Dtn 17-9-15

Ooni stool: ƑƏƐ ƏƆ ƐƏ ƈ 1ƈƆ ƈ 6 Ƒ Ɔ ƇƏ ƌ ƍƏ ƗƑƅƈ ƅ ƗƈƗ ƐƆ Sodiq Adekunle

ÎÎÎAn Osogbo, Osun State High Court has retrained the Giesi Ruling House of

Ile Ife from presenting candidates for consideration as the new Ooni of Ife. The injunction countered the formal announcement by the kingmakers of

the town requesting nomination of candidates from the Giesis for the selection process of the new monarch to begin.

The injunction, which was granted by

Justice A. A. Aderibigbe is sequel to a suit filed by the Lafogido Ruling House Continued on page 6 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.192

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 15th September 2015.

UNILEVER

45.8

1.80

3.93%

WAPCO

99

1.00

1.01%

GUINNESS

162.45

-5.32

-3.27%

FO

227.79

-1.11

-0.49%

CADBURY

22.93

1.02

4.45%

FLOURMILL

22.6

0.60

2.65%

PZ

26.65

-1.34

-5.03%

STANBIC

22.11

-0.79

-3.57%

33 Boko Haram’s food suppliers arrested Ï Ƒ Əƈ ƕ ƐƆƏƏ Ə ƆƅƐ ƌ ƕ ƆƐ ƌ Ɔ Ɛƕ Ï ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ ƏƆƉƆƅƐ ƅ ƋƋ Ƈ Ə M ƈƏ ƗƆƒ ƋƑ Ɛƈ

ÎÎÎThe Muhammadu Buhari administration’s war on terror is yielding results, going by reports from military authorities.

The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, in a press statement on Wednesday said Continued on page 6

Saraki g12 dismisses planned trial by Conduct Bureau

Osun g 22 govt, workers agree on salaries

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Victoria Kimani

dƋƈ ƐƋƕ g L1 ƏƆƄƆƋƋƈ Ƒ – Shuaibu ƄƑƐ ƆƅƅƆ ƐƏƈƅ Mikati & g 8Life ƏƐƈ ƐƆ

so far, so good – Shuaibu Mikati

Times Thursday, September 17, 2015

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PHOTOS: Defence Headquarters Shuaibu Mikati

Muhammadu Buhari

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Probing the power sector

T

he allegation of massive fraud in the Power sector, which was recently levelled by a former member of the House of Representatives, Godwin Ndudi Elumelu is very serious and should not be waved aside. Addressing journalists in Abuja, the former chairman, ad-hoc committee on the Power sector probe during the sixth National Assembly gave an insight into how government officials and contractors connived to fleece the federal government of trillions of naira.

Elumelu had alleged that the Power sector had been used by government officials to inflate contracts for the supply of power equipments. His allegation on how the government spent $1.545 billion for purchase of nine turbines, when 18 of the same equipment were bought for $404million within a short period smacked of nothing but evil and monumental fleecing of the nation’s economy.

He said, “From Kubwa to Katampe sub-stations, we discovered that cost of the transmission line was overinflated. Also, another mind-boggling discovery was made where 18 turbines were procured for $404 million and when additional turbines were needed, they now spent $1.545billion on them.”

Lamenting such unconscionable sleaze, Elumelu revealed that in the course of his committee’s visit to Brazil for comparative assessment of public investment in electricity, it was discovered that the Latin American country spent $12billion to generate 12,000 megawatts in comparison with Nigeria that spent a whopping $16billion to produce a measly 3,000megawatts. Definitely, these allegations are to say the least very disturbing and nightmarish.

This is because they are the very reasons why the country has remained impoverished and underdeveloped for almost 55 years after independence.

We call on the Senate to take cognisance of the seriousness of the allegations with a view to identifying all those behind such monumental fraud

and then prosecuting and recovering the loot. In the course of the investigations, there should be no sacred cows, as anyone connected with the Power sector in the past administrations must be summoned to testify before it. In addition, senators should verify whether monies spent were in accordance with the appropriation.

As a matter of national importance, the Senate must not see the probe as just another joke or circus show for prime time news and attention.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria would have been among the 20 developed economies in the world if there were conscious and consistent investment in the Power sector in all these years. Rather, successive administrations and official kleptomania have conspired to bring the country to this sorry pass. It is fact that the efficiency of the Power sector is crucial to the success of the national aspiration for accelerated economic boom. Until we get the sector right, we cannot build industries and without industries, we cannot create employment.

It is an accepted norm that with less electricity, business activity and manufacturing companies are less likely to relocate or expand due to basic key infrastructure needed for operations, even as it also dampens international investment.

For many decades, Nigeria has not invested effectively in generating capacity, leaving the Power sector in grave condition.

For example, in 2010, it was estimated that to achieve a 40,000MW grid capacity by 2020, Nigeria would require annual investments of $3.5 billion across the value chain. To date, these investments have not been made in the Power sector as Nigeria is falling further behind, and realising the severe impacts the lack of power is having on the country. We are therefore calling on those probing the malfeasances in the Power sector to look into how the more than $20 billion budgeted for electricity since 1999 was misallocated, and bring those responsible to account.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Group Managing Director

Fidelis Anosike

Noel Anosike

Group Managing Editor

Chief Operating Officer

Editor

GM Operations

Molara Wood Yinka Olujimi

ÎÎÎNorthern

irredentists were at their best on Tuesday when they rejected the implementation of the 2014 report of the National Conference convoked by former President Goodluck Jonathan, in which some of them participated.

The group, which met under the aegis of the Northern Reawakening Forum (NRF), comprised mostly former political office holders, who are led

by Mohammed Kumalia, a former member of the House of Representatives.

The rejection of the implementation of the confab report, according to the group, is premised

on the fact that the report failed to address the key issues affecting the Northern region and its people.

Rather than implement the report, President Muhammadu Buhari should convene a fresh conference that would take into cognisance the challenges facing them and proffer solutions to the Northern region and its people, according to the group.

Furthermore, it argued that it would be wrong for Buhari to implement the report of the conference called by former President Jonathan.

This call by the NRF is clearly uncalled for and sends dangerous signals to the rest of Nigeria. Is the group saying that once a report of a committee set up by government does not favour the north (?),

Words On Marble :

it must be rejected irrespective of the energy and money spent on it?

Are these irredentists saying that just because the confab was called by former President Jonathan, then no matter the usefulness of the recommendations, the report should be dumped?

There is no way Nigeria will join the league of progressive nations as long as people in the NRF and their ilk are cocooned in the worldview and care little about the well-being of other sections of Nigeria.

Fact is that aside the fact that most of the recommendations of the confab were arrived at on consensus, their implementation will go a long way in addressing the pressing challenges confronting the country.

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Bukola Saraki

Aisha Buhari

Femi Fani-Kayode

“We have kick-started the process of restoring public trust such that the 8th Senate will only make people-oriented decisions”.

“It is my hope that with this renewed commitment by agencies, necessary steps will be taken to end violence against women and children particularly where this is rampant.’’

“The Nigeria that they (British) handed over to us in 1960 was nothing but an unworkable artificial state and a poisoned chalice. It was destined to fail right from the outset’’.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

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News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Ooni stool: Court restrains Giesi House from producing candidate Continued from page 1 seeking the restraining order against the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Solomon Omisakin and the Lowa of IleIfe, Chief Joseph Ijaduola, pending the determination of the suit before the court.

The suit, with suit number, HOS/16/2015, was filed on behalf of the Lafogido family by Sooko Bunmi Adegoke, Prince Marcus Adebola Akinmoyero as plaintiffs and Governor Aregbesola, Omisakin and Ijaduola as defendants.

The motion ex parte, exclusively obtained by the Daily Times, asked “for an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from accepting nomination, selecting candidate or candidates or taking any step whatsoever in the process of selecting the new Ooni of Ife to fill the vacant stool pending the determination of the motion on notice dated 15th September, 2015.

“AND FOR SUCH order or further orders as this honourable court may deem it fit to make in the circumstances in this suit.”

According to the injunction copy, the court grant-

ed the prayers of Lafogido Ruling House after hearing counsel for the plaintiff/applicants, Abiodun Olaide.

The injunction order reads in part; “An order of interim injunction is granted restraining the defendants from accepting nomination, selecting candidates or taking any steps whatsoever in the process of selecting the new Ooni of Ife to fill the vacant stool pending the determination of the motion on notice dated September 15, 2015. Returns date shall be Thursday, September 23, 2015.”

The kingmakers had on Tuesday addressed a briefing announcing the resolution of their 16-member council, conceding the nomination of candidates to the Giesi Royal House, insisting that the 1980 declaration on the selection of the Ooni of Ife as gazetted by the old Oyo State remains valid.

According to Chief Omisakin, the other three ruling houses of Ogboru, Osinkola and Lafogido should wait for their turn.

However, the Lafogido Ruling House criticized the decision, saying the declaration does not represent the true status of Ile-Ife royal system and needs to be reviewed.

The Certified True Copy of the court order obtained by Daily Times

Troops arrest 33 Boko Haram’s food suppliers Continued from page 1 that 33 suspected food suppliers of the Boko Haram sect had been arrested.

The report came on a day the President announced readiness to grant amnesty to the insurgents. At the same forum, he also rejected suggestions that Nigeria

consider currency devaluation to meet current economic realities.

Col. Usman’s statement read: “Intensive patrols and vigilance of troops have continued to yield positive results with the arrest of 33 suspected food suppliers to the Boko Haram terrorists in Damboa axis around

Azir-Wajiroko road, Borno State. The 33 suspected Boko Haram accomplices were arrested with large quantity of food stuffs meant for Boko Haram terrorists at Korode.”

The statement continued: “Nine of the 33 suspects are from Korode, 5 from Auma, 10 from Geargube, 4 from

Kausautaya, 4 from Bulbul and 1 from Dolomi villages.

Although some of the suspects claimed to be traders, they did not however deny buying and selling food items to the terrorists. Interrogation is still ongoing to further unravel the level of involvement of the suspects.”

The military added: “In a related development, troops during clearance operations of Boko Haram hideouts, have discovered and successfully destroyed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram terrorists at Sandia village along Korode road.

“Furthermore, more men, women and children were rescued from the terrorists at Buduwa area along Bama axis. The rescued persons were part of those abducted by Boko Haram terrorists at Buduwa general area in Bama Local Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe National Working Com-

mittee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended all activities for the inauguration of a committee on its proposed national conference.

This decision, according to a statement issued in Abuja, on Wednesday, by the party’s National Secretary, Prof. Adewale Oladipo, was to create room for further consultations and exhaustive consideration by critical stakeholders of the report of the PDP Post-Election Assessment Committee, headed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, which was due for submission this month.

The statement read: “While

PDP NWC postpones national conference the national leadership notes and appreciates the eagerness, commitment and dedication of our leaders and members in the rebuilding of the party, we have also noted a need to allow proper consideration of the report of the Senator Ekweremadu-led PostElection Assessment Committee accordingly, especially as that committee is headed by the highest elected PDP member in the country.

In that regard, therefore, the NWC directs that all activities of the said committee on the proposed PDP National Conference be put on hold forthwith.

Lagos: Ambode names governing councils for tertiary institutions ÏÏÏLagos State Governor, Mr. and Professor Bayo Ninalowo as Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday, approved the composition of Governing Councils for the tertiary institutions in the state.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, Ambode listed the names of members of Governing Council for the Lagos State University, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Lagos State Polytechnic, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and the Lagos State College of Health Technology.

The governor named Justice George Oguntade (rtd) as Chancellor for the Lagos State University

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council.

Members include Mrs. Tayo Olabenjo, Dr. (Mrs) L.O Durosinmi, Engr. Kayode Anibaba, Mr. Koye Edu, Dr. Ayo Sonibare, Mr. Ken Igbokwe, Mr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, Mrs. Yewande Zacchaeus, Mrs. Olabisi Deji-Folutile, Alhaji Lateef Olaseinde Karim and Professor Musliu Onilude.

Other members include Mrs. Carlene Alaja-Brown, representative of the Ministry of Education, four representatives of the Senate, two representatives of Congregations and representative of Alumni.

Peterside urges tribunal to cancel Rivers gov’ship election Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, on Wednesday, took his turn in the witness’s box at the election petition tribunal, pleading for cancellation of April 11, election.

Peterside, who testified before the tribunal at exactly 4.30 pm told the tribunal that the April 11, 2015 election did not hold in the state.

Peterside, who was led by his counsel, Mr. Akin Olujinmi (SAN) said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) simply allocated votes to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Nyesom Wike.

Peterside who said he voted at his Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area, told the tribunal that few minutes after casting his votes, some hoodlums came and carted away election materials.

7 News

He tendered some documents – including a report by international observers on the governorship election, manual of electoral officials, result sheets, which were accepted as exhibits by the tribunal.

At the end of his evidence, Peterside said he had no doubt that the tribunal would do justice to his petition, so that Rivers’ people can move ahead and work for the good people of the state.

He said that the judgment of the tribunal would afford the Rivers’ people an opportunity of casting their votes for the candidate of their choice and their dream to have a governor, who would work for their interest.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army continued their evidence, on Wednesday, at the tribunal with more revelations of how the April 11, 2015 governorship election in Rivers State was characterised by sporadic shootings, killings and snatching of electoral materials perpetrated by cult groups and hoodlums.

R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari was received by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chief of Staff, Mr. Abba Kyari and Zamfara State Governor, Alh. Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari after 3-day official visit to France at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja… on Wednesday

Saraki charges PCC to address impunity in public service Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏSenate President, Mr. Abuba-

kar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, tasked the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) to ensure that the era of impunity and administrative injustice were discouraged from the public service.

He stated that the principal reason for the establishment of the Public Complaints Commission was to protect the public from gross abuse of office by public servants, while pledging that the 8th Senate would strengthen the agency to enable it perform its constitutional mandate effectively.

Saraki told the Chief Commissioners and other National Commissioners of the agency, who paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly that “You would soon be 40 years and I don’t think the impact that you have made in the society has been felt. I want to

charge you as members that this is a golden opportunity to make that difference. The Eighth Senate will give you all the necessary backing to make that difference.”

He reiterated the importance of transparency in the public life of all Nigerians, saying, “This is the beginning of our accountability to the Nigerian people. What makes a society is for people to have a sense of belonging, to have a sense of ownership of their governance and commissioners like you, “Those who set up this commission 40 years ago had good intentions and I believe that if we had done our own part and seeing that it worked, it would have played a great role in this our society, because the real reason is for us to be able to address people’s complaints about the public service.

“The society and country we are proud of is because the public or public servants, elected officials know that they are accountable

to the people and also know that if they do anything wrong, there are commissions like this with the capacity and ability that will make sure that things are done properly.

People in public service should have high regard for the Public Complaints Commission. The public, too, should have high regard and interest in what you do.

“The name of PCC should make people in the public service sit up.

But it is not the case. But I hope that in your time, and with our support, it won’t be the case, because what is affecting this country is impunity that people believe that they can get away with anything and nothing can be done. I want to assure you that the Eighth Senate will do all that we can so that you will effect a change to all that.

“You must show your strength and be able to do what is right and be assured that we will back you fully.

Osinbajo tasks NIPSS on funding Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, said the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), as a major national policy think tank, needed to look inwards and evolve creative strategies for raising resources to meet its funding needs.

He stated this when he received a delegation from the institute on a courtesy visit in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Osinbajo averred that given the mandate of the agency, it should be able to explore opportunities to collaborate with the private sector

towards generating the resources needed to sustain it.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicty, Laolu Akande, the Osinbajo promised to work with the institute to achieve its funding goals through the establishment of a development unit.

Osinbajo also promised that the Federal Government would see what could be done to address some of the challenges confronting it.

He also assured the delegation that their concern over NIPPS issue would be resolved with the

Osibanjo

Accountant-General of the Federation, promising that he would work together with the DirectorGeneral of the institute to proffer a lasting solution to the problem of funding. Osinbajo commended the institute and personally confirmed the quality of its policy papers on national issues particularly the report on the Boko Haram insurgency, the statement said.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Politics

Æs

Trouble brews in Kogi over Okun’s marginalisation

Late S.B.Awoniyi

Idris Wada

Abubakar Audu

Ibrahim Idris

With less than three months to the Kogi State governorship election, one of the major tribes in the state, Yorubas (Okun) has cried out against marginalization, a development that may threaten the November 21 polls.

Already, the Okun has handed down a one month ultimatum to their Igalla counterparts in the state to correct the injustices and

marginalisation of decades old or face civil disobedience.

According to them, the state government has been marginalising them in appointments, political power and allocation of resources since 1999.

Senator Dino Melaye All Progressives Congress (APC) (Kogi West) who issued the threat on behalf of CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

For Buhari’s anti-corruption war, so far, so good – Shuaibu Mikati SHUAIBU IDRIS MIKATI is a frontline politician in Kaduna State. In this interview with VICTOR JIBRIN, he took a holistic assessment of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB)’s one hundred days in office giving him kudos for improving power and fuel supplies within the period. However, he condemned Mr. President’s inability to compose his cabinet among other things to reduce hardship saying as a former Head of state, he has no excuse and urged him to wake up for obvious reasons. Excerpts: One hundred days of President Muhammadu Buhari in office, what is your assessment?

I think a number of people have gone wild and viral praising and criticising Buhari. But I will like to take a neutral position largely because of a number of reasons. One, Buhari was elected to serve for a period of four years.

Now if you calculate four years at an average of 366 days per year that will give you 1,464 days. Out of 1,464 days, if you take 100 days, that is just about 6 or 7 percent of his tenure. Is 7 percent coverage even in a population sample sufficient enough to pass a judgment?

To the best of my knowledge, the number is too small to come to a realistic conclusion on whether or not he is on the right track, doing badly or doing the best. How-

Shuaibu Mikati ever, the leadership dimension in the country could be in two, three or four categories. First, the governors that took over from their predecessors of the same party. In Akwa Ibom, the governor that the present governor took over from, they are all PDP. In Kano, Governor Ganduje took over from Kwankwaso of the same party,

Muhammadu Buhari (APC). In this case, one will expect that in terms of assessment of one hundred days, they may do better because the administration is the same thing and everything.

The second category is those governors who took over from governors of a different party; Nasir El-Rufai in Kaduna of APC and took over from Ramalan Yero of

PDP. Likewise, at the centre, Buhari of APC took over from Jonathan of PDP as president. Now in terms of understanding the dynamics of government, the intricacies and the complexity of government, you ordinarily will not expect someone who took over from a different party to be able to just hit the ground running. I

think expectations of Nigerians is a bit most unwholesome of any Nigerian to expect that I am taking over, getting into your house or getting into a seat, I don’t know the depth of the seat, the characteristic of the maritime or the animals that are in the sea and they expect me to begin to swim without taking a critical look. Coming from this point of view, one can say 100 days is too short. But then, in the last 100 days, about five critical things have happened at the centre. First, every one of us observed that petroleum queues are no longer there. Maybe Buhari performed magic, maybe he is lucky riding on what Goodluck Jonathan did. In 100 days, he could not have repaired the refineries. The Kaduna refinery is ignited, Warri refinery announced that they are producing 5 million litters of oil per day and Port-Harcourt came on board. So, within the 100 days, the refineries are working. Again, within 100 days, there is improved electricity supply. Instead of five to seven, hours we are now witnessing 10, 12 and in some cities, 17 hours power supply. The Power Company posits that an average of 5,000mw of electricity is being produced. The third thing is the fight against insurgency. Before now, we used to hear bombing in Kaduna, Kano and Abuja but today, it appears to be contained within Borno and Yobe axis giving the enormous amount of fighting power with CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

9 Politics

2019: Lopsided appointments may affect APC – Mikati CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the support of western powers to crush the insurgency. This again is a sign that something is coming out. Last but not the least is corruption. Whether we like it or not, it is so far so good as the fight against corruption is concerned.

Buhari has not made any statement rather than I am going to probe, I am going to fight corruption. That alone has made civil servants, including politicians to be careful. Before, looting was the order of the day, the norm and everybody just didn’t care about what happened. In this regards, I repeat, it is so far so good.

Even though 100 days is too short to pass a judgment, I think some good things have happened within the period in review. Honestly, you cannot say all he has done are good or the best. Look at what happened in the Naira value.

When he took over it was about N210, N215 but before he reaches his effective 60 days, Naira in the black market went to N240. That wasn’t good enough. Inflation has now increased. That also is not good enough. In unemployment, nothing has been achieved. But like I said, the time is too short to see the impacts of policies started. However, from economic analysis, foreign reserves have increased from 2.9billion to 31billion dollars right now. Oil production has increased from 1.8million barrel per day to 1.85billion barrel per day. I can continue to reel

Okun people cry out over oppression in Kogi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Buhari on the economic statistics. Other area that he probably would have done better is the issue of appointment. I think taking him 100 days to appoint certain key personnel to man the affairs of government is a minus. Buhari needs to wake up. He was a Head of State and Commander-InChief of the Armed Forces. With this qualification, no one will say

Mikati Buhari is ignorant as far as governance is concerned. There is no state in Nigeria that Buhari does not know somebody. He should have used the experience he has to get quality materials on board.

Even though the APC keep saying appointments are still coming, when you have the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, National Security Adviser, Sec-

retary to the Government, Chief of Staff to the president – all from one geo political zone, its a bit overburdensome. This is politics. You need to appoint people to build not just your government but your party. Even if Buhari is not intending to contest in 2019, he needs to reestablish the APC CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Kogi West indigenes, said the oppression of Okun people have transcended bounds of decency because the state government since 2013, has not employed a single person from Kogi West into the State Civil Service.

“Marginalisation of Kogi West by the Eastern part of the State, drew the attention of Nigerians to the statistical facts and data, about the brutal and wicked lopsidedness and deliberate oppression of Kogi West people and by extension, ‘Okun’ people in the state over the years”, he said.

He therefore declared that the people of Kogi West have resolved that henceforth, they will “no longer continue to fold their arms and allow a single senatorial district to continue cornering the greatest percentage of the resources of the state.”

The Senator stressed, “In conclusion, we give the Kogi State government 30 days from today to invite us and correct all these anomalies or we will carry out massive civil disobedience and do all within the law to liberate our people.

“A stitch in time saves nine.

The battle to fight for our rights even with the last drop of our blood, is a battle of no retreat, no surrender. Igalla people, enough.

We are experiencing change already, says Eze Ndigbo Eze (Dr.) Alex Anozie, the Eze Ndigbo, Ibadan, Oyo State in this interview with AKINJIDE AKINTOLA & ADEOLA speaks on the marginalisation of the South East in the present dispensation but expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will address the seeming imbalances and injustice when announcing his cabinet later in the month. Excerpts: From your own experience, what’s your comment on the change Nigeria’s were yearning for before the last elections?

