Dtn 18 5 15

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 15th May 2015.

EXCHANGE RATES Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

GAINERS

Selling(NGN)

LOSERS

US DOLLAR

196

196.5

197

FO

173.23

13.63

7.87%

TOTAL

150

-5.00

-3.33%

POUNDS STERLING

309.8368

310.6272

311.4176

NB

155.18

1.18

0.76%

GUINNESS

155

-5.00

-3.23%

35

-1.20

-3.43%

29.5

-0.50

-1.69%

EURO

223.9692

224.5406

225.1119

PZ

29

0.60

2.07%

FLOURMILL

SWISS FRANC

215.5741

216.1241

216.674

CHAMPION

7.09

0.34

4.80%

GUARANTY

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NIGERIA

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MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.108

ABUJA Low 25°C High 39°C

ENUGU Low 26°C High 35°C

KANO Low 26°C High 44°C

LAGOS Low 27°C High 36°C

MAIDUGURI Low 29°C High 44°C

N150

P/HARCOURT Low 24°C High 32°C

Jang faction to boycott NGF parley Segun Adio Group News Editor

ÏÏÏEleven days to hando-

ver, the rank of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) remains divided, the Daily Times can authoritatively report.

A unified meeting of the Governors, scheduled for 8p.m. on Monday (today) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, will be boycotted by the Jonah Jang faction of the body, it was learnt last night.

The meeting was confirmed by the Director General of the Rotimi Amaechi

President Jonathan and Dame Patience at their valedictory service at the Aso Rock villa chapel... on Sunday

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

INSIDE Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

1 Business Extra

For AMCON, it’s a brand new day Ï MƆƓ ƌƆ ƗƌƆ Ɛ Ɗ ƕ ƇƈƗƑƅƈ Əƕ Ə ƋƆ Ƈ Ə ƏƆƅƆƈƒƆƏéƌ ƆƏ Ï `ƆƋ Ɣ L ƏƑƋƆ ƗƆƄƐ ƌ ƆƌƆ Ɛ Sunday Isuwa Abuja

R

eceiver-managers will henceforth have fiduciary relationship with debtor companies, according to the new amendment of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act 2010 passed penultimate Thursday by the Senate, the Daily Times has learnt.

In executing the mandate, the receivermanager will not be required to strictly adhere to the debt priority ranking of the debtor-company as prescribed in section 494 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

The amendment has also barred the staff and board members from acquiring the assets of the corporation.

While passing the amendments, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Bassey Otu said that the decision was to not only correct the defects in the extant Act but also strengthen the banking system for enhanced performance.

A receiver managing the affairs of a debtor company or debtor entity in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a fiduciary of the debtor company or debtor entity and all its creditors; and shall not in paying- off any debts owed by the debtor- company or debtor entity strictly adhere to debt priority ranking prescribed under Section 494 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

In the amendments, made available to the Daily Times, the Senate inserted some new subsections into the Act. These are (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10).

A fiduciary holds a legal or ethical relationship of trust with another party and is expected to prudently takes care of money for that other party. He acts at all times for the sole benefit and interest of the party and there must be no conflict of interest between duty to self and the party.

Section (6) of the insertion reads: (6) “A receiver managing the affairs of a debtor company or debtor entity in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a fiduciary of the debtor company or debtor entity and all its creditors; and shall not in paying- off any debts owed by the debtor- company or debtor entity strictly adhere to debt priority ranking prescribed under Section 494 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.” s.494 of CAMA reads: (4) The foregoing debts shall(a)

rank equally among themselves

and be paid in full, unless the assets are insufficient to meet them, in which case they shall abate in equal proportions; and (b) so far as the assets of the company available for payment of general creditors are insufficient to meet them, have priority over the claims of holders of debentures under any floating charge created by the company and be paid accordingly out of any property comprised in or subject to that charge.

Apparently in a bid to prevent insiderdeals, Section 16(5) of the amended Act states: “A member of the board or any employee of the corporation shall not either directly or indirectly be involved in the purchase of the asset acquired by the corporation as part of, or in pursuant of the acquisition of an eligible bank asset or enforcement or realisation of any right relating to an eligible bank asset acquired by the corporation.”

In Section 34 (1), the words “and subject the provisions of this Act” become “subject to all of the obligations” appearing after the word “rights” in the last line; (b) inserting a new paragraph (c) to

ƈƊƆéRƄƈ

GEJ: Forgive me if I’ve offended you

Troops g6 Ï I concealed illness for presidential campaign – Patience destroy more terror Ï Osinbajo absent at Aso Rock chapel handover g4 camps in UK slave case: Judge aborts trial, sets new date for Octoberg4 Sambisa

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Lead poisoning in Niger State

T

he recent deaths from lead poisoning of 28 people in Niger State are indeed sad and alarming.

Disclosing the tragedy in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health, Fidelis Nwankwo attributed the deaths to illegal mining activities in the state, even as he confirmed that 63 cases of the outbreak, including the deaths of several animals have been confirmed. A breakdown of the figure showed that of the 28 deaths, 17 were females and 11 males.

Among the communities affected are Shikira, Magiro Ward and Kawo in Rafi Local Government Area of the state. According to reports, the poisonings is associated with new mining sites, which were found to contain more leaded ores that are often brought home for crushing and processing.

It would be recalled that this incident is not the first in the country. Between 2010 and 2013, it was confirmed that more than 734 children below the age of five died from lead poisoning in Zamfara State. Lead poison is caused by dry-milling method of processing lead containing gold ore by the rural communities, which is mostly done by women and young children, while the waste ore is often left in homes and other public places.

Incidentally, lead, a heavy metal, prides itself in being soft and malleable; it has been used over the years in plumbing and paints. Due to its toxicity, it was recently banned as an ingredient in paints.

The poison usually accumulates in the liver, bones, kidney and brain and it is capable of being passed to an unborn

child through the placental barrier in a pregnant woman. Even with the dangers associated with illegal mining, many of the natives are reluctant to quit the business because they see Illicit gold mining as more lucrative than subsistence farming.

This is why we are in support of the efforts being made by the Federal Government to acquire heavy-duty equipment, including wet milling and igoli machines for safer mining programme.

We also have it on good authority that it is procuring safety kits and wear for distribution to the artisanal and small-scale miners in both Zamfara and Niger states.

In addition, we call on the government to establish a mineral-buying centre where the products from licenced artisans will be purchased at prevailing market price. Moreover, it should build mineral processing centres to encourage safer mining programme.

Definitely, the federal and state governments should also device more creative ways of luring the rural populace back to farming which has been the age-long preoccupation of the communities.

The present rush by the rural folks to engage in illegal mining is having deleterious effect on both their health and the local economy. The authorities should therefore embark on urgent sensitisation programme aimed at creating awareness on the dangers associated with this “new found” occupation and the long-term implications on their environment. In addition, government should close all illegal mining pits and take punitive measures against those who may try to flout the law.

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Unpaid salaries: What’s happening in states?

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎThe

rank of states across the country owing workers’ salaries continues to swell each passing day, leading many to wonder what has become of the monthly allocations from the Federation Account received by these states as well as their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR).

Just on Friday, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) announced N388.339 billion as the sum due to the three tiers of government for April 2015.

Of the amount, the Federal Government got N132.118 billion; the 36 states received N67.012

billion while the 774 local government councils in the country took home N51.663 billion. Oil producing states also got the sum of N23.109 billion as 13 per cent derivation.

While the states continue to receive their due from the Federation Account regularly and without fail in addition to their rising Internally Generated Revenue, many of them find it difficult to pay workers as and when due. Some states are owing over five months’ salary arrears to their workers.

Sad as this is, most of the state governors are blaming the Federal Government for the failure to pay workers. This is unfortunate. These governors should be reminded that they have no excuse for

Words On Marble :

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not paying workers’ salaries. If they find money to themselves, their aides and other political office holders including lawmakers amounts considered outrageous when compared to that of civil servants, then the onus is on them to also find money to pay workers in their states as, and, when due. In fact, payment of workers’ salaries should come first before that of the governors, their aides, lawmakers and other political office holders. Surely, workers’ salaries must come before the money many of them vote to charter private jets on questionable trips in and outside the country. Workers’ salaries must take precedence over travels in first class by Governors and their numerous aides.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

Associate Editors

Tunji Okegbola

Isime Esene Remi Ogunkoya

Chief Commercial Officer

Editorial Director

Group News Editor

Group Managing Editor

Deputy Editors

Editorial Page Editor

Noel Anosike

Doyin Awomosu

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Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Chude Jideonwo Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

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Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Sports Editor

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Online Editor

Adetayo Adelaja

Business Editor

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

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Head Graphics King Ododoru

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

Nasir el-Rufai

Olusegun Obasanjo

Susan Rice

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will form a new and progressive government . . . We will not take state resources to anybody in Abuja.

Nigeria does not deserve to be where it is today, we need to change our attitude. I can follow anybody that is ready to bring that change; there is serious corruption and impunity in the land

Nigeria has played a constructive role in peacekeeping in various parts of West Africa. But unless Nigeria itself is democratic... it too may well be a source of much greater instability.

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

PDP Governors to boycott Amaechi’s NGF meeting Continued from page 1 leadership of the forum, Asishana Okauru.

However, his counterpart in the Jang faction, Mr Osaro Naiwu, told the Daily Times last night that the meeting would be boycotted by his side.

The Governors had been split in two since 2013, with a faction pledging loyalty to Jang, the Governor of Plateau State, while the other

group has remained with Amaechi, then of the PDP but who later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amaechi was believed to have been seen as loyal to the APC. An election to produce a new leadership for the NGF between the Rivers State Governor and his Plateau State counterpart ended in a fiasco.

Amaechi reportedly had 19 votes to Jang’s 16.

Some of the PDP Governors

J O N AT H A N

faulted the voting process and reaffirmed loyalty for Jang.

PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday reported that Okauru confirmed today’s meeting adding that all the governors had agreed to attend.

He was also reported as saying that the major agenda of the meeting would be to look at the activities of the forum over time, saying, “We have not really met as one

ÏÏÏThe Harrow Crown Court

May 29 this year will be epochal in the chequered history of Nigeria and its years of social engineering. That day, the country will turn a new page as President Goodluck Jonathan leaves office a hero, with a bag-load of legacies.

He leaves legacies for which the nation will eternally remain grateful.

These include electoral reforms, giant strides in the economy, particularly the automotive and agricultural sectors, as well as infrastructure.

As Nigeria’s newspaper of record, the Daily Times will on May 29 publish a special report to put the Jonathan enigma in proper perspectives, highlighting the significance of the handing over from one political party to another, as well as the innumerable giant strides of his outgoing administration.

To participate in the ground-breaking event, kindly contact: OLUYINKA OLUJIMI, Editor: 08033009648, y2olujimi@yahoo.com IFEANYI EMEFU, Special Projects: 08086296714, ifeanyi642001@yahoo.com

He said governors-elect would not participate in the meeting until after the handover of power on May 29.

When contacted, however, Naiwu told Daily Times that the 16 Governors on the Jang side would not attend the meeting.

He said, with emphasis: “We will not be there. The Governors of the Jang faction will not attend.”

UK slave case: Judge aborts trial, sets new date for October Ngozi Okafor London

A LEGACY OF REFORMS

since May 2013”.

He added that Amaechi would be the one giving the updates to his colleagues.

“We would also try to explore the possibility of getting new leaders,” he added.

Mr. Okauru said all second term governors were eligible to emerge, adding, however, that a consensus arrangement might be considered.

trial of the Nigerian couple accused of holding a 39-year-old fellow Nigerian, Ofonime Sunday Inuk in slavery in the United Kingdom for 24 years, was terminated abruptly before noon last Friday.

The judge discharged the 12man jury, telling the four women and eight men sitting to his left on two long benches: “I have been listening to legal arguments and considering what I’ve heard, I have to retire and discharge you at this stage.”

A new date, beginning on October 26, this year, was set for a three-week retrial of 60-yearold, gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Emmanuel Edet and his 58-year-old senior nursing sister wife, Antan. Both took the agonising frustration of a new trial on chin, as they listened behind the dock.

Edet said “no comments,” when the Daily Times sought his

reaction outside the courtroom , minutes later.

Continuing in a sober mood, perhaps because of the number of days that had been sacrificed to honour the jury service, Judge Arran told the jury foreman and other jurors, that he acknowledged “it may be disappointing and frustrating for some of you and I do understand that.”

Giving just a hint of why he halted the proceedings that was set to end this week, Arran said: “There is an exhibit which you should not have seen, which had been included in the jury-bundle.”

Warning them not to talk carelessly about the case, because it is still active, the judge said: “Don’t chat too much about it.”

Without making reference to the exhibit that had contaminated the case, he said: “The exhibit you have seen is unhelpful, so be careful of what you say about this case because it has generated a lot of publicity.”

Although the Daily Times and just two female members of the

public were inside courtroom 1, witnessing legal arguments that eventually led to the collapse of the trial, court restrictions preventing this from being reported are in place and can only be made public until the end of the retrial in November.

The collapse of the trial was unknowingly initiated by Helen Valley, defending Dr Edet, who raised the issue of the particular exhibit. This generated a threeway intense legal argument by the defence counsel (including Miss Emma Akuwudike, for Mrs Edet), the judge and crown prosecutor, Roger Smart. This lasted for over half an hour, and as it became obvious that a retrial was inevitable, Arran asked that the jury be called in without further delay, at about 11.42, when he then addressed them.

After making them aware that he was terminating the trial abruptly, the judge added: “I discharge you from further service with much regret,” and “ if you Continued on page 6

I didn’t make deliberate mistakes – Jonathan Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Goodluck Jonathan admitted on Sunday that he might have offended some people in the course of performing his duties, but added that such actions were occasioned by the circumstances of his office and not deliberate.

Accordingly, he sought forgiveness from all those he might have so offended.

His wife, Dame Patience, also narrated how she defied a major health challenge to participate in

re-election campaigns of her husband.

She said unknown to the public, all was not well with her body during the period of the campaigns as she was jumping in and out of hospitals abroad for medical attention.

She said her family, however, decided to make the issue a secret affair due to the tension and the anxieties that characterised the campaigns.

Jonathan and his wife spoke a thanksgiving service organised on their behalf by the Aso Rock Chapel.

The programme, which featured some special presentations, awards and gifts to the First Family was attended by some top government functionaries, friends and well-wishers.

Jonathan said: “If you wait for perfection, you cannot achieve anything. No system is perfect. Every human system must have an element of imperfection.

“For the period of eight years that we have been here. I will take the period as a block. So for the eight years that one has been there, definitely one is not perfect.”

The outgoing president said

further: “We have certainly done things that probably we wouldn’t have done that way, but we didn’t do things deliberately.

“So for those who we have offended it was not deliberate, it was circumstances of the office. So we also plead that those people should forgive, we think we have done our best.

“You can do your best and your friends may misunderstand you.

Today we are talking about leaving. It is only God that knows why things go the way they do.”

The President said he had reasons to thank God because he came

to the Presidential Villa as a Vice President but was leaving with his family intact as President.

According to Dame Patience, who said she never dreamt in her life that she would be First Lady, she had a major operation in the heat of the campaigns in January in a German hospital, and was scheduled for another major one which was to have taken place after the campaign.

She said to her surprise however, when she went to Germany for the operation, which would have Continued on page 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

AIB set to release reports of four air crashes Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ There are strong in-

dications that the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) may, any moment from now, make full public release of at least four air crashes reports that occurred in the country in recent time.

Information gathered from a source close to the Ministry of Aviation revealed that the impending reports were those that occurred between 2006 and 2010.

The source, who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, confided in our correspondent that among the reports that would be released to the public in the next few days were that of the Odengene Air Shuttle, AOS, helicopter crash in Warri on November 10, 2006.

Also, the Bristow helicopter crash of August 3, 2007, would be released by the agency, alongside the

accident involving Wings Aviation aircraft on March 15, 2008 and Aero Contractors on August 21, 2010.

However, AIB had at different times released interim reports of some of the accidents, but the final reports would be the last that would be released on the accidents.

The source told our correspondent that the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, wanted the reports published before the May 29, 2015 handover date.

The source explained that with the release, some of the crashes, which had claimed hundreds of lives in recent time would be in the public domain while their causes and prevention would be worked upon by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and operating carriers in the sector.

The spokesman for AIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, in a telephone interview with our correspondent con-

I’m not lobbying to retain amnesty job - Kuku ÏÏÏ

Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, has described as false a report in the Leadership on Sunday, which claimed he was lobbying to retain his job under the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari.

Kuku, who is also President Goodluck Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Niger Delta, said the report was speculative, highly provocative and that of the imagination of the writer.

Kuku, who reacted on Sunday, said he was very proud to serve Nigeria under the out-going Jonathan administration and that he was ready to leave with his boss on May 29, 2015.

“I’m however proud of my achievements and for lifting the amnesty programme beyond what I met on ground. I’m leaving this office 200 per cent better than what I

inherited. I, therefore, challenge my successor to better my record,” Kuku said.

He stated further that such reports were the handiwork of political jobbers and spin-doctors who had become uncomfortable with his soaring profile and were doing everything to tarnish his image and discredit his record of service to the country.

Contrary to the report, Kuku said he had not met the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, since 2012, and that the last time he saw him was at a wedding in Port Harcourt in December 2014.

He also said he had not seen the former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, since 2011 neither had he held any meeting with any APC chieftain as claimed in the report.

firmed that the agency was planning to release some accidents reports, but declined to speak further when questioned by our correspondent.

He said: “It is true that we are planning to release some accident reports, but we are still finalising the arrangements. This is a continuous exercise in AIB. As soon as reports are ready we release in the interest of the flying public.”

It would be recalled that the AOS helicopter carrying four people crashed on November 10 on the outskirts of Warri in Delta State, killing one person while others were seriously injured.

Military officials on the scene had said that the owner of OAS was on board when the helicopter went down while the names of the passengers were not released. Officials did say, however that two of the passengers were foreigners.

5 News

Osun gov expresses worry over unpaid salaries Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has refused to yield to the chorus of praisesingers, claiming that he was pained by the inability of his administration to pay civil servants in the state for the past six months.

The governor, who stood still while the praise-singers hailed him, lamented that dancing to their tune negated the mood in the state.

Aregbesola said: “It is painful to me that we have not paid our workers but we are working to put this one behind us.

“Let them know that we are pained by this situation but those who created the problem will soon go away. We will not dance today.

BUHARI’s DATE WITH

HISTORY

In a time of great turbulence and challenge, Providence always throws up certain individuals to calm the waters and sail the ship to safety. It always places the task on one man, one team leader.

Fate has just placed Nigeria on the broad shoulders of the Daura, Katsina State-born Major General Muhammadu Buhari who will begin to steer the ship of the country from May 29.

As Nigeria’s newspaper of record, the Daily Times plans a special report on The Man, Buhari.

To be published on June 1, as he takes office, the report will weave the past and the present with the future on the nation and the incoming leader. It will be a collector’s item.

To participate in the publication through congratulatory adverts, kindly contact:

OLUYINKA OLUJIMI, Editor: 08033009648, y2olujimi@yahoo.com IFEANYI EMEFU, Special Projects: 08086296714, ifeanyi642001@yahoo.com

“After May 29, light will come to Nigeria, joy will come to Nigeria, prosperity will come to Nigeria.

“They are the harbinger of the challenge

we are facing in Nigeria, but they will never come back again. I thank you because you joined us to chase them out with our votes, they will never come back again.”

Buhari drops ‘General’ title from May 29 ÏÏÏ

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), is to drop the title ‘General’ from his name after he is sworn in on May 29, 2015.

His media team disclosed this on Sunday.

Mallam Garba Shehu,

Buhari’s director of media and publicity, released the official portraits of the president-elect and his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and said: “From May 29, 2015, the presidentelect and vice-presidentelect are to be respectively known and addressed

as Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), VicePresident, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Earlier this week, Chief Timipre Sylva, the head of

the All Progressives Congress transition committee, gave new details on the swearing-in ceremony of the president-elect. He stated that Buhari’s inauguration would not be flamboyant quoting the dwindling economy as the reason for the decision.

Falana blames Fayose for Ekiti kidnap cases ÏÏÏ Human rights law-

yer, Mr. Femi Falana, has blamed the Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, for the increasing wave of kidnapping in the state.

Falana, who was reacting to Fayose’s ‘Save Our Soul’ message to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, said in a statement, on Sunday, that the governor must desist from providing official cover for armed gangs to curb kidnapping cases in the state.

