Dtn 18 11 15

Buhari orders arrest of Dasuki, others over $2.9b arms deal Egena Egena, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎPresident Mohammdu Buhari on

Tuesday night ordered the arrest and prosecution of former National Se-

curity Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and some top military brass ovcer their involvement in arms purchase scandal.

The development was sequel to the

release of the interim report by the presidential committee investigating arms procurement.

It would be recalled that President Buhari on August 31, 2015 set up the

13-man committee to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector Continued on page 6

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.233

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 17th November 2015.

CAP

39

40.95

1.95%

UAC-PROP

6.61

6.94

0.33%

GUINNESS 134.98

128.24 -6.74%

NB

125.01

122.46

-2.55%

STANBIC

20

20.89

0.89%

IKEJAHOTEL

3.33

3.48

0.15%

SEPLAT

226

PZ

26

25

-1%

230

-4%

TSA: AGF disowns Remita Ï zƆ Ɠ ôƐ ƄƆ ƈ ƐƈƌƈƗ ƐƆƗ MƾǀƄ jd ƅ ƌƌƈ ƈ ƍƏ ƄƆ – Senate Ï ƌƌƈ ƈ Ɛ Ƒƍ Ɛ MƾǀƄè Ɛ Ƈ Ə Ɔ Ɔ ƐƈƐƕ – FG Mathew Dadiya Ɨ Olufemi Samuel, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe

Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Alhaji Ahmed Idris, has distanced his office from the use of Remita software, owned by SystemSpecs, for the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy.

This is even as the Senate on Tuesday said it would not bow to any form of intimidation on its resolve to probe the alleged fraud of N25 billion in the management of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The Senate had last week accused SystemSpec/Remita of ripping off the Federal Government

to the tune of a whopping N25 billion just by using its software to transfer Federal Government’s funds from financial institutions into a single treasury account (TSA).

The Senate further alleged that the said sum of N25 billion accrued to Remita after it charged 1 per cent of all the monies that

passed through it which amounted to N2.5 trillion.

In an interview with the Daily Times in his office in Abuja, the AGF said he never signed any contract with Remita, adding “officially, I don’t know Remita. Who engaged them?”

He stated that if actually his office was aware of the deal, ‘’why

is it that the National Assembly did not invite me but CBN?” Also reacting to the TSA commission scandal on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed insisted that the funds that have accrued to the Treasury Single Account remain Continued on page 6

Coscharis unveils Ford Ranger mini truck in Nigeria g17 Ekweremadu escapes assassination attempt g23 Countdown to Kogi/Bayelsa Guber Polls:

APC, PDP in battle of titans g8

Grace Ibitoye:

SEMIT

Designer with a Midas touch gL1

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Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

zƆ ƆƆƗ Ƒ ƅ ƌƌ ƅƏƆ ƐƈƒƈƐƕ Ɛ Ƈ ƏƆ Ɛ ƋƋ ƅ ƋƋ ƍ Ɔ Ƈ Ɔƅ ƌƕ – Buhari g12

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial INEC and Kogi poll

N

ext Saturday, October 21, voters in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria would be going to the poll to elect a new governor to pilot affairs of the state for the next four years. Expectedly, most of the registered political parties will be fielding candidates for the governorship position. In all, pundits are predicting the battle to be between the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Captain Idris Wada and Prince Abubakar Audu respectively.

Given the tempo and suspense generated so far in the campaigns, the Kogi governorship election looks set for a nail-biting and photo finish race. From look of things, it is difficult to predict who will emerge victorious at end of the day. That is how it should be in a democracy where the voters are allowed unfettered freedom to make informed choices without coercion or intimidation from any quarters.

We join all right thinking Nigerians in warning against any external or undue influence, even as it is pertinent to state that the Kogi poll would serve as litmus test for the newly reconstituted Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof.Mahmood Yakubu.

How the electoral body conducts, the poll would determine the level of trust, which Nigerians are going to repose in it as a truly independent and unbiased umpire.

In the past few days, there have been allegations by some interested parties that INEC is playing out the script of the ruling party with regard to the Kogi poll. Much as we do not hold briefs for any political party, the onus is on Prof. Mahmood and

his team to disprove such allegations with a view to restoring confidence in the ability of the commission to conduct free and fair elections.

For now, we are holding the INEC boss to his words that subsequent elections cannot fall below that conducted earlier this year.

However, the success of Kogi poll cannot be achieved single handedly

by INEC without collaboration of the security agencies. It is general knowledge that past elections in Nigeria have been marred by violence, mostly triggered by hoodlums who are in the habit of intimidating voters and snatching ballot boxes. Unfortunately, some security operatives have been known to aid such mayhem, especially when compromised by political parties. We are therefore calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase to impress on the police the need to be neutral and maintain security on Election Day. Moreover, he should not only read the ‘Riot Act’, but must make it emphatically clear on the severe consequences awaiting any one caught flouting the electoral law. It is a shame, that a decade and a half into the practice of multi-party democracy, electoral contest in Nigeria is still seen as do-or-die affair. At the root of this disheartening situation is, the politics of desperation played by public office seekers.

Clearly, political maturity and tolerance are lacking in the conduct of our politicians. The Kogi poll offers voters the opportunity to elect those that would implement their campaign promises to the letter. In addition, the success or otherwise of the poll would let the world know whether Nigerians have any lessons in democracy.

Paris massacre: Will this this blood-letting ever end?

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎAs

the world gradually comes to terms with the pains resulting from the coordinated terror attacks in Paris, France on Friday night which at the last count left no fewer than 132 persons dead and 349 injured, one poser that stares at the global community is how long this blood-letting will continue.

Already, Islamic State terrorists have claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying the attack was in response to airstrikes against militants in Syria and Iraq and insults to Islam’s prophet. The group also warned that France

would remain one of its top targets. Some of supporters of IS even boasted London, Rome and Washington DC would be hit by the next horror attacks.

This latest attack adds to the long list of acts by Islamic State which since it debuted on the global scene has assaulted human sensibilities through several bouts of killings, beheading and slaughtering of captives among other heinous acts.

Though the Paris killings has drawn reactions from world leaders, fact is that unless there is a global consensus on how to confront those behind this horrendous act and theirs sponsors, the blood-letting may continue without end. It was Paris on Friday, it may be some other

Words On Marble :

city the next time and the casualty may be higher.

Fact is that the Islamic State and other groups which delight in bloodletting are serving the interests of certain regional powers. These regional powers, on doubt, are allies of major world powers who though openly condemn acts of IS and their likes but still are friends with these regional powers behind the IS and other terror groups.

So, for the blood-letting resulting from terror attacks to end, the global community must unite to fight these enemies of our common humanity. And this will include compelling the regional powers behind IS and other terror groups to have a rethink and sheathe their swords.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714 Group Head Accounts & Control Samson Abiodun

Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo 08033072614 Ag Head Operations Segun Bamigboye Adverts/Partnerships/ Corporate Subscription Ifeanyi Emefu 08086296714 Konnie Agu 09033765031

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Ibrahim Babangida

Aisha Buhari

Alani Bankole

“I have no intention whatsoever to run for any office again in Nigeria.”

“Nigerians should be patient with the APC government as the change they had been yearning for has come to stay.’’

‘’As long as you have military president supporting himself with military people like this one is already doing, we shouldn’t compare it with the Second Republic.’’

4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

5 News

Kogi guber: PDP accuses APC of vote-buying Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏBarely 72 hours to the

conduct of the governorship election in Kogi State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of flooding the state with corrupt money with a view to inducing the people and purchase their mandate.

The opposition PDP pointedly described the attempt at vote-buying in Kogi State as not only an insult on the people of the state, but also a setback to

efforts toward credible elections in Nigeria.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh made the allegation at a press conference in Abuja.

The PDP equally declared that neither the presidency nor the APC has been able to deny its earlier statement on Sunday of a secret meeting between the Presidency and the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on how to rig Kogi state governorship election.

The Party noted that while INEC outrightly

denied ever holding any such meeting with the Presidency, the President, through his media aide, Garba Shehu, acknowledged holding the secret meeting, but said it lasted only five minutes.

It opposition PDP said, “We ask, who do Nigerians believe; the Presidency or INEC? The fact remains that the contradictions betray the element of conspiracy by this APC administration to rig the Kogi governorship election”.

Metuh stated that the PDP has never made any claim or any statement that

has been contradicted by either the government or the ruling party.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary also took the federal government to task on the controversies surrounding the handling of the remittances in the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Metuh pointed out that the conflicting statements emanating from the federal executive, through the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) underscored the fear being raised by the Senate

that there may have been underhand deals in the process.

His words: “Whereas the Senate has ordered its committee on finance and public accounts to investigate the remitting and handling of N2.5 trillion into the TSA, the federal executive, through the Minister of Information, had earlier informed the nation that the sum of N1.4 trillion has been remitted, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) put its figure at below a trillion and announced an estimated collectable amount of N1.2

trillion.

“The PDP finds this discordant tune and Monday’s brazen attack by the Minister of Information on whistle blowers as completely unacceptable and contradictory of a government that rode to power on the garb of ‘Mr. Clean’,” he said.

Metuh alleged that the firm handling the TSA remittances has been given the leeway to rake millions of naira into unknown purses from fees charged MDAs for training of their personnel involved in the TSA.

ABX World, Arik, SAHCOL champion $5.2b Agro-Allied package Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏABX

World, a Nigerian, globally recognised courier/cargo firm, in collaboration with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Ground Handling Company (SAHCOL), as cargo airline and process handling company, are trying to repositioning Nigeria’s agro-allied products exports to markets across Europe and the rest of the world.

Speaking to Aviation journalists in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Office of ABX World Nigeria, Captain John Okakpu,

described the revolutionary project as one that will leapfrog the agricultural sector in the country while boosting the supply chain involving transportation, logistics, aviation, packaging, among others; in a bid to creating jobs for the teaming youths.

Capt. Okakpu said that both Arik Air and SAHCOL are EU certified with ACC3 and RA3 certifications respectively; such an evidence of the acceptability of EU governments to rely on the due compliance of ABX World and the partners to help ensure that all laws are abided.

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh during the official flag-off of dry season rice and wheat farming in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State… on Tuesday.

Fuel Scarcity: NLC urges Buhari to reduce Nigerians’ suffering Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏWorried by what Ni-

gerian workers are presently facing as a result of fuel scarcity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the situation which has subjected Nigerians to long suffering.

The congress which said the continued incidences of fuel scarcity which has resulted in skyrocketing prices and long queues spreading to different parts of the country is not good for Nigerians at this time, noted that this was happening despite assurances from government and its agencies

that there is enough fuel being distributed around the country and that citizens need not go into panic buying.

The congress stated that the situation has not visibly improved after more than 72 hours of such assurance, while it further alleged that the marketers and other groups that have held the country hostage over the years for their unearned profiteering from the petroleum sector are still determined to continue as if it is business as usual.

It therefore described it as completely unacceptable that Nigerians are forced to go through the perennial hardship especially towards the end of the year,

and now have to cough out between N130 – N300 per litre of petrol in different parts of the country, instead of the official N87 per litre price.

The congress, in a statement by the president, Ayuba Wabba said the situation showed a clear determination of the unpatriotic operators in the petroleum sector working to circumvent government regulation through blackmail and other unorthodox methods.

The congress therefore urged government to urgently address the issue of hoarding by marketers and others who have continued to canvass for so-called deregulation, in which gov-

‘Borno schools to re-open Monday’ ÏÏÏGovernor

Wabba, NLC President ernment would hands-off regulating prices of petroleum products.

Given that petroleum products continue to be the artery of the economy, the existence, the congress said it is naïve and foolhardy to expect that government will hands-off the downstream sector and allow for those whose sole purpose is profit-making to take over full control of determining the prices of these critical products.

Kashim Shettima of Borno State, on Tuesday, said public secondary schools in the state, shut down since March 2013, would re-open for academic activities next Monday.

Shettima gave the directives while receiving Mr Rolf Ree, the Norwegian Ambassador in Nigeria in his office in Maiduguri.

He said, however, that the

action was limited to day schools only. ``As from Monday, academic activities will commence in earnest in all day secondary schools across the state. ``Very soon, we will make effort to re-open all the boarding schools too,’’ Shettima said.

He commended the Norwegian government for its numerous support to the state.

N5, 000 stipend: Group lauds Aisha Buhari Lara Adejoro

ÏÏÏThe

Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/ FoEN) has hailed the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari for supporting the call that All Progressives Congress (APC) fulfill its electioneering campaign promise of a monthly N5, 000 stipend for 25 million

unemployed Nigerian youths, saying her position reinforces ERA/FoEN demand for a National Basic Income Scheme (NaBIS).

ERA/FoEN launched the NaBIS campaign in 2013 as an intervention to redress the widening gap of inequalities among Nigerians, especially the unemployed through a national wealth redistribution system.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

TSA: AGF disowns Remita Continued from page 1 intact and challenged anyone who has any fact and figure to the contrary to make such information public.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Mohammed reiterated the fact that less than N2 trillion has accrued to the TSA, hence the one per cent charges on the amount could not have been N25 billion.

He said “For the sake of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora who have been following the TSA debate, we hereby restate the facts: The TSA deal was

initiated by the immediate past administration but only enjoyed a new lease of life under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari because of his sterling leadership qualities of accountability, transparency, uprightness and respect for the rule of law.

“Any agreement on the TSA charges was reached long before the present administration assumed office.

“Even if the agreement on the charges is one per cent, it could not have amounted to N25 billion because the total amount of

money that has accrued to the TSA is less than 2 trillion Naira.

“Even if one per cent was agreed as charges, whatever accrues therefrom was meant to be shared among the CBN, Systemspecs (the owner of the Remita software) and the commercial banks, hence no single company could have collected 25 billion Naira as charges.

“As at the time the controversy over the TSA broke, the total amount of money in the TSA was less than 800 billion Naira.

“The TSA has neither been enveloped in any

fraud nor has any money from the account been diverted.”

Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday while insisting that it would not be intimidated on its resolve to probe alleged N25 billion fraud in the management of the TSA said it has a constitutional duty to institute probe into activities of government considered suspicious most especially on issues bothering on financial impropriety.

The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, said this when reacting to Continued on page 12

Boko Haram, ISIS account for 51% of terrorism deaths in 2014 – Report ÎÎÎThe number of people

killed in terrorist attacks has jumped by 80 per cent to 32,658 in 2014 as 11 nations suffered more than 500 deaths.

This is contained in a think tank report released on Tuesday in London by the Institute for Economics and Peace in its 2015 Global terrorism index.

It noted that the terrorists linked to Islamic State and Boko Haram accounted for 51 per cent of the deaths in 2014.

Steve Killelea, the think tank’s founder, said the institute estimated the cost of terrorism in 2014 at 52.9 billion dollars.

He said five nations including, Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria bore the brunt

of the attacks, suffering 78 per cent of the deaths recorded.

Killelea said almost 10,000 people died in terrorist attacks in Iraq, while the number of deaths in Nigeria soared to more than 7,500, it said.

“The significant increase in terrorist activity has meant that its ramifications are being felt more widely throughout the world.

Killelea said 10 of the 11 nations most affected by terrorism were also among those with the highest rates of refugees and internal displacement.

“This highlights the strong interconnection between the current refugee crisis, terrorism and conflict,” it said.

Many feared dead in Yola explosion ÎÎÎAn explosion suspect-

L-R: Talent Development Manager, Uchenna Aneto; Human Resources Business Partner, Temitope Akinsanya; Cluster Development Manager (Wholesale), Kikelomo Fisayo-Okusanya; Commercial Finance Manager (Revenue), Jumoke Peter-Adenuga; Head of Government Affairs, West Africa Area, Odiri Erewa-Meggison; Marketing Skills Development Manager, West Africa, Victoria Olorunfemi; Regulation and Litigation Counsel, Chiga Erege all of British-American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) during the 2015 Women in Business (WIMBIZ) annual conference held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos… on Tuesday

ed to be from an improvised Explosive Device, IED, on Tuesday, occurred at a motor park in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

The place is Kasuwan Gwari along Jimeta byepass close to Tipper park, Jambutu, Yola where all varieties of vegetables and

assorted fruits are sold.

Many were feared killed in the blast but there was not official figure as at press time.

A witness, Mohammed Danasabe, said that the explosion was so loud it could be heard all over the city.

$2.9b arms procurement: Buhari orders arrest of Dasuki, others Continued from page 1 from 2007 to date.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated that the Dasuki expended $2,193,815,000.83 which is equal to N643,817,955,885.18.

The figure excluded grants received by the police and the Department of State Security Services (SSS) from the state governments.

The statement read: “As part of the findings, the committee has analyzed interventions from some organisations that provided funds

to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, both in local and foreign currencies.

“So far the total extra budgetary interventions articulated by the committee is Six Hundred and Forty Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Hundred Naira and Eighteen Kobo (N643,817,955,885.18).

“The foreign currency component is to the tune of

Two Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand US Dollars and Eighty Three Cents ($2,193,815,000.83).

“These amounts exclude grants from the State Governments and funds collected by the DSS and Police. It was observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defense procurement.

“The committee also observed that of 513 contracts awarded at $8,356,525,184.32; N2,189,265,724,404.55 and 54,000.00 Euros; Fifty

Three (53) were failed contracts amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively.

“Interestingly, it was noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the $1bn loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight the insurgency in the North East.

“The committee also discovered that payments to the tune of Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N3,850,000,000.00) were made to a single com-

pany by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfillment of tax obligations to the FGN. “Further findings revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, the erstwhile NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and 9,905,477.00 Euros. The contracts which were said to be for the purchase of 4 Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the

Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory.

“Even more disturbing was the discovery that out of these figures, 2 companies, were awarded contracts to the tune of N350,000,000.00, $1,661,670,469.71 and 9,905,477.00 Euros alone. This was without prejudice to the consistent non-performance of the companies in the previous contracts awarded.”

Adesina in the statement added that the former NSA also directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer a certain amount to accounts Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

7 News

ÏÏÏThe Delta State House Delta Assembly of Assembly, on Tuesday, clears Agbaja, screened and confirmed Barrister Peter Ovo Agbaja rejects as Secretary to Uvwie Local Njokanma Government.

Oyetubo Olabimpe

The House also rejected the nominee for the Auditor General of Delta State.

Mrs. Mary Olohimai Brown Njokanma, was rejected by the House on the ground of exceeding the civil service constitutionally stipulated working period.

Agbaja, a legal practitioner, attended Esedo Primary School, Effurun, Aunty Rose Nursery and Primary school, Ugboroke, St Malachy's Grammar School, Sapele, St Peter Claver's College, Aghalokpe and

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

In another development, the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Ovwigho Igbuya, Tuesday, released the list of appointed Committee Chairmen, their respective deputies and members.

Igbuya, who made the announcement of lawmakers that would chair the different committees for the 6th Assembly charged the committee members to perform their duties assiduously

Reps probe N50bn Victims Support Fund

modalities for the disbursement of the funds to ensure probity, accountability and transparency.

This action by the President, the House added will ensure that stakeholders play a vital role in determining the actual victims of the insurgency in the North East region and what assistance to render to the victims.

Also, the House mandated its commission on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to look into the activities of the committee, including ensuring that the committee publishes in its website, the names and pictures of beneficiaries of the funds, indicating the amount of assistance rendered and make the records available to the public.

Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

House of Representatives, on Tuesday, resolved to investigate the disbursement of the N50 billion realised by the Victims Support Fund set up by the federal government to assist and rehabilitate displaced persons in the North East.

Passing this resolution following the adoption of a motion sponsored by two lawmakers, Reps. Asabe Villa Bashir and Kamale Adamu Usman, the House urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reappraise the

I didn’t suffer kidney problem, says Sen. Jang Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

former governor of Plateau State and current Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial District, Sen. Jonah David Jang has debunked the rumour making the rounds especially after the death of Sen. Gyang Pwajok that he donated his kidney to him.

A situation which many

Jang

think was the primary cause of Pwajok's death.

Jang, who spoke to our correspondent exclusively said he was holding back not to curse the people that wish him sick but added that he has never in his life suffer from a kidney problem and therefore did not under-go any kidney transplant.

In his words: "Pwajok did not donate his kidney to me or to anyone. If you want, I can open my body for you to see if you will notice any cut in my body. No razor blade has ever touched my body.

You can also open Pwajok's dead body to see if you will see any cut in his body. I have never undergo any operation and Pwajok did not die from any Kidney problem. You see, I don't want to lay curse on those wishing me sick and I only pray that God forgives", he said.

L-R: Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos, Hyginus Omeje; Lagos State Commissioner of Transport, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Michael Onuoha and Vice Chairman, NURTW, Ojota Garage, Com. Tope Olowookere, at the flagging-off of the 2015 'Ember Months' campaign in Lagos…

Lai Mohammed behaving like a tout – Fayose Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe governor of Ekiti

State, Ayo Fayose has described the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as unfit to speak for any decent government, saying; "he speaks like a tout."

Speaking through his special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor, who reacted to a statement by the Minister that Fayose and others kicking against President Muhammadu Buhari’s Treasury Single Account policy should return to elementary school, said it was shameful that the Minister ran away from the main issue and chose to attack per-

sonalities.

Fayose said: "Now that Daddy Lai Mohammed has been elevated to the position of the spokesperson of the Federal Government of Nigeria, he needs to be purged of the APC basket mouth syndrome that made him to speak like a tout."

Governor Fayose insisted that the federal government must explain to Nigerians why and how it mortgaged their existence to a single company that has made what no manufacturing companies with thousands of employees can make in one month.

Olayinka said "Ekiti State under Governor Fayose is managing its finances perfectly well without the Treasury Single Account, which is obviously aimed at en-

riching a few individuals at the expense of Nigerians."

He advised President Buhari to urgently de-brief Lai Mohammed so that he will operate normally as a spokesperson of the government and not APC propagandist.

Fayose said: “At 63, Lai Mohammed should know that speaking for the federal government of Nigeria is different from speaking for the APC, which he did by always tying corn to his anus while dancing naked at the market place.

“He should know that opposition is a major ingredient of democracy and any democratic government devoid of opposition must be ready to embrace anarchy.

"It is therefore the duty of Nigerians, especially the

National Assembly to ask questions on the administration of the resources being held in trust for them by those in power and it is the responsibility of government at all levels to explain.

"When a man like Lai Mohammed, who is employed and being paid with tax payers’ money now choses to insult Nigerians just because they ask questions, sane minds should pity the President who employed such a loquacious person to speak for his government.

"As for Governor Fayose, he will continue to uphold the truth and speak in the overall interest of Nigerians, not minding the offensive odour emanating from the propaganda infected mouths of Lai Mohammed and his ilk."

Mark vs Onjeh: Appeal Court reserves judgement Freddie Adamgbe Makurdi

ÏÏÏPresiding

Judge of the 3-member Special Appeal panel, Hon. Justice Mensen Dongbam, of the Court of Appeal, Makurdi, has reserved for judgment the Appeal filed by All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate in Benue South Senatorial District, Donald Daniel Onjeh, against the decision of the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld the election of the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP's) David Mark.

Counsel to Onjeh, Ad-

etunji Oso, while adopting his processes in urging the Appellate Court to allow his appeal and set aside the decision of the lower tribunal, said the court erred when it held that documents tendered by his client were mere documentary hearsay.

The documents, according to Oso demonstrated and showed that while at various times, collation of result for the Benue South Senatorial Districts election held on 28th March, 2015 was still going on in seven of the nine Local Government Areas of the Senatorial Districts, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared

Mark the winner of the poll.

In one breath, according to Oso, the tribunal, considering the material evidence before it in the unreported Election Petition between Agbom and Aza (2015), nullified the election of Martins Aza (PDP Makurdi North Constituency), the appeal arising from which was upheld by the Court of Appeal , Makurdi Judicial Division and urged the court to be bound by its decision.

But Mark, PDP and INEC, in adopting their briefs, urged the Court of Appeal to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit.

