe, they will begin to see some sense and reason. It is a shocking shame that despite the graphic images of sectarian violence we have witnessed all over the world, in other climes, those in the know still feel they must unleash similar violence on their own country. The reason for the preamble thus
far is to settle one fact; that I knew a bit about the Biafran war even if I did not experience it directly. This is why all men and women of good conscience should urgently reach out to the young folks stoking the embers of revolution, secession, war, or whatever and beg profusely to kindly perish the thought. The government is about to pour petrol and explosives into the towering inferno by reacting angrily to a battle that is in its infancy and can still be nipped in the bud without casualties. As for me, we did not know of anyone called Nnamdi Kanu until he was arrested and locked up during a visit to Nigeria from the United Kingdom. At the very best, some people knew him as the founder of a radio station called Radio Biafra. I have never tuned in to it. I am aware that even about 20 years ago, when I participated in the Radio Freedom (later changed to Radio Kudirat) from the same United Kingdom, it was impossible to track us down. Today, technology has become even more advanced and volatile. The whiz kids of science are on the rampage. In addition, do not forget that the Igbo are naturally brilliant in all spheres of human endeavour.
They are endowed with genes that we could liken to those of Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Pythagoras, and Bertrand Russell combined. If the Black man would ever venture into Space exploration, I am sure of the shock that awaits us; an Igbo would not only land on the moon, he would have a permanent abode there. Such is the dynamism of the Igbo geniuses that I often refer to them as the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans of Africa all rolled into one. I was told by my former Literature teacher at then University of Ife, Okot p’Bitek, from Uganda, about how one of his controversial works, “Song of Lawino”, was ostracised by government because of its atheistic proclivity. The same happened to Salman Rushdie when he released a book, “The Satanic Verses”, in 1989 and a Fatwa was placed on him. Salman Rushdie, from relative obscurity became a household name from then onwards. I will give only one more example nearer to home. When Professor Wole Soyinka released his prison memoirs titled “The Man Died”, Nigeria’s military authorities frowned at its rambunctious flavour and clamped down on it. Soyinka became my idol henceforth.
Buhari: Dwindling stature of a President
S
Benjamin Obiajulu Aduba
ix months ago after Nigerian Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results of the 2015 presidential election with General Muhammadu Buhari as the winner, the world stood still for a moment. Nigerians sang “hail Buhari” and religious people proclaimed GMB as God’s angel that would save Nigeria. His reputation was so high that nobody fathomed what could possibly bring him down to earth. Those who voted for his opponent Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had to hide in shame. Six months after the election, those who voted for GEJ are happier for their choice than those who voted for GMB now. My unscientific poll of PMB supporters showed a strong decline in enthusiasm. Even the vocal Internet warriors are showing diminished support. Many have suddenly become either deaf or lost their ability to type. PMB defenders are no longer praising him but have resorted to blaming the past government, or blaming Biafran demonstrations. It has gone from promoting the man to casting aspersions on others. What went wrong? His outing to
EU and America showed awkward moves in both planning and execution. His handlers did not know or did not understand what he was going to USA and UN to do. The giant of Africa let Africa down as he spoke to an empty chamber. Part of these mistakes was because he did not have a foreign minister. But then again it was his responsibility to have appointed one. Nobody was in charge. PMB’s first appointments excluded large segments of Nigeria as he shamelessly favored his old northern Nigerian pals. His reason that they were people he could trust. Some of his defenders said he had just appointed a dozen or so people that he has thousands more appointments to make. Nevertheless, when he made subsequent appointments the basis of selection – not corrupt, and still trustworthy, did not support those criteria. The defenders bowed out. If PMB’s reputation was falling, that of his party, APC, was falling at a faster rate. It became clear that the party was/is ridden with fractures and had no national programmes. This weakness made PMB weaker. Without a strong backing by his party he has virtually lost control of the legislature which might account to PMB not
sending bills to the legislature. Then came the mishandling of Nnamdi Kanu’s case. Today’s leading stories on Nigeria is about Biafra not about Nigeria. Reuters, Newsweek, NYT, WSJ, London Times, etc., are now writing more about Biafra than about Nigeria. The weakness of naira has not helped PMB’s stature. People blame this on PMB’s inability to articulate his economic policy. Nothing illustrates the lack of a clear economic policy as vividly as the display at the presentation of the 2016 budget. Observers did not see his economic team standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. His finance minister was a no-show reviving the accusation that PMB is shy among women. Was the finance minister part of this budget preparation or was she a mere “parlour wife.” Is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s ghost hovering around in Abuja? The budget itself befuddled finance experts as it lacked any details and as defense and police gobbled up N53 billion which equals the total for combined health, transport, agriculture, rural and urban development, education, and water, the basic essentials. Nigeria is not at war unless one counts Biafra. N20 billion
for education as an example, in a nation with over 50 universities it means about $2 million each for the year. Nobody could run a grammar school on that. There are many other bungling of events such as announcing that executive committee meetings would be bi-weekly and three days later calling for emergency executive meeting to discuss the budget. PMB can still revive his dwindling reputation by working with all Nigerians especially those he had assigned jobs. We want to know what Fashola is going to do in his many ministries. What is Amaechi’s road vision? What is the target year for Nigeria to become an exporter of food as opposed to net importer? I went to an African shop in Boston and nearly every food item had “A product of Ghana” label on it. Where are Nigerian agricultural industries? Teachers in Teacher Training Schools are advised to start from the known to the unknown. IF PMB follows this advice he might be the promised messiah Nigeria is looking for. However, if he is more interested in arresting and detaining Nnamdi Kanu his reputation will continue to decline and eventually fizzle out.
16
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
With a deep sense of loss, but in total submission to the will of Almighty God for a life well spent, the families of Queen Osunju Jaja & Chief Oko-Jaja of Opobo Town and the Blackduke family (in-laws) of Abonnema, Rivers State, do hereby announce the passing on to glory of our dearly beloved son, brother, husband, father, grand-father and great grand-father.
Pa Emmanuel Adagogo Jaja 1934 - 2015
BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS LAGOS
OPOBO TOWN
SERVICE OF SONGS FUNERAL/COMMENDATION
Monday December 14th, 2015 SERVICE
th To be conducted by Friday December 18 , 2015
All Saint’s Church, Montgomery Road, To be conducted at
Yaba, Lagos Saint Paul’s Church, Opobo Town
at his residence INTERMENT follows immediately at his
Hannah Lodge, 9 Calabar Street, residence River Court, Igbanipolo, Opobo Surulere, Lagos Town, Rivers State
MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE
Sodienye Alaiyi Jaja For The Family
Education Times Æ s
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
17
Kogi SUBEB boss harps on need to enhance quality of teachers Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja The Executive Secretary, Kogi State Universal Basic Education, SUBEB, Mallam Nuhu Ahmed, on Tuesday, urged the different tiers of government in the country to enhance the quality of teachers, noting that the change mantra of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will amount to nothing if this is not done. Ahmed stated this in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, at the flag-off of a five-day training for quality assurance officers organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC and the state SUBEB with the theme: “Strengthening the Capacity of Quality Assurance officers for Improved Quality Delivery”. He said: “Nigeria cannot developed without quality education. The quality of our education will determined the quality of our country, and the quality of our basic education will form the bedrock of the educational output of the country. “The dream of a change Nigeria will be a mirage if there are no quality teacher in the schools. The need for qualitative basic education delivery must be intensified by the government because without quality teachers there cannot be quality product amongst the students.
L-R: Vice Chancellor, Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof. Femi Onabajo; Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Guest Speaker, Prof. ‘Dibu Oyerinde; Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Akin Mobogunje and Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Gabriel Ogunboba, during the 8 Convocation and 10th anniversary lecture of the university, held in Ibadan ...recently. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI
JAMB Registrar lauds Lead City University at 10 Ï`ƄƆƎƄƍ ƎƄ ƄƄƕ ƅ ƍ Ƒ ƍƉƕ ƃƉ Ə ƆƐƄƍ ƆƎƆƄ Ɔ MƆ ƄƍƆ Babajide Okeowo The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. ‘Dibu Ojerinde, has paid glowing tributes to the administration of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, on the occasion of the institution’s ten years anniversary and 8th convocation ceremony lecture. Delivering his keynote address titled “Lead City @ 10:
The Journey so far, Prof. Ojerinde revealed that university is amongst the highest ranked universities in the country that has made significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge through research. “Lead City had taught with the most innovative curricula and pedagogical methods under the most conducive circumstances. They have also made research an integral component of undergraduate teaching and produced graduates who stand out because of their success in intensely competitive Nigeria arena during their education and more important after graduating within the last ten years.
“These achievements have helped to make Lead City University to rank tall with its contemporaries and those of public universities,” he said. In a related development, Prof. Ojerinde reiterated the need for Nigerian university to metamorphose into world class universities that will hold their own against Ivy League universities in the world. He said this is achievable by creating the enable environment to lure the very best from across the globe and to prepare young people for working life and responding to the needs of the industry they find themselves.
“Nigerian universities can metamorphose into world class universities. It is possible for them to achieve what the Ivy League and other world ranking universities achieved in the United States of America and other parts of the world,” he said. The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olufemi Onabanjo, expressed gratitude to God for the heights the institution has been able to achieve in its ten years of existence while reassuring all that the school will not rest on its oars in the quest of delivering qualitative education to Nigerian students.
FG panel commences investigation of UNIABUJA VC Augustine Okezie Abuja The probe panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate the activities of the administration of Professor Michael Adikwu, the vice chancellor of the University of Abuja, has commenced work. The panel headed by Professor Tobi Olorede, which was one of the tenth set up by government, arrived the university’s permanent site on Monday afternoon and went straight to the
vice chancellor’s office. Prof. Olorede told the vice chancellor that the panel has limited time frame within which they were expected to submit their report and solicited for the cooperation of all stakeholders to fast-track their assignment. In his response, the VC assured the committee of maximum cooperation. Recall that the Federal Government constituted ad-hoc committees to investigate petitions in some government owned institutions including the University of Abuja and 9 other institutions.
The affected universities include those at Nsukka, Uyo, Dutsima, Umudike, Kashere, and Calabar while the polytechnics to be investigated are those at Yaba, Auchi and Oko polytechnics. The Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, while inaugurating the committees, said their setting up was in response to petitions received from different stakeholders within and outside the institutions with variety of allegations bordering on irregularities, abuse of due process, mismanagement, sexual immorality, fraud as well as
corruption among others He said: ’’As you are aware, the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to turning around the fortunes of the education sector and laying the foundation for proper conduct in our campuses. “The foundation for the change that is necessary to turn them around lies in the quality and sincerity of leadership in all our institutions anchored on justice, rule of law, respect for due process and prudent management of resources’’.
Some of the terms of reference for the panel include investigating all allegations contained in the petitions, determine the veracity of the claim and counter-claims, to meet and interview the writers of the petitions and establish the basis for their claims, to ensure fair hearing with and listening to explanations from all those against whom petitions have been written, and to investigate contract awards, application of funds and grants. The panel has 10 days to submit its findings.
Education Times 18
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Sokoto govt. declares emergency on education sector Sokoto State Government has declared a state of emergency in its education sector to enable it to provide basic learning materials in all public schools across the state. The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Umaru Nagwari, said this while addressing newsmen after the state’s weekly Executive Council meeting. ``The state government will not tolerate the era where pupils receive lessons on bare floor. Drastic measures will be introduced to provide all that is required to enhance learning culture in the state. ``Teachers will be retained to enable them to acquire more knowledge to impact on the children. The state government will
be spending N1.2 billion on the procurement of assorted fertilisers for farmers. ``The products will be sold at 50 per cent subsidised rates as part of the government’s commitment to enhance food security in the state. He explained that government would continue to accord priority attention to the provision of basic health facilities across the health institutions. Nagwari said government also boosted community health services where royal fathers and individuals at community level would be involved in the campaign to key in to its health programmes and policies. He said that active involvement of traditional rulers would enable residents to report any outbreak of epidemic for necessary action.
Pupils of Government girls secondary school, Kafin Madaki, during inspection visit of Bauchi State Governor, Muhammed Abubakar’s inspection visit ...On Monday.
Imo: Okorocha cancels free education for non-indigenes Val Okara, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on Monday, announced the cancellation of the free education policy extended to non-indigenes of the state studying in its tertiary institutions. Okorocha, who announced the cancellation during an interactive session with journalists in Owerri, said the policy for Imo indigenes would still continue from primary to tertiary levels. He said: “The removal of the non-Imo children studying in tertiary institutions in Imo from the free education policy was due to the refusal of governors of other
states to equally extend same gesture to Imo indigenes in their states’’. According to him, other nonindigenes studying at primary and secondary levels would continue to enjoy the free education programme. The governor, who commended the commitment of the teachers to the success in the education sector, said that the state was experiencing an increase in school enrolment. “Before we introduced the free education policy in 2011, school enrolment for primary and secondary stood at 300,000 but today, the enrolment has gone up to more than 800,000 with successes in external examinations,’’ he said.
The governor said that the government had signed a memorandum of understanding with some foreign firms for the establishment of an industrial park in the Ohaji/Egbema area. He said that the project would serve as an economic springboard for the state, adding: “this is part of the government’s projection to survive the fall in oil revenue.’’ On the concession of some government-owned agencies, the governor explained that the idea was to lay off ineffective, corrupt and indolent workers who were not adding value to the system. He said that the state government would soon publish the list of culpable workers for immediate penalty.
Fulfill promise to ASUU, students appeal to Gombe govt The Gombe State Students Association (GOSA) has appealed to the state government to fulfill its promise to lecturers at the state university in order to avoid industrial action. President of the Association, Abdul-aziz Umar made the appeal on Sunday in Gombe while briefing newsmen. He said that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Gombe State Univer-
sity chapter had threatened to embark on industrial action as a result of unfulfilled promises. Umar said that the government should fulfill its promise and prevent the ASUU from embarking on any industrial action. ``Gombe State University is rated among the best university in the country and whenever the union embarks on strike we (students) will be at the re-
ceiving end as it will affect our studies. ``We are appealing to the state government to come to the aid of the students, as the ASUU are about to commence strike. ``Whenever strike occur, academic calendar is going to be affected, the stability of the university will also be affected; we want government to come to our rescue,’’ he said.
The Jigawa State Government on Sunday said it had purchased 7,000 computers for senior secondary school students in the state. The State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, disclosed this at the inauguration of a Remedial Programme and Pilot Testing of E-Learning Approach in Dutse. Badaru said that although 20,000 computers were required by the students, government had purchased only 7,000 for now. He said that one computer would be assigned to three students until the remaining 13,000 computers were delivered to the government. Badaru said that steps were being taken to prepare and train students on digital technology. According to him, examination bodies in Nigeria are gradually shifting from papers and pen examination to computerbased tests. The governor also said that his administration spent N500 million on payment of various examination fees for more than 118,000 candidates in 2015. Badaru said plans were under-
Badaru
Jigawa to distribute 7,000 computers to students way to ensure that all schools in the state, from primary to tertiary institutions, embraced electronic-learning. Earlier in her remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Rabi Ishaq, said that the introduction of remedial programme would help to improve quality of education in the senior secondary school. Ishaq said that only six per cent of the students that sat for West African Examination Council (WAEC) in 2015 obtained five credits including Mathematics and English. She said that the statistics showed that the students had not been learning well, hence the decision of the state government to urgently intervene.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
19 Education Times
KwaraPoly students protest late registration charge Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
Sokoto State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Alhaji Musa Ausa (2nd Left), inspecting parade By Nysc Corps Members of The 2015, Batch ‘’ B’’, during their passing out seremony at Wamakko in Sokoto State...on Monday.
Hundreds of students of Kwara State Polytechnic on Tuesday morning took to major streets in Ilorin, the state capital, protesting the management’s decision to charge extra N10,000 fee as penalty for late registration. The protest however yielded results as the polytechnic management in a swift reaction reduced the charge for late registration from N10,000 to N5,000 and promised to pay back the students who have already paid. As early as 8.00 am, the students had taken over Ilorin- Jebba road, Ilorin with placards bearing several inscriptions like ”Revert your Decision”; “No to extra charge of N10,000”; “Economic downturn is killing” among others. They burnt used tyres on major street junctions in Ilorin, thereby obstructing vehicular movements. Many residents caught un-
aware by the development were stranded and had to return home because of their inability to arrive their destinations as planned. Ou correspondent reports that the management of the institution had fixed December 11, 2015 as deadline for the registration of students with the calculation that whoever fails to meet the deadline will be made to pay N10,000 as extra fee. It was however gathered that when the deadline lapsed, the management of the institution decided to charge extra N10,000 on any student that failed to meet the deadline, a development that sparked Tuesday’s protest. The students during the protest claimed that most of their parents have not been paid their salaries which hitherto led to the delay in the meeting of the deadline of the school authorities. They also alleged that the management of the institution was increasing their school tuition fees without considering the current economic situation in the country. While calling on the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, to call the management of the polytechnic to order, the students specifically asked the governor to look into the financial situation of the institution in order to bail out the students.
