Dtn 17 12 15

42 S’East, S’South groups meet, demand true federalism Ï j ƋƗ Ə ƋƋƈƆ ƈ ƾƠ ƅƈƐƈƆ Ï ƑƏƐ ƇƏƆƆ 9^R ƋƆ ƗƆƏè E Ƒ Moses Oyediran, Enugu and Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎForty-two

South East and SouthSouth groups on Wednesday met in Enugu to finalise plans for mega rallies to demand restructuring Nigeria along

the lines of true federalism.

This is coming on the heels of the decision of the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, presided over by

Mr. Shuaibu Usman, on Wednesday to strike out criminal counts of conspiracy Continued on page 6

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 VOL. 2. NO. 3

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 16th December 2015.

UNILEVER

42

44.05

2.05%

FLOURMILL

21

22.02

1.02%

SEPLAT

JBERGER

37.81

39.7

1.89%

ETI

15.9

16.64

0.74%

DANGCEM 158.95

206.51

N150

203

-3.51%

UACN

22.61

21.5

-1.11%

156.1

-2.85%

CADBURY

20

19

-1%

Shiites: US, UK demand FG probe of killings Ï n Ƌ ƓƇƑƋ ƊƈƋƋƆƏ ƌƑ Ɛ Ƈ ƅƆ ƉƑ ƐƈƅƆè ƕ ƌ Ɔ Ɛƕ 9 ƐƆƏ Ɛƈ Ƌ Ï dƆ ƐƆè `Ɔƍ ƆƐ Ƒƍ ƅ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ Ɛ ƍƏ ƄƆ Əƌƕéd ƈƈƐƆ ƅƋ Ɔ Ï Mƈ ƆƏƈ ƄƆƅ ƌƈ ƍ ƋƈƅƆ Ɛ ƐƆ – PDP g6 ÎÎÎInternational concern over the

high number of casualties recorded in the weekend clashes in Kaduna between the Nigerian Army and members of the Shiite movement

led by Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky has grown with the United States of America and the United Kingdom calling on the Federal Government to probe the killings.

No fewer than 61 bodies have been deposited at the mortuary of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, since the clashes started on Saturday.

This was according to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lawal Khalid. However, a member of the sect, Abdullahi Tumburkai, who claimed to have gone round

mortuaries, alleged that he counted hundreds of corpses.

Iran was first to react after the Continued on page 2

L-R: President Yahya Jammeh of the Republic of Gambia; President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria; ECOWAS Chairperson, President Macky Sall of Senegal; President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadré Desiré Ouedraogo and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, at the 48th Ordinary Session of the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and 40th Anniversary of the ECOWAS, in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Rivers: As Appeal Court affirms sack, Gov. Wike heads to S’Court g6 Reps gB1 demand CBN declare interest on foreign reserves

Bimbo Akintola:

9Ɛô ƈƌƍ ƏƐ Ɛ ƓƆ ƐƆƋƋ ƑƏ Ɠ Ɛ ƏƈƆ g L1

MƆƓ Ɨ ƐƆ for cancelled Bayelsa gov poll soon – REC g 8

Obama g7 appoints Nigerian, ƗƆƓ ƋƆè deputy NSA

News 2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Shiites: US, UK demand FG probe of killings Continued from page 1 Army last Saturday killed seven members of the Zakzaky sect, known as Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), claiming it was a response to an assassination attempt by the sect’s members on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

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.

Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani then followed up with a phone call to President Muhammadu Buhari, on phone, telling him that “minor disputes must not be allowed to turn into deep differences”.

He was also said to have

asked about the welfare of the injured victims, especially Ibrahim Zakzaky, while advising Buhari to issue strict orders that could forestall further attacks.

Reacting, the United States, in a statement issued by its Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday expressed dismay over the reported killing of many people and called on the Federal Government to probe the incident.

The statement read in part, “While many details of the incidents that reportedly began on December 12 remain unclear, we are dismayed to learn of multiple civilian deaths. It is essential that all sides refrain from actions that further destabilize the situation.

“The United States calls on the Government of Nigeria to quickly, credibly, and transparently investigate

these events in Zaria and hold to account any individuals found to have committed crimes.”

Also reacting, the United Kingdom, in a statement issued by the British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright admonished the security agencies to conduct their operations within the ambit of the rule of law.

He also urged demonstrators to ensure that their protests were peaceful and within the law.

Arkwright said, “Like many across Nigeria, I am following with concern the reports of violence in Zaria over the weekend between the Nigerian security forces and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. I am further concerned at reports that protests in Kaduna have turned violent.

“Nigeria’s religious and

ethnic diversity adds a great deal to this country’s rich culture. It is important, therefore, that Nigerians of all faiths are allowed to assemble and worship freely.

“In addition, I call on the security forces to conduct their operations within the rule of law, and for demonstrators to ensure any protests are peaceful and equally act within the law.”

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. No fewer than seven members of the sect were killed in the ensuing encounter with the Army.

Early on Sunday, no fewer than 12 people were killed when soldiers besieged the Zaria home in Kaduna

State of Ibrahim Zakzaky, and then arrested him. The house and the sect’s headquarters were later reportedly demolished.

On Tuesday, members of the sect trooped out in their

thousands on to the streets of Kaduna in protest, throwing residents into panic and forcing businesses to close shop. Three of the members were also killed during the demonstrations.

Unlawful killers must face justice, says Amnesty International ÎÎÎAmnesty Internation-

al on Wednesday reacted to the shooting of members of the Shiite Muslim sect led by Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky in clashes with the Nigerian Army, saying anyone found responsible for unlawful killings must be brought to justice.

“Whilst the final death toll is unclear, there is no doubt that there has been a substantial loss of life at the hands of the military,” said M.K. Ibrahim,

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Prof.

Akii Ibhadode; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; community leader, Maj. Gen. E.O. Obada (rtd.) and Bursar FUPR, Mr. Esiehor Patrick during a courtesy visit to Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State… on Wednesday.

Photo: DAVID IDOWU.

Director of Amnesty International, Nigeria in a statement.

“Firearms should only be used as a last resort, if strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. It is crucial that the authorities refrain from using excessive force and ensure that anyone responsible for unlawful killings is brought to justice in fair trials.”

Ibrahim noted that apart from the loss of life, security forces arrested many members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), including the leader, Ibraheem Zakzaky, who was picked up at his residence on Sunday morning and remains in detention, adding that it was unclear if he has access to a lawyer.

“An impartial investigation is urgently needed into these killings. Anyone responsible for unlawful killings should be brought to justice. Those in detention must be granted access to medical care as a matter of urgency and either charged with a recognizable criminal offence or released,” said M.K. Ibrahim.

Senate, Reps panels probe Army, Shiites clash Olufemi Samuel and Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Senate on Wednes-

day set up an Ad hoc committee to investigate the bloody clash between the Nigerian Army and the Zakzaky Shiite movement which occurred in Zaria, Kaduna state last Saturday.

This was just as the House of Representatives waded into the controversy generated by the clash, with Chairman, House Committee on Media and

Public Affairs, Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas issuing a statement to announce that the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara has directed two relevant standing committees of the House to meet with the top echelon of the army and other security agencies involved in the clash to unearth the cause with a view to finding a lasting solution.

Rep. Namdas, who failed to disclose the standing committees carrying out

the probe, however said the Speaker charged the committees to do a thorough job considering the sensitive nature of the matter and the prevailing security situation in the country.

According to the statement, Dogara while urging Nigerians to be calm and peaceful, assured that the House will always be alive to its responsibilities as and adding that Nigerians will be fully briefed in due course when the committees must have concluded

their assignment and submitted their findings to the House.

The Senate had held a closed-door session on the incident, just as the Senate Committee on Defence last Tuesday hosted the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General TY Buratai who briefed members on situation in Zaria where his convoy was attacked by members of the Islamic.

Senate President Bukola Saraki had announced that the Ad hoc Committee

will include Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Senate’s standing committees on Defence; National Security and Intelligence, Internal Affairs; Army; Police; Foreign Affairs; and Judiciary and Human Rights respectively.

He said the committee would be headed by the chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC, Yobe North).

He appealed to all parties involved in the clash to

allow peace to reign while the Upper legislative chamber looks into the matter with a view to resolving it amicably.

Briefing journalists after the plenary, the senate spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi said “The senate is seriously concern and committed to ensuring that peace reigns in our dear country and will act in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times”, he assured.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial SON and substandard goods in Nigeria

R

ecently, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) announced additional measures to combat the influx of fake and substandard goods‎ into the country by introducing a reference code on products in 2016.

Making the announcement, Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said that beginning next year, every SONCAP certificate issued on products must have reference code to ease traceability of substandard products in the country. Other additional measures include increased market surveillance; to make it harder for products without the code to be imported into the country, even as those caught selling such products would be held accountable until the agency traces the manufacturer.

We definitely welcome these new initiatives by SON, especially against the background that some international cartels now see Nigeria as dumping ground for illegal and substandard goods. Before the latest SON initiative, another outfit, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had been at forefront of checking the influx of expired and counterfeits drugs into the country.

The success so far achieved by NDLEA, especially in confronting powerful drug barons and their local supporters has come at very great and bloody price. Even at that, no one will accuse SON of being soft in the fight against importation of fake and substandard products into the country. For example, the agency claims it had seized and destroyed substandard products worth N4 billion since the beginning of this year.

Such revelations underscore the urgent need to check the importation and local manufacturing of such products. A visit to any of our markets would reveal the clandestine and mind boggling volume of trade

in counterfeit goods. This trade spans anything from paint, electric bulbs, wire and cables, tyres, cement, auto spare parts, steel products, mobile phones and telecommunication gadgets and drugs.

There is no denying the fact that SON has made giant strides in the war against fake products. Incidentally, the recent upsurge in substandard products presents a fresh challenge.

According to the agency’s Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, the importation of substandard goods into the country has risen 200 folds, especially given that its personnel charged with checking containers bringing products into the country have been withdrawn from all the nation’s seaports.

We therefore call on the Federal Government to send the agency’s personnel back to the ports, if the war on fake and substandard products is to be won. The fight needs all hands on deck. The danger of both imported or locally manufactured substandard goods on the citizens and country, cannot be overemphasised. It is a fact that cheap, low quality imports are a disincentive to manufacturing, just as local manufacturing of fake and substandard products are equally dangerous to peoples lives and the economy.

However, it is not enough waging war against manufacture and importation of substandard goods into the country, without taking cognisance of the fact that poverty and low purchasing power are reasons for patronage of such items. It is therefore imperative that the government addresses the increasing poverty among Nigerians. Most importantly, the SON should liaise with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and exporting countries to ensure that only high quality goods are brought into Nigeria for interest of the citizens and economy

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

Islamic Republic of Iran appears to be crying more than Nigeria with respect to the confrontation between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Shiites, and the Nigerian military in Kaduna on Saturday, making many to wonder on whose side the country is.

The confrontation regrettably led to the killing of some members of the sect and was said to have been triggered by the barricading of the road, firing and pelting the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, with dangerous objects by the sect members.

Since that ugly encounter, the Iranian government has not only protested the action of the Nigerian military it

has gone further to warn the Nigerian government to respect Shiites people, religious figures and sites.

A day after the ugly incident, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hossein Jaber, in a statement flayed the killing of the sect members by the Nigerian military.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also on Monday summoned Nigeria’s envoy in Tehran, Ambassador Tukur Mani, to voice Tehran’s serious concern over the incident.

To cap it, the Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, on Tuesday, was reported to have called President Muhammadu Buhari, on phone, over the incident.

Rouhani was quoted to have told President Buhari to ensure that “minor disputes must not be allowed to turn into deep differences”.

Though it is not against global practice for Iran to

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express concern over the Kaduna incident especially as the country (Iran) is said to be the spiritual headquarters of the Shiites, still the way the Iranian authorities have gone about in condemning the incident appears more than meets the eyes. The country ought not to be making statements that clearly paints the Nigerian military as the aggressor in the matter. While the military with cannot be without blame, members the Islamic Movement of Nigeria on the other hand have share in the blame at least for behaving as if they are outlaws.

It is therefore imperative for the Nigerian government ensure that no country including Iran is allowed to under any guise to be encouraging groups linked to them to be lawless. The Nigerian security forces should also learn to exercise restraint while dealing with groups even in the face of provocation.

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Why is Iran crying more than the bereaved?

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“I have been very critical of Buhari’s government and I will continue to be critical of any government in Nigeria because democracy is about opposition and the government in power”.

“Trial by the media does not often lead to a conviction by the court of law”.

“President Buhari should be thoroughly embarrassed in his heart of heart now that the candidate he asked to go and head INEC is making a fool of the whole assignment”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Nigeria becoming a police state – PDP Lateef Ibrahim, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe Peoples Democrat-

ic Party (PDP) yesterday strongly condemned the killings in Zaria, Kaduna State sequel to the clash between the military and the Shi’ite Islamic group.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, maintained that the bloodletting in Zaria has now instilled fear in the citizens that they are no longer safe.

The opposition party said the clash, in which many members of the religious group have been reportedly killed, was a confirmation that the country is sliding into a police state under the

All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government.

The PDP said, “For instance, how can this government explain its indifference to the recent senseless bloodletting in Zaria, Kaduna state where the military clashed with an Islamic group resulting in loss of lives, as well as the mindless attack and killing of some unarmed protesters in Onitsha, Anambra state by security agents?

It would be recalled that the Zaria killing took place came few weeks after officials of the Nigeria Police Force shot and killed some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who were demanding the release

of Nnamdi Kanu, Director of Biafra Radio.

The PDP also accused the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari of polarising the country along religious and ethnic lines.

It said, “Of utmost concern is the unprecedented and frightening polarization of the country coming as direct consequence of the undemocratic tendencies of the Buhari administration.

“In the last seven months of this dictatorial and divisive regime, there has been an alarming escalation of inter-and intra religious and ethnic hostilities that clearly threaten national cohesion and stability,” PDP said.

The party described as

embarrassing to democracy, the administration’s alleged flouting of judicial pronouncements, the growing erosion of personal freedom, violation of fundamental rights of citizens and brutal manhandling of suspects facing various trials.

The party equally cited the case of the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who, while on bail, was openly beaten by security operatives.

The PDP said, “We note that these developments are in direct contrast to democratic environment created by the PDP in the last 16

Gé`ë Əƍ Ə ƐƆ d ƅƈ Ƌ y ƋƑƆ L ƆƏè d ƌ Ƒ &ƋƆƅƐƏ ƈƅ zƆ Ɛ ƇƏƈƅ è LƏ ê Ƅ ƆƗƆ 1Ɔ Ə ƆéR ì ^ƆƏƌ Ɔ Ɛ dƆƅƏƆƐ Əƕè 0ƆƗƆƏ Ƌ Lƈ ƈ ƐƏƕ Ƈ &ƗƑƅ Ɛƈ è #Əê æLƏ êç 0 Ƌ ƗƆ Ɔƌƈé& Ɨ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè 9 Ƈ Əƌ Ɛƈ ƌƌƑ ƈƅ Ɛƈ jƆƅ Ƌ ƕè Lƈ ƈ ƐƏƕ Ƈ &ƗƑƅ Ɛƈ è LƏê 9ƊƆƅ ƑƊƓƑ RƏƉƈ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ d ƌ Ƒ dƌ ƏƐ dƅ Ƌ Ƌ Ƒ ƅ Ɛ 0ƆƗƆƏ Ƌ 1 ƒƆƏ ƌƆ Ɛ ƕ ƋƋƆ Ɔè ƍ è ƄƑƉ Č zƆƗ Ɔ Ɨ ƕê

years where the rule of law and freedom of citizens were allowed to reign.

“We therefore caution this government to come to terms with the fact that this

nation cannot afford to contain, at this time, undue and avoidable pressure coming ceaselessly from its totalitarian tendencies and actions,” it advised.

42 S’East, S’South groups meet, demand true federalism Continued from page 1 and ownership of an unlawful society filed against the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.

Usman also discharged the Kanu, who is also the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), of all criminal counts.

Meanwhile, the forty-two South East and South-South groups in demanding for the restructuring of Nigeria said the rallies earlier planned to hold within 13 cities and towns in the South East, will now hold in 20 cities and towns within the two zones.

Speaking after the meeting at the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) secretariat in Enugu, the convener of the meeting and the founder of IYM, Evang. Elliot Uko, said the peaceful marches for true federalism has become pertinent, because Nigeria is over heated due principally to the unitary system of administration the military imposed on the country in 1966.

The meeting also called on

the Federal Government to release the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, immediately in order to allow him lead the IPOB team that will dialogue with the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, presided over by Mr. Shuaibu Usman, made the order discharging Kanu, the Radio director while ruling on the application filed by the Federal Government to drop charges filed against Kanu at the magistrate.

“The accused person is hereby discharged and the case struck out,” he ruled.

The Federal government through its agent, the Department of State Services (DSS), had opted to withdraw the case at the Magistrate Court after it secured an order from the Federal High Court Abuja remanding Kanu in custody for 90 days.

Meanwhile, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court has fixed ruling on the bail application filed by Kanu for today (Thursday).

Rivers: ƍƍƆ Ƌ ƑƏƐ ƇƇƈƏƌ ƅƊè 1 ƒê zƈƊƆ Ɔ Ɨ Ɛ dô ƑƏƐ Ï zƆôƏƆ Ɛƈ ƇƈƆƗ ƓƈƐ ƏƑƋƈ – APC Andrew Orolua, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎRivers

State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, rejected the ruling by the three-man Court of Appeal panel sitting in Abuja, which struck out his appeal seeking the dismissal of the judgment of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal that sacked him as governor of the state.

In a statement Wednesday evening and signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, his Special Assistant to on Electronic Media, Wike stated that he disagrees with the judg-

ment, hence his decision to exhaust his constitutional right by challenging the Appeal Court judgment at the Supreme Court.

Wike called on all his supporters and the people of Rivers State to remain calm as justice will be done at the end of day.

He assured the people of the state that he will use all constitutional processes to protect the mandate they freely bestowed on him, hence his decision to approach the Supreme Court for further adjudication.

Wike said that he still re-

mains the duly elected governor of the state pending the determination of his appeal by the Supreme Court.

He assured the people of the state that all ongoing development projects will continue while his administration will continue to promote the security of lives and property across the state.

The Court of Appeal had in its ruling earlier on Wednesday said that the appeals filed by Gov. Wike, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the tri-

bunal judgment lack merit.

In a unanimous decision, a five man panel of the Appeal Court said that “Wike was not validly elected in the April 11, 2015 Governorship election in Rivers State”.

Consequently, it ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh governorship election in Rivers State.

Delivering the judgment, the presiding Justice, M.B. Dongbam-Mensem, resolved all the seven issues raised by Governor Wike in the appeal in favour of the respondents; Dakuku Peterside and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

She said that “the findings of the tribunal that fresh governorship election should be conducted in Rivers State cannot be faulted” essentially as the tribunal evaluation and assessment of witnesses evidences and its conclusions were not perverted.

Justice Dongbam-Mensem also justified the tribunal’s decision that INEC was empowered to make rules and guidelines to ensure smooth, free and fair elections.

“The use of card reader don’t mean electronic voting.

The card reader is a device meant to authenticate the voter register and make voting more creditable”.

She held that the approved INEC guidelines and directives on the April 11, 2015 election meant to enhance the election were violated

by INEC officials in Rivers State, who went ahead in the conduct of the election to do as it pleased them.

Justice Dongbam-Mensem added that the conduct of INEC officials was not in compliance with INEC election manual, adding that such conduct was dangerous.

One of the lawyer to Gov. Wike, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) in an interview with journalists hinted that the Appeal Court judgment will be tested at the Supreme Court.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Buhari decries arms trafficking, piracy in ECOWAS region Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhamma-

du Buhari, on Wednesday, said that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) needed to step up efforts to eliminate insecurity, arms trafficking, piracy and sea criminalities, among others undesirable acts that were militating against the development of the sub-region.

He spoke in Abuja at the 48th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the subregional body and 40th anniversary of its founding.

He said that regional

and global solidarity were vital for ECOWAS countries to counter those threats.

He said: “Over the years, our srganisation has recorded concrete achievements which speak loudly for themselves. ECOWAS has, indeed, been universally acclaimed as a model regional economic community.

“In spite of the significant achievements, our Community still faces numerous challenges. While some militate against the integration drive, others continue to pose risks to peace and security, as well as political stability in the region. There are also

structural and administrative challenges in running the Commission that equally require serious attention.

“Security challenges persist in our region as we continue to be confronted with the daunting scourge of transnational, organised crime – including arms trafficking, drug trafficking, as well as piracy and criminality at sea. Equally worrying is the rising scourge of violent extremism and terrorism. All these constitute serious threats to peace and security in the region, and, therefore, require our urgent and concerted actions.

“To this end, we must continue to enhance our system of governance and, working with our partners, accelerate the implementation of our joint initiatives and mechanisms created to address these daunting, but not insurmountable, risks. As we do so, we should not relent in our efforts to engage with member states coming out of crises, in order to help them to consolidate on the achievements made.”

Buhari also urged the leaders of the sub-region to continue to press for international support and assistance to tackle the effects of climate change.

ÎÎÎUnited

States president, Mr. Barack Obama, has appointed a Nigerian, Adewale ‘Wally’ Adeyemo, who served in top roles at the Treasury Department, to succeed Caroline Atkinson as his deputy National Security Adviser for international economic affairs.

Adeyemo, 34, has served in Obama’s administration since 2009. He joined the White House’s National Economic Council as deputy director. He was the Treasury’s lead negotiator on the currency agreement that was part of the Pacific trade deal.

A statement by Obama read: “For the past four

Senate approves MTEF for 2016 budget Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÎÎÎAs President Muham-

Buhari In doing so, however, he cautioned that they should not lose sight of their industrial development objectives.

His words: “The catastrophic consequences of climate change are manifest in our region. A number of fragilities, conflicts

Obama appoints Nigerian, Adewale Adeyemo as dep NSA years, I have relied on Caroline Atkinson, most recently as my Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics, as we’ve navigated pressing challenges to the global economy.

“As my representative at the G-7 and G-20, she played a key role in co-ordinating our response to international financial crises, worked with our allies to devise and implement targeted economic sanctions to advance our national security goals, played a vital role in our economic engagements with China, and helped to achieve breakthrough agreements on climate that will strengthen our economy and our security.