He cited the example that the armed thugs had, in connivance with state government, occupied and shut the House of Assembly since November 2014.

The lawyer argued that armed thugs had been given immunity by the impunity in the state.

The statement read in part: “Last week, Mr. Ayo Fayose, the governor of Ekiti State, was reported to have sent SOS to the

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, over the increasing wave of kidnapping sweeping across the state.

“In urging the police chief to attend promptly to the concern expressed by the governor, I am compelled to point out that the state government has itself to blame for deliberately providing official cover for armed gangs and other criminally minded individuals who have taken over Ekiti State.”

Falana

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Troops destroy more terror camps in Sambisa Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏAn unconfirmed number of

suspected terrorists were on Saturday killed as troops over ran 10 additional terrorist camps in the ongoing offensive against insurgents in Sambisa forest.

One of the most prominent camps in Sambisa, Dure witnessed the fiercest battle as the Special Forces descended heavily on it before it finally fell, a statement issued by Major General Chris Olukolade disclosed.

Four of the camps were locat-

ed in a place called Iza within the forest while three others were noted to be recently established by the terrorists before the assault began. One soldier died from one of the land mine encountered in the operation while two others were also wounded, it added.

It said the terrorists lost a number of vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns as well as armoured vehicles.

Some of the terrorists who escaped from the camps also died as they ran into troops ambush in some escape routes from the

forest.

Meanwhile, some of the fleeing terrorists have also engaged in suicide missions at Bitta where they encountered the Nigerian troops and Kiskeru across the border in Niger Republic.

The Operation to clear the terrorists in Sambisa and other forests is continuing as troops in all fronts have been alerted to be on the look out for fleeing terrorists.

The Nigerian Air force is maintaining an active air surveillance to track the movement of terrorists for appropriate action as the operation continues.

Corruption in Police exposed as IG visits Anambra Okechukwu Onuegbu Awka

ÏÏÏThere

was jubilation galore at the headquarters of the Nigerian Police, Anambra State Command on Saturday, as the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon E Arase, paid a courtesy call, which led to the promotion of eight officers and injustice to some reversed.

Among those promoted were Paul Igwedinma, Emmanuel Eze, Victor Okere, Kingsley Eze, Alhassan Ibrahim, Uzoma Emmanuel and Daniel Edili, whose parade performance during the visit attracted the IG to move for their immediate promotions to Corporal and Sergeants respectively.

The IG also returned the ranks of Corporal to one Obot Okon, previously demoted and redeployed to a remote area, Anaku in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State for alleged involvement in an unethical act.

Speaking during a questionand-answer session, Okon lamented that his demotion was due to be reverted after he had tendered letters of apology, and faced other

disciplinary actions.

But an undisclosed official in the command sat on his promotion, insisting that he pay a sum of N10, 000 bribe before it could be effected even after the former Anambra State Commissioner of Police, now AIG Usman Gwari had given order for his rank to be restored.

Another officer, Oshogbo Onyishi, previously attached to NNPC, recalled how God saved him after being badly burnt while his colleagues were burnt to ashes during a petrol explosion.

He cried that all efforts for him to undergo plastic surgery proved abortive, as both the force and NNPC refused to grant him permission and or release funds to that effect in defiance of a court order.

After listening to diverse complaints of illegal demotions and corruption in the force, the IG ordered for an instant restoration of rank of Corporal and its entitlements to Okon. It was done immediately.

Onyishi’s surgery was approved and he was directed to visit Abuja for immediate action.

‘My mistakes not deliberate’ Continued from page 4

Wife of the President-elect, Hajia Aisha Buhari; former Malawian President, Mrs Joyce Banda and UNDP Director, Helen Clark, at a conference on women affairs in Buenos Aires, Argentina… at the weekend

Judge aborts trial, sets new date for Oct. Continued from page 4 find it frustrating, I apologise.”

Within two minutes afterwards, he addressed them for the last time, saying: “You leave the court with my thanks,” and “thank you very much for the last couple of weeks.”

The abrupt termination came just a day after the high stakes’ trial heard the testimonies of two expert witnesses, Dr Elizabeth Hales, and Nigeria - based lawyer, Dr Chima Umezuruike , who addressed the court via video link from his base.

The latter and Hales, a social anthropologist, argued intensely in their reports and

cross-examinations on children adoption and inheritance, as the prosecution argued its case on a number of fronts, including making a submission that Inuk’s name was only changed to Edet, to facilitate his travel as a houseboy, and not as an adopted son.

Hales also argued on that basis, quoting among others, a United Nations Children Education’s Fund, UNICEF report of 2006, that about 15 million Nigerian children were in paid work, and so, Inuk was probably adopted in 1988, on that basis.

Umezuruike, on his part, countered that line of argument, telling the court from Nigeria, that houseboys don’t change

their names to those of their employers, and as such Ofonime must have become a son by virtue of the customary adoption ceremony that took place in Calabar in 1988, and witnessed by representatives of both families, as customs demand.

Akuwudike, meanwhile, cross-examined Hales on the houseboy scenario, among others, making the latter know that Inuk couldn’t have been employed without job description. She also asked Hales, who based her report on UNICEF’s statistics, that, “can I ask you if you’ve done any of your research on adoption done between relatives?”

Hales replied,” No, I’ve not.”

been 14 in two tears, her doctors certified her okay and cancelled the scheduled surgical operation.

“This campaign period, devil struck and came in again. In pains I was rushed to the hospital in January and the doctors told me, Mama you have to go for major big operation now, now.

“What again! The campaign was still going on and I wondered how we were going to explain to Nigerians. You know even when you go for check-up, they will be writing in papers, saying all sorts of things.

“I said I and my family have to handover. My husband will continue with his campaign crowd until the last day. That was how I went in for the first major operation in January ending. And by God’s grace, I went for the operation and came out and it was from that operation that I went to the campaign ground and after the campaigns I would go back to hospital with the last flight.

“And they told me Mama, there is another bigger operation that you have to go in for. This one would not be in this hospital. It is too small for this type of operation.

You have to go to a bigger hospital

and I said ah aha. I will go, I have faith in God. And that my God will see me through. He has brought me out for a purpose.

“I called my pastor to continue praying for me. They want me to be a sacrifice, but I will never be.

Then, do you know I went to the bigger hospital. I booked for the operation and I was asked to go for the campaign. They gave me a new date. I had paid for everything remaining just to enter the theatre and the thing occurred to the hospital: let’s check her again. By then, my husband had lost the election. I had packed out of Villa, we are about going.

“Behold! I went to four hospitals again and the thing vanished. My doctors were surprised, they didn’t think that that could happen. I told my people doctors say we can go.”

Aso Rock Chaplain, Obioma Onwuzurumba who titled his message: “To God be the glory” extolled Jonathan and his family for their service to God and humanity as he recounted how he came into contact with the president.

In an interview with newsmen after the church service, he confirmed that Vice President-elect Yemi Osinbajo was invited to the programme where President Jonathan was expected to handover the chapel officially to him.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Fear grips Abuja communities over fresh demolition

L-R: Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji; his wife, Mercy Odochi; Abia State Deputy Governor, Chief Sir Emeka Ananaba, and others during a Thanksgiving Service in honour of Orji in Abia State... at the weekend

Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Tasha 1/One Man Village Landlord Association and Residents of Gwagwa, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has raised alarm over alleged ‘selective demolition’ plan of their houses by Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

A resident, Clara Williams said: “I heard of the demolition plan from the workers doing some renovation work in my apartment that they were asked to stop work and that they are coming for demolition.

“Immediately, I called Aliyu (the guy that sold the land to me), and he confirmed that the lands had been sold to an estate developer”.

She further stated that they got news that Hakimi (District Head), and his cabinet members were coming to brief residents on the alleged demolition plan, “so most of us stayed back and did not go work. After several hours of waiting,s Hakimi showed up in the company of his secretary,

Gov Orji seeks support for Ikpeazu Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏTwelve

days ahead of his exit as the governor of Abia State, Gov. Theodore Orji, on Sunday held a valedictory church service in Umuahia, while pleading for support for his succeseor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Speaking during the occasion, held at the Ultra-modern Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Orji expressed his gratitude to God and to Abians for their support since his eight years sojourn as the governor of the state, describing his experience on the job as not an easy one.

“It is not easy thing to be a governor as the pains one has to go through is not known to people”, he said, adding that the lessons he learnt from his eight year sojourn was captured clearly by the Bible passage he read from Ecclesiasticus chapter 2, verses 1-11, stating that God controls all and also destines everybody.

Agbekoya group berates OPC, Afenifere Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏFor

pitching tent against a political party and for the role played during the last general election, the Yoruba farmers’ group, the Agbekoya, has described the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere and the militant Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), as a disgrace to the Yorubas.

Agbekoya said the ignoble role allegedly played by the Afenifere and the OPC in the just-concluded general election, had adversely affected their credibility and relevance in the reckoning of their Yoruba kinsmen.

The Afenifere and the OPC had thrown their weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during the general election.

But the Secretary of the Agbekoya, Dr. Ade Ogunlana, in a

statement he jointly signed with the Ambassador of the society, Chief Ajibola Salau, said the role of the two Yoruba groups during the polls, left much to be desired.

The Agbekoya alleged that since the demise of the former Afenifere leader, Chief Abraham Adesanya, the organisation had become factionalised and used by unscrupulous persons to ‘sell out’ the Yoruba people.

Similarly, the Agbekoya accused the OPC of falsely claiming to be fighting the cause of the Yoruba, while in fact, it was only interested in pursuing its own selfish agenda.

The farmers’ group, therefore, described Afenifere and the OPC as a ‘disgrace’ to the entire Yoruba race due to their stance in the just-concluded elections, adding that their open involvement in partisan politics had cast serious doubts on their integrity as organ-

isations fighting the cause of the Yoruba race.

It stated: “The Afenifere and the OPC have lost their relevance and credibility in the eyes of the Yoruba people due to the role they played in the last general election. The two organisations have become a disgrace to the whole Yoruba race. The people no longer reckon with them for openly aligning themselves with the politicians and their political parties.”

The Agbekoya described itself as the only group still demonstrating genuine concern for the entire Yoruba race, stressing that it had continued to maintain its stance since its establishment in 1938.

The group assured that it would never dabble in partisan politics, adding that although it would cooperate with the government to move the Nigerian nation forward, it would not align itself with any politician or political party.

7 News RATTAWU, NUJ task govt on digitalisation of Delta Radio, TV Joe Ogbodu Warri

ÏÏÏLeadership

of the Nigeria Union of journalists, (NUJ), Radio and Television, Theatre and Arts Workers union, (RATTAWU), Delta Broadcasting Service Warri and Asaba, has urged the state government to complete the full digitisation of the stations before commissioning the project.

The two chapters have resolved to resist any attempt by the state government to commission an uncompleted digitisation project by embarking on a “BRING BACK OUR TV AND FM” protest on the streets of Warri and Asaba.

The unions alleged that the contracting firm handling the project, COMFAX, had deliberately frustrated the digitization of DBS Warri and Asaba stations in order to extort more money from the state government.

The unions also alleged that the contracting firm was mounting pressure on the state government to review the contract.

They, however, urged the state government to prevail on the contracting firm handling the digitisation project of both stations to expedite action in the completion of the project.

Uduagan

Breach of contract: Bank may pay N10b damages Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏEfforts to settle out of court,

a N10 billion breach of contract suit, brought by WTS Broadcast Limited against an old generation bank, has hit the rock as trial commence at a Lagos High Court, sitting in Igbosere.

Already, Justice Yetunde Adesola Adesanya has fixed June 9, 2015 for continuation of trial in the suit No: LD/45/2013, where the bank is expected to open its defence as the claimant had already closed its case at the last adjourned date.

The claimant through his lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN,

had sought the court for an order declaring that the conversion of the N4.5billion fund, released by the Debt Management Office (DMO), on behalf of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), for the benefit of the claimant as stated in the executed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), attached and or annexed to the letter issued by the Debt Management Office dated September 7, 2010, by the defendant bank without the authority of the aforementioned parties, into a loan facility for the claimant is wrongful and unlawful as the said sum of N4.5billion was not a fund belonging to the defendant bank or

its shareholders.

Besides, the broadcasting firm is asking the court for an order declaring that the conversion of the N5million in the project account of Nigerian Television Authority, meant for the upgrade and renovation of its equipment and deposited for the benefit of the claimant as stated in the executed MoU attached or annexed to the letter issued by the Debt Management Office, dated September 7, 2009, by the defendant bank without the authority of the aforementioned parties, is wrongful and unlawful as the said sum of N5million was not a fund belonging to the defendant bank or its shareholders or

any of the statutory deposits in the name of the defendant bank, as same was specifically lodged by the NTA for the benefit and use of the claimant.

Specifically, the claimant is asking for an order directing the defendant bank to reverse forthwith all interest, management, insurance and facilitation fees on the purported N5billion loan facility allegedly granted to the claimant’s totaling N537,029,777,86 and any other charges by whatever name or description, as same represent profits and monies accruing and due to the claimant upon the successful performance of the contract dated September 17, 2009.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Politics

SAMBO

Æs

Politics Editor: Akinjide Akintola E-mail: akinjide.akintola@dailytimes.com.ng

How national officers sabotaged Jonathan’s election, by Mai’auduga Daniel Jolly, Bauchi The Director General of Jonathan /Sambo Campaign Organisation in Bauchi South Senatorial District Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Mai’auduga has given reasons why the party lost out in the just concluded gener-

al election in the state alleging that national officers of the party from the state sabotaged their campaign activities which led to the failure of the party in the state.

The party chieftain made the allegation at a press conference in Bauchi, saying: “even though there is a clamor for change but

our campaign was sabotaged by the national leadership of the party that diverted over 230mn campaign funds from the Presidency by national officer of the party, and all efforts to recover the money failed” He stated that if the amount of support given to the state was not diverted, it would have as-

sisted a lot in winning the heart of the electorate to vote for the party, adding: “but in our case, apart from diverting the funds, the officers also campaigned against PDP candidates in the state”.

Mai’auduga who is also the Director General of Governor CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PDP accepts APC challenge: To be formidable opposition Akinjide Akintola In what appears to be the acceptance of a direct challenge by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party has unfolded plans to rebuild the party from its ruin ahead of the 2019 general election.

The APC had on Monday admonished the PDP to stop being a cry baby and come to terms with the cold, hard reality that its fortunes have since plummeted and that it is now in opposition.

This followed lamentations by the chieftains of the PDP over its loss in the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections and the April 11 governorships and houses of assembly polls where it was roundly defeated by the opposition party.

But the PDP at a well-attended meeting in Abuja on Wednesday put the disastrous result of the elections behind it and resolved to take the party back to its lofty heights.

Consequently, a committee to reposition the party following its not-too-impressive showing in the recently-held general elections is underway. This is in a fresh bid to rebrand the party and make it strong enough to take over power back from the APC in 2019.

The plan was unfolded at the end of the meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), National Vice Chairmen and State Chairmen of the PDP

Jonathan

in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed

by Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo for National Vice Chairmen and State Chairmen respectively, indicated that the meeting assessed the outcome of the 2015 general elections and accordingly resolved not to al-

Buhari

low the temporary setback affect the party’s contributions to the democratic development of the country.

The meeting also commended and appreciated the patriotic stand taken by President Goodluck Jonathan after the elections as another milestone in the party’s contributions to peace, stability and progress of the nation.

But it was quick to condemn the widespread anomalies and irregularities that characterised the elections in most states to the disadvantage of the PDP despite being the incumbent government.

It therefore resolved to give full backing to the various pursuits of redress in this regard within the ambit of the law and tenets of democracy and consequently

directed all PDP candidates who believed that they were shortchanged to channel their reports through their state chairmen as it resolved to resist undue harassments, witch-hunt and any form of intimidation or undemocratic tendencies from the opposition aimed at bringing down PDP members psychologically.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

AIG Mbu: Echoes from the Lagos elections

Mbu

Austen Yong The recently concluded elections of March 28 and April 11, provide another vista for the assessment of the Nigeria Police in election duties. In a dramatic departure from previous elections, the Nigeria Police came out with an almost clean bill. They were widely commended for their professionalism and attention to duties.

However, three reports: one on April 11, and two, after the April

11 elections present a scenario for discourse because they inextricably, but perhaps inadvertently connect with Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 covering Lagos and Ogun States.

In the Sun Newspaper of April 11, one Chioma Igbokwe reported what she termed as drama in the Lagos Police Command where AIG Mbu had gone to assume election duties on Friday April 10. The report is a recipe for four case studies:

Case Study No. 1: Chioma presented AlG Mbu in the opening paragraph of her report as a rebellious officer who shunned the IGP’s posting to Ogun State in preference for Lagos State.

Case Study No. 2: The report presented Mbu as lawless, or worse still, a brigand. Listen to this: “The Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti was said to be at a security meeting when his office was invaded.” (emphasis mine) Case Study No. 3: Chioma did not witness the “drama,” herself because, according to her report she made efforts to get the Lagos State Police Command PPRO, DSP Kenneth Nwosu on phone to comment on the incident but he did not.

Case Study No. 4: Chioma contradicted herself when she admitted in the report that Mbu’s redeployment to Ogun State on Thursday April 9 was later cancelled on Friday April 10, by the Inspector General of Police. However, she claimed that this was due to instructions from the ruling party, PDP. We shall return to Chioma shortly.

The second report involves Chief Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of the dethroned largest party in Africa, the PDP. Olisa Metuh, speaking for the National Leadership of his party claimed in a statement that secu-

9 Politics

rity agents manipulated results in favour of the APC in the guber polls in Lagos. Vanguard Newspaper, April 14, at page 14.

Again, we shall return shortly to Olisa.

The third report is a clear contradiction of Olisah Metuh’s position. This one is from the APC Spokesman in Lagos, Mr. Joe Igbokwe. In the highly verbose “Thank you” statement, Igbokwe appreciated Lagosians for renewing their confidence in the APC by voting for Akinwunmi Ambode, its guber candidate.

Igbokwe did not appreciate the conducive atmosphere presented by the security agencies in Lagos State for the elections, he rather decided to uncharitably take a swipe at them. Listen to him: “If Police, Army, Department of State Service, DSS, and other security agencies were the determining factor, PDP would have won the presidency and governorship in Lagos.” Vanguard Newspaper, April 14, at page 8 THE CONNECTIONS You do not need to go far to see that the stories of Chioma Igbokwe and Joe Igbokwe (both relations) are coming from the same stock. But in the words of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, “You do not need to go behind a signature to ask for who wrote a petition,” Chioma will be answerable to her conscience for her report.

As for Olisa Metuh and Joe Igbokwe they are the archetypical politician. According to Mr Ray Ekpu, the erudite Nigerian Journalist and Publisher, in one of his articles, CONSTITUENCY UNLIMITED: “A man will give you a thunderous thank you if you tell him how nice his suit is even when he knows that it looks like what Abraham Lincoln threw into the

garbage can several years ago. A woman will give you a giant tooth paste smile if you tell her how beautiful she looks, even when she knows that her face looks like she had just had a headlong collusion with a fast moving train. But the politician, they are a different kettle of fish, they will receive their fair share of praise, but like Oliver Twist, they keep asking for more.”

In the words of Charles de Gaulle, one-time President of France: “A politician is someone who says what he does not believe himself and he is surprised when others believe him.”

It is in the strength of the foregoing that I consider the comments of Olisah Metuh and Joe Igbokwe concerning the elections in Lagos State as meant for the garbage heap.

Joe Igbokwe was the one who issued a warning when Mbu was transferred from Zone 7 to Zone 2, that the top flight cop was on a presidential mission to rig election for PDP in Lagos State. If he still holds that position after the elections, then he certainly belongs to the past and has been rejected by the present. The records have vindicated Mbu as a just and upright cop. Lagos has never been so peaceful during elections, as witnessed in 2015. And elections in the state have never been more credible.

In the Sun Newspaper of Friday April 10, at page 14, Mr. John Nwankwo, a Lagos based security analyst was quoted as saying, “As a security analyst, I knew that trouble was looming during the elections but Mbu tackled it, if not for the fierce warning to hoodlums and the adequate security provided by Mbu, Lagos would have been set on fire.”

Olisa Metuh’s comment, is for CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

PDP officers diverted N230 million campaign funds- Mai’auduga CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Adoke

Isa Yuguda and PDP Governorship candidate campaign Organisation in the zone said the state leader of the party, Mallam Isa Yuguda, his supporters and entire PDP supporters in the state have the intention to remain in PDP and correct the failure of leadership affecting the party at the top which led to its failure.