Improving teachers’ professionalism via open distance education Philip Yatai Participants at the fourth convocation lecture of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) Kaduna recently called on various stakeholders in education sector to exploit the potential of the institute in developing teachers’ professionalism. According to them, providing quality education in an equitable and accessible manner to Nigerians remained one of the country’s major concerns. They observed that the dearth of quality teachers, among other factors, had continued to undermine the efforts of the stakeholders to provide good education for its citizens. They argued that not much could be achieved in education sector without availability of reasonable number of professional teachers. They, therefore, noted that NTI’s Open and Distance Education (ODE) ``is a veritable programme for promoting professionalism in teaching.’’ At the ceremony, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, Vice-Chancellor, National Open University (NOUN), said that ODE would promote capacity building training for inservice teachers, especially when
large number of teachers were involved with limited funds available for conventional training. He said that the strategy was already yielding the desired result by eliminating illiteracy and breeding professional teachers. He stressed the need for states and local governments in the country to take advantage of the various programmes being offered by NTI through its ODE programmes and invest in the quality of their teachers. Similarly, Dr. Ladan Sharehu, the Director-General of the institute, said that the institute, established in 1976, had been positioned over the years to deliver quality teacher trainings through ODE. According to him, ODE presents a viable option that guarantees continuous teacher professional development in the country. He described ODE as a learning option that allowed learners to learn at a distance from their tutors and institutions. He insisted that ODE remained the best strategy in addressing the challenge of access to higher education in the country. Sharehu disclosed that a total of 17, 610 students completed their programmes for the 2014
academic session out of which 9, 455 students’ had the institute’s Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) while 8,033 students graduated with National Certificate of Education (NCE). He said that another 122 students also graduated with Advanced Diploma in Education. ``We are planning to expand our academic activities to the construction of microteaching laboratories in the country’s six geopolitical zones for use by the institute’s teacher trainees. ``Necessary structures and mechanism are being put in place to give Nigerian teachers the best in terms of professional training and retraining,’’ Sharehu said. Mr Adanna Iwuanyanwu, the institute’s PGDE 2014 best graduating student described the NTI ODE programme as the best experience of her educational life. In her valedictory speech she said: ``My experiences while a PGDE student in this unique institution are worth recounting for the benefit of my fellow Nigerians. ``Once you are qualified, the institute will give you admission and ensure that all necessary assistance is given to you for effective tutorial contact including receiving course manual upon
registration. ``The computer tablets which contain all course manual have more than anything else to make learning much easier and the course manual are useful. ``The facilitators are there to assist you but the onus is on you, the learners, to drive the process by putting more hours of selfstudy.’’ Irrespective of the institute’s capacity however, stakeholders in education sector call on its management live up to the expectations of the public. They observe that while the world is currently characterised by digital learners in the 21st century, significant numbers of Nigerian teachers belong basically to the analogue age. They, therefore, stressed that for teachers to remain relevant in the digital age, NTI must do a lot in the area of training teachers on Information Technology (IT) skills to enable them to join the train. Prof. Ganiyu Oke, Director, Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos, noted that in the new information age, most of the pupils and students seemed to be more proficient in the use of IT tools than their teachers. Oke stressed that the institute
must take up to the challenge of producing IT compliant teachers in large quantity. According to him, teachers who have yet to adopt IT in their profession are on the brink of becoming irrelevant in the current digital age. The stakeholders at the ceremony also solicited quality assurance mechanism to ensure quality teaching and learning for the nation to achieve overall productivity and increased competitiveness in the global market. Oke said NTI and other ODE institutions had both the social and moral responsibilities to ensure that people had access to quality education. He said that NTI must work with established benchmarks for quality assurance in the conventional schools systems to ensure parity of esteem for ODE graduates. ``In addition, a vibrant system of learner support services is equally needed to enhance the chances of learners succeeding in ODE. ``This is because students who get support are the students who eventually succeed and we cannot afford to enroll huge numbers only to find that only a small percentage succeeds,’’ he said.
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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
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9”X6
455,159.25
22,757.96
5”X2
63,374.94
3,168.74
FPS 6”X3
873,388.02
43,669.40
9”X5
379,375.23
18,968.76
4”X2
50,699.95
2,534.99
FPS 6”X2
582,257.81
29,112.89
9”X4
303,500.18
15,175.00
3”X3
43,874.94
1,864.68
BPS 6”X3
861,432.81
43,071.64
9”X3
21,0126.15
10,056.30
3”X2
29,249.98
1,243.12
BPS 6”X2
565,621.87
28,281.09
8”X6
404,666.92
20,233.34
2”X2
19,499.98
828.75
ROP2”X6
198,096.61
9,904.84
8”X5
337,222.43
16,861.12
1”X2
9,749.99
414.37
FPS 2”X6
582,257.82
29,131.09
8”X4
269,777.95
13,488.89
1”X1
4,875.00
207.19
BPS 2”X6
565,621.87
28,281.09
8”X3
186,801.63
9,340.08
BPS 2”X2
349,354.69
17,467.73
13”X5
479,495.25
23,974.76
8”X2
124,522.05
6,226.10
13”X2
164,774.84
8,238.74
7”X5
295,069.63
14,753.48
EARPIECE 2”X2
365,990.62
18,299.53
11”X5
463,680.84
23,184.04
7”X4
206,551.80
10,327.59
CENTRE SPREAD
1,497,234
74,861.71
11”X4
370,424.87
18,521.24
7”X2
88,724.91
4,406.24
DOUBLE SPREAD
1,330,875.00
66,543.75
11”X2
139,424.87
6,971.24
6”X4
186,801.62
9,340.08
DOUBLE SPREAD (1/2)
665,437.50
33,210.97
Black & White
Vat
Sizes
Rates
Vat
S/N
Sizes
16
10”X2
124,611.09
6,230.55
31
6”X2
44,240.63
1,880.23
17
9”X6
343,369.19
17,168.45
32
5”X5
119,813.65
6,990.68
6,244.75
18
9”X5
286,789.47
14,339.47
33
5”X4
94,554.69
3,133.71
19,525.63
19
9”X4
229,536.51
11,476.82
34
5”X3
55,300.74
2,350.28
312,409.60
15,620.48
20
9”X3
155,328.68
7,766.43
35
5”X2
36,867.18
1,566.86
157,994.09
7,899.79
21
8”X6
306,019.70
15,300.98
36
4”X2
29,493.75
1,253.48
362,617.60
18,130.88
22
8”X5
204,028.39
10,201.46
37
3”X3
33,180.45
1,410.17
13”X2
124,601.51
6,230.07
23
8”X4
204,032.45
10,201.62
38
3”X2
22,120.32
940.11
11”X5
350,647.44
17,532.37
24
8”X3
141,263.20
7,063.16
39
2”x6
48,173.99
2,047.39
10
11”X4
281,818.05
14,090.90
25
8”X2
76,631.55
3,831.57
40
2”X2
14,746.87
626.74
11
11”X2
105,440.15
5,272.00
26
7”X5
223,003.40
71,115.12
41
1”X2
7,373.44
313.37
12
10”X6
383,460.20
19,123.01
27
7”X4
157,994.09
7,699.67
42
1”X1
3,686.72
156.69
13
10”X5
320,067.93
16,003.39
28
7”X2
51,614.05
2,193.60
14
10”X4
255,041.86
12,752.09
29
6”X4
173,871.36
4,618.40
15
10”X3
191,666.80
9,583.34
30
6”X3
66,360.90
2,820.34
S/N
Sizes
Rates
Vat
1
F/PAGE
402,589.59
20,129.47
2
H/PAGE
229,476.11
11,473.80
3
Q/PAGE
124,895.04
4
14”X5
390,511.26
5
14”X4
6
14”X2
7
13”X5
8 9
S/N
Political
Colour Rates
Vat
Sizes
F/PAGE
532,350.00
22,624.88
F/PAGE
H/PAGE
303,439.50
12,896.18
Q/PAGE
163,431.45
6,945.84
Sizes
PHOTO SPLASH 100,000.00
4,250
Pictures & Captions 1
F/PAGE
35,437.47
1,506.09
Classified Advert 1
Classified
3,675.00
Per 1000 copies
24,500.00
1,041.25
2
Handling charges for the 1st 50,000 copies
71,662.50
-
(LAGOS) IFEANYI - 08086296714 (ABUJA) FEMI - 08033550468
43
DOUBLE SPREAD
774,210.94
32,903.96
44
DOUBLE SPREAD (1/2)
387,105.47
16,451.98
Rate for Computer & IT/Educational Property/Vacancy/Home & Décor (Black & White)
Black & White
S/N
Sizes
Rates
Vat
Rates
Vat
1
F/P
341, 583.13
402,589.69
17,110.06
2
H/P
206,155.46
10,307.77
Q/PAGE
112,334.62
5,616.73
17,079.15
H/PAGE
229,476.12
9,752.74
Q/PAGE
123,595.04
5,252.79
4
10”X2
55,476.05
2,357.73
5
8”X2
44,380.56
1,886.17
6
7”X2
38,832.99
1,650.40
7
6”X2
33,282.11
1,414.49
8
5”X2
27,736.42
1,178.80
9
4”X2
22,187.85
942.98
10
3”X2
16,640.27
707.21
33,283.03
471.54
Rate for Computer & IT/Educational Property/Vacancy/Home & Décor (Color)
Sizes
1
F/P
2 3
Rates
Colour
-
1
Vat
3
S/N
Loose Insert
Rates
Vat
451,680.17
22,584.00
H/P
272,602.27
13,630.14
Q/PAGE
146,822.62
7,341.13
PLEASE CONTACT
11
2”X6 (BOTTOM STRIP)
12
2”X2
11,094.96
471.54
13
1”X2
5,547.58
235.77
14
1”X1
2,773.79
117.89
OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DTN COMPLEX LATEEF JAKANDE ROAD, AGINDIGBI, IKEJA, LAGOS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 44 ADETOKNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT WUSE 2, ABUJA
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
KURAMO COLLEGE OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION This is to inform the General Public that the above Named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. The Trustees Are: 1. Francis Njoku, 2. Anthony Evie, 3. Jonathan Imogu 4. Samuel Sunmola 5. Akeem Adebiyi 6. Dr. Udu Yakubu 7. Engr. Solomon Abu Emmanuel. Aims & objectives: 1. To promote kuramo college and the general body of old students 2. To provide opportunities for old students to assist in raising funds for the development of infrastructure in the school. Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. SIGNED: TRUSTEES.
ESPERANZA FOOTBALL CLUB
21 ROAD, M - CLOSE, BLOCK 2, FLAT 3 FESTAC TOWN, LAGOS This is to inform the General Public that the above Named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR OVIE DAVE EFI - PRESIDENT 2. BISHOP JOSEPH TONNY FIOBODEI - VICE PRESIDENT 3. MR IGHELE DAVID EFI - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO BRING ESPERANZA FOOTBALL CLUB, THE SUPPORTERS OF THE CLUB, AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY CLOSER TOGETHER IN COMMON INTERESTS. 2. TO BUILD A TALENT/SCOUT NETWORK, THAT WILL CUT ACROSS ALL AGE CATEGORIES PROGRAMMES. Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.
PATRIOTIC LORDS INITIATIVE FOR JUSTICE The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990. NAME OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Anthony Omoruyi - Chairman 2. Sylvester Ijie. - Vice Chairman 3. Osabuohien Osemwengie- Secretary 4.Prince Edigie - Treasurer 5. Victor Okito- Member 6. Jossy Ehiabhi - Member. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Promoting democracy and supporting civil society 2. Taking the plight of the less privileged to the relevant authority 3. Demanding justice for the citizens 4. To help in fostering peace in warring communities 5. Harnessing the potentials which could lead to developing contain area of the economy. 6. To foster, Nurture and promote friendliness and understanding among citizens. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED. TRUSTEES
KING OF GLORY GOSPEL EVANGELICAL CHURCH WORLDWIDE
This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. TRUSTEES. 1. OKOROAFOR UGONNA EBENEZAR 3. IWUNZE KENNI 5. HEART NKECHINYERE ANGELA 7. IHEANACHOR CHINWE NDIDI
2. PROFESSOR JAMES IHEMEJE 4. EGEMBA DEBORAH NKECHI 6. ONUOHA CHUKWUMA CELESTINE 8. UWAJIMOGU LOUIS
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help in anyway possible to improve the standard and quality of Education of the students in the institution. 2. To help in impacting high moral standards in the students of the institution. Any Objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi. Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGN. ONUOHA CHUKWUMA, ESQ
1ST OBINWANNE PIONEER CLUB NIG.
NEWNESS OF LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTRE. Notice is hereby Given to the general public that the above name Christian Centre has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for regeneration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JIDE ADENIBA 2. ADENIBA BUSOLA AJOKE 3. FUNMILAYO M SHODEKO AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. Raising ambassadors for Jesus Christ 2. To seek, nurture and empower people to uncover, develop and manifest their God given greatness. Any objection to this regulation should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate Affairs Commission Matama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SIMON EVIVIE
THE LAND OF GRACE CHURCH, ALADURA
The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.
This is to inform the General Public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
NAME OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROPHET MOSES OLANREWAJU OMOYEMI - General Overseer/President 2. PASTOR (MRS) ELIZABETH ODUNAYO OMOYEMI - Supervising Officer 3. MR. DAVID OLUWASEGUN OLAOYE - Secretary 4. MRS. FOLASADE ADEOYE - Treasurer 5. MR. DADA OLAKUNLE OLADIPUPO - PRO
NAMES OF TRUSTEES ARE 1. OSHUN ADETOKUNBO LUKMAN 2. ARANSIOLA DORCAS MOROUNM
Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication
SIGNED: TRUSTEES
COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL, UMUNUMO OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
21 Public Notice
THE AIM & 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 Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication. SIGN: SECRETARY
SIGNED: TRUSTEES
ARIYIKE ARISE INITIATIVE.
UPLIFTING POWER OF GOD MINISTRY
This is to inform the General Public that the above named “Initiative” has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.
This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1, Ariyike Akinbobola 3, Siji Akinbobola
THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1.Pastor Monday Nwajiri.
2, Adebayo Lawal 4, Ladun Lawal.
AIMS & OBJECTIVE: 1. to encourage individuals to participate in community development 2. to economicaly& socialy empower and support women, children and teenagers. 3.To support other NGOs with same objective . 4. To engage families in rural communities about the importance of education and groom children and teenagers to become peaceful citizens and aspire to become future leaders. Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. SIGNED TRUSTEES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE ENUGU CLASS OF 95 OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
3.Emeka Ani , 5. Pastor Okoh Anthony.
2.Mrs Blessed Nwajiri, 4.David Agbi,
AIMS & OBJECTIVE: 1, Propagation of the gospel of the Lord 2, To live a wholesome life style that glorified God. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT H 20, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA P.M.B 198,GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: Onyenweuzo Joe solicitor
8 Ribadu Street ikoyi Lagos 07031087737,
HIS PRESENCE ORPHANAGE HOME.
This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under the part C of companies and allied matters Acts, 1990.
This is to notify the general public that the above named body has applied to the corporation affairs commission for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied matter act, 1990
This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990
TRUSTEES 1.Okechukwu william Ejedoghaobi _chairman, 2.Nnamdi Ezeh_vice, 3.Uchenna Uche_ secretary 4.Ifenna Ifeanyi _financial sec, 5.Paschal Ikenso__treasurer, 6.Chikezie Ezenwa member,
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Nnamdi Ugochukwu Nnama 3. Chidiebele Bernard Iwuchukwu 5. Ifeyinwa Rebecca Asia
TRUSTEES; 1. Tunde K. Thompson-Oritogun. 2. Adekemi Thompson-Oritogun. 3. Mariam Thompson-Oritogun
AIMS & OBJECTIVE: 1, To promote peace, unity and love among members 2, To promote the interest and well being of all members . Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja, within {28} days of this publication. SIGNED TRUSTEES
GRACE OLUBUKOLA FOUNDATION. 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.
TRUSTEE ARE; I.GRACE.O.DADA 3.OLAJUMOKE OSHO. 5.TUNDE OYEWOLE. 7.MODUPE OGUNDIMU..
2. OLUJUNLE A. DADA 4.FUJI OSUNFISAN. 6.SHOLA OYEWOLE 8.MUYIWA DADA.
AIM & OBJECTIVE. TO GIVE SUCCOUR TO THE LESS PRIVILEGE ONE IN THE SOCIETY.
2. Ikenna Patrick Udechukwu 4. Hamza Kutigi Idris 6. Oluwakayode Adebayo Sowade
THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To foster closer understanding among members. 2. To extend welfare service to its members in friendship and love. 3. To continue to promote the ethics of our founding fathers. 4. To promote and assist in the development of our alma mater 5. To promote and attain the aims and objectives of the association.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES. 1. To advance the Christian faith by the propagation & proclamation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ around the world. 2. To relieve people who live in conditions of need, hardship or distress or who are aged, widows, with physical disabilities and learning abilities and orphans or sick around d world. 3. To provide education for the less privileged in the society.
Any objection to this registration should be addressed to the registrar general Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescents off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT H 20, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA P.M.B 198,GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION
SIGNED G. N. OGBONNA ESQ, SOLICITOR, 08030407475.
SIGNED: EMMANUEL OCHAI ESQ.
FORUM FOR NATION BUILDERS & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
OPELOYERU MOSQUE OF ORILE IGANMU LAGOS
The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1990.
This is to inform the General Public that the 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. Babarinde Funmiso 3. Babajide Bewaji 5. Ayodeji Adewunmi Odeyemi
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Sulaiman Kolawole - Chairman 2. Mr. Lateef Owolabi - Secretary 3. Mr. Muhammed Awuni Bello - Treasurer 4. Alhaji Muritadoh Jimoh - Imam/Missioner 5. Mr. Sulaiman Usman - Member.