7 News

madu Buhari prepares to present the 2016 Appropriation to the National Assembly for consideration, the Senate, on Wednesday, approved key components of the Medium Terms Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which are to guide the proposal to be presented by the President on Tuesday.

The Senate approved, during its plenary, the proposal of crude oil production of 2.200 million barrel per day for the 2016 budget.

Pro-Biafra protesters ground Lagos over Kanu ÎÎÎPro-Biafra

L-R: Wife of Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Miss Akerejola Anjolaoluwa and Convener, Musical Youth Fiesta (MYF), Sen. Remi Tinubu during the presentation of certificate and cash reward to Anjolaoluwa, a graduand of MYF held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos... on Wednesday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

protesters on Wednesday, grounded vehicular and commercial activities at the Alaba International Market, Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, in a mega rally to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Radio Biafra Director and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

A statement issued on Wednesday, says IPOB disclosed that it would hold its rally along the Alaba International Market axis, as well as visit several Embassies and High Commissions, the Amnesty International and UN offices, in Victoria Island and Ikoyi axis of Lagos, to deliver protest letters.

Ghanaian, 12 Nigerians docked for possession of dangerous weapons Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎFor allegedly belonging

to members of an unlawful confraternity, a Ghanaian and 12 Nigerians were, on Wedensday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos.

The defendants who were also alleged to be in possession of dangerous weapons and charms are: Gabriel Owolo, 24, Obasesan Bassey,

28, Confidence Onyegbulam, 24, Akin John, 22, Simon Sunday, 19, Bitrus Markus, 22, Obakunle Afeez, 26.

Others include Femi Emmanuel, 28, Abubakar Abdulahi, 35, Akeem Olusegun, 51, Adedakun Samuel, 21, Nana Antwi, 38, and Paul Ekeh, 24.

The defendants are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, belonging to

unlawful society, possession of dangerous weapons and carrying out unlawful business.

The prosecutor, Inspector Feddy Asu, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences on December 14, 2015, at White Sand area of Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said that the defendants allegedly assisted in the management of an un-

lawful secret society known as “Eye and Aye”. He also informed the court that the defendants were allegedly found smoking weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, thereby polluting the atmosphere for the people living in that environs.

He said that the substance the defendants were allegedly smoking was harmful to the health of the people living there.

Asu further alleged that the defendants were also unlawfully in possession of weapons namely: knives, cutlass, and a charm without any lawful excuse, adding that the said instruments were suspected to be used to commit an offence.

According to him the offences committed were punishable under Sections 41, 164 (a), 310 (c), and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos

State, 2011. When the charge was read to the defendants they all pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mr. P. A. Adekumaiya, granted them bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one surety each in like sum. He ordered that the surety must deposit the sum of N50, 000 to the court registrar’s account for security purposes and adjourned the case to January 28, 2016.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Politics

Æs

Delta Assembly passes resolution to stop sand dredging on River Ethiope

Okowa

The Delta House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution to stop the dredging of sand at Amukpe bridge on River Ethiope in Sapele Local Government Area of the state.

The resolution urged Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa to direct the state Commissioner of Environment to stop what it called ``hazardous activities of sand dredgers ’’ on the

river to save lives.

It followed a motion moved by Mr Dennis Omovie, the member representing Warri South II Constituency in the house.

Omovie said the activities of sand dredgers around the bridge posed environmental challenges to communities around the river.

He added that the bridges and other infrastructure in the area

were being threatened by sand dredging.

Omovie said that a grave from one community was washed into the river, adding that this contaminated the river and posed serious health challenge to the people.

He added that sand dredgers do not have the licence to embark on their activities noting that the affected communities had urged the

assembly to address the situation.

Supporting the motion, Mr Daniel Mayuku, representing Warri South West Constituency, said that the sand dredgers were carrying out their activities to the detriment of the people. ``If nothing is done that part of the state will sink,’’ Mayuku said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

New dates for cancelled Bayelsa gov poll soon – REC The Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) Mr. Baritor Kpagih, has said that new dates will soon be announced for the cancelled governorship polls in the state.

Kpagih, in an interview, shortly after reappearing in public since the December 5 poll said pronouncements would soon be made on the rescheduled poll in Southern Ijaw Local Government SILGA).

He said: “Our national office will make a pronouncement in no distant time on the next action to take on the issue of the election, because right now, it is out of my hands”.

He also disclosed that he did not cancel the results of the controversial Southern Ijaw Local Government Area election unilaterally, saying the cancellation of the SILGA poll results was not his sole decision and that it (cancellation) was not premeditated.

His words: “I can’t just wake up and cancel an election. I was with three National Electoral Commissioners that day and we even wanted to brief all the political parties. But it was getting too dark.

“The statement I read that day was a prepared statement. It wasn’t an offhand thing. I even said it thrice that I was reading the statement on behalf of the commission,” he added.

Kpagih had, while cancelling the poll in Southern Ijaw, cited widespread violence, bal-

Kpagih lot snatching and hostage taking of INEC officials and corps members as reasons.

He also dismissed claims in

Dickson some quarters that he went underground due to the cancellation. Kpagih, who expressed shock and anger over reports

Sylva that he disappeared and was under pressure by some politicians, lamented that Nigerians, especially politicians, were al-

ways fond of attacking personalities instead of issues, when-

Salaam

Aregbesola

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

2016 BUDGET: Osun Speaker asks citizens to prepare for the worst Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, has urged the people of the state to prepare for a “rough weather” of economic meltdown in 2016 as Governor Rauf Aregbesola presented a N150 billion budget for the New

Year.

He said this was because the vandalisation of the country’s coffers by the yesterday’s men of power has done incalculable damage to the nation’s economy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

9 Politics

Declining oil revenue: FG should give Agric priority – Dr Adejumo Bolaji Omosanya, Ibadan A call has gone out to the President Muhammadu Buhari – led administration to accord the agricultural sector of the nation’s economy top priority in order to salvage the nation from the dwindling fortunes from the oil sector.

A don at the Federal College of Agriculture, FAC, Ibadan, Engineer (Dr.) Akinfoye Oyime Daniel Adejumo, stated this in an interview with the Daily Times.

According to him, the fall in price of oil in the world economy is a wake-up call to the Federal Government to have a re-think and make moves to revamp the agricultural sector.

Adejumo also pointed out that in pre and post independence, Nigeria had been known to sustain itself with proceeds from agriculture which resulted in some countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia approaching the country to copy our model.

He said that trouble began when the country experienced

oil boom in the seventies, leading to the neglect of the agricultural sector.

Dr. Adejumo said that all is not lost yet as the nation can still go back to the basics through mas-

sive financing and incorporating the youths in the system with a caveat that instead to exporting only products, value can be added to it through processing and ensuring proper storage and preserva-

tion of raw materials so as to earn enormous revenue.

He added that the area of animal husbandry needs to be adequately developed in all the geopolitical regions of the nation.

Kpagih

Adamawa Govt. approves N1bn for constituency projects Adamawa Government has approved N1 billion for the execution of constituency projects in 2016, says the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmad Sajoh.

Sajoh made this known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the outcome the State Executive Council meeting.

He said that the money had been captured in the 2016 budget and that it would go a long way in the execution of projects proposed by the lawmakers in their respective constituencies.

“So far, about 23 members of the House of Assembly have submitted their proposals which we found laudable.”

Bindow

Sajoh explained that whenever the fund was released, the relevant line ministries would monitor and that the projects were executed to specification.

The commissioner said that the State Executive Council meeting also approved the payment of N270 million for the purchase of three rigs with complete geophysical equipment for the provision of water in rural areas.

“There is also the approval of N954 million as counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education programme and another N71.4 million for the building of a befitting office complex for the state Fiscal Responsibility Commission,” Sajoh said.

No alternative to Democracy in Africa, says Osinbajo The Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, has said that with the conduct of peaceful elections and transitions from one government to the other on the continent, it was clear that democracy had come of age in Africa.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Mr Laolu Akande, in Abuja said Osinbajo made the remark in Conakry, Guinea, at the inauguration of Prof. Alpha Conde’s second term in office.

“It shows that democracy has come of age in Africa. All over, you can see the demonstration of peaceful elections, peaceful transitions from one government to another”, the Vice President said.

According to the statement, Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the ceremony attended by several African presidents and leaders, noted that peaceful elections were producing right leaders on the continent.

He explained that the conduct of peaceful elections in African countries “point to the fact that democratic elections in Africa could produce leadership in the right way,” stressing that “we are seeing that everywhere in Africa.”

While lauding the leadership of the Guinean President and congratulating the people, Prof.

Osinbajo described President

Delta Assembly passes resolution to stop sand dredging on River Ethiope

Conde as “a great leader, a person who has committed himself to developing his people; a leadership that focuses on development of infrastructure and human capital”.

In his remarks, President Conde expressed willingness for greater bilateral cooperation with Nigeria while seeking more support and assistance for the new administration.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Mr Evan Ighure, representing Ethiope East Constituency, said that sand dredging in the area was not only dangerous to human lives but also to fishes in the river.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion was unanimously adopted.

Meanwhile, the Assembly on Wednesday screened and confirmed the nominees for appoint-

Osinbajo

ment as chairman and members of the State Sport Commission.

The screening followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Tim Owhefere, and seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Oboro Preyor.

Those screened and confirmed were Mr Anthony Okowa, Chairman, as well as Mr Eddington Kuejubola, Mr Ogheneochuko Ambakederemo and Mrs Chinoye Daphey, as members.

New dates for cancelled Bayelsa gov poll soon – REC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

ever things did not go their way.

He also condemned some reports that sensationalised his story without proper investigation.

Kpagih added that after the election, he took time off with the permission of his boss, the INEC chairman, to take a deserved rest and see his family.

He stated: “Only for me to hear different sort of stories being bandied around that I have disappeared; that I was on the run; that I was this and I was that.

“I don’t know what they want from me. In Nigeria, when things are not going the way of some people, they start attacking individuals instead of the issues involved.

“I was baffled when I heard that I have run away and all sorts of things. I am fine and alive, but my major worry is that we are still doing things the way we have always done up till today. Instead of cross-checking facts, people just write things as they like”, he stressed.

Okowa

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Kwara CJ: Judges are no saints Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Kwara State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Suleiman Kawu has urged lawyers in Nigeria to muster the needed courage in the fight against menace of corruption in the judiciary. Justice Kawu added that based on the symbiotic working relationship between lawyers and judges, the former have the unique opportunity, moral and ethical responsibility “to expose the few bad eggs in our midst.” The Kwara CJ said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital at this year dinner/award night organised by the Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The jurist said that judges performance is significantly influenced by the conduct of lawyers. Said he: “My comment is on the impression being created in the media that the Nigerian judiciary is absmally corrupt. I must admit that judges are not saints and that as human beings they are fallible which is why we have some few bad eggs in our midst.

“This fact however, is not sufficient ground for a sweeping and indiscriminate and sometimes criminally reckeless castigation and condemnation of judges and the Nigerian judiciary as an institution.

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

“Some of us are worried and concerned that the loud and increasing waves of unsubstantiated

2016 BUDGET: Osun Speaker asks citizens to prepare for the worst

Gbajabiamila

Dogara

Bill to guarantee smooth transition of power passes second reading in House

allegations of corruption against judiciary is ceating negative impression about judges and eroding public confidence in the judiciary as an institution designed to enthrone the rule of law. This situation if left unchecked poses the danger of unwittingly advertising rule of force and anarchy as an alternative to the rule of law.

“Members of the bar should always act in accordance with their professional ethics and offer suggestions on how the judiciary can improve on her performance.

Members of the bar are closest to members of the bench as they practice and ply their trade in and around the courts”, the CJ stressed. Earlier, NBA caretaker chair, Joseph Bamigboye (SAN)

emphasised the imperativeness of unity amongst members of Ilorin branch of the association. The senior advocate of Nigeria added that “disagreements may and in practical reality is bound to arise, but we must iron them out in an atmosphere of dialogue, logical reasoning, persuasion, compelling argument and rational conclusion.

“It is unlike us to malign, attack, defame and exhibit traits of indiscipline in order to make a point. We are learned gentlemen and must comport ourselves at all times as such, we are gold and gold forbids that we rust. We must be above prevailing societal rot, and in our public and private conduct and utterances must like Caesar’s wife, be above board”, he added.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading the Bill seeking to institute a legal framework for smooth transfer of power from one government to another.

It is entitled ``A Bill for an Act to Provide for Smooth and Orderly Transfer of Power from one government to another; and for Other Matters Related Thereto.

One of the authors of the Bill, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos), said if the bill becomes an Act, it would facilitate hitch- free transmission of power from one government to another.

Gbajabiamila blamed series of accusations and counter accusations recorded during the transfer of power from the previous administration to the incumbent on lack of legal framework to guide the process.

According to him, the Bill makes provision for outgoing president and the presidentelect to have their teams on both sides who will ensure smooth transition. ``This is necessary for them to review the handover notes and acquire knowledge of the activities of Ministries, Departments

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

food, shelter, upkeep and other demands of life for the period of 12 months. “We have received the financial estimate for 2016 fiscal year from Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, but the picture does not suggest we are out of the woods yet, and the trickle-down effect of mindless looting of the immediate past administration at the national stage is hitting hard on all federating units called states, but with all hands on deck, hope is not lost”, Salaam said. He expressed optimism on the capaci-

ty of the Aregbesola-led administration to maneuver the financial situation in favour of the masses with modicum of justice for the elites, noting that the informal sector, agriculture and taxation would be turned to for rebooting the economy of the state. He assured that the mid-term economic framework of the federal government would reflate the economy across board. Furthermore, he lauded the resolve of the governor to paying attention to the completion of the ongoing

Justice Mahmoud Mohammed

At the moment, workers and pensioners in the state are owed salary arrears up to between six and eight months with the populace gnashing their teeth in abject poverty, lack and want. But Salaam in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Goke Butika, revealed that if all protocols and running of government were removed, each one of the three million population would be entitled to N50,000 for

and Agencies (MDAs) ’’, he said.

Gbajabiamila added that a section of the Bill had provision for the creation of the Office of Administrator-General who shall oversee transition after every general election.

The co-author of the Bill, Rep. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama (EdoPDP), said the framework would include the documentation and transmission of handover notes from one administration to another.

According to him, it also provides for the publication of same information in the official gazette. ``This will enable every Nigerian to access the performance of the outgone government and know where the incoming government is taking over from. ``There is no place under the law where you can access the past governments and what transpired’’, the lawmaker said.

The Minority Leader of the House, Leo Ogor (Delta-PDP), hailed the Bill, saying that it would address a lot of administrative issues related to handover of power.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara referred the Bill to the Committee on Justice.

infrastructural projects, saying that was good news amidst the looting, stealing and vandalization of the nation’s institutions, which has subjected the country to rot. He appealed to the people of the state to support the government for even distribution of resources. He also assured that the state parliament would through its oversight functions block all identifiable leakages in the state economy, and would partner with the people to contain any act of sabotage.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Put health before political ambition, Nigerian leaders told

Bolaji Omosanya, Ibadan Nigerian leaders have been advised not to sacrifice their health on the altar of political ambition as it smacks of desperation to attain power.

Former Presidential candidate of National Action Council, (NAC), Dr. Olapade Agoro expressed this view in a chat with the Daily Times in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

He was speaking against the backdrop of the unexpected death

of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Governorship Candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu in the penultimate gubernatorial election in Kogi State.

According to Agoro, most seekers of political offices shield their health status from the general public out of desperation to achieve political ambition or attain political offices.

He said that, although, anybody can die at anytime whether he is sick or not, but that in the case of Audu, people wre already aware that his health was not in proper

11 Politics

condition whilst he was gunning for the governorship seat of Kogi State.

“I’ve said it times without number that a lot of politicians in Nigeria work themselves to the brim. This informs why a good percentage of them spend a lot of time abroad looking for medical health.

“In the last 16 years or so, Nigerian leaders who have not travelled abroad for medical help can be counted on the ten fingers of one hand.

“Unfortunately, this is a drain

on the nation’s economy, a jamboree which entails a huge national cost to foreign exchange.” Dr. Agoro added.

He, however, said that Audu’s death was not only “ a thunderbolt in dry season”, but that it has thrown a new political poser to the political system of the country since the death of Former President Umar Musa Yar’adua which culminated in Former President Goodluck Jonathan assuming power through the unprecedented and hitherto strange doctrine of necessity.

Minister inaugurates 3rd Nigerian Youth Parliament The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, on Wednesday inaugurated the third session of the Nigeria Youth Parliament in Abuja.

Dalung, while inaugurating the session at the National Assembly complex Abuja, blamed past leaders of the parliament and other youth leaders for the many crises in the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). ``Our responsibility in the ministry is to make good these policies that are contained in the youth policies and policies of the federal government. ``But the Nigeria youth must be ready to create environment conductive for us to discharge these responsibilities’’, he said.

Dalung frowned at the leadership crisis currently rocking the NYCN, adding that the youth might not be able to contribute to nation-building with the crisis.

The minister charged the in-

coming members of the parliament to take up the responsibility of achieving peace in NYCN, adding that there was need to restore sanity into the council.

He said that the fragmentation of NYCN which has lasted for some time has resulted in six people laying claims to the leadership of the council.

Dalung expressed concern at the way and manner the ideals and virtues which used to endear the organisation to the public had been eroded.

This, he said has give way to blatant pursuit of personal interest and unabashed materialism by the present day selfacclaimed leaders of the council, at the expense of Nigerian youths.

Dalung said that the parliament was a major stakeholder in the change agenda of the present administration and called on the members to do everything possible to restore sanity.

Earlier, the outgoing Presi-

Dalung

dent of the parliament, Mr Hussaini MaiBasira, urged members of the parliament to see their selection as an honour and service to the nation.

He urged the incoming leaders to uphold the sanity of the parliament while calling for the support of the National Assembly in achieving its goals and objectives.

Mr Abba Waziri, the outgoing Speaker of Parliament, said the essence of leadership was to groom good leaders that would replace the ageing ones.

He said that the parliament was breeding quality leaders for a better Nigeria.

The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Youth Council, Ahmed Adamu, urged the parliament to deliberate on issues of youth development targeted at improving the lives of the Nigerian youths.

He said youth development targets and indicators must be the aim of the parliament if success must be achieved.

Lagos NUJ urges FG to repair federal roads before reintroducing toll gates The Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Federal Government to repair roads across the country before reintroducing toll gates.

The union made the call in a communiqué issued on Wednesday from its 2015 end-of-year congress.

The communiqué, which was made available to the News Agen-

cy of Nigeria (NAN), was signed by the chairman of the council, Mr Deji Elumoye.

It asked for major repair of federal roads across the country in the interest of the citizenry, before the planned re-introduction of toll gates on highways in the country by the federal government.

It also commended the Lagos State Government for acquiring

new security equipment, including helicopters and patrol vehicles, meant to improve security in the state.

The union called on security operatives, especially the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the state government, to properly use the facilities for safety of lives and property during the yuletide and beyond.

On electricity, the congress

urged the federal government to step up the stability of power, especially in major cosmopolitan cities like Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

The union also advised the management of The Champion Newspapers to pay the over 30 months salary arrears owed its workers.

The council warned that noncompliance may force the NUJ

to disrupt the Annual Insurance Lecture of the organisation scheduled for Lagos later in December.

It also called on other media houses owing workers to pay up.

The congress also condemned the Anti-Social Media Bill which has passed second reading at the Senate, describing it as ``another deliberate attempt to gag the media’’.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Kogi factional Speaker, four others attacked Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja

ÎÎÎSuspected

thugs, on Wednesday, attacked the factional Speaker of Kogi state House of Assembly, Godwin Osiyi, smashing his official vehicle and that of three other members in his group.

Our correspondent reports that the thugs, armed with machetes and other weapons invaded Reverton Hotels, Lokoja, where the factional Speaker and some members of his group were having a meeting.

It was learnt that the official vehicles of the Majority Leader, Prince Kolawole, the factional deputy Speaker, John Abah, and another vehicle belonging to the member representing Ofu Constituency,

were badly damaged by the thugs.

Addressing journalists after the incident, the factional Speaker, Godwin Osiyi alleged that the thugs loyal to the allegedly impeached Speaker, Momoh Jimoh Lawal orchestrated the attack on him and his members.

He alleged that the thugs arrived the hotel in an official Hilux van belonging to the embattled Speaker (Momoh Jimoh), while adding that the thugs were led by a younger brother to the Speaker.

According to Osiyi, there had been series of threats of attack on his members after the impeachment saga that happened at the assembly last Thursday, a situation he said

made him to write a petition to the Police and the Department of the State Security Services (DSS) in the state.

“We have to be sleeping from one hotel to the other to avoid this ugly incident but naturally you cannot be roaming the streets. We were in the hotel when we started hearing gunshots and sounds of machetes. When we came out, we saw our vehicles vandalized”, he said.

He said the Majority Leader, Prince Kolawole had earlier in the day escaped attack from the suspected thugs while on his way to the bank, explaining that they were at the hotel to address the matter when another attack was launched on them.

Osiyi said members of its group remain resolute and would not be intimidated to back down by any amount of threats, adding that the matter has been reported to the police.

But in a swift reaction, the embattled Speaker, Momoh Jimoh Lawal denied having any hand in the said attacks, saying he was a peaceful and humble person who does not believe in violence.

“I did not send anyone to go and attack anybody; I have no business there, I’m a humble person and I condemn it in its entirety. I have been in my house since morning and I don’t know what happened at Reverton. I’m not part of want happened there”, he said.

He said the state governor,

Idris Wada called all the two groups together on Tuesday night to mediate in the impasse, adding that the governor had resolved the matter and urged them to work together.

“His Excellency told us to be one house, that a house that is divided cannot stand. And because we are transiting to a new government now, we don’t want anything to happen. I’m not a party to any person that carried out the attack” Jimoh added.

He disclosed that his younger brother is a decent person and could not have led the said attack as alleged, adding that the allegations were meant to rundown his good image before the public.

Achalla community launches N20m appeal fund Nduka Uzuakpundu

ÎÎÎA

R-L: Bishop, Awgu Catholic Diocese, John Okoye; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Bishop, Nsukka Diocese, Godfrey Igwebuike Onah and Bishop, Enugu Diocese, Calistus Onaga after a closed door meeting with the governor at Government House, Enugu… on Wednesday.