As the Vice President of the council of Eze Ndigbo in the diaspora, south, I will say when the present government came in, the expectations were high and that was why despite what

they have done now within the 100 days, the citizens will still yearn for more like the miracles and wonderful things they have done within that 100 days. Let me make note of one thing, we can now see that we are having constant power supply. In most parts of the country, we have over 75% increase in power supply than what we used to have before

this new government came. And I have never for one day heard that Buhari spoke of any action he took about the power problem in Nigeria, but just his psychological presence at the helms of affairs. But I don’t know, he must have to tell the world the magic he has done to make that begins to happen. For many years, we have been lamenting over power failure where most industries collapsed because of power failure.

But within that 100 days of his being in power we are now having steady power supply at least 75% better than what we use to have CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Dr. Alex Anozie

Dr. Alex Ekwueme

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Marginalisation of South East gives impression they are not wanted in Nigeria – Eze Ndigbo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

before; is that not a change, it is a wonderful change to me. We have been talking about corruption and now a lot of personalities in Nigeria are sleeping with their two eyes open because they are restless. We have been informed that billon of dollars were found in some accounts of Nigerians oversees and everybody is now shouting, raising eyebrows, that is another wonderful change to me. Have you heard something like that for years before now?

Is that not change? Boko Haram insurgents right now are becoming almost noiseless, the federal troops are over 80% near to the end of Boko Haram; is that not a change? So, these are the areas where actions are being taken and if you checked, before long, every other thing will fall in line.

All we need is to recover all the money stolen out of the country to foreign countries, if we can recover half of it back to this country, everything will come back to life; many things will being to happen and everything will be alright for Nigeria. Our road will be made international, fine facilities, modern rail lines from Lagos to Abuja and when we have good rail lines, all these trucks and tankers causing a lot

Dr. Alex Ekwueme of accidents on daily basis will all stop; industries will pick up, and when industries pick up, all our graduates roaming about will be gainfully employed; and when they are gainfully employed, crime rate will fall from 100% to almost 0%; and when rate of crime drops, everybody will go to their beds with their two eyes

well closed and our health will improve. All the workers, almost all the states all over the country are owing workers, if these money were recovered wherever they are hidden, then no state will owe their workers and the money will circulate. When our health improves, the life span of Nigerians will increase. So, for the fact that

a government came out and said it is going to fight corruption and published the names of people and the amount found in their account, that one has gone more than half way in fighting corruption. Asking for death sentence for the corrupt people is nothing to me as am only concerned about recovering the money. Whatever

the Constitution says on corruption should be followed as far as those who embezzled our money is concerned. If this is not done, they are doing injustice to them.

Later, we can amend the Constitution and make a decision for the future, but let us recover the money first, published their names with the amounts found in their account and ensure that none of them should come into any public office again throughout their lifetime. That punishment is enough, but if this is not done, it is injustice and the International Community will not be happy to see that. The change is coming we can see that and we are expecting more.

The opposition party PDP is accusing the government of directing the anti-corruption war at them alone and not affecting APC members; what is your view on this?

We have to wait until the list is out. The list of the findings will soon be made public, then we will know whether it is only other party members that are corrupt or not. Since they have not come out to say it is only the PDP members we found billons in their accounts overseas and the Government is not telling EFCC operCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Still too early to properly assess Buhari – Mikati CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

as a ruling party that could win elections come 2019. But with this kind of lopsided arrangement, opposition and largely, technocrats, people who doesn’t have political constituency, it may be a problem. This is my personal assessment.

People from other zones of the country are beginning to complain and criticizing that he is lopsided in the appointment he has made so far.

Are you …

Clearly there is the need to do much more to appease every constituent parts and not just to appease but in the interest of his own party. When you alienate one, two or three parts of the component of a society, it could boomerang. So, yes no doubt, there are appointments ranging from board of parastatals, ambassadorial, ministers, special advisers and special assistants among other positions that could be filled but I think when you are making appointments, you should take into consideration the feelings of Nigerians.

Talking about fighting corruption,

some people are beginning to criticise the steps being taking just as some are proposing plea bargaining without prosecution. How will you react?

The people have their own right to their own opinion. Someone stole money and the person is caught and one is saying collect the money or don’t even collect the money but draw the line and move on. What is the meaning of punishment therefore? The concept of punishment is for you to atone for your sin, not just only for you to atone but to serve as deterrent to others not to commit similar offence or sin. Now if you just draw a line and move on without looking backwards to collect this money from this people and punish them, no matter how mild, other people will rise up to do even worse because you have shown that you can tolerate the nonsense that is happening. I do not subscribe to the notion that people who are caught stealing should just be left off the hook to go like that. I don’t think it will be fair and naturally reasonable to do so.

But with the caliber of people that are intervening, do you see Buhari making success in this crusade and are

you not seeing him as a lone ranger?

Personally, I don’t think Buhari is the only honest person in Nigeria. If anybody is thinking that Buhari is the only honest person or the only person of proven integrity, that person is not fair to Nigeria, a country of over 170 million people.

There are more than 10, 15 and 20 people of us out there that are honest, sincere, and transparent with proven integrity. Therefore to say that Buhari is a lone ranger, I think to say the least, is an insult to Nigerians. Will you say Prof. Sagay is corrupt?

Osibanjo, the vice president is corrupt or will you say the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah is corrupt? Buhari is not a lone ranger. No doubt about the fact that he is surrounded by a number of people that have questionable characters.

I don’t see the composition of power block that brought Buhari to power as a misnomer. There is no way you want to dig into a pit to clean it without you entering.

From your experience in business, which area will you advise the government to focus attention with a view to CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Buhari

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

11 Politics

We are experiencing change already, says Eze Ndigbo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

atives where to go or not to go but are doing their work; and don’t forget that the EFCC do their work only when they get petition against somebody; they will use it for their investigations. So, I think if anybody has written any petition against any other parties apart from the opposition, and the EFCC refuses to work on it, the person can come out and disclose it openly. We have to be very sincere about what we do in this county, Nigeria is a blessed country, we need to understand ourselves and allow truth and the fear of God to guide us.

The government has been accused of being pro-North in its appointments, particularly the South-East is alleged to be marginalised, what do you say to that?

It is quite unfortunate that we are seeing such. South-East political miscalculation notwithstanding, the government should try and carry them along.

Everybody’s impression is that the South-East refused to vote for Buhari, but the Constitution of Nigeria did not say that when you are voted in you go there and govern only those who voted for you, but once you are voted as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you should govern everybody not only those who voted

Dr. Alex Ekwueme for you. So, we are surprised to see that, we are waiting for what will happen. The general appointment is coming up, they are promising that they would remedy the whole thing. Another thing is,

Dr. Alex Anozie you will know who to work with when you get into office, people you can trust; but again, you have to be fair in whatever you are considering ,what to do and sensitive positions to appoint people into.

But the problem is, it is difficult to convince anybody that you cannot get anybody you can trust from the south-east. To them, that is his government, he is the Head of State. But let’s wait and see

what he will do when his ministerial appointment comes out. But it is not ideal for the South-East to be given impression that they are not Nigerians, because that will help improve the temptation of thinking that they are not Nigerians or wanted in Nigeria.

You are optimistic that Nigeria will have a better society than what have so far?

We keep on praying; with God all things are possible. Changes are coming, we are seeing them one after the other like in the area of security, particularly that of Boko Haram which is being checkmated. Corruption, and there is a lot of improvement on power supply, no more scarcity of fuel; with all these I can see a brighter future for this country.

What should be the focus?

They should give every Nigerian the impression that they are there to serve them, most especially the people of the South-East.

Like what Buhari used to say; he is there for those who voted and did not vote for him. Everybody in the South-East must be carried along and I am sure South-East will do better. The government should not do anything that will agitate their minds again, and let justice, truth and the fear of God assist us to rule Nigeria. Every government should let the SouthEast has a sense of belonging and not of war.

For Buhari’s anti-corruption war, so far, so good – Mikati CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians?

I wrote an article where I suggested four cardinal points I called them ICES (Infrastructure, Corruption, Empowerment and Security). I looked at infrastructure with particular reference to road network, rail network and electricity. If he can concentrate on these, we will make success because the economy will be revolutionalised. If you have power and you have logistic to be able to move goods within and outside Nigeria, you will make mockery of China because this economy has the capacity to enjoy double digits growth. If I were to meet Mr. President, I will reinforce his decision or electoral promises

made to Nigerians to tackle corruption, insecurity and unemployment. I will suggest that he adopts an acronym of ICES i.e.

Infrastructure, Corruption, Empowerment and Security. Nigeria’s economy has the potentials to achieve double digits growth if only we can address issues highlighted.

How will you advise anxious Nigerians waiting to see positive change as promised?

Adjustment in general is usually a painful process. Although Nigerians are generally not a patient lot, we have no alternative than to persevere and be patient.

Policies when introduced usually take some time to manifest or the gains to be realized hence the need for the patience. Above all, we all prayed and yearn for

Shuaibu Mikati

change. Now that God has answered our prayers, we can’t afford to relent in prayers! We must pray even harder than before for God to continue to guide and protect our leaders. We should also pray that our leaders’ wisdom is increased and may they have the courage and strength to lead us justly. Cursing leaders even when they make mistakes is not the best. Nigerians must continue to speak out, criticise and suggest to our leaders things to do to improve our lots. No one has monopoly of knowledge.

What is your reaction to the happenings in your home state, Kaduna?

I believe Malam Nasiru is on the right track. Fighting corruption, insecurity and reclaiming government lands are all in order.

People from my constituency are so happy with what he has done with the cattle rustlers that became a serious problem to us. He however needs to be a bit slow and steady. Compensation should be paid to those who have government allocations and approved building plans whose houses might be demolished. Moreover, adequate notices should be given to the affected individuals. Publically, I will suggest that members of APC in Kaduna should meet regularly to discuss and agree on issues. While it’s normal to disagree, I think it’s uncalled for people to turn media houses into a battle field. More so, most of these people have access to the governor. The governor should also endeavour to have listening ears.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Saraki dismisses planned trial by Conduct Bureau Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki has dismissed reports of plans to prosecute him by the Code of Conduct Bureau over alleged corruption in the assets declaration form he filled in 2003 as Governor.

He said the charge sheet

issued by the Code of Conduct Bureau for him to face the Court was incorrect while he only got to see them through the social media.

The Senate President said he had not yet received the summons by the Bureau for him to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

He said this in a press statement on Wednesday, stressing: “It should be

noted that at the time of writing this statement that Saraki has not been served the court process.”

The Senate President said that he had consistently declared his assets as required by law at every point before resuming any political office and that that of 2015 was not an exception.

Saraki said he found it interesting to note that the

Code of Conduct Bureau ignored the declaration of assets, which he recently made and for which it issued an acknowledgement just a week ago The Statement read: “We believe that the Code of Conduct Bureau following their processes in which after a declaration is submitted to the bureau they carried out verification of the assets

and ascertained the claims made, should not wait till 12 years later to be pointing out an alleged inconsistencies in a document submitted to it in 2003.

“This same Saraki submitted asset declaration form in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

It is unexplainable that the case in question is now based on the 2003 declaration.

“That all the claims contained in the charge sheet are false, incorrect and untrue.

“This is why we are of the opinion that present effort is a desperate move initiated due to external influence and interference.

“It should also be noted that contrary to the procedure indicated in the law setting up the CCB, the

bureau never wrote to Dr. Saraki to complain of any inconsistency in his asset declaration forms.

“It should also be noted that Dr. Saraki as Governor of Kwara State never operated a foreign account.

“That some of the issues contained in the charge sheet are subjects of earlier decided and on-going Court cases. We therefore believe those behind filing of these charges are engaging in forum shopping.

“It should be noted that we do not know on whose authority these charges are filed when the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act clearly indicate that any prosecution must be authorised by an Attorney General and we know the nation last had an AG in May 2015.

Shake up in NCAA, eight top managers sacked Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎEight

People in a queue to buy Kerosine at Forte Oil, Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos… on Wednesday

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

top managers of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have been sacked in a process the organization described on Wednesday as restructuring.

33 suspected Boko Haram’s accomplices nabbed Continued from page 6 Government Area of Borno State which was earlier occupied by the terrorists.

“It should be noted that the Nigerian is trying hard to ensure safety of the rescued persons but not taking anything for granted as some of them are suspected terrorists.”

President Buhari told the Agence France Presse (AFP) on Wednesday that Nigerian authorities were talking to Boko Haram prisoners in their custody and could offer them amnesty if the extremist group hands over the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted last year.

He added that he was confident “conventional” attacks by the group would be rooted out by November -- but cautioned that deadly

suicide attacks, some of them waged by children, were likely to continue.

“The few (prisoners) we are holding, we are trying to see whether we can negotiate with them for the release of the Chibok girls,” Buhari said in an interview in Paris during a three-day visit to France.

“If the Boko Haram leadership eventually agrees to turn over the Chibok girls to us -- the complete number -- then we may decide to give them (the prisoners) amnesty.”

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has since said they have all converted to Islam and been “married off”.

Buhari, who has promised to stamp out the group’s bloody six-year insurgency, said the government would not release

any prisoners unless it was convinced it could “get the girls in reasonably healthy condition”.

But he cautioned that negotiating with Boko Haram militants was fraught with difficulties.

“We are trying to establish if they are bona fide, how useful they are in Boko Haram, have they reached a position of leadership where their absence is of relevance to the operation of Boko Haram?” he said.

He expressed opposition to currency devaluation, despite the central bank’s growing struggles to keep the naira at current levels.

The naira fell to as low as 242 per dollar on the parallel market in July, versus the official rate of 197. It has lost around 15 percent against the dollar over the past year with an official

devaluation in November and a de facto one in February.

“I don’t think it is healthy for us to have the naira devalued further,” Buhari told France 24.

“That’s why we are getting the central bank to make modifications in terms of making foreign exchange available to essential services, industries, spare parts, essential raw materials and so on -- but things like toothpicks and rice, Nigeria can produce enough of those,” he said.

In June, the central bank restricted access to foreign exchange for the import of 41 items ranging from rice and toothpicks to steel products and glass.

The stringent restrictions have not gone down well with investors, who have called for a relaxation.

Last week JP Morgan said it would remove Africa’s biggest economy from its influential emerging markets bond index by the end of October, citing a lack of liquidity and the central bank’s currency restrictions.

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves fell 3 percent to $30.69 billion by Sept. 14, from $31.63 billion a month earlier, central bank data showed on Wednesday. The reserves were down 22 percent from a year earlier.

The central bank ate up much of its reserves to support the local currency, selling dollars to bureau de change operators twice weekly in a bid to narrow the gap between the official and unofficial exchange rate. The bank cancelled the auctions in February.

A statement to that effect was issued by its Acting General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye who said that the exercise was to enhance efficiency in service delivery and safe flight operations in and out of the nation airspace.

It declared: “The exercise involved the termination forthwith of the contract appointments of eight officers whose contract were to run consecutively for four years contrary to the provision of the rules of tenure on contract appointment” Adurogboye said competent and skilled officers from the affected Directorates and Departments had accordingly been re- assigned to fill the affected positions.

“Also terminated were the appointments of three Special Assistants to the erstwhile Honourable Minster of Aviation who were domiciled with NCAA. Their appointment ceased with the end of the tenure of the Honourable Minister who engaged their services as stipulated by the rules” He said it was pertinent to point out that the management decision to carry out this exercise was in conformity with extant rules on tenure of contract appointment and in line with NCAA condition of service.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday September 17, 2015

Hungary repels migrants with tear gas, water cannon ÏÏÏHundreds

of migrants streamed into the European Union on Wednesday through the cornfields of Croatia, welcomed there after Hungary blocked its border with Serbia and fired tear gas and sprayed water cannon at migrants still trying to enter its territory.

A Hungarian court convicted an Iraqi man of illegally crossing the border fence with Serbia the day before, ordered him expelled and excluded him from Hungary for a year.

Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic criticized Hungary's actions and said his country is prepared for the influx of migrants fleeing Syria and other war-torn Middle East countries.

"We are ready to accept - and, if you will, direct - those people regardless of their religion and the color of their skin," Milanovic said. "We are ready to direct them to the destinations they obviously want to reach with a keen desire in their hearts: Germany, Scandinavia, those several countries."

As the migrants walked into Croatia from Serbia's western border, authorities urgently dispatched de-mining experts to the border to mark minefields left from the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

Hungary defended its border

President Xi Jinping next week will make his first state visit to the U.S., a White House statement confirmed Tuesday, a trip that comes at a time of increasing disagreement between Washington and Beijing.

President Barack Obama "will host Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, at the White House for an official State Visit on September 25, 2015," according to the late Tuesday statement.

The prestigious visit, which follows Obama's trip to Beijing in November, will include a lavish State Dinner at the White House that will be attended by the spouses of both leaders, said the statement. The visit offers a chance "to expand U.S.-China cooperation on a range of global, regional, and

Syria conflict: Assad 'won't quit under pressure'

New Australia cabinet due on Monday ÏÏÏAustralian

Migrants run as Hungarian riot police fires tear gas and water cannon at the border crossing with Serbia in Roszke, Hungary …on Wednesday

closing, saying it was protecting its territory against the influx of migrants looking for better economic opportunities, not fleeing persecution in their homelands.

Still more migrants sought entry to the EU elsewhere, walking from Salzburg, Austria, into Germany, or through Lithuania on their way to Scandinavian countries.

While welcoming several hundred thousand refugees, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet called for expansion of the country's naval operations in the Mediterranean, to block human traffickers from ferrying more migrants from Libya and elsewhere in rickety, overcrowded boats to the shores of Greece and Italy.

If the German parliament ap-

proves, up to 950 military personnel could be used in the operation.

The Hungarian government said Wednesday that 366 illegal entrants were detained Tuesday, the first day of operation for Hungary's strict new laws punishing people who enter the country illegally. On Monday, police said, a record 9,380 migrants crossed into Hungary.

bilateral issues of mutual interest, while also enabling President Obama and President Xi to address areas of disagreement constructively," it added.

Recently, the areas of disagreement have threatened to overshadow areas of cooperation.

One of the main areas of friction is what U.S. officials call a barrage of China-based cyberattacks on American government and business targets. Obama last week called the cyber-attacks "unacceptable."

"There comes a point at which we consider this a core national security threat and we will treat it as such," said Obama, who said Beijing would regret making the matter an "area of competition."

"I guarantee you we will win if we have to," the U.S. leader

warned, using unusually blunt language.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said he expects Obama to discuss cyber-attacks during his meeting with Xi, acknowledging it is something the president is "quite concerned about."

China denies any role in cyberattacks on U.S. businesses, government and other critical infrastructure, insisting that it is the victim of such attacks.

Another increasingly sore point in relations is China's behaviour in the East and South China Seas, where Beijing has territorial disputes with many of its neighbours. The U.S. says it does not officially take a position on the sovereignty disputes.

But Washington has constantly criticized China for its aggres-

sive behaviour toward its smaller neighbours and developed closer military ties with many of China's rival claimants.

The most recent U.S. concern has focused on China's building and military development of numerous artificial islands in the South China Sea's contested Spratly Islands. A report this week by the U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) pointed to satellite photos that suggest China has built a third airstrip on the man-made islands.

Assad has said in an interview for Russian TV he will not quit under foreign pressure, saying the Syrian people must decide.

Western powers and much of the Syrian opposition say it is not conceivable for Mr Assad to lead a post-war Syria.

Assad said Iran was supporting his government "politically,

economically and militarily" but denied that Iranian ground forces had been sent.

The latest comments come as Russia increases its presence in Syria. Assad said that the president "comes to power with the people's assent through elections, and if he leaves, he leaves if the people demand it".

Mr Assad was re-elected in 2014

with 88.7% of the vote. However, the election only took place in government-held areas and the opposition said the vote had no credibility in the midst of a civil war. In the interview, Assad also said the refugee crisis which has seen more than four million Syrians flee the country, and millions more internally displaced, was due to "terrorism".

ÏÏÏSyrian President Bashar al-

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will swear in a new cabinet next Monday, a week after successfully unseating Tony Abbott from the top job.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Mr Turnbull said Mr Abbott had not yet indicated his plans.

Abbott later told news.com.au that he intended to "remain in the parliament" but did not say whether he would take a ministry job if offered.

He told the news website that it had been a "tumultuous week".

"I now intend to spend some time with my family to think about the future," he also said.

Abbott has not appeared in parliament since he was ousted on Monday.

US President Barack Obama has phoned him to commend his leadership in the fight against the so-called Islamic State group, local media reports. The new prime minister would not comment on the make-up of his new cabinet.

Guatemala ex-first lady in presidential run-off

ÏÏÏGuatemala's

Obama to host China's Xi amid tensions

ÏÏÏChinese

13 World

Obama

former first lady Sandra Torres will stand against a television comedian in a presidential run-off election in October.

The electoral authorities have ruled that Ms Torres was runnerup in the first round, earlier this month.

She narrowly defeated a centre-right businessman, Manuel Baldizon, who said the vote was rigged.

Television comedian Jimmy Morales finished top, following a campaign against corruption.

Ms Torres divorced President Alvaro Colom in 2011, when his term was coming to an end.

But the Supreme Court ruled out her candidacy saying she had divorced only to bypass a constitutional ban on relatives running for president.

She has now secured a place in the run-off vote, on 25 October.

The final results of the 6 September presidential vote were published by Guatemala's electoral court on Tuesday.

Morales had 23.85% of the vote and Ms Torres 19.76%.

Baldizon lost the second place spot by a very narrow margin. He had 19.64%. He pulled out of the race on Monday, before the result was announced, saying the vote had been rigged.

Africa14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

UN Mission probes 17th sex abuse claim in CAR ÏÏÏA

civilian member of the U.N. mission in the Central African Republic has been accused of sexual misconduct — the 17th such allegation in the past 17 months involving peacekeepers and local victims as young as age 11.

The U.N. mission, known as MINUSCA, said Tuesday that the lat-

est accusation centered on an incident that occurred Saturday.

A statement condemned "any instance of sexual exploitation" by peacekeepers. But it offered few other details and did not disclose the nationality of the alleged offender. It said local authorities had been informed that U.N. investiga-

tors were conducting an internal probe.

The U.N. mission in the C.A.R. assumed control of peacekeeping duties from an African Union force in April 2014. Member states are solely responsible for prosecuting their troops participating in the mission, while the world body

Police officers from the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in an armoured vehicle patrol a market in Bangui's Combattant district…Monday.

Over 100 arrested in Burundi amid rebel fears

ÏÏÏThe governor of a province

in central Burundi says more than 100 men have been arrested in two days by security forces trying to prevent men from being recruited to fight the government.

Gitega Gov. Venant Manirambona said Wednesday that the men were arrested Tuesday and Wednesday while trying to relocate to the southern areas of the country.

He said a group of 50 young men was arrested Wednesday morning while trying to leave the province. No rebel group has been identified, but security forces have recently reported rebel attacks on military outposts.

The capital, Bujumbura, remains prone to violence amid a wave of gun, rocket and grenade attacks in which both supporters and rivals of the president have been targeted. President Pierre Nkurunziza was re-elected in July amid controversy.

South Sudan sanctions 'blocked by Russia and Angola' ÏÏÏRussia and Angola have op-

posed moves at the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on a South Sudan general and a rebel commander, diplomats say.