2. Lateef Akande Bakare 4. Otunba Abiola Oloke 6. Olukayode Oduoye
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote social development, empowernment and economic advancement in Osun State. 2. To render selfless service and finding solutions to the economic quagmire of the state and Nigeria in general.
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.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyiironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication
SIGN OMONIYI
Signed: ARAMIDE ADEGBITE & CO 08188887727 & 08027488526
AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. Total submission to the will of Allah 2. To observe obligatory prayer and sunnah 3. To propagate the principle of Islam. Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. Signed: ALIU MOSHOOD ISHOLA ALIMSA SOLICITORS 08039269005
News 22
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
N’ East Commission Bill passes Second Reading in House of Reps ÏÏÏA bill calling for the es-
tablishment of a North-east Development Commission has passed second reading in the House of Representatives in Nigeria. The commission, if established, would manage funds for the rehabilitation of the north-east part of Nigeria ravaged by insurgency. The bill, which is sponsored by the speaker of the House, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, will receive and manage the funds from the Federation Account and international donors for the settlement of victims of insurgency.
It will also take care of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and businesses in the region. The motion was unanimously supported by lawmakers in the House who said the commission would help the region just as the Niger Delta Development Commission had helped the Niger Delta region. Communities in the north-east have been devastated by Boko Haram pushing for the establishment of an Islamic State and an end to western education in the region.
CHANGE OF NAME
LAMILISA MOJISOLA OMOLARA
I formerly known as MRS. LAWAL BINTU, now wish to be known and address as MRS. LAWAL OYINLOLA FATIMAT. All former document remains valid. The general public should please take note
I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNDARE MOJISOLA OMOLARA now wish to be known and addressed as LAMILISA MOJISOLA OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
MRS AKINYEMI TITILAYO SARAH
EFFIONG ESTHER MARIA
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNDOWOLE TITILAYO SARAH now wished to be known and addressed as MRS AKINYEMI TITILAYO SARAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
I formarly known as GABRIEL ENE ANTHONIA, now wish to be known and addressed as EFFIONG ESTHER MARIA. All former documents remian valid. The general public take note.
MRS NWANGWU OGECHUKWU JOY
MRS AYESANMI MODUPE IHINOSE
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UDO OGECHUKWU JOY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWANGWU OGECHUKWU JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UWADIA LINDA IHINOSE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AYESANMI MODUPE IHINOSE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
CHANGE OF NAME
CHANGE OF NAME
GODSON IMMANUEL SUCCESS JACOBS
I, Formally LASISI RAIMOT BOLANLE now wishes to be known and address as ALIMI RAIMOT BOLANLE. All former documents remains valid. Diamond bank, Stanbic IBTC bank and the general public should take note
I formally known as MISS JOSEPH OLUBUKOLA OPEYEMI now wishes to be known and address as MRS AREGBESOLA OLUBUKOLA OPEYEMI. All document remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public take note
MR. CHRISTOPHER J. IBILIBOR
I formally known as MISS GODSON IMMANUEL IYANAH now wishes to be known and address as GODSON IMMANUEL SUCCESS JACOBS. All document remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public take note
I formally known as MR. CHUKWUMA ODIASE now wishes to be known and address as MR. CHRISTOPHER J. IBILIBOR . All document remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public take note
MRS. ABAGUN ADEWUNMI-LAWAL
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEWUNMI KAFAYAT LAWAL, now wish to be addressed as MRS. ABAGUN ADEWUNMI-LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
The general public is hereby notify that: OJO JULIANA FUNMILAYO and TAIWO FUNMILAYO JULIANA is same person. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
MRS. ALAJOGUN ELORA MORENIKE.
MRS. AGBOLO NUBWA BLESSING
I formerly known and addressed as Miss OLADIPUPO ELORA MORENIKE, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. ALAJOGUN ELORA MORENIKE.. All former document remain valid. The general public take note.
l, formerly known as , Miss WAZIMTU NUBWA BLESSING. now wish to be known and addressed as. Mrs. AGBOLO NUBWA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
ROYAL VESSEL ASSEMBLY,
THE LEGACY CLUB ABUJA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. HON. UZOMA CHIDI IBEH 2. CHIEF BARR. IZY NWAIWU 3. CHIEF BANABAS, CHIMAEZE NJOKU 4. MR. KENNEDY IWUALA 5. CHIEF CHARLES IHEH 6. SIR OKEY OCHIAGHA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. FOSTERING OF CLOSER RELATIONSHIP AMONG MEMBERS. 2. CHAMPIONING THE COMMON CAUSE OF MEMBERS 3. PROMOTION OF UNITY, ONENESS, PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING AMONGST OUR PEOPLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY
HORIZON II RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF LOSS OF land title document :OFFER OF STATUTORY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY WITH NEW FILE NO: MISC 87266 IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO:1861; KATAMPE,ABUJA.CADASTRAL ZONE : BO7 KATAMPE DISTRICT.BELONGING TO MAY ESTATE AGENCY ENTERPRISES. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR CALL THE SOLICITOR: 08035929613. General public pls take note.
LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to notify the general public that the Original document of Deed of Conveyance, at Owode Mile 12, Ikorodu Road, Lagos State. Registered at Lagos State Land Registry as No. 38, Page 38, IN VOLUME 931. Belonging to Mr. Joseph B.A Oteri got missing in transit. All effort to trace it prove abortive. If found please contact Mr. Joseph B.A. Oteri of No. 20, Shosanya Street Mushin, LagosState. General Public Take Note
LOSS OF DOCUMENT THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE PHOTOCOPY OF A CROSS COPY OF HIS PLOT OF LAND BD EX 336 LOCATED AT DAWAKI EXTENSION DUTSE BELONGING TO HAMAADAMA YAHAYA AND WAS ISSUED IN FAVOUR OF AHMED GARKO GOT LOST AND WAS DULLY REPORTED TO POLICE STATION . ALL EFFORT TO GET IT BACK HAS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION, ABUJA GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AGIS) AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.
INITIATIVE FOR ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.
THE 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.
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990
TRUSTEES 1. PASTOR GOSPEL UKACHUKWU EGBUJOR, 2. CHIOMA CHIMUANYA EGBUJOR, 3. REV. PASTOR JULIET UCHECHI EMEJI, 4. NKEIRU PRISCA EMEJI.
THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Francis imodu - removed 3. Doyin oyewole re-appointed
TRUSTEES: 1. MR. ROTIMI OLAWELE 2. MR. MEDUPIN OLUSEGUN PAUL 3. MRS UCHE IDOKO 4. BARR. NKIRUKA NNAEMEGO 5. MR. JOSEPH EMMANUEL YABA 6. MISS NWOSU CHINWE LAURA 7. MR. SEMIYE MICHAEL
2. Amaebi fiderikumo - removed 4.taiwo adenusi -re-appointed
AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of the lord jesus christ
THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1.onyemeachi ohabuike - appointed 2. Olusegun salami - appointed Aims and objectives remain the same.
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.
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. : Stanley Asonnadi Esq.
MOBILE HEALTH & EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT CENTRE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. BARRISTER CHRISTY UDII EZEJI 2. CHIEF CHINEDU ORJI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION SERVICES TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED AND THE NEEDY. 2. TO ASSIST THE PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO SUPPORT ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT IN OUR SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION
Signed: barr eki eboikpomen j 08034926354
SIGNED: SECRETARY
KERALA SAMAJAM FOUNDATION
PIKACHI GREEN LIFE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION.
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990
TRUSTEES: 1. PULICKAL SUBRAMANIAN ANILEN -CHAIRMAN 2. LINU SEBASTIAN -MEMBER 3. JOSEPH ANTHONY -SECRETARY 4. PAVITHRAN BUTHIYA PARAMBATH 5. NAIR UNNIKRISHNAN
TRUSTEES. 1.MAMAH IFEYINWA GRACE 2. MAMAH NWACHUKWU REMIGIUS . 3 . ONAH ANGELA AMAKA 4 AGBEDO KELVIN OKECHUKWU.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. GENERAL PHILANTHROPIC WORK.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THE MEMBERS.
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REG STRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRNSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION
SIGNED: BARR. DESMOND OZURUIGBO 22 COMMERCIAL ROAD APAPA, LAGOS
SIGNED: SECRETARY
Daily Times Nigeria Wedmesday, December 16, 2015
Vox Pop
Tuesday, December 15, 2015, marked exactly one year that the Daily Times returned to newsstands across the country. Features Editor, Gbubemi Gods Covenant Snr, called up some prominent Nigerians for their views. Excerpts:
Daily Times, one year after rebirth: What people say
The Daily Times of Nigeria Plc on the revival of the Daily Times newspapers. I hope the management will continue to improve contents and visibility of the paper. Daily Times is a significant part of Nigeria’s history and it should never be allowed to die.
Onukaba
ADINOYI-OJO ONUKABA, former Managing Director, Daily Times I congratulate the staff, management and Board of
23 News
SIR INNOCENT OPARADIKE, MPIDIKE MBAITOLI and former Managing Director, Daily Times Congratulations on the 1st year anniversary of the rebranded Daily Times. At the height of the campaigns last year the venerable Daily Times was reborn as a new age publication. Since then, it has managed to
a memorable way its right to the franchise. Let me congratulate in a special way the enterprising Publisher, Mr. Fidelis Anosike and his team for a job well done. Keep the flag flying high!
ADINOYI-
Amuta
keep afloat and even prosper. In the matter of Miss Nigeria Pageant, the Daily Times of Nigeria pursued, overtook and reasserted in
DR. CHIDI AMUTA I think it is an interesting and courageous effort so far; you people should keep it up because it is one thing to start and quite another to keep it going and prosper. Remain objective and define the position of the Daily Times viz-a-viz other newspapers because the Daily Times has an enviable history of being nationalistic and you cannot
Obiozor
deviate from that. That’s my message. PROFESSOR GEORGE OBIOZOR, former Nige-
Nsukka legislative council passes Bill against timber sale
NDLEA arrests South African, 2 others at Abuja airport Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo
ÏÏÏThe
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a South African, Sipho Mitshali, and two Nigerians Ifeagwu Osita and Obiabumuo Augustine Ikechukwu for allegedly being in possession of 18.2kgs of drugs valued at N163 million . Acting Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Roli BodeGeorge, who commented on the arrest assured that the agency would continue to tighten the noose on drug cartels as narcotic officers arrested three suspected members of a drug syndicate with 18.2kgs of drugs valued at N163 million . They include a South African Sipho Mitshali, 31, found in possession of 4kg of Ephedrine and 8kg of Methamphetamine on his way to Johannesburg, two Nigerians, Ifeagwu Osita and Obiabumuo Augustine Ikechukwu were also arrested for attempting to smuggle 4.7kg and 1.5kg of cocaine.
rian Ambassador to the US Daily Times returning to newsstands across the country in the last one year is a spectacular achievement; I am completely delighted. The Daily Times is not only historic but the making of a new history of its comeback. We are extremely happy and delighted; we are very happy and solidly behind your resurrection and restoration of the new Daily Times. On the New Year ahead, we know the market is crowded but you are already showing that you are exceptional. I encourage you to continue; you are doing the right job and your excellence will be rewarded.
By Moses Oyediran, Enugu
ÏÏÏThe
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right) discussing with Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdulrrazaq Balogun (right) during the 9th Security Town Hall meeting at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos… on Tuesday. With them are Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (2nd left) and Chairman, LSSTF Board of Trustees, Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale (left).
Ugwuanyi restates commitment to develop Enugu
Moses Oyediran, Enugu
ÏÏÏGovernor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has assured the people of the state that all the 17 Local Government Councils in the state would be covered in the on-going development projects across the state. The governor spoke on the occasion of a grand reception in his honour by the people of Amokwe, Udi Local Government Area. He recalled that his declaration on his inauguration
day as the governor of the state was that he would cover all parts of the state in his developmental drives. He added that he received massive support from the people of the state and must reciprocate the gesture by service delivery and good governance for all. Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the people of Amokwe for the honour done him, adding that the community would not be left out in his administration drive to develop the state.
In his address, Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Uche Eze, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his developmental strides in the council. Eze enumerated the achievement of the governor in the local government within his short period in office has inauguration of a 2.5 MVA injection substation and establishment of the civil centre at Akpakwume, Ezinze and Ibute Nze communities.
Others projects embarked upon by the governor were the Amankwo Ngwo through Eke Odudo to Ama brewery roads, reconstruction of an erosion devastated road at Abor – Nsukka road and repair and resurfacing of bad portion of road along Enugu Ninth Mile Expressway, among others. The local government boss assured the governor of the support of the people at all times, describing his administration as people oriented.
Nsukka Legislative Council, on Tuesday, passed a Bill prohibiting the sale of timber and timber products outside the local government approved market for timber dealers in the area. Leader of the council, Hon. Celestine Ogbu, said the bye-law when assented to would make it an offence for anybody to set up timber shed in other parts of the council area outside government approved timber shed. Ogbu said the bye-law when assented to by the chairman of the council, Hon. Charles Ugwu the council would prosecute offenders and if convicted will pay a fine of N100, 000 or six months imprisonment, “This by-law makes it an offence for anybody in Nsukka LGA to sell timber or timber products outside government designated place. “The indiscriminate setting up of timber shed in this LGA is improper thereby allowing shops in government approved timber shed to be wasting ,’he said.
News 24
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Amaechi commends aviation CEOs over safety, security equipment Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo
ÎÎÎAviation
agencies have been commended for their installation of safety and critical equipment in every stations and airports across the country. The agencies were also told not to rest on their oars in their bid to continually deliver to the public qualitative services. The Minister of Transport, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated this on Tuesday when he toured the facilities at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos. Amaechi was in the company of the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr.
Saleh Dunoma and other helmsmen. The agencies praised by the minister included the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). He explained that so far, the agencies’ Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), with the little amount of money they generate, had been prudent with the acquisition of safety equipment, which had improved safety and security at airports, unlike some government parastatals in the country. The minister, however, frowned at the level of decay noticed at the Nigerian Mari-
time Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which he said investments on ground could not be compared with revenue generated. Amaechi and other dignitaries were shown graphic details how the agencies, NAMA and NCAA process eclearance for airlines, which is done seamlessly. According to him, what was on ground now, aviation in Nigeria had grown from the past of paper clearance to electronic clearance and could compete with its counterparts anywhere in the world. He explained that with the migration to e-clearance, the industry would earn more revenues while less time would be used to process clearance by airlines.
He said, “With what I have seen here today, it shows that Nigerian aviation industry can be compared to any developed ones anywhere in the world. This is unlike in the past where you waste time processing papers. “I remember my experience at Akure Airport, which was sordid. The Airport Manager, a female came to me and said the airport was technically closed. But, I believe that that didn’t happen to me alone as it equally affected others too. “But, with this software, you can manage your time better and earn some revenues for yourself. The government should be commended for what it has done recently. What we saw in NIMASA was nothing to write home about
when you compare the money they earn and the facilities you see on ground.” Earlier, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman promised that the agencies management would continually drive the government’s vision of improving facilities. Usman declared that as the regulator, NCAA had to continually amend its regulations, which it recently did with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR), He added that the need to deploy technology to its clients could not over-emphasised, stressing that before the adoption of the aircraft e-flight clearance, clearance was done manually, but said it had collaborated with NAMA to ease clearance for airlines.
I’ll do anything to assist Lagos – US Senator Alade Tasma
ÎÎÎAn
President Muhammadu Buhari (left) receiving Letter of Credence from Ambassador-Designate of Colombia to Nigeria, Ms. Claudia Turbay Qiuntereo, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Tuesday.
NIMASA can’t pay for 18 vessels, says CEO Henry Omunu, Abuja
ÎÎÎActing Director General
of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Haruna Jauro, on Tuesday, disclosed that the agency has been unable to pay contractors who supplied 18 vessels to the agency because of the removal of the erstwhile Director General, Mr. Calistus Obi from office by the government. Fielding questions from the members of House of
Representatives Committee on Maritime and Safety, Jauro said the company, Global West has not been paid since March because the contract is to be reviewed after three years, adding that the agency was waiting for new incentives to raise a new benchmark to pay the contractor. “NIMASA is supposed to be on the waters to survey ships; we don’t have the vessels that is what brought about the partnership with Global West. They were sup-
posed to provide 20 vessels and have produced 18 so far. “We have not paid them since March. It (payment) is to be reviewed after three years and this is to have a new benchmark so they can be paid. We were waiting for a new incentive when in a meeting, we got a phone call that the director general has been relieved of his duty. “The EFCC came in and had their own interpretation and questions, so we have been put in the middle and we cannot pay, “he said.
According to him, the agency has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Navy and Airforce to effectively monitor the nation’s waters. Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Haliru Jika asked the acting NIMASA chief executive to provide documents showing that the agency generates $30 million monthly, adding that all the books detailing the agency’s finances and other matters has not been provided to the committee.
Amerıca Senator representıng Metropolitan Atlanta’s 35th District of Georgia, Senator Donzella James has saıd she ıs wıllıng to do anythıng wıthın her power to assıst and support Lagos State. Senator Donzella stated thıs when she vısıted the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashıru Obasa at hıs Assembly complex offıce on Tuesday. The Senator, who is a member of Amerıca Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism as well as Education/Youth Committee, saıd she has vısıted Nigeria on several occasions and she has hosted many lawmakers from Nigeria in the United States. Acknowledging Nigeria’s rıch deposıts ın many precious resources, she suggested a collaboratıon between Lagos and the Unıted States, sayıng they both have many things in common. “I feel so proud to be here, if there is anything you want me to do to assist your state, I will be willing to support you.