We’ll take Oyo out of economic doldrums, says Ajimobi Akinjide Akintola

ÎÎÎThe

Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has appealed to citizens of the state not to despair in the face of the tottering economy of the state, assuring them that his administration has embarked on massive reengineering and restructuring that will soon take the state out of the woods.

The governor made the appeal while addressing the congregation during a thanksgiving service in honour of his 66th birthday at the Government House Chapel, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

At the event were the gov-

ernor’s wife, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, the children, family, friends and associates.

According to him, part of the efforts by the administration will yield dividends in the next year, which he said would shore up the internally generated revenue from the current N1.2bn to N3.5bn.

Ajimobi said that the pervading economic depression would bring out the best in him as an experienced manager of men and resources.

He said, “I want to use this opportunity to assure our people that the government is doing everything possible to take the state out of its present financial chal-

lenges. The result will begin to manifest very soon.

“The economy of Oyo State will be buoyant again.

We have latent potential, which we are going to unleash. I make bold to say that in the next one year, our monthly Internally-Generated Revenue will move from N1.2bn to N3.5bn. And in the next two years, it will move up to N5bn.

“We’ve worked it out. We will attain it, I can assure you. This bad economy will separate the boys from the men in prudent economic management.”

Ajimobi said that he would devote his second term to the attainment of four cardinal goals, part of

which he said was the revamping of the economy through diversification and restructuring, as well as improvement in social and physical infrastructure.

The governor also said that he would ensure that agriculture was given priority attention, exuding confidence that it had the potential to be the largest employer of labour, ahead of information technology.

Besides, he promised to overhaul the education sector through massive infrastructural rehabilitation, as well as training and capacity building of teachers, expressing worries that incompetent teachers still existed in the system.

retired Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and one of the leaders of Achalla Community in Lagos, Chief Edwin Achum, has challenged the people to continue to live up to the ideals of the founding fathers of Achalla Community, so that posterity would be fair to them.

Achum expressed optimism, at the Achalla Town Hall, in Surulere, Lagos, the venue of a N20-million fund-raising event, that come 2016, the Lagos-based Achalla people would have a good cause to celebrate a brighter and more hilarious occasion.

The expected fund is for the construction of a proposed multi-purpose town hall in their home town, Umuezede, in Anambra State.

The Chief Launcher, Chief Akachukwu Nwafee, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aka God Ventures disclosed that the proposed town hall would be a modern computer and vocational training centre, with a rich library and other modern facilities. His financial donation was the spur for a flood of cash and material responses.

Bogoro

TETFund boss tasks govs on basic education Augustine Okezie, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Executive Secre-

tary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Prof Suleiman Elias Bogoro has urged state governors to channel more resources and funding to develop basic education in their respective states, considering the fact that products of basic education acts as the feeder pillar to the tertiary institutions Professor Bogoro made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja when Governor of Zamfara state and Chairman Governor’s Forum, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, and his entourage paid him curtsey visit in his office.

EEDC secures five convictions in South East Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎThe Enugu Electric-

ity Distribution Company (EEDC), disclosed on Wednesday that it has secured five convictions of suspects within the five Southeast states of its coverage area within the last one week.

The convictions is part of the over 50 cases of vandalism of her facilities which the company has recorded in the zone since January this year.

EEDC’s Head of Communications, Eugene Aniowo, who disclosed this in a statement in Enugu, said that the affected persons were convicted for various degrees of offences, ranging from tampering, destroying and stealing of armored cables, transformer oils, transformers, meters, injection substations, conductors and other electricity supply equipment by the Federal High Court, sitting in Enugu, Abakaliki and Owerri.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

13 Foreign News Greece bailout reforms advance in Parliament

ÏÏÏLawmakers in Greece have

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) talks to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ahead of a meeting in Moscow, Russia, December 15, 2015.

approved new legislation on banking and utility reforms demanded

by European lenders in exchange for another $1.1 billion in bailout funds that Athens needs immediately to pay its bills.

All 153 members of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ leftist-led coalition approved the draft legislation Tuesday, with all 138 opposition lawmakers voting against the measures.

Tuesday’s legislation includes a new pay scale for civil servants and provisions granting banks the right to sell some bad business loans to overseas funds.

Labor unions opposing the reforms staged two separate protests Tuesday night in central Athens, with about 2,000 people participating in the peaceful marches.

Analysts had predicted the measures would pass, in part because voting on some of the most volatile items - including highly controversial pension reforms - had been postponed until early next year. The fate of those reforms is expected to determine whether the International Monetary Fund will join other lenders in participating in the third installment of an overall bailout package worth $98 billion.

US, Russia make progress on Syria ÏÏÏThe United States and Rus-

sia appear to have bridged some of their differences on war-ravaged Syria, with Moscow endorsing a plan for a third round of talks in New York this Friday to discuss a political transition.

Russia announced its support for the plan late Tuesday after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

“While we don’t see eye to eye on every aspect of Syria, we see Syria fundamentally similarly,” said Kerry. He said the U.S. and Russia identify the same challenges and dangers, and want the

same outcome.

Lavrov said Moscow and Washington agreed to intensify counterterrorism efforts, coordinate more closely on military activity and continue work on listing terrorist organizations in Syria.

Lavrov said that after the talks take place in New York on Friday, the International Syria Support Group, or ISSG, hopes to submit a draft resolution to the U.N. with provisions for a transition in Syria.

In mid-November, the ISSG held a second round of talks in Vienna and agreed on a broad plan for the transition. Representatives of Syrian opposition groups

Rwandan opposition leader urges a ‘No’ vote in referendum ÏÏÏA Rwandan opposition lead-

er is asking Rwandans to vote “no” during Thursday and Friday’s national referendum that would allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third seven-year term in 2017.

Kagame, 58, headed the army that ended the 1994 Rwandan genocide and ousted Hutu extremists from power. He had been Rwanda’s vice president and became president himself in 2000 after the resignation of his predecessor.

Frank Habineza, leader and founder of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda said he believes the current two-term limit would allow the emergence of new leadership.

If the referendum is approved, it would also make Kagame eligible to run for two additional fiveyear terms.

Habineza said if President Kagame insists on maintaining himself in power it could spark violence similar to what is happening in neighboring Burundi.

“We are asking the people to vote no because we believe that the constitution is better guaranteed if we have a two term limit, and for us to have continuity of security we need to have a peaceful transfer of power. But also we need to have promotion of new talents, new leaders so that we can also have new promises and new development,” he said.

Supporters say it’s not President Kagame who is seeking to perpetuate himself in power but rather the millions of eligible Rwandan voters who petitioned their lawmakers during a nationwide consultative tour to change Article 101 of the constitution.

Obama

also held similar talks last week in Riyadh.

The ISSG agreed to try to bring Syrian and government opposi-

AU: Crisis in Burundi of great concern

ÏÏÏThe African Union says a

team sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Burundi received reports of torture, arbitrary killings, targeted assassinations and detentions which are of “great concern.”

A delegation of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights said in a statement on Tuesday that an attack Friday of three military facilities by an unidentified group that left at least 87 people dead, has led to an escalation of violence and human rights violations.

Burundi has been in turmoil since President Pierre Nkurunziza sought re-election in April despite a two- term limit imposed by the constitution. The April announcement of Nkurunziza’s candidacy sparked street protests that boiled over into an attempted coup in May.

tion representatives into U.N.mediated talks by January. It also voiced support for a cease-fire and the establishment of credible, inclusive governance within six months and free and fair elections within 18 months.

Kerry said the ISSG and the moderate Syrian opposition were in agreement that this does not mean that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has to step down at the beginning of the process. It remains unclear if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will cooperate with the plan.

A U.S.-led coalition and Russia have launched airstrikes against militant targets in Syria, but the

United States has repeatedly criticized Russian efforts, saying most of its strikes have targeted the Syrian opposition rather than Islamic State extremists.

In a sign that U.S.-Russia relations remain strained over airstrikes in Syria, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday U.S. “surgical” strikes against Islamic State should not boil down to “plastic surgery,” which only masks the problem without solving it.

“We need to be smart, targeting ISIL, surgically, with precision,” U.S. President Barack Obama had said Monday, using another acronym for Islamic State.

3 suspects linked to Paris terrorist attacks arrested ÏÏÏFrench

police arrested a 29-year-old man Tuesday in the Paris region as raids continue across France in pursuit of suspects in last month’s attacks claimed by Islamic State, French media reported.

As part of a vast investigation into the attacks that left 130 people dead and more 350 injured, police have conducted 2,700 raids and placed 360 people under house arrest, French authorities said.

The Paris prosecutor’s office also said police arrested a man and a woman in northern France on suspicion of helping to secure firearms for the man who attacked a kosher supermarket in January. The arrests came nearly a year after the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo magazine and the supermarket left 17 people dead.

The arrests of eight men in con-

nection with last month’s Paris attacks have occurred in Belgium, where the attacks are thought to have been organized. One man has been detained in Turkey on suspicion of scouting the concert hall, bars and restaurants where the attacks took place.

Three of the nine attackers have yet to be identified, including two of the three suicide bombers who blew themselves up outside Stade de France. The third unidentified man suspected to have participated in the shooting attacks on the terraces of restaurants and bistros died alongside the ringleader in a shootout with police November 18.

A 26-year-old French citizen suspected to have played a key logistical role is still on the run and subject to an international arrest warrant.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Reps direct NERC to suspend electricity tariff hike Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe House of

Representatives, on Wednesday, directed the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend the planned increase in electricity tariff until the House concludes its investigation into the activities of

actors in the power sector.

This position was communicated to the electricity regulatory agency by the House’s ad hoc committee investigating the activities of Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCO), as it relates to infrastructure and billing.

The ad hoc committee, in a letter dated December

15, and addressed to the NERC, reminded the commission of previous communications between it and the agency, in which it was agreed that actions be suspended on the proposed upward review of electricity tariff in the country.

The Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Rep. Babajimi Benson, referred

NERC to previous correspondence in respect of the above subject and, in particular, made reference to an earlier letter dated October 29, 2015, in which the committee requested the commission to suspend the implementation of any planned increase in electricity tariff until the committee concluded its inves-

tigations.

“Further recall that at the joint investigative hearing with the committee on power, it was agreed that any tariff increase should be suspended until all stakeholders are carried along.

“Our attention has been drawn to various news items published in many

Group vows to support Lagos on logistics, transport

Kwara to enact environmental, traffic laws Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

Marion Evabor

ÏÏÏThe Kwara State Gov-

ernment is to enact laws on Environmental and Traffic Offences as part of strategies to promote environmental cleanliness and ensure sanity on state roads.

The State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, gave this indication while speaking with journalists at the Ilorin International Airport.

He said that while the upgrading of existing law on traffic and environmental offences were to deal with increased human and vehicular population and attendant environmental issues, they would also focus on ensuring compliance.

“We must be proactive to cope with the issues of environmental sanitation and traffic challenges as Kwara State is gradually evolving into a commercial hub with increasing population”, the governor explained.

Ahead of the 2016 budget, Ahmed said his administration had succeeded in reducing the state’s overhead expenditure as over N700 million was saved from leakages in the system.

Gov. Abdulfatah

newspapers of Tuesday, December 13, 2015, to the effect that your commission had concluded plans to announce the new electricity tariff to Nigerians this week. It is our opinion that any plan by your commission to announce new electricity tariff will run contrary to the spirit of the letter under reference and undermine the outcome of the investigative hearing by this committee as it relates to infrastructure and billing by Electricity Distribution Companies”, the House letter read.

ÏÏÏThe

Vehicles impounded by Lagos State Governor’s convoy for driving against traffic at ijora… on Wednesday.

Bill on N’ East Devt Commission scales second reading in Senate Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÏÏÏEfforts

by Senators from the North-East zone of Nigeria to ensure the establishment of the North East Development Commission received a boost, on Wednesday, as the Senate passed for second reading, two bills which proposed a law for creation of the commission.

The bills were sponsored by the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume (All Progressives Congress - Borno South) and Kabiru Gaya (APC -Kano South), while the Senate considered the concurrently.

If created the commission if will tackle development challenges being faced in zone, where the effect of Boko Haram insurgency has been most intense with thousands of

residents in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa state rendered homeless.

Senators from the zone had, last week, drummed support for the bill among their colleagues, while they held a crucial meeting with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on their efforts to ensure the creation of North-East Development Commission to address the challenges being faced by the people.

One of the Bills, “For an Act to Establish the NorthEast Development Commission in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to address the devastation caused by insurgency and other connected matters (2015) was sponsored by Senator Kabir Gaya (APC-Kano South) Ndume sponsored the second Bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to Establish North-

East Development Commission charged with the responsibility to, among other things, receive and manage funds from allocation of the federation account and international donors for the settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency and for other related matters (2015)”.

Leading debate on the bills, Ndume said the NorthEast region, which was once full of life, was now a shadow of itself having been devastated by activities of insurgents since 2009.

Ndume lamented that the incident had adversely affected the socio-economic activities of the people in the region.

He said that the Boko Haram insurgents had turned women into widows and

children into orphans and instilled fear in law abiding citizens.

“They have destroyed villages, attacked properties and have engaged our military in warfare that has wasted natural and human resources.

“The states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa are the worst affected states in terms of human casualty, infrastructural vandalism, high rate of internally displaced persons, extreme poverty.

“The massive destruction of roads, schools, bridges, places of worship and other infrastructures, over 10.5 million out-of-school students have been recorded, while over two million people are internally displaced across the region and other neighbouring countries,” he said.

Chairman of Chartered Institute of Logistic and Transport System (CILT), Chief Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi, has promised to support the effort to expand logistics and transport system in Lagos State.

According to Sarumi who said, on Wednesday, that looking at all feasible options to improve and expand logistics and transport system in the state, the ministry of transport at all level were conscious of a need to improve and ease urban mobility in the state.

He said that the state’s ministry of transportation was looking at stepping up safety on the roads, water ways, and also planned to reduce the holistic traffic jam on some of the roads.

AEDC to distribute 5, 000 smart metres in Minna Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏThe

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), on Wednesday, said that it would commence free distribution of prepaid smart metres to 5, 000 targeted electricity consumers in Tunga area of Minna in Niger State.

The Deputy Regional Manager of AEDC in Niger, Dr. Mazi Akubuko, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Times in Minna.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

15 Opinion

When democratic rule becomes organised crime

F E.O. Eke

or years, I have argued that Nigeria is run like a criminal cartel with a president, president of the senate and governors who have enormous power of patronage and leverage to break the law.

The evidence emanating from the investigation of the last National security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki has revealed the moral bankruptcy and shear criminality of those who weld power in Nigeria.

I am not a fan of president Muhammadu Buhari. However, I must hasten to add that his fight against corruption has not been far reaching enough.

He is yet to show boldness and imagination in confronting the real big monsters behind corruption in Nigeria. The president must know that without extending the search light to Tinubu, Amaechi, Peter Odili, many ex governors and senators, Obasanjo and Babangida ‘s governments; and following it up with institutional reforms and legislations to plug the identified loop holes, many will see his effort as cosmetic.

It is not enough to target the past national security adviser. All

past National security advisers and defence ministers, ministers of transport, Agriculture and all the ministers of ministries, where billions were spent without visible result since 1984, must be probed.

The ease with which governors’ loot the state treasury must be addresses and renumeration of all politicians reviewed downwards to reflect the economic reality of Nigeria.

In a country where the monthly minimum wage is less than $100.00, outrageous, scandalous and criminal are not strong enough to describe governors earning five $5,000.00 a day as estacode for foreign trips, in addition to their salary allowances and security vote, while at the same time, retaining the power to approve such trips, its duration and authorise the payment.

Revelations show that Governor Oshimole approved for himself, a 17 day trip to the US, while in many schools in his state, children sit on the floor to learn.

It is therefore not surprising that many governors make more foreign trips than they visit schools and hospitals in their state. Foreign travel is another ingenious way to loot the treasury and impoverish

the country.

In spite of evidence that successive senate presidents and speakers of house of representative have abused their office to enrich themselves through procurement of vehicles, houses for legislators and bank loans on behalf of legislators, nothing has been done to stop this.

The current senate has budgeted more than N4 billion for cars for senators, that will be converted to personal property after four years.

How can that be morally justifiable in a country, where millions of youth roam the streets without jobs and the country lack basic infrastructure?

Sadly, reforms that will turn Nigeria into a fair and accountable democracy under the rule of law are not being pursued.

Why is there no attempt to reform the civil service so that civil servants can serve the state, rather than government in power? Why should governors retain the right to appoint permanent secretaries in face of what is known about how this arrangement aids corruption?

When will Nigeria taken away from governors the right to appoint director generals or permanent secretaries?

In a country with the kind of

problem Nigeria has, it is scandalous that in six months, the senate has not passed a single progressive legislation.

Instead, the senators are planning to criminalise free speech.

By openly supporting the senate president in the criminal case brought against him and, voting to support the granting of immunity to its members, the senate is saying that it supports criminality.

There is no reason why the people should not pass vote of no confidence on the senate and consider dissolving it. What one sees is a senate, which is genetically corrupt with majority of members, who are not fit for the position they occupy.

The recycling of ex governors as senators is another reason why the attempt to address corruption in Nigeria will fail. They have no other aim, but to escape prosecution for looting their states.

As the days go by, the government looks more and more like organised crime in action and Nigeria needs a new generation of leaders with moral compass, who understand how to build free, fair and accountable democratic society based on the rule of law to enhance peaceful coexistence.

How religious houses pose health hazard

T

Levi Obijiofor

he decision by the Lagos State government to shut down more than 53 churches, mosques, and hotels on grounds for noise pollution should be commended.

Lagos has done what other states are afraid of doing. The decision is indeed long overdue. A government that seeks to govern in the interests of the citizens must be firm in matters that concern public health.

General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Adebola Shabi, who announced the decision said: “You cannot have makeshift structures and say you want to be conducting services or vigils there. Therefore, the government will not allow the use of makeshift structures as a church or mosque... Noise should not be above 55 decibel during the day 45 decibel at night. In industrial areas, 90 decibel of noise level is in the day, and 80 decibel at night.”

While the general manager clarified the law that relates to the levels of noise permitted in residential and industrial areas, I would be surprised if many people knew the allowable levels of noise in different locations. Many people do not even know they have the right to defend

themselves against exposure to undue noise.

I am mystified by how we are able to live, work, sleep, eat, drink, and walk around in the pandemonium of noise from churches, mosques, and hotels. I have often wondered whether Nigerians are, by nature, resistant to the effects of excessive noise.

Civil society organisations cannot claim to be ignorant of the impact that extreme noise can have on the health of citizens.

The war against noise pollution is not a battle the Lagos State government should fight alone. Whatever happens now, it is noteworthy that the Lagos State government has started the fight.

We do not have to live and suffer in silence. When we are roused from sleep in the middle of the night by preachers using loud speakers and we do nothing about it, we confirm that we are a spineless breed. Noise pollution by religious organisations and entertainment houses is a form of bullying. A society that cannot defend its rights and interests is a victim of mental health tormenters.

Religious organisations continue to bombard us with noise in extremely inappropriate time of day and night because they know we are cowardly and timorous. Nothing

exposes our lack of courage when we keep silent in the face of exploitation and mistreatment by other members of society.

I have heard some people ask whether the various religious groups that drench neighbourhoods with noise in unholy hours do so because of the mistaken belief that the Nigerian God could be hearingimpaired. What do religious organisations aim to achieve by preaching deafeningly and noisily in the all in the name of glorifying the same God many people worship.

Why do community groups, neighbourhood leaders, opinion leaders, and civil society keep quiet in the face of such nuisance? Why has everyone refused to reclaim his or her right to sleep peacefully at night? Surely, as the Lagos State government has explained, there is a law against noise pollution. After a hard day’s work, everyone deserves a period of serenity.

If religious leaders and their flock claim the right to practice their religion, they should be reminded that their right must not infringe on other citizens. If everyone clings to his or her rights without acknowledging that other people have equal rights, it would be difficult for all of us to occupy the same space in a peaceful and respectful way.

It is true that religion has become the opium of a majority of people.

Fair enough!.

Strangely, what some religious leaders preach to members of their congregation is not in harmony with the basic religious creed of goodness to humanity. Some of the leaders have been arrested and convicted on gross crimes such as paedophilia, rape, adultery, stealing, cheating, spreading falsehood, embezzlement of other people’s property and money, and corruption.

We live in a nation of pretenders and unreliable men and women who dazzle members of their congregation and are therefore seen, unfortunately, as immaculate symbols of honesty, integrity, faithfulness, and incorruptibility.

It is insensitive for religious leaders to attempt to entrap innocent and law-abiding members of our society through noisy late night sermons.

It is the responsibility of the Federal and state governments to ensure that the fundamental rights of citizens are not breached on the ground of narrow religious beliefs and doctrines. Governments and institutions must move quickly to check the growing public disturbance that noisy religious houses have caused to citizens.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December17, 2015

Features

17

Æs

Doctors performing an operation

Kidney Transplant: LASUTH rekindles patients’ hope of survival Until recently, the only hope kidney disease sufferers had for successful transplant was either in India, Europe or America. But when doctors from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) successfully conducted the first kidney transplantation in the institution last November, it not only raised the hope of survival for patients living with kidney conditions in the country, it especially opened the doorway to a wider, specialised treatments of relative health complications in the African Continent.

Akojede Olarenwaju of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the surgery carried out on a 56-yearold man on Nov. 11, 2015 by a team of nine doctors, involved the patient’s 26-year-old

nephew who donated one of his kidneys.

An alarming statistics recently stated that no fewer than 37 million Nigerians, representing 23 per cent of the population are suffering from various stages of kidney diseases.

Simply put, one in every seven Nigerians is suffering from one form of kidney disorder, according to Dr Ebun Bamgboye, the President, Nigeria Association of Nephrology and Chief Medical Director, St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.

The virulent nature of the diseases has left Nigerian patients with many challenges in treating kidney problems, leading to many who are indigent dying untimely.

The few who are wealthy travel overseas for treatment on regular basis leading to capital flight of several millions of Naira from the country.

The cardiac centre today offers hope of survival to the many Nigerians suffering from kidney disease.

Patients can now heave a sigh of relief as they will not have to source for millions of Naira to travel for treatment overseas before

The burden and the belief in the old dictum that ‘health is wealth’ led the former Babatunde Fashola-led administration to move to alleviate the plights of those suffering from kidney disease.