According to Kenneth Ikonne, lead counsel to Da-

vid Mark, where figures or scores of an election are challenged, such evidence must come from officers at the election in line with Section 126 of the Evidence Act, which was not the case in the instant subject of appeal and urged the court to dismiss the appeal with cost and affirmed the election of Mark.

On his part, counsel to the PDP, Chris Alechenu drew the attention of the Appellate Court to issue six of Onjeh's brief which he said was deemed abandoned since same was not argued and urged the Court to dismiss the appeal for want of merit.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Politics

Æs

PDP: How Oshiomhole siphoned money through security votes In what appears like a rebuttal of the sordid revelations made by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State of how former Governor Lucky Igbinedion allegedly looted the state to prosper his father, Chief

Lucky Igbinedion, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fired back, describing Oshiomhole’s government as a disaster to the state.

The Edo State chapter of the party described the perfor-

mance of the administration of Governor Oshiomhole as abysmal, since its inception in 2008.

The State Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who spoke on Oshiomhole’s seven years in office, noted that contrary to the testimonies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)and its supporters, the governor had failed to live up to the aspirations of the people in different sectors.

Orbih accused the state government of “siphoning money” in the name of security votes

and other unnecessary projects, rather than channeling such funds into road construction and the revitalisation of ailing industries, which he said were capable of boosting the state’s economy.

He, therefore, urged the government to return the said amount to the state’s coffers.

His words: “You cannot compare what this governor is doing with security funds with any other government anywhere in Nigeria. Every month, he takes N500 million to N700 million of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 Oshiomhole

Countdown to Kogi/Bayelsa Guber Polls: APC, PDP in battle of titans

Jonathan

Buhari

Yakubu

Arase

Stories by Akinjide Akintola & Suleiman Adedeji Precisely in three days time, 21 November, voters in Kogi State will be going to the polls to elect their governor who will take charge of the state for the next four years.

Out of the 22 contenders in the race, there are only three main gladiators. They are the incumbent governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Captain Idris Wada, who will be in a tough race with a former governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Audu.

Philips Salawu, a former deputy governor to the immediate past governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris, is the candidate of the Labour Party (LP). But the race is

a straight contest between Wada, a retired captain and Audu.

It is the same scenario in Bayelsa State, where the governorship election is coming up on December 5, two weeks later.

In the race are 20 candidates where three are the main challengers which also include incumbent Seriake Dickson of the PDP as well as former Governor Timipre Sylva, who is the APC candidate. Moses Siasia of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) is also a contender in the race.

Like in Kogi, the Bayelsa tussle is between Dickson and Sylva who are already on each other’s throats.

In so many respects, the gover-

norship election in the two states are similar in the sense that the incumbent governors in the two states seeking re-election, Dickson and Wada are of the former ruling party, the PDP whose fortunes have been reversed by the conduct of last general elections now making it the opposition party.

In the same vein, the APC candidates, Sylva and Audu are former governors of the state who have considerable followership in the state; perhaps which is why the sitting governors are agitated over their fate, moreso as a result of reversal of roles.

Consequently, almost on a daily basis, there are allegations and counter allegations of plots to rig

the elections especially made by the opposition PDP with the APC replying that the opposition party was afraid of its defeat already.

Both parties and their candidates have embarked on desperate tactics and strategies in their campaigns in both states which have definitely heated up the polity as a season of apprehension now pervades the atmosphere in both states.

In Bayelsa State for instance, both Dickson and Sylva took their campaigns to the home base of their opponents to canvass for votes hoping to displace them from their homesteads.

In one of those campaigns, kinsmen from Sagbama, Dickson’s Local Government Area,

said they found in Sylva, a good friend but in Dickson, a bad brother.

Insisting that a good friend is better than a bad brother, the kinsmen said their brother abandoned them and failed to site developmental projects in their communities for over three years.

To ensure peace, just like the last general election, the candidates have been made to sign a peace accord in order for their followers and supporters to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Ahead of the elections, both parties formed very intimidating campaign committees for the two states which have been very CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

9 Politics

Economists urge Buhari to resist devaluation of naira The 1988 set of Economists from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has urged the Federal Government not to devalue the naira but reduce cost of governance to rebuild the economy.

Spokesman of the group, Mr Isiaq Ajibola, who spoke on the issue said the best ways to rebuild the economy was to cut cost, saying that the government had demonstrated competence in that direction in its recent decisions.

Ajibola, who described the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the government as a very nice concept said that they, as economists believed with time, the economy would improve with the introduction of the TSA. “We all know that the economy of the country is on the down side largely due to drop in oil revenue.

“The President so far has resisted a lot of things and one of such is the devaluation of the naira.

“We urged the President to continue in that light, we do not want devaluation of the naira.

“If we continue that way and the Minister of Finance, in-line with government’s vision, manages finance of the country well, we will all be fine at the end of the day,’’ he said.

He explained that the vision of the association was to reunite the set after a very long time and be useful to one another.

In addition, he said that the vision of the association was to continue to give back to the university and the society with unity of purpose as a class.

Ajibola said the set had aligned itself with the ABU Alumni Association to key into the activities of

the mother body.

He said Alumni had helped many universities abroad and in some cases Alumni had also sustained their institutions, expressing hope to replicate the gesture in ABU. In his remarks, Vice President of the set, Mr Simon Jatto, said that the issue of raising enough funds to manage the affairs of the country was becoming a challenge.

Jatto said it was also another challenge to convince Nigerians to pay their taxes as people were reluctant to pay and therefore, advocated increase in awareness for tax payers in the country.

“If people see what is being done with what they pay as tax, a lot of people will be willing to comply and it will increase revenue for the country,’’ he said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Osinbajo

Countdown to Kogi/Bayelsa Guber: APC, PDP in Battle Royale CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

active in trying to mobilise the electorate.

In both states, in their campaigns, there have seen no new promises made to attract voters, what have been the campaign focus are the issues on ground; for the PDP, the overwhelming

Odigie-Oyegun

grouse against them is the nonperformance especially in Kogi State where the governor is seen much as an absentee governor, with the deputy governor, Yomi Awoniyi being everywhere in the four years.

In Bayelsa too, Dickson is seen as haven falling short of his cam-

paign promises and pact with the people when he assumed office four years ago.

For the APC, in both states, its albatross appears to be the character of its flagbearers- Audu and Sylva. Both former governors are facing charges of corruption to the tunes of billions of Naira

Uche Secondus

PDP: How Oshiomhole misruled Edo for eight years

brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for offences allegedly committed while in office.

Audu is said to have looted N11 billion from the coffers of Kogi State while unofficial sources put the amount at N100 billion. Sylva is also in a similar mess in Bayelsa, even though at a stage, charges against him were withdrawn.

What is baffling a lot of people is that the APC which prides itself as fighting corruption and came to power in the March/ April polls on the crest of change is how it can present candidates for an election who are tainted by acts of corruption.

Besides, the emergence of the candidates in both parties in the two states was not without so much acrimony which threatened the very fabrics of the parties in those states. There were defections and counter defections from both parties making the coming elections a ding-dong affair. Bigwigs and chieftains left one party to the other following alleged manipulations in the primaries. Indeed, in Bayelsa and Kogi where the governors are seeking re-election, they had to be virtually forced over the other CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

tax payers’ money, in his own words, ‘to address urgent security challenges’.

“But you will agree with me that Edo State, like he (governor) used to say, ‘is safe.’ We do not have Boko Haram here, so we do not really know what he is doing with that amount. If this money is returned to the coffers of government, I can assure you that the governor will be in a position to fix the roads that are in very bad condition.”

He alleged that records available to the party revealed that while the sum of “N928 billion” accrued to the state in the past seven years “only N268 billion” could be accounted for,” through project execution and remuneration of Edo civil servants.

Orbih also said the party wonders why the governor accused one of his predecessors, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, of mismanaging funds, when the current administration was yet to show true governance in areas such as youth employment an sports development, amongst others.

He also alleged plans by the governor to temporarily recruit thousands of youths, as campaign moves for next year’s governorship election.

“I call on the Governor to take full responsibility for his failure in government,” he stressed.

Igbinedion

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Kogi/Bayelsa Guber Polls: APC, PDP in battle of titans

Wada CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

contestants, a development that ought to have been to the APC advantage.

But the APC was not better off as its primaries were a sort of show of might.

However, all these minuses might pale into insignificance when the amount of money being committed to this election to buy votes is considered. This is perhaps why the PDP in both states is crying blue murder, alleging that the APC government is starving it of funds by deliberately withholding the bail out funds given to other states.

Days and weeks to the election, both PDP states are owing workers’ salaries for many months and hoping to pay them with the bail out funds. However, the opposition in the state does not want the bail out to be paid as they believed the fund would not be used to pay the workers but to prosecute the forthcoming elections.

This is part of the allegations of intimidation and harassment that the PDP has been complain-

Audu ing about as the countdown to the election draws near saying the APC is using everything to ensure it captures the two states.

But in this connection, the PDP cannot claim to be a saint especially when it was in government. In the 2003 elections the PDP overran the south west, leaving only Lagos which it could not wrest from the then Governor Bola Tinubu.

Indeed, the PDP, despite being in power in 2011, the APC, then known as ACN, was able to snatch both Oyo and Ogun states from it with then Oyo governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala seeking reelection.

Other factors that might determine the contest especially in Bayelsa is the former President, Goodluck Jonathan who may want to ensure that the state remains under his watch in his party as failure of the party may send him into political oblivion.

But then, the ruling APC may also want to use the Bayelsa polls, to stamp its foothold in the south-south especially with this first set of governorship elec-

Sylva tions coming up under its administration.

And perhaps, irked by reports alleging subservience to the ruling, APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) affirmed that the people of Kogi State would ultimately decide who becomes governor.

Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the pledge when he received some security and defence chiefs led by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase ahead the forthcoming polls in the two states. Already, the commission has deployed 76 election monitors for the Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial elections, drawn from different departments in the commission.

Yakubu who said, INEC will continue to uphold the sanctity of the ballot, added: “if 2015 was a litmus test of how far we have gone in our democratic journey, subsequent elections cannot fall below that bar”.

Mr Arase who led representatives of the army and airforce chiefs to the meeting said the

Dickson police will dominate the security space and will not allow any assault on the electoral process, while in the same vein create a space for INEC to do her job.

However, verbal attacks had intensified. The PDP, through Kogi governor’s spokesperson Phrank Shuaib had warned President Buhari and the APC that any attempt to rob the people of Kogi of their votes will be met with stiff resistance.

He said the people of Kogi State were aware of former Governor Abubakar Audu’s dark past that was characterised by acid attack on journalists and politicians , and one wonders whether a man with such a provincial world view can successfully lead a complex, multi-ethnic, multireligious and multi-lingual state like Kogi State.

He called on the president to write his name in gold by allowing a free, fair and credible election in Kogi State.

Also, kinsmen from Toruebeni community and other wards in Sagbama said they would gladly vote for the APC and Sylva to

change Dickson whom they accused of insensitivity and woeful performance.

In a statement, they said they were particularly angry that Dickson refused to rehabilitate a school he attended in Toruebeni and failed to complete a road leading to the community, which Sylva almost finished before he was booted out of office.

They spoke when Sylva led a team of APC leaders to Toruebeni community to identify with them on their yearly festival entitled, Ebenimo-oge.

Sylva expressed dismay that the people could not drive into their community because the road and a bridge he almost completed were abandoned by the current administration.

“Your son is in government. If he really loves you, why can’t he do it? When you vote us in within one year, you will drive to this community”.

But Dickson said: “What you people are enjoying now is just a tip of the ice berg of what to exCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

11 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November18, 2015

Labour: Why NASS budget should not exceed 2% Nigeriaån Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), a coalition of labour and civil society organisations, have insisted on a 40 per cent reduction in the allowances of members of the National Assembly as part of efforts toward reducing high cost of governance in Nigeria.

Besides, Lead director at the Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere, said, “provisions for overhead expenses in National Assembly should be regulated by law or policy and pegged and should not exceed 2 per cent of retained Federal Government’s revenue”.

The coalition also told President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly dispel or affirm the report on the N25 billion allegedly accrued to the collection agent engaged by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, who expressed concern over the allegation, said such development was tantamount to high level of corruption and conflict with the ongoing anti-graft crusade.

To effectively stem the scourge of corruption in the system, Wabba urged Buhari to

Saraki

Wabba

make the best use of the available opportunity on leading the country, “to appoint only people who have the capacity to drive the change policy.”

While reacting to the alleged move by Federal Government to disengage federal workers, the NLC president implored the present administration to think out of the box by blocking all revenue leakages, explore the huge potentials in the agricultural, solid mineral and tourism sectors, thereby changing Nigeria from being oil driven economy.

He also tasked government on the need to urgently address the rising unemployment and insecurity by implementing propeople policies and programmes that would improve the standard of Bobboi Kaigama, TUC president, reiterated the resolve of the labour movement to serve as whistle blower and take the present administration to task on the issues of unemployment and security.

Lead director at the Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere, who was the guest lecturer at

the public lecture, said, “provisions for overhead expenses in National Assembly should be regulated by law or policy and pegged at not more than 250 per cent of the combined personnel and capital votes. In the alternative, the appropriation for National Assembly should not exceed 2 per cent of retained Federal Government’s revenue.”

According to the comparative studies carried out by the agency, the appropriations to the legislature in Ghana and South Africa over the years 2010 to 2015 stood at 0.46 per cent and 0.14 per cent of their overall budgets, while that of Nigeria stood at 3.15 per cent of the overall budget.

“When the appropriations are divided per capital by the number of legislators, the figures stood at $1.57 million, $0.21 million and $0.14 million per Nigerian, South African and Ghanaian legislator, respectively.”

Onyekpere, who argued that there was no empirical evidence in terms of its relationship with macroeconomic fundamentals such as inflation, the cost of living index or increased functions for National Assembly, disclosed that National Assembly’s budget increased from N29.4 billion in 2000 to N158.9 billion in 2010.

“The marginal reduction to N120 billion in 2015 may have been a reaction to falling oil prices. In accordance with the tradition of previous years, for 2015, the N120 billion excludes other National Assembly related expenditures, notably, N50 billion for constituency projects and other N50 billion backlog from 2014 fiscal year and when all the sundries are included, the actual votes for National Assembly in 2015 is about N227 billion,” Onyekpere said.

While speaking on a major constitutional breach allegedly commitment by the National Assembly, Onyekpere said: “The review by RMAFC led to a new enactment being the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office holders (salaries and allowances, etc) (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2008. The Act No.1 of 2008 was signed on 25th day of June 2008 by President Musa Yar’Adua and had a commencement date of February 2007.

“Essentially, an Act of the National Assembly had no retroactive effect in a democracy. This goes against all known precepts of constitutionalism as a law takes effect from the date of its assent by the President or any other future date indicated in the body of the law.

Involvement of Military in Ekiti, Osun Guber Polls: APC, PDP polls: Army commanders summoned in Battle Royale The last may not have been heard about the controversy involving the military in the 2014 elections in Ekiti and Osun states as the commanders involved have been summoned by the Military panel investigation the roles of its men.

During the elections, there were allegations and counter allegations that the Military men deployed to the states aided one political party against the other to clinch victory at the polls. Indeed, there were talks of tape recordings of some of the discussions by the dramatis personnel who were said to be involved.

The five-man panel of inquiry set up by the Army to investigate the roles of its officers and men during the 2014 elections in Ekiti and Osun states as well as the 2015 general elections in some areas Has commenced work on its assignment after its inauguration.

However, as at Monday, it is yet to receive any petition from the public or Civil Society Organisa-

tions (CSO).

The panel, which has the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Headquarters, 1 Division, Kaduna, Maj-Gen Adeniyi Oyebade as its President, confirmed this at a briefing on the update of its sitting which began on Monday.

Gen Oyebade, however said, commanders and officers deployed in the affected states had been giving their testimonies.

The President of the panel said there was nothing secret in the task given to them by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai, adding that the interrogation of the officers will be

carried out in-house behind closed doors while testimonies from the public may be open for media coverage.

“As we speak we are yet to receive any petition or memorandum from the public or civil society organisation. All petitions from the public will be treated with utmost dignity and respect and they have no reason to fear”, he stressed. General Oyebade reiterated that the panel has up till November 20 for receipt of any petition or memorandum and till November 26 to submit its report and recommendations to the COAS for further action.

Buratai

Fayose

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

pect by the time you renew our mandate for a second term in office. This is your government, the government of the people and we will not renege on our promise of developing the state and make it envy of other states in the Country.

“This, we cannot do alone, we need your support. This is our state, Jerusalem of Ijaw nation and all hands must be on deck to make it a commercial nerve centre of the Country.”

Expressing their delight over the visit and the location of the Bank in Oporoma, the people of Southern Ijaw communities said the governor has demonstrated his love for the people in the area.

According to them, this will be the first time since the state was created in 1996 that a sitting governor would visit all the communities in the area. It is historic.

And in Kogi, Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasiru El – Rufai, said APC) is now repositioned to

uproot the PDP and its government in Kogi State.

Also, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo told a crowd of supporters that turned out at one of the rallies to vote massively for Prince Audu, noting that people of Kogi could not afford to remain in the opposition as he enjoined them to align with government at the centre.

As both parties are claiming superiority over each other, in a matter of days, it will be clear who is in charge and the outcome may just influence the other election coming up two weeks after. Will APC continue its winning streak and chuck up more states, or will the PDP square up and retain the states in spite of all odds? Time, will definitely tell. One only hopes that the police and the security agents will stand up to their promise of a free and fair election which will be the acid test for both INEC and the APC-led federal government.,

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Alleged N1t fraud: Lamorde absent at Senate hearing, faces arrest

Ï dƆ ƐƆ ƍ ƓƆƏ Ɛ ƅ ƌƍƆƋ ƈ ƍƍƆ Ə ƅƆ – Keyamo Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÎÎÎAngered by his failure

to heed it summons, the Senate on Tuesday issued its last warning to the former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde compelling him to appear before it on November 24.

However, Festus Keyamo who stood in for Lamorde told the Senate that it has no constitutional powers to compel the appearance of former EFCC Chairman on the basis that he is no longer in office.

Keyamo, while speaking with reporters later, also argued that the Senate’s invitation to Lamorde had been overtaken by events, since the former EFCC boss no longer has access to official documents, and as such it may not be necessary for him to appear, although he may do so only as a witness.

The Senate had threatened to invoke its constitutional powers to issue a warrant of arrest to compel Lamorde’s appearance in the event of his failure to heed its last summons.

Lamorde was to appear before the Senate through

its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, but he failed to turn up, while his lawyer, Festus Keyamo, also the private Prosecutor for the EFCC, represented him.

Senate had summoned Lamorde on issues regarding an allegation that he and other officials of the EFCC misappropriated about N1 trillion forfeited by suspects.

However, the chairman of the Senate committee had complained that Lamorde has regrettably shunned its summons severally, stressing that since the past three months, all its efforts

to make him appear had proved futile.

The Senate, however, did not allow Keyamo to stand in for Lamorde, stating that section 89 of the Nigerian Constitution does not allow him to take an oath on behalf of the Chairman said to have travelled abroad on medical grounds.

Members of the Committee had chided Lamorde for not appearing as each of them described his action as disrespectful.

Responding, Kayamo told the Committee that the failure by Lamorde to appear before it was never borne

We need uncommon creativity to forestall collapse of economy – Buhari ÎÎÎPresident

Muhammadu Buhari has said that the focus of his administration’s economic policy was to elevate the ordinary man through empowerment and poverty alleviation He stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan at the University of Ibadan’s 67th Foundation Day and Award of Doctorate (PhD) degrees.

Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice-President, however, said that the nation needed creativity and thinking to forestall the imminent

He said that in spite of the fall in the price of oil, the nation still had the hope of a greater future.

Buhari called on Nigerians to embrace discipline, faithfulness, honesty and strong commitment to the nation’s development for the realisation of that hope.

The president also stressed the need for attitudinal change in the country, saying that it was a major factor hindering the country’s growth and development.

He said that the country was full of talents, creative

Chairman no longer necessitated his appearance.

He said Lamorde could only appear before the Senate as a witness in the hearing of the allegations against him since he is no longer in office as the EFCC Continued on page 23

Buhari orders arrest of Dasuki, others Continued from page 6 domiciled in the United kingdoms and the United States.

“Additionally, it was discovered that the former NSA directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer the sum of $132,050,486.97 and 9,905,473.55 Euros to the accounts of Societe D’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America for un-ascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions.

“The findings made so far are extremely worrying considering that the interventions were granted within the same period that our troops fighting the insurgency in the North East were in desperate need of platforms, military equip-

ment and ammunition. Had the funds siphoned to these non performing companies been properly used for the purpose they were meant for, thousands of needless Nigerian deaths would have been avoided.

“Furthermore, the ridicule Nigeria has faced in the international community would have been avoided.

It is worrisome and disappointing that those entrusted with the security of this great nation were busy using proxies to siphon the national treasury, while innocent lives were wasted daily.

“In light of these findings, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the relevant organisations arrest and bring to book, all individuals who have been found complicit in these illegal and fraudulent acts”, the statement added.

TSA: AGF disowns Remita

People queuing to purchase Kerosene at a filling station in Alapere, Lagos State… on Tuesday

collapse of her economy. ``In Nigeria, we are confronted with the GDP growth. This time calls for uncommon creativity and thinking on how to forestall the imminent collapse of our economy ``We need to think of how to unravel the morbid ideology of terrorists. How to turn around our economy into that which the people desired. ``We need to think of how poverty could be reduced and the unemployed in the country empowered,’’ he said.

out of disrespect for the Senate as he alluded to the omission in the letter of invitations sent to the former EFCC boss, in which case he said he was invited as former EFCC Chairman.

He told the Committee that Lamorde had felt that his removal as the EFCC

minds and great leaders but that its shortcoming could be attributed to the character of some Nigerians. ``The future of a nation lies on three major poles, namely creativity, technology and character. It is great to note that the most crucial of all is character, which combines resilience, humility and commitment.’’

Buhari promised that his administration would be more committed to the rule of law, public/private sector development and rapid infrastructure development.

Continued from page 6 a motion moved by Senator Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West) who called the attention of the plenary to a newspaper article, which he said, was published to blackmail the Senate on TSA. Saraki said: “No amount of either blackmail or intimidation will stop us from doing the work we have to do”.

“We have a responsibility here to ensure that there are no leakages in government funds and if there are, we will call the attention of the public and do whatever

it takes to salvage the situation; it is our responsibility.

“The fact about the TSA will come out and everybody will have opportunity before the committee to state the fact, the facts will speak for themselves.’’

Melaye while moving his motion said the article written by a Managing Director of a national daily (not Daily Times) was intended to rubbish the Senate’s attempt to probe the allegation of a rip-off by an agent appointed to manage the transfer of monies from Commercial Banks into the coffer of the Central Bank on the TSA initiative.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

13 International

Less than half African births properly registered

A family of refugees from Central Africa sit under a tent with their new baby.

ÏÏÏAfrican

birth registration officials meeting in Cameroon say more than half of births in Africa are not registered, which can make it hard for children to enroll in school or access health care. Experts say legal reforms and education for parents and registration authorities are key.

The Yaounde central hospital reports an average of 180 births

per month.

But the district's civil registrar, Dianna Monjuwa, said her office only processes about 60 birth certificates each month. Parents have three months to register their babies but many don't understand the process.

"For children born out of wedlock, the law states that the father's information should be left

least nine people were killed and more than 100 hundred injured on Tuesday when a train derailed in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, administration and railway officials said.

The accident occurred near the southwestern city of Quetta, capital of Baluchistan province, after the train's brakes failed as it sped down the side of a mountain, officials told AFP, with many of the injuries believed to be serious.

"Four carriages of a Rawalpindi-bound train which left Quetta Railway station were derailed near Abegum area of Bolan district, some 75km from Quetta city," Akbar Hussain Durrani, home secretary of Baluchistan, told AFP. "The incident happened because the brakes of the train failed," said Durrani.

Faiz Bugti, a senior official of the railways department, and head of local community police Tariq Zehri also confirmed the accident and casualties.