The US had proposed a travel ban and asset freeze on army Chief Paul Malong and rebel General Johnson Olony for continuing to fuel conflict.

The Russian ambassador to the UN said sanctions might aggravate the situation, AP news agency reports.

Fighting has continued in South Sudan despite last month's peace deal.

Both sides signed the agreement to end the 20 months of conflict under intense regional and international pressure.

The fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar has forced more than 2.2 million

Kenyan Rights Group accuses security forces of murder, torture ÏÏÏKenya's

Nkurunziza

is limited to repatriating accused perpetrators.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last month fired his top envoy to the C.A.R., longtime Senegalese diplomat and military officer Babacar Gaye.

Despite praising Gaye's service, Ban called sexual abuse and exploitation a "global scourge and a systemic challenge." He also said he wanted "to be clear that this problem goes far beyond one mission." Tuesday's U.N. statement also voiced alarm at the Bangui government's eviction of 114 people Saturday from a refugee displacement site in the capital.

U.N. humanitarian coordinator Aurelien Agbenonci said he remained concerned that the evictions could trigger a wave of forced movements targeting 2,700 internally displaced refugees currently under the threat of eviction from overcrowded camps nearby.

U.N. officials say 368,000 people have been internally displaced since mostly Muslim rebels overthrew the government of President Francois Bozize in early 2013.

National Commission on Human Rights is accusing police and security forces of numerous violations, including murder and torture, in the country's ongoing fight against terrorism.

The commission said in a re-

people from their homes in the world's youngest state, which broke away from Sudan in 2011.

At least seven ceasefires have been agreed and then shattered - and US diplomats want to maintain the pressure to ensure the most recent deal succeeds.

Russia's UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin said he felt sanctions were not the solution after his country's talks with the foreign ministers of South Sudan and Sudan.

"The United States, very often they just say: 'Sanctions, sanctions, sanctions', and in some cases it severely aggravates the situation," AP quotes him as saying.

According to the Reuters news agency, Venezuela also requested that the sanctions proposal be put on hold.

A hold does not mean the proposal is dead, but it delays its con-

sideration, the agency reports.

Angola wanted to give the parties more time to implement the peace deal, it said.

Fighting broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 after President Kiir accused former Vice-President Machar of plotting a coup.

Machar denied the charges, but then mobilised a rebel force to fight the government.

On Tuesday, President Kiir reiterated his reservations about the deal in a televised national address as both sides accuse the other of breaching the ceasefire.

He again listed points such as the demilitarisation of the capital, Juba, and the appointment of a foreigner to monitor the agreement as "a violation of sovereignty".

However, he did express his commitment to the agreement.

port released Tuesday that the human rights violations were "widespread systematic and wellcoordinated."

Investigators said they were told of multiple cases of suspects being arbitrarily arrested and held in jails from a few hours to many days in extremely overcrowded and degrading conditions.

There were allegations of torture, beatings, waterboarding and electric shocks. Some suspects were hung up on trees, and others were exposed to stinging ants.

The report said ethnic Somalis and Muslims have been disproportionately targeted. Families seeking information on the disappearances of their loved ones get little help from authorities.

The commission said that while it recognized the "immense challenges" the Kenyan government faces in battling extremism and terrorism, it must be done legally and be consistent with global human rights standards.

Kenyan officials have not yet responded to the report.

Zimbabwe's VP submits Mugabe's 'correct speech' ÏÏÏPresident Zimbabwe's Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday submitted a speech to parliament that the president was supposed to give on Tuesday.

Robert Mugabe accidentally read a state-of-thenation address he had already delivered on 25 August.

The error has been blamed on a mix-up in the president's secretarial office.

It took Mnangagwa two hours to table the correct version of the speech because of heated questions and demands from opposition MPs for an apology.

Wednesday's extraordinary session of parliament was called so that Mr Mugabe's speech could be officially tabled. The state-run Herald newspaper has printed the speech in full.

It says that the government plans to introduce legislation requiring senior public officials to declare assets as part of measures to tackle "the scourge of corruption".

The speech mix-up has prompted questions from members of the opposition over whether the 91-year-old president remains fit to lead the country, the BBC's Brian Hungwe reports from the capital, Harare.

After Mugabe began speaking on Tuesday, it was not long before it dawned on those present that they had heard it all before, our reporter says.

When he delivered the speech last month on the economy, he was heckled by opposition MPs. The state broadcaster had cancelled its live feed of the opening of parliament on Tuesday fearing further disruptions.

Opposition MPs belonging to Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) reportedly kept quiet during the speech, as ruling Zanu-PF party supporters clapped at regular intervals.

However MDC spokesman Obert Gutu later told Reuters it was "a historic blunder", adding: "Anyone who is still of a sound mind would have quickly picked it up that the speech was the wrong one."

Opposition MP Ruth Labode blamed infighting within the ruling Zanu-PF for the error.

"I suspect someone did that deliberately to embarrass the old man," she said told the BBC, saying a formal apology was necessary.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba said the error in delivering the wrong speech was "sincerely regretted". The president later read the correct speech at a hotel in the capital Harare.

Mugabe, who has been in power since 1980, is Africa's oldest leader.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

15 Opinion

Why Peace Committee must disband now

Chris Okotie

T

he drumbeats of war sounded so loudly in the run-up to the 2015 General Elections, that it reverberated in major capitals across the world, raising concern s that Nigeria could blow apart, if the polls were stalemated The prospect of a political quagmire loomed very large on the horizon. But like they say, all that is now history. The transition was concluded peacefully to the glory of God, and peace now reigns in Nigeria, apart from the perennial Boko Haram insurgency which is also top on the agenda of the APC government.

Every patriotic Nigerian should support President Buhari in his war against terror and its twin demon of corruption. His success or failure would ultimately be judged by the defeat of insurgency and the recovery of looted public funds by the government of his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in particular, because the most reckless looting of our national resources happened under his watch.

One is therefore disappointed by the discordant tunes coming from some members of the National Peace Committee, which includes Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Rtd., Bishop Mathew Kukah, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji SaAd Abubakar III; the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo

Nneoma Obiageli Igwegbe

N

igerians are obsessed with corruption, and believe it is only when it is defeated that the country will

develop.

I believe to an extent, because when I define corruption, I like using the analogy of a computer.

When a foreign virus enters a computer, it is said to be corrupt.

The virus makes the computer to malfunction, or perform very slowly.

You have to completely reformat to remove the virus, or it will continue to malfunction.

That is exactly how corruption in Nigeria works. We love foreign products and pursue foreignness to the detriment of development in our country.

The leader who siphons money merely uses it to buy foreign furniture, cars and private jets. The girl who has 10 boyfriends exploits them

Oritsejafor; Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh; etc. The committee only recently visited President Buhari for undisclosed reasons.

But Bishop Kukah, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Peace Committee after the meeting with the President alluded to the ongoing investigation of the PDP government of ex-President Jonathan, saying his group appealed to President Buhari “to be fair” in his handling of the probe.

I am amazed at the ecclesiastical affinity of Goodluck Jonathan.

First it was Pastor Ayo Orisejafor and now it is Bishop Kukah. Both are now amalgamated in the Peace Committee. Bishop Kukah in his apologetic prolixity describes Jonathans governmental enterprise, inter alia, as fantastic. To my sanctified mind; this is not only imaginary but approaches the periphery of phantasmagoria.

He castigates President Buhari in subtle verbiage for what he perceives to be a sluggish pace in revving the engine of governance.

He thus, abandons momentarily, the responsibility of his committees morality posture and immerses his Episcopalian garments in the quagmire of the political emporium. He almost loses his compass in a broken monologue of praise singing sycophancy in veneration of vanquished Jonathan Goodluck.

Haba Aboki, with all due respect!

Question: What compels a chartered libertine who has been weaned on the mountains of divine

servitude to descend to such lowly valleys of mundane terrestrials?

What inspired such lisping accents of jejune political naivety? Is it peace committee? Seriously? Yeah right! Ha! There are several other questions still begging for urgent answers: Who sent the National Peace Committee to Aso Rock to plead with President Buhari “to be fair” to officials of the Jonathan government now under investigation? Why is the Committee putting the President under pressure in his quest to rid the Augean stable of the filth of the corrupt PDP regime? Why are they pre-empting the President by assuming that he’d not be fair?

A mitigation plea by this Committee is not only premature but uncalled for, and is a direct insult to the injury that ex-President Jonathan’s 6-year misrule has inflicted on Nigerians, majority of whom are now impoverished and dying from the ravages of hunger, malnutrition and disease.

The Peace Committee is no longer relevant and should honourably and immediately disband, to save Nigerians from this gratuitous charade and national embarrassment.

There’s no denying the fact that, at least, one of the committee members used to hobnob with ex-President Jonathan, and is a beneficiary of his patrimonial leadership.

President Buhari’s crusade against corruption must begin with a comprehensive probe of former President Jonathan, to send a clear signal that he means business. Under his leadership, his extravagant

wife, Patience, functioned like a Deputy President, and must also be investigated, to ascertain the extent of her involvement in the squandermania.

Since a fish rots from the head, any credible and effective drive towards the recovery of looted public funds in the PDP federal government can only succeed, not just by investigating functionaries of that government, but by taking the bull by the horn: President Buhari must know that Nigerian’s are firmly behind him. He must demonstrate to the world that he still has fire in his belly, by showing himself strong, fearless and capable of taking on the most sacred cows whose hands are soiled.

PDP chieftains and the erstwhile First Lady made an issue about Jonathan going to jail if President Buhari won the elections. Well, this is cheap talk. The President has no power to send anyone to jail unless the court finds such person guilty.

Moreover, there’s nothing new about jailing high profile leaders.

Besides, it is in Jonathan’s interest to face a probe to clear his name if he has nothing to hide.

Late Politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the leader of the opposition in the first republic when he was tried and jailed by the Balewa government for treasonable felony.

President Buhari himself was behind bars for 23 months with his No. 2 man, the late Gen. Tunde Idiagbon, after their military regime was toppled in August 1985, 30 years ago this month.

The Peace Committee should stop

whipping-up sentiments about the probe and allow justice to take its natural course. The ambience of peace we now enjoy was attained by team effort, not just the Peace Committee. The international community, especially American President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister, David Cameron, played commendable roles.

On my part, I dare say that I contributed to the success of the transition by resisting pressures to go to court to stop the general elections because of INEC’s refusal to allow our party, Fresh Democratic Party, FRESH, participate in the elections, despite the court verdict that voided the de-registration of our great party. I knew that a successful move to halt the elections would favour the PDP, which was facing imminent defeat from a determined and cohesive opposition, APC. Former President Jonathan feigned ignorance of INEC’s intransigence in perpetuating the illegal act of disobeying a court order to relist our party and allow it to take part in the elections. He condoned the abuse of power and flagrant contempt for the rule of law displayed by the electoral agency; but now out of power, and at the receiving end of a new order that has restored individual liberties, Jonathan is desperately campaigning for the corporate respect of the rule of law.

What goes up must come down.

Rev Okotie, a Pastor and Politician wrote from Lagos. okotie@revchrisokotie.com follow on twitter @Revchrisokotie, 08078421451 (Sms only)

front for development and self-rule in Nigeria for at least 15 years. Their struggles for independence started in the 1930s, but became strong and effective in the 1940s.

Just like PMB, they had up to 20 years of struggle, to plan and know what they wanted in governance.

Most of those freedom fighters, especially those belonging to NCNC and Zikist Movement had members from all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

For those nationalists, their 15 years struggle was not merely for political power, but also for economic freedom, because economic power is more relevant than political power. He who has the money runs the economy.

When the freedom fighters came to power in the 1960s, they hit the road running.

Between 1960 and 1966, they built most of the things we are boast with today. The skyscrapers along Marina and Kainji Dam were built, when our population was just only 60 million, and for some reasons successive governments have not improved

on those legacies.

The biggest resource of a country is not crude oil or any other natural resource, but its citizens. The citizens were what the early politicians capitalised on to build all the infrastructure we enjoy today.

The first skyscraper in Nigeria, which is the 32-storey Independence Building was completed in three months. Princess Alexandria was present for the foundation laying on September 29,1960 but it was ready for use by the end of the year.

That shows the group of people who came into office with a plan.

How can you say that 100 days is too short to know what you want to do for a country, for an office you campaigned for 15 years? The same amount of time the nationalists campaigned for Independence.

In 1983, when Buhari came to power, the economy was in ruins, and he thought that corruption was the problem, and eradicating employing force to discipline the citizens. Some people were locked in jail and some executed.

Much ado about corruption to purchase Brazilian hair, and smart phones. The policeman who collects N20 bribes on the street uses the money to buy a foreign motorcycle or car. No one cares how this obsession with foreignness bleeds the country dry.

You search high and low for corruption, yet you never find it. Some blame whoever just left Aso Rock, but this has become something of a macabre dance that defies solutions.

The present government is obsessed with corruption that it is looking like a masquerade dance, but many Nigerians are sceptical, and wonder how this chorus will transform into economic solutions for a failing economy.

I once had an argument with an ardent PMB supporter who strongly believes that when Buhari comes to power, and wipes out corruption, everything will magically become all right in Nigeria.

Now, as a writer and researcher, I have studied the history of Nigeria from the 1940s to the 2000s and knew exactly what each government did

while in power.

The first government that comprised of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as President, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister, Nwafor Orizu as Senate President,Jaja Wachukwu as Speaker, and later Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York,and Federal Minister for Economic Development.Muhammadu Ribadu as Minister for Defence,Inuwa Wada as Minister for Works and Survey,Shehu Shagari as Minister for Internal Affairs,Festus Okotie-Eboh as Minister of Finance,H.O.Davies as Minister for Industries.Kola Balogun as Information Minister.Ayo Rosiji as Health Minister,Aja Nwachukwu as Minister for Education,Raymond Njoku as Minister for Commerce & Industry, and Transport.K. O. Mbadiwe as Minister for Trade and Communications, and Minister ofAviation.

Just like PMB who had been trying to be the President for 16 years, they had been at the fore-

Auto 16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17v, 2015

MG 5 The most exquisite hatchback in the mid-size car segment ’Tunde Fatoyinbo

ÎÎÎ It’s barely three years when

Coscharis Motors acquired the MG Franchise as the sole representative of the brand in Nigeria.

Although, relatively new in Nigeria, the brand has a rich historical heritage of over 90 years. One of the fastest growing brand in UK, MG recorded a tremendous success in the introduction of its Hi-tech petrol and diesel engines across variants. Notable among the MG models is MG 5, the most exquisite European Hatchback in the mid-size car segment.

ENGINE According to the manufacturer, MG 5 engine comes with high efficiency Smart 1.5 VTI-Tech engine, 6 speed manual transmissions; a powerful bi-thermostat

independent dual-positioned multi-layered cooling system; Dual Mass Flywheel and other state-of-the-art features brings about an unprecedented level of comfort to your driving experience. The features of the car give you the feeling of racing on the Silverstone Circuit during intense driving experience, and satisfy you with the double enjoyment of the joy of control and comfort during driving.

TARGETS MG 5 fully caters for the need of those young buyers who enjoy a fashionable lifestyle and wish to show their distinctive personality. It is tailored-made for those IT elites and professionals with its cutting-edge design, refined style and Hi-tech features, which makes the car a preferred choice

among the digital fashion generation.

COMPETITION MG 5 Hatchback was designed in the UK under the watch of SAIC’s global design Director, Tony Williams, and it’s aimed at a slightly more mature and sophisticated audience, that targets the A-class sports sedan segment.

It was launched in UK market in 2013 to compete with European small cars such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall, Opel Astra, and Volkswagen Golf. The UK Cross-Class MG 5 Hatch-back combines the sporty character of a coupe with a functionality of a sedan.

With a variety of aerodynamics and safety features of the MG 5, its debut into the market satisfies customers’ demand for both fashion and high-end quality,

while demonstrating the forwardlooking visions and extra-ordinary strength.

According to Mathew Aje, Brand Manager, MG, “the MG 5 is ideal for both retail and fleet customers alike, and trendy car lovers can take advantage of the Coscharis Vehicle Finance Scheme which offers customers the opportunity to own any MG car of choice with a 10% down payment to any of their partner banks while spreading the rest for over 48 months”.

He Further explained that customers can also enjoy adequate after sales back-up, genuine spare parts, Finance Leasing, one Year Free Service, test drive, Free delivery to any parts of Nigeria and 3 years Warranty or 100,000 Kilometres, whichever comes first.

Be civil to motorists, LASTMA GM tells men

ÎÎÎ Lagos State Traffic Manage-

ment Authority (LASTMA) new General Manager Mr Bashir Braimah has urged his men to be civil to motorists and should always work within the law. This he said when addressing senior officers at the authority’s Oshodi, Lagos headquarters.

He reaffirmed his commitment to professionalism through human capacity building, saying competence, commitment and concerns should be the personnel’s watchword.

The LASTMA chief urged officers to devise scientific methods of unlocking traffic gridlocks and refrain from the old practice of chasing vehicles.

“Gone are the days of impunity, indiscipline and extortion of money from motorists. All negative vices capable of damaging the image of the government should be done away it,” warned Braimah, who before his appointment was Director, Home Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture.

Total partners Tata Motors to enhance performance, lower operation cost ÎÎÎ Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of $34.7 billion in 2012-13 and Total Lubrifiants has signed a Global Partnership Agreement to supply high performance Total branded lubricants, across the Tata Motors sales & service points in the International Markets.

Total Lubrifiants with its global presence, operating in 150 countries, will support the Tata Motors service network and its customers to provide latest generation lubricants to enhance performance of Tata Motors Commercial vehicles.

Mr. Sanjeev Garg, Global Head - Customer Care, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors said, “Through our partnership with Total Lubrifiants, we at Tata Mo-

tors are committed to provide our customers with superior quality branded lubricants, developed specially for Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles. This will enable our customers to enhance the performance and lower the overall costs of operating the vehicles. We at Tata Motors are committed to offering our customers with world-class product and services.”

Mr Phillipe Charleux, Vice President Total Lubrifiants, France and Mr. Ganesh Shetty Head – Customer Care International Business, Tata Motors.

Speaking on this agreement, Mr Phillipe Charleux, Vice President Total Lubrifiants, France, explained that, “this Agreement is the demonstration of the excellent relationships established be-

tween both companies. It also illustrates our commitment to sustainable growth in the global market place and in developing world class products and services to best satisfy our customer’s expectations.”

Through this partnership, Total Lubrifiants will also involve in enhancing the skill of the Tata Motors network and jointly support in the modernisation of Tata Motors workshops across the globe.

Total is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, with activities in more than 150 countries.

While Total Lubrifiants markets lubricants in 150 countries and employs close to 5,000 people. It operates 45 production plants with annual sales of almost 2 million tons in 2014.

Mr Phillipe Charleux, Vice President Total Lubrifiants, France and Mr. Ganesh Shetty Head – Customer Care International Business, Tata Motors.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Business Times Æ s

17

Ogun State, NSIA and Lafarge Africa partner on reforestation project Vast areas of degraded land mass is set to be transformed into an arable green area following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint development of Ogun State Forest Landscape Restoration Project by The Ogun State Government, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Lafarge Africa Plc. The deal which was signed during a state visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to France, will enable the creation of a legal entity to develop the project, engage development agencies and climate change funds, and promote it to large agriculture and forestry investors.

The project is set to transform 108,000 hectares of heavily degraded land into an arable green area. It is designed to employ innovative approaches to achieve best-of-breed environmental, social and economic results. The scheme’s uniqueness rests in the way it combines land restoration with business development objectives by applying the latest findings of agro-ecology and agroforestry.

The first part of the area will be rehabilitated through mixed reforestation to provide biodiversity hotspots corridors, allowing nomadic herders to cross the area with their herds and encouraging subsistent farming. The other part will be leased to agro-industrial investors interested in the development of large-scale tree crop such as cocoa, coffee, rubber and oil palm as well as annual crops such as maize, sesame, cotton and cassava amongst others.

Forestry projects within strict social and environmental guidelines may also be considered.

In his remarks, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State stated that ‘The restoration and enhancement of our forests benefits the environment and creates jobs in rural communities.

Increasing the pace and scale of restoration of forests is critically needed to address a variety of threats - including fire, climate change, deforestation and others - for the benefit of our ecosystems and forest-dependent communities. This project will show that enterprise and achieving strong mitigation are mutually supportive in tropical agriculture.

Mr. Uche Orji, Managing Director/CEO of NSIA in his statement said ‘the NSIA Act permits

us to participate in infrastructure projects of this nature. We are therefore committed not only to promoting economic development but also to stimulating greater environmental responsibility through the projects we support and participate in. We view this project as an important investment in sustainable development and remain focused on facilitating incremental participation in initiatives that reduce carbon foot print across the country and reverse deforestation for the benefit of future generations of Nigerians.”

In his speech, Mr. Peter Hoddinott, Group Managing Director/ CEO Lafarge Africa stated that ‘Our strong commitment to the environment and social sustainability of our operations and the communities within which we operate leads us naturally to support the Ogun State project that promises strong positive impact on these issues, particularly on climate change. The use of agroecology and agro-forestry principles in these project will increase their productivity, ensuring the land becomes one of Nigeria’s best carbon capture areas and generating biomass waste that Lafarge intends to use to fire its cement kilns.’’

In December 2015, France will host the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

That confab will aim to achieve a binding agreement to keep global warming below 2°C. In that context, the Ogun State Forest Landscape Restoration Project is a pioneering initiative demonstrating how a private group can join force with proactive public entities to launch sustainable projects and will position Nigeria as an African leader to launch sustainable Climate Change PPP projects.

Hoddinott

L-R: Bolade Oyekanmi, Marketing Manager, Lenovo Tech, West Africa; Nkechi Okolo, Service Manager, Lenovo Tech, West Africa; and Graham Braum, General Manager, Lenovo Tech, West Africa; unveiling Lenovo’s new device in Lagos recently.

BoI’s intervention in entertainment industry hits N2bn Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, Business Editor

In order to attract more investments and create better jobs, Nigeria’s much endowed creative industry must have to be repositioned in line with global standards, to this end the Bank of Industry has intervened in the sector under its Nollyfund to the tune of N2billion.

With seven projects presently accessing its facilities and another 10 at different stages of loan approval, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has reiterated its commitment to stakeholders of the country’s creative industry to continue to lift the sector’s profile and boost its global competitiveness.

Speaking during a visit to the set of a film by Kunle Afolayan at the weekend, the Managing Director, BoI, Rasheed Olaoluwa, explained that the bank has restructured its operations to improve access to its services, adding that the peculiarity of each sector is being considered for loan disbursements.

According to him, the bank has relaxed its criteria to aid access to the facilities adding that viable distribution channels are equally being financed to aid loan repay-

ment as well as mitigate default by stakeholders.

He added that the bank, in line with its mandate had developed a special product tagged “BoI NollyFund” under which Nigeria’s leading movie producers will receive financial support to produce international quality films and screen them through various platforms of movie distribution available both in Nigeria and internationally.

He said: “To support this process and ensure that only commercially viable scripts with good story-lines benefit from the scheme, the Bank did set up a NollyFund Implementation Advisory Group to advise the institution on loan approval to the creative industry.