Oritsejafor
Nigeria’s leadership shaping up, says CAN Joy Ekeke
ÎÎÎThe Christian Asso-
ciation of Nigeria (CAN), in collaboration with the University of Leadership and Sound Doctrine (ULS) has expressed optimism that leadership in Nigeria is evolving and the nation is getting there in terms of good leadership. Their assertions were made at a programme tagged; “Top Leaders Summit”, where emphasis was laid on the need for leaders to fulfil purpose and demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities. Commenting on the essence of the programme, CAN Chairman, Lagos Chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola said leaders who are just and have the fear of God are needed in the churches to reform the society. ”We need Godly leaders, not only in our churches but our nation. Everyone made a leader must be just and have the fear of God, and in so doing, we will have the right environment and structure to be the light and salt of the nation. ”We have being crying unto God for years since we had independence, God hears prayers so things are changing. One day with God is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day and so we have come a long way and we are getting there. “The Church is praying and The Muslims are also praying and God is answering prayers. I believe in my heart that we are getting there. That the right leadership in this nation is evolving, it’s an evolution that is the way God wants it,” Bamgbola said.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
25 Opinion
Hurray! It’s the Holiday season
ÏÏÏ- Sis, a colleague of mine is coming to
Lagos for Christmas. What do you want from here? - I want chocolates, that digestive biscuit with choc topping from M & S. Em m m, you know my favourite cotton buds? Please send a pack. The list goes on. She waits for me to finish. Then she says: - I thought you’d ask for that suitcase you couldn’t take with you - that excess luggage. - Oh that! - Yes Sis. Don’t you need the things inside? - When you knew that, why didn’t you mention it? - I expected it to top your list. - I’ve completely forgotten all about it. - We’ll have a laugh on you here when I tell the others what you’re asking for. - And what’s funny in that? - You reeled out items you could easily find in Lagos but forgot the suitcase you left behind. - Well, it escaped my mind. - Out of sight, out of mind, abi? - Ibilla, mind yourself o! - ma binu ma. - I’m not mad at you. Please send the suitcase. - I don’t think my colleague can take the whole suitcase. So I’ll take some things out of there and send. - I’m sure he can, he’s a man. They travel light. - I know Sis, but he wasn’t there when you packed your suitcase. - You can open it and show him the contents. - Show him all your 2-for-a-fiver bargains? - Ibilla, it’s early in the morning o. - Here we go! Anyway, I’ll just take some items and send. - O e k mi. - So I’m now your darling? - You know you always are. - Do you even remember what you packed inside? - You already said it now - my bargains. - I hope no knickers. - Keep those for me, if you found any. - Noted. Have got to go Sis. - Ok. Love you babe.
- Love you more Sis. Children! How they love to poke fun at their elders! Cheeky! Well, that’s how it should be - we laugh at ourselves, we laugh with ourselves. The holidays are here. Children are coming home for Christmas. Some families have already travelled out to spend the holidays with loved ones. Some are about to go. Some have houses waiting for them while some of us will be hosted by friends and relatives who are happy to welcome us to their homes. But we should take care not to take that reception for granted and outstay our welcome. It’s true you’ve taken some garri, beans, elub to your relatives or friends accommodating you, take it from me, you’re still expected to contribute to the housekeeping. Don’t be a freeloader. Dip your hands into your pockets to buy food for the house. Your hosts will often want to discourage you from doing this. Don’t listen to them. Keep doing it. It’s welcome. Our friends and relatives living abroad are not as wasteful as we are. Respect their do’s and dont’s. It will be advisable not to be a nuisance to your hosts. Also remember that once you leave your natural habitat you should be ready for any inconveniences you meet en route. Young lady going on a holiday with lover-boy should always hold her ‘vex money’ in case the lovey-dovey becomes a nightmare. This is to spare yourself the embarrassment of being dumped like a bag of garri miles away from home.
W E A T H E R ABUJA
ASABA
LAGOS
Low 21°C High 38°C
Low 21°C High 37°C
Low 23°C High 39°C
KADUNA
IBADAN
ILORIN
Low 15°C High 31°C
Low 23°C High 40°C
Low 19°C High 37°C
If you accept to take a parcel from anyone, I repeat, anyone, ask the sender to open it for you to see the contents. Never accept a sealed envelope or parcel. Many an innocent being are behind bars for this slip. I was once asked to take a bottle of palm-oil to someone in the United Kingdom. As I trusted the sender, I didn’t ask her to shake the bottle for me to see. At Heathrow Airport, London, as I was passing through the Nothing to Declare door, I was stopped by two Customs officials. - Hello Madam. Can we look through your suitcase? I was so confident. I thought: - What could make them pull me aside? I wheeled my suitcase to the slab. I carried it up and put it on the slab. Hardly had I done this before I had a flash of the bottle of palm-oil I had accepted in Lagos. See me, see trouble o! I broke out in cold sweat. Did the Customs men notice this? - Did you pack this suitcase madam? - Yes I did. - Were you given anything for anybody? - Yes. A bottle of palm-oil. - Can you please open the suitcase for us? The Brits with their politeness! I obliged. They looked through my suitcase and found the bottle. They brought it out and shook it. They then put it back in my suitcase and said, - Enjoy your stay madam. p o! O Joy!
Gratitude welled up within me as I was zipping up my suitcase. I looked for the Almighty. I searched for Him so that I could touch His face and say ‘Thank you’. I recently read in one of the papers that hard drugs were stuffed in the luggage of an unsuspecting passenger by a baggage handler. That was very wicked. Wherever your feet take you during the holidays, may the skies be clear and may the road be safe.
Mind how you go
One doesn’t need the ouija board to know what will be run through President Buhari’s New Year message to fellow Nigerians. Since the downfall in oil prices and revelation of the ‘rape’ of our treasury, the voice coming out of Aso Rock has been charging Nigerians to tighten their belts and brace themselves for a harsh future. But those we voted into the Senate are behaving as if they aren’t part of us. Our men and women in the Senate aren’t in sync with us - they are enjoying fat salaries, choosing SUVs as their official vehicles and smiling to the banks. This is ‘rape’ of our commonwealth. In this period of ‘les vâches maigres’ - lean cows, with whose money are they buying the vehicles? Yours and mine. Mind how you go. Afolabi can be reached at: oyemiajike@gmail.com; Twitter: @oyemiajike
R E P O R T KANO Low 13°C High 31°C
BENIN CITY Low 10°C High 23°C
P/HARCOURT Low 21°C High 36°C
CALABAR Low 23°C High 36°C
ENUGU Low 21°C High 35°C
WARRI Low 22°C High 38°C
26
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December16, 2015
Features
Æs
The marvelous musketeers at work
Meet the three orange musketeers They come trooping from the rural areas of all the 36 states of the federation all headed to the undisputed commercial capital city of Nigeria – Lagos. DADA BLESSING and BIDEMI BECKLEY spotted a modern day manifestation of the three musketeers – this time, the three orange musketeers. Enjoy their story. Lagos, the Mega City ranks first amongst the most hospitable geoentities under the sun. Her arms are always open to embrace all comers and she has something for everyone no matter your nativity, nationality, color or race. Moreso, Lagos does not insist on passport or visa to receive and accommodate all Ekaetes, Okoros and Abduls or the Mensas, etc.
One or two people selling the same item by the wayside anywhere may not draw attention, though it may raise eyebrows on account of competition. Traders humanly love to secure their domain from any intruder who wants to sell the same product as that would mean splitting the day’s patronage each trading day. While some traders may not bother, others do - and could go the extra mile – even go fetish to expel the ‘intruder’ from his or her domain. But when three women sit side-by-side selling the same product and they do it religiously with passion, joy and love, the sight transmits an aura of colourful and beautiful fragrance in our humanity that is worth celebrating. So it was exciting when our features girls spotted three unique women who have carved a niche for themselves in a trade as ordinary as peeling and selling oranges.
The sight underlines the saying that there is power in the number three. The wise King Solomon proclaimed that a three-fold chord is not easily broken. A native Yoruba adage also says Aromete kii da obenu (The three-cornered fireplace does not spill the soup pot). Along the Iyana-Ipaja to Egbeda route in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, you will find this trio ever present at the Gowon Estate gate just before the very busy Egbeda bus stop. Perched just by the road, the three orange musketeers can be found at their duty post from 4pm to the wee hours of the night. Our girls stopped by on a cool Saturday evening and found the three ladies in their late 20s and early 30s are close relatives from Ogoja in Cross River State. Very local and apprehensive of talking to the press, our team managed to prize out
the secret that bind them together. They live in the same neighbourhood with their families and do virtually all things in common. Their quest to make ends meet and leave the class of idle and dependent housewives conceptualised the idea of buying orange from the same source and selling at the same spot all year round, except Sundays. One would wonder, of all the numerous thriving trades in Lagos, why orange? The answer is not far-fetched. These women knew very well how to go about the business in a unique way, they chose a very busy spot overflowing with people most hours of the day and also capitalised on ’the rush hours’ for maximum sales. Religiously, they arrive the spot around 4pm to begin the business of each day. Despite the sameness of their product, these women go about their business
Continued on page 27
Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, December16, 2015
27 Features
We cannot sit idle at home and expect manners from heaven
Up with their headlamps every night
Continued on page 26 without quarrels. They never argued over which customer is buying from which of them, or who is making higher sales than the other. The beginning The most outspoken of the three who first warned they won’t give their names and ‘no photographs’, gave a small account of their beginning. “We started when we realised we cannot sit idle at home and expect manners to fall from heaven, so we saw it as something we can do and make a living out of it. We did not emulate anybody, we just ventured into it and we never looked back.’’ So, what do they sell when orange goes out of season? “Orange doesn’t go out of season,” Mrs. Speaker corrected. “Here in Lagos, we know where to hunt for orange; although when it becomes very scarce, we still get it but at a very high price. “During such periods, some orange sellers back out and try their hands on something else, but we still buy. What we do is
that we just reduce the quantity we sell. “For example, if we have been selling five oranges for N100, we reduce it to three. Our customers understand and they do endure this trying periods with us so business continues.” Had they ever clashed over customers or one outselling the other? Mrs. Speaker laughed and shook her head.”Never; we don’t do that. Even if one person did not finish her own we all share what is left and sell it off.” Considering you stay by the roadside without cover, how much do you pay to whom? “We normally pay N50 for council ticket every day; but when the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) people comes around, we pay N1000. On a bad day, they demand N1500 and we pay.” When do they normally close? “Sometimes we leave here around 9:30pm or 10:00pm, depending on sales. We have to go home and attend to our families too.’’ Commercial activities in Lagos is not restricted to the daytime
Three men in a woman’s world at Idimu bus stop
alone, they start from dawn till the wee hours of the night. At night hours, every nooks and crannies are busy with traders selling their wares using rechargeable lamps of all kinds. The three orange musketeers are not exempted from this innovation. If you come around when it is dark, you will see these exceptional women dutifully selling with rechargeable lamps firmly tied to their head with a scarf ! The sight is both glorious and beautiful but it makes one really marvel at the tenacity of the Nigerian woman, especially these ladies that work tirelessly round the clock even to the wee hours of the night to get their families going. Happily, our three models are not without higher ambition. “We are looking forward to going into other big business in the nearest future if such opportunity comes our way. We are preparing for that until God will open a way for us.” Would they be doing the same kind of business like they are
The sight is both glorious and beautiful but it makes one really marvel at the tenacity of the Nigerian woman, especially these ladies that work tirelessly round the clock even to the wee hours of the night to get their families going. doing now? “Why not? We derive great joy in working together. It gives us strength and confidence.” It was good to hear the three musketeers send this counsel to other women. “It is not good for a woman to be idle. Whether you marry or not, do not be idle. There is joy in making your own money and taking charge of your personal needs and saving for the future. “Every married woman should engage in some trade to assist her husband to cater for the needs of the home.” Three men in a woman’s world It would appear now that what the women can do, the men folks can do it; howbeit, not so much better! Further downtown at Idimu bus-stop on your to Ikotun, also in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos Mainland, there Homslive! found another version of three orange musketeers; this
One mind, one spirit, one goal
time, three men, each squatted by their wheelbarrows and also peeling and selling oranges. There are subtle differences though: the male are not so closely knit together; the volume of human traffic here is a lot less and each man appears to be on his own. Unlike the female musketeers, the male counterparts are not religiously punctual, they are not committed to sell each of the week, and when do, they could sell on Sundays. The volume of their sales is nothing compared to their female counterparts but one thing they have in common: their daily tickets of N50 and their payment to KAI officials are uniform. In a close chat with the Abokis, Daily Times gathered that Abdul and Zakare Yau (from the troubled Borno State and Musa (from Yola), Adamawa State only sell orange when the fruit is in its season of abundance. They have no tall ambition and they have no idea what they would do after this orange season. Zakare and Abdul expressed hope that the trouble in their states would seize; they desire to go back home and farm, especially in this rainy season but said they cannot. Also, although they sell the same orange and match three in number, the men folks do not qualify to be called musketeers as their female counterparts because the bond between the women and these men are worlds apart. While the women came from the same neighbourhood both at home and in Lagos, they do everything as one and bear each other’s burden. There is a lesson to be learnt here: there is safety in numbers, and a three-fold chord cannot be easily broken. God bless the women folks!
Saraki Golf tourney tees-off Dec 19 Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
According to the statement, the event is billed for Saturday, December 19, at Ilorin Golf Club, which will be preceded by a welcome cocktail for participants on Friday, December 18. He explained that no fewer than 150 amateur golfers from golf clubs across the country will take part in the one-day event. “The event is upgraded to Open Championship status according to Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who is now the
T
he 2015 edition of Abubakar Bukola Saraki golf tournament will tee-off on December 19 and the tourney have been up-graded from closed to open championship status. This was contained in a statement signed by the captain of Ilorin Golf Club, Malam Faruk Ismail, in Ilorin as the tourney enters its 8th edition.
Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “And for the first time professional golfers will take part in the competition though, on invitational basis,” Ismail said. The Ilorin Golf Club captain assured golfers of a hitch-free and wonderful golfing experience during the competition as the golf course is in good shape with superb putting greens.
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Hart
g 30
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Enyimba gun for Eagles coach N
igeria champions Enyimba have begun discussions to re-engage Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf ahead of next year’s tilt at the CAF Champions League, it has been exclusively learnt. In November, Kadiri Ikhana led Enyimba to claim a seventh Nigeria league title but the highly experienced coach may not be the man to lead them into next year’s CAF Champions League. Enyimba are now targeting Salisu Yusuf, who made a huge impression when he was in charge of the Aba club two years ago. However, discussions between Enyimba and the Eagles coach have stalled after Salisu insisted he first be paid the over four million Naira they owe him when he first
worked at the club. Enyimba will also have to find a way round to how they could have the services of the Zariaborn tactician as he is contracted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as an assistant coach to Sunday Oliseh. The coach, who has also handled Kano Pillars and El Kanemi Warriors, himself has refused to comment on the renewed interest of his former employers.
Coach Salisu Yusuf set to join champions Enyimba International FC.
Athletics:
Alli, AFN set
Rio Olympics target
Y
rues City slips in EPL title race
usuf Alli, the Technical Manager, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), says the body’s target is to win at least three medals at the forthcoming 2016 Olympic
Alli Games. Alli told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that the AFN was seriously working to ensure that the country had a good
outing in Rio. “All countries are focusing on the 2016 Olympics and for Athletics, our target is nothing less than three medals. We hope to have a good performance,” he said. The Olympics is scheduled for Aug. 5 to Aug. 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Alli, a gold medallist at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, said that the nation hoped to do better at the 2016 Africa Senior Championships. “We hope to repeat or surpass the record of what we had in 2014. Though the focus is mainly on Olympics but we are not undermining the African Championships either,” he said. NAN reports that Team Nigeria won 10 gold, six silver and a bronze at the 19th Africa Senior Championships held in Marakech, Morocco in 2014. The 20th Africa Senior Championships is scheduled for June 22 to June 26 in Durban, South Africa.
NWL:
Falode delighted with South-South
endorsement
F
oremost sports journalist and women’s sports development icon, Aisha Falode, has sent her words of thanks and encouragement to the South-South Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following the body’s endorsement of her as the candidate for the NFF Women’s League (NWL) leadership. Falode, said the body headed by Rivers FA Chairman and Chairman of NFF Committees, Chris Green, is an outstanding body for choosing her to run for a position as important as the NFF Women’s League Chairmanship. “Seriously, I am short of words, humbled and will like to thank my kiths and kins in the South South for this trust bestowed on me. I promise that when the time is ripe I will again officially thank them,” Falode said. Falode declared that after she has been endorsed by the NFF South South Congress, she was now waiting for the rules of the elections to the rolled out before she throws her hat into the ring. In another breath, she congratulated the leadership of the NFF, led by Melvin Amaju Pinnick for the huge strides it has made in recent times and hopes the NFF Congress that meets in Abuja today, will not only pass a confidence vote but give the NFF Executive Committee a pat on the back. “If a federation wins the U-17 World Cup, the U-23 CHAN tournament, qualifies for virtually all tournaments in both the male and female cadre, I think they deserve praise and support from all sports loving Nigerians,” she said.