He said: “after the election, we have analysed everything and discovered sabotage from national officers and Abuja

politicians who are indigenes of the state. The people of Bauchi are happy with the developmental projects like International Airport, Specialist Hospital, University and Teaching Hospital projects executed by the outgoing administration, and provision of sustainable peace and we intend to remain with the masses in PDP and offer good opposition for the improvement of democracy in the state.”

While congratulating Jonathan for conceding defeat

which makes him a hero in Africa, the Director General said they are ready to work harmoniously with the incoming administration and they will always offer constructive criticism and advice for the development of the state.

He congratulated Governor Yuguda for exhibiting the sense of patriotism and maturity which help to stabilised the polity before, during and after the elections and pledged their support and loyalty to the party.

Yuguda

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

‘PDP’ll be strong opposition’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Acknowledging the subterranean moves by the APC to undermine the structures of the PDP across the country with the sinister singular motive of allegedly imposing a one-party state in the polity, the meeting strongly cautioned the APC and its leader, General Muhammadu Buhari against any action or inaction that could threaten or erode the gains of democracy and personal freedom that have been established by the PDP government in the last 16 years.

The meeting resolved to galvanise the structures of the party and give full support to PDP candidates in the supplementary governorship elections in Abia, Taraba and Imo states as well as resist any undemocratic plot to manipulate the process against the party.

The meeting called on INEC and other stakeholders involved in the supplementary elections to be forthright, transparent and ensure that the will of the people in the affected states are not in any way subverted.

It resolved to give all necessary support to the national leadership of the party under the chairmanship of Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu to enable them re-engineer and rebrand the party for the task of regaining power by 2019.

In view of the above, the meeting charged all members of the party to continue to work harmoniously with their leaders at all levels especially at this critical time, while channeling any griev-

ances to the appropriate organs in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution The meeting condemned in its entirety the attitude of fairweather and unprincipled members who are rushing to the APC. It noted that such members are saboteurs and moles who worked against the PDP in the general election.

The meeting saluted the courage and faith of committed and dedicated members even in the face of the setbacks and intimidations and assured them of adequate protection of their inalienable rights as citizens in a democracy.

The meeting accordingly resolved to set up special committees on the repositioning of the party.

However in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC urged PDP to stop complaining about alleged harassment and intimidation by the APC, when it should be strategising about the daunting task ahead of it.

It said the truth of the matter is that the PDP is scared stiff of being in opposition, adding: ‘’We don’t blame them as they have neither the capacity nor the commitment to be in opposition. A party that stood for nothing but looting and rent collection will naturally be afraid of being in opposition, where there is nothing to loot or rent to collect.’’

APC advised the PDP to understand that it is not by repeating obvious lies that an opposition

It resolved to give all necessary support to the national leadership of the party under the chairmanship of Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu to enable them re-engineer and rebrand the party for the task of regaining power by 2019.

Muazu

party can be effective, but by being creative, knowledgeable, resourceful and above all credible.

It is not by cheap blackmail, but by being resilient. ‘’This is why we wish to extend to the National Working Committee of the PDP a free orientation, just as we have offered the party’s spokesman a free crash course in how to be an opposition party spokesman. The theme of the orientation for the PDP NWC members will be ‘transiting from the ruling party to an opposition party’ ‘’In the first instance, there is no substitute for experience.

Also, we believe that democracy will be deepened only when there is cooperation between the governing party and the opposition, hence the offer,’’ the party said.

APC slammed the PDP for daring to complain of harassment and intimidation by the APC, saying if any party is guilty of harassment, intimidation and impunity before, during and after the 2015 general elections, it is the PDP. ‘’Have they so soon forgotten the reckless show of shame by their OPC lackeys with the full support of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos or the mindless

bombings and killings of APC members in Rivers and Gombe states, among others? Only on Monday, APC supporters were again reportedly killed in Rivers and Kaduna states. ‘’Haven’t the folks in the PDP seen the pictures being circulated of their (PDP) supporters brandishing machetes in broad daylight during the party’s campaign in Aba on Tuesday (21April)?’’ it queried.

APC also described as laughable the allegation by the PDP that the APC is trying to turn the CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

AIG Mbu and Lagos elections controversy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

me the unkindest cut. Mbu has suffered so much maligning because of the PDP and the President. Chioma Igbokwe’s report of April 11, was a subtle way of discrediting Mbu, by linking his posting to the influence of the PDP, yet a spokesman of a Party that could not manage power entrusted to it could blame security agencies for her failure. Even though Mbu was not mentioned in that report, he superintended the Lagos elections and the swipe

at security agencies by both Metuh and Igbokwe was to call Mbu’s unassailable integrity to question.

Now let us return to Chioma Igbokwe. Her report clearly shows that she is not grounded on the crime or security beat.

Reporting crime or security goes beyond the rule of the thumbs. It requires tact, maturity and patience, which Chioma clearly lacks. The Police have a disciplined organizational structure. The buck ends on the table

of the IGP and he has the final say. Mbu, just like other AIGs did not mind their temporary “demotion” for election duties. He was redeployed to Ogun State and he gladly accepted to go. Was he supposed to question the IGP who cancelled the posting and asked him to remain in Lagos?

In the same vein, Aderanti, the Lagos State CP was posted to Lagos Central for the elections. It was Friday. The election was to hold in less than 24 hours. Any officer worth his salt will pro-

ceed to his new beat as directed and take command immediately.

Whether Mbu took his chair to Aderanti’s office, or called for the redeployment of Assistant Commissioners is clearly within his discretion and did not call for a reporter insulting him.

AIG Mbu duly held a conference with the Area Commanders, DPOs, HODs, etc. in his characteristic democratic manner, he asked them if they were comfortable to carry out election duties without compromise that could

risk their jobs. They all answered in the affirmative and he allowed them. Command CPs, Area Commanders and DPOs are under the Zonal AIG and there is no way they can disobey him because he has powers to query and punish them.

What is controversial about obeying orders from a superior officer, or issuing orders to subordinates? While in the Principles of Community Policing, the Police CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

11 Politics

Lagos election was war - PDP

Mbu and Lagos elections CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Ambode

Chief Taiwo Abayomi Kuye is the Financial Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Lagos, in this interview, he spoke on the loss of the election in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) saying his party contested against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents and not APC. Excerpts: Why the party is heading for the tribunal?

We came to INEC to complain about irregularities and up till now, INEC cannot give us a definite answer. The other day I said it, that part of their game plan were the irregularities that characterized the governorship elections. In preparation for the election, there was a meeting between all the local government electoral officers and other chieftains of the party, where they planned in favor of APC. We discovered this in about 11 local governments, whereas in

Kuye

the governorship, we busted it in about 14 Local Governments.

PDP stronghold in Lagos?

The PDP stronghold in Lagos is more than 13, 14 local governments to be precise. There are Igbos in Lagos: Epe, Ajeromi, Agege; there is no part of Lagos you won’t find them. The same pattern of rigging was used by the APC. The five local government areas that were left out were areas they cannot change the figures because they were really dealt with. But in areas like Mushin, Kosofe where they were defeated with 5,000, they just went to INEC booths and added figures, unlike in Ajeromi and others where they lost with 20,000 votes. There they cannot do anything cynical. I stand to tell you that our stronghold cut across more than 14 local governments in Lagos, and we have won that election. That is why on the part of APC there was no celebration.

Why then did PDP candi-

Agbaje

date congratulate Ambode, if he didn’t accept the outcome?

Congratulations does not stop anything, it only shows that Jimi Agbaje is a statesman by doing so.

Is PDP not crying over spilled milk?

We have not lost, go to all nooks and crannies of Lagos, everyone will tell you that they voted Jimi Agbaje. All these and more are the true facts that we are presenting to the tribunal.

Is there still unity within PDP with current happenings in the party?

We are united. Obanikoro is a leader here, Bode George is also the party’s leader in Lagos and south west, so we are going nowhere. Anyone who jumps ship because APC is now at the center, such a person is making a fool of himself or herself. Anyone who makes such a stupid mistake would have himself or herself to blame in the nearest future. Likewise, I stand to be the last person to remain in PDP,

even till tomorrow.

So, how was Lagos State won and lost again?

Lagos State belongs to us, everyone saw it, and all classes of people saw that Jimi Agbaje was voted as the governor. But it was a battle between PDP, INEC, the security agencies in Lagos and not APC. When are you going to the tribunal?

We have 21 days after the election. It is a 3-member tribunal and I have the list of members.

We will file our papers before the deadline expires.

Future of PDP in Lagos?

Our landslide victory in the council elections sent a signal to APC, we won more than 12, 13 local government chairmanship, and more than 180 councillorship. But their leader said: ‘go and give them 18 councillorship, they cannot preside over anything in Lagos’. All these will come to an end when we come back from the tribunal.

We can’t be blackmailed- APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

country into a one-party state by luring and making irresistible offers to the leadership of the PDP. ‘’The truth of the matter is that the leadership of the PDP is not even waiting to be approached before fleeing to the APC. PDP leaders and members are falling over themselves shamelessly and swearing undying allegiance to the APC. Well, in case they

did not get the message of the President-elect and our National Chairman, we want to repeat it in very blunt terms: PDP leaders and members, you are not welcome in APC. Please stay in your party, but if - as we suspect - you cannot survive in opposition, then take a walk, quit politics,’’ the party said.

APC also reacted to the whining of the PDP concerning alleged plan by the APC to use the

Election Petition Tribunals ‘to truncate and subvert the freely given mandate by the people in the states and constituencies’, saying it amounts to blackmail. ‘’No amount of blackmail from the PDP will dissuade us from seeking redress in the Election Petition Tribunals, especially in states where the whole world knows there were no elections.

Since we don’t believe in self-help like the PDP, we see a recourse to

the Tribunal as a lawful means of giving vent to our rejection of the massive electoral malfeasance and the resort to violence in some states ‘’In case the PDP, beaten and battered by electoral pummeling, has forgotten, the recourse to the Tribunals to seek redress is the only lawful means of resolving electoral disputes. Anything else amounts to self-help, which is not our forte,’’ the party said.

have always cultivated partnerships, the choice of language by reporters could destroy the collaborative spirit so desperately needed by the Police for nation building.

MBU AND ELECTIONS Mbu, apart from being a top brass in the Police, is an election veteran. He supervised elections in Potiskum and Gashua, in 1997 and 1999, considered as the flash points in Yobe State. He was adjudged the best. He supervised election in Suleja and Kontagora, considered as critical flash points in Niger State in 2003 and came out in flying colours. As Commissioner of the Police Mobile Force in 2012, he supervised the governorship elections in Edo State which was adjudged as the freest and fairest. He promised the people of Lagos State a fair deal. And he delivered on his promise. The new strategy of sending AIGs to supervise States considered to be volatile, while Commissioners were sent to Senatorial Zones was borrowed from Mbu because it worked in Lagos during the presidential elections of March 28. He had deployed the CP Railways to Lagos Central, CP Western Ports to Lagos West and CP Federal SARS to Eastern Zone.

The result was unprecedented in the history of elections in Lagos State. But those who did not understand the motive of this strategy saw it as whittling down the powers of Aderanti, the one Station Command CP was posted to Lagos only September 2004.

No organization or individual is infallible. We should commend the Police when they do well; with the same gusto we condemn them when they go astray.

As for AIG Mbu, history has a way of vindicating the just. In the reckoning of the masses, he has had a superb outing as CP Police Mobile Force, Oyo State Command, Rivers State Command and FCT Abuja. He was AIG Zone 7 before his posting to Zone 2 Lagos. The streams of encomiums following the success of the recently concluded elections in Lagos State will forever eclipse the Babel of cacophony from his detractors.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

PDP: We'll not change our identity Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday, declared that it is not contemplating a change of identity, despite losing control of the Federal Government and some of its states in the last general elections.

The PDP made the declaration in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh.

It insisted that it was still the truly national political party with strength and spread enough to

regain pre-eminence.

Metuh said: “We have a name, tradition and values. Sixteen fruitful years as the guardian of Nigerian democracy cannot be nullified by the reason of temporary setback. We shall rise beyond all and regain our rhythm.

Our colour remains green, white and red and power still belongs to the people.

“And to assert that we are proud of the successes of our successive leaders in taking Nigeria to its present height is an understatement, which the pas-

sage of the next four years under the APC will certainly prove,” he said.

The party further said that it would not close its doors to other political parties wishing to merge with it, as the best vehicle for the fulfillment of political aspirations of all Nigerians, regardless of tribe and religion".

The PDP explained that its going into opposition would not mitigate its ability as the flagship of democracy, stressing that it was prepared to provide credible alternative, as a constructive op-

position, far removed from the wrathful destruction that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had lived thus far.

According to the PDP: “We have, no doubt, lifted the banner of democracy very high and only wish that the APC will move beyond excuses when it takes over time to reconcile mouthful promises with the reality of fulfillment.

“We have not only laid a solid foundation, we have built to a height that no denial can wish away.”

L-R: Director, Revenue, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Bappa Isah; Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla and Minister of State, Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda during the Federal Account Allocation Committee meeting for the month of May, in Abuja… at the weekend.

Photo: JOHN BABA

Plateau power coy assures residents of improved service Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, in Plateau State, has assured customers of improved services.

The assurance was given at the weekend by the company's head of Public Affairs, Mr. Paul Ikwu, in Jos, the state capital, adding that the epileptic power supply currently being witnessed by residents would soon be a thing of the past as the company had identified challenges associated with the shortage in power supply and had taken steps to address it.

Retrenched NPA employees demand entitlements Mutiat Alli

ÏÏÏA

S’Court affirms Ilodibe, Godwin, Mu'azu’s death sentences

ÏÏÏ The Supreme Court, at the

weekend, affirmed the death sentences passed on three persons at various times by trial courts in Katsina, Edo and Delta States.

The convicts – Ilodibe Uche, Godwin Alao and Alhaji Mu'azu Ali – had evaded the hang man noose, since 2010, through appeals but they failed, on Friday, in their attempts to convince the Supreme Court to reverse their death sentences.

The apex court said in a unan-

Otti heads to court to challenge PDP victory in Abia

imous decision on the three separate appeals that each of them was devoid of merit and, so, is dismissed. In each of the appeal, the court upheld the concurrent decisions of both the trial courts and Courts of Appeal.

One of the convicts, Ali was condemned to death by the court for causing the death of one Alhaji Garba Namuri, on April 17, 2004. According to the court, Ali struck Garba Namuri on his head with an axe. He slumped and died.

The court also frowned at the killing of one Edwin Asaba Ovie, who was stabbed to death

by Alao, on February 14, 2005 at Sabongida-Ora, Edo State.

Alao along with his younger brother Omokhefe Alao had stabbed the deceased after a misunderstanding among them, which had been reported to the police generated in a serious fracas.

While Alao is to die, Omokhefe, a minor, who was also found guilty of same offence, had

been spared in accordance with Section 16 of the Children and Young Person’s Law, which states that the words "convicted" and "sentence" shall not be used in relation to a child or young person.

On his part, Ilodibe Uche will face the hangman noose for robbing one Ndubuisi Bayem and Awele Bayem of the sum of N9, 000.00 and a Nokia GSM telephone, at gun point, at their shop on Isioma Onyeaobi Way, Asaba, on December 1, 2006.

Sunday Nwakanma

Tribunal, sitting in Umuahia, challenging the victory of the People Democratic Party in the state.

The legal adviser to Dr. Otti’s campaign organisation, Mr. Ken Ahia, disclosed a petition had been filed asking for the declaration Otti as the real winner of the 2015 election.

Ahia said: “This is a confir-

mation of electoral process.

Abians spoke and voted overwhelmingly for Dr. Alex Otti, but that mandate was stolen.

We are here in the court to retrieve the mandate”.

He disclosed that the lead counsel, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), would be leading five others in the prosecution of the matter.

Umuahia

ÏÏÏOne

of the losers in the just concluded April 11 governorship election in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), last Friday, in the dying minutes of the day, filed his petition at the Election Petition

group, known as “NPA 1991 Retirees,” has called on the government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and President–elect, General Muhammdu Buhari, to come to their aid over their unpaid entitlements by the management of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

In a statement signed by the National Chairman of the group, Engr. Gabriel Shotunde, the group made this appeal at a press conference held in Lagos, recently.

The group said it was seeking an improvement in the condition of its service in compliance with gratuity, pension, redundancy benefits, deceased workers, reviewed of pension rate and NPA condition of services, after the unlawful retrenchment of its members by the NPA since 1991.

Jonathan

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

13 International

Burundi President makes first appearance since failed coup ÏÏÏBurundi

President Pierre Nkurunziza makes a brief statement at the presidential palace in Bujumbura, Burundi ... on Sunday

Massive protest in Togo over presidential election results ÏÏÏ Thousands

of opposition supporters marched through the Togolese capital on Saturday to protest the results of presidential election that extended the Gnassingbe family's nearly five decades in power.

Observers have called the April 25 election free and transparent and the UN has approved of the conduct of the vote, but the opposition in the West African nation of some seven million people has labelled the results fraudulent.

President Faure Gnassingbe won a third term in office with 59 percent of the ballots while his closest rival, long-time opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre, finished with 35 percent.

"We need people to be aware of the seriousness of the situation and that, together, we are working to stop it," Fabre, who has declared himself the elected president, said on Saturday.

Adele Wavisso, a 32-year-old bread seller among the protesters in Lome, said "those in power know very well that we did not vote for Faure. Our president is Fabre, and we will not give up."

The opposition has said it decided not to challenge the results at Togo's Constitutional Court because it was biased in favour of the president.

Gnassingbe's father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, seized power in a coup and ruled with an iron fist for 38 years over the former German- and French-administered colony until his death in 2005.

The military then installed his son as leader and elections later that year were marred by allegations of rigging as well as violence which left up to 500 people dead and thousands injured.

Gnassingbe then won 2010 elections that the opposition also declared fraudulent but which were judged acceptable by the international community.

President Pierre Nkurunziza has made his first public appearance since a coup attempt last week.

He greeted journalists and spoke about the threat of al-Shabab Sunday at the presidential palace in the capital, Bujumbura.

In a radio address Friday, President Nkurunziza thanked his security forces for stopping the military coup against his government.

He also warned protesters to stop their demonstrations against his decision to seek a third term.

Activists, however, have called for more demonstrations against the president and his decision to seek a third term, which they say is unconstitutional.

The president and his supporters argue that a third term is permitted because he was elected by parliament, not voters, for his first five-year term in 2005. Burundi's constitutional court has sided with the president.

The U.S. has said Nkurunziza should not stand for a third term.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told VOA that the decision has caused instability in the country.

The U.S. State Department has

Pope Francis canonizes two Palestinian Nuns ÏÏÏFour

nuns, including two Palestinians, are the Roman Catholic Church's newest saints.

Pope Francis canonized them Sunday at a Mass at the Vatican.

Two of the nuns - Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas - lived in what was 19thcentury Palestine.

Their canonization is seen an encouragement to Christians across the Middle East who are facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists. They are the first saints from the Holy Land since the early years of Christianity.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attended the Mass in Saint Peter's Square. A French nun and an Italian nun also became saints Sunday. Both were founders of institutions dedicated

called for Nkurunziza "to condemn and stop the use of violence by the police and the ruling party's Imbonerakure youth militias against those who participated in protests against a third term."

State Department spokesman, Jeff Rathke, said the U.S. was taking steps to impose visa ineligibilities on those responsible for violence.

A Burundian presidential spokesman told VOA's Gabe Joselow that the leader of the coup attempt, General Godefroid Niyombare, remains at large and is believed to be in hiding.

President Nkurunziza was in Tanzania for a regional summit on Burundi's political situation when General Niyombare announced the coup attempt Wednesday. The move followed weeks of unrest after President Nkurunziza said he would seek a third term. Violence surrounding the protests left at least 14 people dead and more than 200 wounded.

The United Nations said more than 105,000 people have fled Burundi to Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo since Burundi's unrest began three weeks ago.

to the education of the poor.

Pope Francis met Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas during an audience at the Vatican, on Saturday..

The Vatican said it was preparing to sign its first accord with the Palestinians.

The pope called Abbas "An angel of peace" during a 20-minute private audience at the Vatican.

News of the accord angered Israel, prompting a statement saying "such a development does not further the peace process and distances the Palestinian leadership from returning to direct bilateral.

Pope Francis

US worried over Morsi death sentence ÏÏÏThe

United States says it is "deeply concerned" about the death sentences handed down to former President Mohammed Morsi and more than 100 other defendants for a 2011 mass prison break.