“The Group’s mandate is to critically review all the film scripts and associated budgets submitted to BoI by movie producers and make technical recommendations to BoI management for final credit appraisal and subsequent approval in line with the Bank’s credit policy.

“The visit to Kunle Afolayan’s set for the production of his new movie, ‘The C.E.O’, is part of the bank’s activities in assessing the utilisation of the facility approved for a project. It is the same

way when we visit factories to see how funds were utilised.

“NollyFund had an initial programme limit of N1.0billion and a single obligor limit of N50million for individual loans. However, over N2 billion has been accessed so far by the industry. Kunle Afolayan is the first person to access the fund, while others are underway”.

On his part, Movie Producer, Kunle Afolayan commended the bank for improving access to the facility, noting that the project wouldn’t have started without funding from the bank.

“The BoI initiative for the creative industry should be encouraged. We had applied for facility some few back but we got denied. With the restructuring of the loan processes, we have been able to access the funds easily, while the innovative approach to financing by the bank is highly commendable”, he added.

Olaoluwa

Brands and Marketing 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Airtel unveils smart trade-in service

L-R: Brand Manager, Power Oil, Disha Argawal; Khadijah Sanni, and Adeniran Kayode, both winners at the Power Oil Walk-heartthon event and the MD, BD Consult, Mr Tola Bademosi at the National Stadium, Lagos recently.

One of Nigeria’s leading Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has launched a new service which enables customers to trade in their old phones for brand new Smartphones.

The service, tagged Airtel Smart TRADE-IN seeks to fulfil the desire of customers to own premium smart phones by simply visiting any designated Airtel showroom to trade-in their old phones. The old phone traded is valued and the amount discounted from the cost of the new purchase.

Speaking on the new service, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Newa, explained that the service was designed to help cater to the needs of customers who desire affordable smart phones.

“In line with our commitment

to provide services that will continually delight our customers.

We have launched this service to offer customers the opportunity to get the latest devices available in the market,” he said.

Mr. Newa further disclosed that customers who want to enjoy the service can also send ‘Trade’ by SMS to 182 and follow the instructions in the embedded link. He also advised customers to visit their website to have an idea of the value of their old phones before visiting a designated showroom for the actual Trade-in.

As an innovative company, he pointed out that Airtel will continue to redefine the telecoms landscape with products and services that will provide rewarding experience to its customers.

“Our mission is to enrich the lives of Nigerians through the provision of exceptional experience and the introduction of this service is an attestation of our commitment”, he said.

Power Oil powers walk campaign for healthy hearts Power Oil recently took Nigerians through the importance of physical exercise. GODWIN ANYEBE reports: There is no gain saying the fact that physical activity or exercise can improve health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, physical activity and exercise can also have immediate and long-term health benefits on individual who practice it.

Understanding this fact, and as part of efforts geared towards enlightening and encouraging Nigerians on the need to maintain a healthy heart as well as adopt a healthy lifestyle, Power Oil, one of Nigeria’s most heart friendly family cooking oil brand, recent-

ly organised a walk event tagged ‘Power-Oil-walk-Heart-On’. The event attracted a large number of participants and also afforded them the opportunity to have free medical check-ups.

According to a health promotion consultant, Dr Nick Cavill, “As people get older and their bodies decline in function, physical activity helps to slow that decline. It’s important they remain active or even increase their activity as they get older. Reason being that, most people as they get older want to keep in touch with society – their community, friends and neighbours – and being active can ensure they keep doing that.

The walk was preceded by an aerobics session after which participants walked from the National Stadium Surlere, through

Costain and back to the National Stadium. To add excitement and fun to the event, popular comedian, Akpororo was also on ground to entertain the crowd with ribcracking jokes.

It is estimated that over 60 per cent of Nigerians are at risk of heart related diseases which is the leading cause of deaths worldwide. Majority of Nigerians are unaware of the risk associated with heart related diseases. To this end, the walk became necessary to sensitize Nigerians on the need to maintain a healthy heart as well as encourage them to engage in physical exercises regularly.

Speaking at the event, Brand Manager, Disha Argawal stated that the brand is focused on promoting healthier lifestyles among its valued consumers and

the society at large.

She said, “As a brand, Power Oil’s total focus and commitment is the well-being of consumers.

The Power-Oil-Walk-heart-on is a reflection of our commitment to our consumers. With the rate of increasing health complications in the society, we see it as our responsibility to sensitize and educate Nigerians on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercises as well as eating healthy”.

“Our decision to introduce a heart and health friendly product in Power Oil a few years ago, was borne out of our observation that substandard and adulterated oil have for long remained an item, regularly consumed by many who are mostly unaware of the numerous side effects, such as: obesity, hypertension (the most

common lifestyle ailment), heart disease and cancer to mention few; while the cholesterol found in the oil could increase the risk of stroke and blocked arteries.

Power Oil contains zero trans-fat and cholesterol which makes it very healthy for consumption”.

She added.

Executive Director NHF, Dr Akinloye Kingsley who was also present at the event, commended Power Oil for its effort in promoting healthy living among Nigerians. In his speech, Dr. Akinloye noted that heart related disease is a leading cause of death in the world today. He stressed the need for people to pay closer attention to what they consume. He also urged people to imbibe the culture of engaging in regular physical exercise to live healthier lives.

Capri-Sonne excite kids with ‘The Minions’ promo In fulfilment of the global partnership between CapriSonne and Universal Studios, Chi Limited, maker of CapriSonne natural fruit drink in Nigeria, has unveiled a promo package to coincide with the global release of the movie ‘The Minions’.

Children across Nigeria are in for an exciting treat as they now have an opportunity to win free Minions gifts inside every carton of their favourite CapriSonne that they get within the promo period. Great gift items include Beach Ball, magnet, gog-

gle, magnetic frame, key chain, activity set and various minion merchandise and toys.

The Capri-Sonne Minions Promo is being amplified nationwide with an effective media campaign running on major regional and national television channels and radio stations in the country. Simultaneously, campaign is being driven through advertisements on Print, Billboards and digital platforms like Twitter and Facebook where young fans can win loads of free gifts by participating in fun Minions games.

Consumer engagement plat-

forms such as trade activations in open markets and consumer activations like taste trials in schools and shopping malls has commenced in various cities to connect with the consumers.

In a statement made available to newsmen recently Lagos, the Managing Director, Chi Limited, Deepanjan Roy said; “we are confident that the Capri-Sonne Minions Promo will resonate with children across Nigeria and increase product consumption and brand affinity. Minions are hugely popular amongst children the world over and we have no doubt

that the Capri-Sonne Minions Promo will create excitement, buzz, adventure and fun which Capri-Sonne has been known for over the years.”

He said, “The Minions is a 2015 3D computer-animated comedy film and a presequel/spin off to the Despicable Me franchise.

Minions are small, yellow impulsive creatures with odd innocence that endears them to viewers and make them relatable. They have hundreds of thousands of fans around the world and have become a huge commercial success worldwide.”

Roy

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

19 Brands and Marketing

WFM 91.7 unveils personalities of Nigeria’s first women radio station St. Ives Communications, owners of WFM 91.7, Nigeria’s 1st Radio station for WOMEN and their families presented the voices and faces that will be its core on-air-personalities to a select team of media practitioners.

In what’s akin to a scene from an episode of ShowTime, the quartet of Abisola Grace Aiyeola, Nigerian British born currently studying Business management at National Open University of Nigeria and Nigeria’s budding actress and singer, Funmi Jinadu, who cut her teeth in radio broadcasting at BBC Bristol, UK and an active member of the National Union of Journalists, United Kingdom, Bolatito Bezidakula, a former banker with a B.Sc. in Politics and International Studies from the University of Warwick, England and an MSc. in Management from Imperial College London and Chinedu Faith Nwagha, a public speaker, customer service consultant and an advocate of personal development were presented to the media as the leading voices and faces that will run things at WFM 91.7 as the station’s core on-airpersonalities - OAPs. Presenting the young and talented broadcasters at the event which took place inside the cozy environs of Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, recently in Lagos, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya stated that the quartet were selected from over 5,000 applicants that showed in-

gramme,” she enthused.

According to Toun, though WFM 91.7 prides itself as an ‘unapologetically for women’ radio station, she reiterated that “it is not just about women or straight-jacketed tailored for women; it is a radio station for women, the men in their lives and for the whole family. The station will cover and discuss every

Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology, has unveiled in Nigeria, the latest innovation in the mobile telephone device, Lenovo’s PHAB Plus.

Speaking about the product and other innovations unveiled in Nigeria, at a media briefing held at recently in Lagos, Graham Braum, the General Manager of Lenovo Technology Africa, described Lenovo PHAB Plus as a beautifully designed premium phablet, optimized for single – hand use.

Targeted at today’s diverse needs of consumers in the mobile market, Braum said the Lenovo PHAB Plus will help to eliminate the dilemma of choosing between costly smartphones with big screens and underwhelming small tablets by offing a single-spot 6.8-innch device

with best-in-class entertainment, speedy internet, and all-day battery life.

He stated that the higher-end PHAB Plus comes in a monstrous 6.8-inch display while the PHAB comes in at an even larger 6.98 inches. “These aren’t so much phablets as they are tablets that can make phone calls,” he said.

Braum added that Spec-wise, the dual-SIM PHAB Plus features 32GB of storage, a 13-megapixel main camera (the front-facing camera comes in at five megapixels), a 3,500mAh battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 2GB of RAM. In Nigeria, he stated, Lenovo smartphones have reached more than 4% of market share, becoming the number three player in just three quarters. Egypt, which launched Lenovo smartphones soon after Nigeria, now places the brand at number two, where it occupies 13.3% market share.

The company plans to add SADC and East African countries to the mix next, and is set to launch Motorola in South Africa before the Braum comments: “We are investing heavily in the breadth and depth of the channel when it comes to the server market, which we hope will translate into more sales. In addition, we have recently signed a contract with BMW to roll out our x86 server infrastructure in 45 countries.

This shows that we are successfully integrating our System x products into our.”

“We’ve made significant inroads in the smartphone market and every country has made good progress. We aim to be in the top three brands and build on this, and we are getting there quickly. Once again, we are going in with our ‘protect and attack’ strategy, engaging proactively with mobile operators and partners in each country.” He added.

L-R : Bolatito Bez Idakula, Chinedu Faith Nwagha, Abisola Grace Aiyeola and Funmi Jinadu (WFM 91.7 OAPs) at their unveiling in Lagos, recently.

terest in working for WFM 91.7.

“The selection process was thorough and painstakingly executed. We were lucky to have veteran broadcasters like Femi Sowoolu, Seun Olagunju, Sydney Ufeli of Spik Rait, Saund Rait, etc. on the selection panel.

So, what we are serving the listening public are the best of our bests,” she said.

Lenovo boosts Nigeria’s mobile market with PHAB

Braum, Lenovo Africa GM

Toun, herself a broadcaster of many years’ experience whose career traverse Nigeria and United Kingdom added that “One of the amazing qualities of these on-air-personalities is that each of them can function in any arm of the station’s operations.

They are all undergoing training that will see them performing creditably well on any pro-

aspect of our lives, be it sports, business, politics, governance, economy, health, family, relationship issues, youth etc. However, all these issues will be presented from the women perspective.

How we (women) see it.

“Though we are licensed for women, WFM 91.7 will also cater for the men and the family by engaging on issues of local, national and international importance for all. It will operate 24 hours of talk and less music. The station will address everyday issues for women and their families. It will be a reliable, leading and trusted source for all related news, information and matters of interests for women and their families,” she enthused.

Present at the unveiling ceremony were top officials and directors of St. Ives Communications, the holding company that runs WFM 91.7 radio station.

They include: Dr. Babatunde Okewale, Executive Chairman of St. Ives Communications, Kiki Wale Okewale, Executive Director at St. Ives Communications, Olayinka Lawal, Head of Sales & Marketing at WFM 91.7 and other staff of WFM 91.7 radio.

In what has been described as an epoch-making event, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) recently issued licence to St. Ives Communications to operate the specialised and gender sensitive radio communication initiative, which has been credited to be the brainchild of Dr. Babatunde Okewale who is also the Chief Medical Director at St. Ives Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Toun Okewale Sonaiya and Kiki Wale Okewale, both Executive Directors of St. Ives Communications.

ICT 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Autogenius upgrades website to boost online auto insurance

Edwin Igbiti, MD, AIICO Insurance Plc

AutoGenius has redesigned its website as part of efforts to boost the quality of customers’ shopping experience and availability of information especially to make it easy for Nigerians seeking online auto insurance.

Chief Executive Officer, Venia Technologies, parent company to AutoGenius, Kola Oyeneyin said, “The new website was created with the user experience firmly in mind. This is a result of talking with customers and gaining valuable feedback. We are excited to be able to provide the ultimate

user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality which enables customers access auto insurance products easily. “ Tomiwa Oladele, the firm’s publicist noted in a statement that the site’s refreshed and simplified look, combined with enhanced content, improved search functionality, and optimization for mobile devices allows consumers to better access auto insurance online.

Oladele explained that key features of the site include automat-

ic renewal reminders, improved integration with insurance partners, real-time client advisory provisions on claims and inspection, insurance verification, promotion code integration as well as an automated claims process.

AutoGenius now has a visibly displayed product finder, oriented on the demands of customers, as well as a comprehensive customer support area.

With the use of simple explanatory banners, the website directs visitors to their preferred auto insurance options and available providers. The product page at a glance offers a detailed introduction to the various auto insurance packages available.

The company which launched last year October, has recorded a 100 per cent paid claims processed by its five leading insurance partners namely AIICO Insurance, Custodian and Allied Insurance, Leadway Assurance, NEM Insurance and Royal Exchange providing premium Comprehensive and 3rd Party auto insurance packages to customers.

AutoGenius provides users with a start-to-finish e-insurance experience. It allows vehicle owners and operators search for quotes from their preferred insurance providers, compare prices and features and purchase auto insurance online.

AutoGenius users can explore auto insurance packages, compare prices and purchase insurance from its list of trusted insurance providers.

MasterCard unveils Start Path, launches in Nigeria MasterCard has announced the launch of Start Path Global as a means to help start-ups break even and achieve global presence in today’s crowded and competitive business environment.

Start Path Global is a unique six-month partnership programme for start-ups that extends Start Path’s existing footprint to a greater number of countries globally in Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

The programme builds on Start Path’s efforts over the past 18 months having provided a variety of operational support, partnership, or investment for over 40 start-ups developing the next generation of commerce solutions, including Nymi,ZenCard, BillHop and Gone.

Start Path Global has also been designed to put the start-up first: specifically, there is no need for a startup to relocate, no equity taken, immediate access to over 60 MasterCard experts, opens the door to pilot opportunities with

MasterCard or MasterCard customers, and with full ownership for any intellectual property (IP) developed.

“Start Path thoughtfully connects the right partners with the right start-ups to build the future of commerce together. And now with our global expansion we will be able to target a broader range of startups and help them achieve success,” Global Lead of MasterCard Start Path, Stephane Wyper said.

As Start Path expands internationally, start-ups will also benefit from access to Start Path Partners, a group of more than 20 leading companies in banking, retail, and technology including Rakuten, Samsung Card, TSYS, Target, Bank of Montreal, and Santander Innoventures.

Start Path Partners was created to provide carefully selected MasterCard customers with a first look at unique technologies and to offer startups a direct line into these corporates to test their solutions.

Mobile money operators laud Glo for pushing financial inclusion stories by Tony Nwakaegho Banks and mobile money operators partnering with Globacom for the implementation of a seamless mobile money service in the country have commended the telecom operator for its commitment to driving financial inclusion in Nigeria.

The partners who spoke in Lagos at the commercial roll out of Glo Xchange agents in Lagos rededicated themselves to the success of the project.

Mr. Yinka Shorungbe of Ecobank, opined that the Glo Xchange mobile money superagent network will bridge the existing gap in the financial sector.

“This is true financial inclusion and this is the first time we are getting it right,” Shorungbe said.

He gave the assurance that the mobile money platform would soon be extended to customers in Diaspora to facilitate offshore

money transfers.

In her remark, Stanbic IBTC’s Network Manager, Chioma Okoye, described Globacom’s intervention as amazing, adding that “What we really need for mobile money to work is a ubiquitous mobile money agent network and this is what Glo has provided.”

She pledged the commitment of IBTC to the Glo Xchange project until the financial inclusion goal is attained.

On her part, Nnenna Igbani of First Bank’s Agent Management and Mobile Financial Services Department also pledged the continuous support of First Monie for the Glo Xchange mobile money project.

The company revealed that Globacom has so far rolled out about 1,000 well trained and market-ready mobile money agents that were recruited and trained last year at town hall meetings held in over thirty cities of the

country. The company plans to inject 10,000 agents into the market in the next 12 months.

Globacom’s Gloworld Coordinator, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, said the Glo Xchange agents will deliver the much expected mobile money revolution in Nigeria.

According to him, the Glo Xchange Agents will operate from designated mobile money outlets such as kiosks, shops, pharmacies, supermarkets and mega stores in strategic locations across the country.

“These outlets will complement the over 160 Gloworld and Glozone shops, which are already offering Glo Xchange services to customers along with branches of all Globacom’s mobile money partners such as First Bank, Ecobank, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Zenith Bank,” he said.

Kolawole said that Glo Xchange was introduced to speed

up financial inclusion in the country as well as take cashless transactions and e-payments to the grassroots in order to enable mobile phone users to make payments, do transfers, buy airtime, pay utility bills such as Dstv, GoTV, and PHCN among others; pay expressway tolls and conduct any such financial transactions without cash exchange, but through the mobile phone.

The secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Mr. Lawrence Osaretin Erkhator said the relationship of the association with Glo Xchange has been rewarding as his association members are happy to be part of the mobile money service.

In his comment, Head of Mobile Money and Financial Business, Globacom, Mr. Esaie Diei, said the initiative is mutually beneficial, as all Glo Xchange agents earn handsome commissions on their transactions.

Adenuga, Glo CEO

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

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News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Why we’re conducting staff audit, verification - Yola Council HoS Wale Akintunde Yola

ÏÏÏThe ongoing local gov-

ernment staff audit and verification exercise undertaken by Adamawa State Government is being done to put local government employees’ salary payment on first line charge.

Alhaji Mohammed Chubado, Head of Service, Yola South Local Government of Adamawa State disclosed this on Wednesday in Yola, the state capital, during a parley with newsmen.

He explained that respite will soon come the way of

Abia to partner cancer google inventor on health Sunday Nwakanma

Umuahia ÏÏÏAbia State government has stated its readiness to partner the inventor of Cancer goggle, Dr. Samuel Achilefu, to establish his presence in the state.

Dr. Achilefu is from Osaa Ukwu, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, and is a professor of Radiology, Biochemical Engineering and Surgery, Washington University, St Louis Missouri, USA.

local government employees in the state, noting that the exercise is being conducted to enable the government know the actual staff strength of local government employees in the state in order to implement the initiative.

Chubado, who is the acting chairman of Yola South Local Government Council, was once the state NULGE chairman and also the National Publicity Secretary of the same union at the national level, expressed doubt on the government’s effort fishing out of ghost workers.

The State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu said that Abia is ready to afford Dr. Achilefu the opportunity he may need to establish in the state, maintaining that the state will be willing to give him a place to establish his laboratory for the mass production of his machines.

According to him, Abia is proud of his achievements as he has done the state proud, adding that the state will leverage on his global image as an inventor. Ikpeazu said that Abia is endowed as radiologists are few and would not want the opportunity of Dr. Achilefu accomplishments to be lost in the state, and appealed to him to bring something home.

PDP chieftain, another remanded over unlawful coronation Titus Akhigbe

Benin ÏÏÏThe Oredo Magistrate Court 1, on Wednesday, remanded one Rich Arisco Osemwingie and Patrick Osabuohien to Oko prison, for unlawful coronation of the title of His Royal Majesty, Ogiamien of Utantan, to himself without the approval of the Executive Council of Edo State.

Arisco-Osemwingie, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, and Osabuohien, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them before legal fireworks commenced.

It would be recalled that Osemwingie had wanted to assume a position which both the state government and the Benin Traditional Council described as an attempt to rubbish the Oba

stool of Benin Kingdom.

Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice in Edo state, Mr. Henry Idahagbon, who is prosecuting the case on behalf of the state government, told the court that “in Benin, what they did was like a traditional treasonable felony.

It’s a traditional coup, a traditional taboo, and the Comrade Governor is interested in the peace and orderliness of our state.

“This is something that has the possibility of causing social unrest, civil disturbances and chaos, and I think the point has to be made that nobody can so deliberately and flagrantly flout the law in Edo state.

Unknown to many people, the traditional institution in Edo state is supported by law and you cannot wake up and declare your...", he said.

Unpaid salaries: Osun govt, workers break deadlock on bailout fund Sodiq Adekunle

Osogbo ÏÏÏFollowing series of protests and disagreement between workers and Osun State government, an agreement has finally been reached by both parties.

With the agreement, the state is to commence payment of three months salaries for its workers, as well as payment of deductions made from their salaries.

The agreement came few weeks to the collection of N34.988 billion as bailout fund from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The state government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) reached the agreement on Wednesday, where a new Memorandum of Under-

standing (MoU) was signed.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, Head of Service, Sunday Owoeye, Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Abiola Adewemimo, Permanent Secretary, Local Government, Mufutau Oluwadare, Permanent Secretary, Finance, Leye Aina, Permanent Secretary, Human Resources, Sunday Olajide and Accountant General, Tayo Kolawole, signed on behalf of the government.

The Chairman, Joint Negotiation Council, Bayo Adejumo; Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Jacob Adekomi, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Olatunde Ogunniyi, Labour represen-

tatives, Gbenga Oyebode, Richard Oyegbami, Mrs. Toyin Idowu, Alade Amudah and Kunle Ogundepo, signed on behalf of Labour.

Contents of the MOU also covered the payment of salary arrears to local government workers, primary school teachers and pensioners.

Details of the MOU covered method disbursement of bailout loan, and subsequent payment of salaries.

The MoU read: "That bailout loan be disbursed to cover the payment of outstanding salaries for the months of January to June, 2015, as well as deductions from salaries of September and December 2014, and balance of 2013 and 2014 leave allow-

ances for the state workers; "That in order to ensure sustainability of payment of salaries in the State of Osun, the first disbursement from the bailout loan should cover the payment of outstanding September and December 2014 deductions, balance of January and February Salaries, and full payment of March, April and May 2015 Salaries for State Government Workers; "That Workers in the employment of Local Governments and Primary School Teachers be paid their first instalment out of the bailout loan, to cover the payment of balance of March and April, 2015 salaries, as well as full payment of May and June, 2015 salaries;

L-R: Accountant General, Adamawa State, Augustina Wandamihya; Past President, Nigeria Institute of Management, Dr. Muhammed Abubakar; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Adamawa State, Mrs. Janet Eric, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa and President, Ibadan Business School, Yinka Fasuyi at a World Bank/ Ibadan Business School Certificate Progamme in Governance and Leadership Management in Ibadan… on Wednesday

Ekiti 'YOUWIN' beneficiaries allege diversion of grants Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏEleven

youths, who took part in the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) of the Federal Government in Ekiti State, have alleged that the grants meant for beneficiaries of the scheme in Ekiti and Osun States, have been diverted for personal use.