ÏÏÏYemeni President Abdu Rab-

bu Mansour Hadi returned to his country Tuesday for the second time since advancing Houthi fighters forced him to flee to ally Saudi Arabia in March.

Hadi arrived in the southern port city of Aden where he also made a brief visit in late September.

The Houthis captured Aden eight months ago after pushing south from the capital, Sana'a.

But their offensive brought on airstrikes from a Saudi-led coalition and ground fighting from pro-government forces that later pushed the Houthis back from the city.

For the past few months, other members of Hadi's government have been operating out of Aden, but Hadi has largely remained in Saudi Arabia as the coalition continued its offensive against the Houthis.

The fighting has killed thousands of people, many of them civilians, and led to what the U.N. calls a humanitarian crisis in the country.

Russia confirms bomb brought down Metrojet Kerry: US committed to increasing efforts against IS plane in Egypt

Nine killed, 100 injured as Pakistan ÏÏÏU.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday the Islamic train derails ÏÏÏAt

blank or the child is recognized, but most of the time they (mothers) will come with their grandfathers name saying the father did not show up. Most of the time people come here without their delivery certificates from the hospital. Most of the time they come after two years or three years when the child is about to go to school," said Monjuwa.

Cameroon's ministry of basic education reports at least 40 percent of children enrolling in primary school do not have birth certificates, which are required by law. That is on par with the situation throughout much of the continent.

African birth registration officials meeting in Yaounde say just 39 percent of newborns are registered at birth. The officials blame administrative delays and poor communication with parents in particular in rural communities.

Jean Luc Mastaki, economic affairs officer at the the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa says conflicts in places like Nigeria and CAR have also displaced millions of people making it difficult for them to register their babies and children. The laws are often not designed to accommodate displaced people.

"Within central and west Africa where we have a lot of demographic movement, we have to understand our population, who is who. It is about security to master who we are, how many are we. It is also related to human rights. Unless you have your civil registration act, you cannot have access to some protection related to human rights. It's all about identity," said Mastaki.

Yemeni President in rare visit to country

State group "will feel even greater pressure" in the coming weeks as the United States, France and other allies increase their efforts against the militants.

Kerry spoke in Paris after meeting with French President Francois Hollande and discussing different ways in which their governments can be more effective in battling the Islamic State group.

The two talked days after a series of shootings and suicide bombings in Paris killed at least 129 people and left hundreds wounded.

Kerry said Hollande will hold talks with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington next week on ways to ramp up efforts to target the Islamic State group, or Daesh, the group's Arabic name.

"We are absolutely committed to increasing our efforts in every degree possible – and thoughtfully, carefully," he said.

"My sense is that everybody understands that with Lebanon's attacks, with what's happened in Egypt, with Ankara, Turkey, with the attacks now in Paris, we have to step up our efforts to hit them at

ÏÏÏRussia,

the core where they are planning these things, and also obviously to do more on borders and in terms of the movement of people," Kerry said.

He also highlighted recent gains, saying the militants now control only a quarter of Syria's northern border and that he is "confident the momentum will pick up."

Hollande has vowed to strike “without mercy” at the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks.

Monday night, France launched a second series of airstrikes in two days against IS targets in Raqqa, the group’s Syrian stronghold.

Earlier Monday, he had said the Paris attacks had been planned in Syria.

French warplanes continued bombing Islamic State targets in Syria on Tuesday, hitting the group's de facto capital in Raqqa.

The defense ministry said 10 of its jets took part in the latest airstrikes aimed at a command center and a recruiting site.

Meanwhile, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said Tuesday that authorities carried out 128 raids overnight.

That followed even more raids the night before that ended with police detaining 23 people and placing 100 more on house arrest, as well as officials saying they had identified the suspected mastermind behind the deadly assault.

Three teams of militants staged coordinated attacks in Paris Friday night at six locations, including a concert hall, soccer staidum and at two restaurants, Paris officials said.

Seven attackers died, six by detonating their suicide vests and one in a shootout with police. Not all seven suspects have yet been identified by police.

Kerry

for the first time, confirmed that a terrorist bomb brought down a Russian passenger jet in Egypt last month, killing all 224 people on board.

Alexander Bortnikov, Head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), confirmed this during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.

He described the ill-fated Metrojet Airbus A321, leaving the popular Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, as a terrorist act.

Bortnikov said the plane was blown up by a ``homemade explosive device equivalent to 1 kilogramme of TNT, due to which the plane broke up in mid-air. ``This explains the spread of parts of the plane's fuselage over a large distance. ``The traces of a foreign-made explosive were found in the debris as well as on the belongings of those on board’’, he said.

Putin said Government would find the culprits anywhere in the world and punish them. ``This murder of our people in Sinai is among the bloodiest crimes.’’

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Alleged extortion: More Nigerians brace up to shut UK High Commission Ngozi Okafor

London As the deadline issued to President Muhammadu Buhari to shut London Nigerian High Commission draws near, more Nigerians living in the United Kingdom have pitched their tent with the movement, vowing to carry out their threat.

On Monday, a Nigerianborn Britain-based human rights activist, Professor Alexia Thomas, issued a 72hour ultimatum to President Buhari calling for a closure of the Nigerian High Commission in United Kingdom or face the wrath of Nigerians living there.

Thomas is the Chairman of the Commonwealth Lib-

ÏÏÏ

eration Party (TCLP), a registered political party in UK and President of Independent Diplomat Commission (IDC). She warned the Federal Government that if the threat was not heeded, it was pretty certain that the Nigerian House in the UK would be torched by Nigerians living in that country, in protest against their sufferings, which she attributed to the complicity of Nigerian diplomats there.

In an interview with journalists in London, Thomas fingered the High Commission in issues relating to unchecked corruption, fraud, illegal arrest, criminal torture of Nigerians arrested and detained in various Brit-

ish Immigration Centres in the UK; Nigerians who are awaiting deportation. She also alleged that officials of Nigerian High Commission trade every Nigerian deportee for the sum of £3,000 with the operatives of the UK Border Agency.

She maintained that there was a conspiracy between British Immigration and the UK Border Agency which led to her prison notes, for fighting for Nigerians’ freedom.

She had said, “President Buhari should honour our 72-hour ultimatum and shut down the Nigerian High Commission, if not, no one should be held responsible when Nigerian protesters and angry Nigerians set

Nigerian House on fire. If Buhari refuses to heed our advice, then, don’t blame us in any way.

“I ask the High Commission’s officials to resign, in the next 72 hours, because the Nigerian uprising commence, shortly. And if the Nigerian uprising stands, the Nigerian House in UK will need to be closed down,” she said.

According to her, while she had been working, relentlessly, to put a stop to the deportation of Nigerians and other citizens of the Commonwealth nations, officials of the Nigerian High Commission in the UK are adding to the plights of Nigerians in the country.

“I received a phone call from some distressed Nigerians already detained by British Immigration that a Nigerian lady called Mrs. Ngere, a Deputy Immigration Officer at Nigerian High Commission, came into British Immigration Detention Centre and told the Nigerians there to return to Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, she issued traveling document (TC) to British immigration to deport Nigerians, even after they (the Nigerians) protested against it. We believe Ngere could not have come there so boldly without the support of her boss (Chief Immigration Officer).

“Our investigation confirmed that the British Gov-

ernment are not aware of this scandal, as names of these detained Nigerians to be deported are written on the UK Border Agency document showing every deported Nigerians were handed the sum of 3,000 pounds each, as this sum was always collected and seized by officials of Nigerian High Commission, while deported Nigerians are never allowed to remove their property nor given a dime,” Thomas alleged.

The Daily Times contacted the High Commission via its email portal and telephone number for reactions to the allegations, but there was not response as of press time.

Emefiele to examine state of economy at Bankers’ dinner ÏÏÏThe

Smoke billowing from pipeline explosion at Military barracks, Warri, Delta State… on Tuesday

Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) will hold its 49th Annual Bankers’ Dinner, on November 20, 2015, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel 3, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Victoria Island, Lagos, at 6:00 p.m.

The event, which is the biggest, high-profile social forum organised by the Institute, will attract captains of industry, top government

Chike Ogeah's father passes on

ÏÏÏDr.

Govs move to ensure peace in South East Moses Oyediran

Enugu The South East Governor’s Forum has called on Movement for Actualisation of the Sovereign of State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to continue to toe the line of peace, as the only way to ensure economic development of the zone and Nigeria at large.

ÏÏÏ

In a communiqué read by the Imo State Governor Rochas Okokrocha at the end of their meeting at the Government House, Enugu, they resolved to consult, widely, with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, traditional rulers, development unions, the clergy and other stakeholders on how to ensure lasting peace in the zone.

In furtherance of this, the

Governors have scheduled an emergency meeting of stakeholders for Sunday, November 22, 2015, in Enugu, adding that attendance to the meeting would be for all honourable Ministers, Members of the National Assembly and other invited persons from the zone.

The Governors expressed concern over the poor state of the Federal Government

roads in the zone, among which are, Enugu-Onitsha road, Abat-Ikot Ekpene road and Owerri-Port Harcourt road and Enugu-Port Harcourt road.

They further agreed to appoint a high level Economic Advisory Committee to harness the economic potentials of the people of the South East, working together.

officials, members of the diplomatic community, as well as major stakeholders in the public and organised private sectors of the economy.

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, CON, FCIB, will be the Special Guest of Honour and will deliver a keynote address on the state of the economy and policy thrust of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Francis Uzoma Kwentua Ogeah, father of Chike Ogeah, a former Commissioner for Information, Delta State, has passed on.

Ogeah, a distinguished medical doctor, philanthropist and community leader, died peacefully in Lagos, on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 7a.m.

The Ogbueshi Ogeah was born in Asaba then Western Region of Nigeria on November 11, 1927, to the late Obi Thomas Ogeah and Mrs. Mgbonkwo Ogeah ( née Obanyan ) both of Asaba. He was the last of eight children.

After his house job at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, he joined the civil service of the Western region and subsequently Midwestern region. He worked in Badagry, Sagamu, Ilaro, Warri, Ondo, Sapele,Uromi, Benin, Asaba and Auchi from where he retired from the civil ser-

vice of Midwestern state in 1972 after the civil war.

He established the first the private hospital in Asaba, Chukwuweike Memorial Hospital, in memory of his beloved brother and benefactor Mr. Chike Christopher Ogeah.

He married the late Titilola Henrietta Ogeah (née Fadipe) in 1958 and they lived together till her death in August 2004.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchild, Ada and Sonny Akpata, Ngozi and Ejiofor Onyia, Chike and Funke Ogeah, his children.

Ogeah

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

15 Opinion

Nigerian politics,leadership and nation-building (1)

N

Amb. George A. Obiozor

igeria is a nation born in optimism in 1960 at independence but has in its 55years lived in a state of doubt and uncertainty.

Within those years too, all kinds of analysis and conclusions have been assembled on critical issues responsible for what has become a Nigerian dilemma over nation building and national development. This is because all the countries compared to Nigeria in 1960 have made astronomical progress, developed relatively stable political and economic systems. David Kemp compared Nigeria to Brazil in the 1960s; others spoke of Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

One of Nigeria’s fault lines was for a long time attributed to leadership failures, others suggested defective political and economic structures, and yet others spoke of the Nigerian national character or the “Nigerian factor”. Well, whichever, the reality is that in comparison to her other contemporaries, Nigeria was an abysmal disappointment in both expectations and achievements. This is obvious when one realises the position of India, Brazil, and Indonesia within the present international political and economic system.

LEADERSHIP Nigerian history is both fascinating and an object lesson in “politics

of precarious balancing” in a society of irrepressible pluralism and hostile sub-cultures. It is actually a country of outrageous paradox in the sense that it is constantly threatened not by those who have nothing to lose, but ironically, by the incoherent national political elites who have everything to lose. Consequently, although Nigeria is assessed as uniquely powerful in its African and global scope, at the domestic level the country is assessed as equally uniquely insecure and unstable. It is therefore imperative to recognise and accept, no matter how uncomfortable that the tensions and crises constantly in Nigeria arise not from imaginary but real issues which the national leadership must address urgently.

It is a historic fact that leadership is everything in governance and management of human affairs. Here also, history has furnished us with examples of specific qualities and attributes that contribute to effective leadership.

These include clear sense of purpose or mission and vision, charisma and the ability to motivate others in a way that favours compliance, dedication and devotion to the fulfillment of the vision and the mission. The late sage – Chinua Achebe – summarised Nigeria’s leadership problems in his book – The Trouble with Nigeria. Accordingly, he said “Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise

to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal examples which are the hallmarks of true leadership”. He further concluded that “in spite of all conventional opinion, Nigeria has been less fortunate in its leadership”, and placed the blame on the “seminal absence of intellectual rigour in the political thought of our founding fathers”.

Leadership and nation building have consistently been Nigeria’s most constant priority agenda before and since independence fifty-five years ago. Unfortunately, in spite of all good intentions and spirited efforts of the nation’s leaders since 1960, these twin problems have remained a national dilemma. Throughout Nigeria’s history, sub-national or ethnic nationalism has dominated and sabotaged all meaningful discussions and debates about national integration.

In fact, no generation of leaders, military or civilian, has been able to create an atmosphere of credibility to ensure Nigeria’s claim to a political future as a nation. None was able to evolve a unifying national ideology that was embraced either by fellow political elites or by the entire Nigerians. Recently, some Nigerian political leaders have said, “Nigerian unity is not negotiable”. This is an irony because these leaders have forgotten, or have failed to learn, the lessons of history. Nigerian unity is definitely negotiable and must be re-negotiated for it to stand or survive the test of

time. The reality over the years remains that in spite of the best efforts of all our past leaders, Nigerian unity is not guaranteed. It is simply, at best, an aspiration and not yet an achievement. Hence, the statement that Nigerian unity is “not negotiable” is simply a historical fallacy. In fact, just recently too, in a brainstorming exercise at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), one outstanding scholar referred to our country as one of the “most and fastest declining states in the world” and supported the assertion with startling and incontrovertible statistics. If we are to salvage our country, we must begin to face reality, stop the syndrome of self-deception and self-delusion about Nigerian historical exceptionality.

Today, if the truth must be told, our diversity has turned into disorder, and our democracy into an invitation to incremental anarchy.

For Nigerian unity and nation building to succeed the leaders need to borrow a leaf from or emulate the experiences of countries that did not ignore the element of pluralism in their respective countries and societies. Nationalism, including ethnic nationalism, is not about to disappear in the world generally, and certainly not in Nigeria, no matter how much we want to wish it away. It is still a potent force and all its advocates feel they have a strong case and believe that history is on their side.

To be continued

Saraki: Making of a team player

E Adikwu Samuel Ebo

ffective leadership is the discovery of the belief, reason, idea, conviction of a cause not just to live for but also to die for. It Is not manipulation or brainwashing, rather it is the ability to submit to constituted authority and be motivated by passion.

Our society needs leaders at the helm of the affairs and in position of resources to support and encourage others to fulfill their dreams and aspiration. A good leader should live as if his act could become a universal law for all people. He should practice leadership ethics of prudence, justice and benevolence.

John F. Kennedy as President of the United States of American demonstrated clear purpose of helping the poor, when he initiated the Peace Corps programme. He also inspired American to invest billions of dollars in space exploration.

Dr. Bukola Saraki, a doyen medical doctor with brilliant minds turned astute politician, a reformer to deformed institutions and destinies especially those who have nothing to give in returns. As a patriot,he believed that his candle cannot dim through lighting others.

During his meritorious service as the governor of Kwara State, he left a positive footprint and an unprecedented legacy in agriculture, education, quality health care, youth empowerment and several infrastructural developments.

His leadership phenomenal stands unequalled when he chaired Nigerian Governors Forum.

He stood firm and gallant to be counted when its mattered to the nation by providing leadership to his colleagues. He is the first governor to be awarded the National Commander of the order of Niger (CON).

He is a leader who has fortified his intellect and temperament with carapace of humility, uprightness, audacity, radiating charisma and resilient hope for change. When he was elected as the president of Nigeria Senate, he advocates tenaciously to peaceful alluring dialogue and harmonious relationship as a hallmark for political stability and conflict resolution. As a political emperor, he has foreseen that an act of disunity and rancor is a luggage too expensive to carry.

He has vowed that the 8th senate will be people’s centered senate where interest and welfare of Nigerians is paramount. The legislative activities under his meticulous

watch will make new laws, update existing laws and repel laws that are no more fashionable.

They will reinvigorate oversight functions, transform non oil sectors, explore several sources of revenue, suffocate corruption, block all revenue leakages, and provide healthy and conducive environment for local and international investment to thrive.

However, it is a Herculean task but it is not going to be business as usual, as the era of profligate tantrums exercise by any arms of government is over.

He wants his administration to hit the ground running by fulfilling campaign promises and yearning of the people.

As a social pragmatist, the physically challenged people in the society will be in the front burner of his administration.

Comprehensive accountable system will installed to reduce the running cost of governance for efficient service delivery. Effective communication system will be initiated; while monitoring and evaluation, committee will be on their feet to overhaul any moribund projects.

As a consummate team player he has seen that Nigerian is blessed with abundant resources which are

yet untapped and there is need for all stakeholders to form a formidable team to address this colossal economic menace.

Nigerians have been clamouring for change and that was the beacon of hitch-free election. We have been waiting patiently to enjoy dividends of democracy. We want to see the government in a proactive state. Time is our scarce and lean resources, which must be maximally utilised. Our democracy is still tender and not yet matured.

On this grounds, we solicit for total collaboration of all stakeholders that are ready for the task in nation building, egalitarian and crime free society to lay down their arms and work with the leadership of Dr. Saraki as President of the Senate. This is bearing in mind that power and leadership comes from God. Therefore, internal rancour and greedy quest for supremacy should not be at the fore to the extent that the core obligation of the National Assembly will not be given an efficient approach.

Let every one embrace peace and dialogue as tool for robust legislative activities. There is no need for vitiating, bellyaching and lampooning the leadership but to give Saraki our blessing and unflinching support for the sake of our democracy.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Business Times Æ s Coscharis unveils Ford Ranger mini truck in Nigeria Friday Atufe

Coscharis Motors has unveiled Ford Ranger Pick Up Truck made in Nigeria under the new automotive policy of the Federal Government.

President of Coscharis Motors, Dr. Cosmos Maduka said at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos yesterday that the vehicle was came was assembled at its facility that was set up in partnership with Ford Motors of South Africa.

The Ford’s semi-knockdown (SKD) operation in Nigeria was established in partnership with the local Ford dealer group, Coscharis Motors Limited, and is based in Ikeja, Lagos State, ap-

proximately 750km south-west of Nigeria’s capital city Abuja.

Maduka said the models that would be built initially in Nigeria are the 2.5 petrol 4x4 double cab base and the 3.2 TDCi XLT 4X4.

The Ford Ranger trucks will be assembled at a semi-knockdown level, using body parts and components imported from Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in South Africa.

Maduka, said: “We have worked hard and moved quickly to turn this dream into a reality.

Today marks an important milestone when the cogs in the wheel really start to turn, not only for Ford in Nigeria, but in general for the Nigerian industry, which

is receiving a much needed boost towards industrialisation and the development of the automotive industry.

“We are committed to setting the bar high, and establishing world-class, best practices in Nigeria that every other industrialist will have to be judged by. This is a major milestone for us and marks another first in the evolution of our company.”

Also speaking, Mr. Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO Ford Motor Company of Sub-Saharan Africa region said, “The facility will accommodate one shift and will produce an initial 10 units per day for the Nigerian market, creating approximately 180 direct

and indirect jobs. Over time, this will gradually expand.”

He said the main driver behind Ford in Africa is affordability. Africa is one of the youngest markets in the world and presents a huge opportunity in terms of consumption.

Nemeth said, “The buying power of the African consumer is on the rise as the continent’s middle class increases exponentially. Despite infrastructure challenges, Africa has demonstrated impressive returns on foreign direct investment.”

He explained that “New assembly operations, even on a small scale, have positive knock-on effects in the local economy and

17

workforce. In line with the operating procedures for Ford plants around the world, Ford will send experienced employees to Nigeria to assist with implementing the Global Ford Production System, which focuses on the highest standards for safety, quality and delivery.”

He said Nigeria is a significant market in Ford’s Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region and accounts for a solid percent of the regional sales – the reason why Ford is committed to increasing market share in Nigeria, and other key African markets in the future.

He added that unified growth strategy for the continent, with the formation of the new Middle East and Africa business unit in 2014, has also enabled Ford to consolidate its efforts in Africa.

Nemeth said, “Ford has taken steps to support its dealers in Africa, including after sales support and ensuring parts availability,” Nemeth said.

STOCK MARKET REPORT

NSE ASI declines by 0.63% over profit taking Adesola Akindele The Nigerian equities market closed on a negative note as lead indicators dropped by 0.63 per cent against 1.07 per cent decline previously recorded because of profit taking by discerning investors. Specifically, the All Share Index lost 181.53 points to close at 28,351.28 points against 308.86 points lost on Monday to close at 28,532.81 basis points.

Market capitalization also dropped N62.4 billion to close at N9.746 trillion against N106.2 billion lost on Monday to close at N9.808 trillion.

Price movement on the Equity board showed that Livestock Plc led 14 gainers with a 5.00 per cent or 7 kobo increase to close at N1.47 per share, followed by Portland Paints Plc which added 4.82 per cent or 17 kobo to close at N3.70 per share, while Transcorp Plc increased 4.44 per cent or 8 kobo to close at N1.88 per share.

ABC Transport Plc appreciated 4.00 per cent or 8 kobo to close at 52 kobo per share, while Academy Press Plc grew 3.51 per cent or 2 kobo to close at 59 kobo per share.

On the flip side, UAC Property Plc led 24 equity losers with a loss of 9.62 per cent or 70 kobo to close at N6.58 per share, followed

by Dangote Flour Plc which lost 9.54 per cent or 23 kobo to close at N2.18 per share, while First Bank Holdings Plc dropped 7.52 per cent or 41 kobo of the 42 kobo gained on Monday to close at N5.04 per share.

Berger Paints Plc declined 4.99 per cent or 48 kobo to close at N9.13 while Guinness Nigeria Plc decreased 4.99 per cent or N6.74 kobo to close at N128.24 per share.

In all, a total of 130.1 million shares worth N2.5 billion were traded by investors in 3,156 deals compared to 202.22 million shares valued at N1.093 million exchanged by investors in 2,614 deals on Monday.

L-R: Committee Chairman, Rivers 2015 Trade Fair, Mr Nable Saleh; President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (Phccima), Mr Emeka Unachukwu, and First Deputy President of Phccima, Mr Eme-Membre Otaji, at a news conference on the fourth-coming Rivers 2015 Trade Fair, in Port Harcourt on Monday

40 firms to participate in first micro insurance fair Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) has said that no fewer than 40 insurance companies would participate at the first micro insurance fair in the country.

Mr. Sunday Thomas, DirectorGeneral of NIA told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that the fair was aimed at ``dragging`` all Nigerians, especially low income earners into the insurance net.

NAN reports that the micro insurance fair, which will hold on Nov. 18 in Lagos, will have the theme: “Making Insurance Work for the Informal Sector.”

He said that the NIA realized the need to develop micro insur-

ance as part of industry growth strategies many years ago.

He said,” Though micro insurance growth was stunted because big insurance players have refused to embrace it because they are not ready for the peanut premiums in it.

But through extensive capacity building of NIA, insurance companies realized that there are over 60 million opportunities in micro insurance, so they embraced it. All Nigerians can now access insurance and enjoy business sustainability.”

He said the first micro insurance fair would bring together traders and low income earners who had previously shunned in-

surance.

“The companies will display various products aimed at protecting low income earners with regular premium payment proportionate to the likelihood and cost of the risk involved,” he said.

Thomas said that the companies had paradigm shift in their market approach and had plans to make insurance more relevant, accessible and affordable to more Nigerians.

He said that micro insurance remained the panacea for poverty eradication, stressing that insurance companies were already establishing themselves in the retail market.