"We have consistently spoken out against the practice of mass trials and sentences, which are conducted in a manner that is inconsistent with Egypt's international obligations and the rule of law," a State Department official said Sunday.

The sentences were handed down Saturday in a Cairo court.

The Grand Mufti, Egypt's top religious authority, will make the final decision on the sentences on June 2. The Cairo court also issued a separate verdict against several top Muslim Brotherhood leaders for conspiring with the Hamas and Hezbollah groups in organizing the prison break.

Last month, Morsi - the country's first democratically elected leader - was sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with the killing of protesters outside the presidential palace in 2012.

Thousands rally in Macedonia for PM resignation ÏÏÏ Thousands of Macedonians

rallied in the capital Skopje on Sunday, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski as the Balkan country faces a deepening political crisis.

Pressure on the leader has been building since a wire-tapping scandal broke earlier this year, prompting questions about how tightly the government controls the media, judges, and elections during Gruevski's nine years in power.

The protests come a week after tensions flared north of the capital. Clashes between gunmen and police in the city of Kumanovo earlier this month killed eight policeman and 14 assailants.

Macedonian authorities have said the gunmen were trying to cause chaos and fear, but Albanian sources in the country said authorities instigated the clash to save the Gruevski government.

The prime minister called for his own rally, scheduled for Monday (today).

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Igbinedion: The limits of the law

R

Aham Njoku

ecently, a Federal High Court, sitting in Benin, the Edo State capital convicted Mr. Michael Igbinedion of money laundering charges preferred against him. The Court subsequently imposed a fine of one million naira each on him on the three count charges for which he was found guilty. The total amount for which he was fined stood at three million naira.

The judgment of the court presided over by Hon. Justice Liman appears to have generated some concern from members of the public especially those who are not lawyers. They seem to be at a loss why the money that was said to be laundered stood above the fine to be paid by Mr. Igbinedion.

The first thing to note is that the offence appears to be a strict liability one. In other words even if no harm was caused by the action of the offender he is still liable. For example it is an offence to drive your car across the red traffic sign.

You are still liable despite the fact that your car did not hit anybody after you violated the traffic law. In

this case Mr. Igbinedion was said to have accepted cash payments of the sums of ten million three hundred and nine thousand naira and also twenty one million naira contrary to the Money Laundering Act (Section 15(1) 2004) which provides that “No person or body corporate shall, except in a transaction through a financial institution, make or accept cash payment of a sum exceeding – (a) N500,000 or its equivalent, in the case of an individual”. So even if the convicted person used the money judiciously he is still liable.

The next issue to consider is the sentencing under the Money Laundering Act (Section 15(2) 2004 thereof). It provides, “A person who commits an offence under sub-section (1) of this section shall be liable on conviction – (b) in the case of an offence under paragraph (d) – (f) where the offender (1) is an individual, to a fine of not less than N250,000 or more than N1,000,000 or a term of imprisonment of not less than 2 years or more than 3 years or to both fine and imprisonment”.

In other words, the judge has the discretion to either sentence the person to an option of fine or he can sentence the person the prison.

He can also fine the person and at

the same time send him to prison.

But the thing to note is that the judge in exercising this discretion is guided by the law and judicial precedent.

Following from the above one can see clearly that the judge imposed the maximum sentence on Mr. Igbinedion as it relates to fine. He could have been fined two hundred and fifty thousand naira on each count charge which is the lowest fine but the judge imposed one million naira on each count charge which is the highest allowed by the law.

On the other hand some persons may wonder why the judge did not sentence him to a term of imprisonment. The reason is obvious to lawyers but perhaps not to laymen. This is understandable.

The convict is a first offender. In other words he had no record of previous convictions. In a plea of allocutus (mercy) which counsel to an accused person makes after conviction but before sentencing, one of the major things the court watches out for is whether the convict had a previous criminal record of conviction. If he has none, this usually weighs heavily in his favour. Being a first offender, the

court would always naturally show some leniency.

Further by virtue of Section 36(12) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a court can only impose a sentence as prescribed by the law. It provides “Subject as otherwise provided by this constitution, a person shall not be convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty therefore is prescribed in a written law; and in this subsection, a written law refers to an Act of the national Assembly or a Law of a State, any subsidiary legislation or instrument under the provisions of a law”. Any attempt by the judge in this case to have imposed any other sentence above the three million naira fine which is the maxim would not only be ultra vires but indeed unconstitutional.

In conclusion, one may suggest that the sentencing in this case was not only fair but according to the law. Any thing to the contrary would have been based on the whims and caprice of the presiding judge and the certainty of the law would have been violated. Then the court would cease to be a court of law but a court of public sentiment.

Why Iriase deserves House of reps speaker

E

Nduka Uzuakpundu

ver since the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the recent presidential election, there have been some informed trysts, involving its policy-makers, on how best to distribute key positions and resources, as soon as General Muhammadu Buhari assumes office, on May 29.

The APC’s victory, it seems, has tended to redefine political dispositions and beliefs, to the effect that, indeed, the incumbent – given a fair playing ground, in which the vote of almost every voter counts – could be shown the way out. The APC’s victory was not, necessarily, a Cadmean one, in spite of the misplaced perception of the power of incumbency, which referred to just how influential the governing party was, and the financial resources at its disposal.

The APC’s triumph, it may well be argued, was a function of diverse factors – alongside its poaching, daringly, the camp of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for influential operatives, especially at a time when it was quite obvious that the PDP was in disarray and had lost touch with the village square. That was when there was some consuming

disillusionment with the Jonathan administration. No thanks to corruption!

In addition, now, there is a change as expected by the APC. It’s a change that, in the distribution of top political offices and resources, should take into account, as a matter of socio-political justice and fairness, the leading role played by the minority ethnic nationalities, who, in their swamping number – and in a clear protest against the PDP administration – voted for the APC. It’s on record, for instance, that of all the minority ethnic nationalities, they were the ones in Edo State, who were most generous towards the APC with their votes: some 45 percent, which was well above the constitutionally-required 25 percent, for a presidential candidate to be declared a winner in any state. The zeal with which voters there sided with the APC had, to it, the signature of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The remarkable victory of the APC, in Edo State, fortifies him as a good agent of change.

In order to compensate Edo State, for voting generously for the APC, a case is being earnestly made to the effect that the post of the next Speaker of the House of Representatives be reserved for one of the foremost APC operatives and architects of its victory in the

presidential race; someone who’s from one of the minority ethnic nationalities: Honourable Pally Iriase.

Indeed, given his impressive profile – an accountant, a former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, a former Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State, a former Secretary to the Edo State Government and a two-time member of the House of Representatives from Owan Federal Constituency – Honourable Pally Iriase handsomely deserves, as a matter of merit, to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In the name of change, for which the APC is now well known, and for very persuasive moral reason and socio-political necessity, making Honourable Pally Iriase the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, would be quite representative of a much-desired change at the Green Chamber, in Abuja.

Such a development, with Honourable Pally Iriase, as the subject, would be representative of a sensible shift in the paradigm of politics. It would give long-suffering, but politically productive, minority ethnic nationalities a profound sense of belonging in the affairs of the Fourth Republic.

For, to tell the truth, the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, since the inception of the Fourth Republic, in 1999, had been monopolised by the leading Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba tribes – to the unjust and unhealthy exclusion of the minority ethnic nationalities, whose combined demography – and this is quite true – surpasses that of the trio; a clear case of an indefensible tyranny against the minority ethnic nationalities – including Owan, to which Honourable Pally Iriase belongs.

The massive votes from the people of Edo State – to the making of the APC’s presidential victory – has changed, quite drastically, the dynamics of the politics of the Fourth Republic. By it, the Oshiomhole-Iriase duo, and all APC supporters, in Edo State, have demonstrated, quite convincingly, that the country needs the representatives of the minority ethnic nationalities in highly visible positions.

The morally justified and politically-binding change, which the APC represents, for the betterment of the Nigerian nation-state and the inclusion of the minority ethnic nationalities, ought to find a healthy expression in Honourable Pally Iriase being crowned as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Features Æ

15

Features Editor: Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr. Email: gbubemi.godscovenantsnr@dailytimes.com.ng

RESCUED PREGNANT BOKO HARAM CAPTIVES:

Nigerians reject abortion option ÏÏÏM1R ƏƆƅ ƌƌƆ Ɨ ƇƆ ƅƏƈ ƈ ƍƏƆ ƅƕ ƅƆ ƐƏƆ The controversy over the actual number of pregnant females of the 293 rescued from Boko Haram in Sambisa forest recently is far from over. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR reports a conflict of interests between the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and a coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations among others in the welfare of the rescued women.

The Foundation for African Heritage (FACH), a non-governmental coalition of NGOs based in Lagos has described as unconscionable, inhuman and scandalous the suggestion by the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) and some foreign NGOs that the rescued pregnant Boko Haram females should be sent to the abortion clinics to have their babies aborted or that abortion be legalised in Nigeria so that the pregnant females should abort their babies.

The group advised against calls to terminate their pregnancies through abortion. Instead, they stressed that they should be offered a range of safer and morally upright options. They listed them to include: safe refugee and crisis pregnancy centers, pelvic ultrasound to determine the gestational age, i.e. the dates and viability of the pregnancies.

According to Dr. Williams, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, “We must not assume that all these pregnancies, intended or

Pastor Peace at her office during the interview

Sonnie Ekwowusi presenting the cash envelope to Mr. Bitrus Samuel of NEMA flanked by other members of NEMA

not, are unwanted or are a result of rape.”

It would be recalled, Prof. Babatunde Osotemehin, Executive Director, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), indicated that 214 of the rescued women were pregnant. He made the claim while briefing newsmen in Lagos on the UNFPA’s activities geared towards rehabilitating the rescued women and children.

Meanwhile, the controversy over the exact number of pregnant women and girls among the 293 females rescued by Nigerian troops from Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest last month is still raging.

Part of the coalition of NGOs, including Uduimo Itsueli Foun-

I rid police cells of miscreants — Peace Akpabio

dation (UIF), Foundation for African Cultural Heritage (FACH) and Fertility Care Centers of Africa (FCCA) have revealed that only 43 women are visibly pregnant as of May 12th 2015.

In an email forwarded to our Features Desk over the weekend, FACH Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Chioma Okonkwo explained: “In the process of organising our relief efforts to the rescued women and children, we set out to determine the true numbers and categories of victims we would have to cater for. Consequently, we liaised with the government officials and agencies in custody of the rescued women and children and they revealed only 43 of

As a high school teenager, Peace Emma Akpabio watched her father unjustly persecuted and swore she would read law to fight injustice in the society, and she did. In this exclusive interview with GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR, Peace bares her mind on impropriety of legal practices in Nigeria, among others.

the rescued women showed visible signs of pregnancy. They also refuted the earlier claim which put the number of pregnant women at 214, since pregnancy tests were yet to be carried out on the women.”

The Foundation for African Heritage (FACH), a non-governmental coalition of NGOs based in Lagos has challenged Prof. Babatunde Osotemehin’s figure of 214 pregnant females, describing it ‘international statistics manipulation’ Reacting to the falsified figure, founding member of FACH, Dr. Nkechi Asogwa said the group have been carefully investigating the statistics issue of pregnant females amongst the rescued

Far away in her Ogoja, Cross River State missionary home, Peace describes herself as a little timid but passionately altruistic lady in her adolescent years; so concerned about people that she spent her growing up years always solving one emotional or financial problem or the other for friends. “Whatever the problem was, I always put myself where I will to sort it out. I was not outspoken, I was quiet and timid.”

She said.

In psychology, timidity is hard-

people from Boko Haram in Yola camps.

“We have two of our members on ground in Yola and they have confirmed that only 43 of the girls and women are visibly pregnant.

Medically, this means that doing abortion at this stage is quite risky. My colleague there in the camp told me that they have been unable to conduct pregnancy test on the rest because they lack pregnancy test kits. So where did the figure of 214 pregnant women come from?

Another member of the group who resides in Yola revealed that at present, the rescued victims lack the bare necessities of life such as clothing, food, water and shelter. One would think that these should be the immediate concern of any philanthropic group instead of focusing on a campaign for abortion while these victims remain in need.

Meanwhile, FACH group had last week made a cash donation to the Yola camp where the ladies are kept. Making the cash donation on behalf of the group for the rehabilitation of the girls at the office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja recently, Mr. Sonnie Ekwowusi, a legal director and representative of FACH, stressed that what the ladies urgently need at this moment is a real healthcare, social welfare and counselling services that would enable them to be effectively reintegrated and re-absorbed in the society so that they would continue living their lives as normal citizens CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

ly a nature synonymous with the knowledge and practice of law, but one incident sparked off a hidden fire in Peace that poised her for the wig and gown profession. She recalls it with passion as though it happened yesterday: “When I was about 15 in secondary school, my father was a principal of one other school, the Methodist High School, Ibiakushet. The students rioted and the fracas was so much that they had to push my father out through a hole CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Features 16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

AKPABIO:

‘Every human being has a right to justice’

Peace Akpabio CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

to escape for his life. I remember that night the students were actually coming in to kill my father because he suspended some students.

“The matter eventually went to court and my father was remanded in prison custody. The morning of that day the case was called to court, my dad was brought in a Black Maria. The chief magistrate told my father that, as the principal of that school he was in a position to know that the students will react when he suspended their colleagues and should have done something about it; and because of that my father should be taken back to prison custody.

“That judgement set something loose in my mind and I was deep-

ly offended; so the following day when my father was taken out on bail, I made a firm promise to him. I said Daddy, because of this, I’ll go to law school and get this injustice corrected. That was why and how I became a lawyer.”

How was the case concluded?

“Like every other case in magistrates courts; because it was a post police case, it was intended to embarrass a person; they don’t ever pursue it to the end. Before you know it, something will just make it fizzle out as if nothing ever happened. That was exactly what happened to the case.”

A native of Ekom Imam in Etinam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Peace was born on May 11 1968, to a family of educationists. Her father, Etim Akpabio was a retired principal

and later became a Reverend of Akwa Ibom Church of Nigeria before he passed on in 1999 and her mom, Jane Etim Akpabio is also a retired teacher, so naturally Peace went to school everywhere her parents were teachers.

Finishing her primary school at Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the little lady proceeded to Cornelia Connelly College, CCC, Uyo and concluded her school certificate examination at the Immaculate Conception Secondary School, Itak also in Ikono LGA. Peace recalls she was fortunate to be one of the pioneer students admitted to the then University of Cross River State to read law.

From there she went on to the Law School in Lagos, graduated and was called to the bar in 1990.

Peace served her National Youth service as legal officer attached to Nitel in Enugu State.

But the lioness that has been lying low in her broke loose when she joined the law firm of Clark Paiko & Co (legal practitioners) which had Chief Robert Clark as head of chambers and Adebayo Osho as head of litigation that had a lot to do with political parties. She recalls her folio: “The chambers had the folio of solicitors to Nigerian Republican Convention and the Social Democratic Party (NRC/SDP) cases which were purely election petitions. That exposed me to so many cases in so many courts nationwide, but one of the cases came before a Lagos high court and that case was passed on to me.”

Peace went looking for a chamber that will have a little humanitarian touch and she found in no other place than the late Gani Fawehimi chambers.

“I applied to work with Chief Gani Fawehimi & Co. chambers at Anthony Village in 1998 but my qualification hindered my human rights advocacy passion with the lawyers at Gani’s chambers.

The senior lawyers thought my experience qualifies me most to edit Gani’s weekly law report, a favourite journal for the bar and the bench.”

The young woman didn’t stick to that for too long.

‘All I was doing there was sit down, read and edit the law reports and though I was doing it successfully, it wasn’t a job I liked; and because of the hierarchy of senior lawyers who decided who does what in the chambers, I couldn’t meet and discuss with Gani one on one.

“After two months I left there and returned back to Clark Paiko& Co. This time around, Chief Robert Clark had an understanding of what my passion was and he graciously passed to me the kind of cases I loved to handle. I enjoyed the cases that came to me throughout and I really was fulfilled.”

However, the adventurous lady move in 2002 and started her own law firm, Emma Akpabio & Co at Kodeso Street Ikeja.

“I employed two lawyers and I started really fighting for human rights and balanced justice.’

That exciting new beginning

came with its contention as she found most of her clients were very poor, street people and the location of her office, caught up in the notoriety of Fela AnikulapoKuti’s old Afrika Shrine on Pepple Street did not help matters. Peace how she got the money to run on that premise.

“I still wonder to date how I coped; but I just know that when I set my mind on doing something, I do it. I rented that 3 bedroom bungalow with a gift shop in mind; the parlour was fit for a gift shop but somehow I took one room for my office and the second I converted to other lawyers’ office; the third room that should be the reception or a dining area I converted to a business centre. I was able to put in some computers, copying and other machines and a generator that served the law office.

“When I started, most of the cases we had come from the young men in that area who knew me; so when the police raid and dump them in the cells, they send for us and we go and take them out on bail. If their cases proceed to high court, we defend them because I always felt they’re human beings who have right to justice.

All these services we rendered at the cost of the chambers.”

But today, Barrister Peace Akpabio is a missionary running a Non Governmental Organisation in far away Ogoja in the heart of Cross River State. How she got there and the story behind her dozens of the helpless, abused and widows in her care is a story for another day.

ABORTION:

The women need morally JUST HUMAN upright options—FACH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

of Nigeria.

“Having experienced unspeakable trauma, dehumanisation and violence in the hands of their Boko Haram captors, it is unreasonable and illogical to subject the girls to a traumatic, violentwrecking and life-threatening abortion process,” Ekwuowusi said.

He further stated that the FACH members were offering free Maternity and Rehabilitation Homes where the girls could willingly go to safely give birth to their babies and afterwards could give them out for legal adoption

if, for any reasons, they do not want to keep them.

While receiving the cash donation on behalf of NEMA, Mr. Bitrus Samuel thanked FACH for its generosity and public-spiritedness. He hoped that other NGOs and organizations In Nigeria would emulate FACH’s example in rehabilitating the Chibok girls and the internally-displaced persons presently housed in a Camp in Abuja.

Other support groups are offering professional medical and psycho-social counseling, adoption, provision of relief items and foster home care.

1.08 pm under the busy Oshodi bridge, Oshodi, Lagos

Photo: GSC /004

Current bo

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Business Times Æ s

17

Business Editor: Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Email: emmanuelogbonnaya@dailytimes.com.ng

FAAC allocation dips for April Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Federation Account allocation Committee (FAAC) on Friday announced the total sum of N388, 339 billion as the statutory allocation available for distribution amongst the three tiers of government for the month of April; indicating a continuous dip fall in the monthly allocation compare to what was shared in March and the previous months.

Chairman of the Committee and Minister of State for Finance Ambassador Bashir Yuguda said that the gross revenue of N282.062 billion received for the month was lower than the N315.044 billion re-

ceived in the previous month by N32.982 billion.

Amb. Yuguda decried that frequent shutdown and shut-in of trunks and pipelines at terminals continued to impact negatively on crude oil revenue.

He however added that an increase in the average price of crude oil from $55.34 million in February, 2015 to $56.03 million in March brought about a $21.67 million gain in revenue.

The minister disclosed that the non-oil revenues performed better in April than in March, 2015.

According to him, the distributable statutory revenue for the month is N282.062 billion while the sum of N6.330 billion was re-

funded by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federal Government.

“There is exchange gain of N24.786 billion which is proposed for distribution, and the total revenue distributable for the current month including Value Added Tax (VAT) is N388.338 billion,” he disclosed further.

The gross revenue available from the VAT for the month of April, 2015 was N75.160 billion as against N71.197 billion distributed in the preceding month resulting in an increase of N3.963 billion.

He advised states to ensure prompt payment of salaries.

“The first priority for govern-

NIMASA’s maritime university gets FEC’s approval Funmi Coker

Yuguda

ment is the welfare of workers including salaries and pensions.

The issue of total reliance for allocation from the centre is not the best; states have to drive for more IGR (internally Generated Revenue) to cushion the revenue shortfalls.”

Directorate Head, South Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Emeke Anene, represemting the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo (right) and Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (left), presenting dummy cheques to the three male finalists Korio Alex Olotptip from Kenya (middle); Leul Gabriel Salassie, an Ethiopian (2nd from right) and Amos Mitel from Kenya (2nd from left) at the 3rd Okpekpe Road Race, which held at the weekend. Heritage Bank sponsored the race as Official Banker.

Nigeria, Iran to boost non-oil trade Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on Thursday solicited for support to consolidate its trade promotion strategy through the mobilisation of Nigerian exporters and relevant stakeholders for the first ever Iranian Solo Exhibition coming up in Nigeria in June 2015.