The beneficiaries of the programme, who addressed newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, equally called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the prolonged non-release of their grants.

YOUWIN is a job creation platform established by the Goodluck Jonathan admin-

istration, aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs to help winners to strengthen and expand existing, as well as turn innovative ideas into solid businesses.

Speaking through their coordinator, Stephen Olutola Afolabi, explained that out of the 1,500 beneficiaries of the grant in Nigeria, Ekiti has only 11, adding that they had received their first tranche on January 9, 2015, while on May 28, 2015, the second tranche was paid to 1,007 in Nigeria, but nine of the beneficiaries in Osun and Ekiti States got payment.

Afolabi said: "We have been patiently waiting and expecting our bank alerts on a daily basis since 28th May, 2015, but to no avail.

Each time we put a call through to YOUWIN secretariat, there responses have always been 'we are still processing your payment’, until yesterday, 14th September, 2015, that we sent delegates to make a presence at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja.

"We were shocked to the marrow when the delegates reported to us that they gathered from a reliable source at the Federal Ministry of Finance, that the money meant for all the awardees in Ekiti and Osun States, has been diverted for personal use.

"While they have raised our hopes for payment, they have also made our YOUWIN businesses to suffer serious setback due to

the daily procrastination of our payment, and now the deadly blow is that some set of people, nefariously destroying this nicely packaged national youth empowerment programme.

"It will be of our utmost desire if our plight is seriously looked into by the necessary agencies of government, so that our grant can be given to us without further delay to revive our businesses."

Jonathan

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17 , 2015

CDS to Presidential committee: Curtail proliferation of small arms Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Chief

of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Gabriel Olonisakin, has asked the Presidential Committee on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons to stem the proliferation of small arms in the country.

He said they should do this urgently by implementing the necessary modalities that would drastically curtail illegal small arms in circulation in the country.

General Olonisakin, who is seeking to deliver on presidential directive to end Boko Haram within three months, made the appeal when members of the Committee visited him in Abuja.

He urged the committee to pur-

sue the agenda to a logical conclusion, adding that it is imperative for the committee to avail itself of the opportunity of collaborating with the armed forces institutions in furtherance of their mission.

The Committee, which was set up in April 2013, was designed as a rallying point in the efforts of government to stem the rise in the small arms importation into the country to ensure the implementation of the international protocols endorsed by Nigeria and other ECOWAS member countries.

Speaking earlier, the Committee chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Imohe, had told the CDS that his visit was to seek ways to foster mutual working relationship with the military with a view to working with existing security

agencies to build synergy and curtail the incidences of illegal importation and use of small arms and light weapons.

He noted that the Committee has since created institutional framework in Nigeria to tackle the issue in accordance with ECOWAS Conventions recommendations in small arms and light weapons.

Commenting on the cooperation so far received from the military, Ambassador Imohe said: “We can all collectively put all hands on deck in the very important effort to stem the tide of illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons. We have enjoyed goodwill among all security agencies and we solicit that this good relationship be sustained”.

Graduands of Education, University of Abuja being inducted into the Teacher's Registration Council of Nigeria at the University in Abuja… on Wednesday

Election petition tribunal orders bench warrant against returning officers in Ondo ’Tosin Ajuwon Akure

Buhari commended ÏÏÏFor failing to appear and give evidence before the court, the for steady power Ondo State House of Assembly Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏBusiness

magnate and Chairman of Orllar Oil and Gas Limited, Chief Idris Salaudeen Adebayo, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the improved electricity supply in the country.

He said that the positive development in the power sector, which he described as attractive to investors, would certainly boost his self-sponsored campaign targeted at bringing successful Nigerians in the diaspora back home to invest in the country.

Adebayo, hitherto one of the leaders of Nigerians in the diaspora, made the remark shortly after his installation as the new Mogaji Agie Family by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana.

The industrialist, who also owns Orllar International Hotel, Ibadan; Gemilang International School, Ajah Lagos; Shoppers Inn Supermarket, hinted that he had concluded arrangement to set up a Ceramic Plant in Ibadan before year-ending.

He also promised to institute a far-reaching scholarship scheme in Ibadan as part of his contributions to development of the state and the country.

CDHR condemns attack on journalists, wants perpetrators arrested Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Osun State branch, has faulted the attack on two journalists by some protesting Osun workers, describing it as barbaric and criminal.

The group, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ismaeel Uthman, also called for the arrest and prosecution of the offending workers, who descended on two journalists.

It would be recalled that Osun State Correspondent of Muri International Television (MITV), Mr. Abass Okandeji and his colleague from ONTV, Mr. Adeniyi Folorunso, were severely beaten by aggrieved civil servants for attempting to cover their protest.

The group noted stated that

the workers, irrespective of their grievance against the pressmen or the organisations they represent, went too far to commit assault by beating the pressmen who were carrying out their constitutional duty.

According to Uthman, the erring workers needed to be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other members of the public, who might have plan to attack any media practitioner or other people carrying out their professional assignments.

Uthman maintained that if the perpetrators of the attacks were left unpunished, it would further endanger the life of journalists in the state and encourage a recurrence of attacks on the media practitioners.

The CDHR spokesperson recalled that a cameraman with

the Channels TV was attacked by thugs hired by factional leader of the Trade Union Congress last April at the government secretariat, Abere.

He said that any attack on journalists was an attack on Nigeria, because it undermined the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which gave the press power to operate and provides fundamental human rights to dignity, assembly, freedom of expression and opinion as well for all.

He said, “Journalists are not just workers; they are the ears and eyes of the public. They are members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, who are constitutionally empowered to perform their duties. An attack on any journalist is an attack on all; and a threat to democracy.

“If journalists could be at-

23 News

tacked freely by thugs and aggrieved workers, who then is safe from the criminal act? It is a dangerous trend in Osun State. The workers must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.”

Uthman also charge the assaulted journalists to summon courage to prosecute their case to a logical end, saying that they would be doing a great service to themselves and their profession by doing that.

He added, “If the first attack on the pressmen that happened in April had been properly prosecuted, the second one would not have happened. The press should not compromise on the enforcement of their fundamental human rights, and they must not entertain fear or plead on any criminal act carried out on them.”

Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Akure, on Wednesday, ordered a bench warrant against the Returning Officer of Ilaje Constituency two, Dr. James Adewuyi, who presided over the April 11 Assembly poll.

Adewuyi was to appear before the petition tribunal to give evidence in the on-going petition between the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidate, Barrister Gbenga Edema and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Cooker Malachi.

The tribunal had issued a subpoena for Dr. Adewuyi to come and give evidence in the case.

The presiding judge, Justice G. O. Imadegeelo issued a bench warrant against Adewuyi for his refusal to come to the court.

Permanent Secretary advocates statutory roles for PR practitioners

ÏÏÏThe

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa has advocated statutory duties for public institutions to account for their spending for quality of service delivery.

Delivering a Paper Tittled: “Governance and Leadership Audit,” at a five- day World Bank / Ibadan Business School Executive Certificate Programme in Governance and Leadership Management in Ibadan, Olaopa noted that good governance was the foundation of high performing public service, adding that good governance extended beyond organisations, which included partnerships and relations with local communities.

“Good governance ensures that organisation do the right things, in the right way, for the right people, in a fair and equal, open, honest, timely and accountable way”.

While calling on the participants, who were mostly high-ranking officials in the public sectors in the areas of finance, agriculture, health, rural development, and education to be committed to quality service delivery, Olaopa reminded them that those in charge of public institutions were responsiblefor taxpayers’ money and such must be accountable in other to build trust, adding that it was at the heart of the relationship between citizens and government.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September17, 2015

APC denies picking Alaibe as sole candidate Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏ The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has refuted reports that some governorhip aspirants on its platform have dropped their ambitions.

The refutal followed reports that the party in the state had adopted a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon.

Timi Alaibe, as its sole candidate.

The party, in a statement, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Fortune Panebi, declared that no aspirants had withdrawn from the race. Panebi noted that the party had a standard whichmust be maintained for the sake of fairness and equity,. This is line line with the internal democracy held sacrosanct by the national leadership of the APC, he

stated.

The statement emphasized the party’s resolve to provide a level-playing ground for all aspirants who were recently cleared to contest the forthcoming governorship primary election, notwithstanding their gender or status in the party, to ensure credible primaries,. It added that the state chapter of the party would borrow a leaf from what transpired in Lagos and

Kogi states recently.

According to the party, the primaries scheduled to hold on the 19th of September, will take place with all aspirants ready for the contest, adding that the APC's will never frustrate any of its aspirants before and after the primaries, like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The APC further stated that no aspirant has the intention of stepping down

for anybody, because they are all change agents who are bent on restoring hope to the youths of Bayelsa, developing the people and the state, stop the corruption it says is currently destroying the state, and reposition all that has been lost.

The statement assured all faithful, members, and other stakeholders, to protect their interests and that of the party, and not be distracted by sponsored false

Alaibe

stories from the opposition in the state. It added that the state working committee and all stakeholders believed that everyone would be together after the primaries.

Ooni: Don't influence Ifa's choice, Araba warns kingmakers, politicians Remi Oladoye

Cross River State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade(right) with service commanders at a portion of the 260km Super Highway where work is ongoing ahead of President Buhari's visit for the ground breaking ceremony… on Wednesday

Ganduje commissions girls’ school, restates commitment to education Yakubu Salisu Kano

ÏÏÏKano

State government has reiterated commitment to accord priority to girl-child education, as part of the administration’s accelerated development agenda, the state governor, Dr. Ganduje stated this while commissioning classes and toilet at Government Girls Secondary school, Yaryasa, Tudun Wada Local Government Area, which was jointly

constructed by the state and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) office.

He explained that five schools have benefited from such gesture in Tudun Wada local government, adding that the other 43 local government areas in Kano have also benefited from MDGs projects.

Earlier, member representing Doguwa and Tudun Wada Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Alasan Ado Doguwa, who facilitated the project

under Federal Constituency Initiative, said that under the partnership, the state government provided 60 percent and MDGs contributed 40 percent of the project cost.

The state Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad said that the project is of high standard, hoping people in the area would allow their children to attend the school, as education is free, and compulsory in the state.

Ibadan ÏÏÏKingmakers and politicians have been warned against influencing or tampering with the choice of Ifa in the process of selection of the next Ooni of Ile Ife. The Araba of the United States, Chief Dayo Ologundudu, gave this warning in an interactive session with journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He also expressed fear over the cultural orientation and competence of many of the aspirants saying "most of the candidates that are willing to be the next Ooni are not culturally-oriented, I don't think most of them can confidently account for their experiences in the tradition and culture.

"They might be educated

Akure ÏÏÏThe Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Wednesday, said it has arrested a 55-year-old pastor, identified as Jacob Ojomo, for having

carnal knowledge of a 15 year-old girl.

State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Adeyinka Fasiu, disclosed this in a statement, issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital.

Mr. Fasiu said the alleged raped incident was carried

out at Plaza axis of Oke Ijebu road in Akure.

He disclosed that the pastor was caught in the act by the girl's mother who raised the alarm to the corps detectives, who had been on the trail of the suspect following his suspicious relation-

the town.”

The Araba, who is also the Atayese Awo of Ile Ife, noted that the town is significant to the Yoruba culture, history and tradition, adding that it therefore deserves a leader who will maintain the balance, promote, and protect the integrity of the Yoruba race.

"Ooni is a symbol of Oduduwa, our progenitor, and we don’t have to make any mistake in the selection of the rightful person, else the Irumole's will be unhappy with us," he said.

While eulogising the late Oba Okunade Sijuade, Araba said "though his death was painful, but he will be remembered for promoting and protecting the integrity of the Yoruba race with his influence and wealth.”

Group rallies support for Wada Ibrahim Obansa Lokoja

ÏÏÏA group in the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP), Project Wada 2015, has thrown their weight behind the flag bearer of the party, Capt. Idris Wada, saying that his emergence signify

55-year-old pastor caught raping teenager in Ondo 'Tosin Ajuwon

with Masters, Ph.Ds, even be professors, but I don’t think they realise what they are getting themselves into, even though the world has changed, but being an Ooni is more than being addressed as a king because of the historical, culture and traditional ties that is associated with the positio.”

He advised that whoever is selected should submit himself to training and learn the rudiments of being a worthy Ooni.

Ologundudu added: "Politicians should not try to undermine the selection of the Ooni of Ife. It is the duty of the people and kingmakers to consult Ifa and the oracle to choose the right candidate that will bring peace and harmony, prosperity and development to

ship with the victim.

The State Commandant added that, aside the confessional statements of the suspect, medical test from the hospital confirmed that there was penetration leading to a rape on the victim's virginal.

victory for the PDP. In a statement, signed by the coordinator of the group, Arc Baba Isimi, the group described Wada as most amiable, reliable, suitable, capable and dependable.

Arc. Baba, while congratulating the governor on his victory, said his emergence at the primary was not only a pride to the group, but to the PDP, and the State at large, advised him to carry everyone along.

The group thanked all delegates and PDP loyalists for their strong expression of support and confidence in the team of Wada, at the primary election.

The group noted that the outcome has laid many things to rest, one of which

is the confirmation that power belongs to God, and God resists the proud and exalts the humble.

They congratulated other contestants, particularly for their maturity in conceding defeat, but appealed for team work to make the victory of PDP in the November 21st governorship election easier.

They also congratulated the party's National working committee for a job well done in conducting a transparent, free and fair primary election devoid of any rancour and acrimony.

While urging all the aspirants to support the governor, the group called on members of the party at all levels to embrace and rally round Idris Wada.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Islamic group urges Buhari to be cautious with Boko Haram

L-R: Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Obinna Nwosu; Environmental Activist, Desmond Majekodunmi and Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, during a workshop on International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer held at the bank’s head office in Lagos… on Tuesday

Abiodun Taiwo

Two remanded for ‘traditional coup’ against Oba of Benin Titus Akhigbe

ÏÏÏThe

Oredo Magistrate Court 1, on Wednesday remanded one Rich Arisco Osemwingie and Patrick Osabuohien to Oko prison for alleged unlawful coronation of the title of His Royal Majesty Ogiamien of Utantan without the approval of the Executive Council of Edo State and five other charges.

Osemwingie, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and Osabuohien however pleaded not guilty to the charges against them before legal fireworks commenced.

It would be recalled that Osemwingie had wanted to assume a position which both the state government and the Benin Traditional Council described as an attempt to rubbish the Obaship stool of Benin Kingdom.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Henry Idahagbon, prosecuting the case on behalf of the state government, told the court that “in Benin what they did was like a traditional treasonable felony. It’s a traditional coup, a traditional taboo and the Comrade Governor is interested in the peace and

orderliness of our state.

“This is something that has the possibility of causing social unrest, civil disturbances and chaos and I think the point has to be made that nobody can so deliberately and flagrantly flout the law in Edo State.

Unknown to many people, the traditional institution in Edo State is supported by law and you cannot wake up and declare your self Ogiamien or any other chieftaincy title.

“There is a prescribed traditional authority responsible for the conferment of chieftaincy title and traditional rulership on anybody

in Edo State”, he stressed.

Idahagbon therefore urged the court to reject their bail application stressing what “they did is tantamount to a traditional coup”.

But Counsel to the defendants, Mr Godwin Akhene explained that the charges against the Defendants are bailable and therefore pleaded that the court should grant bail to enable them prepare for defence pending trial.

But Magistrate (Mrs.) M. C. Ojobor denied the defendants bail and adjourned the case to 29 September 2015

Muslim leaders okay Sallah gifts from Fayose

Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe

controversy over proposed Sallah gifts by Governor Ayo Fayose continued on Wednesday as the General Secretary, League of Imams and Alfas, Alhaji Abdulrasak Adenipekun, described the governor as a defender of all faiths saying he has been fair to Muslims in the appointments made so far.

He then urged the Muslim community in the state to discountenance the order that they should reject Sallah gifts from Governor Fayose over allegations that his appointments were skewed in favour of Christians.

A group under the League of Imams and Alfas in a statement signed by Alhaji

25 News

Quadri Oguntuase, had on Tuesday issued a statement condemning Fayose for allegedly sidelining Muslims in his appointments.

Aside this, the group ordered all Muslims adherents in Ekiti to reject Rams and other gifts offered them for Eid-el-Kabir celebration to protest alleged marginalisation of their members.

But countering the allegation, Adenipekun described Oguntuase as an impostor, saying he remains the authentic and only recognized authority that can sign on behalf of the body.

Adenipekun added that those dragging the Islam into politics are incurring the wrath of Allah, if they refused to desist from their nefarious acts.

He said: “We wish to dis-

sociate the league of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti from the purported press statement credited to Alhaji Oguntuase. While we don’t want to get involved in politics as a religious organization, we must state that Fayose has demonstrate the highest respect for Muslims faithful in the state.

“That can be seen from how he, for the first time in the history made a Muslim one of the three senators representing Ekiti State.

One of the two House of Assembly representing Ado Local Government is a Muslim “It is the height of political mischief for anyone or group masquerading as League of Imams and Alfas to have used our revered religious and non-political or-

Fayose

ganization to promote their personal political agenda.

“On the purported call on Muslims not to receive Sallah Gifts from Governor Fayose, we want to State that Muslims in Ekiti are not only expecting gifts from Fayose, we will gladly accept the gifts.

“We must state that the governor has never discriminated against Muslims.

During his first tenure, he appointed a Muslim Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yakubu Sanni, the present Special Adviser on Political Matter, Alhaji Ademola Bello, is a Muslim.

Abeokuta ÏÏÏLeague of Muslim Schools Proprietors(LEAMSP) has called on the Federal government to be cautious while negotiating with the insurgent Boko Haram saying that its action is antiIslam".

The group also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to continue the onslaught on the group in the North-East region of the country.

In a statement in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the President of the group, Ustaadh Tijani Taiwo lauded the

new approach of the President Buhari-led government in combating the sect, saying it would avail the nation the opportunity of returning the nation to her old glory. He recalled a seminar organised by the group in Ibadan entitled: Leadership and Administration, that LEAMSP would continue to protect the pupils and students from being exposed to anti-Islamic doctrines.

Ustaadh Dawud Arogundade, a member of the Board of Trustees of the group, in his address charged other proprietors to ensure their operations fall within the ambit of the law.

NBTE, Oko Poly hold South East CBT Workshop In Anambra Nkiru Nwagbo Awka

ÏÏÏThe

National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has chosen the Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State, to hold South East national workshop on Computer Based Examination.

The Rector of the institution, Prof. Godwin Onu who gave this hint on Wednesday when members of the polytechnic Alumni Association paid him a courtesy visit said that the NBTE was organising such a workshop in all the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He said that all federal institutions in the South East would be hosted at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Onu also said the polytechnic was collaborating with the NBTE in teaching other institutions on the ru-

Remi Oladoye

Ibadan ÏÏÏA member of the National Assembly representing Ibadan North East/ South East Federal Constituency, Hon. Adedapo LamAdesina will on Thursday commission constituency projects as part of activities marking his 100 days in the House.

These include two constituency offices and eight public toilets in the largest Fowl Selling Market of Oyo State at Molete under the “Omo Oloore Market Support Scheme”. There is also a deep well sunk at the Akure/Owena Motor Park, Agodi Gate under the “Omo

diments of CBTE, insisting that the institution had already perfected on the Computer Based Examination.

According to him, “When we started the CBTE, it was quite challenging for us but today, we are playing host to so many Institutions across the country and most importantly the Institution will be partnering with our regulatory body to impact more meaningfully to other institutions in this area. ‘’The world has gone beyond the surface level in development. Everyone embraces technology and it’s basics for virtually everything today. We need to inculcate this into the future generation if Nigeria must move forward. “Outlining the advantages of CBTE would be endless. At least issue of missing scripts after examination has finally been rested.

100 days: Rep commissions projects Oloore Water Scheme” There will also be distribution of free educational materials to pupils of Public Primary Schools in the federal constituency under the "Omo Oloore Educational Development Scheme" .

Dignitaries expected at the occasion include APC State chairman, Chief Akin Oke, and other party leaders , market leaders and youth and student leaders in the state.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Features Æ s Pulpit on wheels :

The growing trend of evangelism Church on wheels at Berger Busstop, Lagos.

You must have come across them in Lagos Metropolis; easily identifiable with the paraphernalia of their ministry: pulpit on wheels, a public address system, a bible and more often than not, a basket for offerings. Welcome to the world of street pastors as posted by BABAJIDE OKEOWO.

Another street preacher on Obafemi Awolowo Way Ikeja

At the ever busy Yaba Bus Terminal with several others waiting impatiently for the bus to fill up at the Edegbe Park, a middle aged man is seen shouting in a compelling voice amplified by a megaphone, “You must repent, because Jesus Christ is coming soon, this is the end time. The judgment of God is at hand; all sinners are going to burn in the lake of fire.

Today is your day of salvation,

I don’t ask for offering, but you can give me if you want. I am not asked by Christ to ask or demand for offering, I survive off people’s benevolence. Sometimes, I might be preaching and someone will just walk up to me and drop money on the pulpit — Okenwa tomorrow may be too late,” he bellowed at the top of his voice with the intermittent mutter of “God bless you” as one or two people dropped a couple of naira notes on his pulpit.

He pays little or no attention to the glare from passerby.

Its God calling The preacher, who introduced himself as Evangelist Clifford

Body of 25-year-old American lady stolen at the funeral home The things men do is a poser no man can fathom. Whether in Africa, in Europe or Asia, the world is saturated with strange happenings round the human circle. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR cropped this shaker out from the American press for readers to muse over. If this happened to your person, what would you do?

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the corpse of a 25-year-old American lady from a San Antonio funeral home in the United States on August 15 is still begging for a solution.

Ms Julie Motts, 25, had died after a long bout with cystic fibrosis. And just as her relatives were getting the grief of their loss, grief struck once again at her funeral on August 15 at the

Mission Park Funeral Chapels North when the young woman’s body was found to have disappeared from the funeral house and the undertakers cannot explain the mystery.

The police said they are ‘cautiously optimistic’ that the body of the 25-year-old woman – possibly stolen from her casket in broad daylight, in an unprecedented theft following her funeral – will be returned to her family.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Late Julie Motts

Okenwa told Daily Times he is only obeying God’s call.

“You know God calls people differently; He called some people to start a Church, but I wasn’t asked to do that; this is my calling, so this is my Church.”

The evangelist further said God gave him clear vision of his ministry: “The LORD told me CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

27 Features

There wasn’t any forced entry to the facility — Police Continued from page 26

Evangelist Clifford Okenwa.

It’s God calling –Evangelist Okenwa Continued from page 26 to go and preach in the streets because the time for the second coming of Jesus Christ is close; that I should warn people to repent before it is too late, so, I am only heeding God’s call.