Aviation 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Passengers besieged Medview for London tickets Ahead of its inaugural flight to Gatwick, intending passengers are now making their last minute bookings in preparation for their London trip.

As at the time Daily Times visited the reservation desk of Medview Airlines at it’s headquarters in Ikeja, intending passengers were seen making payment for their trips.

With a fare of N150,000 in-

tending passengers were excited that there was an alternative means of travelling to London after the recent sack of Nigeria crew with Virgin Atlantic.

It was learnt that most passengers have shifted from other airlines to Medview Airlines as a result of its reduced fares on the London route.

The airline will be making history Friday when it will commence it’s flight into Gatwick

from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The Managing Director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole at a media conference, announced that Medview Airline was ready to face the competition on the route after studying the trend for so many years.

According to Bankole, various in flight services will be provided to attract more customers to the airline.

NASI berates FG over uncertified airports Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Captain Dung Pam, President, Nigerian Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI) has blamed the federal government for its inability to certify any airport in the country.

Speaking in an interview, Capt Pam noted that not a single airport in Nigeria has met all the safety and operational requirements to be fully certified.

The NASI President expressed worry that eleven years after the then minister of aviation Isa Yuguda’s ministerial committee discovered over 70 illegal airports/heliports that the country Pam

Sirika must overhaul aviation agencies The minister of state for aviation Senator Hadi Sirika has been urged to carry out total overhaul of the aviation sector to guarantee productivity in the sector.

The publisher of Aviation and Maritime safety magazine, Alhaji Abdulyekeen Ibn Umar who made this call while commenting on changes expected in the industry said a lot of changes needed to be carried out.

Abdulyekeen said safety must be paramount and the need to install close circuit television cameras within and outside the airport for proper monitoring of activities.

He advised the minister to carry stakeholders along in decision making as it was the only way to

succeed in the sector.

According to Abdulyekeen, there was need for change in the sector adding that a situation whereby retired people were given contract staff while fresh graduates looking for jobs should be discouraged saying that graduates ought to be employed first.

He condemned the imbalance in the appointment of senior management staff to positions in the parastatals calling for administrative restructuring of the system.

Sirika

was still grappling with stow away and airport perimeter/air side security breaches.

While condemning the multiple designations and entry points to foreign airlines without serious consideration of medium and long term economic and security implications, Pam said the process was dared of transparency and reeks of high handed personal interest as opposed to national interest.

According to Pam “The reason why Nigerian airlines are unable to commensurately reciprocate our bilateral air service agreement is because they are weak, disorganized and fragmented.”

He urged the government to

reverse the current situation by creating policies and implementing strategies that will facilitate the emergence of strong, organized and viable local airlines.

Pam blamed the government for the present woes in the aviation sector stressing that two major Nigeria’s scheduled operators, Arik and Aero were facing possible insolvency despite government monetary interventions.

He advised the government to wake up to its responsibilities and facilitate the induction of the 17 under performing capable of profitable airlines capable of providing the world class service Nigerians deserved.

Africa gives 2017 deadline for air transport liberalisation Participants at the just concluded African Airline Association (AFRAA) General Assembly said they are expecting fully liberalized African skies by January 2017.

The event, under the patronage of under the high patronage of President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou N’guesso held from November 8 to November 10, 2015 at the Complexe Sportif de la Concorde in Kintele under the title “Open Skies: Growth through Competition and Collaboration.

In total, 35 airlines attended.

More than 350 participants discussed strategies to promote the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, which enshrines free access for air carriers to intra-African connections.

Even though it was adopted by 44 countries in November 1999, to date, only 11 African countries have committed to implementing it effectively.

The Yamoussoukro Decision

committed 44 signatory countries to deregulating air services and to opening regional air markets to transnational competition. The implementation of this agreement, however, has been slow, and the benefits have not been realised.

A report by economic consultants InterVISTAS outlines the benefits that would accrue if 12 African nations were to implement the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision.

It reported that the additional services generated by intra- African liberalisation between just 12 key markets will provide an extra 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A potential five million passengers a year are being denied the chance to travel between these markets because of unnecessary restrictions on establishing air routes.

Aviation already supports 6.9 million jobs and more than $80 billion in GDP across Africa.

The InterVISTAS research demonstrates that liberalization will create opportunities for further significant employment growth and economic development.

At the beginning of the discussion, the leader of the AFRAA member airlines received valuable support from the Congolese President.

His words, “One of the great merits of your association is the awareness that unity is strength and that in your industry salvation lies in the need for solidarity, in sharing essential resources and in vital synergy. Your association pursues ambitions and goals that are in perfect harmony with the African Union.

The active participation of N’guesso at the 47th General Assembly of AFRAA is highly symbolic. The Republic of Congo is committed to making air transport one of the major pillars of its economic diversification strategy.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

19 Agric

CBN extends N20b single digit interest facility to farmers Stories by Isaac Agber The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has initiated a three-pronged programme under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), to avail farmers in Kebbi State a micro credit from the initially launched N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF).

Under the scheme, CBN has already set aside N20 billion to the farmers at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari will today, 17th November, 2015, perform the formal launch of the ABP, scripted to also assist small scale farmers in the state to increase the production and supply of feedstock to agro-processors and rice.

According to a statement from the apex bank, the initiative is aimed at creating an Ecosystem to link Small Holder Farmers to local processors, increase banks’ financing to the agricultural sector, enhance capacity utilization of agricultural firms involved in the production of identified com-

modities, as well as the productivity and incomes for farmers.

The policy document also contained plans that will build capacity of banks in agricultural lending to farmers, entrepreneurs in the value chain and ultimately reduce commodity importation. “It will also reduce the level of poverty among small holder farmers and create jobs, while assisting rural small-holder farmers to grow from subsistence to commercial production levels,” the statement said.

Besides, the scheme will boost extension workers’ capacity,

through the implementation of a customized value-chain finance modules for banks and an “agribusiness” training protocol for farmers.

Already, a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy has been incorporated into the ABP model, to ensure feasibility of the programme.

However, other features of this new agricultural initiative include the Identification and selection of Small Holder Farmers, grouping them into viable cooperatives/clusters, registration of the cooperatives, determination

of the economics of selection and engagement of banks/ insurance companies.

Moreover, the initiative also include opening of bank accounts by cooperatives/farmers, loan application and disbursement, commencement of agronomic practices and distribution of agro-inputs at recommended periods.

Key Stakeholders in the ABP, beside CBN, include Federal Ministry of Agriculture, state governments, development partners, farmers and agro-allied processors, among others.

National Finance Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc., Adesola Sotande-Peters; Conference Chairperson, Lady Maiden Alex Ibru; Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh; Chairperson, WIMBIZ Executive Council, Osayi Alile; Brand Building Director – Foods, Unilever Nigeria Plc., Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe and Corporate Affairs Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc., Soromidayo George at the WIMBIZ 14th Annual Conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

Okomu Oil Palm spent N20m on skilling of staff, says boss Nigerian agricultural institutions need assistance in the area of technological improvement, the Managing Director of Okomu Oil Plam Plc, Dr Graham Hefer has observed.

Hefer, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said agricultural institutions including universities of agriculture where the agriculture scientists are, need assistance to upgrade technology, and get the people into the 21st century.

He stated this consequent upon his findings that the newest book in the library of Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) was written in 1953. He, however, said that Okomu Oil Palm Plc has been assisting NIFOR the best way it can with laboratory systems.

“The newest book on their library was 1953 before we gave them a library full of books. They could not do the soil sample test for their courses because they never had any of the required chemicals needed to test the soils.

We assisted them because those are the types of people that will come through the ranks to us; if we don’t help them there, we will have to teach them here again, it is an extra cost to the company,” Hefer said.

He said his company recently spent about #20m in skilling and re-skilling people alone. He lamented the lack of skilled personnel; noting that looking at upgrading skills, “one of the biggest problems we have here in Nigeria is that of getting the requisite skills, farming is no longer pickand- shovel, you have to have sophisticated people learning what they need to do.”

The Okomu boss lamented that despite the fact that NIFOR is the oldest oil palm research institute in the world with very promising potentials “unfortunately it is falling behind, with their own starting with second generation seeds, most other countries in the world are already into third generation, these are the things that need to move forward,” Hefer stated.

Nigeria may once again, witness boom in cocoa production, as its output is expected to hit over 295,000, about 5.4 percent rise from last season.

According to reports, last season’s yields totaled 280,000 tonnes, short of a 300,000 tonnes estimate as dry weather in 2014 and 2015 hindered the development of the mid-crop.

Though, International Cocoa Organization, ICCO, gave lower estimates of Nigerian cocoa output, forecasting last season’s production at 210,000 tonnes.

The President of Cocoa Association of Nigeria, CAN, Sayina Riman, disclosed that the output increased, after late rains in October while November will help in pod formation.

He also noted that Cocoa season in Nigeria, regarded as the world’s fourth biggest producer runs from October to September with October-to-February as main crop, disclosing that it has a smaller light or mid-crop that begins in April or May and runs through September.

“Our initial forecast was a drop, we were expecting 240,000 tonnes. But two months of favour-

Nigeria’s cocoa output to hit 295,000 tonnes this season

Cocoa plantation

able weather has brought about cherries that have grown into pods. That’s enough to give us an increase in production” Riman stated.

He said that farmers were optimistic for the main crop because of the late rains, which could push the 2015 and 2016 harvest up to March, adding that cocoa trees were shedding fruits before now due to dry weather, saying the intermittent rainfall with sunshine since October has been helping the beans.

Commenting on the prospects of higher yields, Emmanuel Ajayi, who owns five-hectare co-

coa farm in Ondo state, explained that “cocoa is flowering now and bringing new leaves.

Those flowers most of them will turn to pod that will come up for February/March 2016 harvest,” said. However, farmers and produce analysts believe that the output may be affected, if the rains stopped and hoping to continue so that bean formation will not be disrupted.

Federal Government is working on agricultural commodities, including cocoa, to help plug shortfalls from oil revenues, which has been hammered by low crude prices.

ICT 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

NCC unmasks mystery behind fine on MTN ÏÏÏ ƆƉƄ Ǝ ƕƄ ƕƉƆ Ƅ Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has finally unmasked the mystery behind fine on MTN Nigeria which has been an issue in the public domain as to what actually gave rise to the N1.04trillion sanctions.

A statement by NCC made available to Daily Times showed that the fine was a result of violation of Section 20(1) of the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulation of 2011.

NCC’s explanations came on the heels of statement credited to MTN Group on Monday saying the Nigeria’s telecoms regulator had extended the deadline for the payment of the N1.04 trillion (5.2 billion dollars) fine imposed on it, pending the conclusion of negotiations.

The statement quoted Phuthuma Nhleko, chairman of the Group to have personally met with NCC to continue the ongoing discussions regarding the fine.

MTN claimed that the discussions included matters of noncompliance and the remedial measures that might have to be adopted to address it.

But referring to Section 20 (1) of Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations 2011, NCC said that “Any licensee who activates or fails to deactivate a subscription medium in violation of any provision of these Regulations is liable to a penalty of N200,000.00 for each unregistered but activated subscription medium.”

The regulator said it fined Globacom N7.4 million, Etisalat N7 million, Airtel N3.8 million and MTN N102.2 million.

The fines, imposed in August 2015, were paid by all the telcos apart from MTN, according to Tony Ojobo, NCC director of public affairs, in a press statement on Monday.

MTN later got a fine of N1.04trillion for not deactivating 5.1 million unregistered lines.

Although the statement was silent on the fate of MTN which has until midnight on Monday to pay its fine, Ojobo recounted the events that led to the imposition of heavy sanctions on the largest mobile operator in Africa.

Ojobo said: “Following the sanctions placed on MTN Nigeria, by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), members of the public have expressed diverse interest as to what actually transpired.

“The fine was a result of violation of Section 20(1) of the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulation of 2011. “Section 20 (1) of Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations 2011 states that: “Any licensee who activates or fails to deactivate a subscription medium in violation of any provision of these Regulations is liable to a penalty of N200,000.00 for each unregistered but activated subscription medium.”

“The fine of N1.04Trillion on MTN Nigeria by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was done in the interest of the public which has been at the receiving end of security challenges.

“Consequent upon the overwhelming evidence of non-compliance, and obvious disregard to the rule of engagement by MTN, the NCC had no choice but to impose the sanctions.

“MTN, in a letter of November 2, 2015 admitted the infraction and pleaded for leniency.

The Commission has acknowledged this and is looking into their plea without any prejudice to the fine.The fine remains but the appeal and other engagements with MTN may affect the payment deadline.

“The fine that was imposed on MTN was the second within two months after the operators were given a seven-day ultimatum to deactivate all unregistered and improperly registered Subscrib-

L-R: Chairman and Founder, Israel Ovirih; Event and Promotion Manager, Bello Adedoja and Chief Operating Officer, Damola Kolawole all of 3D Makery Nigeria during the unveiling of the company in Lagos recently.

er Identification Module (SIM) Cards.

While others complied, MTN did not. “On August 4, 2015, at a meeting of all the representatives of the Mobile Network Operators (MNO), with NCC, major security challenges through preregistered, unregistered and improperly registered SIM Cards topped the agenda after which Operators were given the ultimatum to deactivate such within seven days.

“On August 14, 2015, three days after the ultimatum expired, NCC carried out a network audit, while other Operators complied with the directive, to deactivate the improperly registered SIM Cards, MTN showed no sign of compliance at all.

“Please recall that four (4) Operators, MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat, were sanctioned in August for none compliance of the directive to deactivate the improperly registered SIM Cards. MTN got a fine of N102.2Million, Globacom N7.4Million, Etisalat N7Million and Airtel N3.8Million fine.

Others complied while MTN flouted the fine. “Based on the report of the compliance Audit Team, an Enforcement Team which visited MTN from September 2 – 4, 2015 wherein MTN admitted that the Team confirmed that 5.2million improperly registered SIM Cards were still left active on their network; hence, a contravention of the Regulations was established.

“Consistent with the Commission’s enforcement process, MTN was by a letter dated October 5, 2015, given notice to state why it should not be sanctioned in line with the Regulations for failure to deactivate improperly registered SIM Cards that were found to be active at the time of enforcement team’s visit of September 15, 2015.

“On October 19, 2015, the Commission received and reviewed MTN’s response and found no convincing evidence why it should not be sanctioned for the established violations.

“Accordingly, by a letter dated October 20, 2015 the Commission

conveyed appropriate sanctions to MTN in accordance with Regulations 20(1) of the Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulation 2011, to pay the Sum of N200, 000.00 only for each of the 5.2million improperly registered SIM Cards.

“The statement further averred that: In order to ensure proper identification of telephone subscribers with their biometric data and in line with international best practice, the Commission came up with a framework for the registration of telephone subscribers in Nigeria.(Nigerian Communications Commission Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations 2011).

“The above Regulations were developed with the full participation of all key industry Stakeholders including all Mobile Network Operators (MNO) in 2011.

“The Commission on its part has a statutory responsibility to monitor and enforce compliance to the rules. More so, when national security is at stake.”

jƄƉƄƃ Ɗ ƄƍƐƆƃƄ Ƌƍ ƐƆƕƄƍ ƐƄ MÕêƽƊ Ə ƉƉƓ ƅƍ Ɗ ƃ éƉ ƃ ƎƆ Telecom services providers are now benefiting from Telecommunications infrastructure sharing initiatives it adopted as a way of reducing cost and now save some N6.4million annually.

Daily Times findings have revealed that telecom towers Use 1.4m Litres of diesel per day to power their base transceiver stations (BTS), while an operator requires about N10 million annually to run a base station, such

service will cost a licensed infrastructure building company about N3.6million per annum.

A licensed infrastructure building company builds and operates base stations, and telecom towers leased out to service providers.

An operator requires some N10 million annually to run a base station but such service cost a licensed infrastructure building company about N3.6million

per annum.

According to Satis Kumar, chief operating officer, Direct On Data, an ISP provider which uses collocation services said that “if telecommunications infrastructure provider companies are not at such location it will be difficult for an operator like us to expand to such area because there is a huge cost outlay to build and run a tower single handedly when you don’t know

the number of customers that will subscriber to your service” It was also revealed that a colocated tower which houses 3 to 5 base stations use 27KVA generator to supply power while a tower that houses a single base station uses 15KVA generator.

More so, a 27KVA generator consumes 3 litres of diesel per hour depending on the age of such generator.

It was gathered that currently

towers run on generator in an average of 20 hours a day and in summary 20,000 of co-located towers in the country that uses 27KVA generator consumes some 1.2million litres of diesel a day, while towers that house single base station which are 5,000 consume 200,000 litres of diesel a day bringing the total consumption of generators deployed in towers around the country to 1.4m litres per day.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

ISE OLUWA NI CHRIST MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

21 Public Notice

OLUWABAMISHE SOCIAL CLUB

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990 Trustees: 1. FANIHUN AYOOLUWA IDOWU — G.O 2. FANIHUN OLUWAGBEMIGA JAMES — Secretary 3. FEMI ALONGE GBEMISOLA — Treasurer Aims: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secertary

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990 Trustees: 1. Tehinse Bamidele John — (Chairman); 2. Moshood Irewole Olanrewaju — (Secretary) 3. Sakirudeen Samuson Adewale 4. Adetunji Abimbola Rufus 5. Temitope Ajayi Philip 6. Balogun Shamusideen Adek 7. Adekoya Kazeem Ola 8. Oguntade Kazeem O.; 9. Gazal Aruba Otanlu.

AIMS: 1. To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the members 2. To afford its members the means of mutual helpfulness 3. To give its member the benefit of social enjoyment.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

THE GREAT MINDER’S CLUB

NOBLE PASEDA INTEGRITY FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named CLUB has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘’C’’ Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1. ADEOLA BABATUNDE FELIX — CHAIRMAN 2. AMUKU OTARU JACKSON — GENERAL SECRETARY 3. ALADE NURUDEEN OLABANJI — FINANCIAL SECRETARY 4. OMOJOLA SEUN — PRO 5. AYODEJI OLUWASEUN .O — CHIEF WHIP AIM AND OBJECTIVE To promote unity among members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to theregistrar, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: TRUSTEES

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘’C’’ Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. OTUNBA OLATUNDE ROTIMI PASEDA 2. ASIWAJU MUFUTAU OLADAPO ONASANYA 3. ENGR. MATHEW BABATUNDE ADEKOLA FOLARIN (JP) 4. AARE OLASENI EGBEYEMI 5. MR. SAMUEL KAYODE ADEOGUN 6. MR. DELE ADEBAYO OYETORO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provides for the less privileged.

2. To raise up future giants for a better tomorrow Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent,off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

SISTERS OF DIVINE VOCATIONS The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990 TRUSTEES; 1. ANNA SANTORO — REV. SISTER 2. RITA IJEOMA KALU — REV. SISTER 3. PATRICIA CHINWE AKUBUO — REV. SISTER AIMS: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2. TO ASSIST THE ORPHANS AND LESS PRIVILEGE Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE ENVIABLE CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Pastor Akinteye Akinwunmi(General Overseer/president).

2. Pastor Adeji Alfred Arikawe.(Member) 3. Pastor Ita Joseph(member) 4. Rev.Toyin Kehinde(member) Aims and objectives: 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Peter Ehijinwa and co (legal Practitioners) No 26 idimu Road ikotun.college Bus.lagos state.

ABESAN ESTATE RESIDENT YOUTHS ASSOCIATION

INITIATIVE FOR A GREENER AFRICA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. JAMES, GOODLUCK OZUEM — Chairman.

2. AMOSU, ADEGBOYEGA OLUFEMI. 3. TURTON, OLUWAROTIMI ADEKO. 4. SIKADI CYNTHIA CHUKWUDUMEBI. 5. EKPOKI JIMOH MOMOH — Secretary.

Aims and objectives: 1. To promote peace and unity among members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADENIYI PHILIP AYOOLA 2. IKUFISILE OLUFUNMILAYO GRACE 3. ADENIYI OLUSOLA EMMANUEL 4. OGUNSHOTE OLUFUNMILAYO AJOKE 5. ADENIYI ADEOLU JAMES 6. YETUNDE FAGBOHUNKA Aims and Objectives: 1. To bridge ageing gap in Nigeria.

2. To promote Agricultural and farming among Nigeria Youth & Rural Women.

3. To promote Gardening Culture in Nigeria.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

GRACEBASE DESTINY RESTORATION ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Names of Trustees 1. Pastor Onuoha Felix — Chairman 2. Pastor (Mrs) Onuoha Oluchi Grace — Vice Chairman.

3. Evang Emereole Newman — Secretary 4. Evang Odunna Roseline — Member 5. Sis Mgbarine Imma Chioma — Member 6. Bro Nwosu Dominic — Member Aims 1. To preach the word of God Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi lronsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within Twenty Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

THE GATE OF PURITY AND EVIDENCE OF CHRIST MINISTRY

NETWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT ACTION AND CHANGE INITIATIVE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROPHET ELIJAH AYOKUNLE- CHAIRMAN 2. MRS ELIJA FUNMILAYO ADEJUMO 3. MR SIMEON ABIODUN ABOLARIN 4. SAMUEL ABIODUN 5. AKINTOLA OLANIYI EMMANUEL-SECRETARY. Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi lronsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within Twenty Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Barr Victor Modupe. Solicitor.

Tel: 08033614446

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

Trustees 1. Imonitie Omo-Ojugo, 2. MErcy Sophia Mgbe, 3. Ehizogie Omo-Ojugo, 4. James Aigbomian Aim and objectives 1. To create channels and forums that will enable the public organise for development 2. To initiate, support and connect Nigerians for the accomplishment of sustainable development goals 3. To create awareness about sustainable development in Nigeria and the need for active participation of the public.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT H 20, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: BARR. ABUTU EBENEZER

LIBERAL SOUL CHARITY FOUNDATION

GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR AGRICULTURAL REFORM

VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

This is to inform the General Public that the above Named BODY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. NONYE EMMANUEL ORDU-OBUAH - PRESIDENT 2. CHINONYE EMMANUEL ORDU- OBUAH - SECRETARY 3. NKECHI ORDU-OBUAH 4. CHIMELLA SAMUEL ORDU-OBUAH 5. JOHA CHITURU ORDU-OBUAH Aim and objective 1. To provide social amenities to the less privileged member of the society 2. To partner with other charities NGO and development institution in bringing about social development and behavioral changes in the society Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: IKECHUKWU K. ODOH, ESQ PLOT 21 NIAMEY STREET WUSE ZONE 2 ABUJA. 08032613839.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MALLAM MUSA HAKEEM OVUREVU — PRESIDENT 2. ENGR. AUGUSTINE AKWESEHOR — SECRETARY 3. CSP YAKUBU MADAKI (RTD) 4. MALLAM MUHAMMED GARBA ABUBAKAR 5. REX GOLDEN 6. BARR. IDRIS HAMID 7. MALLAM HASSAN IBRAHIM 8. RUFAI ADOZA ABDULMUMUNI 9. HAJIYA FATIMATU HAMMANJODA 10. ISAH YUSUF ONORUOYIZA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To harness the interest and potentials of the citizens in agricultural sector.

2. To encourage and promote investment in agricultural sector.

3. To combat hunger and poverty through agriculture.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja.

Signed: President 08062279941

HOLY SPIRIT REVIVAL CATHEDRAL INT’L This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE MICHAEL PAULSON UGOCHUKWU — President 2. REV. MRS. MICHAEL OLUFUNKE TITILOPE 3. MRS ABIOSUN IHEOMA NNE - Secretary Aim and Objectives: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

NOTICE OF FINAL GENERAL MEETING OF GTL INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA LIMITED RC: 662859 GIVEN PURSUANT TO SS.468(2), CAMA AND UNDER THE WINGING UP PROCEEDING RULES TAKE NOTE THAT THE FINAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ABOVE COMPANY SHALL BE HELD AS SCHEDULED BELOW DATE: 21ST December, 2015 VENUE: NO. 6/8 OBAGUN AVENUE, MATORI, LAGOS, LAGOS STATE TIME: 4:00 OM (PROMPT) AGENDA 1. PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE LIQUIDATOR’S REPORT 2. PRESENTATION AND CONDISERATION OF THE FINAL ACCOUNTS OF THE COMPANY 3. DISSCOLUTION OF THE COMPANY 4. AOB 5. CLOSING Dated this 17th day of November, 2015.