Falode
29
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
EXTRATIME
Osimhen
German FA annoyed by World Cup investigation leak
T
he German Football Association (DFB) said it would not bring forward publication of the results of an investigation into the bid process for the 2006 World Cup. It said in a statement on Tuesday in Berlin that it was annoying to see the leak of some details in a newspaper. “The newspaper had quoted from interviews carried out in the investigation, including from the testimony of former DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach. The DFB said that it had noted with great surprise that confidential interview transcripts had appeared in the media. It said: “For clarification, neither the executive board nor the whole DFB board had access to the notes of the (investigating) law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer at any time. “It remains the case that in spite these extremely annoying indiscretions that Fresh fields will publish the complete results once the investigations have been completed,” it said. The DFB said that the results were not expected before February as it would be looking critically into allegations that a slush fund was used to buy votes to secure the right to host the 2006 World Cup in the country.
off to England to seal EPL deal
I want to play at Rio Olympics, says
N
Mikel
Mikel C
helsea star Mikel Obi has said he wishes to feature at next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as one of three over-aged players, it has been exclusively gathered. The 28-year-old Mikel has won almost every major trophy at stake including the UEFA Champions League and English Premier League, but he has so far missed out on playing at the Olympics. Incidentally, it was Coach Samson Siasia who left him out from the 2008 Beijing Olympics after he had stayed away from the qualifiers for the competition.
“He has made it clear he wishes to play at the Rio Olympics,’ a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) specially revealed. “But it is left for the coach to pick who will be the overage players he will take along to Brazil next year.” For the 2008 Olympics, Siasia took along Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Anichebe as overage players. Nigeria, back under Siasia, will lead Algeria and South Africa to the 2016 Olympics in August after they clinched the U-23 AFCON in Senegal at the weekend.
igeria U-17 star Victor Osimhen has jetted out to England, where he is expected to seal a deal with a top English Premier League side, according to
officials. The youngster flew out to England from Dakar, Senegal, after he helped Nigeria win the U23 AFCON crown. A source close to the striker said at a time: “Everything has been agreed with an EPL club and only a crazy deal from Real Madrid will scuttle this.” Osimhen, who netted a record-breaking 10 goals as Nigeria won a fifth U-17 World Cup in Chile, has been linked with several top European clubs. It was earlier reported that EPL club Tottenham Hotspur had agreed all terms with the 17-year-old striker, but his representatives later dismissed this.
Osimhen
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
EXTRATIME
Hart rues City
BRIEFS Cech eyes clean sheet record
A
rsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech is hoping to achieve the “impossible” and break the all-time record for the number of clean sheets in the Premier League. Cech, who joined the Gunners in the summer after 11 years at Chelsea, recorded his 169th shut-out in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa to equal David James’ mark.
slips in EPL title race
Klopp passionate about Reds— Houllier
F
ormer Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier claims current Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp always had an affection for the club, even before took over at the helm. Klopp, who left Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, was appointed by Liverpool in October and has overseen just two defeats in his opening 14 matches in all competitions.
Stoke eyeing new deals for key duo
S
toke City are working hard to tie Marko Arnautovic and Erik Pieters down to new contracts, according to chairman Peter Coates. Arnautovic has already sealed his best goals return since moving to the Premier League in 2013 with five in his opening 15 matches, making him Stoke’s top scorer. At the back Pieters has been an ever-present in 201516 having cemented his place in the previous two seasons under Mark Hughes.
Silvestre: Giggs key to Martial development
M
anchester United assistant Ryan Giggs can help Anthony Martial develop into a world class striker at Old Trafford, according to Mikael Silvestre. Martial was a surprise deadline day buy for United on a four-year deal, the 19-year-old plucked from Monaco where he had scored 12 goals in all competitions during the 2014-15 campaign. After a goal on his debut against Liverpool, Martial netted another three in as many games and looked to be an inspired acquisition by Louis van Gaal.
30
T
Hart
he Premier League title race is wide open because Manchester City have not performed to their potential, according to Joe Hart. Six points separate the top four after 16 matches of 201516 with third-placed City trailing leaders Leicester City by three points, while Arsenal and Manchester United are also in the mix. Tottenham are within nine points of the summit in fifth, although their challenge has drifted away in recent weeks after one win from five matches. Hart believes Manchester City would be top of the pile had they not suffered a blip since November with only two victories in their past five outings – including defeats to Liverpool and Stoke City. “The Premier League is ridiculous this season,” the England goalkeeper said. “It is only because we have been playing poor that it’s open.” However, Chelsea are a long way off the pace after their ninth loss of the season at Leicester on Monday, Jose Mourinho’s side now perched in 16th place, 20 points off top spot. And Hart does not expect the defending champions to be in contention come May, he added: “They (Chelsea) are going to have to go on one hell of a run if they’re going to win this.”
c n a l B war y of wounded Chelsea J
ose Mourinho says he felt “betrayed” by his players in Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 defeat by Leicester on Mondayl. The Blues have now lost nine of their opening 16 games and sit just one point off the relegation zone in the Premier League after defeat at the King Power Stadium. Clearly unhappy with his side’s performance, Mourinho said: “They deserved to win because they were better than us during a longer period of time. I think we were the best team, I will say for 20 to 25 minutes, maximum 30 minutes. They were the best team for one hour. “They were very consistent and very focused. They didn’t make any mistakes. They were aggressive with everybody playing high intensity, high tempo with a great mentality. It was difficult for us and then we conceded two goals that are unacceptable to me because I
know one of my best qualities is to read the game for my players. “It is to read the opponent and identify every detail about the opponent. These two goals, the movement of Vardy between the two central defenders then the cross with the left foot. Then Mahrez in the box one against one - I want one against two because I want the midfield player to close the best foot. “The two goals are difficult to accept because I feel like my work was betrayed.” With his side now 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, many believe Mourinho’s side will be unable to secure the Champions League place they so crave. And it appears the Chelsea boss feels the same. When he was asked if the top four has “gone”, he replied: “Yes. Clearly, yes.” Most Chelsea fans still believe Mourinho is the man to take the club forward, but something needs to change.”
Poyet
Poyet
expects Spurs to finish above Blues
E
x-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gus Poyet is delighted by the job Mauricio Pochettino is doing at White Hart Lane and believes the club should finish the season ahead of London rivals Chelsea. Spurs suffered their first defeat in the Premier League since the opening weekend of the season when they were hit by a late Newcastle United comeback on Sunday but they remain well-placed in fifth position. Poyet believes Pochettino has established a style that makes an assault on a top-four finish possible and thinks Chelsea, another of his former employers, have it all to do if they are to close an 11-point deficit to Tottenham from their current
lowly position of 16th. “If you asked me that three months ago, who would finish higher, it would be an easy question, it would be Chelsea,” Poyet said. “Now it depends more on Tottenham because Tottenham are ahead and they have some points and it depends on whether they drop points or not. “I think what Mauricio Pochettino is doing is impressive. I’m pleased he is still there and that they are backing him because he shows that he can make a team of young players play great football. “What he did at Southampton was unique and then when you go to Tottenham the responsibilities are different. You need to do certain things in a different way.”
31
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
EXTRATIME
BRIEFS Alba: Barca can cope without Neymar
J
ordi Alba is adamant Barcelona can cope without Neymar for Thursday’s FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, insisting they can “make do without any player”. Neymar has been in wonderful form for Barca this season, scoring 16 goals in 18 games in all competitions, but has been ruled out of the clash with the Asian champions after sustaining a groin injury ahead of last week’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
Rizzoli heads Euro 2016 refs
N
icola Rizzoli could get the chance to complete a European Championship and World Cup double next year after being named on UEFA’s 18-man referee list for Euro 2016. The Italian took charge of the World Cup final in 2014 as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Brazil and he could officiate the Euro showdown, unless Antonio Conte’s side reach the showpiece. Rizzoli is one of seven referees to head to France after representing UEFA in Brazil, a list that includes the 2015 Champions League final referee Cuneyt Cakir from Turkey.
Moratti wary of Juve threat to Inter’s title hopes
J
uventus stunning return to form in Serie A poses the biggest threat to Inter’s title hopes this season, says former owner Massimo Moratti. Under Roberto Mancini’s guidance Inter have put last season’s frustrations behind them and top after 16 games, four points clear of Fiorentina.
L
ionel Messi has challenged Barcelona to leave an “indelible legacy” by ending a trophy-laden year with yet more silverware. An historic 2015 draws to a close in Japan for Luis Enrique’s side, where they have joined the other five continental champions to partake in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup. Having already sealed La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League and UEFA Super Cup titles this calendar year, Barca will be looking to go one further in Japan before the winter break. And, speaking to FIFA.com, an unrelenting Messi set his sights on adding to the club’s outstanding trophy haul. “It’s been an amazing year,” Messi said. “That time when we won everything under Pep Guardiola in 2009 looked unrepeatable, we genuinely weren’t sure if we’d one day get close to that again. And here we are. “Now what’s left for us to do is end the year in the best possible way and make it unforgettable. “We know just how much the Club World Cup means and for us it’s about winning another title, these championship wins are an indelible legacy in the history of the club. It’s something very important.” Victory for Barcelona will see them Messi replicate the domestic, European and global dominance enjoyed during Pep Guardiola’s tenure at the Camp Nou.
Messi
demands winning finish
Ronaldo’s
Celebration sidelines Lazio goalkeeper
Marchetti
goals could win F Ballon d´Or—Figo
L
uis Figo believes Cristiano Ronaldo will win the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or if the decision is based on goals, but a Barcelona player will prevail if trophies are the deciding factor. The Portuguese forward has won the accolade for the past two years and is on the threeman shortlist once more, alongside four-time winner Lionel Messi and Neymar. Former Barcelona and Real Madrid ace Figo believes any one of the trio could claim
the trophy, but his compatriot’s 53 goals for club and country will aid his bid. “They are three magnificent players,” Figo told reporters. “If the logic about how trophies go to winning teams prevails, the trophy will be for a Barcelona player. “But if those who vote single out individual numbers, such as goals scored, Ronaldo could win.” Figo singled out other players for praise but does not feel anyone can match the quality of Ronaldo and Messi. “I like very much PSG’s Marco Verrati, Neymar and Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), but I think Ronaldo and Messi are a step ahead of everyone else,” he added.
Reus B hit by latest injury setback
Ronaldo
Messi
orussia Dortmund are likely to be without forward Marco Reus for their final two games of 2015, Coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed. Germany international Reus, who has been plagued by fitness problems over recent seasons, suffered a groin injury shortly before half-time in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Speaking at a pre-match media conference, Tuchel ruled Reus out of today’s DFB-Pokal trip to Augsburg and said he was a doubt for the last match before the Bundesliga midseason break, at Cologne. “We can’t play Marco Reus today,” he said. “As for the rest, I’ll decide after the training session.
ederico Marchetti is not expected to feature for Lazio again this year after injuring himself while celebrating a goal against Sampdoria on Monday. The goalkeeper sprinted from his goal in an effort to join his team-mates at the other end of the pitch after Alessandro Matri’s 78th-minute opener. However, the 32-year-old pulled his hamstring in the process and will be sidelined for Lazio’s Coppa Italia meeting with Udinese on Thursday and Sunday’s trip to face Serie A leaders Inter. “Marchetti reported a muscle injury, it is a suspected strain, between the first and second degree, of the left hamstring,” team doctor Stefano Salvatori said.”
“Reus is ruled out for Augsburg and unlikely, but not completely ruled out, for the Cologne match. “It happened as he was turning. Marco felt the pain and immediately indicated that he needed to be substituted off. It saddens me because Marco has had no issues recently. “I was actually very confident that we would guide him into the winter break in fantastic physical condition so that we could go that extra mile in our winter preparations.” Reus scored a brace alongside a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hattrick when Dortmund racked up a 5-1 league win over Augsburg in October but Tuchel expects a tougher test this time around.
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WEdnESdaY, dEcEmBER 16, 2015
VOL. 2. NO.2
Price: n150
I want to play at Rio Olympics, says
Mikel
S
epp Blatter has sent a letter to FIFA’s member federations likening the current Ethics Committee proceedings brought against him to “the Inquisition”. FIFA president Blatter and his similarly suspended UEFA counterpart Michel Platini have hearings before the FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert in Zurich on Thursday in relation to an alleged disloyal payment of two million Swiss francs made to the former France captain in 2011. Both Blatter and Platini have denied any wrongdoing and the 79-year-old Swiss accused the Ethics Committee of having “reinforced public prejudgement” in a “dangerous” fashion in a letter distributed to football’s 209 national governing bodies. “I am bewildered by the insinuations and allegations brought against me by the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee,” the letter read. “I have now been employed by FIFA for 40 years – since 1998 as its President. During this period I have always performed my duties to the best of my knowledge and belief and at all times faced up to the challenges with respect, honesty and fair play. “In my current case, the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee must pass judgement on the legality of the bill for two million Swiss francs – stemming from the 1998 agreement between FIFA and
r e t t a l B s c i h t E s slam
e e t t i m m Co n o i t a g i t s inve
Michel Platini - and whose payment (of the remaining amount) was only requested in 2010-11. “I can assure you that it was legal because it was based on a verbal agreement. And agreements must be adhered to. “This payment was put through the full administrative process, the correctness of which was confirmed by all competent FIFA bodies – including Congress. “However, the way in which the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee has communicated on the current proceedings, demanded the maximum penalty and reinforced public prejudgement has reached a tendentious and dangerous dimension. These proceedings remind me of
the Inquisition.” Blatter’s assertion of a verbal agreement is in line with the consistent stance of himself and Platini throughout the affair, with the two men respectively describing their arrangement as “a gentleman’s agreement” and a “man-to-man thing”. Earlier this month, Platini’s legal team disclosed a document to a French newspaper that it claimed to be a 1998 UEFA Executive Committee report detailing the payment due to their client. Last week, another foreign media investigation made claims that Blatter would face a fresh investigation by the FBI in relation to a $100m bribery scandal focusing upon ISL and the sports marketing
company’s alleged dealings with ex-FIFA executive Ricardo Teixeira and former FIFA president Joao Havelange. Blatter also denies all accusations stemming from this case and, in his letter, remained bullish over the prospects of clearing his name. “I will continue to fight for my rights – and at the end of this week, I will present my case before the adjudicatory chamber with great conviction and a strong belief in justice,” he added. “Although I have been suspended, I am not isolated and will certainly not be silenced. I would like to thank you for your gestures of solidarity towards me. Let us hope that 2016 will be a better year for FIFA.”
Business Times Daily Times Nigeria
CBN disburses N65b power intervention fund — Official Page B2
FG trails Ethiopia’s Stanbic IBTC loses suit Page B4 model to boost agric business Page B6 against FRC
NECA calls for effective implementation of Employees Compensation Act Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), on Tuesday urged the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), to ensure effective implementation of the Employees Compensation Act (ECA). Mr Olusegun Oshinowo, Director General of NECA, made this CONTINUED ON PAGE B2
Entrepreneurship programmes planned for unemployed – Buhari Joy Ekeke
L-R: Minister of State for Transport, Senator Hadi Sirika; Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi ; Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr. Sabiru Zakari, during the familiarization tour to the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday.
Malabu oil fraud: British court stops Etete from getting N17b A British Judge yesterday refused to release $85 million (N17 billion) to Malabu, a fraudulent company controlled by Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Dan Etete. In refusing to release the money to Malabu, Justice Edis of the Southwark Crown Court declared that he was not sure the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan acted in Nigeria’s interest when it approved the transfer of the money to Malabu. “I cannot simply assume that the FGN which was in power in 2011 and subsequently until 2015 rigorously defended the public
Afreximbank earmarks $3.5bn to address Africa’s current adverse economic shocks African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has said it has earmarked more than 3.5 billion dollars to member countries to enable them adjust to current adverse economic shocks. CONTINUED ON PAGE B2
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
interest of the people of Nigeria in all respects,” the judge ruled. We learnt that the Jonathan administration had approved the transfer of $1.092 billion from Nigeria’s JP Morgan account in London to Nigerian accounts controlled by Malabu. The money was paid by global oil giants, Shell and ENi, for Africa’s richest oil bloc, OPL 245. The former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, and the former Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, signed the documents approving the transfer to Malabu. The fraudulent deal, shaded
in various layers of corruption, has been condemned by Nigerians and international transparency advocates and is being investigated by authorities in four different countries. The $85 million was seized at the request of Italian prosecutors who are also investigating the deal. The money was the last part of the OPL 245 largesse not yet distributed. Sensing that the Muhammadu Buhari administration was yet to find its feet on international legal matters, Mr. Etete approached the British court and asked that the money be returned to him.