“I go from one bus stop to another, especially places where you find many people. If you are very familiar with your bible you will know that the Lord Jesus Christ empowered us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature irrespective of tribe and religion,” Okenwa told our correspondent.

A native of Aninriin in Enugu, Enugu State, married and father to four children, Okenwa disclosed some inside details of his ministry.

“I live at Sadiku Street, off Ona-Ara, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba but I come to Edegbe Line Motor Park here in Yaba every single day to preach. I resume here as early as 6 a.m. and preaching to people as they go about their daily activities. After preaching till around past one in the afternoon when the crowd at the park must have thinned out, I move to the front of main Tejuosho Market and preach there for some time; then I return back to the Edegbe Park Garage again and continue preaching till evening comes.

“Sometimes, I go to the front of that shopping mall (which he described by pointing to a shopping mall just in front of the St Leo’s Catholic Church) to preach, I have been evangelising

for more than three years now on the streets,” he said.

As with every profession or vocation, the evangelical calling is not without challenges and sometimes, intrigues. In his case, Okenwa said such encounters are expected in a ministry like his.

“The challenges are many; it is not an easy thing preaching on the streets. If I must tell the truth, it is much safer preaching in the Church than on the streets like this, but I don’t count it as anything anymore.

“Before I start evangelising, I call upon God for protection and He takes care of me in all circumstances. Normally in the course of preaching, anything can happen; some unbelievers will look at me with disdain and make a mockery of my ministry. A number of times, a mad person, or just a frustrated individual had come around and attempted to drag the public address system from my hand while calling me all sorts of names.

“So with every incident, ugly or mild, I always call unto the Lord to intervene, and He is ever faithful and sure. But truly, it is no mean feat facing a largely unbelieving public every day ... even the criminals and their likes without any form of physical protection; but with Christ, victory is sure,” Okenwa comforted himself.

Offering is giving for God’s work So how does the evangelist

survive in finances and personal needs? Like he was expecting that, Okenwa launched into a tirade on how he has been surviving as a street pastor.

“I don’t ask for offering, but you can give me if you want. I am not asked by Christ to ask or demand for offering, I survive off people’s benevolence. Sometimes, I might be preaching and someone will just walk up to me and drop money on the pulpit.

“I get different form of gifts or favours from people; sometimes in cash and sometimes in kind, ranging from N200 to a bag of rice.”

“Most times at the end of the day, when I finish preaching and I need to go home and does not have transport fare, I bow down my head and pray and ask God for his intervention and believe me, before I finish praying someone will walk up to me and bless me,” the evangelist concluded.

They are all over Lagos Okenwa is not alone in this mobile ministry. Street preachers abound in various parts of the state; from Ikeja to Agege, Berger to Ojuelegba, Lagos is getting more and more street preachers by the day. From the well-dressed, to the rough and shabbily attired, male and female; they dot the landscape of the Center of Excellence. Their services are extended to motor parks as well as buses where some of these street preachers shout on top of their voices without any amplifier, while CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

“In my 22 years in law enforcement, I’ve never seen a case like this,” San Antonio Police Department Sgt. Javier Salazar told the PEOPLE. Salazar says the ‘prevailing theory’ is that the body of Julie Mott was stolen from her casket sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 15, the day of her funeral and what would have been her 26th birthday.

The ‘very brazen’ theft was discovered by employees at the Mission Parks Funeral Chapels North funeral home the next day, Salazar says.

Though Mott’s casket did show signs of forced entry, there were no signs of forced entry to the premises itself, and no alarms were tripped, Salazar says. Security camera footage was not available.

Right now, the case is being treated as abuse of a corpse, which is a class A misdemeanor

in Texas, Salazar says.

The investigation – led by the SAPD’s intelligence unit, who Salazar calls the ‘best of the best’ – has developed persons of interest, but no solid suspects.

The San Antonio police said it is believed that in the hours after the funeral service, someone came into the funeral home and stole her remains.

“There wasn’t any forced entry to the facility,” Sgt. Javier Salazar told CNN affiliate KSAT. “So what it’s believed is, between the hours of 1:30 p.m. when the service ended, to about 4:30 p.m. when they locked up for the evening, someone came in and stole Ms. Mott’s remains. That person remains at large.

“This is an unprecedented and unthinkable event and we are doing everything in our power to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation,” Tips said in a statement, according to CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

To lose somebody that was doing their best to live a full life in spite of their condition, to see this family go through that loss … and then be able to celebrate her life and then of course find the closure that many of us find with a funeral service that was robbed from them — Salazar

Late Julie

Features 28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

It is not an easy thing preaching on the streets— Okenwa Continued from page 27

Julie Motts.

Police ‘cautiously optimistic’ of recovering the body This is an unprecedented and unthinkable event and we are doing everything in our power to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation— Tips Continued from page 27 the New York Daily News.

Funeral home owner Dick Tips told the affiliate that he believes the body may have been stolen by someone who didn’t support Mott’s cremation, which was supposed to take place August 17.

Mott’s father, Tim Mott, implored the community for help.

“We just want our daughter’s remains returned so we can have some closure to our grief,” he told the affiliate.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call San Antonio police at 210-225-TIPS (8477).

Meanwhile, the funeral home is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the remains

Mott died on August 8 from cystic fibrosis, which she had battled all her life – well beyond the prognosis that she would not live past age 3, Salazar said.

Instead, her family encouraged her to live a full life, to go to the beach, to go to parties.

Mott had a particular passion for horses, Salazar said.

“To lose somebody that was doing their best to live a full life in spite of their condition, to see this family go through that loss … and then be able to celebrate her life and then of course find the closure that many of us find with a funeral service that was robbed from them” Salazar said.

In the absence of her body’s discovery, which Salazar says is everyone’s No. 1 priority, Mott’s family is left to mourn something unexpected.

many others use megaphones.

They however come in categories; some can be seen moving around pushing a cart loaded with a complete set of public address system; amplifiers, microphones, and large speakers.

Also on the carts are some sorts of pulpit, compartments for offering and prayer points.

Mixed Reactions Opinions are however divided over the authenticity of some of these street preachers with some blaming their emergence on the poor economic condition in the country.

One Hammed Sanusi, a self employed entrepreneur did not hide his feelings. “I have come across some of them and I can tell you for free that most of them are doing it not for the love they have for God, but because of the need to survive; it is pure business, see as people are dropping money into the offering basket.

“These people make a lot of money. They say the same thing over and over again so it is easy for them. This is the way they survive. They don’t want to beg.

Not that I am against preaching or any religion, it is just that I can’t believe these ones. Anybody can just say what they are saying and people give offering

Repent and be saved......Yet another preacher

and they smile to the bank. I sincerely think many of them are fakes.”

Femi Ajiboye has a different opinion, “For me, I think they are doing God’s work and God will reward them; it is not for me to judge, even if they are doing it for money’s sake, it is left

for them and God.” He said.

Irrespective of anyone’s opinion, they surely strike a balance to the hustle and bustle that characterises this mega city called Lagos. Some people find their teachings soothing and respond to their prayers with faith.

JUST HUMAN

6.20am Sunday Morning at the Iyana Ipaja garage. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/072

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Health Æ s

29

Fidson partners US firms on new drug

Ambode

Church launches ultramodern dialysis, dental centres In a bid to abate the pains of 30 million Nigerians suffering from kidney disease, the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God under its Healing Stripes Hospital recently commissioned its expanded dialysis centre, a new dental unit and re-launched its charity shop.

The centres and shop commissioned by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode is a specialised health care facility where quality healthcare services are provided at subsidized rates.

Governor Ambode was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jemilade Longe.

The dialysis centre, which added 10 more machines to its operations, was opened in September 2013 to serve the needs of patients with kidney disease.

To date, the dialysis centre has conducted 2,092 subsidized dialysis sessions and 102 free sessions.

Partnering with some hospitals in India, the centre has also successfully conducted 5 kidney transplants.

“The dedication of the dialysis centre is made possible from the donation and goodwill of our partners,” said Dr. Ezinne, Chief Medical Director of The Healing Stripes Hospital. “We are delighted to commission the centre and further impact the society through our Christian Social Reform.”

The event also saw Governor Ambode commission the Arise Women’s free clinic. This initiative was established as an NGO under the leadership of Pastor Siju Iluyomade and in conjunction with The Healing Stripes Hospital.

However, donation of medical equipment and consumables were made to The Healing Stripes Cancer Screening Centre and National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi.

Fidson Healthcare Plc has entered into a partnership with US firms, Immune Therapeutics, GB Pharma and American Hospitals and Resort (AHAR) for the marketing and distribution of a new product, LodonalTM, a patent-protected product that is indicated for the management of patients with immune-compromising diseases.

Managing director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, said the partnership is another strategic approach by the company to further strengthen its growth and it also comes on the heels of the recent visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to the United States (US).

Ayebae said the significance is monumental as a concrete sym-

bol of US-Nigerian commerce in non-oil and gas related sector and a show case for the future of local manufacturing of quality pharmaceuticals on the African continent.

The managing director said the partnership will leverage Fidson’s strong and experienced

Continued on page 30

Ayebae

Stakeholders move to improve nutrition in Nigeria

Prof. Nnam

Stories by Lara Adejoro With 37 per cent of in Nigerian children stunted and many countries struggling to address to address malnutrition, nutrition professionals and relevant stakeholders in Nigeria are set to chart paths towards tackling the burden and providing food security for the nation.

Speaking at a press conference to herald its 45th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) with the theme, ‘Nutrition Outlook-Beyond 2015 MDGs,’ the President of the society, Professor Nnam Ngozi said stakeholders between the 15th and 19th of September, 2015, will brainstorm on exclusive breast-

Dr Gloria Elemo

feeding, complementary feeding practices and proffer way forward on how Nigeria can be on the right track of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to Prof. Nnam, “It is a fact that nutrition is the driver of development. Countries that have their citizens in a state of adequate nutrition are more likely to develop better than countries with malnutrition ranging over the populace and we are moving towards ensuring that malnutrition is tackled.

“We also want to ensure that Nigerian children, who are the future leaders are in a state of adequate nutrition so they can contribute to the development of the nation even as we partner with the Federal Institute of In-

dustrial Research (FIIRO) to improve the nutritional status in Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the Director General of FIIRO, Dr Gloria Elemo said, “we spend a lot of money importing food whereas we are self-sufficient. We can process our own food to our need and use in Nigeria.”

Adding, Elemo said, FIIRO is committed to agro-processing and making sure that food produced from our local content meet the nutrient needs of various age groups in Nigeria to help build a healthy nation and when you have a healthy nation, you have people who are going to be productivity. Globally, everybody is talking about food security and Nigeria is well positioned.

Adding, Nnam urged the government to make policies that will support the improvement of the nutritional status in Nigeria.

“Breastfeeding is key to the solid foundation for the children and we need government’s commitment to support exclusive breastfeeding. It is estimated that, if we can scale up breastfeeding in Nigeria, we will reduce malnutrition by at least 20 per cent,” Nnam said.

She urged the government to approve maternity leave for all mothers for the first six months after delivery for exclusive breastfeeding.

She called on other states to emulate Lagos State government on approving both maternity and paternity leave.

Health 30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

NGO pledges to equip orphans, widows ‘A non-governmental organisation, Adonai Orphanage Home and Widow’s Centre has pledged to give orphans and widows equal opportunity on the necessary mental and spiritual dexterity to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

This opportunity, according to the Founder of the organisation will enable them thrive in a modern society.

Speaking the official commissioning of the Lagos home, the founder of the home, Mrs Elizabeth Afuwape said, “the urgent attention to the derogatory state of orphans and widows cannot be disputed. Therefore, we are compelled to fill this growing gap and do the needful for the potential bright future of or-

phans and widows.”

The Lagos Co-ordinator of the centre, Mrs Juliet Adisa called on people to partner with the organisation so as to touch lives positively.

She said, “people can volunteer their time to impart their knowledge and skills gained through experience. People can also choose to donate resourceful materials and they can choose to make monetary donation with full assurance that the funds will be managed properl for the benefit of the orphans and widows.”

The centre which was established in the 2000 in Kaduna now support 54 children and 350 widows.

Continued from page 29

Juliet

Revoke AGIP’s licence for eccocide in oil communities — ERA/FoEN tells FG

Ojo

The Environmental / Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has demanded a Federal Government probe of explosions caused by Nigerian Agip Oil Company [NAOC]operations in several communities in Bayelsa State where the company has facilities and a revocation of the company’s operational license.

Explosions from Agip pipelines and resultant deaths have been recorded since 1995 and have escalated in the last three years, with the latest incident in Azuzuama in Bassan Clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area(LGA) on 9 July 2015 which claimed the lives of 14 persons.

ERA/FoEN through its field monitors verified that the 14 persons died along Agip’s Tebidabe-Clough Creek pipeline at a damaged section of the pipeline during a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) while several others received burns.The first major tragedy by the company recorded

by ERA/FoEN was at Ozochi in June 1995.

The incident claimed seven workers attempting to clear a major spill at its facility. The victims were roasted while clearing oil spills with spade and bucket.

DAEWOO got the contract for the cleanup but contracted youths from Ozochi without any training and proper clean up kits to dig pits which they transferred

Fidson to unveil new drug

the crude oil into in order to set it ablaze later. An ensuing inferno claimed five of them in addition to the destruction of the environment, farmlands and biodiversity.

In 2000, 18 youths died in a tragic incident which occurred in Etieama community in Nembe Local Government Area LGA during a clamping operation on a ruptured section of NAOC’s Brass-Ogoda pipeline. The incident is said to have been caused by spark from a machine used during the clamping. On Sunday, 29th July, 2012 a similar incident happened along Agip pipeline within Ayamabele/Kalaba community environment, in Okordia clan, Yenagoa LGA. 16 individuals were lucky to have escaped when a fire was ignited in the process of the cleanup.

ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Godwin Uyi Ojo said: “A clear pattern of ecocide has been observed in in the Niger Delta. The incident in Azuzuama is yet another sad episode from NAOC operations as the testimonies from bereaved families and officials of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment indicate.”

Demanding the revocation of Agip’s operating license, Ojo explained that a consistent trend of explosions leading to needless deaths have trailed the company’s operations hence the need for the Federal and state government to set up an investigative

panel to review its operations as well as its spill contingency plan and protocols, which have so far put production and profit at the fore and left safety at the back seat.

“Government should ensure that Agip complies with international standards in oil pipeline clamping and procedures which must also guarantee the safety of workers, regulators, and the communities.

He insisted that Agip must be brought to book following the equipment failure and substandard mode of clamping and procedures in addition to adequately compensating the bereaved families including victims of the Ozochi tragedy.

Government must also ensure only competent firms are engaged as contractors to carry out clamping jobs that require high levels of professionalism.

Ojo said that while a price cannot be placed on the loss of human life, Agip must compensate each family with the sum of $2million (two million dollars).

“Beyond the investigation, Agip must provide public response to the fire explosion incidents, conduct immediate clean up and environmental remediation and compensation for destroyed livelihoods. Enough is enough on this systematic decimation of the lives and environment of our people”, Ojo stressed.

marketing base, robust distribution channels, efficient customer and technical support services to promote LodonalTM in Nigeria.

He said, “Fidson is truly excited about this collaboration with Immune Therapeutics and GB Pharma/AHAR. We know that success in this industry going into the future will be dependent on having the right partnerships, and we could not have asked for better partners at this stage of our growth.

“The international experience of Immune Therapeutics and GB Pharma in different markets, and their strong commitment to research will be of immense benefit to Fidson. Likewise, Fidson’s towering presence in the Nigeria Pharmacy space will open a great door for the group to access one of the biggest and most rewarding markets in Africa.”

Ayebae said the distribution will become effective, upon completion of the on-going NAFDAC approved 90-day Bridging trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the product.

President/CEO of GB Pharma, Dr. Gloria Herndon, said the partnership of Fidson Healthcare Plc with GB Pharma, American Hospitals and Resorts and Immune Therapeutics, is the crescendo of a great masterpiece with each having its distinct role.

Herndon said Nigeria and U.S. bilateral relationship will benefit from this amazing initiative that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people all over the world, adding that this is the spirit of collaboration that President Barrack Obama and President Buhari were talking about during the State visit.

AHAR CEO, Dr. Richard Afonja, said his company is well positioned to effect the novel approach to treating HIV/AIDS and other immune compromised diseases in the whole of Africa, starting with Nigeria, adding that with Fidson on board, it will enhance the facilitation of getting the much needed treatment approach for immune compromising diseases.

Ayebae

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

31 Opinion

Why Kogi can’t pay salary (2)

ÎÎÎ

In the first part of this series, the first of a set of studies on economic viability of states in Nigeria, I painted a picture of the potential and status of Kogi State. I showed that although Kogi State is poor by default, she is rich in potentials. I demonstrated how a fraction of the state has enough wealth in her ground that can generate, from just two minerals, limestone and coal, enough income to meet her current wage bill forty (40) times per annum for 500 hundred years. And there would still be change to spend.

What is left for me to do is to address the question: Why can’t Kogi pay salary? The flip side question is: Will Kogi ever be able to pay salaries?

The greatest wealth of Kogi State is in her minerals. I emphasize that if Kogi State could explore just two of her minerals that I wrote about in the first part of this article, coal and limestone, Kogi State would be able to pay her workers’ salaries and have surplus for infrastructure development.

The figure I gave for those two minerals was 3 trillion naira per annum. If all that comes to Kogi is a mere 10% of that amount

annually, she would have 300 billion naira to spend per annum. Her total wage bill is 72 billion naira per annum. I have included in that figure the current full salaries of all staff including Kogi State Government staff, all local governments’ staff and all teachers. Kogi State Government direct staff cost the state 3.2 billion naira.

If nothing comes to the state from the federation account, Kogi State would still have 228 billion naira per annum to build infrastructure after paying all government staff in full, for 500 hundred years. I use the figure 10% because the law as it is presently is that Kogi State can only get maximum 13% of mineral revenue derived from her land. I discounted 3% for overhead. There are those canvassing for restoration of the 1960 Constitution 50-50 sharing formula. If these advocates win the heart of federal and state legislatures, the resultant constitutional change would mean that Kogi State would be earning not less than 1.5 trillion naira per annum from just two minerals, coal and limestone.

But 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 (See mindat.org). Kogi State has twenty seven other minerals in commercial quantity. What is the value of those other minerals in Kogi’s soil? I have not been able to find out. But even without those additional incomes, Kogi State would still be stupendously prosperous.

What about Kogi’s agricultural resources? According 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

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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, that would be 127,200,000,000 naira (N127.2 billion).

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.

That amount would pay Kogi State Government workers for 4 months. It is of course of no use and irresponsible on the part of leadership to allow agriculture to remain at the level of subsistence. 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 staff salaries for at least 10 months would be guaranteed. We can explore various possibilities e.g. possibilities of diversifying crop production etc. The point I am 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 I 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? By my 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 cover her wage bills for another two and a half months.

So by developing an average agricultural policy, Kogi State would be able to pay her workers without federal income or input of any kind; definitely without seeking a bailout.

In effect, good and deep thinking and policymaking could ensure that the huge income from coal and lime 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.

This is the second and concluding part of the series “Why Can’t Kogi Pay Salaries?” In next week’s column I will explore briefly a new topic: “Why is Lagos State Able to Pay Staff Salaries?”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.192

Price: N150

Chelsea maul Maccabi

4–0

RACISM: Diouf hits hard on X3 Gerrard : CAVENDISH

I am still as fast as I ever was X7

Confed Cup:

We must produce against Ahly X3

–Tinkler

A

super performance gave Chelsea commanding home 4-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Champions league Group G match, on Wednesday.

The victory was a badly needed respite for the Jose Mourinho tutored team which had of recent wobbled in English Premiership.

Chelsea were the clear superior team wrestling their guests into total submission.

The goals were scored by Willan (15), Oscar (45+4), Costa (58), and Fabregas (78) to seal a night of great satisfaction for the English team.

It was, however, a night of disappointment for the supporters of fellow London club, Arsenal which went down 1-2 to Dinamo Zagreb.

Other reports are Bayer Levkn 4 BATE Bor 1, Roma 1, Barcelona 1, Olympiakos 0, Bayern Mun 3, Dynamo Kiev 2 FC Porto 2, KAA Gent 1, Lyon 1 and Valencia 2, Zenit St P 3

EPL money can’t buy Ronaldo, Messi UER BEC

A B N KE

X8

Life&

Times Thursday, September 17, 2015

Victoria

Kimani Slightly rebellious but eccentric artiste

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Victoria K

Exploring music from Kenya to Nigeria Kenyan-American songstress, Victoria Kimani is a performing and recording artiste whose singing, writing, recording and performing started at a tender age of 16. It is interesting that the Kenyan star had her high school days in Nigeria before heading back to Nairobi. Not resting on her oars, Victoria has collaborated with top international acts like Ron Browz, Maino, Jadakiss, DJ green Lantern, Busta Rhymes, Mario Winans, Cassie, Lloyd, A.I (Japanese superstar), Chris Brown, Diggy Simmons, Timati (Russian superstar) , Timbaland, White Nerd, Andy Chatterly, Pete “Boxta” Martin, Devyne Stevens, Konvict Music, Space Cowboy, and countless other producers and artists worldwide. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the Chocolate City diva took us on a long ride into her world of music. Excerpts:

Life&

T E A M

How were you able to get signed on Chocolate City?

That will definitely be when I did a remake of Ice Prince’s Oleku and the rest was history; I got signed in 2012 as the first act to be signed onto Chocolate City, Kenya.

With few females on the label, do you feel challenged in any way?

Not at all, the fact is because everybody on the Chocolate City group from MI, Ice Prince, Dice Ailes, MZ Pryse, DJ Lambo, Jesse, Ruby, Loose, Nosa are family and our style of music is really different, so I’m not challenged but it the gospel trust is that we all wish ourselves good in the label and always striving for the best.

What informed your participation in the ONE campaign theme song because your verse was totally different from others?

Okay this is actually my second year in being involved with the one campaign.

The first year we were basically promoting agriculture in Africa, we were going to different leaders and speaking about the importance of agriculture and also trying to encourage the youth, to be more involved

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

in farming and we always push that the richest black man in the world , the one we know as Dangote is also into farming, so we are just trying to encourage the youth, that we have wealth at home and that we don’t have to necessary seek outside when we have so much wealth in our own soil, and then they called me back to be part of the one campaign for the following year, and then they said that it was for women . I didn’t need to know what the campaign was about, I was already on because this was what I’m made of, I don’t want to call myself as a feminist, but I’m a person always standing up for my girls, my sisters and just really standing up and I’m very open with that as well so this particular campaign is called poverty on sexes and it speaks on poverty affecting women a lot more than it affect men, in so many different ways and that was it. When they called me it was an instant yes for me so that would answer why I was part of it just because, it is something that is positive for women and I’m confident.’

So how much of that campaign have you taken to your own people back home in Kenya?

A lot of the campaign I must say because recently in Kenya there was something going on the street, they were stripping women for dressing not accordingly, indecent, and when I was looking at these women, they were not even indecent, they were wearing like leggings and anything that showed a form of your body and I was very vocal with the campaign my dress my choice. Although the campaign train has not gotten to Kenya yet, but I must say here that much work has been done through my advocacy on the strong girl campaign.