SIGNED: BARR. VINCENT ODJE ESQ LIQUIDATOR: 86 EBITU UKIWE STREET, JABI, ABUJA 08031113411

Public Notice 22 BIG AFRICAN FOOD BANK AND CHARITY ORGANIZATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. ROSE AGAMBA OGBULUBI 2. MERCY NWANYEZE ACHINIV AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO CREATE UNITY, PEACE AND LOVE AMONG ITS MEMBERS Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED SECERTARY

RECYCLE ARTICREATE INITIATIVES This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. ADEBAYO OLUWATOBI YETUNDE 2. ADEBAYO ADESOJI STEPHEN 3. TIJANI AHMED AJIBOLA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. TO PROMOTE RECYCLING THROUGH ART AND CREATIVITY 2. CREATE PLATFORMS FOR YOUNG ONES TO BE CREATIVE WITH RECYCLABLES 3. TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE AN HEALTHY GREEN ENVIRONMENT THROUGH RECYCLING AWARENESS Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

Signed by: TRUSTEES

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

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

TRUSTEES 1. NNAJI JULIANA NKIRU 2. NNAJI CHINWENDU JULIANA 3. OGBODO NKIRUKA PAMELA AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO PROVIDE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ELIZABETH OLAWUMI ADENUBI DECENDANTS’ ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Mrs Adebisi Awokoya (2) Mrs Oyinade Elebute (3) Mrs Ebun Onabanjo (4) Dr. Ayodeji Adenubi (5) Mr Akinbayo Adenubi (6) Mrs Aderonke Fetuga THE AIMS & OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To continue to administer and manage the landed properties in Lagos and Ijebu-Igbo assigned by Late Mrs Elizabeth Olawumi Adenubi.

(2) To undertake charitable activities such as the award of scholarship especially to the indigent but gifted persons from Ijebu-Igbo Ogun State.

(3) To encourage the descendants of Late Mrs Elizabeth Olawumi Adenubi to meet from time to time to deliberate on issues of mutual interest.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

SIGNED BY:- BIODUN ASHIRU BALOGUN LEGAL PRACTITIONER Email: biodunashirubalogun@ymail.com

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

TRUSTEES 1. OMO – OIKEH NWAMAKA CHRISTIANA 2. PASTOR DON NNAMDI ODUNZE JR 3. NINAFOR MARCEILUS CHINATU 4. NNADI UMEADI SUNNY 5. AFOLABI OLAWUMI ADERONKE 6. OIKEH OMO ILOBEME 7. OGWU KARL CHUKUWEIKE AIMS 1. SOCIAL REFORMATION VALU INFUSION & MIND CHANGE 2. SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR THE GIRL CHILD, MOTHERLESS/ ORPHANS 3. NATION BUILDING RAISING LEADERS THAT TRANSFORM SOCIETY Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECERTARY

HEAVENLY SOLUTION INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. OHAEDOGHASI IKENNA PETER 2. OHAEDOGHASI 3. OLUCHI GEORGENIA 4. UGWU SYLVANUS OKWOR THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:To preach the gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

SUNNY LIFE FOR ALL RESTORATION CHURCH

PECULIAR NOBLES CLUB OF NIGERIA

CANCER CONTROL CAMPAIGN NETWORK

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

TRUSTEES 1. EVA SAMUEL NWAELE 2. PASTOR PATRICK OGBU 3. BROTHER FRANCIS ONYIA 4. BROTHER GODWIN OKEKE 5. WILLIAM EWACHA MARTINS AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED SECERTARY

This is to inform the General Public that the above Named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE. 1. COLLINS URUAKPA (chairman) 2. UCHE NWEKE 3. NDUBUISI EMELUWA (secretary) 4. MADUABUCHI MADUMERE 5. EZE IKECHUKWU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To come together for the purposes of enhancing the welfare of the members 2. To promote peace, unity progress and togetherness among members 3. To inculcate patriotic, nationalistic and social consciousness in the members, among others Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed by Barr. Ernest ifeanyi Ezenwa Esq O8O24490766

This is to inform the General Public that the above Named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Sunday Segun Emmanuel 2. Sunday Rotimi Samuel 3. Alu Paul Oziegbe AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To create awareness about cancer diseases.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SAINT OF FAITH AGAPE MINISTRY

GLOBAL CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT LAGOS, NIGERIA

ASSOCIATION OF MUSHROOM FARMERS OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the General Public that the above Named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. NWANKWO EMMANUEL UCHE 2. MARIGOLD LAWSON BARA-MASON. 3. RAYMOND TEIDOU BARA-MASON AIMS 1. To teach people how to apply biblical truth in their dealings.

2. Landing hand-reaching out to the poor, less privilege and widows, 3. We place individual above his or her circumstances.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twentyeight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

AKA IFEOMAMERE OBINWANNE ONE MIND FRIENDS SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA This is to inform the General Public that the above Named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. VITALIS NWABUGO -CHAIRMAN , 2. OKORIE OGONNAYA - SEC 3. OKAFOR HYGINUS - PATRON , 4. SIMON EKWE -MEMBER 5. ASSOGWU UCHENNA - MEMBER. AIM AND OBJECTIVE To promote peace and unity among members Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication Signed: Secretary

This is to inform the General Public that the above Named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. DR. ABDUL WASI GABADEEN — CHAIRMAN 2. DR. LUKMAN RAIMI 3. DR. ISIAKA OGUNWANDE 4. DR. SULAIMON ABDUL-HAMEED ADEOLA — SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT. 2. TO PROVIDE AVENUE FOR TRAINING CREDIBLE LEADERS FOR SELFLESS SERVICE TO HUMANITY. 3. TO INCULCATE AND DEVELOP CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE IN CHARACTER AND DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL CALLINGS. 4. TO PROVIDE PLATFORMS FOR SOCIETAL WELLBEING, EMPOWERMENT AND ACTUALIZATION OF POSITIVE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETAL GOALS. Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED BY: M.A ADEKUNLE & ASS. 08023443477 Signed: Trustees.

Signed: Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS OLUWADIYA MOJIRADE ADEYEMI — President 2. MR OLODUN SOLOMON OJO — Secretary 3. Dr. ALLI STELLA DEJI — Member 4. Dr.ASIRU WAHAB BOLANLE — Member Aims & Objectives 1) To create a forum where mushroom farmers, Processors and Marketers meet to deliberate and discuss on matters affecting the profession 2) To standardise methods of cultivation and encourage development of new methods and new species of edible mushrooms that will improve the well being of the populace. .

3) To create a cleaner environment to live through the use of agricultural wastes for Mushroom cultivation and improve health conditions of Nigerians.

4) To provide and create jobs for our teeming youths in Nigeria and create wealth.

5) To Improve Nutritional intake of Nigerians by making available mushrooms on the table all year round. 3.To collaborate with related international bodies.

Signed OLUSESI GABRIEL 08023114471 07081146989

MRS. OLUWASEYI DEBORAH ABOSEDE

MRS AGBOOLA OLUSOLA JOEL

GABRIEL MICHAEL IBO

I, formerly known and called OGBEIYE JULIET OSAHON now wishes to be known and called APALARA JULIET OSAHON. All former document remain valid, Anuty Ayo Comprehensive Secondary School.

Ikoyi, Lagos, TAI Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun and general public should take note

I, formerly known and called Miss Adebayo Deborah Abosede now wishes to be known and called Mrs. Oluwaseyi Deborah Abosede. All former document remain valid, General public should take note

I, formerly known and called Miss Shola Joel now wishes to be known and called Mrs Agboola Olusola Joel. All former document remain valid, General public should take note

I, formerly known and called OGBEIFUA OMONGHIBORIA MICHAEL now wishes to be known and called GABRIEL MICHAEL IBO. All former document remain valid, General public should take note

MRS. OKADIGBO ESTHER NNENNA

MRS. IFEOMA FLORENCE MARTINS-OJIEGBE

MR. BASIL ABUMERE

AJIROTUTU LATIFAT BOLARINWA

I, formerly known and called MISS OCHIE ESTHER NNENNA now wishes to be known and called MRS. OKADIGBO ESTHER NNENNA. All former document remain valid, General public take note

I, formerly known and called MISS IFEOMA FLORENCE TONY-OKEKE now wishes to be known and called MRS. IFEOMA FLORENCE MARTINS-OJIEGBE. All former document remain valid, General public take note

I, formerly known and called MR. ERIOFOLOH BASIL ABUMERE now wishes to be known and called MR. BASIL ABUMERE. All former document remain valid, General public take note

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APALARA JULIET OSAHON

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

23 News

Oshiomhole-Igbinedion face-off: Half clad women protest in Benin Titus Akhigbe, Benin words between Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Esama of Benin Kingdom and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, took a dramatic turn, on Tuesday, as half-clad women, in red dress, protested, through major streets in Benin City, to express their displeasure with the development.

The women, who belonged to a group called Concerned Edo Women, shunned press interview, and went to the Shrine of Emotan, a sacred statue at the city centre, to confer with the priest. They described as “disrespectful”, utterances by Oshiomole against Igbinedion, the erstwhile governor of the state, and his father.

While receiving the women, the priest of the Emotan Statue, said the protest was a welcomed one, as nobody, regard-

less of his position, in the state, was encouraged to insults Bini chiefs, elders and, particularly, by way of ridicule, malign and outright disregard for the respected Esama of Benin.

He said that, “whoever insults the Bini’s and its high-ranking chiefs is drawing the wrath of the gods and will not go unpunished”, he said.

The women said, “We are women and, as mothers, sisters and aunts to Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, we say ‘no’ to any form of disrespectful behaviour towards the person of Chief Igbinedion. We, as mothers, cannot see evil in the land and support it.

“We are against the action of the governor, particularly on Chief Igbinedion and his household.

We want the Governor to apologise to the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Igbinedion. All we are asking the governor is to stop insulting elders from Benin Kingdom, so that

ELETUS ESTHER

MGBEMENA JULIET AMAKA

ÏÏÏThe war of

I, formerly known and called ESTHER ALLOY NKIRU now wishes to be known and called ELETUS ESTHER. All former document remain valid, General public should take note.

MRS AMARACHI PEACE ODOGU OBIA

I, formerly known and called DIM JULIET NDIDI now wishes to be known and called MGBEMENA JULIET AMAKA. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the general public take note.

INNOCENT JOSHUA IHIMIOKAN

we do not completely go naked and heap curses on him.”

They noted that the irreverent language used

by Oshiomhole was worrisome and offended human sensibilities and the Benin nation, and sought

investigated as the EFCC Chairman, but was being investigated as a person, while his activities as the Director of Operations under EFCC had also become a subject of investigations.

However, not satisfied with the new date of appearance set for Lamorde, Keyamo speaking to correspondents said the position of

the Senate was still subject to review, averring that the Senate had no power to compel Lamorde’s appearance.

He said Larmode had travelled out of Nigeria for his medical checkup and may not be back in Nigeria until December 15, just as he told the Senate that the law of Nigeria is supreme to its rules.

to rubbish the sterling life-style and qualities of Igbinedion.

Some of the women, who pleaded anonymity, said they decided to show solidarity with the family of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, by exposing some sen-

sitive parts of their body, as they carried various placards with inscription such as: “Oshiomhole, you are always insulting your elders”, “Go and beg for forgiveness”, and “Nemesis will catch up with you.”

Lamorde absent at Senate hearing, faces arrest Chairman.

His response seemed to have angered the Senate Committee more as it insisted that it has the right to summon him whether or not he is still in office.

Dino Melaye, a member of the Committee said Lamorde was not being

ÏÏÏDeputy President of

the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Tuesday, escaped assassination attempt on his life. His car was reported to have been attacked by a lightskinned foreigner suspected to be a mercenary.

The attempt which has been reported to the police involved repeated failed attempts to crash into Senator Ekweremadu’s official vehicle which was in a convoy from his residence to the National Assembly complex.

A statement issued by his special adviser on media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu which recounted the incident says: “The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, escaped suspected assassination attempt, Tuesday.

“The attempt occurred at about 10:00am between Apo Flyover and Dantata Construction Company’s yard, close to the Old Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Headquarters junction on his way to work.

“The suspected assassins who operated in a tinted, white-coloured Mercedez Benz AMG E63 without a plate number, were chauffeured by a long-bearded light skinned foreigner, apparently a mercenary.

“The vehicle, which was positioned by the Apo Bridge, on noticing that the Deputy President of the Senate’s convoy took the right turn to join the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway instead, made a turn. The occupants attempted to attack the convoy, but were blocked.

The driver violently broke into the convoy and they made several frantic attempts to attack the Senator’s official car.”

Dr. Temitope Omotayo (left) and Prof. Oluwaseun Omotayo after the conferment of the PhD degree on Temitope at the University of Ibadan… on Tuesday.

Continued from page 12

Ekweremadu escapes assassination attempt

I, formerly known and called MISS AMARACHI PEACE OHUCHE now wishes to be known and called MRS AMARACHI PEACE ODOGU OBIA. All former document remain valid, General public take note

I, formerly known and called INNOCENT JOSHUA OBOH now wishes to be known and called INNOCENT JOSHUA IHIMIOKAN. All former document remain valid, General public take note

FELICIA GEORGE

MRS AGNES EKONG SUNDAY

NWACHUKWU DORIS EZINNE

MRS COMFORT ADEWUNMI

MRS. ONYIA VINCENT OKECHUKWU

BLESSING OLAYINKA OLUBUNMI ADELOWO

I, formerly known and called MISS AGNES ACHIBONG now wishes to be known and called MRS AGNES EKONG SUNDAY. All former document remain valid, General public should take note.

I, formerly known and called UMERAH DORIS EZINNE now wishes to be known and called NWACHUKWU DORIS EZINNE. All former document remain valid, General public should take note.

This is to inform the general public of the rectification of name, that i formerly called Madam Comfort Mokilo, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Comfort Adewunmi, living at no. 6, Okrika Close, SW. Ikoyi, Lagos State, Nigeria. All former documents remain valid.

I, formerly known and called MISS ONYIA CHIEDOZIE BEN now wishes to be known and called MRS. ONYIA VINCENT OKECHUKWU. All former document remain valid, Corporate Organizations, FGN, General public should take note.

I, formerly known and called BLESSING OLAYINKA OLUBUNMI AKANDE now wishes to be known and called BLESSING OLAYINKA OLUBUNMI ADELOWO. All former document remain valid, General public should take note.

I, formerly known and called FELICIA AKPANA AKWAJI now wishes to be known and called FELICIA GEORGE. All former document remain valid, All Banks and the general public should take note.

BENJAMIN ONOJA I, formerly known and called OYAJE EMMANUEL ICHEKPA now wishes to be known and called BENJAMIN ONOJA. All former document remain valid, General public take note

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NWONU CHIKA REGINA

MRS. OKPARA KANNY PEACE

OSITA CLETUS OKPALA

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News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18 2015

Bayelsa guber: PDP accuses APC of producing military, police uniforms for thugs Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe Bayelsa Restoration Campaign Organisation, a body within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the re-election of Governor Seriake Dickson, has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some allies of President Muhammadu Buhari from the All Progressives Congress (APC), to rig the forth-coming governorship election in the state.

The organisation said that it had uncovered plans by the opposition APC to sew both Army and police uniforms for their thugs to intimidate voters on election day.

Briefing news men, in Yenagoa, on Tuesday, the Director of Publicity of the Restoration Campaign Organization, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, said that efforts

were afoot by the APC to sway the officials of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to give APC victory in the election.

“We have unearthed a dubious plan to compromise INEC Bayelsa office to give authentic result sheets to APC leaders during the election, which will then be used to rig the election. However, we can confirm that this plan has been rebuffed

by INEC officials since it bothers on criminality. We conclude that this was why the APC has been chorusing lack of co-operation by INEC in the state. If we may ask, ‘what manner of co-operation do they want from INEC in Bayelsa state’”?

Obuebite demanded.

“Besides the nefarious and unpatriotic acts, we have also discovered that

APC, in Bayelsa state, is busy cloning and buying up Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which they hope to use to distort the outcome of the election, by falsifying result of the card reader, as well as compromising the card readers that would be sent to PDP strongholds throughout the state”, he further alleged.

According to him, the APC was working with “two northern governors and some important elements in the Presidency to achieve the daring objective of rigging the Bayelsa governorship election”.

He called on Buhari to investigate the allegations and ensure a level playing ground in the election, warning that any attempt to thwart the will of Bayelsa people on December 5 would be resisted.

Meanwhile, the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the allegations by the Restoration Campaign Organisation as spurious, false and unfounded.

In a statement, its Director, Media and Publicity, Chief Nathan Egba, said it was shocking that the PDP would turn around to make those allegations that the party had put before the security agencies to investigate against the Dickson-led government.

“There is no truth in the allegation that our party is planning to rig the election in connivance with the use of the security agencies and other institutions as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This is the thinking of a sinking ship and a loser.

L-R: Past President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr. Agele Alufohai; Deputy President, NIQS, Mrs. Mercy Iyortyer; President, NIQS, Murtala Aliyu; Vice President, NIQS, Adegbemibo Ogunfidodo and Secretary General, NIQS, Femi Balogun, during the press conference on the 26th Biennial Conference/ General Meeting of NIQS, held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos…on Tuesday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Olabisi Atobi

ÏÏÏA seven-year-old girl,

Miss Karen Kelechi Ike, has dragged the producers of Chivita drink, Chi Limited, to court through her mother and guardian over the latter’s breach of duty for not taking reasonable step in ensuring that its products were fit for human consumption.

On March 16, 2014, Karen’s father, through the family domestic staff, bought a litre of Chivita premium orange and pineapple juice for the family’s consumption. The said product was brought to the child’s father, who asked the domestic staff to bring clean glass cups, for members of the family to share in the drink.

The child being the baby

Dan Garba Kurama Yola

ÏÏÏThe Jimeta Communi-

ty, in Yola North Local Government Area, has called on the Adamawa Emirate Council, to remove its district head, Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Paris, and replace him with a God-fearing and competent leader.

Addressing a press conference, in Yola, on Tuesday, on behalf of the community, an influential personality, Alhaji Musa Garba, said that the call for the removal of the district head was for peace to reign in the area.

Garba alleged that the community had lost confi-

ÏÏÏInformation

Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday, asked a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, to restrain the national spokesperson of People Democratic Party (PDP), from publishing any further libelous statement against him.

Mohammed had, on October 12, 2015, filed a N500 million suit against Metuh, the PDP spokesperson, alleging that he defamed him in a

press release dated September 20, 2015.

Lai had alleged that Metuh accused him of embezzling funds meant for fencing of an airport in one of the APC-controlled states in the South-West, and that he (Mohammed) obtained money to supply ambulances to one APC-controlled state in the South-West, which he never did.

Counsel to Mohammed, Wahab Shittu, brought an application dated November 8, 2015, urging the court

to restrain the defendant, his agents, groups or associations from further publishing of libelous writing against the applicant pending the hearing of substantive suit.

According to Shittu, “We need a stop gap of this court.

The claimant is accused of corruption and embezzlement, meaning the claimant is a fraudster and an economic saboteur. This is a claimant, who has not been arraigned or found guilty of any corrupt practices and a

legal practitioner of great standing. He is currently serving as Minister of Information,” he argued.

“The claimant’s legal right has been violated and is threatened by the defendant, who seems to be on rampage. The defendant should be restrained from further publication of libelous statements,” he said.

In response, Metuh’s counsel,, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), urged the court to strike out or dismiss the application for incompetence.

dence in the leadership style of the district head, and so it wanted him removed.

He confirmed that the community, after consultations, wrote a petition to Adamawa Emirate Council, on November 5, 2015, calling for the removal of the district head.

“I wish to inform you that as member of the Adamawa State Peace Committee and person vested with the protection of life and property in the state, I wrote and distributed the petition on behalf of Jimeta Community demanding the removal of Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Paris as district head of Jimeta.

ICD to honour Sultan of Sokoto Yola

Titilope Joseph

of the house demanded to drink first and her father poured some of the drink into clean glass cup for the child who immediately began to drink. Upon consumption, the child stopped and exclaimed “daddy, what did I drink?” other member of the family were alarmed and on examination of the drink it was discovered that was full of foreign bodies.

When the drink was poured into another clean glass, a whole lot of foreign and impurities came out form the 1litre pack of Chivita premium – orange and pineapple juice.

Jimeta community wants District Head removed

Dan Garba Kurama

Minister urges court to stop Metuh from making libelous statement against him

Minor sues drink coy over impurities

ÏÏÏThe Berlin based Insti-

tute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Nigeria, is set to honour the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, with the ambassador for peace and culture.

This was contain in a statement signed, on Tuesday, by Mr. Dickson Omorigie, Country Director of ICD, and made available to newsmen, in Yola.

“The institute is pleased to acknowledge your demonstration of religious responsibility by participating in the Inter Faith Dialogue at the Vatican, Italy and in Belgium.

“ICD is delighted to send greetings of goodwill and

prayers for more wisdom and long life to His Eminence and the entire Sultanate Council and the good people of Sokoto.

This is informed by the Sultan’s contribution to the global peace dialogue held in Vetican in 2014. Therefore, the ICD has directed its office in Nigeria to appreciate you (His Eminence) with an award and a Certificate of Honor before a national and an international audience in Abuja.

Sa'ad

Education Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Abia gov pledges to revamp schools

L-R, Assistant CSR Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; member, Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr. Badejo Inotu; Education Secretary, Ijebu-North Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Mistura Balogun and Head Teacher, St. John’s Pry. Sch, Mrs. Okubanjo Adesola while observing the school students during the oral health programme sponsored by Airtel and Unilever Nigeria in partnership with NDA, held in IjebuIgbo, Ogun State... on Tuesday

Augustine Okezie Abuja Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has promised to facelift and upgrade four poorest schools in each of the local governments in the state, noting that education is his primary constituency as a governor and that he would intervene in three platforms; primary schools, Technical Education and Universities.

Ikpeazu, who gave the assurance in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, said: “Education is one of my targets, ranging from primary to tertiary institution.

I want every pupil in Abia to be able to type his or her name on computer.

“Those who go to schools with bare foot, torn uniform, and those who use palm front as umbrella will be looked at.

“I will look at the poorest schools in all the local governments and not what is happening in the big urban schools.

And I will start with four poorest schools of every local government. At secondary school level, we are looking at turning around technical schools starting from each senatorial zone”.

He urged NUC to approve more private universities in Abia State, saying that it would bring more development to the state.

The NUC executive secretary in response stated that Education is of importance in the society, saying that “We must take education very seriously starting from primary schools”.

Okojie also emphasized the need for accountability and auditing as very necessary.

“Some schools do not know the number of students in their schools. And when you ask them how many students they have, they will not tell you’’, he said.

Ikpeazu

25

Senate wants JAMB Admission validity increased to 3yrs Olufemi Samuel, Abuja The Senate on Tuesday resolved to ensure that the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) increases the validity of its results from one year to three as part of efforts to reduce the pressure on tertiary institutions from those seeking admissions.

The Senate took this decision after adopting a motion to that effect moved by Senator Joshua Lidani and seven other Senators.

It, however, mandated its committee on Education to invite officials of the Joint Ad-

Improving teachers’ condition of service among my priorities, says new Education minister

missions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to jointly resolve some of the issues considered as controversial in its admission policy.

It also adopted a prayer that its committee on Education should investigate the circumstances leading to the new JAMB policy which it said has been encouraging favouritism and crises in the admission programmes of universities.

It urged the body to consult widely with Parents Teachers Association, Academic Staff Union of Universities and other stakeholders in the education sector with a view to coming up with a friendlier, holistic, comprehensive and sustainable admission policy.