The administration then conceived a modern Cardiac and Renal Centre (CNC) in the state.

To realise the feat, the government upgraded the Ikeja General Hospital to a University Teaching Hospital, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), affiliated to the Lagos State University (LASU).

And subsequently, it upgraded the Gbagada General Hospital to an annex of LASUTH. Sooner than later, it started the N5 billion CNC project in 2008 and completed it in 2013 at the Gbagda Annex of LASUTH.

Continued on page 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December17, 2015

No fewer than 37 million Nigerians are suffering from kidney diseases - Statistics Continued from page 17 The centre today offers hope of survival to the many Nigerians suffering from kidney disease.

Patients can now heave a sigh of relief as they will not have to source for millions of Naira to travel for treatment overseas before they can find solutions to their ailments.

It is in the public domain that between 2008 and 2014, the Lagos State Government under Fashola, sponsored very sick people overseas at tax payers’ expense.

There were 28 renal cases that benefited from the state’s gesture.

Also there were 11 renal cases that were sponsored for kidney transplant, dialysis and posttransplant immunosuppressant at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos.

It is pertinent to state that prior to the LASUTH, Ikeja, achieving the breakthrough, St. Nicholas Hospital was the only institution offering the service in the country.

But with the realisation of the dream by LASUTH, the pains of raising so much money to go for treatment overseas will be reduced.

The CNC operation has begun to attract the best medical personnel in the treatment of renal treatments to return to Nigeria to render their services.

Thus, brain gain is beginning to gather momentum as against the brain drain syndrome the country suffered from some years ago.

Fashola at the inauguration of the centre described it as the best in Africa, built and equipped with the best modern facilities obtainable in the developed countries of the world.

“The centre is equipped with 24 dialysis bed stations, 20 beds for recovery and general ward use, two high dependency wards with five beds each for patients who have come out of the intensive care.

“Five beds for patients in intensive care, four post-surgery beds for patients who just finished surgery, two post cathlab beds and

two surgical theatres built to the most contemporary standard to cater for people who are critically ill.”

The theatres where kidneys and hearts can be removed and transplanted will also serve as lecture rooms for students.

“There are cameras fitted into the surgical sumps which will project images and voices of what is happening in the theatre to the ground floor,’’ he said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, says the idea of establishing the CNC was to lessen the burden of communicable disease in the state.

Before the successful transplantation, barely seven months after the CNC was opened, the centre, arguably a pacesetter in Nigeria’s health industry, was already offering services to renal patients.

The giant strides of Mr BabatundeFashola’s administration in the health sector of Lagos State, has today opened a new vista for saving the lives of people with kidney conditions.

The team of LASUTH doctors

One of the wards at the centre

Fashola on tour of departments of the centre

who performed the unique feat are Drs Jacob Awobusuyi, who led them, OduanyoIkuero, Funmilade Omisanjo, and Kayode Abolarin - all Neophrologists.

Others are Drs Theophilus Umeizudike, MumuniAmisu, Tunde Akinola, Biyi Majekodunmi, Adebanjo and Matron Adamson, assisted by LASUTH pharmacists among others.

They were unambiguous in telling the world that they were set to conduct more of such surgeries; so, it is for Nigerians to take advantage of that and help to save people dying of kidney diseases.

In doing that, they also believed that it would to an extent save the country the huge capital flight and attract medical tourism to Nigeria.

Some members of the team spoke about their experiences, future of transplantation in Nigeria and other sundry issues on kidney disease.

The Head of the transplant team, Dr Jacob Awobusuyi, a Consultant Nephrologist and Associate Professor of Medicine, said the experience was quite educative, satisfying and rewarding.

Awobusuyi, who obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at University of Ilorin in 1983, said he never thought he could enjoy the cooperation of the entire hospital and this made him appreciative of a fully motivated staff, who contributed immensely to the success of the first kidney transplant. He said the team is composed of highly motivated doctors, surgeons and nurses who were all up to the task.

“The nurses had to sacrifice a lot by staying back for three days without going home to take care of the kidney transplant recipient. We are ready for future transplants. We already have some lined up for the next transplant; we are looking at the middle of January for the next

set of transplants if they pass the test,’’ he said.

Awobusuyi had his postgraduate studies at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, after which he started working with the Lagos State Health Management Board in 1994 as a Consultant Nephrologist.

Awobusuyi is also the pioneer Head of Gbagada Dialysis Centre and many general hospitals in Lagos State.

Dr Theophilus Umeizudike, Consultant Nephrologist, LASUTH, said it was meant to be the flagship of his career and a way of contributing to the society by giving life to people.

“After my experience in Germany, I said to myself, this can be adapted to our local practice here. So, I and my colleagues started tinkering on this for about three years.

“Sometime last year, we had a team from Sao Paulo in Brazil that told us that what we have in facilities are comparable to what they have in Brazil.

“With this we are told, we can have transplant in LASUTH. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for them to give us technical support and help us with the procedure. ``We went to Brazil for some training and returned home.

This year we realised that we have garnered enough experience to be able to have the first transplant.

“This we proposed with a team of indigenous doctors and surgeons who are working in LASUTH. We want to give Lagosians the opportunity of local content,’’ he said.

Umeizudike said they were confident about this because those that often travelled to India came back home to continue with their recuperation with some coming back worse off.

Continued on page 19

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December17, 2015

19 Features

Flashback to the commissioning of the centre by former Gov Fashola

We are ready for future transplants - Awobusuyi Continued from page 18 “We offer a comparative costadvantage over treatment done abroad, and people need also to be convinced that treatment here is guaranteed, of quality and cost-effective.”

Umeizudike also said that carrying out the transplant here could put a check on medical tourism associated with kidney transplant in Nigeria.

“If people can be honest with themselves, they should appreciate that kidney transplant is available locally at a cheaper cost. We are confident about our capability when it comes to the operation.

“Before we had the operation, we were confident that the operation would be successful and we are happy to see that the patient who had been on dialysis is now normal.

“It is a success story and we are happy that the patient is recuperating well. It is not easy to do a transplant because things may go wrong but we thank God we are able to overcome and the complication rate at low level,’’ he said.

On the future of transplant and the risk factors of kidney disease, he said that in most transplant centres abroad like Cambridge in England, they do one live transplant donation every week which is usually on Tuesdays and that is about 50 to 52 in a year.

“Apart from that, there is deceased donation where someone dead can have the kidney harvested and given to people on waiting list, which happens anytime.

“Here, we may look at having at least one in every month and when we are more stable and have the capacity we will look at having two in a month.

“As time goes on, we can then have one every week which is what we are aiming at ultimately,’’ he said.

Umeizudike said the prevalence of kidney disease in Nigeria was largely due to the lifestyle of the people and dietary habits.

“Studies done in Nigeria showed that about 15 to 25 per cent of the Nigerian population may likely have kidney problem because of their style of living.

“In Nigeria, the major cause of renal failure is hypertension followed by diabetes, and also a condition of infectious disease and inflammation affecting the kidney function and structure.

“Also our diets are beginning to move away from what it used to be, we now consume complex carbohydrates and simple sugar. Other causes are HIV and urinary tract infections. The age susceptible to renal failure is usually, in developed world, about 60 years and above but in Nigeria it is between 30 and 40 years,’’ he said.

Comparing the cost between dialysis and transplant, Umeizudike said transplant is cost-effective and manageable compared to dialysis.

“Dialysis is initiated in people with renal failure. It is a process whereby the patient’s blood is passed through blood filter which removes nitrogenous waste from the kidney.

“A dialysis for the first time costs about N60, 000 to N70, 000 because of various tests that will accompany it but after the first session, it drops to N20, 000 and N25, 000. ``Renal failure is not a death sentence, but very expensive to manage and treat. After treatment, we look at the survival rate of the graft between 95 and 98 per cent.

After five years it drops to 80 per cent and by 10 years between 60 and 70 per cent and if the first one failed there is option to have a second transplant,’’ he said.

Umeizudike said that transplant allowed the patient to recover from erectile dysfunction and for the females they would be able to conceive again.

He started his journey in medical practice by obtaining his first degree in 1995 at University of Ibadan, and had his post-graduate at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in 2007.

He was awarded the Fellowship of West African College of

Physicians in 2008.

Umeizudike was sponsored to Germany in 2009 by the government to observe the clinical practice. Thereafter, he became a Fellow of International Institute of Nephrologists and honorary Consultant at Lister Hospital London.

“Having qualified as a Nephrologist, I want to use my profession to help people with renal failure and to get the bestlocally having been exposed to the best care.’’

Another member of the team, Dr MumuniAmisu also a Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, said there were two types of renal diseases.

“One is the acute renal disease and the other chronic renal failure. Acute is for short time and could be well treated.

Amisu, who had his first degree at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and proceeded to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for his post-graduate programme, said the chronic is devastating and difficult to manage. The cause of renal failure is largely due to lifestyle, while there are few cases of inheritance.

“Chronic kidney disease may require dialysis and transplant and very expensive to manage,’’ he said.

However, he advised the public to watch out for the symptoms of renal failure and make sure they

presented early for treatments which, he said, was preferable.

“Symptoms the public should watch out for are frequent vomiting, nausea, hiccups, facial swelling and when urine begins to foam, this shows the absence of protein in the urine,’’ he said.

In all, their efforts collectively have opened up vistas for kidney patients to get care at a cost cheaper than going overseas for treatment.

The implications are that the patients who could afford the cost of treatment are saved the cost of flight for both the patient and donor and other sundry expenses while abroad.

The Lagos State Government has proactively, ensured that residents can access care for morbidities because if it is not adequately managed, it will increase morbidity and mortality indices.

However, transplant offers a far better quality of life than dialysis and the patient is spared the expenses on dialysis and drugs.

Transplant helps the patients to go back to normal life. Whichever side of the divide a patient falls into, it is worthy to note that we can now perform the same operations right here that our people fly out to perform or those who don’t have money die for lack of funds.

It is a new medical dawn for the future of Nigeria.

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December17, 2015

CACOL protests infrastructure deficiency, corruption The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) on Wednesday staged a protest to highlight the need for concerted and proactive efforts to review the decaying state of public infrastructure and the war against corruption.

JOY EKEKE was there for features and reports.

The procession started from the old Sango toll gate axis down to Meiran and command communities all the way to Ayobo, monitoring some Federal and Lagos state budgetary deficits typified by notable infrastructure decay in Lagos State with a view to calling the

attention of responsible authorities to it.

In an exclusive interview with the Executive chairman of (CACOL), Mr Debo Adeniran, He said, “In the past few years, Nigerians have been groaning under the weight of infrastructural decay all over the country which is evidenced in many of the federal and state roads and hospitals.

“For so long there have been several types of accident and road crashes involving trucks, cars and all articulated and non articulated vehicles on the Sango old toll gate road, more than twenty six lives have been lost to accident on this road alone this year and more than 141 people

Members of CACOL during a public demonstration...recently

have been critically injured because the roads are not properly built, resulting into small cars being brushed into the river by the big trucks.”

Adeniran said they believe that this loss of lives can be preventable. “We also believe that people should not die from preventable causes; we believe also that people should not pay tax for a course that will take their lives.

“This is why we are calling the attention of the Lagos and Ogun state governments to come and assess the reasons why these accidents are reported on this axis.”

Adeniran further stated that “roads at the Meiran and Com-

Debo Adeniran

mand axis have been constructed half way while government schools are not equipped with learning facilities.”

He however urged the government at various levels to give adequate attention to all the aforementioned and all other areas begging for attention.

“We therefore appeal to them to urgently address and fix the issues of infrastructural deficiency. This, we believe, would alleviate the hardship, pain and loss that majority of the people of Lagos and Nigerians as a whole experience in various parts of the country.” He said.

A resident of Meiran community, Mr Olakunle Adeyemi lamented that public schools in their area are not even fenced; the school environment stinks, due to the absence of toilet facilities; enough chairs are not provided in the school class rooms and the environment is not conductive for learning.

“The roads are bad, the proposed road is not yet completed, constituting dust hazards to the peoples’ health during the dry season, while we also contend with lack of drainages to check flooding in rainy season,” he said.

DailyTimes TimesNigeria Nigeria Daily Tuesday, August 18, 2015 Thursday, December 17, 2015

21 21

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(LAGOS) IFEANYI - 08086296714 (ABUJA) FEMI - 08033550468

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OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DTN COMPLEX LATEEF JAKANDE ROAD, AGINDIGBI, IKEJA, LAGOS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 44 ADETOKNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT WUSE 2, ABUJA

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

NEMA receives 18,678 Nigerian returnees from Cameroon, CAR Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Wednesday, confirmed that it has received a total of 18,678 Nigerians who returned from Central African and Cameroon Republics.

Alhaji Sa’ad Bello, the agency coordinator in Adamawa State confirmed

the development while receiving additional 1,178 returnees at Fufore Internally Displaced camp in Adamawa.

According to the coordinator, majority of the returnees were women and children.

“Today we received additional 1,178 Nigerians who initially escaped from Boko Haram attacks to Cameroon Republic.

“Among them are those

from Central African Republic who also escaped from the political crisis that engulfed the country.

“And that brings the total to 18,678 Nigerians so far received, while some are still at Nigeria –Cameroon border” Bello said.

He stated that as soon the security operatives complete screening of those at the border they would be transported to Yola and camped.

He said 90 per cent of the returnees were indigenes of Borno state.

ÏÏÏSenator

Oluremi Tnubu has urged Nigerians youths to remain focused and be law abiding. She stated this at the fifth edition of a youth-based music concert, tagged Musical Youth Fiesta. Like a seductive power of a clarion caller, youths from different churches and schools in Lagos state gathered on Wednesday, at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, taking turns to render creative performances in music, dance and choreography.

The event had in attendance no less than 5000 youths and their chaperons at the event.

Every bit of the concert had the children handling the core areas, save for the eloquent Master of Ceremony, who came in intermittently and the exhortation MRS. KOKOMA CLEMENT N. IKPAT

I formally known as MISS. KOKOMA UDO AKPA now wishes to be known and address as MRS. KOKOMA CLEMENT N. IKPAT. All document remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public take note

Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏKwara

Sani-Sidi, NEMA boss

Tinubu charges youths to remain focused Mutiat Alli

Illegal recruitment: KWHA exonerates Owolewa, two others State House of Assembly has exonerated the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, Alh Lukman Owolewa, from any wrong doing.

The state House of Assembly, had about a fortnight ago, suspended Owolewa and seven other council chairmen, following a request from Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

Ahmed had in a letter to the Speaker of the House, Dr. Ali Ahmad accused the council chairmen of carrying out illegal recruitment exercise.

However, a committee that was set up by the House to investigate the matter absolved Owolewa and his counterparts from Moro and Baruten Local Government Areas.

The House in its resolution after the submission of the report of Jimoh Akanni (APC/Share-OkeOde constituency) - led committee, exonerated the chairmen of Moro,

lrepodun and Baruten.

The House held that the three exonerated council’s chairmen did not conduct any illegal recruitment exercise.

Reacting to the development, Owolewa expressed satisfaction about the outcome of the House’s investigation into the matter.

He thanked the House, its leadership and the investigating committee members for carrying out a thorough investigation and passed their verdict without fear or favour.

Said he: “I am not surprised about the outcome of the committee because I have always follow due process in the running of the affairs of my local government”.

that was done by Busola Kukoyi. From the captivating performance by the MFM guitar group to the Ayo ni o group, it was indeed an eventful evening.

With this year’s theme’ The Faithful God’, was taken from Deuteronomy 7 vs 9 which says, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments”.

The convener and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Musical Youth Fiesta initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, could not restrain her excitement at the event as she danced and cheered renditions from the kids.

Speaking at the event, Oluremi advised the youths of the need to be closer to God

irrespective of the situation and also stand firm both religiously and academically. ‘ There is the need to stand tall in all ramification, always mediate on the I can do it spirit and surely you will get there, I want to wish you all a merry Christmas and full filled new year in advance Wife of the governor of Lagos state, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode expressed cheerfulness in this year’s theme ‘The Faithful God’ which she said God’s protection over us is immense and controllable as we dwell in the

right path.

‘Let us reflect over the challenges that we overcame; the victories that we recorded, the obstacles that we scaled and the turbulent rivers that we crossed’.

Present at the fiesta includes wife of the Lagos state governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Mrs. Tinu Aina-Badejo, and Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu amongst others all gathered at the 5th edition of The event which is a brain child of Senator Oluremi Tinubu witnessed a large participants with

EDEH JAMES GRACE

GABRIEL ARABANBI l, formerly known as GABRIEL ARABAMIBI. now wish to be known and addressed as GABRIEL ARABANBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

MRS. SERAH AGNES AKINDELE

HUNSA MONDAY LOMELO (MR)

MR. EZEKIEL OKEY OZIGBO

MRS SHERIFAT BUNMI OGAZIECHI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. SERAH AGNES AKPALA, now wishes to be known and called MRS. SERAH AGNES AKINDELE. All former document remain valid. The general public take note.

l, formerly known as BOLAJI MONDAY LOMELO (Mr), now wish to be known and addressed as.

HUNSA MONDAY LOMELO (Mr) All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MR. EZEKIEL OKEY EZEOBIORA, now wish to be known and called MR. EZEKIEL OKEY OZIGBO. All former document remain valid. The general public take note.

l, formerly known as Miss Sherifat Bunmi ALABI, now wish to be known and addressed as. Mrs Sherifat Bunmi OGAZIECHI All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

THE ZARD FOUNDATION

I, formerly known and addressed as JAMES GRACE MARLEY, now wish to be addressed as EDEH JAMES GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SALVAGE FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

This is to inform the general public that the above Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission 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 PROFESSIONAL GROUP has applied for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR RAYMOND ASSAD KHALIL ZARD. 2. Sir Elie Assad Khalil Zard.

3. Mr Wajdi Maurice Zard.

4. Mr Fady Zard.

5. Mr Camille Zard.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. AYINDE TAYO AKINMADE 3. ARIBO OLAYATO 4. AJAYI PETER OMOTAYO

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To promote and engage in the educational development at all level with attainment of academic excellence in the society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi strret, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this Publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE GROUP IS; To bridge the gap between the government and the governed.

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.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

Gov. Abdulfatah

OLUBUNMI ADENIKE OYENPEMI

RISIKAT ABENI ALLIBALOGUN

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUBUNMI ADENIKE OGUNBANJO, now wish to be addressed as OLUBUNMI ADENIKE OYENPEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

l, formerly known as RISIKAT OLASUNKAMI ALLIBALOGUN. now wish to be known and addressed as.

RISIKAT ABENI ALLIBALOGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OLASUPO ABOSEDE ABIDEMI

MIKE OSAIBUEKU

I, formerly known and addressed as OLASUPO MARY ABOSEDE ELIZABETH, now wish to be addressed as OLASUPO ABOSEDE ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

l, formerly known as MIKE SAM OSAIBUEKE and MIKE OSAIBUEKE NOSA. now wish to be known and addressed as. MIKE OSAIBUEKU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EMMANUEL ONYEADOR NWANKWO

MRS OMOLABAKE ABOSEDE AKINBOTE

I formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL ONYEADOR NWAKOLO, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL ONYEADOR NWANKWO. All former document remain valid. The general public take note.

l, formerly known as MISS OMOLABAKE ABOSEDE (NEE: EFUNSILE). now wish to be known and addressed as. Mrs. AGBOLO NUBWA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

23 News

Akunyili’s murder saga: Court frees six suspects

Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court presided by Justice I.U. Bello has discharged and acquitted six persons accused of conspiracy and attempted murder of the late Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Dr (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili.

The accused persons, who were initially eight in number, faced a four-count charge by the state, bordering on conspiracy, attempted murder and murder.

The suspects were Fran-

cis Okoye, Emmanuel Nnakwe, Marcel Nnakwe, Emeka Orjiakora, Christopher Mbah, and Olisaemeka Igbokwe.

The charge reads against the accused person read: “That you (1) Francis C. Okoye (a.k.a. Ebubedike; (2) Emmanuel Nnamdi Nnakwe (a.k.a. Aboy); (3) Marcel Nnakwe; (4) Emeka Orjiakor; (5) Christopher Okwara Mbah (a.k.a. Persus); (6) Olisaemeka Igbokwe (a.k.a. Holy War); (7) Chukwuka Ezeukwu (a.k.a. Let’s Go); (8) Jude Ugwu (a.k.a. Agada) on or between October, 2001 to December 2003, at different places in the Federal Capi-

tal Territory and Anambra. State, agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: cause the death of Dr (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (D.G, NAFDAC) and that the said act was attempted to be done in pursuant of an agreement and that you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.”

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

It would be recalled that a no- case submission was initiated by the ac-

cused persons. Emmanuel Nnamdi Nnakwe and Marcel Nnakwe questioned the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the third and fourth counts of the charge.

The no-case submission was upheld by the FCT High Court, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, but set aside the aspect of the ruling which declined jurisdiction to entertain counts 3 and 4 of the charge.

One of the accused persons, Chukwuka Ezeukwu (a.k.a. Let’s Go), died in 2005, while the 8th accused person was discharged by

the Supreme Court.

Justice Bello in his judgment, dated October 20, 2015, in suit no: FCT/HC/ CR/128/2004 declared that, “On the charge of conspiracy for instance, the prosecution could not have been successful in the face of exhibit 18(n), a manifest from MTN tendered before the court by the prosecution itself and, indeed, exhibit 20 equally a similar manifest tendered by the defence, both intended to establish any possible transaction or controvert any such transaction as stated by PW3 between him and 2nd accused through phone conversation.

NEMA distributes relief materials to Anambra flood victims Nkiru Nwagbo Awka

ÏÏÏThe

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has sent relief materials worth millions of naira to the Anambra State government for flood victims.

The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammadu Sani Sidi, who was in the state, on Wednesday, said that the body had taken sensitisation campaigns to the flood prone areas like Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Idemili South, Awka North and other council areas.

He was accompanied on the trip by the NEMA Zonal Co-ordinator for South-West, Dr. Onimode A. Bandele and his South-East counterpart, James Major Eze.

Ambode arrests traffic offenders ÏÏÏIn line with the com-

L-R: Principal Surveillance and Enforcement Officer of Consumer Protection Council, Mr. Dauda Waja; Regional Director, Abuja & North of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Mustapha Lukman; one of the winners of the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2, ASP Abubakar Adamu Mohammed and Zonal Head, FCT 1, Mr. Baldwin Onuigbo, at the regional draws held in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Lafiagi Emirate lauds Kwara govt on investment drive Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin.