Speaking during a courtesy visit in Abuja by Mehdi Saeedozakerin, General Manager of Pars Rastak the organisers/representative of the Iranian Embassy in Nigeria, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mr Olusegun Awolowo lamented the low level of trade

between Iran and Nigeria.

Awolowo who was represented

by Mr Olajide Ibrahim, a Director in the Office of the CEO, observed that staging the Exhibition could not have come at a better time, and from any other country noting that both countries recently ushered-in new Governments, and they both share few economic landscapes in areas of mining, industries, oil and gas, among others.

He commended the Government of Iran for the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the 5th Session of Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission which covers Agreement on Industrial Cooperation; Agreement on Visa waiver for holders of

Diplomatic Passports; and Agreement on Tourism.

He assured Iran of NEPC’s logistics support for the first Iran Solo Exhibition using the Council’s established structure of Zonal Offices around the country, and its relationship with the Organised Private Sector especially the Chambers of Commerce.

In his response, Saeedozakerin disclosed that the 3-Day Specialized Exhibition would profile four key areas thus: Building and Construction Industry; Industry / Infrastructure; Health / Medicine; as well as Food Industry Products.

He further revealed that over 50 Iranian companies would participate at the event.

Saeedozakerin said that their visit was primarily to officially inform the Council of the upcoming Solo Exhibition and to enroll NEPC’s support in ensuring adequate participation of stakeholders and concerned business communities.

“Despite being 4th richest oil producing country in the World, Iran generates about $50 billion annually from non-oil exports, with about $5billion from export of services that has to do with technical engineering alone.

“Iran can assist Nigeria to develop its maritime, air transportation, power, water resources, agriculture and the petro-chemical sectors,” The Iranian businessman added.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given an approval to the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU) to commence academic activities. The university is an initiative of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The institution, which received FEC’s approval at its meeting in Abuja as announced by the Hon. Minister of Information, Mrs Patricia Akwashiki, is the first full-fledged maritime university in West Africa.

With its permanent site in Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, the university is expected to run courses in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Nautical Science, Transport Technology and other maritime related professional areas at degree and sub degree level.

Speaking on the approval, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi said “this formal approval of the licence will signify a major milestone in the Agency’s capacity building initiatives as it will guarantee sustainable training of qualified manpower for the maritime industry at international standard”.

Following the licence issued by the Federal Government, the university is now set to commence academic activities at its fully developed temporary site in Kurutie, also in Warri-South West Local Government Area.

Akwashiki

Aviation18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Air Peace elevates flight officer to pilot Air Peace recorded history when it decorated one of its young First Officers - Ademulegun Adebayo Jonathan as Captain in Command of Boeing 737 aircraft.

Captain Jonathan took command as pilot on one of Air Peace’s Boeing 737-500 aircraft recently, the young pilot is type rated on Boeing737 aircraft ranging from 300 series to 900. The decoration of the Pilot took place at the headquarters of the Air Peace in Ikeja, Lagos.

The decoration of the new captain was carried out by the chairman of the airline; Mr Allen Onyema and the chief operating officer of the airline, Engineer Toyin Olajide. The pilot was decorated with four bars epaulets.

Speaking at the event Onyema said the decoration is demonstration by Air Peace that it is ready

to create room for the growth of young pilots to explore opportunities where competence and excellence are the guiding criteria.

He said Captain Jonathan in the few months he has flown for Air Peace has demonstrated capacity as a young professional the airline is committed to groom for the development of the aviation sector.

Onyema said very soon other First Officers that qualify would be decorated as Captains in command as evidence that Air Peace is committed to the development of professional capacity for young professionals.

He urged the young captain to continue to exhibit those attributes that set him out, even as he urged other pilots to consider Air Peace as an airline that is committed to the development its personnel.

Safety: NAAE rates NAVAIDS reliability high

Flight Officer Ademulegun Adebayo Jonathan (Middle) being decorated as Captain in Command of flight by chairman of Air Peace , Mr Allen Onyema (Right) and the Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director of the airline, Mrs Olutoyin Olajide at the company’s corporate headquarters in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos

He said he would create opportunity for professionals to grow and contribute their best to the airline irrespective of their ethnic extraction, which is not a factor in recruitment into Air Peace.

Onyema said the airline has recorded many achievements in

the few months it started flight operations in the changing aviation landscape.

Onyema said:” In Air Peace, our goal is to reward excellence and contribute our quota to the development of domestic air travel in Nigeria.

AIB boss tasks aviation professionals on standards Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The Commissioner /Chief Executive, Accident Investigations Bureau AIB Dr Felix Abali has stressed the need for aviation professionals in the country to raise the standard, professionalism and efficiency of Aeronautical Information Service (AIS).

In a speech at Uyo to mark the world AIS day, Dr Abali said all over the world that the aviation sector was undergoing a rapid transformation and becoming more technical intensive and technologically driven.

“There is a growing need for the proper integration of man and machine, including training for effective operation in a seamless environment of zero tolerance or delays in safety critical Aeronautical Information dissemination” Dr Abali noted that the implementation of AIS automation in Nigeria was long overdue adding that measures were being taken to actualize it adding that safety delivery was a huge responsibility on AIS professionals needed

to rededicate themselves towards the provision of a quality assured Aeronautical data.

According to him, the role of effective and efficiency of Air navigation cannot be over emphasised hence the need to comply effectively.

The AIB Boss implored the management of NCAA, NCAT and NAMA to train and motivate all AIS staff for effective delivery of the risk ahead of them adding capacity development was a vital solution to the growing cases of human factors which accounted for most of the accidents and serious incidents in the aviation industry.

He stressed that safety remained the primary concern of the aviation community worldwide including military, civil, scheduled and non-scheduled flights operations, chartered flights or commercial aviation using any form of aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Managing director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA, Engr Ibrahim Abdulsalam has acknowledged the pivotal role being played by members of AIS saying it was essential to NAMA.

Represented by the Director of human resource of NAMA Dr Uwem Akason, he noted that data managing and processing were vital to Airspace users hence the activities of AIS were taken very seriously.

Abdusalam assured them of the management support in training saying that the agency

was fashioning ways of increasing its internally generated revenue to meets its internal request from staff.

While assuring of the minister’s resolve on the completion of AIS automation, the NAMA boss stressed the need for team work among staff in order to lift up the agency.

Members of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineer (NAAE) say the recent calibration of nine airports across the country by ASECNA has truly upgraded the serviceable state of navigational equipment in the country in line with international standard requirement.

A statement by Engr. Makanjuola Ebenezer and George kiako President and assistant general secretary respectively said the calibration was in conformation to prescribed standards in its quality assurance programme.

According to NAAE, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommended that air navigational facilities to be flight checked include VOR, ICS, and DME among others while flight checks were required to examine the resultant signal-in space of the above facilities.

They noted that the regular and safe operations of international air traffic depended to a great extent on the availability of a reliable radio navigational facilities hence regular facilities were carried out.

According to NAAE, it was a mandatory requirement to calibrate the ILS every six months while the VORs were calibrated once every year adding that the second phase of the flight check will continue in June 2015 when the remaining airports will be calibrated.

According to the association, the calibration airports by ASECNA include, Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt, Enugu, and Calabar, others are, Owerri, Minna, Bida, Enroute station and Uyo airports.

NAAE stated that to further extend the critical services to other airports within the west African sub region, that NAMA members in collaboration with their ASECNA counterparts from Togo successfully established three new communication links between Lagos - Lome, Lagos - Malabo and Kano - Lome on April this year.

They said it will enhance air traffic coordination between controllers in these two centres and Nigeria and to further raise the bar on flight efficiency, regularity and safe operations within the sub region They commended the management of NAMA on the calibration assignment describing it as a success.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

19 Money

Dangote Cement Q1 profit hits N74.7bn Charles Okonji

R-L: Mr. Ola Oresanya, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Lanre Adesanya, during a courtesy visit by the Management of the Bank to LAWMA at the weekend

BoI urges PPP advancement in mining sector Emmanuel Ogbonnaya In order to accelerate the growth of the nation’s economy, in particular the mining sector, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has called on government and the private sector under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, to pay advance activities that would help spur the level of investments in the solid mineral sphere.

The Managing Director, of Nigeria’s leading development bank, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, made the call in Lagos over the weekend, stressing that BoI is ready to support and bolster investments in the sector.

He was speaking to business editors and correspondents at a one day media parley, where he seized the opportunity to unveil notable strides and landmark achievements of the development institution in the last one year since he assumed office as managing director.

Sterling Bank partners Caleb to enhance parenting impact

According to Olaoluwa, the federal government should carry out further assessment of the sector, with a view to producing viable data on the geological mapping of mineral deposits in the country.

He noted that investors needed to be prodded to see the viability of a sector which has the potential to attract huge foreign exchange if developed and has become the economic mainstay of other countries not so well endowed as Nigeria.

“Botswana has been able to make millions of dollars from gold mining. Nigeria should look towards this direction by investing in solid minerals where the country has a comparative advantage to diversify the economy,” he added.

He however noted that artisanal and small-scale mining or mining activities that use rudimentary methods to extract and process minerals and metals on a small scale, cannot produce the desired developmental result from the sector.

He said, “BoI has been structured to support commoditybased industrialisation by encouraging value-addition of exploited raw materials. These include the processing of agricultural products and the extraction and processing of mineral resources.”

Olaoluwa, however decried the lack of patronage of locally produced goods, saying that Nigerians must patronise made-in-Nigeria goods in order for the country to achieve economic growth.

“It is our national interest. We are all complaining about no jobs, we are complaining about economic issues, if we do not patronise our local producers, we will not make any progress. There are people who have invested in facilities to produce here and after they have produced, they cannot sell and they go bankrupt and fire people and lay off staff, but if they produce and able to sell, they are able to grow and higher more people translating to economic growth,” he said.

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

The event will hold on Saturday May 23rd, 2015 at the Auditorium of Caleb International School, Magodo, Lagos. The theme of the workshop is ‘Enhancing your child’s capacity for learning’.

The Bank in a statement signed by its Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola described the Parenting Series as a family growth and education initiative designed to support parents’ desire to optimise the potentials and talents of their children.

In furtherance of its commitment to the development of education in Nigeria, Sterling Bank Plc in partnership with Caleb Group of Schools has concluded plans to hold the second edition of the Parenting Workshop under its One Education Initiative. The workshop is aimed at educating parents and guardians on how to nurture their children and bring out the best in them.

First quarter profitability for Nigeria’s largest cement producer, Dangote Cement hit N74.7 billion gross, notching an impressive 10.5 per cent over N67.63 billion recorded in the same period in 2014.

According to the cement giant’s unaudited results for Q1 2015 ended 31st March 2015, revenues rose by 10.8 to 114.7billion compared to N103.57 billion in the corresponding in 2014. The improvement in the first results was buoyed by with maiden contributions from factories outside Nigeria.

Net profit was up 44.1 per cent to 68.6 billion in contrast to N47.62 billion in 2014 while earnings per share grew by 45.7 per cent to 4.09.

Group cement sales volumes was up by 3.4 per cent to 3.8 million tonnes driven by contribu-

tions from South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon and new lines in Nigeria. The margins from Nigeria increased by new pricing, improved gas supply and more use of coal. Dangote Cement Plants are now operational in Zambia and Ethiopia.

Speaking on the first quarter results, Chief Executive officer, Dangote Cement, Mr. Onne van der Weijde, said: “Our African projects are now beginning to deliver revenue growth for the Group and even at this early stage we are seeing good potential in all the countries into which we are expanding.

Senegal has made an excellent start, Cameroon is poised for a strong entry into an exciting growth market and Sephaku Cement is clearly shaking up the South African market as the first new entrant in many years.”

Dangote cement factory

He noted that the purpose of the workshop is to aid parents and guardians in dealing with topical issues that affect the upbringing and training of their wards in the 21st century vis-àvis the practical day-to-day realities of life in Nigeria.

The Bank’s Chief strategist said the involvement of the Bank in the second edition of the workshop was informed by the overwhelming turn-out of parents who attended the first edition, adding that the Bank will continue to invest in initia-

tives that add value to the lives of people in line with its purpose.

Mr. Atilola further said: “Our focus on education is strategic.

We are looking at all actors in the value chain and this is why we set up an education desk to look at the total value chain of education, from suppliers of inputs to the end users. Our desire is to use our expertise to contribute to the development of the sector through a variety of initiatives.”

ICT 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

APP TO WATCH

Bleep says it but doesn’t memorise it for you

Bleep is a fun and easy instant messaging app that is completely private. No social networks.

With Bleep, you can chat via text, make free voice calls, or whisper. By whisper, means chat history can be convenient, but some conversations should never be saved. Sending a whisper to a friend means your messages disappear after they are read. Whisper it, read it, and move on.

And, you don’t need an account with Bleep. Simply download the app, invite your friends and start chatting.

This is still like a normal chat, but as soon as a message is seen, it’s blurred out on your screen.

Need to send some embarrassing

titbit of info but don’t like it having a long digital memory, then just send as a whisper. Pretty convenient if you’ve got a lot of secrets to keep.

However, as very cool and nice an application it has been adjudged to be, some users have issues with interacting with it. Some have also suggested that it could be nice to have group in the future and that is still a bit complicated to use and didn’t find how to sync with bleep windows.

The general consensus among users is that some improvement is needed for it to displace other chat apps, which apparently it has the potential to do.

MTN Business unveils Pan African Internet of Things platform

Lagos moves to boost service delivery via new technologies Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state has said the state would continue to adopt innovative technology to drive development and boost service delivery.

He gave the assurance while inaugurating a new building of the Ministry of Science and Technology in Alausa secretariat, Ikeja, noting that government could not, but deploy novel technologies to solve problems considering the state’s population.

According to him, the new building, equipped with all facilities was in furtherance of efforts to strengthen e-governance and do things more efficiently.

According to him, “This building is completed and ready for work but I think why we are here really is to reinforce the commitment which really lies at the heart of this. We cannot do things in the way that it used to be done before. We have to automate to be more efficient and bring about more development.”

He explained that the need to adopt new technology compelled the government to embark on the Citizens Relationship Manage-

ment, (CRM), an online platform which allows residents to access government services and lodge complaints was another step to use technology to provide service.

Fashola said with the activation of the platform, residents did not need to travel distances to be responded to as all they needed was to click on the appropriate icons on the platform to get response to their needs.

The governor explained further that the platform enabled users to monitor and tracked their demands and complaints to see the stages of response work progress.

He said the new Science and Technology building would enable government to reinforce all its automation and technology processes into just one part of the state secretariat.

Earlier in his speech, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, said the new building had all the facilities and features required and was built on a landsite of about 3,600sq metres.

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho MTN Business has unveiled the first truly Pan African Internet of Things (IoT) platform, providing African enterprises with greater control and advanced management features for their connected devices and sim cards.

The launch also sees the introduction of a global Machine-toMachine (M2M) sim card, which gives customers the same rate for M2M activity across MTN’s footprint in Africa.

The new IoT platform is now live in South Africa, with other MTN operating countries set to follow over the next 12 months.

The platform removes significant cost and accessibility barriers, ultimately enabling development on a broader scale, leading to the establishment of a vast ecosystem of scalable solutions addressing real-world needs.

MTN’s platform is the next evolutionary step in connecting and managing machines.

The platform and its associated dedicated network enables MTN to connect an otherwise fragmented population of devices and systems. The open platform enables networked devices to exchange information and perform actions, responding intelligently to their environments without human intervention.

“To ensure a seamless customer experience for our customers,

MultiChoice slashes HD decoder rates for Kenya by 48%

Nyati

wherever MTN has presence, the IoT platform has a dedicated network, separate from the consumer network, for operational and business systems support.

As a result, the platform is dedicated to managing all MTN’s machine-to-machine functions,” Mteto Nyati, MTN Group Chief Enterprise Officer said.

The number of global IoT connections is expected to reach 360

million by 2018.

According to Nyati. “In South Africa, the wholesale Machine2-Machine (M2M) market – one aspect of IoT – is already worth an estimated R350 million and expected to grow to R1.2 billion by 2017. This means there are significant business opportunities for aspiring developers in South Africa and the rest of the continent.”

Kenya’s leading high definition television operator MultiChoice Kenya has announced a price reduction of its DStv HD decoder by some 48 per cent, from KES 4,800 to KES 2,499.

The rate reduction of the decoder which is to be sold with a one-month DStv Access subscription should enable more Kenyans to think about purchasing the high quality HD decoder in order to improve on their quality of television viewing.

According to MultiChoice Kenya general manager Walingo Chiruyi, “DStv Access offers 50 channels of general entertainment, movies, documentaries, news, children’s programming, music, religion and sport. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer.”

Chiruyi

The DStv Access package also offers premium channels such as Zee World, Mindset Learn, Channel ED, BBC World, SuperSport Select, Disney Junior, Al Jazeera, National Geographic Wild, Fashion TV, Africa Magic, and the free-to-air local channels.

The decoder is popular among expatriates and others who want to have a broader selection of international programming.

Television service has seen solid reduction in prices in Kenya as regulators intervened in recent years to ensure competition remained strong.

Daily Times recalls that MultiChoice recently increased the tariff of subscribers in Nigeria which became a subject of litigation.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

21

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3,447.08

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171,661.92

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1”X2

7,373.44

313.37

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10”X6

294,200.16

12,503.51

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121,533.92

5,165.19

42

1”X1

3,686.72

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245,208.10

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51,614.05

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774,210.94

32,903.96

14

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196,185.05

8,337.86

29

6”X4

108,668.25

4,618.40

15

10”X3

147,138.80

6,253.40

30

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66,360.90

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44

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387,105.47

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309,684.38

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Rate for Computer & IT/Educational Property/Vacancy/Home & Décor (Color)

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

22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Today in History Æ s Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

Cartoons from our Archives

1920 Pope John Paul II born On May 18, 1920, Karol Jozef Wojtyla was born in the Polish town of Wadowice, 35 miles southwest of Krakow. Wojtyla went on to become Pope John Paul II, history’s most well-traveled pope and the first non-Italian to hold the position since the 16th century. After high school, the pope enrolled at Krakow’s Jagiellonian University, where he studied philosophy and literature and performed in a theatre group. During World War II, Nazis occupied Krakow and closed the university, forcing Wojtyla to seek work in a quarry and, later, a chemical factory. By 1941, his mother, father, and only brother had all died, leaving him the sole surviving member of his family.

Although Wojtyla had been involved in the church his whole life, it was not until 1942 that he began seminary training. When the war ended, he returned to school at Jagiellonian to study theology, becoming an ordained priest in 1946. He went on to complete two doctorates and became a professor of moral theology and

1926

social ethics. On July 4, 1958, at the age of 38, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Krakow by Pope Pius XII. He later became the city’s archbishop, where he spoke out for religious freedom while the church began the Second Vatican Council, which would revolutionize Catholicism.

He was made a cardinal in 1967, taking on the challenges of living and working as a Catholic priest in communist Eastern Europe.

Once asked if he feared retribution from communist leaders, he replied, “I’m not afraid of them.

They are afraid of me.”

Wojtyla was quietly and slowly building a reputation as a powerful preacher and a man of both great intellect and charisma.

Still, when Pope John Paul I died in 1978 after only a 34-day reign, few suspected Wojtyla would be chosen to replace him. But, after seven rounds of balloting, the Sacred College of Cardinals chose the 58-year-old, and he became the first-ever Slavic pope and the youngest to be chosen in 132 years.

Popular evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson disappears

Aimee Semple McPherson, a nationally known evangelist, disappeared from Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California. Police dispatched planes and ships in an effort to find her, but she was nowhere to be found. Authorities later discovered that radio announcer Kenneth Ormiston, a friend of McPherson, had also vanished.

McPherson was the Billy Graham of her time. In 1923, she opened Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, where she consistently amassed overflowing crowds. McPherson claimed to have faith-healing abilities and put on wonderfully entertain-

1974 India

joins the nuclear club

ing shows for the public. Because of her religious nature, McPherson’s relationship with Ormiston created something of a scandal in 1925, and their disappearance in 1926 made headlines across the country.

A month later, McPherson turned up in Agua Prieta, New Mexico, with a wild tale of being kidnapped, but reporters quickly uncovered information to prove that she had been with Ormiston the entire time. Although obstruction of justice charges were filed against her, they were later dropped, allegedly because McPherson came up with $30,000 to appease law enforcement officials.