At a two-day hearing that started on November 23, Mr. Etete’s lawyers argued that there was no fraud in the deal and asked that the money be released to him. While Mr. Etete argued that the money be released to him, the Italian prosecutor argued that “their investigation could lead to a potential forfeiture of the money down the road.” a source who has followed the case and was present at the proceedings told PREMIUM TIMES. Malabu’s lawyers told the court that freezing the money was an assault on Nigeria and CONTINUED ON PAGE B2
President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed his administration was initiating several entrepreneurship programmes to create the right environment for the unemployed to thrive. Buhari cautioned unemployed graduates across the country against corrupt and other anti-social tendencies saying unemployment should not be an as excuse for criminality, as he assured that efforts to provide jobs for them would soon yield desired results. The president said. “Promotion of local products, encouragement of export markets, tapping of indigenous raw materials, among others is one of the avenues for this to operate. As fresh graduates with multitude of invigorating ideas, you are encouraged to forward your proposals under the appropriate parastatals and agencies,” Buhari said. Buhari who spoke during the 41st convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, through the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okogie, admonished Nigerian youths against corruption in the process of seekCONTINUED ON PAGE B2
BVN: Firm registers 1,900 Nigerians in Southern African region Online Integrated Solutions Services, a consultancy firm to the Nigeria Immigration Service, said on Tuesday that it had registered 1,900 Nigerians in the Southern Africa region for the Bank Verification Number (BVN). Mr Jamil Shittu, the Centre Manager of the firm in South Africa, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg. He said majority of the reg-
istered Nigerians were resident in South Africa while about 300 live in the Southern Africa region. Shittu said the firm was targeting more than 2,500 Nigerians for registration before the Jan. 31 deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria. He said students and lecturers in some South African universities were given priority because of funds transfer and school fees needs.
“We expect more Nigerians to be captured before the Jan. 31 deadline set by the CBN. “Already, Nigerians resident in the region have been calling to book appointments and we are also making efforts to ensure that they are captured,” he said. Shittu commended the Nigeria Union for mobilising Nigerians for the registration exercise. “The Nigeria Union has helped us to get venues for the
exercise and made contacts to mobilise Nigerians. “We are grateful to the union and we encourage all Nigerians in Southern Africa region to come and be registered before the Jan. 31 deadline. “It is important that they are registered,” he said. Shittu, who said some Nigerians in the region were not aware of the BVN exercise, noted that the Nigerian missions had been helpful in contacting them.
Business News B2
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Afreximbank earmarks $3.5bn to address Africa’s current adverse economic shocks
Entrepreneurship programmes planned for unemployed
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ing jobs, saying that though the conditions in the country are not yet as desired, graduate job seekers should be wary of corrupt tendencies because of a need to redeem Nigeria’s image. The president said, “At present, efforts are on-going and on top gear to recover national treasures that have been looted by various individuals and bodies in the past. I urge you, and very strongly too, to shun corruption in its entirety in the process of job-seeking and general living. “We are assiduously working towards a better Nigeria with the cooperation of all and sundry. Embracing corruption will only take us backwards, soil our good name and destroy our common heritage. I want to believe that I can count on you to individually and collectively improve the image of the country,” he said.
Malabu oil fraud: British court stops Etete from getting N17b CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1
questioned how the court could imagine that Messrs. Adoke and Ngama would be a party to a corrupt deal. While giving his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Edis said while he could not say for certain if the deal was fraudulent pending conclusions of investigations, it would be inappropriate to release the money to Malabu. “I am not making any findings of fact about misconduct by anyone. I am simply assessing the evidence before me to determine whether a restraint order should be discharged which was granted by way of MLA (Mutual Legal Assistance between the UK and Italy) to support an investigation by the Italian authorities,” the judge said. The judge also made reference to evidence provided by the Italian authorities that ex-President Jonathan was directly involved in the fraudulent deal. “The suggestion from the wiretaps is that “Fortunato” was implicated and I am told that this was a reference in code (not subtle) to the former President of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan,” the judge said.
Emefiele
CBN disburses N65b power intervention fund — Official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has so far disbursed N64.7 billion of the N213 billion earmarked for power sector intervention. The money was set aside in February to tackle the poor power supply in the country. Mr. Boma Benebo, Deputy Head, Infrastructure Development Finance Office, CBN, disclosed this after inspecting 62,021 prepaid meters procured by Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) in Kano yesterday. He said the facility was expected to be utilised to improve power generation and supply across the country. “The facility is expected to be utilised for approved activities like turn around maintenance, to achieve capacity recovery by power stations. “It is also to be used for purchase of meters, rehabilitation of transformers, procurement and construction of new distri-
bution substations among others,” he said. He said the CBN-Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility intervention had assisted in the restoration of 905 megawatts in the national grid following the turn -around maintenance carried out at some facilities. According to him, the intervention has also enabled DISCOs to purchase 171,071 meters, rehabilitation of over 332 kilometres of 11KV lines and 130 kilometres of 0.45KV lines. “These investments are expected to reduce losses and significantly improve electricity delivery to Nigerians.” Earlier, the Managing Director of KEDCO, Dr Jamil Gwamna, represented by the company’s Operating Officer, Mr Rahul Singh, said the organisation had received N7.6 billion from the CBN. He said the money would be used to purchase meters and improve distribution networks.
NECA calls for effective implementation of Employees Compensation Act
call at Workplace Safety, Interactive, Enlightenment Forum on ECA for South-East and SouthSouth geo-political zones in Port Harcourt. Oshinowo said NSITF should be prepared to go beyond collecting levies from companies and
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In a statement in Cairo yesterday, Afreximbank said the financing tagged “CounterCyclical Trade Liquidity Programme”, would enable eligible countries tackle low commodity prices and terrorism-induced costs. According to the statement, the programme was approved by the bank’s board of directors at its quarterly meeting held in Seychelles on Dec. 12. Afreximbank said it planned to attract other lenders and financiers to the programme in order to more than double the available funding. It said Afreximbank expects the positive impact of the programme in the eligible countries to include continued supply of raw materials, capital goods and essential goods into the markets. Besides, it said “the programme will restore the confidence of the international market and commodity suppliers in the countries’ banking systems”. “It will stabilise inflation rates and local currency exchange rates against foreign currencies and access to finance from the international market under favourable terms.” It said the bank would begin requests totaling about two billion dollars within the next few weeks.
Dr Benedict Oramah, the President of Afreximbank, was quoted as saying that “the programme will provide unfunded facilities by way of guarantees, letters of credit and similar instruments to commercial banks in eligible countries. “It will also make funded facilities available to enable the countries meet obligations under trade finance payment right due to non-availability of foreign exchange from their central banks or usual markets. “This facility enables us to help our member countries bridge the significant trade financing gap confronting them as a result of current economic shocks until normal funding conditions are restored.” According to Oramah, it is Afreximbank’s response to the exceptional circumstances that demand urgent and decisive large-scale support. He reiterated that the programme was to ensure that the continent was not thrown into recession due to a sudden drying up of trade flows. “It also helps us to minimise the potential impact on normal bank operations. “We expect to learn valuable lessons from the implementation of this programme as we prepare to deal with future market disruptions,” he said.
Oramah
work towards improving the health and social infrastructures in companies. “Today, it is your responsibility to manage the ECA, we expect you to be effective and thorough in this responsibility at all times. “If you fail to perform, we will set the machinery in motion to
take away the responsibility from you,” he said. He said that ECA was a good product which involves dispute settlement machinery. “Our concern is how well such issues are managed; that is the reason we advocate for effective implementation.’’
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Motolani Oseni Another set of 643 customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited have emerged as winners of cash and various exciting gifts at the second draws of the Bank’s ongoing reward scheme tagged, ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2’’, held nationwide on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. The electronic selection of the winners was witnessed by officials of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Consumer Protection Council and thousands of customers of the financial institution. While three lucky customers were rewarded with the sum of N1million each at the regional draws held in Abuja, Lagos and Enugu states, 640 others smile home with LED televisions, generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart phones and other consolation prizes. At the Lagos/South-West Regional draw which took place at Broad Street in Lagos Island, Funmilayo Bolanle Odusanya emerged winner of N1million. At the Abuja/North Regional draw held in Abuja, Nwachukwu Golden Enyinn was rewarded with the same amount, just as Uduyok Francis Charles won N1million at the South-East/ South-South draw that took place
Sterling Bank bags two West African awards NIBOR as @ Dec. 15, 2015 Tenor
Rate (%)
Change (%)
O/N
0.9933
0.00
1M
8.8969
-0.42
3M
10.7784
-0.39
6M
12.9809
-0.15
B3 Money Market
FCMB rewards customers with cash, gifts at Millionaire Promo Season 2’’ draws
L-R: Director of Operation, Teamsprit Consult Nigeria Ltd, Dr Gabriel Gundu; Senior Regional Advisor, United Nation Economic Commission For Africa ( UNECA) Mr Martin Ndende, And Head, The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), South Africa, Mr Dalma Jama, at the annual Expert Group Meeting of the UNECA and APRM In Lagos on Tuesday.
in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. The FCMB millionaire promo season 2, which commenced in August and run till January 2016, is part of the various initiatives of the financial institution to reward customers for their loyalty and patronage over the year. It is targeted at all segments of the society and for existing as well as potential savings account customers. The eligible products or
accounts for the promo include FCMB basic savings, kids account, Nairawise, e-savings and premium savings. Speaking on the promo, the Senior Vice President/Divisional Head of Retail of FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said that the Millionaire Season 2 Promo, ‘’is aimed at further connecting and rewarding our customers for their loyalty and patronage. It also follows
the request of our esteemed customers and our desire to ensure that more of them (both existing and potential) benefit from this exciting reward scheme which has turned dreams to reality.’’ He added that, ‘’as an inclusive lender focused on delivering valued-added products and quality service that translates to exceptional customer experience, the promo is to equally empower
Adesola Akindele
other financial institutions in the country swept 10 of 15 regional categories while Ghanaian and Togolese banks took three Awards. It will be recalled that Sterling Bank Plc had won the Award for Innovative ICT Banking Product of the Year at the Nigerian Telecoms Awards night curtesy of its Social Lender product and the “Most Innovative Award” at the BusinessDay Award for innovation in recognition of the introduction of Kia-Kia product by the Bank. Social lender is a peer-to-peer quick cash solution using Twit-
ter and Facebook, two of the most important social media platforms popular among young Nigerians, while Kia-Kia was introduced to make opening of account a lot easier for all especially the unbanked. The Banker Africa West Africa Awards, now in their third year, reflect the core philosophy of the publication of identifying and promoting excellence and best practice in financial services. In a statement, Robin Amlôt, Chief Executive Officer of CPI publishers of West African Magazine
In recognition of its exceptional capacity in the introduction of innovative products and services into the market and its adherence to laws guiding the practice of banking in the country, Sterling Bank Plc has won the Best Innovative Bank and the Best Corporate Governance Bank Awards. The Award was organized by Banker Africa Magazine. More than 4,500 votes were cast across the 29 categories in the Banker Africa West Africa Awards by the readers of the magazine and the registered users of the financial news website. Apart from Sterling Bank,
Money Market Indicators (%) Month
January
February
March
Inter-Bank Call Rate
10.21
23.5
12.59
Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)
13
13
13
198.6185
Treasury Bill Rate
11.2
10.88
10.77
1.6023
1.6063
Savings Deposit Rate
3.48
3.47
3.76
0.3057
0.3157
0.3257
1 Month Deposit Rate
8.61
8.47
8.42
WAUA
270.5555
271.2458
271.9361
3 Months Deposit Rate
9.64
9.54
9.02
YUAN/RENMINBI
30.4813
30.5595
30.6377
6 Months Deposit Rate
9.74
9.46
9.88
RIYAL
52.2197
52.3529
52.4861
12 Months Deposit Rate
9.51
9.37
9.52
DANISH KRONA
28.6904
28.7636
28.8368
Prime Lending rate
16.86
16.77
16.9
SDR
272.026
272.72
273.4141
Maximum Lending Rate
25.97
26.33
26.61
Date
Currency
Buying(NGN)
Central(NGN)
Selling(NGN)
12/9/15
US DOLLAR
195.97
196.47
196.97
POUNDS STERLING
295.4444
296.1982
296.952
Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR)
EURO
214.058
214.6042
215.1503
SWISS FRANC
197.6102
198.1143
YEN
1.5982
CFA
explained that the 29 Awards winners were chosen from some 156 nominations across all the categories by their peers in the banking and financial services sector. “The winners of the Banker Africa West Africa Awards 2015 are, therefore, recognised not by a small jury but by the industry itself as being leaders in their fields. As such, their performance stands out in an increasingly competitive and exciting marketplace,” he stated.
Inflation Rates (%)
-2015
CBN Exchange Rates
our account holders to fulfill their aspirations’’. Mr. Akanmu assured that, ‘’we will continue to come up with initiatives that would impact on our customers and the society in line with our values as a simple, reliable and helpful bank committed to creating opportunities. We encourage Nigerians to partake in this exercise, because it is an avenue for economic empowerment.’’ On how to participate in the promo, the Divisional Head of Retail explained that that all an existing or new customer of the Bank needs to do is to Save N10,000.00 in any of the eligible savings account of his or her choice for 30 days to qualify for the electronic selection of winners where the star prize of N1million and other fantastic prizes will be won. Multiple savings of N10,000.00 will increase chances of winning. To qualify for the grand finale draws in August, where three customers will each receive N5million, existing and new customers are to save N50,000.00 in any of the eligible accounts for 30 days. Multiple savings of N50,000.00 increases winning chances.
2015
Month
January
February
March
All Items (Year on Change)
8.2
8.4
8.5
All Items (12 Months Avg. Change)
8.1
8.1
8.2
Food (Year on Change)/1
9.2
9.4
9.4
Food (12 Months Avg. Change)/1
9.5
9.5
9.5
All Items Less Farm Produce (Year on Change)/2
6.8
7
7.5
All Items Less Farm Produce (12 Months Avg. Change)/2
6.9
6.9
6.9
All Items Less Farm Produce and Energy (Year on Change)/3
7.1
7.1
7.5
All Items Less Farm Produce and Energy (12 Months Avg. Change)/3
7.1
7.1
7.1
Capital Market B4
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Stanbic IBTC loses suit against FRC Stories by Adesola Akindele
Sola David-Borha
A federal high court has delivered an oral judgment dismissing proceedings issued by Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc (Stanbic IBTC’) against the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). This information was made available through a publication on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) site yesterday. The publication showed that the judgement which was delivered by
Mr. Justice Buba held that the questions raised by Stanbic IBTC regarding FRC were hypothetical and academic and he did not deal with them. Mr Justice Buba held that section 7 of the NOTAP Act 1979 expresses important national public policy of Nigeria, namely to avoid the dumping of obsolete and inappropriate technology in Nigeria and to raise revenue for the Federal Government of Nigeria. According to Justice Buba, an agreement that seeks to circumvent the registration require-
ment under the NOTAP Act would not be enforced by the courts. The bank has however declared that Justice Buba does not appear to have addressed the position where an agreement is submitted for registration and NOTAP fails or refuses to register or where an agreement is for a period of years and NOTAP gives approval to make payment in relation to some (but not all) of the years. Given that none of Stanbic IBTC’s agreements that are pending with NOTAP seeks to
circumvent NOTAP Act, Stanbic IBTC says it awaits the written judgment to enable it to understand the decision regarding the meaning and application of section 7 of the NOTAP Act 1979 and the implications of the decision. Stanbic IBTC says it has exercised its constitutional right of appeal and lodged an appeal at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal. Stanbic IBTC has been advised by its Counsel, Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN, that it has a sound basis for lodging the appeal.
Stock Market Report Index falls over looming US Fed rate cut Equities transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange continued on a negative note, as key indicators depreciated by 0.84 per cent against 0.33 per cent depreciation recorded previously. Specifically, the NSE All Share Index lost 228.52 points to close at 26,950.76 points against 90.43 points lost in prior session to close at 27,179.28 points, while Market Capitalization declined by N78.6 billion to close at N9.266 trillion compared to N31.1 billion lost previously to close at N9.34 trillion. Market breadth closed poorly with 14 gainers against 39 losers. Skye Bank Plc led the losers with a decline of 9.52 per cent or 14 kobo to close at N1.33 per share trailed by Transcorp Plc., which depreciated by 5.26 per cent or 8 kobo to close at N1.44 per share while E-tranzact Plc., dropped 5.00 per cent or 14 kobo to close at N2.66 per share. Honeywell Flour Mills Plc.,
also lost 5.00 per cent or 8 kobo to close at N1.52 kobo per share while N Nig, Flour Mills Plc., fell 4.89 per cent or 44 kobo to close at N8.55 per share. In contrast Julius Berger Plc., led the gainers table with an increase of 5.00 per cent or N1.89 kobo to close at N39.70 per share followed by Learn Africa Plc., which added 4.94 per cent or 4 kobo to close at 85 kobo per share, while Unilever Plc., gained 4.88 per cent or N2.05 to close at N44.05 per share. Flourmills Nigeria Plc appreciated 4.86 per cent or N1.02 kobo to close at N22.02 per share, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporation Plc., increased by 4.65 per cent or 74 kobo to close at N16.64 per share. In summary, investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange traded a total of 189.3 million shares worth N3.2 billion in 3,265 deals compared to 417.8 million shares valued at N2.974 billion exchanged in 2,710 deals previously.
L-R): Chief Executive of Biodun Adedipe Associates Ltd and Guest Speaker, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, Director, Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sir Kayode Shoderu and President of the Chamber, Prince Jamiu Adio Saka during the 8th Business Luncheon of the Chamber held in Ikorodu recently.