Leading the debate, Lidani said JAMB which was created in 1989 to administer a centralized admission system for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the country has not been living up to expectations of late owing to enormous powers entrusted to it on admissions and placements into the universities.

He said the crises being created by JAMB within the university system in Nigeria arose from its Combined Policy Meeting held on July 14, 2015 in Abuja after which it adopted a policy in which case candidates of universities with surplus applicants for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are reassigned to other

universities with lower number of candidates than their capacities.

Lidani said the new policy

by JAMB has triggered series of protests by parents and owing to the crises they have been facing in the course of securing admissions into the universities.

Senator Danjuma Goje while contributing had called for the scraping of JAMB for a new body to be raised.

Senator Sam Egwu said the pressure of admission on yearly basis has been too heavy for JAMB to cope with, just as he canvassed for a remedial measure to make admission polity in universities much less complicated.

Augustine Okezie Abuja

poor teaching infrastructure, absence of laboratory and research equipment and braindrain from tertiary institutions as other challenges facing the education sector he would tackle as priorities.

Adamu said he would also tackle poor enrolment and lack of access to education that had forced millions of school-age children out of school and millions of others competing for limited spaces in the tertiary institutions.

``The ministry of Education under my stewardship will confront these problems with all the seriousness, commitment and strong political will to ensure that we address them once and for all. ``Allowing these problems to persist is akin to surrendering the fate of our country to ignorance; we cannot afford to do. ``I want to call on you to join hands with me and the Minister of State to commence this all-important journey.

New Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, on Monday, said improving the condition of service of teachers was among his top priorities.

Adamu made the pledge in Abuja at a meeting he held with directors in the Federal Ministry of Education.

He listed under funding,

Education Times 26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

LASU students union protests increment in acceptance fee The Lagos State University Students Union (LASUSU) on Tuesday urged the institution’s authorities to revert the increment of the newly-admitted students’ acceptance fee from N20,000 to N10,000.

Mr. Adeyemi Onikoro, LASUSU Chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the reduction should be with immediate effect.

He said that such policy, if not reverted, may lead to a looming crisis from the students.

Onikoro said that the increment was another strategy devised by the authorities to exploit the students and a technical way of increasing the school fees. ``Such a policy was initiated some time ago at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ileife, but it caused crisis which led to the closure of the university for six months. ``We do not want such to happen in LASU, so that the academic calendar will not be distorted; that is why we are calling on the

new governing council and the acting Vice-chancellor to do the needful. ``Any attempt to sustain the increment will be vehemently opposed by the students,” he said.

According to Onikoro, the authorities need to reverse the increment so that it does not add to the existing problems already on ground between the staff unions and the management.

He noted that the acceptance fee for the new students was

initially N10, 000 and N25, 000 for tuition fee, while returning students were to pay N25, 000 as tuition fee. ``This means that all the new students need to pay a total of N35, 000 and nothing more,’’ he said.

All efforts to speak with the University’s Registrar, Mr. Akin Lewis and the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Kabir Akinyemi, on the issue proved abortive, as calls put through to their lines were unanswered.

Ambode

Lagos deputy gov pays unscheduled visit to public schools Ï`Ƅ ƕ ƍƆ Ǝ ƃƎ Ǝ ƃ Ɖ Ƅ ƕ Sam Nzeh

Lagos deputy governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule conducting lesson for pupils of Ahmad Memorial & Muslim Primary School, Agege during the inspection tour of the state of infrastructure in public schools by the deputy governor and officials of the State Ministrry of education on Monday, November 16, 2015

UNIABUJA ASUU urges Buhari FG to immortalize Iyayi Augustine Okezie Abuja The University of Abuja chapter of Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immortalize their late former National President, Professor Festus Iyayi, who died two years ago in a motor accident that occurred along Abuja –Lokoja expressway.

The Chairman of UniAbuja chapter of ASSU, Dr. Ben Ugheoke, told newsmen on Friday shortly after the commemoration meeting on the death of Festus Iyayi, held in the new Law theatre of the University, that the academic community and the entire Nigerian Education sector is still missing the services and parental counselling of Professor Festus Iyayi.

Also while anchoring the dis-

course on titled ‘’X-raying the life and time of Comrade Festus ikhuoria Iyayi’s contributions to the growth and development of ASUU, a former branch Chairman of ASUU, University of Abuja, Comrade Professor Clement Chup, re-iterated Iyayi’s immense contributions in the union which include Academic prowess and vibrancy which won him lots of prizes in literature despite his background in Business Administration, as one-time president of ASUU (1986-88) assisting in the attainment of the set ideals and goals of the union and several other achievements.

Prof. Chup further noted that Iyayi’s activism went beyond ASUU struggles and cited his preference to do his sabbatical at the NLC National Secretariat where he earned less compared to if he had served in a university.

Recall that the former president of the Academic Staff Union

of Universities died on November 12, 2013, in an auto accident on the Lokoja-Abuja Expressway.

Iyayi was travelling to Kano in the company of three other ASUU members for a meeting on the ongoing strike by members of the union when a police escort van in the convoy of the Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State rammed into the bus the university teachers were travelling. Iyayi died instantly, while three his colleagues were seriously injured.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, on Monday, paid an unscheduled visit to some public secondary and primary schools in Agege and Ifako – Ijaiye Local government areas, where she expressed dissatisfaction on poor attitude to work and bad sanitation in some visited schools.

Adebule, who briefed the press after the inspection tour of about 11 public schools in the area, stated that the exercise is aimed at monitoring the state of infrastructure in public schools and how they are being utilized by the management of the schools with a view to providing additional one so as to make teaching and learning more conducive to enhance better performance in examinations.

The deputy governor, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, condemned the head teachers of All Saints Primary School, Holy Trinity Primary School and Bishop Oluwole Memorial Primary schools, all sharing the same compound, for keeping vegetal nuisance in their premises.

While giving them a day ultimatum to clear their surroundings of vegetal nuisance and abandoned vehicles, Adebule warned that the state government would not hesitate to discipline any school head whose conduct or attitude to work is not in consonance with the vision of excellence of the present administration.

The situation was the same at Ogba Estate Primary School and Ogba Primary School where the deputy governor warned the As-

sistant Head teachers who were on duty to as a matter of urgency clean their school environment or be sanctioned. She noted that no meaningful learning can take place in a very dirty and untidy environment.

The deputy governor warned that most school head teachers and principals showed unpleasant attitude to work because their gross indiscipline over times are with no consequences, warning that the present administration will do everything possible to make their job very attractive while it will not at the same time condone indiscipline as any erring teacher will be made to face the law.

On poor state of infrastructure in some visited schools, she said the administration of Governor Ambode-led administration is set to put better infrastructure in place where necessary while the ongoing solar energy projects in public schools will continue to make teaching more conducive for both the teachers and their students.

She disclosed that over a hundred schools have benefited from the solar energy project as government is determined to complete the project within shortest possible time.

Public school in Lagos

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

27 Education Times

Private schools and the war against Exam Malpractices

Students in an examination hall

Recent public outcry on private schools that often share the habit of encouraging different shades of examination malpractices has reached a crescendo level. AUGUSTINE OKEZIE suggests the way forward.

Every discerning patriot that has observed the dwindling integrity of publicly conducted examination in Nigeria cannot but admire the ingenuity and concern of ‘Tosin Adedayo’, an undercover reporter in one of the national dailies, who recently in the uniform of a private school and at great risk ventured into unravelling the ingenious roles of most private schools in Nigeria, who in the unholy attempt to market their schools and attract increased patronage of candidates, indulge in condemnable examination malpractices and risked blacklisting by Examination bodies.

The many sins of private schools It is difficult to find any private school in the country that does not encourage examination malpractices in one way or the other.

This, according to Mr. Emeka Nwabuiko, a vice principal in one of the private schools in the South East, is the only way they can survive and make ends meet.

He said: ’’We must survive as we are not charity organisation or government funded; there is no way we cannot cut corners, unless if the government begins to give us subventions and grants or a form of bailout.’’

Exam runs The beginning of examination malpractices in private schools often starts during registration for public examinations like West African Examination Council (WAEC); National Examination Council (NECO); National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); and Joint Admision and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and so on.

During such registration, proprietors of the private schools through their point men usually cajole potential candidates with irresistible promises of one assistance or the other, including special assistance or seating arrangements in a ‘miracle ‘center arrangement, use of examination mercenaries to impersonate real candidates with an insider knowledge and approval of the school proprietor. The common belief shared by the private school proprietors and the candidates are that any school whose candidate can clear their number of subjects with many ‘A’s and ‘B’s deserves patronage and support and must be the destination of all eligible candidates.

Another device commonly adopted by private schools to woo potential candidates is the ‘doctoring of fake continuous assessment (CA) results especially for external candidates, to meet up with the standard requirements of examination bodies like NECO and WAEC. Ironically, these sharp practices are rare in public or government school because of the severe penalties usually imposed on perpetrators when caught. The public

schools usually respect the congenital rules imposed by these examination bodies and are not commercial driven unlike their private schools counterparts.

You can imagine what happens in an examination hall in a private school when a teacher will go round collecting at random a N100 fee from each candidate in the middle of general papers like English Language and Mathematics, in order to provide the answers.

Typically, at the beginning of the paper, the external invigilator would begin by keeping an eagle eye on the candidates, but soon after the paper started, the invigilator would be beckoned on by one of the school’s exam coordinators and he would be gone for several minutes.

Shortly after, the invigilator would return with a more relaxed disposition and the candidates would have a field day, albeit with varying degrees of freedom per invigilator, while other invigilators at this special centre would allow the use of phones. One common liberty which the invigilator usually grants the candidates is the freedom for exam coordinators to write the answers to essay questions unhindered on the board.

Way Forward Most stakeholders point out that poor enforcement of the relevant statutes on examination malpractices is responsible for the proliferation of the exam malpractices by private schools.

The Examination Malpractices Act No. 33 of the 1999 stipulates

a minimum punishment of N50, 000 and a maximum of five (5) years imprisonment without the option of fine for violators of offences stipulated in the Act. However, only a handful of examination malefactors are ever prosecuted.

Despite the punitive measures put in place by such public examination bodies like NECO and WAEC, private schools appear undeterred in their nefarious act.

Recall that NECO sanctions secondary schools for malpractice in different parts of the country every year. For instance, in September, 2012, the then registrar of NECO announced the blacklisting of thirteen (13) secondary schools in the country for alleged involvement in malpractice in June/July examination, yet observers maintain that such measures needed to be stronger and massive to yield the desired result.

Observers say examination bodies needed to strengthen their investigation, invigilation and monitoring of schools to have the desired impact. A situation where they appear handicapped in having the requisite number of invigilators to cover a wider area network cannot help in winning the war.

Another school of thought is also urging examination bodies to review the guidelines for approving examination centers for private schools, arguing that a situation where approval of examination centers for private schools has turned all comers affair does not speak well for the

integrity of the process.

The resolve of newly appointed NECO boss, Professor Abdulrashid Garba, to sanitize the examination process by evaluating the performances of private schools in the conduct of NECO examination as well as overhauling the process of accrediting them as examination centers should be seen as most welcome, as it will not only eliminate the rotten ones but ensure that only those with proven integrity are retained as examination centers.

Public confidence in the ability of NECO to deliver on its mandate and tame the monster called examination malpractices has remained unwavering especially since the advent of the present management set -up in the commission and their prayer is that NECO remains unwavering.

No doubt, Nigeria is under threat and until the cancer called examination malpractice is addressed, tackling all other corrupt practices in other sector of the economy will not be that easy. If Nigerians fight exam malpractice the way Ebola was fought, then victory is sure against exam malpractice. But unfortunately, some persons are in support of exam malpractice because they make their living through it and therefore see no wrong in encouraging it. They even give parents reason why their children should be engage on it.

To those who don’t know about it, look at how you will know that your children are engaging in it. ”When your child requests that you give him/her money to enable them pass exam, you must be at alert as that’s malpractice.”

It is high time Nigerians see exam malpractice as the cancer eaten up our economic leaders as students no longer respect their teachers because they believe with money and some forms of connections, good grades are sure. It would be a good development if exam bodies should work in conjunction with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) in the fight against exam malpractice. The ICPC and the Nigeria Police force (NPF) should help crack down on anybody involved in the malpractice.

Government should as well encourage efficient learning environment through rehabilitation of schools, employing capable hands to teach, paying salaries of teachers as at when due and giving incentives to best performing teachers and students at least once in a year.

Private should on their part justify their existence as centers of excellence and not centers of corruption.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Inside Campus Æ s VC inaugurates free campus shuttle taxis Ugochukwu Ugoji Umuahia The Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, (MOUAU), Prof. Hillary Edeoga, has inaugurated 20 new Suzuki cars for intra-campus shuttle for students.

The VC also inaugurated two mini buses bought by the institution’s micro finance bank to transport students to and from the school and Umuahia town on daily basis, which the students

are to ride free of charge.

Speaking at the event, Edeoga said once students present their identity cards to the drivers, they would be allowed to ride free as the fare had been paid with their school fees.

The vice chancellor said he had been worried by the recklessness of commercial motorcycle operators that the students patronise.

He said he was inspired to buy the vehicles when he learnt of a student who had an accident riding as passenger on a bike. He noted the student in question is

still being treated at one of the orthopaedic hospitals in the state.

He announced a ban of motorcycles on campus because he said he did not want any other student to suffer similar fate.

“As we had earlier commissioned 20 of such cars for commercial use by the students, there should be no more commercial motorcycle operating within the campus,” he said.

The VC said with improved transportation, he expected the students to do better academically.

Prof Edeoga after test driving one of the cars

28 graduands bag First Class at FUTA convocation Tosin Ajuwon Akure

Representative of ICPC Chairman, Prof Olu Aina interacting with some of the NANS Executives

ICPC to enlist students in anti-corruption fight Temitope Yakubu FEDPOLY, ADO The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has resolved to enlist the participation of the Nigerian students to rid the nation of corruption.

This is to be achieved at a conference to be organised by the ICPC. The disclosure was made by the ICPC Chairman, Ekpo Nta, who was represented by an Executive member of commission, Professor Olu Aina, during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the Commission’s Board Room in Abuja.

NANS delegation was led to the meeting by its National

President, Tijani Usman Shehu.

The conference, Aina disclosed, is tagged: “Mobilising Nigerian Youth against Corruption.”

It is scheduled to hold on November 24 and 25, 2015 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

About 700 participants are expected, drawing 150 students from the universities, 100 from the polytechnics and 100 from Colleges of Education, while other youths, not students, will make up the rest of the number.

Aina said the ICPC strongly believed that the students should be veritable partners in the anti-corruption war.

This, he said, led ICPC to initiate a youth conference against corruption.

The conference, he said, was

the outcome of ICPC’s just concluded Zonal Advisory Consultative Assembly on corruption, which took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, where various youth organisations, including the National Association of Nigerian Students, spontaneously demanded to be involved in the fight against corruption.

Aina said: “The ICPC therefore concluded plans to mobilise Nigerian youths from all over the country, for the purpose of enlightening, educating and conscientising them on the ills of corruption and empowering them to own the fight in collaboration with its technical partners, notably the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNDP, DFID, Supervisory and Development Agencies of Government in the Tertiary

Education Sector, Anti-Corruption Agencies and the National Orientation Agency.”

Aina said the conference is in conformity with Article 13 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which requires each state party “to promote the active participation of individuals and groups ….. and to raise public awareness regarding the existence, causes and gravity of, and threat posed by corruption”.

He expressed the hope that at the end of the conference, the Nigerian youth would have been properly motivated, without compulsion, to embrace the new vigour of the current administration in the fight against corruption and prepare themselves as responsible future leaders.

The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State has said it would graduate a total of 2, 675 students, with 28 bagging first class in its convocation ceremony slated for Saturday.

Prof. James Okunola, Chairman of the Ceremonial Committee, said this at the weekend in a media briefing ahead of the institution’s 27th convocation ceremony.

Okuonla noted that the ceremony was for the award of first and higher degrees to meritorious graduates in various disciplines in the institutions.

He disclosed that of the 2, 675 students; 807 others would be graduating in the Second Class Upper Division; 1, 324 with Second Class Lower Division.

According to him, a total of 469 will be graduating in the Third Class Lower Division; and 47 in the Pass Division.

Prof. Okunola added that the institution would also be churningout a total of 1, 657 Post-Graduates and 115 Diploma Students during the ceremony.

The University don revealed that the overall best graduating student, Obakpolor Eki Osakpolo, for the 2014/2015 academic session with a C.G.P.A of 4.84, is from the Physics department.

The Daily Times gathered that Obakpolor, 22 years old is from Edo State.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Features Æ s

29

WEEK OF MULTIPLE COINCIDENCES AT LRA AS ...

Tunde Bakare launches in-reach for LRA members only

Bakare

For the first time since inceptin of Latter Rain Assembly, the gates of the end time Church was shut to members of the public on Saturday November 14th for a very special reason. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR was there for the features desk and reports.

At the dawn of last Saturday (November 14 2015), the gates of Latter Rain Assembly on Akilo road, Ogba, Ikeja, were shut to members of the public for the very first time in the history of the stormy end time Church.

Security men manned the small pedestrian gate of the Akilo Road entrance and demanded authentic Membership Card bearing the original of the Serving Overseer, Pst. Tunde Bakare’s signature, before they were allowed into the compound.

Daily Times witnessed dramatic moments when some long time bonafide members of the Church who could not immediately locate their membership cards were denied entrance, but the intervention of some top officers of the Church’s hierarchy intervened.

The unusual action heralded a

Health professionals attending to members at the Children’s Hall

day long Latter Rain Assembly’s first ever care and giving in-reach programme, the opposite equivalent of the quarterly outreach organised by the Church every year to reach out to the physical and spiritual needs of members of the public at selected communities within the City of Lagos.

The day also coincided with the birthday of Mrs. Bakare, wife of Pastor Tunde Bakare which came on the heels of the Pastor’s own birthday which went unobserved officially just three days before.

As of 8.45 am when Daily Times arrived the Church, the spacious compound was a beehive of activities. Upfront as you enter the gate were canopies housing

The Church is not all about taking or giving to the public alone. We have needs too so this is a commendable gesture and we are greatly pleased for the opportunity.

The drugs and treatment don’t come cheap, but they are all made available free for us here — Octogenarian choice clothes, shoes and dream suits for male and female members. Children’s wears as good as

new filled the arena; it was like the well-to-do Latterranians deliberately went out shopping for

the very best for this inreach for their members in need.

Registrars were positioned at the lobby opposite the Dominion Hall where members were given paper tags according to their medical and other needs.

On ground supervising procedures and attention were Pastor Ike and members of the logistics department among other officers.

Virtually every department had their officials supervising and ensuring that every need was attended to.

Also here, there and everywhere was the lovable Empress of the Pulpit, Pastor Biola Ayoola (also called the ‘iron lady’ at given times) who doubles as the Church administrator.

In a spot chat with Daily Times at the Children’s Hall where over 300 members took turns to receive medical attention from health professionals (all of who are Latterranians), Biola threw some light into the reason behind the unusual programme.

“In a whole year we usually have four outreaches; we’ve done three for people outside this year 2015. But this last one, the Church reasoned that since we have many of our workers who are always there all the time, giving and attending to people outside, why don’t we do an inreach so that, as they have laboured in the other three outreaches, this is our own way to say the Church also cares about them.”

On the possible continuity of this programme, Pst Biola expressed optimism that though it is the first inreach, “I am sure it CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Golden Chance Lotto moves to change lives in the North The management of Golden Chance Lott recently encouraged their stakers and subagents with an unprecedented Reward Bonanza in Abuja, with intent to explore the Northern area markets. MARTINS ORUMA reports from Abuja

A third winner at the event

The indigenous organisation showing Nigerians the easiest and legal way to become millionaires, Golden Chance Lotto Com-

pany, has landed in Abuja.

The team was in the Federal Capital Territory recently in what the Marketing Manager, Adepeju Akinbiyi called “an exploratory visit to the North, starting first with Abuja, being the political Capital of the nation.”

Residents and the business community at Gwarimpa area of the FCT watched the live event which started at mid-day. Adepeju announced that there are two types of rewards designed

to stimulate increased patronage and loyalty, namely: the reward to monthly stakers - and the Quarterly Rewards for sub agents. She told the audience that although the programme is in its second edition, it is premiering in the North for the very first time.

Winners Oluwasayo Fabaraku, one of the winners in the three categories grabbed the highest price of a deep freezer. The others won a

32 inch television in the second and a standing fan in the third categories respectively.

Fabarakuu praised God for his win and thanked Golden Chance Management for recognising his efforts.

“Lotto staking is a game of luck; you don’t have to quit but remain steadfast until you win,’’ he said with excitement.

It would be recalled that the company recently in Lagos CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Features 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

The future is bright for lotto in the North CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

splashed about N16 million on sub agents during a quarterly Bonanza Award ceremony where 10 lucky winners were celebrated in each of the three categories.

It was reported that the Lagos reward bonanza cost the company about N16 million to appreciate loyal Golden Chance Lotto stakers and sub-agents who can easily be identified on the streets through their coloured green kiosks and umbrellas in all the states.

“Already, there are plans for us to expand our activities from

Abuja to other Northern states beginning with a functional office here in Abuja early in January,” Adepeju said, adding that the company has two Principal Agents in Abuja already, with one fully functional and the other picking up.’’

One of the company’s Abuja Principal Agent, Ajoke Abosede, told Daily Times at the occasion that the business of Lotto staking is very lucrative in Abuja and that there is room for expansion to other Northern Areas. She revealed that although she presently operates with 10

Another winner in the seoond category

terminals, she still requires additional five to enable her contain her growing list of stakers and sub-agents.

Future of Lotto in the North Adepeju is confident that lotto game will change the lot of many people in the Northern parts of the country.

Fabaraku receiving his reward at the event

“By our next visit early in January, Golden Chance Lotto would have been firmly rooted in the Northern parts of Nigeria starting with a strong marketing base in Abuja,” she said.

Acknowledging that the presence of the company has since dominated the Southwest, South-South and the South-East

zones of the country, Peju said what remains for the agency to have the desired Pan-Nigerianspread is extending their activities to the north.

The future looks bright for the lotto business here as ripples of the event swept through the Gwarimpa area of the Federal Capital Territory.

This is our own way to say the Church also cares about them – Pst Biola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

won’t be the last.”

Compared with the outreaches, how does the inreach fair in attendance?

“Oh, definitely the outreaches attract much more in number because we went to various communities, and lots of people who reside in those areas turned up.

“Sometimes we get up to 1,500 people showing up, having different needs so, assuredly we have more people in the outreaches than in the inreach as far as we can see for now,” Biola concluded.

Daily Times also spoke with some members at different stands who expressed joy at being recipients in this inreach. A lady who had her bag full with choice clothes and shoes said she is very grateful to the Church for this inreach.

“All fingers are not equal, you know; there are some clothes we see from a distance and on televi-

sion which are out of our reach in terms of money, but see,” she dropped her bag and pulled out a chocolate coloured skirt with a top to match. “Sometimes we do window shopping and I can tell you this dress is not for the salaried worker; not to talk of those of us who don’t even earn a salary.”

On the dental roll were some 85 people, young and old. A senior citizen told our correspondent this is what care and giving translates to.

“The Church is not all about taking or giving to the public alone. We have needs too so this is a commendable gesture and we are greatly pleased for the opportunity. The drugs and treatment don’t come cheap, but they are all made available free for us here.”

The Tunde Pastor who arrived later in the afternoon had so many guests waiting for him, but he did spent time moving around

Another ‘patient’ enjoying attention at the inreach

At the welfare Department, it was dream clothes for free

each unit, greeted members and returned to his office.

Bakare had insisted he would only celebrate his birthday every ten years, but the Church said okay, that will come, but we will mark it our own way and they waited patiently for Sunday November 15th when the Church presented birthday cakes to a happy Mrs. B and to a not-tooexcited Pastor B. At the end of the first ever inreach, Mr. Sunday Oluwanisola of the Logistics Department reported that the inreach recorded a total of 493 attendees. People with optical needs took the lion share at 214; Dental care (90) and General medical consultation and other tests (189).