In the Rajasthan Desert in the state of Pokhran, India successfully detonated its first nuclear weapon, a fission bomb similar in explosive power to the U.S. atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. The test fell on the tra-

Daily Times May 18, 1961

1958 Lotus makes Formula One debut In Monaco, France, on this day in 1958, Team Lotus made its Formula One debut in the Monaco Grand Prix, the opening event of the year’s European racing season. Over the next four decades, Team Lotus will go on to become one of the most successful teams in Formula One history.

Team Lotus was the motor sport wing of the Lotus Engineering Company, founded six years earlier by the British engineer and race car driver Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman.

Chapman built his first car, a modified 1930 Austin Seven, while still a university student. His success building trial cars led to the completion of the first Lotus production model, the Mark 6, in

1952; 100 were produced by 1955, establishing Chapman’s reputation as a innovator in the design of top-performing race cars. By 1957, Lotus had become a wellknown name among car aficionados, while Team Lotus dominated the Le Mans racing circuit, winning the 750-cc class and the Index of Performance at Le Mans in 1957 with the Lotus Type 11.

On May 18, 1958, Team Lotus made its first entry in the Formula One circuit, entering two single-seat Type 12s, driven by Cliff Allison and Graham Hill, into the Monaco Grand Prix. Though Ferrari was the favorite going into the race, British-made cars dominated the qualifying rounds, with Vanwall, British Racing Mo-

tors (BRM) and Cooper all finishing in front of Ferrari. In the main event, Maurice Trintignant (driving a Cooper) took first place after Ferrari’s Mike Hawthorn, that year’s eventual Formula One champion, was forced to stop with a broken fuel pump. Allison finished sixth in his Lotus, 13 laps behind the leader; Hill finished in 26th place.

Chapman learned from the success of the midsize engine Cooper race cars, incorporating the layout into a refined version of the Lotus Type 12. In 1960, Stirling Moss drove the result--the Type 18--to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix, scoring the first of what would be many Grand Prix wins for Lotus.

ditional anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment, and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi received the message “Buddha has smiled” from the exuberant test-site scientists after the detonation. The test, which made India the world’s

sixth nuclear power, broke the nuclear monopoly of the five members of the U.N. Security Council--the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, China, and France.

India, which suffered continuing border disputes with

China, refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968. Fearing a second war with China and a fourth war with Pakistan, India actively sought the development of a nuclear deterrent in the early 1970s.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

FAO seeks control of avian flu

Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏ The representative

of Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria, Dr. Louise Setshwaelo, has expressed displeasure with the effects avian flu on the poultry industry, saying unless robust measures of surveillance and control were put in place, it would continue to pose as a threat to food security

CULTURE REGARD MUSIC & ARTS SOCIETY The general public is hereby notified that the above named body 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. Mr Oluwole Komolafe, 2. Mr Awokoya Omodele Adebayo, 3. Mrs Rhoda Omotunde Komolafe 4. Mrs Iyabo Arinola Awokoya.

5. Professor Omorogbe Oluyinka Osayame Aims and Objectives: 1. To promote the appreciation of classical music, Nigerian Arts and culture.

2. To facilitate and encourage the compilation and publication of music of Nigerian composers Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Sally Odianah

TOUCHING LIVES AND EMPOWERMENT ORGANISATION

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named organization has applied for registration under Companies and Allied Matters Act,1990 The Trustees are: 1. Mr. Joseph Abimbola Osuntuyi 2. Mrs. Stella Arinola Adejuwon 3. Elekwachi Ebere Vivian 4. Andikan Emmanuel Ebie Aims and Objectives: 1. To provide family support programmes 2. To provide youth support and training schemes 3. To care for the homeless and widows 4. To provide vocational training for the unemployed Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

GREENFIELD FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation 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. Dr. Lloyd Amechi Atabansi.

2. Christain Eberechukwu Attabansi Aims and Objectives: (1) To provide medical services to the less privileged in rural areas (2) To empower the indigent members of the community through our various poverty alleviation programmes.

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

Signed: Barr. Okorie Ogbonnaya Godswill.

ESTEEM SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA, ONDO

in the country.

She made the disclosure at a two-day training workshop for disease surveillance agents organised

by Federal Department of Veterinary Services (FDVS), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the FAO in Jos at the weekend.

According to her, avian influenza had come back to Nigeria after ten years

of absence, stressing that if not effectively stamped out, as recommended in the country’s preparedness and response plan, it may became endemic.

23 News

CHINYERE FAVOUR EPHRAIM

ELOZONAM PROMISE EPHRAIM

MISS CHINYERE FAVOUR EJIKE, will now be called by her father’s name: MISS CHINYERE FAVOUR EPHRAIM. Former documents with Ejike are now invalid. The Lord’s Chosen Church and the general public take note.

MISS ELOZONAM PROMISE EJIKE, will now be called by her father’s name: ELOZONAM PROMISE EPHRAIM. Former documents with Ejike are now invalid. The Lord’s Chosen Church and the general public take note.

OBASI CELINE IFEYINWA

NWANGUMA PAULINA OGADINMA

FREDRICK DANIEL

MISS NWALOZIE CELINE IFEYINWA, will now be known as MRS OBASI CELINE IFEYINWA. Okwu Nguru Aboh Mbaise of Imo State, and the general public take note.

MISS UJOWUNDU PAULINA OGADINMA, will now be known as: MRS. NWANGUMA PAULINA OGADINMA. Okeohia Amumara Mbaise Imo State and the general public take note

I formally know and addressed as Uademevbo Fredrick, now wish to be known and addressed as Fredrick Daniel. All former documents bearing my former name remain valid. The General public should take note.

LIFE IMPACTING WORLD DELIVERANCE MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE INSPIRATION CHURCH OF MOST HIGH GOD ALADŪRA INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry 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. Dr. Mccarthy Dereal David Fedricks -President .

2. Mrs Glorious Adaeze C.B Fedricks -Vice President.

3. Evang. Akintoye Omole .

4. Apostle I.S Ayebakuro.

5. Engr. Gabriel S. Etim

The Trustees Are: 1. Olujimi Isaac Ishola (chairman) 2 Olawale Olugbemi 3 Olaoye Oluwatobi Samuel (secretary) 4 Akinsanya Oluseyi Olusola 5 Ajibesin Abimbola Olufunmilayo

Aims and Objectives: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

Aims and Objectives: 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, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: President

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

Signed: SECRETARY

KINGDOM EMBASSY ASSEMBLY 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. Mcdons Eyo Ogar. - Publisher.

2. Mcdons Talatu Euphemia 3. James Olobo 4. Patrick Chinedu Ugwu.

DR LAWRENCE OBINNA DUNCAN OSUJI FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation 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. Dr. Celyn Ngozi Osuji.

2. Dr. Laura Chioma Osuji.

3. Judith Onyinyechi Osuji.

Aims and Objectives: To help the less privilege.

Aims and Objectives: 1. To serve as agent of reformation.

2. To reconcile humanity back to God. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

KWADOIGBO ORGANISATION

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

Signed: SECRETARY

FIRE OF GOD CHRISTIAN CENTER

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named center 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. Mbanefo Yvonne Chioma - Chairman.

3. Oju Bob. 5. Unamka Chiazor Janefrances.

7. Obiaghanwa Ugbana.

The Trustees Are: 1. Rev. Chinomso Frank Ibeabuchi.

2. Victoria Nwanuchauka Ibeabuchi.

3. Favour Chibuzor Ibeabuchi.

2. Isiodu Kelechi Una. - Secretary.

4. Eze-Nliam Chinyere Ugomma.

6. Obianyor Clive John.

8. Unigwe Chika Nina.

Aims and Objectives: To create international opportunities for people of Igbo Origin and to promote unity among members.

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

Signed: DICKSON OGHENE. Solicitor

LIFE MADE EASY FOUNDATION

Aims and Objectives: 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, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: NZEAGWU CHIEMEZIEM. 08068179570

ROYAL PRINCE MEMBERSHIP CLUB

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.

This is to inform the General Public 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.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named club 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. Esteemite Akinboboye Victor 3. Esteemite Oyeyemi Felix 5. Esteemite Akin Fajiye

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Pastor John Kayode Olayemi 2. Mrs. Felicia Olutayo Olayemi 3. Miss. Christiana Ibukun Kayode 4. Mr. Samuel Dare Olayemi

The Trustees Are: 1. Prince Uduak Etukudoh 3. Prince Godwin Adolph Eshiet 5. Elder Sunday Edward Ogbeifun 7. Prince Samson Ekpe.

2. Esteemite Chief Kolapo Akinrinlola 4. Esteemite Olafusi Eric

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To foster unity among posterity 2. To help develop our immediate environment.

3. To provide support morally and financially to 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 Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY: BARRISTER ABIODUN J. OYEBOWALE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:To cater for the less privileged 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 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

2. Prince Gideon Bassey Otu 4. Prince Israel Johnny 6. Prince Inyang Ita Esuk

Aims and Objectives: To promote the welfare of members.

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

Signed: FRIDAY NNANA UDOM, ESQ (Legal practitioner/ notary public)

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Police debunk report of restaurant dishing human flesh in Awka Nkiru Nwagbo Awka

ÏÏÏ

The Anambra State Police Command has debunked media report that a certain restaurant in Awka, the state capital, had been dishing human flesh to unsuspecting public in its menu.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Uche Eze, who spoke to Daily Times, said there was nothing like that, while advising the public to ignore

the report.

According to him, “such thing never happened. It’s not true and it did not happen. We did not close down any restaurant in Awka.

How on earth would people cook this kind of story?

However, the BBC in its report maintained that there was such a restaurant in Awka and that the police had on discovery shut down a certain restaurant.

It said “residents told police of rumours that the restaurant was cooking hu-

man meat for customers.

“Police then raided the restaurant, where they discovered fresh human heads that were still bleeding. The blood was in the process of being drained into a plastic bag.”

The report also noted that “in addition to the human flesh menu served by the restaurant, authorities discovered automatic weapons, grenades and cell phones. Ten persons had already been arrested for the crime.”

Efforts by some newsmen in Awka to get the location or name of the restaurant yielded no results, thereby corroborating police report that the story could be a ruse, after all.

Obiano

Pope Francis tasks families to embrace positive communication skills Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏDisturbed

by the increasing level of global violence, the Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis, at the weekend, enjoined families to embrace positive communication attributes that can

usher in improved perspectives.

The pope stated this in his 2015 World Communications Day message delivered on his behalf by Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Tor Alumuku, the Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.

According to the pope, with growing global violence, the family remains the best mode for communicating “authentic and humane messages that could guarantee protected environment.”

He advised that the level of communication between

ADAMAWA STATE POLYTECHNIC YOLA (OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR) INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR 2014 TETFUND NORMAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS A. INTRODUCTION The Adamawa State Polytechnic hereby invites competent and interested consultants to offer consultancy services in the areas of engineering, architecture and quantity surveying for its proposed 2014 TETFUND Normal Intervention Projects.

B. SCOPE OF WORK Conception and design of projects, production of working drawings and Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation/Bills of Quantities, tendering and pre-/post-contract supervision.

C. PREQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Companies wishing to offer services should provide copies of the following documents: 1.

Certificate of incorporation from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) 2.

Evidence of registration with relevant professional bodies 3.

Evidence of tax payment for the last three years 4.

Evidence of completion of similar projects in the last five years 5.

Audited accounts for the last three years 6.

Evidence of compliance with relevant Pension Reform Act 2004 and Industrial Training Fund Act 2011 provisions 7.

Complete company profile containing documents and information concerning key staff and facilities 8.

Reference letters concerning relevant and completed projects from at least three (3) clients D. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS Prequalification documents should be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked ‘Expression of Interest as Consultant’ at the top left hand corner, addressed to the Registrar, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola and delivered by hand not later than 10 a.m. on 1st June 2015.

E. OPENING OF PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS Duly submitted documents will be publicly opened on 1st June 2015 in the Polytechnic Conference Hall by 10 a.m.

NB: The Polytechnic reserves the right to verify the authenticity of any document submitted to it in response to this advertisement.

Signed: Registrar

family members should improve and become more closely knit, especially in a more fragile society with attendant consequences.

His words: “We should not be fearful of imperfections, weaknesses or even conflict, but rather learn how to deal with them constructively.

“The family, where we keep loving one another despite our limits and sins, thus becomes a school of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a process of communication.

“A child who has learned in the family to listen to others, to speak respectfully and to express his or her view without negating that of others, will be a force for dialogue and reconciliation in society.

“In a world where people often curse, use foul language, speak badly of others, sow discord and poison our human environment by gossip, the family can teach us to understand communication as a blessing.

"In situations apparently dominated by hatred and violence, where families are separated by stone walls or the less impenetrable walls of prejudice and resentment, where there seem to be good reasons for saying 'enough is enough' , it is only by blessing rather than cursing, by visiting rather than repelling, and by accepting rather than fighting, that we can break the spiral of evil, show that goodness is always possible.

Ekiti PDP elders’ forum faults chairman’s removal ÏÏÏThe Peoples Democrat-

ic Party’s Elders’ Forum in Ekiti State has faulted the removal of its Chairman, Idowu Faleye, by a faction led by the state Vice Chairman (North), Mr. Olatunde Olatunde.

Olatunde, who at a press conference in Ado Ekiti last week said he had been elected by the State Executive Committee as the Acting Chairman, had claimed that Faleye was removed for his inefficiency and failure to call meetings.

But Faleye had since dismissed the allegation, saying he remained the authentic party chairman, adding that his refusal to approve about N11 million honorarium without Governor Ayodele Fayose’s approval was responsible for

Buhari needs prayers to succeed - Delta Arewa Monday Osayande Asaba

ÏÏÏ Following the unprecedented damage done to the nation by its past leaders via corruption, political and religious bigotry, the Arewa community in Delta State, at the weekend, urged Nigerians at home and in diaspora not to ex-

Fire guts Owode market in Offa kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏAn

early morning inferno in the early hours of Saturday gutted a major market, Owode, in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The inferno, which was said to have started around 1:30 a.m. reportedly razed over 50 per cent of the market according to an eyewitness account It was said to have been caused by a power surge

the move. The elders, in a statement by a member of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief C.K. Awoyelu, and made available to journalists on Sunday, described the purported removal of Faleye as “null and void.”

The forum said it was “absolutely wrong and unexpected of Olatunde to have declared himself chairman after a meeting held with the aggrieved members where it was resolved that the matter would be resolved amicably.”

While passing a vote of confidence in the Faleye-led executive, the Elders’ Forum warned Olatunde-led faction to tread softly and avoid anything that could witch-hunt the “legally installed party chairman.” pect 100 percent change from the President elect, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd).

The Secretary General of the body, Alhaji Murtak Usman, who stated this in Asaba in an interview with Daily Times explained that the impression that things are going to change when Buhari takes over power is nothing but a ruse.

According to Usman, Nigerians had suffered severely for corruption and other social vices sweeping across the country; so the President-elect cannot perform magic overnight, since he is not a magician.

from an electric pole. Traders reportedly complained about the damaged pole to the electricity officials to rectify the problem.

However, the spark occurred again in midnight precipitating an inferno which burnt shops to ashes when it subsidded.

Fire service officials battled hard to extinguish the raging fire as they could not go deep inside the market due to lack of access road, according to our source.

Shop owners and traders at the market were in tears on Saturday. Hassan Oyeleke of the House of Assembly visited the scene, promisng to liase with appropriate bodies for immediate relief ot the victims.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Police promote 21 officers in Ondo, Ebonyi ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

Ă?Ă?Ă? The Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command has promoted nine of its senior officers, just as 12 were decorated in Ebonyi and Anambra states, with a warning that the Force will no longer tolerate any act of indiscipline among the rank and file of its officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, who briefed journalists at the weekend in the command’s headquarters’, Akure, Ondo State capital, said the newly confirmed Inspector General of Police, IGP,

Solomon Arase, found the newly promoted officers worthy of the elevation.

Eke, who decorated the nine newly promoted senior officers with their ranks, said that the new leadership of the force was also battle ready to sanction any officer who flouts the Police rules and regulations.

Daily Times correspondent reports that the newly promoted officers were: Olatona B.J, Oluwole Ojo, Bamidele John, Ahmed Buba, Ayodele Arike, Obawole Kehinde, Nuga Rasaki, Ayandokun Yemi, and Oluwole Ogodo, the Com-

mand’s spokesman.

Speaking further, the Police Commissioner said the elevation of any force member goes with visible criteria among which is commitment and diligence to duty, adding that the newly promoted officers were found worthy of their new ranks. “This is a regimental force, and their elevation goes with a lot of criteria, which had to do with merit, commitment and diligence.

They have been found worthy, hence, their promotion,� he said.

He noted that with the promotion of the new of-

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Cultists on the prowl in Delta as CP cries out Monday Osanyade Asaba

Ă?Ă?Ă?

ficers, it is expected that they demonstrate a spirit of patriotism, loyalty to service, and fairness in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

Eke, who also read a riot act to the newly promoted officers, warned them against being armchair officers, adding that leadership by example must be their watch.

In Ebonyi State, among those promoted is the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chris Anyanwu, who was promoted from Assistant Superintendent (ASP) to Deputy Superintendent (DSP).

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Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Alkali Usman, has raised the alarm over the increasing rate of cult activities in the State, saying the trend is becoming worrisome.

Usman made this known at the weekend in his office in Asaba, when he received an award of Excellence for a job well done from Delta State Independent Community Newspaper Publishers Association (DSICNPA).

The State police boss said: "My worry is cult cases in the state. We have many killings in cult related cases. They are killing themselves and disturbing the peace of the state.

Recently, three were killed while 24 of them arrested. “Although the trend is embarrassing, but that notwithstanding, the police are fighting hard to deal with the issue and other crimes to the lowest ebb, if we cannot totally eradicate criminalists in the state.�

He stated that a solid structure has been put in place for him to engage criminals, particularly kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists.

25 News

Abiodun Taiwo

CBN boss

Ă?Ă?Ă?The

calls for

Abeokuta

need to embrace agriculture in the nation's strive for economic transformation, has again been stressed.

Making this call was Mr. Moses Tule, Director, Monetary Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), during the Second In-House Review meeting of the Institute of Food Security Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), titled, “Restoring the Primacy of Agriculture in the Nigerian Economy�, held at the weekend to showcase the results of research findings in agriculture.

Tule, while presenting a paper titled, “The Dutch Disease, Sustainable Agriculture and Monetary Policy in Nigeria�, stated that the Dutch disease became a common phrase to describe a situation in which a boom in the natural resource sector, shrinks the manufacturing and agricultural sectors through Crowding-out Ef-

Agricultural rejuvenation fect and an appreciation of the real exchange rate.

He listed out the factors that would ensure sustainability in agriculture to include increase in government’s provision of infrastructure, competitive pricing of agricultural commodities, private investment, high per capita income, reduction in exchange rate depreciation and the availability of credits.

According to him, the CBN had often complemented its traditional role with a quasi-fiscal function, using unconventional monetary policy instruments, like dual interest rates, quantitative easing policies and by developing interventions in the agricultural sector, among others.

APC warns on statements attributing actions to President-elect Ă?Ă?Ă?

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed to the media to clarify with the authentic officials of the party and the Buhari Campaign Organisation on any issue having to do with the actions of the President-elect, in order to avoid presenting falsehood as facts.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the appeal became necessary following recent media reports on the actions which the President-elect will purportedly embark upon, once he is sworn into office. ''Various people have been quoted in the media on what the President-elect will do or will not do once he assumes office. The truth is that these people do not speak for the Presidentelect, hence the need for the media to clarify such issues with the Chairman of the party, its National Publicity Secretary or the spokesman of the Buhari Campaign Organisation. These offi-

cials are always available to clarify issues,'' it said.

APC said the ongoing transition is a delicate period that fifth columnists could capitalize on, to cause disaffection or overheat the polity, hence, the need for all stakeholders to be extra-cautious and to put the national interest above all other interests.

Meanwhile, the party has described as a mere fiction, the ministerial lists currently being circulated, especially on the social media. ''Nigerians should disregard these lists and await for the authentic list which will be communicated through the appropriate channels at the right time,'' it said.

Buhari

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Our heritage Æ s

From generational communication barrier Azubike gets language book Book Titile: Oh Mother Tongue A play Author: Azubike Ossaite Year of Publication: 2013 Pages: 72 Publisher: Sundex Printing Press Reviewer: Moses Kadiri Azubike Ossaite’s Oh Mother Tongue A play is a relatively new book launched in 2012 and reprinted in 2013, but its issues are as old as the ages.