ÏÏÏThe

Lafiagi Development and Descendants Union (LADDU), an umbrella organisation of indigenes of Lafiagi Emirate community in Edu Local Government area of Kwara State, has commended the investment drive of the state government, saying that it was capable of tackling poverty in most rural communities.

Speaking with the Daily Times, on Wednesday, the president of the organisation, Alhaji Baba Bello Ibrahim, said that the ac-

tivities of a new sugar refinery in the community, formerly known as Lafiagi Sugar Company, had turned the area into a tourist centre.

Ibrahim, who said that the sugar refinery project was capable of creating job opportunities for the indigenes, added that it would also provide economic empowerment to the people.

“The BUA investment is set to turn Lafiagi Sugar Company back to life, so that it could offer more employment opportunities to youths and hereby enhance economic life of its people”, he said.

mitment of his administration to ensure law and order in the state, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Wednesday apprehended motorists, tricyclist and motorcyclists driving against traffic, in Ijora Olopa area of the state, in breach of the State Road Traffic Law. The Governor’s convoy, which was driving from Lagos Island en-route Carter Bridge to Ikeja, also accosted some other motorists while committing the traffic offence on Apogbon Bridge.

Among the vehicles arrested include a black

Toyota Camry with registration number KRD 666 DK; metallic-colour, Lexus SUV with registration number LSR 995 BT; black Toyota Corolla with registration number AKD 911 DC; and yellow Mitsubishi taxi with registration number YE 819 KJA. Other vehicles arrested included commercial buses with registration numbers BDG 242 XQ, JJJ 126 SC, LSD 824 XC and truck belonging to Gafista Concepts Limited, a private PSP operator with the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA).

The truck’s registration number is BDG 708 XJ.

China commends Buhari’s war on corruption

ÏÏÏThe Director-General

of the African Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lin Songtian, on Wednesday, said that his government was in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Lin also told a joint delegation of journalists from six African countries, in Beijing, that the Chinese government was committed to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism in the north-eastern part of the country.

“Let me say here that the Chinese government highly appreciates President Buhari’s present anti-

corruption fight.

The Chinese government strongly believes in our cooperation with Nigeria and also commends the President’s effort at making Nigeria free of corruption.

“I will like to also say that our government is worried over terrorism and insecurity in the north-east part of the country and is ready to support Nigeria in fighting terrorism,” he said.

Lin said that it was imperative for China to also support Nigeria’s growth because without growth and development terrorism would continue to grow.

He said that Buhari recently led a Nigerian delegation to the Summit on

China-Africa Co-operation in Johannesburg as a way of deepening Nigeria-China relations.

He said the summit was meant to chart a new course of co-operation for China and African countries, as well as inject a “strong impetus” to their already existing co-operation.

Lin said that China would continue to recognise Nigeria’s leadership role in the achievement of Chinese government’s “new agenda” for supporting Africa’s industrialisation and modernisation.

He said that Beijing was currently working hard at making Nigeria and other African countries to

achieve self-dependent development that would provide jobs for young people and reduce poverty.

Lin also said that Beijing was ready to support Nigeria and other African countries in boosting their food production, as well as disease prevention.

Buhari

News 24 Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏGovernor Ifeanyi Ug-

wuanyi of Enugu State has called on all corporate organisations in the state to support the initiative of his administration by boosting security in order to sustain the current status of the state as one of the safest in Nigeria.

The governor, in a speech when he took delivery of a Hilux Van on behalf of the state government from the Chief Executive of Inno-

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Security: Ugwuanyi seeks support from corporate organisations sons Industries Limited, Chief Innocent Chukwuma at Government House, Enugu, thanked him for the monumental roles he had been playing in the economic development of the state.

He stated that the many high profile business ventures he had established

and operated have helped to boost the socio-economic profile of the state. He added that his company has created employment opportunities for many people of the state and provided vital goods and services to the people of the state and the entire country.

In his words: “I must in-

deed emphasise that the presence and the success of Innosons Industries in Enugu has not only helped to put the state on the economic map of the world but is also helping to inspire more local and foreign investors to bring their businesses to Enugu.”

Governor Ugwuanyi

pledged the readiness of his administration to offer the company all necessary assistance to ensure continued success of its laudable efforts to advance economic fortunes of the state.

In a speech before handing over the security utility van to the governor, Chief Chukwuma commended

Governor Ugwuanyi for his unprecedented achievements in the state for so short a time in office.

He added that the company donated the van to identify with the governor towards beefing up security in the state and to promote home-made products from Enugu State.

Aregbesola compensates house owners affected by road project Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏGovernor

of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Wednesday, paid compensation worth over N302 million to people whose property will be separated due to the ongoing road construction of Olaiya/Ita Olokan in Osogbo.

The governor stated that his administration would not renege on his electioneering promises to make life meaningful and abundant for the people of the state.

Aregbesola, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Grace TitiLaoye, gave the reassurance

while distributing cheques worth N302, 966,974.02 to the affected families along the ongoing road construction of Olaiya/Ita Olokan road at the state capital.

He held that his administration would leave no stone unturned at making life more pleasant, comfortable, meaningful and prosperous for the citizenry in spite of the current dwindling allocation to the state from the Federation Account.

Aregbesola disclosed that his administration has expended over N2billion so far as compensation to people whose property and belongings were separated from the main roads since he assumed office.

Daily Times reporter wins healthcare award ÏÏÏA reporter with Daily

Times Nigeria, Lara Adejoro, on Wednesday, got an award of Excellence in Healthcare Journalism in recognition of her balanced, objective and exceptional use of print and online media in promotion of health issues in Nigeria.

She was awarded by the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students Association (NUNSA), National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses and Midwives, and West African Nursing Students Association at the Nursing Leadership Summit, held in Abuja, tagged “Nursing in Nigeria: rethinking the missing link.”

Lara Adejoro graduated from Caritas University, Enugu, where she studied Mass Communication (First Class Honours).

According to the National President of NUNSA, Toba Odumosu said, the award given to the Daily Times reporter is in recognition of her excellence in objective and balanced health journalism on behalf of all Nursing students in Nigeria.

“We appreciate your commitment to promoting and protecting the interest of the good citizens of Nigeria” Odumosu said.

L-R: Director, Executive Secretary Office, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Malam Aliyu Na’iya; Executive Secretary, TETFund, Prof. Suleman Bogoro; Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Abdulazez Yari and Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanusi Garba Rigiji during the governor’s visit to TETFund headquarters in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Photo... TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday, next week, present the 2016 Appropriation Bill of N6.07tr to the National Assembly, as the Senate affirmed communication from his office to that effect.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Media and Publicity, Senator Aliyu Sabi, confirmed to newsmen that the President will be available at the National Assembly to present the budget he had notified the

Senate.

The budget presentation has forced the Senate to postpone their end of the year break scheduled for Thursday.

The Senate will now proceed on Christmas break after the President had presented the Bill to a joint sitting of the Assembly.

The Senate had earlier in the day dissolved into

the plenary to discuss the planned visit of the President, while they agreed on the postponement after exhaustive deliberation.

Senators had agreed on hosting the President on Tuesday since the Joint National Assembly Committee on Finance, Appropriation and National Assembly was yet to conclude legislation on the Medium

Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Policy (FSP).

The N6 trillion budget proposal for 2016 budget is predicated on $38 per barrel oil benchmark; N197 exchange rate and 2.200 oil benchmark.

The N6 trillion expenditure proposal is the highest in the history of the country’s fiscal plans.

Fraudsters using my name to seek money -Ashafa Sodiq Adekunle

ÏÏÏThe

Adejoro

Buhari presents N6.04tr 2016 budget to NASS Tuesday

Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial Constituency, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has called on the general public to be wary of any social media account, particularly LinkedIn, opened in his name promising them jobs in exchange for

money.

The senator gave this warning in on his official Twitter and Facebook accounts.

He said the operators of the fake LinkedIn account were spreading the deceit through private messages.

The message on Senator Ashafa’s Facebook page reads, “It has come to my

attention that a LinkedIn account purporting to be mine has been committing fraud in my name.

The account in question has been sending private messages to unsuspecting people, promising them jobs.

“I can assure you that my humble self has never or will never deceive or de-

prive people of their hardearned money under false pretenses. While steps are taken to get the account closed & the perpetrators brought to book, note my only LinkedIn account is https://t.co/qF7ME7t4DE. “Any other account is fake and the operators should be treated as fraudsters.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

25 Opinion

Ministers as their home state’s Economists (Agenda for New Ministers) (3)

ÏÏÏIn parts 1 and 2 of this

series, we laid the background and foundation for the role we believe Nigeria’s 36 new ministers should play to galvanize development. We are suggesting that they should be proactive mediators of their individual states’ development towards birthing growth at home and, by consequence, nationally.

Let us now spell out how Nigeria’s 36 new ministers can play the above historic role to sustainably help grow their individual home states economically, which will reduce and end the need for bailout of states by the Federal Government.

Each state in Nigeria is peculiar. It means, whatever advice we give here has to be adapted to the specific need of each state. What is common to all states is the abundance of minerals in commercial quantity. And if your state does not have much in terms of mineral endowment or does not have any mineral, it is not alone.

You only need to borrow from the example of Lagos which we have set out previously: creativity, not natural endowments, make grate states.

Let us use Kogi State as our case study for analysing how ministers can leverage their positions as minis-

ter for a rapid economic growth that would eradicate poverty in their home states and in Nigeria by implication. The Nigerian Federal Government had identified commercial deposits of 37 minerals in the country as at 2010. Eighty percent (80%) of these mineral types are found in Kogi State, in commercial quantities. Kogi State has deposits of a total of not less than 29 minerals in commercial quantities, including coal, dolomite, feldspar, bauxite, iron ore, tar, limestone and gold.

Also, each of the 21 local governments of Kogi State has at least two minerals in commercial quantities. Taking just two of those minerals, Limestone and coal, the state has a potential for generating N3 trillion naira annually. By the current laws of Nigeria, Kogi is entitled, net, to between 5 and 10% of that amount, i.e. averagely 150 billion naira annually. Until oil prices dimmed recently, Kogi was also entitled to about 35 billion naira federal allocation from oil.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Kogi State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively are N2,217,504,390.25; N2,848,556,782.15; and N3,185,459,549.72 respec-

Amaechi

tively, that is, averagely, about N2.75 billion annually.

Remember that Kogi State also has not less than twenty (27) other minerals apart from coal and limestone.

Zircon, Tantalite, Sillimanite, Siderite, Rutile, Quartz, Pyrite, Muscovite, Magnetite, Maghemite, Limonite, Kaolinite, Ilmenite, Hematite, Goethite, Gibbsite, Garnet, Gahnite, Ferronigerite, Crandallite, Columbite, Chrysoberyl, Cassiterite, Bolivarite, Böhmite, Apatite (Mindat.org). Kogi State has twenty seven other minerals in commercial quantity.

What is the value of those other minerals in Kogi’s soil? We have not been able to find out. But they mean additional income for Kogi State.

What about Kogi’s agricultural resources? Accord-

W E A T H E R ABUJA

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ing to the State’s Ministry of Agriculture, Kogi State has two (2) Million hectares of cultivable land but only about 0.5 Million hectares are under cultivation. The River Niger and Benue as well as other rivers, streams and lakes/pond hold great potential for fish farming as well as irrigation. The alluvial soil deposited along the banks of this River Niger and River Benue in Kogi State provides great opportunity for the cultivation of diverse crops. The climate and soil conditions favour agriculture and livestock production. The agriculture potential has not been seriously engaged: it is mainly subsistence farming that still goes on. But let us take maize yield for example, using local current technology.

Even if we have not attained

20 tons per hectare as you could get in North America, or 10 tons as you could get in South America, we can at least get 2 tons per hectare in Nigeria. If all of Kogi State’s cultivable land was merely a cornfield, which would be 127,200,000,000 naira (127.2 billion naira).

Again if all that Kogi State government got was a tax of 10% on that figure, she would receive more than N12 billion per annum from plant agriculture. We can borrow a leave from North and South America to increase our yield, at least to the standards available in climatically comparable South America. If we achieve half the yield of South America, it would mean government income from agribusiness would at least quadruple to 60 billion naira. We can explore various possibilities e.g. possibilities of diversifying crop production etc. The point we are making is that yield can be increased, which would lead to higher revenue for government. There is of course also fishery. If there is any state that is endowed with fresh water all year round, it is Kogi State. It is the ‘Confluence State’ because it bestrides Nigeria’s two greatest rivers – Niger and Benue. No other state has that opportunity. But the records we have do not show any strategic thinking going on in the area of aggressively promoting fishery around the Niger and Benue in Kogi State. Why can’t Kogi State supply Nigeria’s fish need deficiency? By our last count Nigeria was producing only a third of the fish she eats. Kogi State can bridge that gap and smile to the bank with not less than

100 billion naira per annum.

If Kogi State Government gets just 10% tax from that income, she could have an additional 10 billion naira per annum.

In effect, good and deep thinking and policy-making could ensure that the huge income from coal and limestone is strictly dedicated to building infrastructure. The wage bills could be sourced from other resources, that is, other minerals and agriculture at the level of primary, secondary and tertiary productions. This is apart from the fact that unemployment could be easily eradicated by all these initiatives, none of which is rocket science, conceptually or action wise.

We have painted the above picture from our case study state, Kogi, which is an average state in Nigeria, to stimulate political leadership mind, especially ministers, to think outside the box for their various states and leverage their vantage position as federal ministers to cause positive change at the local level. As we said, Nigeria can only grow when her constituent states truly grow from the bottom up as opposed to relying solely on a top down approach, that is, very limited and limiting federal allocations and bailouts.

We hope the above helps our 36 new ministers to start conceptualizing and championing economic possibilities for their home states. Nigeria will be the better for it.

Next week Thursday in this column, we begin a new series on Nigeria Vision 20-20, Nigeria’s vision to join the league of the top twenty economically leading countries by the year 2020.

R E P O R T KANO Low 15°C High 31°C

BENIN CITY Low 9°C High 23°C

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ENUGU Low 22°C High 35°C

WARRI Low 22°C High 37°C

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17 , 2015

Health Æ s

Harmattan: Live healthy, eat healthy, experts urge Doctors offer free healthcare to Lagos correctional boys

Fruits and vegetables, essential for healthy living

Stories by Lara Adejoro The Harmattan season is a natural phenomenon that we have to contain with. The dryness of the weather and the wind that comes with dust more often than not, override its coolness. The dry weather condition has various health implications to human affecting the skin, eyes and respiratory system. However, experts urge healthy living and good nutritional hygiene this season.

A medical practitioner, Dr Ndilemeni Okechukwu said the short-term adverse effects of the season are usually mild and will subside when people stay indoor and limit their exposure to haze.

Okechukwu said, the shortterm adverse effects include irritated eyes, watering eyes, conjunctivitis, running nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip; throat irritation, dry throat, sore throat, coughing; headache, dizziness, fatigue; decreased lung function, depressed respiratory immune defenses, chest pain, lung inflammation; diarrhea, stomach upset.

Other effects of the season also include: anxiety, stress, depression-like symptoms such as insomnia, feelings of helplessness, loss of interest in daily activities and irritability.

Okechukwu advised individuals to take precautionary measures in ensuring that they stay

safe.

He said individuals should “dust surfaces regularly, use indoor mist sprays. If a person has clinical illness, then he or she should see a doctor for treatment of things like red eyes, cough, cattarh.”

As the haze of the season triggers asthma, he said. “Asthmatic patients however should take their daily medications as prescribed by their doctors and they must make efforts to avoid the haze even if that means wearing a nose mask.”

However, the low temperature for the season reduces the breeding of mosquitoes, thus reducing the incidence of malaria.

The Public Relations Officer of

the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) Lagos chapter, Mr Ochuko Erukainure said the weather has tremendous effect on the health and nutritional status, therefore it is necessary to practice good nutrition and food hygiene.

“We are more dehydrated this season owing to the increased temperature. Therefore, it is recommended we take water regularly to keep the body hydrated.

Always take at least 8 - 10 sachets of water a day,” he said.

Aside water, consumption of fruits and vegetables is recommended “Fruits especially rich in carotenoids such as carrots should be consumed often. Caretenoids

Continued on page 27

ASOHON’s president pledges to fight baby factory menace The National President of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) Rev. (Mrs) Dele George has pledged to improve the care giving services in orphanage and homes across the country as well as put the menace of baby factories in check.

The President who is also the founder of Little Saints Orphanage, Rev. (Mrs) Dele George made the pledge in a media chat to celebrate her 60th birthday.

“When I look back at what we have achieved so far, I am encouraged to dedicate the rest of my life to serving humanity

and improving on the welfare of orphanages and homes in Nigeria through ASOHON so that Nigeria will become a model country where others can learn from,” she said.

She reiterated that with the combined synergy existing between law enforcement agents

and the association, the issue of baby factories will soon be adequately curtailed in the country.

“Today the relationship between government and orphanages in Lagos state is very cordial. Government is meant to

Continued on page 27

In addition to discharging the primary duty of caring for the people within the confines of the hospital, the Association of Resident Doctors of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (ARD LASUTH) Ikeja, offered free wellness/mental health motivation, free eye and ear checks, oral and general health screening to no fewer than one hundred and twenty six students at the Lagos State Correctional Centre for Boys located at Oregun, Lagos.

The free healthcare is part of the activities to commemorate the association’s 2015 ARD LASUTH 8th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting with the theme: Postgraduate Medical Training: Myths, Facts and The Winning Approach.

Speaking, president of the association, LASUTH chapter, Dr Sa’eid Ahmad said, “We feel that given the peculiarity of the society that we have, many more people out there need medical attention than the number that can actually find their way into the hospital; against this background, the ARD LASUTH has embarked upon free medical outreach programmes in different communities and parastatals.

However, we feel there are some of them who are not routinely remembered with this kind of programme yet, they have a right to living healthy and having the best that life can offer.

“The society does not need people who will turn to the larger society sick than they were when they were at the correctional facility. The children at the correctional centre need proper eye check up even as we talk of children who have no

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

27 Health

‘...the issue of baby factories will soon be adequately curtailed...’

Continued from page 26

Founder of the GKLF, Dr Matilda Kerry-Osazuwa raising funds for cervical cancer awareness with cakes donated for auction sale

Yuletide: Bode Edun Foundation partners GKLF to give back to the society In efforts to champion causes that advance humanity and promote healthy living among Nigerians, Bode Edun Foundation (BEF) and the George Kerry Life Foundation (GKLF) recently held a Christmas and New Year party to residents of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area where they offered free medical care and gave gifts to children between the ages of two to fifteen years old.

GKLF also used the platform to raise funds for cervical cancer awareness with cakes donated for auction sale during the event held at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government secretariat, Oshodi, Lagos. .

A medical student from University of Lagos, Ms Lovelyn Ubangha said, the medical outreach was meant to measure the weight, height and deworm the children for healthy living.

“The weight and height of the

children will tell us if they are well-fed or malnourished. Afterwards, we counsel the parents on what they are doing right or wrong.”

The founder of Bode Edun Foundation, Mr Bode Edun said the essence of the party is to bring the children together “as a little way of giving back to the society. The government can’t do everything so everybody should be able to contribute his or her quota to the society. The medical outreach is to help the children understand the hygienic and healthy part of their day to day activities and to ensure that their parents are guided on how to keep them healthy always.”

Also speaking at the event, founder of the GKLF, Dr Matilda Kerry-Osazuwa, said the event was meant to make the people, particularly the children have a memorable Christmas and New Year experience.

On cervical cancer, KerryOsazuwa said, at least more women are getting aware on getting screened every year “and we’re glad but we still need to do more. We need people to know that cervical cancer is the deadliest cancer known to women and it’s 100 per cent preventable.

“Women can prevent themselves from going down with cervical cancer by going for annual screening at least once in a year. In fact, once in three years is considered enough for a woman. It’s not expensive to spend N10000 in a year because some of us would spend more than that to buy a handbag. Women can key into free screening services like the one we have in January every year to get screened.”

Lamenting, she said about 8000 women still die from the disease every year yet it is preventable.

Drink water, eat fruits and vegetables, Nigerians urged Continued from page 26 are precursors of vitamin A which are vital for good visions especially during this dusty season. Fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges are also recommended. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which protects the body against free radicals. It also acts as an anti-aging agents and protects the skin. It promotes wound healing and aids in better skin generation. Thus, they can prevent and protect against skin tearing especially the lips usually experienced during harmattan. Leafy vegetables are also

recommended. They are also important sources of micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, and manganese. These minerals aside their antioxidant roles are also important component of the body antioxidant enzyme such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD).

“These vegetables are also rich in polyunsaturated acids such as omega - 6 and 3 which are safe for the heart and also help in maintaining the skin,” Erukainure said.

He urged individuals to avoid over-cooking vegetables as most of these nutrients are fragile and get destroyed easily by heat.

“Palm oil is also preferred over vegetable oil as it is rich in beta carotenoids. Vegetable oils are bleached and deodorized palm oil olein, thus lack beta caretenoids.”

Erukainure said, “We should ensure that our foods are properly stored and prevented from the dusty winds. We should wash our hands regularly. The weather often causes sneezing, thus we should ensure foods are properly covered when sneezing.

“Above all we should practice temperance in our nutrition.

Avoiding that which is bad for the health,” he said.

supervise and checkmate orphanage activities but in most of the states in Nigeria, control and supervision is lacking, so many fake orphanages and baby factories are blooming illegally. This is what necessitated the formation of the ASOHON, to bring sanity to the industry. Many state chapters are now trying to strengthen their relationship with government by uniting against unregistered and fake orphanages. The public on the other hand has been very supportive.”

She also disclosed that one of her goals is to establish an or-

phanage in Edo State to eradicate the baby factory menace and unite all homes and orphanages in the country.

“I will love to set up an orphanage in my home town, Benin City. I am looking to God to perfect the dream. Children are still being abandoned and more orphanages are springing up so more funding is needed.

Like Jesus said the poor will always be amongst us so we can never stop giving as a nation.

The needy will always be there.

Our priority as a giving nation is to do everything in our power the remove children from the streets,” she said.