You were very passionate on the theme song of strong girl and one begins to wonder if you have had a fair share of gender inequalities, what do you have to say about this?

My parents are pastors who operate an orphanage home consisting of 15 kids and when they grow up to the age of 18, they go off to college which is fully sponsored and funded by people who support the orphanage, and then they bring in more children. So whenever I remember that, I stay strong for the girl-child.

What was it like growing up in the

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

midst of kids you never know?

It was quite fun and interesting meeting a little girl literaryly off the street who is either being raped or whose mother was prostituting or who is not living in a decent home, and my parent would bring them in; so this is something I have grown up into; my mother used to take me to women prison along with her, when she would go and teach them and minster to them and pray with them. I grew up along that kind of bonding with women, and I never had any sister I only have two older brothers so I always wanted to have a sister, I think this has always been a lifestyle thing to me.

You came all the way from Kenya and took over the Nigeria’s musical style with your music, attitude towards song, what really inspired that move?

Before I signed into Chocolate City, I knew I wanted to come back home. Home I mean Africa in general. I knew that, if I stayed back in Kenya, it could be cool but everyone knows right now in terms of music industry and entertainment in general, Nigeria is really like Hollywood; so I said I need to find myself here because there are so many talented people here, and there is an industry that actually work here. There is so much of the youth that are so interested in music, the media and everybody so interested in music. Recently there was a statistics, that came out that about fifty five percent of the youth in Kenya are interested in music and in Nigeria it is like seventy two percent in Nigeria; which is huge because they are over 200 million people, and Kenya has only 50 million. I needed to prove that I am a Pan Africa artist, which is someone who is able to move round the continent, and not only be in one place and not only be at home in Kenya. So that was the vision in coming in and I think it true there is really life in the debt to the power of the tongue, whatever you say you truly want, I think it would surely come to pass, and almost three years later I can say am getting closer to my goal but there still a lot of work to do.

Are you aware that in Nigeria you are seen as a sex symbol?

While unfortunately, its not really unfortunate. Well, I don’t think that is a bad thing, I think am aware of that.

How do you feel about it?

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

I really don’t feel bad because why should have to apologise for holding on to what is mine; its like I could choose to wear a hijab and cover it up, or I could choose to wear what I want to wear and flaunt what I have; this is me so if people look at me like and say you are a sex symbol, or this sell sex, or that their ideal of sex. I think it is that person that needs some examining because, its not that I put it up there, I never put anything that is too rustic in my mind anyway, I think it depends on who you ask. If you ask someone who is extremely religious, if you ask my mum, what she thinks about some pictures, I can have full clothing and she would say you are completely naked and some other people would say this is totally fine, I think it just depend on who you ask.

How were you able to move from that girl that was raised in a missionary background in Kenya to become a sex symbol in Nigeria?

While the mission work was in Nigeria, we came in 1999 and we left in 2001. We stayed for two years in Benin City where I schooled but I was a totally different school girl because I was very eccentric. You know there were school hair style and school shoe to be worn by students but I would not comply because I was coming from a state where kids were allowed to express themselves with their fashion and with their makeup, and with their piecing and stuff like that and it was totally cool but at that time, I literarily had two weeks notice before they told me we are going to Benin city and we are going to be there for an amount of time.

I didn’t know what I was going for, when I got there, it was just a shock; it was like no, this is how we do things here, you have to plait your hair, there was a school hair style, which they changed every week or you have to barb it really low, and my hair was one of the main ways I would express myself; my mum taught me how to braid hair from a young age. I had a nose ring two or three piecing in each ear, I didn’t do the school hair style thing, so growing up, my parent already knew that I was an eccentric kind of person, so I don’t think that wearing a weave, or wearing different hair style that others were not wearing means I was selling sex

Graphics Luke Utomi

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

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Music Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Mutiat Alli

Reminisce displays energy in gboriduro

Minjin

Minjin shoots new video, Jungle King Minjin as he is often called has recently completed the shoot of yet another musical video, titled, ’Jungle’ in far away Ilesa, Osun State. Jungle video shoot is coming after the music act shot like Philo video, a way of bringing himself back to limelight after few years break from the musical scene since his contract elapsed with Kennis Music group.

Life &Times can authoritatively disclose that Minjin will be releasing both the audio and visual of Jungle on his birthday coming up on September, 22, 2015.

In a chat, Minjin noted that he is back in the music game and ready to take over.

Gabriel Afolayan returns with new song Gabriel Afolayan

Not relenting anytime soon, Gabriel Afolayan aka G-FRESH has finally released the visuals of his new song’ Alantere where he was able to prove beyond doubt that he is indeed a fantastic singer cum actor.

Gabriel’s musical journey started with the release of Kokoro Ife and Awelewa and is still much available in the musical scene as Alantere is directed by Daniel Adenimokan.

Love and loyalty; two strong themes that form the foundation of any true and lasting love melt into one in this mid-tempo ballad Gboriduro” by singer, rapper Reminisce.

Reminisce, who himself has been with the same woman for 13 years, pleads with his ladylove to stay, to persevere, to stick with him through thick and thin, to tell how smitten he is by the object of his affection.

While taunting their detractors to “go and call police” Reminisce promises to do whatever it takes to make her happy, but admonishes that if she betrays him, she would have cause to regret.

Gboriduro is the tale of a man who is not ashamed to show off the woman who has shown dedication to him through the tough times, and teaches the listener virtues in love and in relationships. The song is produced by Camo.

CEO of spinlet, Nkiru Balonwu

Spinlet supports the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in NYC

Spinlet - the largest provider of quality music on the go in Africa has supported the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, NEA by hosting an exclusive gala for stakeholders in the Diaspora. The Spinlet and NEA exclusive gala which took place at the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts in Manhattan, United States, celebrated the best and brightest that Nigerian and African music has to offer.

The gala which also brought together over 60 US-based African Entertainment promoters, media, influencers and other entertainment business executives provided an opportunity to welcome guests to the Awards, networking opportunities for entertainment executives and increase conversation on the evolution of the African music industry.

CEO of Spinlet, Nkiru Balonwu, said that Spinlet’s support of the NEA is another intervention to expand its scope and outlook whilst catering to the international community and bringing a diverse catalogue of music from Africa and the rest of the world to the US. According to Tope Esan, NEA‘s Executive Producer, the gala affirms the organization’s mission of creating awareness for African entertainment and promoting Nigerian artistes on the international stage.

Kcee

Kcee becomes New music Air Peace ambassador alert

Musical crooner Blackmagic is back with another impressive tune titled’ Rock your body. The track featured YBNL act, Adekunle Gold and Sir Dauda. Rock your body is produced by Kid Konnect.

Five star entertainment music act, Kcee has bagged a mouthwatering ambassadorial deal with airline, Air Peace.

Kcee, who recently renewed his deal with telecommunication giant; MTN shared a photo of the aircraft as he is unveiled. He wrote on his social media’ Meet the face of Air Peace Nigeria; it can only be you Baba God….thank you Air Peace, my fans and my entire loyal supporter for believing in me.

Nigerian Singers, Iyanya and Neato C unveiled as Yudala Ambassador

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

L5 Movie Gists

Mutiat Alli

AMVCA 2016:

Organizers call for entries

John Ugbe

Organizers of the 4th edition of the AMVCAs are requesting for entries from television and film casts across the continent.

Africa Magic in association with Multichoice is calling on filmmakers and all other professionals in the film and TV industry to enter their productions for the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director for M-Net (West), said: “We are pleased to announce the call to entry for the 2016 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. At Africa Magic and MultiChoice, we have continued to show our support to the film and television industry across Africa even as we continue to provide world class entertainment for Africa by Africans”.

These works are expected to have been produced and broadcast or publicly exhibited from October 1, 2014 to September 30 2015.

John Ugbe, Managing Director, Multichoice

Nigeria said: “We are very excited to once again bring the AMVCAs to our viewers across the continent and indeed the world. The 2016 edition will make it four years of celebrating Africa’s finest talent in the film and television industry.”

Mba-Uzoukwu added: “The African film and television industry continues to show tremendous growth in the kind of content we see and the quality of existing and up and coming talent.

The previous editions of the AMVCAs have had a significant impact on filmmaking and I am very certain that the next edition will have an even bigger impact on film and television across Africa.”

The third edition of the AMVCAs took place in Lagos in March of this year. The event was well attended by talent from all over Africa.

This year’s ceremony saw Nigerians leading the acknowledgement race with OC Ukeje and Kehinde Bankole crowned Africa’s best actors.

Clarence Peters set to premiere first movie Showing interest in the movie sector is son of veteran actress, Clarion Chukwurah and Popular music video director, Clarence Peters is not only a music director but he has also ventured into the movie world, as he just concluded the production of his latest project, Hex. Hex is a short film which stars a number of Nollywood stars and it will be premiered in a couple of weeks.

It is important to note know that an album has been made off the soundtracks of the short film and it features singles from music acts including Illbliss, Black Magic, Chidinma, Phyno, Tha Suspect, Fefe, Stormrex, Monica Ogah and others.

Clearance Peters

Dayo Amusa goes pathetic

Dayo Amusa

Shortly after the success of her movie, Unforgiveable, award winning star actress, Dayo Amusa has employed the serves of stars that include Wole Ojo, Funsho Adeolu, Toyin Aimakhu, Bimbo Akintola, Toyin Alausa

amongst others in a movie titled’ Pathetic.’

According to the management of Amzadol productions, owned by Dayo Amusa, ‘Pathetic’ is scheduled to hit Nigerian cinemas before the end of 2015.

‘Pathetic’ puts Dayo Amusa as a Nollywood actress cum producer with over five movies to her credit as a producer.

Biola Alabi to launch Grooming for Greatness

Biola Alabi

Biola Alabi, founder of Biola Alabi Media and former Managing Director of M-Net Africa has announced the launch of her new leadership development project, ‘Grooming for Greatness’.

The yearlong programme, commencing with a 3-day on-boarding event, will bring leaders across sectors to share their experiences and expertise, and groom the next generation of African business leaders.

The 3-day workshop and seminar will also identify exceptional talents who will be mentored by Mrs. Alabi and her associates over the next year.

The workshop will deal practical sessions to build

the capacity of participants with access to relevant and outstanding role models and leadership tools, including recommended literature, through which they can widen their knowledge base whilst simultaneously drawing inspiration and ideas.

“We have spent the past year working on this crucial intervention.

It’s important to give a new generation of African leaders the practical, applicable skills that can truly transform the continent,” Alabi, who is also a Yale fellow, said.

We want to cultivate an intuitive African programme for young and aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs that recognize

the challenges and opportunities inherent in embracing personal greatness in this continent.”

A group of no more than 20 hand-picked participants will be guided through the curated programme of workshops, discussions and seminars to help harness their potential and discover greatness.

The subjects to be addressed this year includes: Immersive leadership, strength based leadership, leading with purpose, building a meaningful career, building powerful networks and creating influence. There will also be one on one mentoring which will be an intricate feature of the program.

Lizzy Anjorin

hints on new project

Light skinned actress, Lizzy Anjorin has revealed plans to commence auditioning for new pet project tagged’ Kofo play house’ that is expected to be shot in series and made available to both cable and local stations across the globe.

According to the Kofo Tinubu star, the play house is another project from the stable of Lizzy Anjorin productions and way of creating an enabling room for future super stars.

Anjorin recently ventured into the music industry with two official singles receiving massive airplay and also the release of Orombo video.

Lizzy Anjorin

Events L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Mutiat Alli

93 Days, telling the African Ebola story And Bimbo Akintola is Stella Adadevoh

For Bimbo, playing the role of the late heroine is considered the most challenged roles ever played in her film career as she expected to imitate her all through the movie. Findings also revealed that in playing the role, Akintola visited some of the families of the late doctor including her son who shared memorable moment with the actress.

Bimbo Akintola

Late Stella Adadevoh

Late Stella Adadevoh come alive in 93days movie Danny Glover When Hollywood meets Nollywood With Hollywood star, Danny Glover playing the lead role in the movie placing the Nigerian film market globally is indeed commendable. Glover is expected to play the role of Dr. Benjamin Ohiare., the Chief Medical Doctor of First Consultant Hospital expressed satisfaction in Africans telling their stories theirselves.

Late Ameyo Stella Shade Adadevoh may have gone to join her ancestors after displaying bravely in the fight of the epidemic outbreak of Ebola disease that struck Nigeria some months ago but today her memory is back to live as she come alive in an epic movie titled ’93 days in appraisal of her struggle before and after death. The late stella played key role in curbing the spread of the virus in Nigeria.

Head of marketing UBA plc, Mr. Charles Aigbe and Actor Danny Glover

Some of the many sponsors

93days got a fair share of sponsorship from Ford Foundation, UBA Plc, TY Danjuma Foundation, Nigerian Breweries, Eko Signature, Faherenit, WAPIC Insurance, Terra Kulture.

On a verge of diversified filmmaking The success of the movie at the end of its shooting will not complete without giving credence to contributions of filmmaker that include Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunri, Terra Kulture’s Bolanle Austen-Peters and American star Pemon Rami. The movie would however be directed by Hollywood’s Tim Reid.

93days witnessed the contributions of both our own Nollywood filmmaker and Hollywood’s best hand.

Synopsis The movie, 93 Days, re-enacts the true-life story of Nigeria’s first encounter with the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease. This, many would easily recall, was no thanks to the late American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer who literally brought the disease to the country.

Cross section of cast and crew

The Cast Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey (who plays the role of Patrick Sawyer) and Somkele Iyamah Idhlama (starring as Dr Ada Igonoh), Bimbo Manuel, Gideon Okeke, Charles Okafor to mention but few.

Dotun Olakunni, Steve Gukas, Dailytimes COO, Afie Braimoh-Giwa and Charles Aigbe

QUOTES 93 days movie celebrates the act of doing what is right, selfless service and making a difference in the world.

– Steve Gukas

Bimbo Akintola, Keppy Ekpeyong and Gideon Okeke

it is a challenging role for me but I just have to deliver because I appreciate the fact it’s our own African story told

by African. – Bimbo Akintola I feel proud to be part of this story. It tells the story of possibility and pride among the black race and I am glad to be a part of it. This movie reconnects me to my roots and I hope it will serve as a source of inspiration to black people because with the spirit of love, we can achieve whatever we want to.” – Danny Glover

Charles Aigbe and Debola Williams Bolanle Austen-Peter and Danny Glover

Photos: Quadri Olowolagba

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

Kimani: Continued from

Pfromfrom

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or I was a sex symbol. I think that when people are so used to a uniform or a specific ways of living or dressing, they are quick to kind of judge something that is different and say this people are selling sex or trying to be sexy, I wasn’t trying to be sexy, I just didn’t like the way I look with braids or with the short cut.

How did your parent take it as you were the only girl and you were eccentric?

I think they liked it because you know I was expressing myself through art, I was also into painting, I would paint, I would sing around the house. My dad was also a musician before he became a pastor; he was a musician, and he was singing with the afro’s and the baboons in the seventies, he was singing all this pastiche songs at bar, getting into fight with promoters at bars, he was that guy in the seventies even till these days when you talk to some older men they say I remember your dad; he was hot back in the seventies before he became a pastor, so they knew they have given birth to an artistic person.

What is that memorable moment while growing up for you?

That will definitely be when I had my nose pierced by myself and what I will say is the stupid and ridiculous thing I ever done and I showed my dad and he said it was nice. And also is whatever thing I expect my parent to frown out, they won’t and all they will say is that it is cool. I think they understand the difference between a good kid who is a little weird and a bad kid who is going all over the places doing crazy things.

Have your parent at any point in time watched any of your video and especially the show?

I don’t know if they have seen the show.

So what is their expression like?

I remembered my dad saw one of my video and he was like whooh! The first thing he said was the quality is really nice, I don’t think he expected to see the quality. There is a part in total where I was walking down a run way and when I turned around and you could see a little bit of my bum. I stopped the video before we got to that point. So I don’t think he has seen anything bad; so far, he says this looks well.

Music for you, how did it all start?

I remember just singing around the house and my parent would play lots of gospel music that includes C.C winans and I will sing along because a time I will muddle up the songs, so I just kept practicing and then one day, I was washing dishes and I was singing and my dad came home from

work and he caught me and he was like whooh! I don’t know you were there and I was like what! And he said you have a beautiful voice. So one day, my dad got me a tape recorder and I would record myself in the closest. I started writing poetry and then at age 16, I recorded my first song it was called how I feel; it was the most impressive song that you would ever hear; I just kept recording, while I was still 16 almost turning 17, I started singing back up for famous Kenya singer Mercy Myra who was like Onyeka Onwenu of Nigeria.

With little background in music, what was the experience like with Mercy Myra?

It was really challenging for me because I met her through my brother who had taken me to audition in her academy and all she could tell me at first was that she is preparing for her tour and needed a backup singer and if I really want to excel in the field, I must be hard working and also I must learn her complete album in two weeks that includes the songs and dance moves.

Luckily for me, I learnt everything expected of me; we went to Burkina Faso, Tanzania and all over Kenya and that marked the beginning of my musical career.

Take the music from Victoria Kimani how would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a slightly rebellious person and eccentric person; I think I’m an eccentric person because I do like to express myself outwardly. I get really bored if I have the same hair style as I am the do-it yourself kind of person. Even now that I am signed to Chocolate City group, I do a lot of things myself because I don’t believe again in waiting for a lot of people to do things for me and that goes down to hair and makeup because I used to be a makeup artist at one point; so I just learn how to do things for myself.

L7 Interview

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 17, 2015

L8 Television

Showing on

Showing on

152 Africa Magic Epic

141 Eva Channel

12:30

23:00

Thu, Sep 17 | 16

Thu, Sep 17 | PG13

Aka Silent War. A love stricken girl refuses to give up on love against all odds. She goes against her mother’s wishes to be with the love of her life.

Patience Ozokwor, Mike Ezuruonye. (2013) Okey Zubelu Okoh.

101 M-Net

00:00 The Details 02:00 Mob City 03:00 Royal Pains 04:00 The Voice 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Middle 06:30 NCIS: New Orleans 07:30 Chicago PD 08:30 Think Like A Man Too 10:30 The Goldbergs 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 The Good Wife 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 Mike & Molly 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Suits 19:30 Hawaii Five-0 20:30 NCIS: New Orleans 21:30 Secrets & Lies 22:30 Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

118 Telemundo

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

‘S1/E73 - 1/73’. Javier’s kiss confuses Alejandra. Miles away, Fernando confronts his father Jorge to find out what he’s up to.

Meanwhile, Paula Manriquez sets a trap to prevent Alfredo Linares from attending a press conference.

120 BBC Entertainment

128 SONY MAX

00:20 Caught On Camera 00:15 Miranda

10:55 My Family

00:45 The Weakest Link

11:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:30 Scott And Bailey

12:10 Top Gear

02:20 Come Dine With Me

13:10 Come Dine With Me

03:05 EastEnders

14:05 Top Gear: Patagonia Special

03:35 QI

15:10 The Weakest Link

04:05 Top Gear

16:00 EastEnders

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:25 QI

17:50 Would I Lie To You?

05:55 Miranda

18:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA

06:25 EastEnders

19:15 Open All Hours

06:55 Antiques Roadshow

19:50 Call The Midwife

07:50 The Weakest Link

20:55 Mrs Brown’s Boys

08:40 Pointless

21:30 Miranda

09:25 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:05 Live At The Apollo

10:15 Deal Or No Deal

22:55 Q

17:15 QI

155 AfricaMagic World

01:15 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 01:40 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:05 Rude Tube 02:30 Jerks With Cameras 03:00 Impractical Jokers 03:30 Video Zonkers 04:00 Video Zonkers 04:30 South Beach Tow 05:00 Most Shocking 05:50 Most Shocking 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 Video Zonkers 07:30 What Went Down 08:00 Caught On Camera 09:00 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 09:30 South Beach Tow 10:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 11:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 12:00 Video Zonkers 12:30 Video Zonkers

154 AfricaMagic Family

13:00 What Went Down

09:57 The 5 Brides

13:30 Caught On Camera

10:30 Good Morning Africa

14:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago

11:41 At Home With Michelle Attoh

15:00 South Beach Tow

12:44 Music Block

15:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

13:42 Tinsel 14:16 Star Gist 14:47 53 Extra 15:19 Comfort Zone 15:51 At Home With Michelle Attoh 00:37 Music Block

16:56 Tenant

01:35 Good Morning Africa

18:01 The Dzigbordi Show

02:32 Music Block

19:03 Mashariki Mix

03:30 At Home With Michelle Attoh

19:33 Jane And Abel

06:03 Good Morning Africa

20:02 Tinsel

06:28 At Home With Michelle Attoh

20:32 Star Gist

07:12 Star Gist

21:03 Star Football Superfans

07:47 The Patient

21:36 The Patient

08:57 Tenant

22:44 Nowhere To Be Found

00:05 Deal Or No Deal

12:05 Jacob’s Cross

01:00 Good Morning Africa

13:00 Music Block

02:00 Music Block

14:00 Edge Of Paradise

03:00 Edge Of Paradise

15:00 Edge Of Paradise

04:00 Doctors’ Quarters

16:00 Doctors’ Quarters

05:00 Good Morning Africa

17:00 Jacob’s Cross

06:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd

18:00 Jacob’s Cross

07:50 Star Gist

19:00 So Wrong So Wright

08:25 Star Gist

19:25 So Wrong So Wright

09:00 Good Morning Africa

20:00 The Bleeding Heart

10:00 So Wrong So Wright

21:30 Star Gist

10:30 So Wrong So Wright

22:00 Music Block

11:00 Jacob’s Cross

16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 20:00 The Boondocks 20:30 Guy Code 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

RICARDO VAZ TE ON TRIAL AT WEST BROM g X8

HAPPY WITH D N A L G EN E G D E PL

IBE g X4,5 VIVIAN

VIVIAN CHUKWUEMEKA

Personal Bests Outdoor Place Date Performance 18.43 Walnut, CA 19 APR 2003 Shot Put 23 MAY 2003 56.92 Olathe, KS Discus Throw 25 MAY 2006 Hammer Throw 60.00 Fresno, CA 08 APR 2006 41.60 Azusa, CA Javelin Throw Personal Best - Indoor Date Place Performance Flagstaff, AZ 04 FEB 2006 18.13 Shot Put Flagstaff, AZ 07 FEB 2004 19.35 20libs Weight

Name: Vivian Chukwuemeka Country: Nigeria March 4, 1975 DOB:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Vivian Chukwuemeka

Personal Best metres, throw is 18.43 Her personal best2003 in Walnut. This is the achieved in April African record.

Olympics at the 2000 Summer 2005 She competed Championships in 2003 and and the World the finals. She won a silver without reaching Commonwealth Games. medal at the 2006 University in from Azusa Pacific She graduated of Social Work.