It dwells on why families should be proud to teach their children indigenous language. It has 72 pages.

The author wrote the book to drive home the importance, and the gain in speaking one’s mother tongue. Though the graphics, title already tells a reader what to expect, but one need to read the book to get the picture of Ossaite’s message.

The book cover expresses that inseparable bond between mother and child which undoubtedly would have transform to the child learning process as he/she grows up, but it is not the case in the family of Professor, one of the characters in the book. “Our mother tongue is the only distinguishing factor we have from the rest of the world, we should be able to speak at least one African language as an African,” Ossaite notes.

The author who holds Diploma in Mass Communication from the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State and currently in Nasarawa State University, Keffi for his degree programme featured about 26 characters in the play which was staged in Government Mixed Secondary School, Pamgwari, V Crescent, Abuja.

The author bring to the fore how students despise speaking African language despite Corper Gladys plea and conviction in teaching them the gain of speaking African language, all that fell on deaf ears.

Ossaite is a master story-teller.

He has a way of telling his story that a reader can easily understand; this was demonstrated in Act Two, where parents during a meeting unanimously kicked against Corper Gladys idea of in-

culcating indigenous language on the students. The anger from parents who are supposed to teach their wards indigenous language became uncontrollable when Corper Gladys punished the students who could not speak indigenous language. They threaten to arrest the teacher with police for punishing their children. The author is indeed a follower of African culture, and tradition with this giant move of indigenous language in schools, and home.

Apart from educating youngster the importance of indigenous language, Ossaite’s book also exposes the corruption in the corridor of power where the rich bribe teachers for their children to pass certain examination. But Tom one of the teachers in the school rejected the offer given him from a professor parent who wants his daughter to become the overall winner in a contest tagged the Nationwide Secondary School’s competition that will produce the Nigerian teenage president who will address the numerous plight of the Nigerian

child.

Tom position is anyone who merits any position will definitely work for it. The shocker came when four brilliant students in the school comprising Wendi Gudman, the daughter of the much talked about professor, Chloe Wazobia, Femi Richards, and Hindatu O’Mohammed are one question away from clinching the crown, but to Wendi Gudman greatest surprise she was asked to recite the Nigerian National Anthem in her mother tongue. Hear her ‘mother what’!. She could not alter a word. The ball fell on Chole Wazobia court, since Gudman failed to recite the National Anthem, in ostensibly Chloe recites the National Anthem in her lgbo mother tongue with amidst jubilation, and excitement to the guests present. Femi Richard also recited the National Anthem in Yoruba language, also was Hindatu O’Mohanned in her Hausa mother tongue.

With tearful eyes, Wendi

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

E-mail Please do not hesitate to send us your feed back: agozinoagozino@yahoo.com

Masks of African art holds in Seattle museum

A ground breaking exhibition of African masks opens June 18 through September 7, at Seattle art museum United States of America.

The exhibition titled Disguise: Masks and Global African Art will consider the past, present, and future of disguise, a visual act and psychological state that can be a mask, a costume, or just a smile. The exhibition will include 50 masks and 10 costumes from SAM’s African art collection and about 100 objects on loan. Masks from SAM’s African art collection will stimulate visitors’ imaginations as they consider disguise as animal avatars, authority figures, altered portraits, and minimalist expressions.

A statement from the curators reveals that the show will take an in-depth look at 10 contemporary artists whose work has a distinctive way of addressing the subject. All will offer a variety of ways of embodying disguise in drawings, photographs, videos, masks, sculptures, performances, and installations.

Many combine media in innovative ways, enabling disguise to evolve with a mixture of documentary and personally created imagery. Select artists will participate in site-specific installations and performances.

The exhibition is organized by the Seattle art museum and curated by Pamela McClusky, Curator of African and Oceanic Art for the Seattle Art Museum, and Erika Dalya Massaquoi, Consultant Curator.

28 Our heritage

Debbie Ariyo I confess I am not a great fan of Nollywood. It is rare for me to sit down and watch a Nollywood movie, the reason being the low quality of the films.

However, it was by chance that I stumbled upon this film; an exception by the brilliant Kunle Afolayan, called “October 1”. On a casual evening while searching on Netflix for a film to watch, the title came up. I clicked on it, and got hooked right from the start.

For those who haven’t seen it, the film is centred on the eve of Nigeria’s independence on 1st October 1960. As at the time, most institutions, including the police were still led by colonialists. The whole country was agog with joy at the prospect of independence. In the village of Akote, celebrations were also ongoing – coupled with the fact that the son of the King (Prince Aderopo) had just returned from the University of Ibadan where he had newly graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.

However, the arrival of Prince Aderopo (Ademola Adedoyin) brought with it a strange phenomenon, virgin women of the village were being attacked, raped and killed with a cross etched on their bodies. A Senior Police Officer (“Inspector Waziri”, the delectable Sadiq Daba) was dispatched from Lagos to handle this strange case of serial murders in a Yoruba village. No one believed him when he reached the conclusion that Prince Aderopo seemed to be the culprit because his movements coincided with the murders.

The Prince and another village boy “Agbekoya” (Kunle Afolayan) had been one of the very bright boys in the village school.

When the local priest and School Head father Dowling assisted the two boys to gain admission to the famous Kings College, everyone was very pleased, especially the King. However, some months after they departed for Lagos, Agbekoya ran back to the village. He was very silent about his reasons for return, and most curiously decided to swap edu-

Pondering Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 and sexual abuse cation for farming. He remained a recluse, refusing to mix with people in the village.

Prince Adekoya stayed on at Kings College, passed his final exams with flying colours and proceeded to the University of Ibadan. He returned, a polished, suave and very good looking young man with eyes for the beautiful school teacher Tawa who had been his classmate at the village school. It seemed like they were destined for each other until the Prince, luring her to a secluded place where he planned to rape and kill her – confessed to the gross sexual abuse and violation he and Agbekoya had gone through at the hands of father Dowling for the six years he was at Kings College.

Essentially, the issue of child abuse, especially the sexual abuse of boys is not one that Nigerians talk about. This is why I find this movie particularly inspiring. The key issue is the terrible impact that sexual abuse can have on a child. In the case of Agbekoya, he was forced to live through the shame of being raped night after night by the reverend father. Coming across his abuser years later,

in the middle of the night, out of anger and rage, Agbekoya strangled him to death. In the case of Prince Aderopo, he was completely damaged because a total stranger was allowed to take control of his life, have free access to sexually abuse him, violate him, and destroy his psyche, his life. His attack on the village women was his revenge on the world the world that had completely failed him , ‘six Akote virgins for all the pains I endured’.

This film has raised a very poignant issue among Nigerians. The point is that boys too get sexually abused. Was sexual abuse rampant in boarding schools, especially those run by white reverend fathers? How come few people talk about it, if this has been going on?

One of the problems with the Nigerian education system is a total lack of policies and procedures on child protection.

Schools do as they wished, with very little regard for safeguarding children. Many schools with boarding facilities housing hundreds of children have no rules on health and safety, none on how to protect the children they are looking after, how to

prevent and detect child abuse.

Teachers are recruited with no checks into their histories, no references are taken. Teachers do not get trained on child protection. Many schools employ pedophiles who abuse children, both boys and girls willy nilly.

Even when caught, there are little consequences, culprits are just asked to leave or the blame is pushed on someone else as in the case of this film October 1 where it was considered by the top white police chiefs that a homeless man should take the blame for the village killings rather than Aderopo, the son of the King.

This terrible state of affairs is very unfair to children. Not only does it place them at significant risk of harm, many children are hurt for life. The pain of sexual abuse never goes away. In the case of boys, they are ashamed to even talk about it to anyone ‘How could I speak the unspeakable?’. Most victims of child sexual abuse become abusers themselves, either in vengeance or because of severe mental health problems. Society is the main loser when child sexual abuse is allowed to thrive.

Importance of indigenous language Continued from page 26

watched Chole Wazobia has she was sworn in as the Nigerian Teenage President. Femi Richard, the Vice while Hindatu the Speaker.

The author opened the eyes of many to the benefit for one to speak indigenous language, another incident played out when

Babara who nearly was sold into slavery in Gabon, but because of her knowledge of speaking indigenous language she was recused

by Lango who understood her language. Luck however ran out of other children who were caught alongside Babara but could not speak their indigenous language.

Babara said, “my parents forbids

us speaking any other language once you are at home, except our indigenous language.”

Lango admonishes her to always speak indigenous language.

“Tell them you get to Gabon. That the mother tongue you spoke in time of trouble saved you.”

Indeed, the author has proved that indigenous language is key

regardless of ones status in the society. Students, parents will find the book useful in every area, it will educate, and inculcate the habit of speaking indigenous language on the Nigerian youth.

Oh Mother Tongue A play is one of the educating books that has come the way of brilliant Nigerian author. The book is a plus.

28

Monday, May 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

OPINION

Buharinism and

alternatives to sports funding Olajide Fashikun

W

ith the quality of knowledge, expert analysis done by the Nigeria Sports Development Fund Inc (NSDFI) led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (MFR), this country is not supposed to be in the wilderness of sports where we are presently sitting with no concerns as to how we can make a headway.

Heavy media attention has always been wrongly focused on the suggestion that more government funding will be re-distributed to grassroots sport to make a difference. Many pro-government funds people had always called on the organised private sector to come and support sports development, but each time they make these musical calls, I only sit down and have a jolly good laugh.

As a kicker, with a new government in place come May 29, they did not for one second mention sports during their campaigns, thus sports may be one of the key sectors to suffer. Therefore, it has become necessary to provide deeper analysis as to why increased government funding

will not solve many of the issues affecting sports development.

The present situation raises the fundamental question: is grassroots funding the solution? It depends on how one defines ‘grassroots’, and what we are trying to solve and to whom the funding is distributed.

It is worthy to note that every corporate planner is calculating the number of eyes that will follow their events. Thus, club systems in most nations that do well in sports thrive. This informs the concept that sponsorship is local and that we have more sponsors in the local communities than in the ‘nation’.

I absolutely believe in more funding and resources to support grassroots sports development, however, the question is whether the current system is the best vehicle through which to achieve equitable outcomes for all parts of the communities?

Facing a frugal Buhari government: Let us all admit that our nation today is in a massive mess. Corruption, stealing, thieving, pilfering, indiscipline, economic waste, social decadence and infrastructural decay are some of the major problems affecting sports

development in the country.

If I were in Buhari’s shoes, will sports be a priority in such a setting? Certainly no. Must sports take a back seat as a result? Certainly no. What is sure is less government spending will undo sports development.

Hence as a people I believe that more detailed questions need to be considered especially from the perspective of those responsible for the funding, namely, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the 36 State governments (that had already for decades cut down so drastically on sports funding) and Sporting Federations.

The simple analysis will be, assuming we have all the monies needed, which organisations should get the money and the resources? Clubs, governing bodies, or others?

Are clubs capable of using more money to change their processes to improve outcomes and if so what outcomes need to be changed?

Are national (Federations) and state governing bodies (Associations), being so removed from, and often in conflict with the “grassroots”, best placed to use the funding wisely, and again, for

what outcome? Will their own financial pressures not continually influence their priorities away from grassroots?

Are alternative organisations like NSDFI and Team Nigeria, successfully operating outside the sport system better placed to achieve outcomes?

Again what outcomes? These organisations include, private sport providers operating in schools and communities, especially in mid to upper income areas and charitable and non-profit organisations bankrolling sporting events free in lower socio-economic areas. This is where our boost comes in!

I have a good idea of the outcomes the Nigerian society wants from grassroots funding. This is given my years as a national team athlete (1979 to 1999), a sport journalist (1985 to date) and a sports development practitioner (2001 to date). These would include: More talented athletes moving into professional and semi- professional sporting ranks – this is basically how the Nigerian sport system is supposed to be set up to deliver.

Improving the quality and level of participation in physical activity for all children and youths with the highest quality of coaching and equipment.

Improved personal, health and social development of the individual – outcomes that sport is espoused to achieve, though is not always the case.

Improving community outcomes associated with inclusion, cohesion and building capacity of the children, youth and families.

So we know what we want, but can the incoming government’s sports funding system achieve these goals?

Can a frugal government of reconstruction that the Buhari’s is nursing have such funding for us?

What relationship will the alternative sport system have with school sports development programmes that will enable all kids irrespective if their social status enjoy sport the same way other kids whose families have the financial and logistical means to engage with clubs?

Will our communities, hungry and famished, ordinarily start forming clubs? What kinetic energy do we need to put in place to activate these yawning needs?

Frankly, with Nigeria’s current archaic structure, government funding almost entirely distributed to Federations and its affiliate state bodies and ever-increasing funding needed to prop up the professional/elite part of sport; I believe the sport system in Nigeria is not equipped to achieve real outcomes for ‘grassroots’ considering the fact that ‘grassroots’ sports development are inclusive of all people in communities who do not and cannot access the club system.

Monday, May 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEDERATION WATCH

29

WITH OSARETIN EMUZE

Yakmut

vows to lift Nigerian sports

Governor Adams Oshiomhole (left) of Edo State presents a trophy to Alex Korio Olotip of Kenya, winner in the male category of the 10km Okpekpe race with a time of 29, 20 minutes at the 3rd edition of the Annual IAAF certified event, on Saturday.

Kenyans shine in Okpekpe Road Race

K

enyan duo of Korio Alex Olotip and Tanui Anfele emerged the winners of the respective men and women races of the IAAF bronze label 3rd Okpekpe 10km road race held in Okpekpe near Auchi, Edo State on Saturday.

Olotip raced home first in a very tight race in 29 minutes, 20 seconds to emerge the third man to win the title and the accompanying $25,000 top prize. He was chased to the tape by Ethiopia’s Leul Gabrasilasis (29.22) and fellow Kenyan who was last year’s first runner-up, Amos

Mitel (29.24).

Interestingly, Mitel came into the competition as the pre-race fastest man and the seventh fastest in the world so far this year at 27:58, but neither he nor the two people in front of him and even Ethiopia’s Dawi Fikadu who holds a 28:04 personal season’s best could break the 28 minutes, 26 seconds race record set by Ethiopia’s Teshome Asfahu Mekone at the second edition of the race last year.

Fikadu, for the records came a disappointing ninth (30.18) while Mekome came in 16th position

(32.31) in Saturday’s race.

Emmanuel Gyang of Plateau State emerged the fastest Nigerian in the race, finishing 17th place (32.31), followed by Gideon Goyet in the 18th position (32.59) also of Plateau State, while Ethiopia’s Bekue Chiferawt (33.03) and Cameroun’s Foimi Justilin (33.23) placed 19th and 20th respectively.

In the women’s category, it was a clean sweep from the Kenyans with Anfele placing first in 33.34; Rionoripo Purity (33.52) and Mary Wacera (34.31) placing second and third respectively.

Three-time Obudu International mountain race winner, Ganet Yalew of Ethiopia failed to improve on her second best placing last year as she came in fifth place in 35.05, while Deborah Pam emerged the fastest Nigerian woman in the race, finishing in 11th place overall in 38.41 with Muibat Ogunkoya finishing in the 14th position (40.42).

Asedo Queensly emerged the best Edo State athlete for the women, while Lawrence Osheku made it a hat-trick of titles in the men’s race to smile to the bank with the respective N500, 000 top prize.

AAG: Ogba assures on Team Nigeria

Ogba

The President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is cork sure Team Nigeria athletics will win the athletics event of the upcoming All Africa Games scheduled to hold in in Congo Brazzaville in September this year.

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Vice President told Extra Time in Okpekpe that

Team Nigeria athletics will surpass the record of the last All Africa Games where Nigeria won 10 gold medals.

“I have hope that we will win more gold medals in Congo. Very soon we will start serious preparation for the games.

“The appointment of Alhassan Yakmut as the Director General of the

National Sports Commission has further given us a moral boost in this regard,” he said.

Ogba showered encomium on the new DG for paying all their outstanding and approving money for competitions and training tours.

“Alhassan has paid us all the money we borrowed to prosecute competitions that has

been outstanding. The former DG frustrated all our efforts to develop sports and we are grateful to God for the new dispensation. Just few days after the new DG came in, he paid all the money that has been pending for over two years. Not only that, he has approved money for competitions outside the country.

Director General of National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Alhassan Yakmut has pledged the implementation of the communiqué for the development of sports presented by the Executive Committee of the Directors of Sports Forum, saying some of its recommendations would be adopted as a roadmap for the development of sports in the country.

Speaking when he received in audience on behalf of the Minister/ Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the Executive members of Directors of Sports Forum across the country, led by the Chairman and Director of Sports, Kwara State, Mallam Tunde Kassim in his office in Abuja, Yakmut said, “the communiqué which you have read and presented to me will form the roadmap for the development sports in the country.”

Yakmut

CBN Tennis Championship enters crucial stage With sixteen players drawn from the qualifiers that ended at the weekend to compete in the men’s singles chart round of sixty -four and eight picked from the women category to make up the round of thirtytwo, real action has commenced for the 37th edition of the annual Central Bank of Nigeria Open Senior Men and Women’s Tennis Championship holding at the Tennis Courts of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Also in action is the men and women wheelchair tennis tourney which is part of the championship too.

Unlike the men’s singles chart which has 64 players drawn for action, the women’s singles will be played in the round of 32 and the same applies with the men’s doubles cadre, while the women’s doubles and the men and women wheelchair event would be played in the round of 16.

30

Monday, May 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

Okagbare wins women’s

100m in Shanghai B lessing OkagbareIghoteguonor got off with a bang in the IAAF Diamond League season, claiming first position in the Women’s 100m with a wind-legal sub-11 time in Shanghai on Sunday.

The Nigerian, 26, powered down the line ahead of the United States of America’s Torie Bowie and Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye in 10.98secs (Season’s Best) with the wind speed recorded at +0.9m/s.

Torie crossed the line nine hun-

dredth-seconds later than the Olympic and World Championships medalist, while Ahye’s 11.13secs time was better than fourth-placed Veronica Campbell-Brown’s 11.22secs and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s 11.25secs in fifth place.

USA’s Muna Lee and home favourite Yongli Wei finished sixth and seventh respectively, as Jamaica’s Schillonie Calvert and another Chinese Yujia Tao claimed the bottom two positions in the stellar ninewoman field.

The Shanghai stadium is fast becoming a good hunting ground for the multi-talented Okagbare-Igho, who, 12 months ago, set Meeting Records on winning the 200m and the Long Jump.

“It’s not easy to compete with the best of the world but I won. Shanghai loves me, and the track loves me,” Okagbare-Igho said in the mixed zone.

Getting off her block in a 0.163 Reaction Time, the African short sprint record holder held her ground

Sharapova wins Italian Open title Russian third seed Maria Sharapova came from a set down to beat Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro 4-6 7-5 6-1 and win her third Italian Open title.

Suarez Navarro, the world number 10, battled hard in the first two sets but ran out of energy in the decider.

Her best chance came at 5-5 in the second set but Sharapova finished the set with eight straight points.

The Russian capitalised on her opponent’s weakness in the third set as she swept to a 35th career crown.

Suarez Navarro, who was bidding for the second title of her career, made

in the final 40m to claim a resounding victory- her 12th wind-legal sub-11 in the 100m.

“The first part of the race was the best part. I focused on my start and went well. Normally, I haven’t the best start but now I was leading from the beginning. I hope to compete here next year,” she said.

The victory gives Okagbare-Igho four maximum points in the Diamond Race to Zurich and Brussels, and she presently sits top of the women’s 100m standings.

F1set to undergo reformation Sharapova

a strong start and broke Sharapova midway through the first set as the Russian tried to force matters.

The Spaniard continued to cause problems in the second set but once Sharapova found her way into the match she looked strong, despite committing plenty of unforced errors.

Sharapova, who will be second seed for the French Open which starts on May 24, broke Suarez Navarro in the

eighth game of the second set for a 5-3 lead and after going on to hand her opponent three break points in the next game, she eventually recovered to level the match.

The Russian handed Suarez Navarro a break point in the opening game of the third set and despite twice saving the game, the Spaniard moved ahead when Sharapova hit an easy return just wide.

The raft of potential changes to the Formula 1 rules announced on Friday amounts to a recognition that something needed to be done to answer the ever-louder questions about the health of the sport.

There have been grumblings about whether F1 was providing enough of a spectacle for some time, but they have grown in momentum in recent weeks.

Sport commentator David Coulthard finally revealed to the public what many in F1 already knew - the drivers don’t like the current cars because they think they are too slow and too limited by artificial restraints.