Rev. Mrs Dele George

‘...many more people out there need medical attention...’

Continued from page 26 parents who are going to be caring enough to know whether they see well or not and these children will be regarded dull in their classes and the main problem is that the child can’t see well or read because there’s a defect in the sight, that’s why we have incorporated in this programme the eye check as a main feature for the medical outreach,” Ahmad said.

The principal of the centre, Mr Lukmon Ikotun said, though the boys go through a more comprehensive rehabilitation process yet they need medical attention.

Appreciating the doctors, Ikotun said, the centre has juvenile who are between the ages of ten and seventeen.

“Basically, a lot of them are brought in from the street of

Lagos and some of them are children in conflict with the law and we have those who needed shelter; probably as a result of abuse from the family or parents.

With collaboration with different groups, we have medical treatment for the boys every quarter and it’s a good thing for the centre because most of them are from the street. You can imagine the kind of bad hygiene they will have before coming to the centre and this kind of programme will assist them to improve on their personal hygiene,” he said.

Daily Times reports that other activities lined up for scientific conference/AGM include annual voluntary blood donation exercise by LASUTH doctors, public lecture, dissolution of outgoing executives and election of new executive members and dinner/ award night.

Sunshine Queens bag Outstanding Achievement Award

N

igeria Women Premier League side, Sunshine Queens Football Club of Ondo State has won the Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award.

The award, organised by Trace Magazine, is aimed at recognising excellence in Ondo State and Nigeria in general.

Sunshine Queens won the 2015 Nigeria

Women’s Federation Cup for the first since the creation of the state 39 years ago by defeating Bayelsa Queens 3-1 on penalties in the final in Lagos.

Team Manager, Sunday Erelesusi dedicated the award to God and the state Governor, Olusegun Mimiko for his total support and investment on sports,

especially football which brought glory and honour through Sunshine Queens.

“This is a lovely moment and we will like to dedicate this to God, Mr. Governor and the ODSFA Chairman, Akin Akinbobola.

“Without the support and motivation from the government, the girls would have not won the Federation Cup in Lagos. Also want to thank the organisers for recognising us, may God bless your organization.”

Page 28

I’m not concerned about coach award g 31 nomination

-Amuneke Thursday, December 17, 2015

Stories Mike Otanwa with agency report

H

ead coach of Nigeria’s U-23 football team, Samson Siasia insists success at the justconcluded 2015 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is not “an end” as regards his project with the Dream Team VI. Nigeria beat Algeria 2-1 on Saturday in the U-23 AFCON final to emerge champions in Senegal, booking a ticket to the 2016 Olympics as a result.

While admitting that the victory pleased him to no end, Siasia revealed that only success at the 2016 Olympics will represent Utopia.

“I was coach of Nigeria during the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008, when we reached the final, and in 2016 we will aim to do more than reaching the final by winning the (gold) medal,” Siasia said.

Siasia and his victorious charges arrived in Nigeria from Senegal to a heroes’ welcome.

Nigeria will now represent Africa in the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympics alongside Algeria and South Africa.

In 1996, Nigeria, inspired by Kanu Nwankwo won Olympic gold in the men’s football event.

Twelve years later, Nigeria’s under-23s, coached by Siasia almost repeated the feat but were beaten by a Lionel Messi-powered Argentina side that condemned the West Africans to a 1-0 defeat in the final.

Now Siasia says he will not be content with finishing as second best.

Siasia

Siasia guns For Olympic

gold

Sokari tipped to succeed in Tunisian League

N

igeria international, Kingsley Sokari’s move to Tunisian Ligue 1 side CS Sfaxien is now in the bag, according to Tunisian - based agent Mahmoud Ouaddeni, who was actively in negotiations.

The team from Sfax had been on the trail of the Enyimba midfielder for close to a year after he broke into the Nigeria set-up, and on Monday the chase was over after he signed a contract designed for three and a half seasons.

Mahmoud Ouaddeni has tipped Sokari to be

a huge success in Tunisia, like his international teammate Junior Ajayi. ‘’Sokari is happy with the contract that he signed. He’s a player who has qualities and physically he is very strong. Players like him are like soldiers,’’ Ouaddeni said. ‘’He will play and give all his best to CS Sfax and I’m sure he’ll make the President, coach and supporters of CS Sfax happy.’’

Sokari He added: ‘’Sfax are one of the biggest teams in Tunisia and in Africa, when they decide to sign a player he is watched for a long time. ‘’They know Sokari will be one of the stars of the team with Junior Ajayi, who is highly respected by all football fans in Tunisia.’’

For the remainder of the 2015 - 16 season, Kingsley Sokari, who cost CS Sfaxien $400 000, will wear the number 20 kit.

Iheanacho

Davies Explains

Iheanacho’s EDS Inclusion

M

anchester City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS) coach, Simon Davies has moved to explain the rationale behind the inclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho in the U-21 side that defeated Southampton 3-1 at the Academy Stadium on Monday.

Iheanacho was impressive, a force of nature, as his involvement in all three of City’s three goals condemned the Saints to a heavy defeat.

Davies says the inclusion of Iheanacho in the side he last played for in May (eight months ago) should not be seen as a surprise move.

“I think it is important that they’re in the first-team squad.

“They’re training really well daily. Kelechi has been getting his moments with the first team as well and scoring goals.

“The manager really wants to make sure that when they get an option to get some minutes under the belt it’s good to do so, so that when they get the chance to keep that shirt in the first team they’re prepared.

“This was one of the only times that we’ve had recently - because we’ve got a break from Swansea on Saturday to Arsenal a week on Monday - where the manager has had an opportunity to say go and play some minutes.

“They (Iheanacho and fellow first team starlet, Patrick Roberts) both did well, they both worked hard and I think they’ll benefit for that,” Davies was quoted as saying.

29

Thursday, December 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

Nworuh flying high in

Barcelona won’t miss Neymar, says

Israel

Scolari

N

T

he Brazilian attacker could be forced to sit out the Club World Cup semi-final but Luiz Felipe Scolari does not believe Barcelona will be affected unduly.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has hailed Neymar’s progress in becoming one of the world’s best players in recent seasons, but he does not believe Barcelona will suffer in his absence in the Club World Cup. The European champions begin their Club World Cup campaign against Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday amid concerns over the Brazil international’s fitness due to a groin injury.

Barca coach Luis Enrique insists he will not take any risks with the attacker, and while Scolari has hailed his compatriot’s performances, he has warned that the quality at the club’s disposal will allow them to cope without the 23-year-old.

“Neymar is one of the three best players in the world and he has been progressing for the last five years,” said the Guangzhou boss. “His absence would affect any team aside from Barcelona, who have 25 players of a similar style.

“Messi is always one of the three best players in the world. He plays in a position in which you have to mark not just him but also the entire team, because he makes the team play.

Ujah

Ujah

scores 7-goal thriller in German Cup

A

nthony Ujah put a difficult week behind him by scoring the winner for Werder Bremen in a DFB Pokal (German Cup) game on Tuesday night.

Ujah missed a penalty which ultimately cost his side two points in the 1-1 Bundesliga draw at home for FC Cologne and received stick from many of the faithful.

The Super Eagles attacker however showed great mental strength to put the set back behind him in an impressive performance for the Die Werderaner (The River Islanders) on Tuesday.

Ujah netted Werder’s fourth goal in the

4-3 win over Borussia Monchengladbach at Borussia Park in a feisty third round game and thus progress to the quarterfinal.

Werder’s Florian Grillitsch won the ball against Julian Korb and beat three Gladbach players with his outrageously stunning pass to Ujah who proceeded to dummy yet another defender as he honed in on goal.

He then cut inside before striking home unerringly and with frightening force past the Gladbach goalkeeper, Yann Sommer to temporarily make it 4-2 to the visitors.

The hosts then pulled a goal back

igerian striker Jude Nworuh’s profile continued to rise in Israel after he scored the goal that took his team Bnei Yehuda to the semi-final of the Israeli Toto Cup on Tuesday.

Nworuh scored the only goal of the game to give Bnei Yehuda 1-0 win at Maccabi Netanya in the 67th minute on Tuesday to qualify 2-1 on aggregate.

The first leg at Bnei Yehuda ended in a 1-1 draw.

The former Midtjylland forward has now scored five goals in all competitions for Bnei Yehuda since he joined them this summer.

The 26-year-old forward played for FC Midtjylland, Fredericia and Horsens (all in Denmark).

Fellow Nigeria star Dele Aiyenugba was in goal for Bnei Yehuda.

Ligue 1 Is Nothing Without Ibrahimovic

-Raiola

L

igue 1 will be worth nothing when Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaves Paris Saint-Germain, the striker’s agent Mino Raiola has said.

The Sweden international has won three league titles in a remarkably successful spell in France since 2012, but is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Raiola believes PSG will lose some of their lustre when Ibrahimovic departs Parc des Princes and claims French football’s top flight is only talked about because of the impact of the former Barcelona man.

“The French league without Zlatan is nothing,” he said.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

Wenger

Urgent shake-up needed at Chelsea - Lampard

steps up midfield hunt

Onuachu

relishes Man Utd challenge

Lampard

F

rank Lampard believes his crisis-racked former club Chelsea need an urgent shake-up to rescue their season, but does not think that should mean manager Jose Mourinho is sacked.

Lampard, the club’s record goalscorer who captained Chelsea to their Champions League triumph in 2012, said he did not know if besieged Portuguese coach Mourinho had lost the dressing room, but said the champions’ players were underperforming.

Speaking after watching Chelsea in Monday’s 2-1 defeat at Leicester City, who now top the Premier League, Lampard said their current plight was, for him, “impossible.”

“They are good players, but far too many of them are underperforming and they have been for a while,” he told Sky Sports.

“This is Chelsea we are talking about now.

“Chelsea on a bad year should be top six. They should still be there or thereabouts, but where they are just above the relegation zone is impossible.”

B r i t i s h bookmakers slashed the odds on Mourinho, who said he felt his work was “betrayed” by his playe r s ’ perf o r mance a t Leicest e r , being the next premier league manager to be dismissed to 8/11 on Tuesday.

The result left Chelsea in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone after nine defeats in 16 league games, and 20 points adrift of leaders Leicester.

30

Onuachu

F

C Midtjylland and Nigeria striker, Paul Ebere Onuachu, has said it’s a dream come true to play against Manchester United.

Earlier this week, Onuachu’s Danish club were drawn against United in the Europa League after Louis van gaal’s side were dumped out of the Champions League.

Midtjylland, meanwhile, finished in second in the group phase of the Europa League, behind Napoli but ahead of Club Brugge and Legia Warsaw to make it through to the

last 32.

“It will be a fantastic experience not just for me but the entire Midtjylland team when we meet United,” Onuachu said.

“Of course it’s every kid’s dream to play in a glamorous competition like this and to play United is a dream come true. It will be an opportunity to play against more experienced players than me and I can only learn from that.”

The 21-year-old was also part of the Nigerian Under-23 side that won the U23 African Cup of Nations

last week, reaching the Olympic Games in Rio next year as a reward.

“I’m very happy the team won the trophy and all the hard work put in has been rewarded,” Onuachu said.

“It’s unfortunate some of us who were invited at the initial stage couldn’t make it to the tournament but I’m happy we won and qualified for the Olympics.

“I must congratulate the players and the coaching staff for this wonderful feat. I’m really happy for them. They’ve done really well.”

Mahrez r ules out Januar y exit A

Mahrez

lgeria winger Riyad Mahrez has ruled out a move from Leicester City during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old, who helped the Foxes get back at the top of the Premier League table with his 11th goal of the season during their 2-1 win over Chelsea at King Power Stadium on Monday, insisted he will remain at the club until the end of the campaign.

“The best for me would be to stay. I am not going to leave in Jan-

uary, it won’t be good for my team if I leave,” Mahrez said.

“If they lose a player like me, Vardy or Kanté, it can penalize the team.

I prefer to continue until the end of the season.”

Table leaders Leicester have been the biggest surprise so far this season in the Premier League, which does not however prevent the Algeria international from keeping his feet on the ground.

“We are on top, but it doesn’t mean anything. The big guys will wake up at some point,” Mahrez insisted.

“We won’t be champions! We don’t have broad enough shoulders.

The other squads have more depth.

They will take over at some point.”

A

rsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign a defensive midfielder in the January transfer window as they assess the availability of several potential targets.

Arsene Wenger is eager to bolster his squad with the Gunners currently second in the Premier League and hoping to win the title for the first time since 2004.

The Gunners are without first choice defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin until at least March because of a knee ligament injury, with Mathieu Flamini currently playing in the holding role in front of the back four.

Sporting midfielder William Carvalho has been on Arsenal’s radar for several years and they strongly considered a move for the 23-year-old last summer before he suffered a fractured tibia playing for Portugal in the European Under-21 championships.

The north London club are understood to be scouting Carvalho and considering his potential availability in January, although Sporting will be hugely reluctant to sell a key player midway through the season as they chase the Portuguese title.

Ruben Neves, the 18-year-old Porto midfielder who became the youngest player to captain a team in the Champions League, is another who has been strongly linked with Arsenal and has also been watched by Chelsea and Liverpool this season.

Grzegorz Krychowiak has been tracked by Arsenal but is another player unlikely to move in January after he signed a new contract with Sevilla in November.

It means Wenger is casting the net far and wide to try and find an available player in the winter window to improve his squad, especially after his side were drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League last 16.

Carvalho

31

Thursday, December 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

Daniel attributes AFCON success to

self-determination

Daniel

N

Mike Otanwa

T

he Super Eagles, who are preparing for next month’s CHAN in Rwanda, have granted U-23 stars Usman Mohammed and Bature Yaro a week’s break after their return from the U-23 AFCON in Senegal.

“We have given Usman (Mohammed) and Bature Yaro oneweek break after which they will rejoin us,” said Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf, who is holding forte for ailing coach Sunday Oliseh.

League hotshot Gbolahan Salami and Warri Wolves defender Solomon Kwambe were also given compassionate leave by the team to account for their absence.

Yusuf further revealed they plan to have a look at a number of U-23 players who were not called up for the training camp after what they showed at the U-23 AFCON in Senegal.

“We saw some players in the U23s and we plan to call them after a meeting with the head coach,” he said.

igeria’s Dream Team goalkeeper at the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Emmanuel Daniel, has attributed the team’s success at Senegal to self-determination of the squad despite the obvious challenges faced.

Against all odds, former Super Eagles striker, Samson Siasia who led the Dream Team to Senegal not only picked an Olympics ticket but left the tournament as champions.

The pressure mounted higher when Nigeria after taking the lead in their first two group matches conceded in the second half, thereby establishing a high concern about the team’s Amuneke chances of going far in the tournament.

The former 3SC goalkeeper, Emmanuel Daniel said that the team went through a lot of challenges but after the slim victory over Mali and a 2-2 draw with Egypt, everyone in the squad made up their mind to succeed.

“We went through a lot of challenges prior to the competition but the coaches did their best to gyptian side, Zamalek are motivate us and give some sort showing interest in securing of confidence but individually we the service of Warri Wolves struggled to build such strong attacking midfielder Oghenekaro confidence.”

Etebo in the next transfer window.

“But after the first matches Zamalek are trying to shore up their team with another foreign where we conceded those goals I player after they axed their Burkina think everyone in the team had to Faso player Abdoulaye Cisse before just find the right determination the start of this season. not to give up. We build up the Sources in Zamalek revealed to courage not to lose a match, at least supersport.com that the team’s if we don’t concede we won’t lose, assistant coach Samy Shesheny was “Daniel said. in Senegal for the recently concluded U-23 Africa Cup of Nations to scout

CHAN Eagles give U-23 stars week’s break

Eagles

Mike Otanwa

G

olden Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has said he isn’t particularly concerned whether he wins the African coach of the

year award or not.

The former African player of the year has been nominated for the coach of the year in the 2015 CAF player of the year awards, after winning Nigeria’s fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Chile.

I’m not concerned about coach award nomination

-Amuneke

Transfer window:

Zamalek target Wolves’

Etebo E

new players.

The same sources said that Zamalek have a shortlist of players and Etebo is number one on the pile of their targets.

Zamalek were in negotiations with Algeria U-23 player Oussama Darfalou before they dumped the idea of luring him away from USM Alger.

The Egyptian Premier League title-holders already have two foreign players in Maarouf Yousef from Nigeria and Mohamed Koffi from Burkina Faso.

Lulu

A

Speaking on his nomination, the former Nigeria striker says he has won the important prize, which is the U-17 World Cup trophy.

“It is good that I have been recognized because we did well,” he said modestly.

“I’m not really particular about winning it because I am not that kind of a person. It is a welcome development if I win it, same if I don’t.

“I believe I have already won what matters most, which is the U-17 World Cup and I am happy for that,” he stated.

His team were also nominated as team of the year, along with the Nigerian U-23, who just won the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Glo CAF Award ceremony will hold in Abuja in January 2016.

Court fails to deliver ruling on ex-NFF boss

Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday failed to deliver ruling on the corruption case against a former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sani Lulu Abdullahi, and three others while in office - Taiwo Ogunjobi, Amanze Uchegbulam, and Bolaji OjoOba. Journalists and members of the public who besieged Court Eight of the Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Justice F.S. Chukwu left the

Court yesterday disappointed as the much anticipated ruling on the corruption case could not be delivered.

The ruling was earlier slated for December 15, but when the Court resumed sitting yesterday, Justice F.S. Chukwu stunned those who expected the case to be delivered that he was not in the position to give ruling on the “no case” submission by the defendants counsels in October.

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Published by folio communicationS ltd, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com. ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. GROUP EDITOR: Biodun duRoJaiYE news Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. advert Hotlines: 08086296714

tHuRSdaY, dEcEmBER 17, 2015

VOL. 2. NO.3

Price: n150

Mahrez Sokari 30

rules out January exit

tipped to succeed in Tunisian League g 28

y c n e d i Pres rejects a 0 0 0 , 0 N75 player reward s t e l g a E r fo l a i c i f f O –

A

much lower proposal of N150,000 per player of the victorious Golden Eaglets has been tabled by the sports ministry after a proposal of N750,000a-player was rejected by the country’s Presidency as “too much”.

It has already been reported that the federal government has rejected an initial proposal by the sports ministry to reward the Eaglets after they won a fifth FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile last month.

This week the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that next year will be rough for the country because of the poor economy and has moved to cut back drastically on government spendings.

It would therefore be seen as double standards if the government now splashes a fortune on the schoolboy stars.

“The proposal has been reviewed after the first rejection. We wait for the green light from the presidency on the date for the reception and the reward,” a sports ministry official disclosed.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Reps fault imposition, reduction of MTN Page B2 $5.2b fine by NCC

CBN’s FX window: MAN wants inclusion of crude palm to boost economy Page B3

IOSCO appoints new secretary -general Page B6

SiFAX Group unveils new identity, plans fresh investment

Executive Director (Administration), SIFAX Group, Dr. Phil Ofulue, said yesterday that the group would invest in infrastructure and capacity building, to make Nigeria the hub of international shipping.

He stated this in a message to the unveiling of the company’s new market identity in Lagos.

Ofulue was represented by the Secretary to the Djibouti Consul-General in Nigeria, CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Finance Ministry explains delay in payment of GIS stipends

L-R: Chairman, Chinedu & Sons Ltd, Mr. Chinedu Ezenyili; Chairman, Lafenax Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Lawrence Ifenchor; Managing Director, Global Concept Nigeria Ltd, Gilbert Igweka and Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc., Onne van dar Weijde, handing over a truck key during the presentation of fleet of trucks to empower distributors held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Reps demand CBN declare interest on foreign reserves Henry Omunu, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Wednesday charged the Central Bank of Nigeria to declare the interest that has accrued into the foreign reserve account of the federation within the last four years and make public the accounts where the reserves are held.

This resolution was sequel to the unanimous adoption by the House of a motion sponsored by Rep. Abdulssamad Dasuki requesting the CBN to periodically

Thursday, December 17, 2015

declare the details of the foreign reserves accounts and the accrued interest.

Similarly, the House said the apex bank should explain the criteria for engaging foreign managers of the foreign reserves accounts in the spirit of transparency and to annually report the performance and continued compliance by the fund managers with the guidelines issued for the management of the accounts.

Rep. Dasuki while moving the motion said Section 36 of the CBN Act, 2007, mandated the Central Bank to operate as the banker to the federal govern-

ment.

He said that arising from the Act, the bank maintains several foreign reserve accounts on behalf of the government containing funds in foreign currencies held in foreign banks before they are shared monthly during the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings.

The lawmaker said even though interests accrue from the surplus of funds held by the apex bank on behalf of the government which have not been monetized into the local currency and received by the federation from the CBN from the foreign bank

accounts.

Dasuki expressed worry that while foreign fund managers are contracted by the CBN to manage the funds on contractual terms, “these terms are not subjected to public scrutiny or open competitive and transparent processes.

“The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority was established, among others reasons, to undertake the management of the excess crude account funds on behalf of the federation and that domestic capacity is being developed in order that large state owned funds can be managed by Nigerians.

The Federal Ministry of Finance on Wednesday assured participants of the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of payment of their outstanding monthly and training allowance.

GIS is a Federal Government programme aimed at preparing unemployed graduates to become either self employed or better equipped for the labour market after undergoing a 12-month training.

Mr Lassa Ptilapari, GIS Head of ICT, gave the assurance while speaking at the closing ceremony of a Career Development and Entrepreneurship Training for about 100 interns in Maiduguri.

He attributed the delay in the payment of the monthly stipends to non submission of Time Sheet by employers of the interns. ``There are various reasons why your monthly stipend may not be paid on time. ``One is that if your employers did not submit your time sheet when it is expected of them to do so, we can’t process payment,’’ Ptilapari who represented Mr Peter Papka, the GIS Project Director, said.

He lamented that some interns failed to submit their account numbers for payment in spite of repeated appeals. ``Some interns gave wrong account details, we have always CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Nigeria’s N20b petro-chemical investments in comatose — Expert

Joy Ekeke

Dr. John Erinne, former President of Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSCHE) has disclosed that about N20 billion ($100m) annual investments in the Nigeria’s oil and gas process chemical industry were currently in comatose.

He explained that the dwindling fortune in the chemical processing industry was caused by the incapacitation of the four refineries in Nigeria.