SEC stresses compliance with e-dividend registration Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised all shareholders and investors in the Nigerian capital market to approach their banks or registrars to complete the e-Dividend Mandate form for immediate processing and upload to the e-Dividend Mandate Management System (eDMMS). According to a statement from the Commission, this service is free of charge for the next 90 days effective 14 December 2015, thereafter a fee of N100 will apply. It will be recalled that in a bid to eradicate the difficulty encountered by retail investors in claiming their dividends through their savings account, the SEC in collaboration with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) last July launched the e-
Dividend payment platform. Unveiling the platform, the Director General of SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, SEC, said the platform would address the lingering unclaimed dividend issue in the market. According to him, the platform, which is part of the 10 year capital market masterplan, would address the issues of none payment of dividends into savings account. “The era of stale dividend and huge unclaimed dividend in the market will be a thing of the past with the launch of e-dividend payment platform. The commission will conduct intensive training for bankers and registrars on the usage of the new portal,” Gwarzo said. Gwarzo emphasised the determination of the commission to implement the capital market
master plan, which he said would transform the market for the benefits of all stakeholders. The Commission followed this with a notice posted on its website, advising the registrars to exercise caution while validating names generated by the system to avoid dissimilarity with the physical forms. It further explained that ‘all registrars’ offices/ accredited outlets shall be points of upload of completed e-Dividend Mandate forms by investors who may alternatively approach their banker to process their completed e-Dividend Mandate Form(s)’. Explaining the modality for the use of the portal, the SEC said: ‘Every registrar shall validate investor’s shareholder account number, name, signature and Clearing House Number (CHN).
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
B5 Capital Market
NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 15-12-2015
Agric B6
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Osibanjo
FG trails Ethiopia’s model to boost agric business Stories by Isaac Agber In its desperate efforts to save the nation’s economy from a staggering crash posed by dwindling fortunes in the oil and gas sector, the Federal Government has initiated serious measures to trail workable models that will boost agriculture and allied businesses as a potential option in reviving the economy. The government is currently studying how Ethiopia has substantially exceled in agricultural produce and transformed her economy, Daily Times has gathered. This sequels a recent affirmation through the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, that the Federal Government was working towards improving Nigeria’s economy through agri-
The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) and AfricaRice Task Force on Gender have empowered Nasarawa women on value addition strategies in rice production, with particular emphasis on processing. The Executive Director, NCRI, represented by Head of Farming Systems, Rice Sector Development Hub, Dr Samuel O. Bakare, stated at the flagging off of a fourday training on improving the organizational level of women rice parboilers in Nasarawa/Benue hub that, the move became necessary given the fact that women shoulder the primary responsibility for food security in Nigeria. He stressed that the move is also aimed at reversing the ugly
culture. Ethiopia’s success is hinged largely on the country’s Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) and the Agriculture Transformation Agency established in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Similar to the experiences of many other countries like Nigeria, a key aspect of Ethiopia’s strategy was to address systemic bottlenecks, while using its innovative Agricultural Transformation Agenda as the vehicle to address bottlenecks in the sector. Director of the African Team at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Ayo Ajayi, who confirmed the development, said Osibanjo had reached out to the Foundation and had been briefed with relevant documents and de-
tails on the Ethiopia’s strategy and success story. Official statistics have it that agriculture is the dominant sector of Ethiopia’s economy, representing about 45 per cent of GDP, 77 per cent of employment, and 84 per cent of exports of Africa’s second most populous nation with over 96 million inhabitants. It is recorded that the majority of the agriculture sector consists of smallholder farmers who make their living from less than two hectares of land. Much of Ethiopia’s growth strategy has been focused on agricultural development supported by heavy government investment. Officials said that over 15 per cent of the national budget is allocated to the sector, compared to an average of 2.7 per cent in the rest of Africa.
200 women in Benue, Nasarawa empowered in rice production
trend where women have little access to improved technologies and productive resources, worsened by policies which have refused to address the specific requirements of women in the agricultural sector. In her submission, the Gender Focal Person of NCRI, Dr. Vivian Ojehomon, stressed that, given the pivotal role of women in agriculture, “a gender-balanced agricultural growth is critical to successful agricultural innovation initiatives” aimed at achieving food security in the country. Dr. Rita Agboh-Noameshie,
Gender Task Force Coordinator and Head of AfricaRice, who spoke in similar vein, noted that “despite the essential role they play, women are discriminated against when it comes to access to and control of productive resources, inputs, essential services and information”. She said the initiative embarked upon by NCRI and AfricaRice was aimed at ensuring sustained empowerment of women rice parboilers, by exposing them to gender-sensitive parboiling equipment that can improve their income, while reducing drudgery.
An international agro-based organisation, HarvestPlus Nigeria, on Saturday, December 12 said it distributed vitamin A cassava stems to no fewer than 700, 000 farmers in 25 states in the country in 2015. The HarvestPlus Country Manager, Dr. Paul Ilona, who disclosed this in Ibadan at a news conference, said the farmers received the cassava stems and planted them. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that HarvestPlus is an international organisation leading a global effort to improve nutrition, by developing and disseminating staple food crops that are rich in vitamins and minerals. It also aims at providing global leadership in bio-fortification evidence and technology. Ilona said the beneficiary farmers cut across 25 states in the country, including Oyo, Imo and Benue states. He noted that the organisation owned 6,000 hectares of land on which it planned to plant vitamin A cassava with 300 points of sales, as part of its objective to get Nigerians nourished with Vitamin-fortified staple foods and crops. “We estimate that up to 3 million Nigerians now have access to vitamin A cassava,’’ the country manager said. Ilona emphasised that part of the major essential nutrients for the body are zinc, iron and vitamin A, saying that the organisa-
HarvestPlus distributes Vitamin A cassava stems to 700,000 farmers tion focused on those nutrients in the process of bio-fortification. “Our food-based approach relies on familiar staple foods that people already eat regularly, and that can be part of other efforts to improve nutrition, such as dietary diversification,” he said. The country manager explained that the organisation uses the natural breeding process, adding that its products are natural and not genetically modified. “We have 4, 350 varieties of vitamin A cassava and none of them is genetically modified, so people are free to consume them. We have a lot of products from vitamin A cassava like the vitamin A cassava moimoi, fortified with beans and the cassava custard, which is good for children. “Some others are the cassava leaf tea and flour and vitamin A yellow fufu/garri, which is natural, without additional oil added to it during processing. They are all in the market,” he said. Ilona said that HarvestPlus was creating awareness about its mission through the print and electronic media – radio and television.
Depleting soil nutrients cause of climate change — expert An expert in agriculture and environment, Mr. David Emmanuel, has warned that climate change is depleting the soil nutrients needed for the cultivation of high quality food crops. Emmanuel made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Friday 15th December 2015. According to him, it is important for stakeholders to take concrete steps towards ensuring that Nigerian families are able to produce quality crops in the future. “Taking a look at global warming, Africa as a continent isn’t prepared for the disasters ahead. Like in Africa, desertification is one problem. Others are gas flaring and cutting down trees. By so doing, the sun rays become a direct plague to the soil. For example, you cannot compare the tomato you ate 25 years ago to
what is being produced now. We are living on gun powder as far as global warming is concerned,” he warned. According to Emmanuel, the increased awareness on the importance of planting trees around homes and in the cities will go a long way to curb the increasing danger of global warming. “The first thing is orientation from primary schools to tertiary institutions, so that every family and every child can grow a tree. By growing a tree, we will produce more oxygen in the atmosphere, and by producing more oxygen, we will prevent the sun rays from touching the earth directly. And at the same time, we will make stringent laws that will restrain big industries, most especially in the southern region, from flaring gases,” Emmanuel added.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
B7 ICT
CRD clamp down on 8 illegal courier operators
Head, Public Relations and Event Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju and coordinator Indomie Fan Club , Mrs Ibe Ifeyinwa with Indomie Fan Club Members during the 2015 Indomie Fan Club end of the year party at parkland Maryland , Lagos recently.
Stories by Tony Nwakaegho Courier Regulatory Department (CRD), the regulatory arm of the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST), recently clamped down on illegal operators of courier service and revoked their licences. The CRD has therefore called on the general public to be wea-
ry of patronising illegal operators. Dr. Simon Emeje, senior assistant postmaster general of the Federation and head of CRD, told the press that aside seeking legislative backup, CRD believes that members of the public are critical stakeholders in sanitising the industry currently shortened by the operations of
Nigeria’s digital broadcasting migration will fight content piracy National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) technical partners said the set-top boxes to connect to the envisaged digital broadcasting is a technology that will help fight content piracy in the country. Set-top box is a technology that enables television set to become a user interface to the Internet and also enables a television set to receive and decode digital television (DTV) broadcasts which are sometimes referred to as receivers. Daily Times recalls the missing of the ITU deadline on June 2015 by NBC and yet another miss of a November 30, 2015 date for the commencement of pilot scheme. Mr. Tunji Amure, chief executive officer, Inview Technology Limited while explaining the dynamics of digital broadcasting switchover with encrypted set-top boxes, disclosed that it will benefit the Nollywood and other independent content producers in the country. “We provide project manage-
ment to the NBC on digital switchover and the middle-ware (software) that sits in the set-top boxes that enable these functionalities to take place. I can tell you that about 26 million households in Nigeria do not have access to the digital broadcasting. Therefore, the switchover is a critical step in telling our stories to the rest of the world. “With the new system using the setup boxes distribution can be done seamlessly, which is one of major challenges with distributing Nollywood contents. When the set-top boxes get available to 26million households across the country, people can receive the movies at the same time it is coming out to the market; unlike today you have to physically move from one market to the other.” According to him, NBC thought of using the digital broadcasting switchover as a ‘disruption’ for both TV industry and Nollywood to help create better contents with high quality.
unlicensed operators. Emeje said the illegal operators are economic saboteurs who deserve no customer patronage. The Head of CRD announced the revocation of operating licences of Ambassador Express Limited; Coop Courier & Cargo Services Limited; De Jetmil Courier Limited; Express Gen-
eral Logistics Limited; OPL Express Limited; Proservince Limited (PSI); UK Air Courier Limited and Focus Express. CRD team, he said has clamped down on “Up I Swear God” courier services for operating illegally. Emeje, disclosed that by this revocation of eight operators licences, the number of courier operators in the country as at November 2015 has reduced to two hundred and sixty-seven (267). Emeje also solicited Government’s intervention, especially the 8th National Assembly by way of legislating on Independent Postal Regulatory Authority. The Senior Assistant Postmaster General said both 6th and 7th Assembly attempted to pass the Bill but failed. He lamented that other Bills sent since 2004 alongside the Postal Reform Bill have since received accelerated passage. “The backing we need from the Federal Government is to legislate on this Bill to give CRD more biting teeth. We cannot allow illegal operators to be cruising while the legal operators are there. So, the best approach is to pass the Bill which the 6th and 7th Assembly attempted to pass. It will inject live and vigour to
the system,” he added. Emeje debunked the assertion by some operators that the licensing and renewal fees were too much and unachievable by the present economic indices. “No courier firm should make such claim that the fees are too much, because NIPOST has been magnanimous enough to them. For over 12 years, NIPOST was the only Government Agency to maintain the same renewal fee for the operators under its supervision. Both the domestic and international operators paid N250,000. “When the review was done in done in 2013, the domestic operators were meant to pay N750, 00; they complained and the amount was reduced to N500, 000. Yet, they felt it was not economically viable for them, NIPOST listened and reduced it to N350, 000, per annum. Now, the international operators were supposed to pay N2million, but it was reduced to N1.5million. Looking at this, one can agree that NIPOST has been a listening Body. So, nobody is expected to cite the renewal fees as reasons for not doing the needful. How about those that refuse to keep to the industry standards? This industry must be sanitized for the good of everybody,” Emeje explained.
SMBs to become bigger targets for cybercriminals in 2016- Sophos Sophos experts have offered their top predictions for 2016 one of which is that Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) will become top targets for cybercriminals. According to the Sophos lab report made available to Daily Times throughout 2015, the focus has been on the big glamorous hacking stories like Talk Talk and Ashley Maddison, but it’s not just big businesses that are being targeted. Although a recent PwC report revealed that 74% of SMBs experienced a security issue in the last 12 months, this number will only increase due to SMBs being perceived as ‘easy targets’. Sophos revealed that ransomware is one area where criminals have been monetizing small businesses in a more visible way this year. Previously, payloads – such as sending spam, stealing data, infecting websites to host malware –
were far less visible so that small businesses often didn’t even realize they had been infected. Ransomware is highly visible and has the potential to make or break an SMB if they do not pay the ransom. This is why, of course, criminals are targeting SMBs. Expect to see this ramp in 2016. Lacking the security budgets of large enterprises, SMBs often apply a best-effort approach to security investments, including equipment, services, and staffing. This makes them vulnerable as hackers can easily find security gaps and infiltrate the network. On average, a security breach can cost a small business anywhere up to £75,000 – a significant loss for any business. It’s important therefore that SMBs take a consolidated approach to security. This requires a thoughtfully planned out IT strategy to prevent attacks before they happen. Installing software that connects
the endpoint and the network will mean a comprehensive security system is in place where all components communicate, and ensure there are no gaps for hackers. Data protection legislation changes will lead to increased fines for the unprepared. In 2016, the pressure on business to secure customers’ data will increase as the EU data protection legislation looms closer. In future, business will face severe penalties if data isn’t robustly secured. This will have a far reaching impact for how businesses deal with security, including the high risk area of employee personal devices. Two major changes will be the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Investigatory Powers Bill in the UK. The EU Data Protection regulation will come fully into force across Europe by the end of 2017, so companies need to start preparing in 2016.
Analysis B8
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
TSA: Banks to reduce unrealistic deposit target for marketers “But then we are telling banks that it is a wrong business decision. We have been speaking to them to change the strategy because it is affecting the banking culture and the landscape of the industry.” Idris
Emefiele
Motolani Oseni Following September commencement of full implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, investigations by Daily Times have shown that the policy had left Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the country with little or no option than to drastically reduce or stop the unrealistic deposit target they are often set for their employees who are marketers. The government initiative, according industry analysts have put the banking industry in a tight liquidity corner as some of them now embark on aggressive marketing strategy to survive. Over N1.4trillion was sucked from the banking system as a result of full implementation of the TSA policy of the federal government, a development which has made the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to inject billions of naira into the system to help cushion the likely liquidity problem. TSA is a unified structure of bank accounting system that enables consolidation and optimal utilisation of government cash resources. It has been lauded by the experts that it will reduce fraud in the system, ensures transparency and accountability in government spending even though some people believe that it will cause havoc to banks since most of them are likely to be exposed to liquidity crisis and dis-
tress. Speaking with our correspondent in an exclusive chat in Lagos, a former top official of a leading bank in Nigeria, Mr. Olalekan Aleshiloye disclosed that banks have no options left than to reduce or stop the abnormal target usually placed on their marketers. According to him, due to the TSA implementation there are no longer free monies in circulation, most especially from the corrupt leaders and those hide under the disguise of being in business or operating in the private sector. “Therefore, banks should know that it is no longer business as usual, but for them to begin the real banking practices and even operate like Microfinance Banks, in order to boost liquidity and increase their deposit base.” According to Aleshiloye, proactive banks have embarked on a more aggressive deposit mobilisation drive to enable them raise more funds to support their loan assets and make more profit so that they could meet their target set for December end of their financial year. It was learnt that some of them know that their ability to meet their target will qualify them to retain their jobs and position or promotion next year. “Banks now intend to offer, not only short to medium-term loans to customers, but also long-term loans with incentives to attract, retain and make more profit from them.” Specifically, he said banks now
target blue chip companies, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) that have potential to do well if they are supported with good working capital to meet essentials and procure raw materials. Similarly, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim said full implementation of TSA policy would help banks to diversify their sources of deposit mobilization. “The policy has shown that the era of arm-chair banking in Nigeria is over.” Ibrahim, who stressed that the implementation of the policy should not be strange to the banks, said banks had been warned about three years ago to take steps that would not make them rely so much on government deposits. Although, it was said that some banks that had foresight had been planning in earnest ahead for this moment and are not likely to be shocked by the eventual removal of government funds from banks as it had been planned long time before now when the apex bank started phase withdrawal of public sector funds from banks. However, they said some people, most especially those who were not proactive in their dealings might be seriously affected with liquidity crisis. Managing Director/CEO, Finawell Capital, Mr. Tunde, told Daily Times that the impact of TSA on banks would be felt in such a way that there would be
no liquidity for the lenders, the money they used to have before to borrow out to have free money which they used to have for free to lend and buy bond are no longer at their disposal anymore with the introduction of TSA, adding that impact of TSA on banks was also that there would be no money for the banks to play with which means that it would reduce the ability to give out fund and to finance projects. He added: “interest rate on loans will soon go up because banks are currently jerking up deposit base to attract more customers, meaning that many customers now enjoy higher rate as banks move to get higher deposit base. This is because the little money in circulation is now being chased by banks at the same time and banks are struggling to get small part of the money available in the system since they can no longer get the major fund from the government as usual.” He also said that they were chasing little money that is coming into the circulation from PFAs, individual high net worth customers and institutional investors adding that this would lead to higher deposit rate and higher lending rate at the long run as borrowing rate will increase while fixed deposit rate too would increase and lending would become more difficult. Meanwhile, the apex bank has warned commercial banks operating in the country against placing unrealistic deposit targets on their marketers.
The warning is as a result of the current practice by some financial institutions in the country whereby prospective employees are forced to meet unrealistic deposit target as a pre-requisite for employment or promotion. According to him, forcing bank marketers, especially females to meet unrealistic deposit targets could influence their decision to engage in illegal and immoral acts. To curtail this trend, he said: “The CBN is using moral suasion. We have been talking to banks about it. It is a continuous effort that we are making and we see the trend coming down. We cannot sanction the banks because it a completely business decision. “But then we are telling banks that it is a wrong business decision. We have been speaking to them to change the strategy because it is affecting the banking culture and the landscape of the industry.” However, our findings have revealed that some banks now design different kind of products with embedded incentives to attract new customers. They are targeting particular sector of the economy to get new deposits which could be used as shock absorber for a time like this. No wonder, some commercial banks have suddenly shifted concentration to Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) by organizing different types of capacity building programmes for real sector operators in a bid to woo them into the banking system.”