2006 with a Bachelor ban from athletics two-year a She received test at the 2009 Nigerian for a failed drug Chukwuemeka had an intense Championships. Athletics Federation of Nigeria. errors, stand-off with the clerical had several and Her “B” sample es in bottle numbers was taken, including inconsistenci which the sample to have a the meeting at permission refused was testing second and she present at the representative She accused Nigerian doping in South Africa. and sexual harassment, officers of corruptionthe federation president Ogoegbunam as well as accusing of coercing Amaka Solomon Ogba in drug distribution. Her claims to implicate her by the appeals panel and her 3] were dismissed the IAAF remained.[2][ two-year ban from in 2012 returned to competition the anabolic Chukwuemeka drugs test - for Olympic second a the failed and - shortly before a lifetime steroid stanozolol , she was given Games. Subsequently ban from competition.

shot putter a is a Nigerian gold medal Vivian Chukwuemek She won the lth and two-time Olympian. at at the 2002 Commonwea in the shot put won three consecutive titles was She Games and has from 1999 to 2007. 2006 the All-Africa Games in the event in 2002, and in discus throw the African Champion also competes and 2008. She but not on world level. hammer throw,

Poster!

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AAG: DREAM TEAM PAID THE PRICE FOR PROFLIGACY – SIASIA g X3

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Philippines Tourism: Pacquiao Sings Praises of Google g X7 Street View

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IBE

HAPPY WITH ENGLAND PLEDGE

L

iverpool teenager, Jordon Ibe, believes he has made the “right choice” in availing himself to the England senior team at the expense of playing for Nigeria.

The midfielder is eligible to represent both the Three Lions and Super Eagles, with his mother of British descent while his father hails from Nigeria.

However, after coming up through England’s youth ranks and making his Under-21 debut for the Three Lions this month, the Reds starlet has opted to continue that trend, should he earn a senior international call-up.

And while many Nigerians feel Ibe is overlooking his true homeland, the 19-year-old feels it is the best decision for his future as a professional footballer.

“It was my choice and it feels the right choice for me,” he said.

Poor Financial Incentives, Bane Of ElKanemi – Opara

MY DREAM TEAM NOT READY

– SIASIA Stories by Mike Otanwa

N

igeria U-23 coach, Samson Siasia has raised alarm over his team, saying they are not ready to compete while hinting on shopping for new players after they exited the gold medal race at the AAG in Congo Brazzaville.

Burkina Faso shocked Nigeria 3-1 on Tuesday to qualify for the final of the football event against Senegal.

Besides now battling hosts Congo for the bronze, Nigeria

E Siasia

CRIES OUT

will also feature at the Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Senegal, where they are drawn in a tough group that has Egypt, Algeria and Mali.

“We are not ready, we have a long way to go if we want to compete,” a disappointed Samson Siasia lamented.

“We made so many mistakes, we did not play well in the defence and we did not create chances upfront. Our defence was sleeping. It was the worse game this team have played.

“We would have to start looking at other players the way things are now going.”

l-Kanemi Warriors defender, Ebuka Opara has attributed their league struggles to the club’s poor financial status.

The Maiduguri based club are 13th on the log with 36 points from 29 matches, just four points more than Kwara United, who occupy the last relegation slot.

And the central defender, only in his second season as a top flight professional, says they would have done better if they had a better financial strength.

“I am playing my second season in the top flight with El-Kanemi Warriors and I must confess the experience has been awesome.

“Our team would have been better positioned on the league log if not for financial difficulties that has psychologically derailed the players.

Opara

Thursday, September 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

Relegation Battle: Allen eyes Sharks’ survival

Stories by Mike Otanwa

S

harks head coach, Festus Allen, has said that he is hoping to steer the Port Harcourt club out of the troubled zone in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Allen is confident that he can guide the Blue Angels out of the drop zone after masterminding two back-to-back victories over champions Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyiubah - their first of such this season.

The 1-0 successes over FC Ifeanyiubah and Kano Pillars have lifted the Garden City club out of the relegation zone but with just a point and a position above fourth from bottom, Kwara United.

“We are entering the last rounds of matches this season and every team wants to win their games either to survive relegation, win the title or qualify to play on the continent. It is the same for us as we have found ourselves struggling at the wrong end of the table and now we must put all hands on deck to survive this.

“But the good thing is that we have

been able to win the maximum points from two difficult games. Yes they were both home games but that does not matter because if you look at it we have dropped a lot of points playing at home and even the biggest clubs have also lost points at home,” Allen said.

Sharks have played 10 draws at home, meaning they have dropped 20 points, which if they had won would have probably seen them in second place considering the results of other clubs remain same at present.

Allen, however, believes this is no time to cry over spilled milk.

“This is no time to focus on that rather we need to give everything in our last nine matches and make sure we save this club from getting relegated.

Everyone - the players, coaches, fans and officials - are working together to achieve this,” he remarked.

Giwa FC is the next destination where Sharks will look to keep their battle for survival alive, and Allen admits it will be “a tough game with possibility of getting a good result.”

AAG: DREAM TEAM PAID THE PRICE FOR PROFLIGACY – SIASIA

H

ead Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has attributed the defeat of his team by Burkina Faso in the semi finals of the 11th All-Africa Games (AAG) football tournament in Brazzaville to his boys’ profligacy in front of goal, and the defenders failing in their duties.

Speaking after the game, a disappointed Siasia disclosed that in his wildest imagination, he did not for once believed his team would lose to Burkina Faso, let alone by such a high margin.

Siasia said: “I never imagined losing to Burkina Faso, but then my midfielders played so well, my defenders and attackers let me down, can you imagine my attackers not being able to convert about eight

chances that came their way?

“To make matters worse, the defenders were asleep on a day they should have been up and doing. Who told the central defenders to keep offside trap the way they did? I am totally disappointed; we can’t play like this in Senegal and expect to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. No way!

“We were so bad that anytime the ball beat the defenders, even my goalkeeper could not stop any of the shots fired at him. Football is a team work where errors are bound to occur, but it’s the ability of fellow team mates to cover for one another that makes a team great, that I didn’t see today.”

On the way forward, Siasia stated that he is happy that the worst has happened at the All-Africa Games and he has learnt his mistakes.

Tinkler

CONFED CUP: WE MUST PRODUCE AGAINST AHLY

– TINKLER O

rlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler says the experience of playing Zamalek will help them to prepare to beat another Egyptian side in Al Ahly in the semifinals of the competition.

The Buccaneers coach was speaking to the media as they arrived in South Africa from Egypt following their 4-1 loss in their final Group B CAF Confederations Cup match on Sunday night.

Despite the loss, Pirates are scheduled to face their 2013 CAF Champions League final opponents on

K

wara United central defender, Isiaka Oladuntoye, has expressed his delight at being back to playing football again.

Oladuntoye suffered a knee ligament injury in training in April during Kwara United’s closed camping in Ijebu-Ode, which was expected to keep him out for only five weeks but spent more time than on the side-line.

He was expected to be back for Kwara United in their match day 5 encounter at 3SC in Ibadan, but a setback on the injury kept him out for months.

The former Kaduna United defender only returned for the Harmony Boys as a substitute in a 3-0 defeat to Nasarawa

the weekend of September 25-27 at home.

“Tough, but I think Zamalek without a doubt are the best team, without a shadow of doubt, and I think we’ve got a good chance to beat Al Ahly,” Tinkler told a local website in South Africa.

“It is important we score some goals at home and we don’t concede so that we take something there to protect.

“It’s a semi-final and I think if anything, it is going to be a tough encounter. It’s going back to 2013 when we played them. It’s payback time and it is something the players

always wanted.

“Right at the beginning of this competition, they wanted to meet Al Ahly and now they’ve got that opportunity and they’ve got to come out and produce the goods.”

Meanwhile, the Soweto giants will have to use their Absa Premiership matches as preparation for this crucial CAF encounter.

They face Mpumalanga Black Aces this coming Friday at Orlando Stadium before meeting Polokwane City at Thohoyandou Stadium on Tuesday, September 22.

INJURY NIGHTMARE: OLADUNTOYE HAPPY TO RETURN BACK

United in a Nigeria Professional Football League match day 26 encounter in Lafia.

“I am very happy to be playing again because football is part of my life,” the tough-as-nail defender was quoted by media officer of the club Owolewa ElHakeem Olayinka.

“My injury period was a difficult moment but it is one of those periods in a footballer’s career.”

“I have to thank my club for the confidence reposed in me and my teammates for their support during my injured period.”

RACISM: DIOUF HITS HARD ON GERRARD

F

ormer Liverpool and Senegal legend, El Hadji Diouf, has lashed at ex-skipper Steven Gerrard saying he doesn’t like black people.

The ex-Lions of Teranga striker was speaking after Gerrard released his book named ‘My Story’ saying he was jealous of his achievements as a black foreign player.

However, the claims by the 34-year-old were immediately and categorically rebuffed by Gerrard’s lawyers and the former England captain is understood

to be taking legal advice.

The Daily Mail reports that Diouf was reacting to comments by ‘Stevie G’ in his book that the 34-year-old former African Player of the Year was his least favourite signing during a long career at Anfield and put his social life ahead of football.

“We all saw how he made life difficult for Mario Balotelli at Liverpool,” Diouf said.

“I warned him. Liverpool are not a team that welcomes black players unless they are British.

Otherwise, you have no chance. This is common knowledge.

“Gerrard has never liked black people. When I was at Liverpool I showed him that I was black, I’m not English, but I will not let him walk all over me. All the time I spent there, he never dared to look me in the eye.”

Meanwhile, a former Liverpool teammate Ryan Babel, denied the allegations on Twitter saying: “I did not get that feeling from Steve G so I think he got it wrong.”

Diouf (left)

Thursday, September 17, 2015

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About

VIVIAN

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4

Name: Vivian Chukwuemeka Country: Nigeria March 4, 1975 DOB: Personal Bests Outdoor Place Date Performance Walnut, CA 19 APR 2003 18.43 Shot Put 23 MAY 2003 56.92 Olathe, KS Discus Throw 2006 25 MAY Hammer Throw 60.00 Fresno, CA 08 APR 2006 , CA Azusa 41.60 Javelin Throw Personal Best - Indoor Date Place Performance Flagstaff, AZ 04 FEB 2006 18.13 Shot Put Flagstaff, AZ 07 FEB 2004 19.35 20libs Weight

Vivian Chukwuemeka

n shot putter eka is a Nigeria the gold medal m ue kw hu C an on Vivi lympian. She w and two-time Oat the 2002 Commonwealth s at t pu nsecutive title was in the shot e s won three co Games and ha ames from 1999 to 2007. Sh2006 G , 02 ca fri 20 in l-A t Al en the mpion in the ev w and the African Chaalso competes in discus thro e Sh . level. and 2008 but not on world hammer throw, Personal Best 3 metres, st throw is 18.4 t. This is the nu Her personal be al W ril 2003 in achieved in Ap . rd co re an Afric mmer Olympics 05 at the 2000 Su 20 She competed Championships in 2003 and and the World the finals. She won a silver without reaching06 Commonwealth Games. in medal at the 20 cific University from Azusa Pa She graduated chelor of Social Work.

2006 with a Ba athletics o-year ban from tw a ed iv erian ce ig re N She test at the 2009 nse for a failed drugs. Chukwuemeka had an inte eria.

Championship e Athletics Federation of Nig stand-off with th had several clerical errors, and Her “B� sample istencies in bottle numbers including inconswhich the sample was taken, the meeting at fused permission to have a and she was represent at the second testing representative She accused Nigerian doping t, in South Africa. ption and sexual harassment officers of corrusing the federation presiden nam as well as accu of coercing Amaka Ogoegbums Solomon Ogbar in drug distribution. Her clai r to implicate hed by the appeals panel and he were dismisse m the IAAF remained.[2][3] two-year ban fro tition in 2012 turned to compe re a ek m ue the anabolic kw fo Chu drugs test - r e Olympic nd co se a d ile re th and fa ol - shortly befo ime steroid stanozol uently, she was given a lifet eq Games. Subs tition. ban from compe

EXTRATIME

Thursday, September 17, 2015

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Thursday, September 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEATURES

UJAH

ON TRACK TO REACH RUSSIA 2018 A

fter making the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 squad, Germany-based Anthony Ujah was within a post of having a dream come true by playing the following summer for Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, there was disappointment when thencoach Stephen Keshi left the exciting striker home. Ujah, who at the time had just gained promotion with Cologne into the German Bundesliga, vowed that he would work hard to get back into the mix, and he has done that, scoring his way into new boss Sunday Oliseh’s first roster and now on a track to reach Russia 2018 with the Super Eagles. After ten goals last term as Cologne finished 12th Ujah earned interest from other clubs, and in the end he signed with fellow Bundesliga club Werder Bremen with an eye on the next mundial.

“Although I had offers from clubs in China and Russia where I would have earned more money, I decided to sign for Bremen,” Ujah told FIFA. com. “I chose a club, which I believed would help me develop as a player and bring me back to the national team set-up.”

Ujah said he was relieved and elated to see his plan come to fruition when he was named in

Oliseh’s team for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.

“It is very, very important for me to get another chance to play for my country because up to now I have not had so much success, but with the new coach and the new set-up I hope this will be my chance,” he explained.

“I think the move [to Werder Bremen] played a role because I had a very good pre-season.

With our style of play, with the offensive football in Bremen, its a dream for every striker to be a part of. I think it will make me a better player.”

Of course his bigger goal is making the team for November’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which will be against the winner of the two-legged tie between Djibouti and Swaziland. He believes he can keep himself in the new coach’s plans.

“Sunday Oliseh played in the German Bundesliga, so I hope that will speak for me” Ujah said.

“He is well informed because the German league is not a small league. It is the league where the world champions came from.”

A goal, a celebration and a billy goat Ujah broke into European football with Norwegian club Lillestrom, scoring an astonishing 27 league goals in just 36 matches before moving

on to Mainz. He sees the path of his career going from strength to strength, saying: “I think every move I have made has worked out.”

The only small argument to that has to do with a famous goal celebration gone awry during Cologne’s home win against Eintracht Frankfurt in March this year. Ujah was in brilliant form, setting up his side’s third before scoring the fourth himself. Ujah was so excited after the goal that he ran up to Hannes VIII, the club’s billy goat mascot, and tried to pull him onto the field. A tugof-war developed between Ujah and the goat’s handler, which was documented in widely published photographs.

“It was just too much emotion,” Ujah said with a smile. “I had previously celebrated with the goat, but I never came in contact with it. Cologne is a club I love so much, and the club mascot, the billy goat, is like a symbol for the club.

“There is no game where the goat is not there, come rain, come sunshine, whatever the weather is, the goat is always there. So when I came close I was half out of my mind, I did not know what I was thinking at the moment. So I just did it.

But directly after the game I

felt different.”

The incident caused a huge reaction and Ujah had to go to the zoo to show that he had not meant to be cruel to the goat.

“And then a few days later it was the goats’ birthday and I had to go back again with over 20 journalists,” Ujah explained.

“It was a horrible week after this happened, but I learned from it.

I am not someone who is mean to animals or disrespectful in any way, so I apologized as soon as I understood.”

The 24-year-old affirms he has learnt his lesson and will stay far away from Bremen’s mascot (a dog) and Nigeria’s (an eagle).

“They are more dangerous!” Ujah exclaimed. “I promise I am not going close to any mascots any more.”

Thursday, September 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

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KHAN HITS Cricket

HARD ON INDIA

P

akistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shahryar Khan has hit hard at the neighboring-country saying Pakistan won’t lay down for India as there was no series between both the countries for the last so many years and it does not matter if it is delayed for another year.

Talking to media at Pindi Stadium late

Tuesday, Shahryar said we won’t go down to our knees for India. “It does not matter whether we play India or not as already this series has not taken place in so many years,” he said.

Shahryar said Zaheer Abbas has gone to India in his capacity as ICC President and not as a messenger of PCB. “We have not asked for Zaheer’s help for the revival of Pak-India

BMW CHAMPIONSHIP: Golf

SPIETH RARING TO GO

J

ordan Spieth is relishing the prospect of locking horns with golf’s young guns once more as he prepares to bounce back from the disappointment of consecutive missed cuts at the BMW Championship this week.

The 22-year-old Masters and US Open champion said on Tuesday he is nonplussed by his failure to progress to the third round in his two most recent forays and believes his game is in good order.

“Everything feels normal. Everything is on point.

My game is in a solid state right now,” Spieth said.

“It’s in a state where I can certainly shoot into double digits under par, and I believe that.

“It’s just a matter of getting it rolling, get into a groove and starting to see some putts go in and get an under-par round started so that I can settle in a little easier,” Spieth said, denying he had suffered a letdown after his stunning performances in Majors this season.

Khan

Spieth

series. He has gone to India as ICC President but he will inform us about the updates of the series on his return,” he said.

Shahryar said there are 50 percent chances of the revival of Pak-India series. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said that they are ready to play a series with Pakistan but they have to get a green signal from its new

government,” he said.

Shahryar said but the Indian government has not given any answer related to the series yet. “But we are trying our level best to get an answer of whether it is a yes or no,” he said.

Shahryar said if India does not play Pakistan then it will be a little setback but we would not go down for them.

M

ark Cavendish may have won 14 races so far this season but there are still plenty of suggestions the 30-year-old is slowing down with age. In an exclusive interview with Cyclingnews, Cavendish explained his numbers show he is as fast as ever but changes in technology, sprint trains and stage finishes have all contributed to people suggesting otherwise.

“My numbers say I am [the fastest]. One advantage I used to have was obviously when we were all wearing jerseys and open helmets, the size of me and my position was a massive advantage over everyone else,” Cavendish told Cyclingnews in Abu Dhabi. “Now a big guy gets a bigger percentage gain out of wearing a skinsuit than what I get. Ok, I am still more aerodynamic wearing a skinsuit then [Marcel] Kittel is wearing a skinsuit. If you look at the amount of power he saves, it’s a bigger percentage.”

Cavendish further elaborated

Cavendish

Cavendish: I am still as fast as I ever was on the prevalence of skinsuits in the peloton, his Etixx-Quick Step team regularly race in the aero option instead of the traditional jersey and shorts combo, explaining he started at the top level of the sport at the right time.

“I think I am still as fast it’s just how things have changed,” he said. “I feel stronger. My characteristics as a rider, I was in the right time to work and maybe it’s slightly different for my characteristics to work as well as they used to.”

Philippines Tourism: Pacquiao Sings Praises of Google Street View Boxing

Pacquiao

F

ilipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and tourism officials say images of the Philippine capital and the country’s main tourist spots on Google’s Street View could help attract more visitors to the country.

Google country marketing manager Ryan Morales said the Philippines on Wednesday became the 69th country included in Google’s Street View.

The images captured over six months last year include

panoramic street views of Manila and 39 other cities, 30 historic and heritage sites as well as Pacquiao’s southern hometown where he began his career as one of the world’s most popular boxers.

Pacquiao says the images will bring the “wonders of the Philippines” to the world.

Rocked by insurgencies and poor infrastructure, the Philippines struggles to bolster tourism, which lags behind neighboring Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

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Thursday, September 17, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

Transfers…Transfers…Transfers…

Farense signs

AKINBULE EPL MONEY N igeria U23 invitee Ayonfe Sunday Akinbule has been snapped up by Portuguese team SC Farense, according to report.

His representative Olusola Orelaja told AfricanFootball.com that the power play striker signed a year contract with another two years option from Torreense.

“Ayonfe Sunday Akinbule has joined SC Farense on a year’s deal with another two years option.

He joined Farense from Torreense after both sides reached an agreement,” Orelaja said.

The 18-year-old striker impressed at a game for Torreense and the eyepopping display couldn’t be over looked

by SC Farense.

Orelaja said that Akinbule will excel at his new club considering his qualities.

“He had a massive chance with Farense in terms of development. He is a powerful and strong player with incredible work rate,” he remarked.

“He demonstrated his confidence, shooting, strength, physical and technical ability in training Monday in front of the fans and was applauded.”

The former Future Stars football club of Lagos striker told AfricanFootball. com he will do his best for the team.

“I am happy to be here and I promise to give my very best at Sporting Clube Farence,” Akinbuke disclosed.

Notable Nigerian players who have played for the club are former Eagles stars Peter Rufai and Uche Okafor.

CAN’T BUY RONALDO, MESSI – BECKENBAUER Beckenbauer

T KABOUL aims to regain his best form

S

underland’s summer signing from Spurs Younes Kaboul is confident that he will regain his best form at the Stadium of Light soon. The France ace has admitted he is struggling for fitness at Sunderland because of a lack of a pre-season but expects to get back up to full speed as soon as possible. The 29-year-old is confident that when his fitness returns so will his form. “I’m still a bit far from my best because I didn’t have a pre-season, but I’m working hard every day in training to make sure that I’m at it at the weekend,” Kaboul said.

“I felt better against Villa and I felt better again on Saturday so step by step I will get there.” Kaboul has echoed the thoughts of his manager Dick Advocaat and claimed the side are close to clicking into gear and he hopes that

happens in this weekend’s clash with newly-promoted Bournemouth on the south coast.

he English Premier League’s (EPL) vast riches still aren’t enough to buy the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Thomas Muller, according to Franz Beckenbauer.

The English top flight sold its TV rights for over £5 billion earlier this year in a record deal - an increase of around 70 per cent from the previous agreement.

But Beckenbauer is confident the game’s best players will continue to ply their trade outside of England, regardless of the cash on offer.

“Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimov-

ic and Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller - of the best players in the world, the English clubs did not get any.

“We still have great footballers in Germany.”

Bayern’s honorary president added his happiness with the Bavarians’ current squad and hopes coach Pep Guardiola will sign a new contract.

“What makes me so positive about Bayern is that the squad is more variable than they were last season.

“Guardiola has not yet made a decision on his future, but I hope that he will stay longer.

RICARDO VAZ TE on trial at West Brom

W Kaboul

est Brom have taken former West Ham forward Ricardo Vaz Te on trial.

The ex-Bolton man is training with the Baggies as Tony Pulis looks at adding to his strikeforce. Vaz Te has been without a club since leaving Akhisar Belediyespor in the summer after six months with the Turkish side.

He left West Ham in January after three years at Upton Park following 19 goals in 61 games.

The 28-year-old also played for Barnsley and Hibernian after moving to Bolton in 2003 from Portuguese side Farense.

Albion have scored just three times this season and drew a blank in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Southampton despite Saido Berahino’s return.

Ricardo Vaz Te

United readying £4 m bid for Taylor

T

he Red Devils are said to be tempted in bidding £4 million for the Leeds youngster.

A report claims that Manchester United are looking into the signature of one of Leeds United’s best young talents in the form of Charlie Taylor.

The left-back has reportedly been on the radar of Manchester

United for some time and after this season they were going to consider a move for the player.

However the goalposts were changed. Luke Shaw, who has been in terrific form this season, broke his leg yesterday in the Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven and is set for at least six months out of action.

With that in mind Manches-

ter United are instead considering a £4 million bid for Taylor in the winter window.

The England youth international has been in great form for Leeds over the past 18 months.

However, Leeds have made it clear they are currently under no pressure to sell their best young talents such as Taylor, Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt and Sam Bryam.

Taylor