Erinne, who spoke on the sidelines of the first Nigerian Oilfield Chemicals seminar organised by National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and Nichem Ventures Limited in Lagos, advised the federal government to save revenues loss from refineries by expediting action on the privatization of the assets.

He said estimated investments worth $7 million to $10 million per annum could be secured if the refineries are in good shape.

“The investments can double if the refineries work,” he noted, adding that the “nature of the four refineries has effect on production chemicals.”

Erinne who said that production chemicals were not majorly affected by the oil price rout rocking the global oil and gas industry, also stated: “Many chemical engineers are employers of labour and I am sure that many chemical engineers are employed in the industry. So it is in the best CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Erinne

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Finance Ministry explains delay in payment of GIS stipends

Compel Discos to acquire meters locally, manufacturers tell NERC Electricity Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria yesterday appealed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to compel power Distribution Companies (Discos) to procure meters from local manufacturers.

Executive Secretary of the association, Mr Muyideen Ibrahim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the importation of meters by the Discos had crippled local manufacturers of the item.

He said that the promotion of indigenous meter manufacturers would boost their business and create more job opportunities in the sector.

Ibrahim reiterated that local manufacturers had the capacity to meet the needs of the companies. ``Government should be strongly committed in the promotion of local content because we want to be part of the growth in electricity sector.

“If the government compels the Discos to patronize local manufacturers, it will demonstrate its commitment to the local content policy,’’ he said.

Ibrahim urged NERC to liberalise the metering arm of the power sector to allow consumers and vendors to buy meters directly from indigenous meter manufacturers.

Amadi

SiFAX Group unveils new identity, plans fresh investment

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Shittu, Minister of communication

Reps fault imposition, reduction of MTN $5.2b fine by NCC Tony Nwakaegho

The House of Representatives committee on Communications has faulted the steps taken by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) in the imposition of fine on MTN, the controversy and implications of fine imposed on MTN, Nigeria’s leading telecoms firm.

According to the committee, the process was flawed, stressing that the National Assembly, which is constitutionally saddled with the power to effect such actions was excluded from the exercise.

The committee also asserted that the process leading to the reduction of the $5.2 billion fine was not satisfactory.

It stated that the fine as well as the accompanying error in the multiple reductions had dealt a huge blow to the country’s image in the comity of nations with move already being greeted with uncomplimentary remarks at international fora.

The Committee was mandated by the House to investigate the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Mrs. Folake Rogers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Group, under whose umbrella is Ports and Cargo Handling Services Ltd, took over Terminal `C’ of the Tin-Can Island Port in 2006.

Ofolue said the Group was now three decades old, saying that it had taken the lead in

current impasse in the telecommunication sector.

Saheed Fijabi (APC, Oyo), committee chairman who expressed dismay over the “erroneous fine reduction,” said the development was an embarrassment to the country.

“Our observers may presume that we, as a nation either have no rules of engagement with regards to business operations or if we do, we may lack sincerity in our operations.

“It is embarrassing for instance to listen to what the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) had to say concerning the present impasse.

“It is equally appalling to observe the conflict in figures with regards to the reduction of the fine and discussions making rounds concerning the action or inaction of the National Assembly”.

The committee also expressed its determination to unravel what informed the initial fine of over N1 trillion as well as those behind the reductions from 35 per cent to 25 per cent.

the area of innovation for improving infrastructure development, capacity development, workforce remuneration and social responsibility. ``The re-engineering of the SIFAX Group had led to the repositioning of the company’s business practices, processes and procedures. ``We recognise the prime

asked interns to update their account details with us to avoid problem. ``Others do not even have account numbers, so there is no how we will be able to make any payment to that kind of person. ``Some interns had their payment processed but had to be stopped because it contained wrong account numbers, we even had duplicated account numbers for several persons,’’ Ptilapari said.

He said that payment of training allowance was based on attendance. ``Many interns fail to attend training programmes and still expect us to pay them allowance. ``Let me say categorically that payment is made using attendance sheet at the training and only those in attendance are entitled to the allowance,’’ he said.

Ptilapari said that the ministry will effect payment to all interns with genuine claims after scrutiny. ``We will check from our system to see if you have not been paid previously, it may take time because we have to check our records. ``We will pay all those who have not been paid,’’ he said.

Ptilapari explained that the career training was aimed at preparing the interns for the labour market or to be self-reliant. ``The training is to introduce graduates interns to the dynam-

ics of the labour markets and what their options are as well as prepare them for a life of entrepreneurship as they exit the scheme,’’ he said.

He said that about 30, 000 graduates are currently engaged in the programme nationwide. ``Over 300,000 graduates registered in our portal, but we have only been able to give about 30,000 graduates internship; you can calculate the difference. ``It is an opportunity that you have and we expected that you take full advantage of the opportunity, that is why we are providing an orientation and employability courses in the programme,’’ he said.

Kemi Adeosun, Minister of finance

Nigeria’s N20b petro-chemical investments in comatose CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

interest of all of us that the oil price stabilises.”

Chairman, Nichem Ventures Limited, Engineer David Adewunmi Adeyemo, said that the oil price has continued to crash and the talk in the industry is now whether there will be an industry or not.

“For us, we hold the optimistic position that the equilibrium will be found and oil production will continue in Nigeria,” he said.

Deputy President of NSChE, Professor Sunday Sam Adefila, President, Petroluem Technicians Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Engineer Emeka Ene a representative of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and Engineer O. Paul said that the crude oil price rout will continue to wreck economies of oil producing nations if measures were not put in place to cushion the effects.

place that the customer occupies in our business and we daily seek better ways to exceed the expectations of the customer,’’ Ofulue said.

He said the Group’s new identity ``signifies the intention of the company to transit from a Nigerian business brand to a global one. ``Our presence and represen-

tation in almost all the continents of the world show the level of our ambition and future plans,’’ Ofulue said.

He said that the Group intended to offer world-class services and solutions in maritime, aviation, haulage, logistics, oil and gas, and hospitality to the target market across the globe.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Stories by Motolani Oseni The agricultural sector group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has requested for inclusion of crude palm oil on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) Foreign Exchange (FX) official window which is not included currently.

The President of the group, Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs, solicited with the agriculture minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh, on the need to assist in reversing the CBN’s foreign exchange policy on crude palm oil, stressing that forex should be made available for genuine manufacturers who use the CPO as a major raw material for production of end goods like noodles and biscuits.

According to him, the CBN’s policy is threatening the existence of several manufacturing companies which rely heavily on the CPO as a major raw material for production.

Though, he welcomes the policy, saying it should not disturb importation of some important raw materials needed for local production, especially when demand for such material cannot be met locally in the country.

Stanbic IBTC unveils security lending product NIBOR as @ Dec. 16, 2015 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

O/N

0.9983

0.01 ?

1M

8.3703

-0.53 ?

3M

10.4491

-0.33 ?

6M

12.6325

-0.35 ?

B3 Money Market

CBN’s FX window: MAN wants inclusion of crude palm to boost economy It will be recalled that the CBN had issued a directive stopping some imported goods and services from the list of items valid for forex in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Markets.

This policy implies that, those who import these items can no longer buy foreign currency from the official window to pay the overseas suppliers. Rather, they will have to source forex from the parallel market or Bureau De Change (BDCs) to pay for their imports.

Meanwhile, the CBN forex trading window had exchange rate stabled at N197/US $1 as at yesterday, but pressure however continued to mount on the parallel market, as the nation’s currency naira depreciated from N254/ US $1 on Monday to N270/US $1 on Wednesday, sustaining a slide for the third week consecutively, thereby widening the exchange gap between the CBN official window and the parallel market.

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holding Plc, has unveiled Securities Lending Product in the Nigerian capital market.

Securities lending involves the temporary transfer of securities from one party (the lender) to another (the borrower) for a fee. These transactions are facilitated through an intermediary acting as agent or principal intermediary between the lender and borrower.

However, the borrower is obliged to return the securities, either on demand or at the end of a term.

In his opening remarks at the launch in Lagos, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni, said as a member of a global banking group, Stanbic IBTC has a responsibility to

L-R: Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications Keystone Bank, Mrs. Omobolanle Osotule; Mrs Titi Bashorun; Mrs. Shola Adeogun; Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odusanya of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre; Deputy General Manager, Construction & Infrastructure, Keystone Bank, Mr. Jose Abubakar; Mrs. Folashade Adebayo and Mrs. Bukola Idowu-Koya of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre at a courtesy visit to Keystone Bank by members of the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre on Wednesday.

help grow the capital market through products and initiatives that could help investors harness investment opportunities that exist in Nigeria.

Sanni stated that investors need to spread their investment options into different financial derivatives, and in doing this, minimize risks associated with tying investments in particular stocks and securities. Diversification into different asset classes, he added, reduces risk levels,while offering higher returns.

In driving success for the product, Stanbic IBTC will be relying on its extensive product knowledge and expertise; rich technology capability; access to lenders and borrowers to drive utilisation; sound risk management fundamentals and exten-

sive reporting capability, Sanni added.

“We are delighted to be introducing the Stanbic IBTC Securities Lending Product into the Nigerian market. The product launch is a further demonstration of our commitment to facilitating stability and growth of the Nigerian capital market, via confidence-building initiatives and leveraging investment opportunities in the market.

Other derivatives will be introduced in the future,” Sanni stated.

Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), noted that various initiatives have been introduced to strengthen the capital market, includ-

Inflation Rates (%)

Money Market Indicators (%) -2015

CBN Exchange Rates

ing the derivatives market. He described the investment opportunities in the capital market and Nigeria’s economy as huge.

“Despite the prevailing challenging operating environment and the attendant indifferent performance of the capital market, characterized by low level investor confidence, there still exists enormous investment opportunities for Nigerians to leverage”, Onyema stated, while reiterating the Exchange’s goal of becoming the leading bourse and gateway to Africa when it comes to capital formation and investment.

Month

January

February

March

Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.21

23.5

12.59

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

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

13

13

13

SWISS FRANC

197.6102

198.1143

198.6185

Treasury Bill Rate

11.2

10.88

10.77

YEN

1.5982

1.6023

1.6063

Savings Deposit Rate

3.48

3.47

3.76

CFA

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

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 Thursday, December 17, 2015

Stock Market Report

Index falls 0.01% Lead indicator of the Nigerian Equities market dropped by 0.01 per cent yesterday bringing the All Share Index 2.33 points lower to close at 26,948.43 points, compared to a 0.84 per cent depreciation attained previously to close at 26,950.76 points.

Market capitalization likewise declined by N801.7 million to close at N9.265 trillion compared to N78.6 billion lost previously to close at N9.266 trillion.

Market breadth closed with 16 gainers against 23 losers. Topping the losers chart was Tiger Brands Plc with a decline of 9.52 per cent or 12 kobo to close at N1.14 per share, trailed by Cadbury Plc., which depreciated by 5.00 per cent or One naira to close at N19 per share, while UACN Plc., dropped 4.91 per cent or N1.11 to close at N21.50 per share.

Ikeja Hotel Plc., also lost 4.86 per cent or 16 kobo to close at N3.13 per share, while Ecobank

Transnational Incorporation Plc., fell 4.75 per cent or 79 kobo to close at N15.85 per share.

On the other hand, Ashaka Cement Plc., led the 16 gainers with an increase of 10.23 per cent or N2.30 kobo to close at N24.79 per share followed by PZ Cussons Plc., which added 10.20 per cent or N2.71 to close at N29.29 per share, while Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., gained 9.21 per cent or 14 kobo to close at N1.66 per share.

Union Bank Nigeria Plc appreciated 8.32 per cent or 46 kobo to close at N5.99 per share, while Cutix Plc., increased by 4.70 per cent or 7 kobo to close at N1.56 per share.

At the end of the day’s transactions, investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange had in 2,781 deals traded a total of 196.5 million shares worth N2.1 billion compared to 189.3 million shares worth N3.2 billion exchanged in 3,265 deals previously.

L – R: Chief Anthony Idigbe, Non, Executive Director, Royal Exchange Assurance Plc; Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Chike Mokwunye, Group Managing Director, Royal Exchange Assurance Plc; Ms. Sheila Ezeuko, Group Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Royal Exchange Assurance Plc; Alhaji Auwalu Muktari, Executive Director, Royal Exchange Assurance Plc and Mr. Yinka Ojora, Non-Executive Director, Royal Exchange Assurance Plc at the NSE Closing Gong Ceremony recently.

Honeywell Flour Mills appoints new director Board of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, makers of Honeywell Wheat Meal and Noodles have announced the appointment of Mrs. Oluseye Sandey as Finance & I.T. Director.

This was made known via a publication on the Nigerian Stock Exchange site. According to the publication, the decision was taken following the company’s Board meeting held on the 15th of December, 2015, and it is in line with the company’s vision of having a robust Board with an array of talented and highly experienced executives.

The official statement from Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, read that “Mrs. Oluseye Sandey is

bringing to the HFMP Board over 30 years of experience in auditing, budgeting and reporting, business development and taxation.

The company is certain that Mrs. Sandey’s comprehensive experience will further enhance the Board’s ability to lead the company and guide the management team in the achievement of the company’s vision to become Africa’s leading Food Company, with a diverse portfolio of leading products and brands preferred by its consumers.

Mrs. Sandey started her career with Akintola Williams Deloitte & Co. where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1988.

In June 1994, she joined CocaCola Nigeria Limited as Budget Manager for the Nigeria Region and served as the Nigeria Region Treasury Manager and Accounting Manager between March 1996 and July 2002.

In August 2002, she was appointed Region Finance Manager for Coca-Cola West Africa Region based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

In this role, she had responsibility for end-to-end Finance Operations for 23 Countries in West and Central Africa. In August 2003, she moved to CocaCola Export Corporation, based in Casablanca, Morocco as Region Finance Manager for 24 Countries in North and West Africa.

NSE unveils adopt-A-School initiative Ï ƊƊƆ Ɔ GƄ ƍ Ɔ ÷ #ƄƐƄƉ ƋƊƄ Ǝ Ƅ ƎƍƄ Ɔ G Stories by Adesola Akindele The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE or The Exchange) has launched its Adopt-A-School initiative with the commissioning of a Learning and Development Centre donated to Oke Odo Junior College, Abule Egba, Lagos.

The initiative is an educational intervention by the NSE aimed at addressing the challenges experienced by schools in Nigeria through facility and process improvement, teachers’ empowerment and students’ intellectual

advancement.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director, Capital Market, NSE, Mr. Haruna JaloWaziri said “The Exchange is committed to driving the delivery of quality education and improving the financial literacy of the communities we serve. The Adopt-A-School initiative is one of the many ways we continue to improve learning in our educational system.”

According to Mr. Jalo-Waziri, the Learning and Development Centre at Oke Odo Junior College is one of the programmes in the pilot phase of the NSE Adopt-ASchool initiative.

“The Exchange is committed to implementing a three prong

programme that include; establishing a learning and development centre, organizing career workshops for students and providing trainings for teachers on soft skills, information & communication technology and financial intelligence. In this pilot phase, we have been able to also provide trainings for 52 teachers and organized career workshops for 250 students”.

On the choice of the school, Mr. Jalo-Waziri, explained that the selection of Oke Odo Junior College as the first beneficiary of this intervention was based on rigorous needs analysis and assessment of schools in Lagos, carried out in conjunction with E-Green Services, a social enter-

prise firm.

The Lagos State Government, represented by Mr. A.J Ojo, Education District 1, Lagos, commended the NSE for its strategic contribution to the development of the society through the AdoptA-School programme.

“It is very heart-warming to have The NSE make such a remarkable transformation here at the Oke Odo, Junior College. Today, The Exchange has addressed the issue of providing a conducive learning environment and capacity building for teachers which forms the bedrock of qualitative Education globally. We are indeed grateful and we hope that this partnership continues for the long term.” He said.

Onyema

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 16-12-2015

Business News B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Court jails 9 foreign nationals for oil theft, confiscates ship Funmi Coker

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Bauchi State, Alhaji Yusuf Yerima (middle),cutting the tape to inaugurate the Blind Hostel, Special Education Centre, Yelwa, Bauchi State, renovated by Fidelity Bank while the Executive Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mohammed Balarabe (2nd right) and Alhaji Baba Gidado (right) look on Wednesday.

IOSCO appoints new secretary-general Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) yesterday announced it has appointed Paul P. Andrews as its new Secretary General. Mr. Andrews is currently the Vice President and Managing Director of International at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He will take up his position at IOSCO for a three-year renewable term in March 2016.

Mr. Andrews succeeds David Wright, who joined IOSCO in March 2012 after 34 years of financial and regulatory policy work at the European Commission.

IOSCO Board Chairman, Greg Medcraft said: ‘On behalf of the Board I look forward to working closely with Paul in achieving our goal of reinforcing IOSCO’s role as key global reference point

for securities regulation and implementing our 2020 Strategy.’

At FINRA, Mr. Andrews has sought to establish strong working relationships with regulatory bodies outside of the U.S to improve international cooperation and coordination. He represents FINRA at IOSCO, where he sits on the Regulatory Advisory Committee of IOSCO’s Affiliate Members Consultative Committee (AMCC) and chairs the AMCC Task Force on Risk.

He also serves as the Chair of the International Forum for Investor Education, a global organization dedicated to strengthening resources and standards for investor education within and across jurisdictions Mr. Andrews said: It’s a privilege to be named to this position and I intend to work with the Board on three key themes: (1)

strengthening IOSCO’s position as the international capital markets standards setter; (2) forging greater cooperation among regulators and other standard setting bodies on supervisory and enforcement issues while continuing to assist emerging markets with technical assistance and capacity building; and (3) engaging regulators world-wide to exchange information, discuss issues and approaches to common regulatory challenges, and seek to create global solutions where possible.”

Prior to joining FINRA, Mr. Andrews spent eight years at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). During that time, he worked in the Division of Market Regulation and the Office of the General Counsel.

David Wright, current IOSCO Secretary General, said: “I wish

Paul every success in his new function as Secretary General of IOSCO. He is an excellent choice to take IOSCO forward over the next years.”

IOSCO is the leading international policy forum for securities regulators and is recognized as the global standard setter for securities regulation. The organization’s membership regulates more than 95 percent of the world’s securities markets in more than 115 jurisdictions and it continues to expand.

The IOSCO Board is the governing and standard-setting body of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The Board is made up of 34 securities regulators. Mr Greg Medcraft, chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, is the chair of the IOSCO Board.

AIB seeks trained, motivated professional investigators Ï#ƄƊ ƕ ƅ ƍ Hi-tech equipment, other sophisticated tools Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Dr. Felix Abali has told the Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi that the Bureau needed well trained, well-motivated and diligent professional investigators in carrying out its duties.

Speaking when the minister

paid a visit to the premises of the Bureau at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Dr Abali stated that the AIB also needed hi-tech equipment and other sophisticated tools.

According to Abali, these two resources will help us to deliver on our mandate and fulfill our vision of being among the leading accident investigation bodies in the world.

He noted that for now they have some dedicated, well trained professionals and some good facilities, adding that the Bureau need

more in this direction.

Abali said: “The Accident Investigation Bureau is being funded through the three percent of Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) being collected by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and federal government allocations through the federal budget. We can do with more funding.

We also have challenges just as we have great potentials. We hope your visit will help in overcoming some of these challenges and reposition AIB among the leading accident investigation bodies in the world.”

He stated that the rest of issues concerning the AIB will be passed across to the minister.

He explained that AIB became an autonomous agency and effectively started operation in 2007 with the appointment of a Commissioner/chief executive officer as a result of the passing into law of the Civil Aviation Act of 2006.

The commissioner of AIB added that prior to this time, the Bureau was a department in the Federal Ministry of Aviation as Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIPB) and headed by a Director.

Five Filipinos, Axel Joseph Gibo Jabone, Juanito Camireno Infantado, Suarin Fernado Alave, Gatila Jaypee Gadayan and Rolando Jose Commendador as well as four Bangladeshis, Md Zahirul Islam, Islam Shahinul, Islam Rafiqul and Shaikn Shibli Nomany, accused of unlawfully dealing in crude oil were convicted and sentenced to twenty years imprisonment each.

They were, however, granted an option of paying N20 million each by a Federal high court sitting in Lagos, western Nigeria.

Their vessel MT Asteris, was also ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria together with the crude oil on board of the vessel.

The four-count criminal charge number FHC/L/239C/15 was filed before the court by the Head Legal and Prosecution Department of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Gbolahan Latona.

In the charge it was stated that the convicts on or about 27 March, 2015 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court conspired among themselves to commit an offence to wit: dealing in 3,423.097metric tons of crude oil without lawful authority or appropriate license and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(19) (6) of the miscellaneous offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 17 of the same Act. It was also alleged that the accused on the same day and time within the jurisdiction of the court without license stored 3, 423. 097 metric tons of crude oil in MT Asteris’ cargo tanks marked 1C, 3C and 4C and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 4 of the Petroleum Act, Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Ship

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

B7 Motoring

Stakeholders urge FG to integrate all modes of transportation Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Key players in the Cargo Haulage and Logistics have called on the Federal Government to harmonise the different modes of transportation in the country so as to allow effective movement and management of cargoes.

This advice was given after stakeholders’ deliberations in the recently concluded annual Cargo Haulage Logistics (CAHAUL) where they called for an integration of the various

modes of transportation in order to achieve industry purpose.

In the communiqués jointly signed by the forum chairman, Engr. Emmanuel Osagie and secretary, Okey John Agunorris, the stakeholders pointed out that this could be done by reviving the comatose rail system and the near decay road mode of transportation.

It stated in the communiqué that “the air, land and sea transportation modes which deal with transportation of goods and materials are distinct but inseparable and should be given

a dose of attention to thrive.

The urgent need to overhaul and transform the road mode of transportation in Nigeria was also noted. The need for good and efficient rail network also came to the fore. These lapses accordingly are as a result of non-existent operational transportation policy in the country both at the federal and state levels”, it stated.

Stating further, the forum also noted out that import and export tariffs should be reduced to a one-digit figure from what it is at the moment just as it was

achieved in the downstream petroleum sector.

Such consideration, they argue will encourage importation and exportation of both finished products and raw materials to boost national economy.

The annual Cargo Haulage Logistics (CAHAUL) stakeholders’ forum with the theme: Government Policies: A Panacea To Growth And Development Of Haulage Logistics Sector was held at Hotel Ibis Royale, Lagos.

It noted that Import and Export activities within and beyond the shores of Nigeria

revolve around the Haulage Logistics sector of the economy as a huge revenue earner for the country and that the sector be accorded its due recognition.