All members tested and recommended for glasses were giv-

en choice of frames; the lenses and frames chosen would be made available to them in due course.

The exercise was both exciting and fulfilling but not without some observations. A member of the Crown of Glory (COG) suggested that their members – all 50 years and above – should be given preference over the younger ones. “Senior citizens should have a separate platform so they don’t have to queue up for a long time before being attended to. Some of us are not very strong, you know,” he said apologetically. His point was noted.

Daily Times also gathered that the initial directive was that each member has a choice of one unit for attention. In other words,

a member who has optical and dental needs would have to choose one out of the two.

Council Chairman, Mr. Bode could not be reached for comment but Sunday Oluwanisola confirmed that the directive was specific in the beginning, “But when we saw that some people needed attention in many areas and all were important, we threw it open, so everybody had what they wanted from clothes, dental, optical, other medicals, etc. All the units attended to everybody that came.”

Latter Rain Assembly has been known to blaze many trails on the evangelical and teaching ministry. This new blaze was well appreciated as one member commented: “There are needs in the house, and the Church cannot neglect them.”

Before the close of service last Sunday November 15th, 2015, the Latter Rain Church raised the bar of welfare again by announcing another first ever inreach specifically for widows and widowers in the Church ... immediately after service.

“It is going to be a closed door inreach. If you are not a widow and not a widower, please you are not expected to be there,” the announcement said.

“The Church has a responsibility to care for those inside as well as for those outside. Any Church that is not doing that is not continuing in the good works of Christ,” a COG member told our correspondent.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

31 Opinion

The young shall grow

ÏÏÏFor

the fifth time, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria brought home the U-17 World Cup. They met Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Mali on the way and demolished them to lift the trophy. Very golden achievement indeed. That was not the only piece of news that cheered us. In the past few days we also learnt that - a Nigerian, Jighere Wellington, became the new Scrabble World Champion; a Nigerian, Dr Opeyemi Enoch of Federal University, Oye Ekiti solved the 156 yearold Riemann mathematics hypothesis and Nigeria’s Freeman Osonuga named among 3 finalists for space trip.

Though it seems that we’re living in a ‘Republic of Liars’ and also have elders behaving badly, some Nigerians are doing the nation proud in their various disciplines.

HRM Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor ascended his ancestors’ throne in 1979 at the age of 2 and a half years old thus officially becoming the youngest person to be crowned in the world. He spent the first two decades of his life out of Nigeria and returned, in 2007, to assume

his royal duties at Agbor Kingdom motto of which is ‘By Spirit and Knowledge.’ Aged 30 he was appointed the Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.

And just last month, he was approached to be the Chancellor of the Cotonou-based Western African University (WAU) in Republic of Bénin.

AfricanGlobe, an online publication, wrote about a Jelani Aliyu who’s presently the toast of General Motors in Detroit, Michigan, United States of America. Jelani Aliyu is from Sokoto State, Nigeria. He joined the General Motors in Detroit, Michigan, USA in 1994 and is currently acclaimed as the lead exterior designer of the Chevy Volt, the latest design of the manufacturing line of General Motors. He also worked on the Pontiac G6, the Astra and the Chevrolet Volt. Jelani attended Capital School in Sokoto. He got sponsorship from the Sokoto Scholarship Board for his studies at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The rest, they say, is history.

Here in Nigeria, within the walls of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik) in Akwa, Anam-

Buhari

bra State, wonders are happening. Seven engineering students of Mechanical Engineering Department have repeated the feat performed last year by a group of five students who produced a ‘Formula 1’ car AutoZIKI. The seven students Ezeigwe Chitoo, Obinani Victor, Ogbu Thaddeus, Okoro Chinaza (the only female, Yes o!), Ezeanolue Ifeanyi, Nwobodo Nnamdi and Ominigbo Fidelis constructed a ‘made in Nigeria’ mini-bus which was test-driven within and outside the institution. The vehicle, named AutoZIKII, was found ‘movable and durable’. It ticked all the

W E A T H E R ABUJA

ASABA

LAGOS

Low 23°C High 37°C

Low 25°C High 34°C

Low 25°C High 36°C

KADUNA

IBADAN

ILORIN

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boxes. ‘Bravo’ to Okoro Chinaza and her fellow engineering wizards.

Could all the above be attributed to the Buhari factor? Or is it a case of ‘when the Lord turned our fortunes we were like them that dreamed’?

In the quest to rebrand the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the recently held 2015 National Conference in Abuja, a pride of place was given to youth and women in the mission to return the party to the people. Quite laudable efforts. Youth should accept the invitation, take over the running of the party and, strengthened by lessons learnt in defeat, the

young ones shall surely make the party rise again.

But there are too many heavyweight elders in the party. Will these make the way for the young folks?

We shall see.

Nigerian youth are disappointed in those who claim to be working for and in their interest. To each generation, its own goals and aspirations.

And that’s why the youth are being advised to model their group on the demands and aspirations of their time. They should draw inspiration from the lives of ‘heroes past’.

Draw lessons from biographies and auto-biographies. There are some Nigerians who believe that the Nigerian youth should galvanise themselves into a strong third political party with fresh ideas for moving the country forward. Let’s have a democracy by the people for the people and made by the people. The main focus should be the people. Let’s plug the holes left behind by the ‘heroes past’ and current self-acclaimed heroes.

Dapo Adepoju, national president of the Yoruba Youth’s Congress is quoted to have said that his ‘members have lost confidence in Afenifere because ... the group’s leadership lacks consistency ... Yoruba youth could no longer trust the leaders’. I totally disagree with those who say that there was solid unity in Afenifere during Pa Awo’s time. There was the burst-up between Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Ladoke Akintola which resulted in different camps in the |Action Group and the Afenifere.

But the Awo cult was strong and effective then because youth were seen not heard. Unlike now.

When one criss-crosses the country, one discovers that the disunity rocking Afenifere is visible in similar groups. Youth’s complaints against elders span from self-interest, insensitivity to others’ feelings, indiscipline, inflexibility of ideas, lack of focus and the list goes on.

Youth are often impatient so it’s up to elders at the helm of affairs to show a good example and not put on a do-what-I-say attitude.

No high fives for any elders who have been on the political scene for more than half a century and who haven’t mentored any youth. So let them now give the youth a chance the chance to beam their magnifying-glass on the flaws of the heroes past and fashion out a way forward. Those young ones in government - they could be counted on our finger tips - should please work towards a government of the people (which must be) by the people and for the people. The Nigerian people’s interest should come first in the siting of infrastructural amenities in any location in the country. The future would be glorious if we decided to improve on the shortcomings of ‘our heroes past’ so that our own labour would not be in vain and future generations would not be tempted to spit on our graves. Nigeria’s blessed with smart and forward-looking men and women. Let’s make Nigeria work. Not for today but for years to come.

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WEdnESdaY, noVEmBER 18, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.233

Price: n150

D N A L I Z A W S 0 2 NIGERIA

Moses, Ambrose silence Sihlangu

S

econd half strikes from Moses Simon and Efe Ambrose ensured the Super Eagles cruised to the next round of Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Swaziland’s hopes of reaching their first ever FIFA World Cup got dashed as they crashed 2-0 to Nigeria at the Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Tuesday evening.

The Super Eagles were toothless in front of goal in the first leg, which ended 0-0, and needed 52 minutes of the return game to make the breakthrough.

A trade mark free-kick from Moses Simon and Efe Ambrose’s strike breezed aside Harris Bulunga’s side who had boasted about their chances of upstaging the Super Eagles before their home fans Another of the continent’s heavyweights, Ghana, secured their passage in very similar

fashion to Nigeria.

Having been held 0-0 to Comoros in the first leg, the Black Stars hit two goals without reply in the return match to go through 2-0 on aggregate.

Wakaso Mubarak grabbed the opener and Swansea striker Jordan Ayew added the second late on. And just as Swaziland ended their match with 10 men, so too did Comoros when Omar Mdahoma received a second yellow card with eight minutes remaining.

Egypt made the most of Chad’s late arrival to win easily 4-0 to go through 4-1 on aggregate.

Chad only arrived at the Borg Al Arab stadium in 30 minutes before kick-off.

This after their flight from N’Djamena was delayed due to a row over player bonuses and then the condition of the plane they

were using for the journey.

The Pharaoh’s were 2-0 up inside 10 minutes with goals from Mohamed El Neny and then Abdalallah El Saied.

Portugal based Koka then headed home twice in the space of five minutes before half-time to put the game beyond doubt.

Libya were the first team on Tuesday to book their place in the next round after a 3-1 win in Rwanda gave them a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Khumaj put the visitors ahead in the second leg to put them in control of the tie.

Rwanda’s Jacques Tuyisenge made it 1-1 on the day and offered his side some hope of a comeback but Libya pulled away thanks to a brace from Mohamed Ghanudi.

And Cameroon are through, despite being held to a 0-0 draw at home to Niger. The Indomitable Lions secured their passage in

the first leg with a 3-0 win.

Congo finally emerged victorious after a fantastic tussle with Ethiopia, the Red Devils winning their second leg 2-1 to go through 6-4 on aggregate.

Ethiopia’s Getaneh Kebede scored the opening goal of the second leg to level the tie at 4-4 on aggregate.

But Francis N’Ganga nudged Congo ahead overall when he made it 1-1 on the day and Thievy Bifouma’s strike sealed his side’s victory.

They join Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Morocco, Uganda and Zambia - who had already played their second legs in the group stage.

Kicking off next October, the 20 secondround qualifiers will form five groups of four teams with the winners of each group booking their place at the finals in Russia.

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Grace

Ibitoye

Designer with a Midas touch

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Nigerians now appreciate local fabrics, accessories more Unlike others who are bent on practicing their course of study, reverse is the case for fast rising designer, Grace Omowunmi Ibitoye, who is currently steering the ship as the CEO of GIO designs with major focus in Ankara bags, shoes and accessories. Worried by her inabilities to secure a job after school, the computer science graduate from Bowen University, in this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, lead us into her world of fabric wonders and challenges amongst others.

Excerpts:

Life &

T E A M

Considering the fact that we have several people who have also ventured into to this business of yours, what stands your designs out?

It is unique and distinctive because I put my entire all in it inculcating my drawing abilities while making my designs. I try as much as possible to sketch out my designs before embarking on job itself. Although most of the time, you get to see same fabric designs flooding everywhere but I try as much as possible to put that magic touch on my designs; the way I mix the materials are different so also is the shapes and make which are not the regular types you see around.

How long have you been in this business?

Barely a year I must say but I am progressing is the honest truth.

What has been the reception from your few clients since you started?

Sincerely at first it was not encouraging at all but because I knew where I was going, I never got discouraged at any point but now it is bit better because Nigerians now appreciate our local fabrics most especially the accessories aspect of it because it makes one stand out at occasions.

In terms of price, how affordable are your products?

Very affordable because it is not as expensive as shopping for the western designs like the designer bags, shoes, belt and the likes that gulp so much amount but the reality is that for as low as a thousand naira you can get an Ankara accessories designs let say an Ankara ear-ring, key holders amongst others, while for the bags and shoes, they are affordable between 2500 to 10,000 naira.

I can equally attest to the fact that anything done with the Ankara fabrics last longer and usually stand out.

Talking about fabrics, do you mix fabrics in your designs?

Definitely, I mix fabrics and leather together to form a design and also, I equally make use of suede with a touch of Ankara in my accessories. One unique thing about my work is my usage of like mind colours together.

What have been the challenges since you started?

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

The very key challenge has always been capital to up things together. So also is the environment the business is located because that totally determines whether your product will sell or not. The fact is people barely buy the Ankara made bags not to talk of the accessories.

Dropping computer science for fabrics, how did your parents react to this?

Although they did not take lightly with me because they value education just I do but since they saw my passion for art, they gave me the total support needed to make the business grow. Let me say here that my parents most especially my mother is my number one critic as she does not want to see any mistake in any of my bags as she always advised that paying attention to details is very key for any business to grow.

Talking about fashion, how many exhibitions have you done?

Actually the one I attended recently was my first main exhibition. I have showed my stuffs in church and other places but since the beginning of the recent exhibition, I have got positive response from guests and most especially from the FADAN president.

In the trending of how fashion industry has been going in recent time, we have seen that Nigerians in the Diaspora appreciate more of our own Nigerian fabrics; how do you intend taking your own fabrics outside the country?

I believe in God’s direction and favour because by the time by product is known everywhere and rocked by top celebrities, Nigerians in the Diaspora get to see them and with that they start ordering. Before the ordering will start, I am bent sure that all my works will be made available on several online platforms and with that, I will be shipping in and out of the country.

In years to come, where do you GIO designs?

By that time I won’t need to introduce myself anymore, the name will speak for itself. In three years’ time, hopefully I would have had my own brand in major states in Nigeria like Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Lagos.

I want to have my own shop, then hopefully in future, I will have my own exhibitions, selforganised exhibitions.

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Grace Ibitoye Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

L3Global fashion and Style

Mutiat Alli

RIHANNA expands

empire with two new ventures Stephanie Coker

ZAZAII, flagship store for contemporary and high end ready-to-wear womenswear, menswear and accessories from foremost African fashion, lifestyle and beauty brands, has unveiled its #InfluencersSeries with Stephanie Coker.

The TV Presenter, Producer and self-confessed foodie, Stephanie Coker wore 60’s inspired outfits to kick of the Zazaii #InfluencersSeries.

From her time as an MTV Base presenter to her London- meets Lagos closet, Stephanie Coker is the poster girl for individuality and urban cool.

Born in Lagos and raised in London, Coker studied Media and Communications at London’s Brunel University, before moving to Lagos to work at MTV Base Africa.

She tells the ZAZAII team

60’s inspired! ZAZAII #InfluencersSeries debuts with Stephanie Coker about the importance of her personal style and marching to the beat of her own drum.

“I have been asked this question a few times and I’ve always said fresh, vibrant, quirky and edgy.

Now I know how to describe my style by just using one word.

Versatile. I love experimenting with bold colors and prints. I really don’t like to conform to [style] norms. I have a weakness for comfortable clothes and that often means leaving the house in slippers, shorts and a white tee,” she said when asked to describe her style.

American top pop star, Rihanna having launched her Puma Collection and make-up line has expanded her empire with the creation of a beauty and stylist agency, with managing partner Benoit Demuoy, based in Los Angeles, called Fr8me.

The pop star, who is represented by WME said, “Hair, makeup and styling play an important role in creativity. I am very involved with that part of my process, so this agency was an organic thing for me to do.”

The new firm helps artists land commercials, editorial shoots, ad campaigns and red-carpet jobs.

So far the agency has on board Rihanna’s longtime makeup artist Mylah Morales, Taraji P. Henson’s wardrobe stylist Jason Bolden and hairstylists Patricia Morales (Evan Rachel Wood, Fergie) and Marcia Hamilton (Jada Pinkett Smith and the Smith family).

Rihanna

Drake

Tom House of Tara launches Ford Lagos headquarter releases lips & boys

Ada-Iwug , Chukwu Monye, Nimi Akinkugbe, Tara-Durotoye, Ibukun Awosika, Fela-Durotoye, Osayi Alile

Africa’s leading beauty brand, House of Tara – iconic for setting up the first make-up studio and establishing Nigeria’s first makeup school in 2004 launched its new corporate office located at 13A Onikepo Akande Street, Lekki Pennisula scheme I, Lekki, Lagos. The building interior was designed by Jumoke Adenowo’s company, AD Logistics.

The corporate office launch was hosted by Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairman of the Board

of Directors of House of Tara.

Other members of the board of directors were also present including Nimi Akinkugbe, Osayi Alile, Chukwuka Monye and Ada Iwugo who also gave the welcome address.

Mrs. Awosika started by saying: “I have been in this building before so I know exactly what it’s like. I also know the passion and commitment behind getting the new head office and indeed the company is ready for this stage.”

Mrs. Fela Durotoye, who launched the building alongside Mrs. Awosika, was supported by her husband, Mr Fela Durotoye.

Other special guests present at the event to retrace the brands evolution and the new headquarters space were Joke Bakare (Owner of Medplus), Bolanle Olukanni, Adebola Williams, Sekou Coulibaly, Mai Atafo, Ndidi Nwuenli, Funke Bucknor, Zainab Balogun, Yvonn Ekwere, Sarah Hamman, amongst others.

collections

Fashion designer Tom Ford re-releases his new collection of “Lips & Boys” cosmetics next week, including a line of lipsticks inspired by (and named for) important men in his life.

One of those lucky menfolk is Drake. His namesake lipstick is a dark burgundy.

The collection, which is inspired by notable men in the designer’s life, was previously available for a limited time. But the success of its inaugural launch is triggering talk of a more permanent home for the line — news that’s soothing to Drake fans who were unsure if the lipstick would last them till the debut of the rapper’s upcoming album.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Stylish

MEN Mutiat Alli

In not too distant time, Agbada outfit were specifically significant as Yoruba traditional attire worn on special occasion

in

Agbada attire

but these day both fashion icons wear Agbada outfits to top and high octane events causing a stir on the red carpet.

Kudos to the stylish men who took the risk in Agbada!

Denrele Edun

Don Jazzy

Jide Kosoko

Ebuka-Obi uchendu

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

L5 Fashion & Style

Ice Prince Iyanya Kunle Afolayan

Femi Adebayo

h s i l y t s d w n e e n r t e Th e top p a c

Waje

Bolanle Olakanni

Yemi Alade

Fashion & Style L6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Redefine your eye shape using eye shadows Ifeoma Ibe

When it comes to doing make-up, we all have our tag line which is to ensure that our eyes look brighter and more awake. It is important to know your eye shape and finding out the most flattering colours for your lids.

Knowing how to apply eye shadow and linear will help you better translate techniques to fit your face. Here are the secret for each specific eye shape: ROUND EYE: Having round eyes start by applying eyeliner from the inner corners of your eyes all the way to the outside ending in a straight line or small cat eye. Then highlight below the brow bone and the inner corners of your eye with a light eye shadow.

Blend the eye shadow from the outside, going towards the middle of the eyes in order to give more shape to your lid.

ALMOND SHAPED EYES: It’s not surprising that Beyonce has the ideal eye shape. IF you have almond eyes, you should use the round eyes application techniques.

DOWNTURNED EYES: In downturned eyes, most especially your eyeliner will play the most important part that is, start by using your eye shadow

to highlight and shade the same way you use for a round or almond shaped eye the difference is your eyeliner and it should be much heavier. After applying the eye shadow and your liner starting at inner corners and moving all the way outside. The secret is to give it a curve up at the end like a cat eye.

DEEP SET EYES: For deep set eyes, use the same techniques as you would use for round eyes, but apply the dark eye shadow very lightly. If you want to modulate the highlighted parts of the eyes to give the illusion of roundness, but don’t overpower it with dark eye shadow.

CLOSED SET EYES: Start by highlighting below your brow bone and inner lid the same as you would for round eyes, the little different is that is the base eye shadow. Use a lighter colour and shade a little bit then, take the darker color and shade from the outside on top of the crease to give it more contrast. Make sure you start your eyeliner at the middle of the lid and extend it out further than your eyes in a straight line.

HOODED EYES: They don’t need much highlighting, all you just need to do is to start with your light shadow

Skater Patience Ekanem

Skater skirt is fabulously stylish. They are of different variations, varying from different colours and styles. Skater skirt goes with any blouse or top as long as it is fitted. It gives you that classic look when you wear it. Skater skirt can be worn on any kind of body shape. Skater skirt can be worn either in mini or midi length, but it really looks nice and gorgeous in mini length.

Skater skirt looks nice and elegant when it’s been paired with a high heel shoe or flat shoes, both makes you stylish and smart. When rocking a skater skirt, with any blouse or top, its best you tucked it in to give you that stylish look.

The great thing about skater skirts is the hot look, it fits with all the tops, and makes your legs look longer. This beautiful piece universally flatters every body type. It can be worn as a casual or dressy staple. Skater skirt are easy to

skirt is back

wear, they’re comfortable, and are not very expensive.

Want look more gorgeous in your skater skirt? Try this out:Ò Pair your skater skirt with a crop top and cardigan for a cute, layered look. Ò Wear a skater skirt with a blazer and chic accessories for a work-appropriate look. Ò Skater skirt paired with a sweatshirt is a fun mix. Add combat boots for some uniqueness. Ò Make a floral skater skirt more tough by wearing it with a leather jacket. Ò Wear your skater skirt with a slim sweater, and cinch it all in at the waist with a skinny belt. Ò Rock your skater skirt with a button-down top. Ò Mix your skater skirt with prints, and add sneakers for a fun and unique look. Ò Pair your black skater skirt with a striped shirt and classic.

only on the inner corners of the eyes.

Apply a good amount of medium color and also apply heavy dark shade around the crease to give an illusion of a rounder eyes and extend your eyeliner more in order to balance or satisfy the look.

MONOLID EYES: It goes straight from the brow to the eyes with no crease it is similar to hooded eyes, if you want to apply eye shadow to make the eyes appear bigger and brighter. First of all, increase the highlighting in the inner corners of your eye, take your medium color and go above the crease from the outside of your eye creating a round shape, the dark shade should be used in the same way very lightly to define the shape, when applying liner, keep a steady hand and do a very thin line that gets a bit thicker on the outside.

PROTRUDING EYES: In protruding eyes you don’t need any highlighting on the inner corner of your eye, all you need to do is to apply it lightly under the brow bone like the hooded eye, you should heavily shade with your medium colour. Most importantly, apply heavy eyeliner from the inner corners of your eye to the outside with just a straight line.

Have your pick from the collection of world’s most expensive diamond rings Oyetubo Olabimpe Diamond jewelry has always been a source of fascination for ladies, especially diamond rings and that is because they are considered a traditional symbol of romance and love. Little wonder they say, ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’. However, coveting some of the most beautiful and exquisite diamond rings always comes with a price. But who really cares about price when the means is readily available and the pieces are breathtaking.

The pink diamond ring This was sold off by Christie’s at a Hong Kong auction for a record $10.8 million and is the most expensive diamond ring in the world.

Vivid blue diamond ring This dazzling ring was sold

by Sotheby’s for a whopping $7.9 million. The beautiful blue diamond weighs six carats and the ring is made

of platinum. Emerald cut diamonds complete the picture on each side of the central gem.

Oval-cut diamond ring Priced at $4.2 million, this pure white diamond ring boasts an oval-cut VVS2 diamond with E color clarity, weighing 46.51 carats.

The ring itself is made of platinum.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

L7

Television L8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

125 FOX Channel

107 M-Net Movie Romance

02:10

02:15

Wed, 18 Nov | 13SL

Wed, 18 Nov | 16SNL

‘S3/E4 - Full Moon Fever’. Bobby falls for Travis’ photography professor, but Travis refuses to introduce them. Laurie falls for a guy she’s never met when she begins a romance via Twitter.

In this introspective film, a young man has everything one could possibly want, but still isn’t happy. When he meets a woman from his past, he wonders if she is the missing piece. Rachael Taylor, Josh Lawson. (2012) Rob Sitch.

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

128 SONY MAX

00:00 New Worlds 01:00 Time Of Death 02:05 Hours 04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:30 Mysteries Of Laura 07:30 Grey’s Anatomy 08:30 Stranded In Paradise 10:30 Mike & Molly 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 14:00 Elementary 15:00 Chicago Fire 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Middle 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Modern Family 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 The Blacklist 20:30 CSI: Cyber 21:30 NCIS: Los Angeles 22:30 Gotham 23:00 Twelve Monkeys

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love 23:05 QI 23:35 Top Gear

00:20 Most Shocking 01:10 Kenny vs Spenny 11:00 My Family

01:40 Freakshow

00:25 The Weakest Link

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

02:10 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

01:15 Silent Witness

12:20 Top Gear

02:40 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal

02:10 Total Wipeout UK

13:15 Come Dine With Me

03:10 Hip Hop Squares

03:05 EastEnders

14:15 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:40 Most Shocking

03:35 QI

15:05 The Weakest Link

04:30 South Beach Tow

04:05 Top Gear

16:00 EastEnders

05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak

05:00 Spy

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:30 Exposed

05:25 QI

17:10 The Cube

05:55 Exposed

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

06:20 Video Zonkers

06:30 EastEnders

19:00 Dragons’ Den

06:45 Repo Games

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

20:05 Top Gear

07:10 World’s Wildest Police Videos

07:55 The Weakest Link

21:05 Hell’s Kitchen USA

08:45 The Cube 09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow

08:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

23:45 So You Think You’d Survive?