Life&
TIMES Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Elvi
Kiopouroglou: Nigeria is fast growing on e-commerce
Interview L2
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Mutiat Alli
Not all expensive shoes are good ones — Elvi Kiopouroglou, shoe expert In a world where good shoes make every fashion statement in outings, Elvi Kiopouroglou, CEO myshoe.ng is one of the fastest growing shoe lines in Nigeria capable of quality products, service and delivery. Cornered at the viewing partying of her online shore store, the charming CEO revealed her love for good shoes, what prompted the business idea and how excited she is going online via www. myshoe.ng. Excerpts:
How will you describe your first shot in the shoe line business? Personally, I love shoes and it is very disappointing that my love for shoes makes people think that to look good, you must break the bank before you could buy shoes and I disagree because not all expensive shoes are good shoes or structured shoes. Sometimes they hurt, you can’t walk in expensive shoes all the time and even the cheap shoes don’t even give you any guarantee. In essence, I try as much as possible to let people know that I can get them good shoes and structured; you don’t have to walk like you are on crutches, you have to walk properly hence; women have to stand tall and men have to look good as well. Considering the fact that we have several shoe platforms, what distinguishes yours from others? Ours is authentic, even though they are brands and regardless of that also, we go for structures; we will even like you to do a research. Research other shoe stores and then come back to our shoe store and you would tell us the difference, we don’t want to rubbish anybody but our clients know us.
but we have other online stores that have helped small business like us survive, it has given people faith in online business. So now, Nigeria is becoming a fast growing on line, e-commerce is improving in Nigeria which is a good thing which has greatly benefited us, and the cashless policy has helped us because now people can pay for their stuff online without worrying and going to bank to make withdrawals. What has been some of the challenges you faced in the cause of setting up your business line? Yes, definitely there were one or two challenges; we used to have some stores and being based in Lagos and most of the problems we have with our costumers was traffic; Lagos traffic because we were based in Lekki first, and then we moved to Victoria Island and the traffic in these areas are very difficult. Our customer base is actually very wild, actually outside Lagos. We have Abuja, Port Harcourt and other states out of Lagos and we tried the online platform and it was very good and so we have enlarged our on line base and we are really focused on that.
For how long have you been in this business? I have been selling shoe for about six years and we just got online about eight months ago.
Any plan of expansion to other states? Yes! We are planning on it but right now online business doesn’t come easy, because you have to give the people the right perception; you cannot correct a wrong impression and so because you are online, everything about us takes so much work and we have to advertise without nagging people about it, it takes so much work, people think it is easy but you know it is not and we have to take very high expensive picture.
What has been the reception from your client? Initially, Nigeria has been a very difficult country for online comers,
How do you intend to get your products sellable to those in the rural area? Yes actually, we use a delivery
Life &
T E A M
How affordable are your shoes? Our shoes are affordable because being affordable is relative, you know it depends on you, I don’t want to limit you, I want you to see by yourself.
Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli
Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye
system which is supposed to be two working days delivery; but sometimes we make it one, no matter where you are. People in Ondo State, Ibadan we make deliveries sometimes, it is next day delivery, in Abuja, we don’t tell you it is next day delivery because we know how Nigeria is, sometimes, things just go wrong, but usually, it is next day delivery. We don’t emphasise on that, in case there is a delayed flight but usually is always 24 hours delivery. At the official launching today, what has been the array of comments from potential clients present? We need our client to come and see us physically, because at first when we were online people used to say how do I know you are not a scam? How do I know you are not 419? We can’t find you on Google maps and it was a big issue for us because we were not as big as all the other big on line brands; so we like to do this parties so we can take pictures of our clients; we have a lot of celebrity clients we also have a lot of consumers that are not celebrities, we take these pictures and we put them on our website and it keeps us in the media and it lets people trust us more. We like to meet our clients, we like to party everybody, so we
Photography Quadri Olowolagba
like to party with our consumers it also helps us inform our future customers. Talking about celebrities, who are the top celebrities in Nigeria that appreciate your brand? I think you should hang around till the end of the event to see who would come. In few years to come, where do we see my shoes.ng? My shoes.ng would still be online because been online has helped us and moved us to so many levels, we would still be on line but we would be at every bodies fingertip; it would be the name that you must go to if you want to get good shoes in Nigeria, it doesn’t have to be expensive, we are bridging the gaps for you, we would expand in other ways and these events helps us to understand, to know our consumers, and try to get feedback complains and try to improve on knowing them. Six years down the line, have you had any complaint from consumers and how have you been able to solve it? We have had complaints from customers in brands that we introduce, we get our shoes from authentic sources, but some brands that are fairly new in the market, sometimes we have problems like
Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel
factory relative problems, it is not because of us, it is because of the brand but because of out of 100 shoes, one went wrong and things like that. We do return polices; it is not our fault, it is not their fault, and we take full responsibility for any errors and we speak to our suppliers and they swap for us but sometimes that is why we try to sell and provide brands that are known and trusted; so we don’t like to do first time brands. When growing up, do you ever thought you were going to go in this line of business? Actually, I like fashion and love to look good at all times. As for the business, I was not really thinking of going this big into it but as God wants it, here I am doing pretty well. How much of your shoes do you wear? All my shoes. I wear a lot of my shoes, sometime if I want to test a product and am not used to that designer, I use myself to test the designer; I have to wear it first, understand it first in order to know how, I would market it and would know if it is good for my market because apart from being stylish; the Nigeria woman needs a lot of comfort you shouldn’t wear your shoes and suffer.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Abdullahi Zaheenab
Men looking
spectacular in suits Never underestimate how useful being suited up is, suit is the most universally appropriate item in a gentleman’s wardrobe. There are few events at which a man in a good looking suit will be out of place, particularly if the man has a firm grasp of fashion and an understanding of his personal style. The path to elegance begins with the suit, the cornerstone of men’s fashion. Suit come in all
shapes and sizes, and for every man there are fabrics and styles that best compliment his individual body type. A tall man in an overcoat wants to look regal, not like a giant. A short man in a suit wants to look professional, not like a kid wearing his older brother’s clothes. A large man wearing a blazer seeks to project a stately image, not of a sack about to burst at the seams. All men want to be
taken seriously; to ensure our audience does not focus on our physical flaws, it’s important that we de-emphasize them. Let me be clear – no suit is going to hide 100 pounds of excess weight; you can, however, minimize the attention paid to certain physical features and thus downplay their significance. A large man will look big, but he doesn’t have to look fat.
L3 Men’s world
L4
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
L5
Fashion & Style L6
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Men’s Affair Mutiat Alli
Men only Find out the essential items every man should have in his closet and learn to successfully mix and match vital pieces for a variety of timeless, stylish looks. It can only get better when a stylish man blends all necessary accessories together.
Palm or flip flop slippers
This simple and comfortable men’s footwear goes well with casuals, but some men still wear the stylish ones for their formal outings. These slippers are essential part of a man’s wardrobe. They can be used to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. And they are also good for leisure and for moving around the house.
Ties As we all know, ties are like ornaments because they bring out the best of men’s style and personality. We have to take note of the importance of putting the appropriate type of ties for the right event.
Jeans Jeans can be paired with just anything. With jeans, you just can’t go wrong.
Boxers efs and briderwear is a
Black and brown shoes
A man’s un cessory. must-have ac
Black and deep brown shoes will blend with most fabrics. A man should have several pairs of shoes, but owning two pairs of black and two pairs of brown shoes is ideal.
Blazers A cool blazer is definitely a must-have item, and the styles available really give blazers a life of their own. Do not go for wild colours. Go for neutral tones that can easily be worn with jeans and as well as a dress shirt or with a printed tee underneath.
Striped shirts They are the best among the different patterns of shirts around. Plain shirts always look too official and are mostly worn on suits, but striped shirts could be worn as office or ceremonial wear. That is why most designers have different striped shirts. Striped shirts are more fitting, elegant and cool than plain shirts. For leisure, you can wear a striped shirt without tucking it in, but if you try that with a plain shirt, you will certainly look out of place. It can be worn independently with jeans, a suit or under a sweater. It is easy to incorporate into any ensemble.
Wristwatches Wristwatches are particularly important for meetings and appointments. There are some sophisticated ones that display the day, month and year. Some even have past and future dates. A few ones like Rolex also serve as status symbols; they differentiate between boys and men.
Cufflinks They are the rave and it is for a reason: nothing gives your shirt a classier look than a nice set of good quality cufflinks.
Pinstriped trousers Pinstriped trousers are classic, perfect for formal or more casual occasions. The details on pinstriped trousers will spice up what otherwise might be an ordinary ensemble.
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
L7 Fashion & Style
Blend that trendy
outfit with BLOCK heels Olajide Dolapo Super high stilettos are great for dance floors and date nights, but aren’t so great when it comes to everyday life like standing for ages at bus stpos or rushing between meetings. That’s where the block heels come in. The 90’s favourite is finally making a comeback and giving your summer sandals a little lift. There was a period when the thick heel shoe was banished to thrift shops but suddenly the looks being embraced by your favourite fashion brands, everyone from Zara to Miu-Miu and street style stars alike. Whether worn to work with cropped trousers or bare legged with slinky slip dress, the style is incredibly chic. Plus there’s the whole comfort factor these shoes might be high but they are a whole lot more sensible than your thin stilettos, block heels sandal gives you the look of longer legs and easy to walk in. Here we have five tips that really work in wearing block heels without pain: 1. Make sure you are wearing the right size shoe- your foot size changes over the years, even as much as on full size, have your feet measured when you are buying shoes, for width and for length as well. So definitely do that before you shop. 2. Educate yourself on your own personal foot type- if you can’t
run out to the podiatrist, there’s a couple of neat ways to see if you have a flat foot or a high –arch foot. Wet your foot and step unto a piece of construction paper. When you make an impression, it will show you how much your foot is flattening or how high of an arch you have. You can look at a person’s foot type and see why they are having pain. 3. The thicker the heel the better- avoid thin heels, the stilettos, they cause your foot to wobble around. Sometimes the dress is just going to call for a stilettos as long as it is something that is occasional. If you are wearing stilettos every day, you might want to consider a chunkier heel style and change it up a bit. 4. Avoid a thin sole- thin soles will almost give you pain on the bottom of your foot. You want a thicker sole or a little bit of a platform which will offset some of the pressure when you are walking, a rubber kind of material will absorb that pressure. 5. Stretch your feet after taking your shoes off- the stretches that you will want to do are the stretches that will target the front of the foot and ankle like pointing your toes down and pulling your toes up with a strap to get the Achilles tendon and the calf muscles and then side to side to get the instep and the outside of the foot.
Honey: The beauty saviour Omobolaji Afolabi
Honey is a sweet food made by bees; it is gotten from the nectar of flowers. The natural sweet food contains glucose and fructose, with vitamins like B-complex, A, C, D, E, and K, which are very essential in the human body, despite the multitasking function of honey, it can also be used as a beauty treatment because it enhances smooth, toned and colored skin, it give the skin this beautiful sensation to continue glowing in any type of seasons. This powerful natural treatment has been used to produce homemade and industrial product for skin and hair care treatment. Honey has the ability to attract and retain moisture, it helps the skin to maintain softness, supplement and elasticity, honey moisturizes the skin, fight aging, and bacteria. Why not use honey as a beauty treatment? Benefits you derive when using honey for your skin Ï Removes dirt: Honey removes dirt and
impurities without destroying the skin of natural oils, other artificial cleansers and soaps frequently strip the skin of these protective oils and causes the skin to overproduce oil. Ï Lessen breakage: Honey has these natural antibacterial and probiotic properties that effectively reduce breakouts and prevent acne pimples and other skin disease. Ï Enriches skin texture: honey it is so gentle with the skin it neutralizes the skin, toned the skin and maintain the complexion of the skin. It works well on all skin types, It balances oil and moisturizes dry skin. Ï Healing: honey heals the skin from different kinds of skin diseases like eczema acne rashes etc. Ï Hair booster: The humectants properties of honey help regulate and retain moisture in hair, honey also strengthen hair follicles for healthy growth and lighten hair color. Honey as Skin treatment
Acne Treatment: Honey contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that thwart bacteria and can lead to breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties will calm redness and irritation. Try it: Apply a dab of raw honey to affected areas, and sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water Sunburn Treatment: Honey restores hydration to the deepest layers of sunexposed skin. Honey and aloe-Vera contain powerful anti-inflammatory to calm burned skin and aid recovery. Try it: Mix one part raw honey with two parts pure aloe-Vera gel. Apply to sunburned skin. Scar Fader: Honey is said to lighten skin and it helps to decrease the appearances of scars and increase healing and tissue properties of honey and coconut oil or olive oil will also help revive skin cells.
Try it: Mix one teaspoon raw honey with one teaspoon coconut oil or olive oil. Apply to the affected area, and massage with the tips of your fingers in a circular motion for one to two minutes. Place a hot washcloth over your skin, and let sit until cool. Repeat daily.
Television L8
Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Showing on
Showing on
125 FOX Channel
107 M-Net Movie Romance
02:10
02:15
Wed, 16 Dec | 13SL
Wed, 16 Dec | 16SNL
‘S3/E4 - Full Moon Fever’. Bobby falls for Travis’ photography professor, but Travis refuses to introduce them. Laurie falls for a guy she’s never met when she begins a romance via Twitter.
In this introspective film, a young man has everything one could possibly want, but still isn’t happy. When he meets a woman from his past, he wonders if she is the missing piece. Rachael Taylor, Josh Lawson. (2012) Rob Sitch.
101 M-Net West
118 Telemundo
120 BBC Entertainment
128 SONY MAX
00:00 New Worlds 01:00 Time Of Death 02:05 Hours 04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:30 Mysteries Of Laura 07:30 Grey’s Anatomy 08:30 Stranded In Paradise 10:30 Mike & Molly 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 14:00 Elementary 15:00 Chicago Fire 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Middle 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Modern Family 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 The Blacklist 20:30 CSI: Cyber 21:30 NCIS: Los Angeles 22:30 Gotham 23:00 Twelve Monkeys
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 23:05 QI 23:35 Top Gear
00:20 Most Shocking 01:10 Kenny vs Spenny 11:00 My Family
01:40 Freakshow
00:25 The Weakest Link
11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA
02:10 Poorman’s Bikini Beach
01:15 Silent Witness
12:20 Top Gear
02:40 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal
02:10 Total Wipeout UK
13:15 Come Dine With Me
03:10 Hip Hop Squares
03:05 EastEnders
14:15 Hell’s Kitchen USA
03:40 Most Shocking
03:35 QI
15:05 The Weakest Link
04:30 South Beach Tow
04:05 Top Gear
16:00 EastEnders
05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak
05:00 Spy
16:30 Deal Or No Deal
05:30 Exposed
05:25 QI
17:10 The Cube
05:55 Exposed
06:00 The Thin Blue Line
18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
06:20 Video Zonkers
06:30 EastEnders
19:00 Dragons’ Den
06:45 Repo Games
07:00 Antiques Roadshow
20:05 Top Gear
07:10 World’s Wildest Police Videos
07:55 The Weakest Link
21:05 Hell’s Kitchen USA
08:45 The Cube 09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow
08:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol
10:20 Deal Or No Deal
23:45 So You Think You’d Survive?
155 AfricaMagic World
154 Africa Magic Family
00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Living With Trisha 01:30 Family Ties 02:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Evanescent 08:35 Living With Trisha 09:25 The African Child 10:00 Good Morning Africa
11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 14:00 Prem 14:30 Jara 15:00 Family Ties 15:30 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:30 Living With Trisha 17:30 Comfort Zone 18:00 Meet The Adebanjos 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Airtel Touching Lives 20:35 Evanescent 22:00 Tyme Out With Tee-A 23:35 53 Extra
00:05 Noose Of Gold 00:35 Good Morning Africa 01:40 The Dzigbordi Show 02:30 Good Morning Africa 03:30 Good Morning Africa 04:30 Prem 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 Johnbull And Rosekate 08:35 Prem
09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 So Wrong So Wright 11:00 Lies That Bind 11:30 Lies That Bind 12:00 Jara 12:30 Jara 13:00 Series TBA 14:00 53 Extra 14:30 53 Extra 15:00 Kakibe Ki 15:30 Noose Of Gold 16:00 Foot Print 16:30 Lies That Bind 17:00 Lies That Bind 17:30 Star Gist 18:00 Star Gist 18:30 Star Gist 19:00 Prem 19:30 So Wrong So Wright 20:00 Market Sellers 22:25 Series TBA 23:30 The Tracker
09:10 South Beach Tow 09:40 Most Shocking 10:40 Most Shocking 11:40 Video Zonkers 12:10 Repo Games 12:40 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:40 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:40 South Beach Tow 15:10 Exposed 15:40 Criss Angel Mindfreak 16:10 1000 Ways To Die 16:40 Video Zonkers 17:05 Repo Games 17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne 20:30 Impractical Jokers 21:00 Freakshow 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 Tool Academy 23:20 The Real