It further warned that putting the inherent risks in Cargo Haulage Logistics on Lack of co-ordination amongst Haulers, Lack of adequate statistics, Bankruptcy, Safety Management, Transportation Regulation and Compliance, Overloading, Weather Condition, Government Duties and Taxes, Competition, Maintenance Risk, Drivers are some of the banes of sector.

AMG launches S65 ‘hurricane’ Cabriolet Mercedes-AMG already offers the widest selection of V12s in the car business and now that candy store experience is being enhanced with the firstever S65 Cabriolet.

Until now if you wanted to experience AMG’s potent V12 in open-top form you had to opt for the two-seat SL65 roadster, but the recent addition of an S-Class Cabriolet body style means four people can now experience the hurricane-in-hair sensation.

That said, there’s probably enough power to blow your heads

off completely, with the handassembled 6-litre twin-turbo V12 pushing 463kW at 4800 - 5400rpm and 1000Nm from 2300. That, says its creator, is enough for a 4.1-second 0-100km/h pounce and if you opt for the ‘Driver’s Package’ the top speed nanny shifts from 250km/h to 300km/h. Power goes to the rear wheels through AMG’s seven-speed ‘Speedshift’ auto with three driving modes and to find the best ride-handling balance, the S65 has a sport-tuned Airmatic air suspension system.

When you need to shut the

weather out, there’s a multi-layered soft top, available in black, dark blue, beige or red and the mechanism is capable of doing its closing trick in just 17 seconds.

The cosy cabin has sport seats covered in Designo nappa leather with a model-specific diamond pattern and there’s an intelligent climate control system that knows whether the top’s up or down. If you’re braving the cold with it down, you can also call on the Airscarf neck-heating system and Aircap automatic windshielding system.

Brands & Marketing B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

L-R: Hon. Princess Nikky Ugochukwu, Author of the Book “He Lived For Us All” (A Biography of Igwe (Dr.) Mathias Nwafor Ugochukwu); General T.Y. Danjuma GCON, Chairman of the occasion and wife, Senator Daisy Danjuma and Madam Agnes Ugochukwu, wife of the late Igwe M.N.Ugochukwu and mother of the Author during the launch of the Book in Lagos recently.

Lions Club celebrate sports day In order to consolidate on its physical fitness initiative, the International Association of Lions Club, District 404B2 Nigeria held its 2nd edition of sports day in Lagos recently.

Speaking at the event, the District Governor of the association, Dr. Funke Adebajo thanked all members for their support towards a monumental success that the association has achieved under her watch. “I want to maintain that you have come a long way in this administration, you have achieved most especially in the area of welfare what no other lion club has achieved. With this gesture, no member in our district will be in want again,” she added.

While reacting to the benefits of sports, the District Governor pointed out that, exercise is very good for every human being because whenever you engage yourself in an exercise, you

will be strong, your body will be feat, and you will always think straight.

Also speaking at the event, sport chairperson of the event, Lion Kayode Ikuenomore disclosed that; “the idea behind the event is to create platform for the members of the association to keep feat, and also create awareness about the association. The association is also a humanitarian organization caring for the less privilege. He noted.

Going forward, he disclosed that, the club will continue to consolidate on how it has been impacting on the less privilege, because the more our communities become well, the more our lives become better, and the entire world will be impacted positively.

The highlight of the event was free cataract surgery for Policemen in partnership with the eye foundation, Tug of war, Dance competition, Quiz, three legged race among others.

Most children always look forward to the yuletide season with feverish excitement because it comes with lots of fun and ecstasy. The Parkland, Maryland in Lagos was agog recently when hundreds of children filled the magnificent vicinity for an end-of-year party, organised by Dufil Prima Foods Plc makers of Indomie Instant Noodles through its kiddies club, Indomie Fan Club (IFC).

Inside the vicinity of parkland, Maryland, where a cross-section of the children gathered, there was no-stop eruption of laughter and hilarious dance to the tune of the music as carefully selected by the DJ while others delighted themselves with lots of diverse attractions like face painting, bouncing castles, train rides and races of all kinds.

Interestingly, the fun was not for children in Lagos alone, their counterparts in other parts of the country like Ogun, Akure, Benin, Abuja and Ibadan, also had the feel of the season as over 80,000 of the children and thousands of teachers were hosted simultaneously at the largest children’s fan club in Nigeria.

In Lagos, other places like

Apapa Amusement Park, Brainfield Igando, Faith Plaza Bariga, FAOB Amusement Park, and DE Fun Park, Ikorodu, all came alive as pupils from various schools kicked off the elaborate fourteen (14) consecutive days end of the year party.

Speaking at the event, Head, Public relations and Events, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju said the event was staged to celebrate the children for being their loyal partner over the years and to fulfill their expectation and fill the gap of excitement for this season which they might be lacking due to the busy schedule of their parents and to appreciate their teachers for moulding them into great leaders.

According to him, Dufil Prima Foods Plc wishes Nigeria well and understands that the time is tough and that is why we always strive to put smile on the faces

of Nigerians through the brand experience for the privileged and less privileged.

He said the company would not rest on its oars, but will continue to support causes that would contribute to both the mental and physical development of children in Nigeria through support for education and creating opportunities like this to amuse and excite them.

Coordinator of Indomie Fan Club, Mrs. Ibe Ifeyinwa, commended Dufil Prima Foods for giving Nigerian children the rare opportunity of a memorable end of the year party across different regions, especially in situations where some parents might not have the opportunity to take them out for the celebration.

According to her, the fan club has been very supportive of schools both in recreation and academics.

Cussons Baby launches first toddler talent contest

After successfully completing two editions of Cussons Baby Moments, a flagship platform of Cussons Baby brand, the brand has launched yet another novel project that would give toddlers between aged 2years to 5years the opportunity to exhibit their talents in sing, dancing and poetry.

The first ever toddler talent contest in Nigeria tagged ‘Cussons Baby Toddler Grow and Shine”, will have sensational and contemporary music stars in

Jude Abaga popularly known as MI, Waje Iruobe and Chidinma as judges of the toddlers.

Present at the unveiling ceremony of the judges o orthe programme at PZ Cussons in Lagos were Head of Category and Channel Manager, Jimi Taiwo, Category Marketing, Family Care, Mildred Bagshaw, Category Manager, Family Care, Faith Okoli, Brand Manager, Oluwaseun Ayeni, Assistant Brand MangerCussons Baby, Tobi Adetunji and

MI, and Waje.

According to the Category Manager, Family Care- Mrs. Mildred Bagshaw, the initiative is as a result of a direct response from the consumers-basically parents, who have said through their feedbacks that the brand should move a notch higher by introducing a talent contest for the toddlers.

“The motivation for the brand came from the consumers. They are the ones that we are here for and this is a direct response to the

feedbacks that we have got from the two editions of the Cussons Baby Moments, where some parents wanted us to take it a notch higher and include children that were older than the target audience, which we are looking for in the photo competition.” According to her the new initiative is tied to the brand communication platform of Cussons Baby Moments, which is celebrating, exciting and happy moments with children.

Stories by Godwin Anyebe

Dufil rewards children at end of year party

Life&

TIMES Thursday, December 17, 2015

Bimbo

Akintola:

L2,3

P

The relentless and fearless entertainer

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

It’s extremely important that we tell our own stories — Bimbo Akintola

Life&

T E A M

2015 is closing up soon, will you say the year has been a good one for you?

This year has been a good year even with the challenges facing our economy. One of the highlights is playing Dr. Adadevoh in the movie ‘93 days’. The story celebrates our versatility as a people, it celebrates the courage of the doctors at First Consultant. I feel honoured to have been a part of cast.

What will your New Year resolution be?

My resolution would be to keep working on myself, keep learning In past years, you have celebrated with the less privileged, any plan for that this time around?

This would be my third year of celebrating my Christmas with different orphanages and hospice. This time around I would love it if the public joined us to make it an amazing day for the children What informed the programme with the kids?

I remember the excitement and anticipation of Christmas as a child and I believe every child should have that.

How do you feel being part of the historic movie, 93 Days?

I feel honoured and great that I am part of the job and the beautiful aspect of it is that when you are working with artistes that you have worked with before, you already have a rhythm with them. So, it is like going back to work with family; so it is pretty good.

I have worked with Steve Gukas as well; he was the director of Keeping Faith. I know for sure that the project will come out real big at the end because in there, we are talking about our own story told by a Nigerian.

What came to your mind when you were hinted the role expected of you?

Like I always say, the beauty of our job is that you just have to prepare for every role because you won’t know the one that you might be doing soon.

When I was contacted and briefed, it was pretty nice not until I got hold of the script and there I knew a lot was expected of me in that character of the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh. I knew it was indeed in a big work for me and I was prepared for every bit of it.

Versatile Nollywood queen, Bimbo Akintola, is one of the leading actresses in the movie industry from her role as Tutsy Adigwe in ‘Out of Bounds’ with Richard Mofe-Damijo to her role in Ego Boyo’s ‘Keeping Faith’. With several laurels to her credit, Bimbo still waxes stronger in the industry where she started acting at a very tender age with her first major appearance in Owo Blow. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the Theatre Arts graduate from University of Ibadan, opens up on her career, her planned event with the less privileged, playing the lead role in the much publicized ’93 Days’ movie amongst others. Excerpts:

How challenging was it playing the role of the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh?

It is challenging, playing a real life role lived by somebody else who is already gone because everyone had one thing or the other to say about her and that made it a bit more difficult for me. It is in the course of reading the script that makes you understand what the person did in real sense and how much effort they put in achieving their target. For instance, the late Stella never choose to become hero but when they realised what was happening, they realised that Ebola was in their hospital; they didn’t run away, they stood up to the challenge.

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

They became true heroes and heroines and we must understand the fact that we have lost some of them and they died for us and we must respect that and honour that; it is amazing.

Also, what I am channeling at the end of the day is her courage; you know because she was extremely courageous, her warmth, the fact that she was the mother to so many people, the fact that she had principle that she lived by her stubbornness you known; because if she hadn’t been a little stubborn, the story would be totally different. So those are the things I’m trying to channel and just show people who she was by showing her character, things that she believed

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

and the idea that she believed in.

Is this one of the most challenging role?

It is one of my most challenging roles I have taken.

Do you have any fears regarding the fact that you never met with her?

You know at first I was not really thinking about it; you know you are just excited at the fact that you doing something that is so important, because I think it is extremely important that we tell our own stories. I’m tired of hearing other people tell our stories; they don’t tell it as good as we can, so let start doing it, that was my first excitement and then it turned

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

on as she was a strong woman and if you read the script and you realise all the things that she did and you start to shake. I think I started having nightmares because she was such an amazing person. I can’t explain how amazing; I keep saying amazing because I don’t have any other word to use but if you had a conversation with one person that knew her, you would understand what am saying.

To what extent did you go in getting your role right?

I met Bankole, Dr. Amera’s son. It was an amazing experience. I have met all the doctors, I have met Dr. Okiri that is the doctor Danny Glover is playing his a character. I have met quite a lot of doctors who survived and one thing I realized about them all is the fact that they are all amazing and have helped me in gathering all necessary information for the role.

Is Bimbo Akintola a brand name because there is so much you do in this business, a lot of changes about you, you are more beautiful, you are slimmer; you have to tell us what you have done and you haven’t featured in lot of movies in recent past. Are you rebranding?

It’s not a matter of rebranding. It is a matter of believing in something. I started talking to myself; I’m tired of being in every movie that doesn’t say anything. I want to be part of movies that say something and I choose my script now based on what I see and what it means to me. There are a lot that things to be changed in this country; there are a lot that needs to be done and to whom much is given much is expected. We as actors have a duty to Nigeria because we are known; so people use that popularity to make a difference. So with me, I’m only doing stories that means something to me.

We are taking about looks, what have you done to yourself?

Exercise, I do a lot of exercise. I am regular person at the Eko Hotel gym and they would tell you I’m usually there by 5:40am but since we have started shooting, I have had to stop.

But go to Eko gym at other times, I’m normally there for 3 hours usually.

So now that you wouldn’t be doing so many scripts because you now pick the particular type of script that you do, what else do you do apart from acting to survive?

I anchor programmes. I was part of the amazon but I’m starting my own show sometimes next year, so watch out for that.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Fabulous photos from the AM VCA 2016 nominee announcement

Blossom Chukwejekwe

L3 Out & About

Ebuke Uche-Elendu

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu

The Franklins

Helen Paul

The Obolis

Idris Elba, Sen. Ben Bruce dazzle at Beast of the nation premiere

Genevieve Nnaji and Hollywood star, Idris Elba

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Uzodinma Iweala {m} with Parents Ikeba Iweala and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

Senator Ben Bruce

Rukky Sanda

Osas Ajibade

Photos from LAPD African Cops screening in Lagos

Guy Bruce, Chioma Chukwurah

Jon Bruce, Guy Bruce Pascal Atuma and Tchidi Chikere

Guy Murray-Bruce

iyabo Ojo

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

L5

Music Gist L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

Mutiat Alli

D’banj releases ‘An Epic Journey’

New video Alert

K-solo releases Yayi visuals

…unveils DKN slot machine The Koko Master, D’banj, in a bid to be on top of his game, has finally released his much talked about EP titled ‘ An Epic Journey’ recently at a private viewing event for members of the press to have a first- hand look at the visuals.

The Epic journey like a movie is sure going to be a major hit by the Koko master following the trends of singer, Beyoncé and the EP is a collection of musical visuals.

Also as part of the conclusion of his 10th year anniversary, D’banj reeled out activities of his Koko concert scheduled to hold Friday, December 18, 2015 in Owerri, Abuja (December 20), Warri (December 27) and the grand finale come December 29, 2015 in Lagos.

As the brand ambassador of Nigeria’s leading mobile store, Slot Nigeria, the Koko master unveiled

a customised DKN slot machines that will be available in all Slot outlets from 2016 giving lovers of the singer an opportunity to get original copies of both the audio CDs and DVDs in all slot outlets nationwide.

The Koko tour is however sponsored by Slot Nigeria, Bank of industry, Ciroc and Globacom and powered by DKN media and Yankitech entertainment.

Black Girls Rock Africa berth at BET experience Africa Beverly Bond, founder, CEO and executive producer of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, joined the BET Experience Africa (#BETXAfrica), the ultimate urban music and lifestyle festival held in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday December 12, 2015 to announce the launch of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AFRICA (BGR! Africa).

Following the successful model of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Platform in the United States, Bond will soon bring her dynamic visionary empowerment movement to the African continent.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AFRICA is a multifaceted digital, media, and lifestyle platform that will continue to elevate Black women and girls in Africa and beyond. In addition to

partnering with community-based organisations to spearhead outreach initiatives on the continent, Bond is also collaborating with VIMN Africa/BET (Africa) to develop a pan-African BGR! Awards show in 2016.

The purpose of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AFRICA platform is to recognise, support, and celebrate the diversity and dynamism of Black women in Africa and the African Diaspora,” said Bond.

At the BET Experience Africa last weekend, BGR! AFRICA hosted a BLACK GIRLS ROCK! which featured live interviews with Tanzanian supermodel, Millen Magese, radio host and style icon, Bonang Matheba and actress Nomzamo Mbatha.

Nigerian teenage saxophonist releases ‘I do’ In the spirit of the Yuletide season, Tejiri Emore, Nigeria’s most talented teenage saxophonist has dropped a new single titled ‘I do’ to stir up the joy the joy of the season.

As great things are accomplished by talented people who believe in themselves, Tejiri, Nigeria’s youngest saxophonist, an epitome of talent, skill and drive whom one can with no doubt refer to as ‘A Child of Promise’ has set the pace

for other young talents like him with this new single he originally composed himself and produced by Mystro, a vast and seasoned music producer.

This song has a perfect blend and rhythmic combination of the saxophone, drums and keyboard which can set your mind at ease and can be played anytime, anywhere especially with its beat that is sure to get you on your feet dancing.

K-Solo, iNC Musik boss and one of Nigeria’s prominent music producers of countless hits is out with a new video.

K-Solo dishes out the video to his street anthem ‘Yayi’ featuring the street rapper CDQ. The video was directed by J-Money.

Iyanya, D’tunes to release joint album Triple MG act, Iyanya and foremost producer, D’tunes, have hinted that they will be releasing a joint album in 2016 titled Unfinished Bizness. The album is expected to see both musicians return back to their familiar roles, which saw them work together successfully for Iyanya’s second studio album “Desire,” in 2013.

D’tunes over the years had worked with Iyanya before parting ways with him establishing the Made Men Music Group (MMMG) and D’tunes starting up Difference Entertainment where he signed the wave-making Sean Tizzle, and later expanding to sign five unproven acts including Kuebounce and Qdot.

Singles of the collaboration album have already been released with two new songs ‘Sukuma’ and ‘Nothing mega’ unveiled earlier.

Iyanya “Unfinished Bizness” will be D’tunes and Iyanya’s first official collaboration album.

NMVA postponed The Nigerian Music Video Awards, NMVA ranked as one of the most credible musical awards has been postponed. The event which was scheduled to hold today (Thursday), December 17, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites will now get a new date.

Speaking on the postponement, founder of the awards, Mr. Cally Ikpe, said the postponement is inevitable. “Due to circumstances beyond our control, it has become inevitable to postpone by a few weeks the 9th edition of the annual

Ikpe Nigerian Music Video Awards earlier fixed for December 17, 2015.

A new date will be communicated shortly. We deeply regret all inconveniencies”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

L7 Movie Gist

Mutiat Alli

Exclusive: Ibinabo hits hard on Emeka Ike ...He is after the monetary contributions of members In a battle that seems continuous, Actors Guild President (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberesima-Egbuka, has criticised actor Emeka Ike disclosing that there was no election that made him the president of the Guild. Ibinabo Fiberisima-Egbuka noted that she remains the president of the Guild until her tenure elapses. She further disclosed that although a court judgment was presented, she added that the ruling has been appealed against.

Although effort was made by members of the guild to reconcile both parties but Ibinabo was of the opinion that Emeka is not about running a guild but about how much he can make from poor people to make up salaries and food for

himself. She further said: “Emeka used to be my friend but not anymore because you don’t have a friend that does what he is doing presenting; one must learn how to grow because I have grown’.

“There is always chaos in AGN but since I took over, there have been peace, members have started gaining things; a guild must be run with the interest of the people at heart not a family business’.

However, on being a mother and married, Ibinabo noted that been married has been so sweet and beautiful having celebrated her first anniversary. She said “as you can see, I am glowing, that is what marriage does if you are married to the right person”.

Dry, Invasion 1870 win big at BON 2015 ….as Adekunle Gold gives striking performance

Dayo Amusa, Mide Martins and Fathia Balogun at BON 2015 It was indeed a night of glitz and glamour at the Ultra- Modern Dome of the International Conference Centre, Akure, Ondo State venue of the recently concluded Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) converging the movers of the motion pictures that includes Bukky Wright, Lancelot Imaseun, Seun Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Fathia Balogun, Bimbo Thomas, AGN President, Ibinabo Fiberesima, to mention but few.

In its 7th year, the award has continued to wax stronger setting as pace for others to follow. In his speech, the host, Seun Oloketuyi, disclosed how supportive the Ondo State Government led by Governor Olusegun Mimiko had been towards the smooth running of the event.

The event which had Nollywood’s Superstars Bimbo Akintola and Gideon Okeke as the hosts started off with a five minutes emotional video tribute to the fallen heroes of Nollywood.

Highpoint of the event was the an-

nouncement of Lancelot Imaseun’s Invasion 1897 as the movie of the year making it a total of four awards clinched at the event, Stephaine Okereke’s Dry scooped four awards while Kunle Afolayan’s October 1st won three.

Other winners includes Seun Akindele, Omowunmi Dada, Fathia Balogun amongst others.

Many who watched the live broadcast on HipTV said this year’s edition of BON Awards was truly a delight to watch.

Performances by female rapper, Iyalode, Dapole, Comedian Sim Card and MC Shef gave the audience something to laugh and dance to before the night’s high performance from YBNL’S Adekunle Gold who performed songs ranging from Sade to Orente and unto his freshly released singles ‘ Pick up’.

With an inspiring performance, Adekunle got the entire crowd dancing including the AGN president, Ibinabo Fiberesima alongside other Nollywood top shots.

Emeka

Odunlade Adekola to drop music album Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola, has announced plans to drop a music album before the end of the year. Odunlade who recently welcomed his 4th child said the album titled ‘Mo Rire‘ (I have seen blessing) is a compilation of all his movie soundtracks over the years.

It is to be noted that Odunlade has acted in many roles that required him to sing, most notably in the massively successful ‘Emi N’ire Kan‘, where he delivered a song that seems like an abuse on his fans but is actually a curse on his enemies.

Ibinabo

Mercy

Genevieve

Female filmmaker rules at 2016 AMVCA nomination Light skinned actress and CEO Mag Divas, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, has clinched yet another award nomination at the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) in the best indigenous movie Yoruba category with her latest movie ‘Victims’. It would be recalled that Mercy Aigbe-Gentry is the first Yoruba actress to win an AMVCA plaque.

As female filmmakers dominates

next year’s AMVCA awards, Stephaine Okereke-Linus movie,Dry, scooped eight nominations out of the 26 categories including the best director and overall best movie while Genevieve Nnaji’s ‘Road to Yesterday’ scooped six nominations including the overall movie (Africa) category. Other females who got nominated includes Funke Akindele, Omoni Oboli, Adesua Etomi, Lepacious Bose amongst others.

‘Elephant in the Room’ to premiere in January 2016 Nollywood actor, Ramsey Noah’s fascinating romantic comedy movie, ‘Elephant in the room’ will stage a fantastic movie premiere in January 2016 to open the New Year movie calendar.

The movie, which stars Ramsey Nouah who is also the executive producer and exBBA housemate, Zainab Sheriff, will be hitting the cinemas on January 8, 2016. ‘Elephant in the Room’ tells the story of a beautiful model, Carolina George, who finds it difficult getting a job after returning home from Europe. After several fruitless attempts, the job hunter finds herself in the life of an aging wealthy man with both their lives changing afterwards.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 17, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

125 FOX Channel

107 M-Net Movie Romance

02:10

02:15

Thur, 27 Dec | 13SL

Thur, 27 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

08:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow

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