155 AfricaMagic World

154 Africa Magic Family

00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Living With Trisha 01:30 Family Ties 02:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Evanescent 08:35 Living With Trisha 09:25 The African Child 10:00 Good Morning Africa

11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 14:00 Prem 14:30 Jara 15:00 Family Ties 15:30 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:30 Living With Trisha 17:30 Comfort Zone 18:00 Meet The Adebanjos 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Airtel Touching Lives 20:35 Evanescent 22:00 Tyme Out With Tee-A 23:35 53 Extra

00:05 Noose Of Gold 00:35 Good Morning Africa 01:40 The Dzigbordi Show 02:30 Good Morning Africa 03:30 Good Morning Africa 04:30 Prem 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 Johnbull And Rosekate 08:35 Prem

09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 So Wrong So Wright 11:00 Lies That Bind 11:30 Lies That Bind 12:00 Jara 12:30 Jara 13:00 Series TBA 14:00 53 Extra 14:30 53 Extra 15:00 Kakibe Ki 15:30 Noose Of Gold 16:00 Foot Print 16:30 Lies That Bind 17:00 Lies That Bind 17:30 Star Gist 18:00 Star Gist 18:30 Star Gist 19:00 Prem 19:30 So Wrong So Wright 20:00 Market Sellers 22:25 Series TBA 23:30 The Tracker

09:10 South Beach Tow 09:40 Most Shocking 10:40 Most Shocking 11:40 Video Zonkers 12:10 Repo Games 12:40 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:40 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:40 South Beach Tow 15:10 Exposed 15:40 Criss Angel Mindfreak 16:10 1000 Ways To Die 16:40 Video Zonkers 17:05 Repo Games 17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne 20:30 Impractical Jokers 21:00 Freakshow 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 Tool Academy 23:20 The Real

Football g X8 is my life

Poster!

AKPOM UDOH

—Xavi

g X4,5 Wednesday, November 18, 2015

nFF appeals for release of Siasia’s mgum X3

ROONEY

contacted team-mates after Paris attacks

g X6

Balogun tasks Dalong in repositioning sports g X3

g X6

Injury scare for

Sanchez

Maradona undergoes second gastric bypass g X2

WENGER calls for tougher drugs testing g X6 Morati tips Belgium to g X7 win Euro 2016

X2

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

Blatter, Platini ‘facing long bans’

Maradona undergoes second gastric bypass

D

F

IFA president Sepp Blatter and the head of UEFA Michel Platini could face long bans from football by the end of the year, sources close to FIFA prosecutors have revealed.

The pair are being investigated by world football’s Ethics Committee following an undeclared “disloyal” payment of £1.35m in 2011 for consultancy work carried out by Platini on Blatter’s behalf nine years earlier.

The body handing Blatter and Platini’s case are keen to have proceedings wrapped by Christmas,

Blatter with sources admitting they face “multi-year” suspensions, likely to be at least five years, if found guilty.

The pair are currently appealing their 90-day provisional bans, with a decision from FIFA’s Appeals Committee

Platini expected by the end of the week.

The case will then be handed over to Hans-Joachim Eckert, the German judge heading up the Ethics Committee enquiry.

Blatter recently spent a spell in a Swiss hospital while recovering from

stress. Even if the 79-year old is not fit enough to contribute fully to the proceedings in person the Ethics Committee is confident of reaching a decision by Christmas, according to sources.

i e g o Maradona h a s undergone a second gastric bypass operation, his doctor has confirmed.

Maradona The legendary Argentinian had surgery at a private clinic in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo on Sunday after struggling with weight problems and complications resulting from the first time he had the procedure 10 years ago.

“He told me he was feeling fine, that he wasn’t in any pain,” Colombian surgeon Dr Carlos Felipe Chaux confirmed to reporters.

“He’s in very good physical condition and very good health. His heart is very well and all his vital signs are normal.”

Maradona is due to spend eight days in Maracaibo before moving to Caracas to continue his recovery.

‘NO PLANS BY HIGUAIN TO DUMP NAPOLI’

N

apoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is not planning for a future away from the club, according to his agent.

The Argentina international has scored 11 goals in 15 games for Maurizio Sarri’s side so far this season as the San Paolo club have started their Serie A and Europa League campaigns in encouraging form.

Higuain, who was linked with a move during the most recent transfer window, remains a rumoured target for struggling Premier League champions Chelsea.

But Nicolas Higuain - the 27-yearold’s agent and brother - says even a club willing to match president Aurelio De Laurentiis’ €100million price tag would struggle to convince him to leave.

“We’re doing really well with Napoli,” he said.

“I’ve been in Argentina for five months, I’m not travelling around the world trying to sell my brother.

“If tomorrow a club arrived and found an agreement with De Laurentiis it would be another matter and we would talk with him about it, but from our part that

intention isn’t there.

“We aren’t planning a future elsewhere.”

A lack of Champions League football or a genuine Serie A title challenge has fuelled speculation regarding Higuain’s future in the past, but Nicolas believes the current side is closer than ever to a major trophy.

Higuain

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

Balogun tasks Dalong in repositioning sports

A

renowned sports analyst, Tayo Balogun on Wednesday urged the new Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalong to adopt a methodical approach to reposition sports in the country.

Balogun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the nation’s sports sector needed a new dimension for effective performance.

“It is, however, necessary to first take a critical look at all

DALONG

the sports disciplines we have and to take note of their lapses.

“There is need to look back at some of the happenings in sports that might be responsible for the set back to sports development.

Such occurrences should be prevented from reoccurring,” he said.

The analyst added that sports had always been underrated as a tool for national development.

“The dispensation we currently have presently in the country is all about change and I also want it to radiate in our sports.

“Sports should also be given a key part to play in development of the various programmes.

“I have observed over time that we have not been benefiting adequately from the derivable dividends

from sports.

“For instance in Nigeria the major unifying factor is sports irrespective of the diverse nature of the nation’s many ethnic groups,” he said.

Balogun stressed that Dalong has a very big responsibility to develop sports in the country and urged him to avoid doing things in an irregular manner.

“I see a lot of decisions have been taken and executed but did not follow the right channels.

“I want impunity eradicated completely from our sport. Let all decisions pertaining to sports administration follow due process.

“For instance, if we are to employ a coach, the best hands should be shortlisted and the very best among them that’s capable of delivering should be employed.

“Early approach should be adopted for our participation in international competitions.

We should stop the late preparations for tournaments.

BasketBall: CoaCh sets target for pillars in angola

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he Head Coach of Kano Pillars Basketball Club, Sanni Ahmed, said on Tuesday that his target for the upcoming Africa Champions Cup (ACC) in Luanda, Angola was to finish in the medal zone.

Ahmed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that with hard work and determination his club would achieve its set goals.

“The ACC is a different ball game, where the best clubs in Africa meet yearly to compete for the exclusive championship trophy.

“On our part, we are ready to do the country proud, with hard work and proper

motivation; we will be victorious at the end.

“We are aware other clubs beefed up their teams with overseas players, however, we are not short of quality players in our team,” he said.

He said that the team could come home with the championship trophy but only if they were motivated.

NAN report that pillars had won five games and clinched one of the two available tickets, having come first in the Africa Zone 3 qualifier in Cotonou, Benin earlier this month.

Pillars’ outstanding performance saw the club make a return to the continental championship, having failed in the previous

Deposed champions Pillars put behind ‘disastrous’ season

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eposed Nigeria league champions Kano Pillars have described the past league season as a disastrous one after they finished eighth on the table after they won the championship for three straight seasons.

Pillars chairman Kabiru Baita said this past season was a disaster and a challenge to every stakeholder in the team and not just the players.

Baita also commended the fans across the country for their sense of maturity and sportsmanship attitude they showed during the just-concluded season.

According to the media officer of the club Rilwanu Idris Malikawa, said the Pillars chairman expressed appreciation

with kind of discipline displayed by the fans of the club particularly in the home matches despite all the challenges they faced.

Baita then thanked Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his financial support from the beginning of the season to the end.

He assured the Kano State Government, owners of the club, that the board and coaches will meet to come out with a road map that would guide them to revive the glory of the team next season.

The team have been

campaign.

Incidentally, Nigeria’s current DStv Men’s Basketball League Champions could only manage to finish second place behind Pillars and will equally be with Pillars in Angola.

Pillars and Mark Mentors enter the race for this year’s ACC crown, joining ES Rades ( Tu n i s i a ) FAR Rabat (Morocco), Gezira (Egypt) and ASCUT (Madagascar).

Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars.

SIASIA

NFF appeals for release of Siasia’s mum Andrew Ekejiuba

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appealed passionately to kidnappers of the 72 –year old mother of U-23 National Team Head Coach, Samson Siasia, to release the old woman.

On learning of the unfortunate incident on Tuesday morning, NFF President Amaju Pinnick was downcast.

“This is quite disturbing. We are just preparing for a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, and the U-23 boys are already in The Gambia for a pre-Cup of Nations training camp. Why this?

“All we can do is to appeal to the

kidnappers to free Samson Siasia’s aged mother. Samson is on a critical national assignment presently and the last he needs is this kind of distraction.”

The 72 –year old Mrs Ogere Siasia, according to Samson, was abducted in the village of Odoni, Bayelsa State by three men on motorbike. A distressed Siasia said his mother happened to be the only one at home in his village taking care of his father who is visually impaired.

Siasia said: “Right now I am confused, from the story I got, three men on motorbike stormed my parents’ house in my village Odoni in Bayelsa State, shot sporadically into the air before taking my old mother away on a bike.

“What do they expect from me? I don’t have money, I am right now on national duty, and need all the time to concentrate on this very important national task, so I beg them to please release my mother so that I can concentrate on this task of qualifying

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

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ABOUT

Mfon Udoh

Mfon Udoh (born March 14, 1992) is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a forward for Enyimba FC and the Nigeria national team.

He has been described as a complete forward who possesses pace, good positioning, natural finishing as well as the ability to provide assists. He is a “fox in the box” type of player, difficult to stop once in the penalty area. He currently holds the record for highest number of goals scored in the Nigerian Premier Football League in a single season.

Udoh is also the first player to score over 35 league goals in two seasons in Nigeria. He scored 38 goals in the regular league and 3 in cup competitions, for a total of 41 goals in his first 2 professional league seasons 20122014.

Mfon began his youth career with Diamond Stars Academy then at Calabar (UNICEM) Rovers of the Nigeria National League, the former youth club of Finidi George. He went on to score 8 goals in his first season for the Rovers in 2011-2012 season, finishing as their top marksman in all competitions.

In the 2012-2013 season he transferred to Akwa United F.C., his hometown club in the Nigerian Premier Division. On March 31, 2013 few weeks after turning twenty years, he scored his first ever goal at the top level of Nigerian football.

On August 3, 2013 he received the League Bloggers Award for the best player during the month of July. He went on to complete the regular season with 15 goals to his name, among them 8 crucial away goals to help ‘the Promise Keepers’ escape relegation. He finished the season once more as the top marksman for his club and 3rd highest overall in the league. The performances by the then 20-year-old attracted the attention of top clubs in the league.

After surprising many with his performances during his rookie season, Udoh earned a transfer to two-time African Champions League winners Enyimba for an undisclosed amount. He was given the number 10 shirt and registered for both the Nigerian (NPFL) and African Champions League competitions.

At Enyimba he set a personal target of 20 goals for the season and went on to surpass this target, shattering the previous league record by scoring 23 goals as Enyimba finished second in the league table.

He is currently the only player in the history of the Nigerian league to score more than 20 league goals in a single season. Mfon was a recipient of multiple ‘player of the week’ awards for scoring very vital goals and assists throughout the year. He scored a total of 6 braces throughout the campaign, including in the last game against Kano Pillars to extend Enyimba’s unbeaten streak to seven games, ending the season on a high note.

In November 2014 he was called up to a friendly game between Nigerian and Ghanaian home-based teams. He made his first appearance for the national team as a 45th minute substitute.

PERSO INFORMNAL ATION

Name: Date of

Mfon Ud oh M a rc h Place o , 14 199 f birth: 2 (age 2 3) Nigeria Height: 1.72 m Playing (5 ft 8 in position ) : Forwa Club in rd formati on Current team: Enyimb Club nu a mber: 1 0 Youth c areer Diamon d Stars Academ Senior c y areer 2011-20 12: Calabar Rovers 2012-20 13: Akwa U nited F.C .

2013: Enyimb Nationa a l team birth:

Mfo

UD

on

DOH

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

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Wenger calls for tougher drugs testing

ROONEY Rooney

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ayne Rooney has revealed he immediately thought to contact Manchester United players - past and present when he heard of the Paris terror attacks.

The French national team, including United duo Anthony Martial and Morgan Schneiderlin, were playing Germany at the Stade de France, where there was

contacted team-mates after Paris attacks

a blast, on Friday.

Ex-United players Patrice Evra and Paul Pogba also featured for the hosts in the international friendly and the England captain revealed he was compelled to contact his former team-mates.

“I spoke to all my current team-mates at Manchester United, including Bastian Schweinsteiger on the German side,” Rooney

respectful as we can.”

Rooney is pleased Tuesday’s friendly against France at Wembley has been approved by both nations in order to display the football community’s defiance.

“I’m happy the game’s on,” he said. “It shows France wants to show these terrorists they’re standing strong against them, and we have to support that.

Injury

Wenger

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rsenal manager Arsene Wenger called for the introduction of blood tests to stop players doping.

The Frenchman had claimed he had seen “many” teams use performanceenhancing substances throughout his career.

Wenger said he was unhappy with the current level of testing, expressing surprise at the lack of positive tests.

“I’m not satisfied with the level of testing because I believe blood tests should be done,” he told reporters.

“If you want to go into a bit more sophistication you have to do blood checks.

“Urine checks are superficial and not deep enough to say absolutely sure that we have no doping problem in football.

“I think no and I wish no but on the other hand, can you h a v e 740 football players at a World Cup and come out with zero alert on any doping?

It’s a little bit surprising.

“I hope it is true but I think to be completely sure about it, you want to go into deeper tests.”

Wenger said players should be heavily punished for doping, calling for an immediate contract termination for those who test positive.

revealed.

“I was seeing that they were safe and hoping the same for their families. I passed my condolences to them as they were so close to it. “ He added: “On behalf of the players, we’d like to give our condolences. It is a sad time with a lot of people losing their lives.

It’s hard for everyone, including ourselves, and we have to be as

scare for

Sanchez A

rsenal could be without Alexis Sanchez when they resume their Premier League title bid at West Brom on Saturday.

The forward, Arsenal’s stand-out player this season, is a major doubt for Chile’s World Cup qualifier with Uruguay because of a calf injury.

If he misses that game, the injury a n d any potential reaction during the long journey back to London from Montevideo could

leave him struggling for the trip to the Hawthorns.

Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli said: “Alexis has a pain in his calf and we will wait for him until the last minute to see if he is ready to play.”

As well as their meeting with West Brom, Arsenal have a crucial Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb to prepare for.

Arsene Wenger’s men must win that match to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

Hodgson defends LVG over Lingard’s England call-up

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Sanchez

oy Hodgson agrees with Louis van Gaal’s concerns that Jesse Lingard’s first England call-up may have come too soon.

Manchester United midfielder Lingard was handed a spot in the senior set-up for the first time after Jamie Vardy and Michael Carrick pulled out of the squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly with France due to injury.

United boss Van Gaal stated prior to the international break that an England callup would be “too much too early” for the 22-year-old, who scored his first senior goal for his club in the 2-0 win over West Brom earlier this

month.

Hodgson admits he would not have turned to the inexperienced Lingard were it not for England’s injury problems but says Van Gaal was fine with the decision.

“I don’t think Van Gaal was wrong to say that,” the England manager said.

“Under normal circumstances, we wouldn’t have been considering Jesse Lingard at this time, even though he’s a very interesting player. I can understand why he said that.

“But the situation has changed enormously. Van Gaal gave his blessing without any problem whatsoever. It would be unfair pushing that back on him.”

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

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Morata

tips Belgium to win Euro 2016 S

pain striker Alvaro Morata has tipped Belgium to challenge for next year’s European Championship in France.

The two sides were set to meet in a friendly on Tuesday at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels but the match has been called off after security risks heightened following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday.

Juventus striker Morata - who has won six caps for the national team - feels it is a privilege to represent his country and believes Belgium will be one of the strongest teams in France.

“Playing for the national team is always an honour. We must make the most of every opportunity,” the 23-year-old said.

“Belgium is a very strong team

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Cavani

Moyes rejected offers before Sociedad axe D

and they are favourites for the Euros.

They can be considered amongst one of the toughest in Europe.”

Morata has been used sparingly

by Coach Vicente del Bosque in recent games but the Real Madrid youth product remains open to playing out of his regular role.

“I’m a striker, my job is to score goals. I’m willing to play any position,” he added. “Whatever position I play, I will do the best I can.”

Spain breezed into Euro 2016 on the back of nine wins in 10 games in Group C, conceding just three goals in the process.

Tabarez unaware of Cavani reports ruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said he had no idea whether Edinson Cavani wanted to return to Paris after reports suggested the striker was unwilling to go back to the France capital.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker and team-mate David Luiz are

Moyes

reportedly fearful of returning to the city after Friday’s terror attacks, although the Brazilian landed back there on Monday.

Coordinated attacks on the city led to at least 129 people being killed.

Speaking ahead of Uruguay’s World Cup qualifier against Chile on Tuesday, Tabarez was unwilling to be drawn on the reports surrounding Cavani.

“I haven’t spoken with him. I didn’t know what you just told me,” he said.

“He is a player who lives in that city, so it’s normal that he’s been affected by it.”

Tabarez added: “It’s a thing that doesn’t have anything to do with the match. So I won’t speak about it. And if I knew anything I wouldn’t tell you.”

Morata

Negredo undergoes surgery for appendicitis

Negredo

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avid Moyes has revealed he turned down a number of job opportunities in recent months before being sacked by Real Sociedad.

The former Everton and Manchester United manager said in a statement released by the League Managers Association (LMA) that he was “disappointed” not to be able to honour his contract, and felt the side would finish in a strong position in La Liga.

Sociedad are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference and a 2-0 defeat by Las Palmas earlier this month was their fourth in five league games and resulted in his sacking almost a year to the day that he was appointed.

Moyes said: “I am disappointed to have left Real Sociedad. When I accepted the job as manager of La Real last November, my remit was to avoid relegation and retain the club’s La Liga status.

“We succeeded in attaining that target and finished 12th in the table. I feel that we made significant progress last season; beating Barcelona in front of our home fans was a memorable highlight.

“Despite some positive performances from our team, results have not gone our way in recent weeks. However, I was confident we would finish in a strong position by the end of the season.

alencia striker Alvaro Negredo has undergone emergency surgery for acute appendicitis.

The Liga club confirmed in a statement that the Spain striker was rushed to hospital and went under the knife.

No comment was made on how long Negredo was expected to be out for, but reports suggest he will be sidelined for at least a month.

It has been a frustrating season for the former Manchester City striker, who has not featured for Valencia since a 3-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao on October 3.

Negredo criticised head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo in an interview following a slow start to the season, although talk of a rift was played down.

Nuno insisted earlier this month that Negredo’s absence from the first team was owing to performancerelated issues.

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

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INTERVIEW

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here is a select group of athletes in every sport who, at their peak, make the game look effortless, entirely graceful and ultimately easy. In tennis there have been the likes of Steffi Graf and Roger Federer, gymnastics has seen Nadia Comaneci, Michael Jordan has done it in basketball, Tiger Woods in golf and in football one of those players is Xavi Hernandez. Stringing together a seeming endless array of passes with ease, Xavi became the essence of Spain’s attacking brand of football and completed an astonishing pass completion rate of almost 90 per cent in the winning run to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Winners’ Trophy in South Africa. In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com the Al Sadd midfielder talks about his earliest memories of the FIFA World Cup, Diego Maradona, Spain’s memorable triumph in South Africa and the passion for football in the Arabic world. Excerpts:

Football is

my life!

—Xavi

What was your first ever memory of watching a World Cup? I can remember, though I don’t know if the memories are from the actual time or later on, the mascot from the 1982 World Cup in Spain; Naranjito. Then I remember Diego Maradona, in the 1986 World Cup, I was six years old by that point, with the famous Hand of God. I remember that incredible goal he scored against England, which went down in history, the success of the Argentina national team and Maradona’s impact.

I’ve never seen a World Cup match in person. Not until I played in one. But I’ve watched the vast majority of them on TV, even the World Cup in the United States, which was shown at three or four in the morning in Spain.

All of us would get up, my family, my brothers and sister, to watch the games. I followed every World Cup, all of them. Football is my life, my passion, and I love watching it.

The World Cup in South Africa was the first on the African continent and the first Spain won. You were an influential member of that team. How did

you help your country to that historic success?

We didn’t start the World Cup well. We lost to Switzerland, which made us hesitate a little.

We were nervous and more tense than usual. The team stuck to its guns, though, even if we didn’t play well until maybe the Portugal game. We played well against Portugal in the last 16, and that’s when we started seeing Spain perform.

We really had to fight against Paraguay in the quarter-final, but then we played a great game in the semis and we played well against the Netherlands in the Final too. To some extent we built on the success we’d had in the European Championships.

We had a winning mentality. We believed we could beat anyone and we felt important out on the pitch. I think we had a great World Cup, even if we didn’t start too well.

I’m excited about it all. About being involved in this project, about coming here with my family to work, it’s a genuinely marvelous project for this country called Qatar. I think it has the infrastructure to host a historic World Cup. Today we’ve been shown the future stadiums and they’re going to be wonderful.

Everything’s going to be very close together. That’s spectacular for the fans, because they’re going to be able to see a match and then, a couple of hours later, see another ten minutes away.

That’s fantastic, that’s truly fantastic, being able to say “look, one game’s finished, another’s now starting”. Even more so when the best teams on the planet are involved. For players too it’s going to be interesting not having to travel, being able to stay in the same hotel throughout.

There really are some very good advantages.

Now the first World Cup in the Middle East is just seven years away. You have had the chance to see the plans and progress that Qatar is making towards that tournament. How do you see the development here?

Having gone all the way to the title in the first edition on the African continent, do you think every region of the world should get a chance to host this event?

This is the first Arab country that’s going to host a World Cup. I think that football is universal, is

Xavi

global, and an Arab country has earned the right to host a World Cup. The passion felt for football here is incredible. People follow the Spanish league really closely, but they watch everything, everything. They’re football followers, they’re fanatical about it and they truly deserve to host it.

Qatar is off to a good start in qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. How do you see the team and their chances for qualification?

Yes, I think that they can qualify, though it won’t be easy because in Asia there are major nations, big teams, but they should get through the group they’re in now.

Let’s see what happens in the other group, who they’re drawn with next, but I think Qatar have the talent to be able to reach Russia.

It’s one of their goals and, somehow, I’m going to help them in every way I can to achieve that experience, that objective. Let’s see with those games coming up, how they approach them, but I think they’ve got a chance.

And finally, with that outstanding football mind which you possess, it must be a logical step that you would also become a coach…what’s your reaction in this regard?

I like the pitch, being close to the football, what happens in the game itself. I’m going to learn the trade – I’ve already started my education here at the Aspire Academy. I’m following Spanish football from over here while I’m still playing, and I’m really enjoying myself. After that, I don’t know what the future will hold for me, but of course I’d love to return to Barça one day. That’s my aim and the closer it is to the pitch, the better.

Culled from FIFA.com