England’s Morrison wins Spanish Open

Morrison

England’s James Morrison won the Spanish Open by four strokes on Sunday to claim a second European Tour title.

The 30-year-old from Guildford had shared the lead heading into the final day with compatriot David Howell, who finished in a four-way tie for second.

Morrison, who won the Madeira Islands Open in 2010, shot a 69 for a 10-under-par 278 at Real Club de Golf El Prat.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, with a fourth-round 67, Edouard Espana and Francesco Molinari also finished six under.

Popular Spaniard Jimenez had hit a hole-in-one at the eighth on day two.

Monday, May 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

31

BRIEFS

I will quit Marseille, says Ayew

M Ayew

arseille captain Andre Ayew has confirmed he will leave the Ligue 1 club at the end of the season, revealing they wanted to pay him less.

Club president Vincent Labrune revealed this week that Marseille could not afford to keep Ayew, with the Ghana international expected to

move to the Premier League.

Speaking after Marseille’s 4-0 thumping of Lille on Saturday, Ayew verified Labrune’s statement.

“The president has spoken, therefore, things have been said more or less. We know I’m going to leave the club. This is a page that will turn,” Ayew said.

Ayew scored Marseille’s fourth goal against Lille - his 10th strike in 27

Mourinho: I thought Terry was finished!

games this season.

The 25-year-old revealed he was not convinced the south coast club could challenge for the Ligue 1 title next season and that they would not meet his wage demands.

Paris Saint-Germain wrapped up their third consecutive league title on Saturday.

“There are many things behind it.

We tried to find solutions that I stay

Terry

Englishman was not capable of playing twice in a week.

Terry has gone on to prove Benitez wrong and he has even surprised Mourinho, who gave the veteran a new contract in March.

“I think he knows that, without me, he probably wouldn’t be at Chelsea in this moment. Because, probably, with another manager he wouldn’t play. And without playing, he wouldn’t have another

contract,” Mourinho said.

“This is not about the club, but the managers. If the managers don’t want the players, and the player doesn’t play, the club has to open the door.

“If a player is not important, sooner or later he leaves. Under me, he has had already two new contracts. But I also know that, probably without him, I wouldn’t be Premier League champion.”

M

anchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes David De Gea faces a “difficult” decision over his Old Trafford future after seemingly confirming Real Madrid’s interest in the Spain goalkeeper.

Reports linking De Gea with a closeseason move to the Santiago Bernabeu dominated the build up to United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

De Gea

Zenit secure Russian Premier League title

Z

enit secured their first Russian Premier League title since 2012 on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against Ufa. Andre Villas-Boas’ sides’ better head-to-head record with Krasnodar means the point at the Stadion Petrovskij is enough to end their threeyear wait to be crowned champions.

Hulk put Zenit ahead with his 15th league goal of the season just after the half hour, but Zenit were denied all three points as Haris Handzic grabbed an equaliser with three minutes to play.

Sunday’s achievement is Villas-Boas’ first Russian Premier League title as Zenit head coach.

Monk hits out at Wenger after City Wenger: I defeat don´t plan to wansea City manager Garry Monk directed a retire thinly veiled dig at Arsenal

S

C

helsea captain John Terry’s performances have surprised many, none more so than his manager Jose Mourinho, who conceded he thought the veteran centre-back was finished when he returned to Stamford Bridge two years ago.

Terry has been an ever-present at Chelsea since Mourinho’s return, playing every match as the London club cantered to the Premier League title this season.

But the 34-year-old’s achievements did not seem possible prior to Mourinho’s arrival, with former boss Rafael Benitez claiming the

but for the club and me it was a bit complicated, whether in sport or financial aspects,” Ayew said.

Ayew’s contract will expire at the end of June, bringing to an end almost a lifetime’s association with the club. He made 206 appearances for Marseille in all competitions, winning two Coupe de la Ligue titles but missing the 2009-10 French championship as he was on loan at Arles-Avignon that season.

De Gea could move to ‘another club’ —Van Gaal

boss Arsene Wenger following his side’s 4-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

Monk’s men picked up a 1-0 win at Arsenal on Monday, but Wenger accused Swansea of refusing to play football as they sat back and awaited their chance to pounce.

Swansea adopted a different approach for the visit of City and Monk was keen to point this out at his postmatch news conference.

“I wanted the players to go out there and send a message to the world today,” he said. “We got criticised on Monday for ‘not playing’, so I wanted the players to show that we can go toe-to-toe with anyone when we choose to.’’

A

rsene Wenger has no plans to follow iconic manager Alex Ferguson into retirement, with the Arsenal boss in no hurry to relinquish his role. Wenger, 65, has transformed Arsenal since swapping Japan’s Nagoya for London in 1996, guiding the club to three Premier League titles, five FA Cups and five Community Shields.

Ferguson was 71 years old when he retired as Manchester United manager in 2012-13 after 26 years in charge, which included 13 league trophies, two UEFA Champions League crowns and five FA Cup titles. And while Wenger opened up about what he might do when he eventually retires, the Frenchman is going nowhere fast.

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Arewa songs of conquest (1)

Yinka Odumakin

ÎÎÎ Arewa political ar-

tistes have been singing songs of captivity lately and not a few ears would have tingling especially among the greedy lot whose misplaced expectations have led into this quandary.

But thank goodness for the Col. Dangiwa Umar of that region who sings redemption songs.

Among the former who see Nigeria basically as the northern soil and conquest from the south is Senator Saidu Dansadau.

His surname is from the Dansadau Emirate of Zamfara, the land of Sharia.He carries the typical aristocratic traits of many Fulanis,at least that was my impression when I entered his residence in Abuja in 2006 at the peak of the battle to stop Obasanjo’s evil agenda to change the constitution so he could have a third term in office.

You cannot but want to give

up on Nigeria when you see the same man as “navigator” carrying useless memos from some silly thinktank on the future of a country he nearly plunged into war over inordinate ambition.

Back to Dansadau.I was invited to some event in Abuja in 2006 at the Adamawa Governor’s lodge in Abuja by then Hon Sola Adeyeye (now a Senator) to gather more pressure against the third term gambit. Obasanjo’s deputy, Atiku Abubakar was part of the night’s event. We were about an hour into the meeting when security operatives stormed the place with an instruction to disperse the gathering.

The day after, Prof Adeyeye whom I spent the night with invited me to a meeting at Dansadau’s residence in Abuja.He was soft-spoken (as if they are trained in it) with the usual aloofness.

I did not see him again until the 2014 National Conference where we were both delegates. One of his major contributions at the conference was the call for the establishment of a Women and Children Islamic Commission to deal with the prevalence of divorce in northern Nigeria. He said men in the region were not compliant with Sharia when it comes to divorce as

many kick out wives after eight children. He spoke about a gentleman who already had 78 divorces in his 50 years on earth.

But why I’m writing about him this week is his song of conquest that just went viral even before the inauguration of a northern president. It was a simple question to him on whether the APC South West demand for Speaker of the House of Representatives was just and fair. He said it was gluttonous after having the Vice-President as if there is no aspirant for the same position from the North West where the President comes from. I personally don’t give a damn how they share their spoils.

The bit that got my goat, however, were the further speaks that came from the abundance of his heart and I quote the former Zamfara Senator verbatim: “Nigerians should take note of the voting trend since independence. In fact, since the 1950s, the North Central per se had never voted in the manner it did along with the other parts of the North as it did at this particular time. These are the kind of things we have been looking for, (for) a long time. Various initiatives have been put in place in order to see that northerners from wherever they are, from the 19 states, become

one as far as voting is concerned. We are not saying 100 percent of northerners should be in one political party but that northerners should have one voice, they should decide and dictate the politics of Nigeria; like it has been before independence and even during the First Republic because of the numerical strength of the North.

“But of recent we became divided so we became so vulnerable. But God in His infinite wisdom and mercy used the goodwill of General Muhammadu Buhari and we have gotten the kind of unity that we have been yearning for, for so long. We have realised this dream now. So, now that we have achieved the unity we long for because of Buhari’s goodwill, it is only fair that we now make some efforts to consolidate these gains because General Buhari will not be the president for ever. So that after him, we have consolidated on this goodwill and we will be able to grow this unity, political cooperation, electoral cooperation from strength to strength so that the North will as much as possible dictate the political landscape of the country and what happens in Nigeria as it used to do.

This is necessary because my fear is that not that Senator Ahmad Lawan is not

qualified, he is very much qualified, but in third world countries where there are lots of crises and ethnicity and religions, you have to balance power in such a manner that every ethnic and religious group as much as possible will feel satisfied with the balancing of power. That is all we are saying.

“And for the North East, they really deserve the Speakership. There is no doubt going by their number and what they contributed to the success of the APC going by the candidates contesting for the position, they truly deserve a very important office in this dispensation. There is no doubt about that. But I feel no sacrifice is too much as far as the unity of this country is concerned.

No sacrifice is too much as far as it concerns the growth and the continuity in power of the APC. So, in order not to take a decision that will make the strength of APC wane so quickly, I think regional groups and individuals should learn to make sacrifices.

“In fact, where I fault the leadership of the APC is why should the leadership do zoning in piecemeal?

Why should they zone the Speakership to the South West? When you are taking that decision, why didn’t they take the entire zoning

together? That was what the PDP did in the past and since it is good, the APC should emulate it. If any crisis arises as a result of the zoning I will blame the leadership of the APC. Why, because if they had sat down from the word go to zone all the positions, this problem wouldn’t have arisen.”

Only the naive and uninitiated would not be able to get his drift.

Senator Abraham Adesanya in his lifetime was fond of telling the story of two friends,the cock and the fox.The fox was relating with the cock with respect thinking that the comb on its head was a burning fire until the day the latter, driven by greed, asked the former to feel his head in exchange for a favour.The fox did and discovered that what it feared as fire was so cold and delicious.That was how the cock that was hitherto feared became a regular meal for the fox.

I have no doubt that Awo must have turned in his grave reading this. Baba Layinka must have looked for one of Kollington Ayinla’s records where he sang: “Awi fun won to,awon na o gba o koro na to baje o,awon na o gba o Tori omo ba pe(2ce) Omo o le so pe baba o gbon o.......

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

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For AMCON, it’s a brand new day Ï MƆƓ ƌƆ ƗƌƆ Ɛ Ɗ ƕ ƇƈƗƑƅƈ Əƕ Ə ƋƆ Ƈ Ə ƏƆƅƆƈƒƆƏéƌ ƆƏ Ï `ƆƋ Ɣ L ƏƑƋƆ ƗƆƄƐ ƌ ƆƌƆ Ɛ Sunday Isuwa Abuja

R

eceiver-managers will henceforth have fiduciary relationship with debtor companies, according to the new amendment of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act 2010 passed penultimate Thursday by the Senate, the Daily Times has learnt.

In executing the mandate, the receivermanager will not be required to strictly adhere to the debt priority ranking of the debtor-company as prescribed in section 494 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

The amendment has also barred the staff and board members from acquiring the assets of the corporation.

While passing the amendments, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Bassey Otu said that the decision was to not only correct the defects in the extant Act but also strengthen the banking system for enhanced performance.

A receiver managing the affairs of a debtor company or debtor entity in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a fiduciary of the debtor company or debtor entity and all its creditors; and shall not in paying- off any debts owed by the debtor- company or debtor entity strictly adhere to debt priority ranking prescribed under Section 494 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

In the amendments, made available to the Daily Times, the Senate inserted some new subsections into the Act. These are (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10).

A fiduciary holds a legal or ethical relationship of trust with another party and is expected to prudently takes care of money for that other party. He acts at all times for the sole benefit and interest of the party and there must be no conflict of interest between duty to self and the party.

Section (6) of the insertion reads: (6) “A receiver managing the affairs of a debtor company or debtor entity in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a fiduciary of the debtor company or debtor entity and all its creditors; and shall not in paying- off any debts owed by the debtor- company or debtor entity strictly adhere to debt priority ranking prescribed under Section 494 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act.” s.494 of CAMA reads: (4) The foregoing debts shall(a)

rank equally among themselves

and be paid in full, unless the assets are insufficient to meet them, in which case they shall abate in equal proportions; and (b) so far as the assets of the company available for payment of general creditors are insufficient to meet them, have priority over the claims of holders of debentures under any floating charge created by the company and be paid accordingly out of any property comprised in or subject to that charge.

Apparently in a bid to prevent insiderdeals, Section 16(5) of the amended Act states: “A member of the board or any employee of the corporation shall not either directly or indirectly be involved in the purchase of the asset acquired by the corporation as part of, or in pursuant of the acquisition of an eligible bank asset or enforcement or realisation of any right relating to an eligible bank asset acquired by the corporation.”

In Section 34 (1), the words “and subject the provisions of this Act” become “subject to all of the obligations” appearing after the word “rights” in the last line; (b) inserting a new paragraph (c) to

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

AMCON gets fiduciary role for d subsection (2) as follows: (C) the pendency of an action before a court of law in respect of the eligible bank asset, save where there is in force and subsisting, a valid order of court made after due notice to the eligible financial institution from which the eligible bank asset is to be acquired, expressly restraining such acquisition.”

Section 35 of the Act is amended by inserting new subsections (5) and (6) as follows: (5) For the purpose of the provisions of the Limitation Law of a state or the limitation Act of the Federal Capital Territory, with respect to any debt owed to the Corporation by reason of its acquisition of an eligible bank assets, time shall begin to run, and the cause of action deemed to arise, from the date of the purchase of the eligible bank asset.

(6) Where action has already been commenced by an eligible financial institution prior to acquisition of the eligible bank asset by the Corporation, the Corporation shall at any time after the acquisition of the eligible bank asset the subject of any such action, be entitled to: (a) continue with the action in its name or as a third party entitled to any judgment debt, but not any liability in respect of the claim or any associated counterclaim or cross claim for which the assignor of the eligible bank asset shall be liable; or (b) discontinue any such pending action relating to the eligible bank asset instituted by the eligible financial institution prior to such acquisition; and such discontinuance by the Corporation, shall be without prejudice to its right to commence or cause to be commenced a new action in respect of the same subject matter as that discontinued.

The amendment which also included Section 48 of the AMCON Act, has some amendments of insertion of new subsection (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) as follows: (3) For the avoidance of doubt, the powers of a receiver acting in pursuance of the provisions of the section, shall be exercisable over all the assets and entire undertaking of the debtor company notwithstanding that only a part of the assets of the debtor company was charged,

mortgaged or pledged as security in relation to the eligible bank asset acquired by the Corporation provided such exercise of power shall be without prejudice to the existing rights of secured creditors or third parties in such assets.

(4) Where a receiver under this section elects to manage the affairs of a debtor company or other debtor entity, in pursuance of paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of this section, it shall give notice of its election by publication in at least two newspapers with nationwide circulation.

(5) A receiver under this section approved to manage the affairs of the notice referred to in subsection (4) above become entitled to take over the management of the affairs of the debtor company or debtor entity in the name, and on behalf of the debtor entity, for the benefit of the debtor company or debtor entity for the period specified in the said noticed.

(6) A receiver managing the affairs of a debtor company or debtor entity in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a fiduciary of the debtor company or debtor entity and all its creditors; and shall not in paying- off any debts owed by the debtor- company or debtor entity strictly adhere to debt priority ranking prescribed under Section 494 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. (7) Subject to subsection (9) of this Section; forthwith upon the publication of the notice referred to subsection (4) of this section, all judgments, claims, debt enforcement procedures existing or being pursued before the publication of the notice shall stand automatically suspended and be unenforceable against the debtor company for the shorter of a period of one year from the date of the publication of the notice or the period that the receiver continues to manage the affairs of the debtor company. Provided that claims relating to wages and other entitlements of existing staff of the debtor company or debtor entity and professional advisers shall not be so suspended.

(8) A receiver acting in pursuance of subsection (2) (c) of this section shall within 30 days of the publication of notice referred to in section (4) of this section cause to be prepared a detailed and

comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of the debtor-company or debtor entity.

(9) Where a receiver acting in pursuance of subsection (2) (c) or fails to comply with the provisions of subsection (8) of this section, the provisions of subsection (7) of this section shall cease to apply.

6. Section 60 of the Act is hereby amended by: (a) the deletion of the existing head notes and replacing same with the words “Exemptions Granted to the Corporation,” and (b) inserting a new paragraph (c) as follows: (c) Investment and Securities Act.”

7. Section 61 of the Act is hereby amended by being renumbered as Section 87, and by: (a) inserting immediate following the definition of “eligible bank assets” the following definition: “eligible equity” means shares, stock or other interest in the equity or share capital of an eligible financial institution; (b) inserting immediately following the definition of “Minister” the following definition: “Tenor” when used in Part IX of this Act means a period of 10 years from the calendar year 2014 but may be extended by no more than a maximum of 5 years by the Governor.”

8. Section 62 of the Act is hereby amend-

Chike-Obi: A Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, in this interview lists the clean bill of health given to the Nigerian banking industry following the cleaning of all the toxic assets and the recapitalisation of a number of banks as part of the achievements of AMCON so far.

Can you give an update on your loan restructuring and recovery efforts?

I have to give you some background.

Many of these loans were loans that had been deemed lost or irrecoverable by the banks. The recovery rate of non-performing loans everywhere in the world takes a very long time. The best we have seen is 57 per cent achieved by the Malaysians. I gave you the background so that you can know how difficult the job is. In setting up an asset management corporation, the idea is to take those loans out of the banks and put them where they will be managed for a very long period of time. For instance, in the case of the United States of America, after the Resolution Trust Company of America bought loans from the SMEs, after the five-year period, all those loans

were transferred to Deposit Insurance Corporation and many of those loans still exist. These things take a long time.

So, I don’t want anybody in Nigeria to believe that there is a magic bullet in AMCON Act that is going to make them recover these loans in any kind of magical way. So far today, measured against other such companies in the world, AMCON has made a significant progress.

This progress is made possible because the National Assembly gave us a very strong law to set up the company particularly when it gave us the privilege for the chief judge of the Federal High Court to appoint judges for AMCON. Since then, our cases have been moving along smoothly. We currently have close to a thousand cases in court and being a law abiding institution, we proceed according to the law and so these things will take time. Having said all that, we

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

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debtor companies in new bill ed by being renumbered as Section 88.

9. The Act is hereby amended by the deletion of Section 46 (2) and insertion of a new Part IX immediately after section 60.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Bassey Otu had said the passage of the bill did not only correct the defects in the extant Act but also strengthened the banking system for enhanced performance.

Otu said the committee observed that total contribution to the fund stood at N293.41 billion as at December 31, 2013 and that in a situation where recoveries from the acquired toxic assets and proceeds from the sale of the bridge banks are not enough to meet the repayment of the

bonds, the fund would be used to meet the shortfall and backstop AMCON’s bond obligations, in order to ensure that the Federal Government guarantee of AMCON’s bond is never called.

This, he said, would strengthen AMCON’s operations and serve the statutory purpose for which it was created.

“It will also enhance AMCON’s management of acquired assets in order to obtain best financial returns thereby keeping the fiscal cost to the government at the barest minimum. Future banking resolution cost, which may result from operational and financial mismanagement by the Deposit Money Banks, will not be borne by the

Nigerian tax payers, instead by the banks with money from the Fund,” Out said.

This, he said, would strengthen AMCON’s operations and serve the statutory purpose for which it was created.

The senator stated that base on the amended Sections 2(3), 16(5), 34(1), 34 (2), 35, 46(2), 48, 60, 61 and 62 of the Act, it will enhance AMCON’s management of acquired assets in order to obtain best financial returns thereby keeping the fiscal cost to the government at the barest minimum.

“There is a very big expectation from operators of the financial sector that the establishment of a Banking Sector Resolution Cost Fund would enhance financial system stability and boost confi-

dence,” Otu said.

He said it will also act as a physical buffer by providing a ready source of assets that could be used to meet the cost of future bank failure without any recourse to the use of public funds” Also, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said that the amendment of the AMCON ACT 2010 has removed some uncertainty that could impede the operations of AMCON in carrying out its duties.

“We finally fine-tuned the AMCON Bill to make it more operational and to add value to the work they are doing. We believe we have covered all the lapses existing in the AMCON Bill with this amendment,” Ekweremadu said.

AMCON has fulfilled its mandate have restructured over 50 per cent of non-performing loans we got in terms of value. The implied recovery rate of the restructured loans is over a 100 per cent, so we are getting back the money.

We are aiming for a target of about 80 per cent, which is the highest recovery rate so far anywhere in the world but it will take time. In the next two to three years we will probably be close to 80 or 90 per cent done.

Chike-Obi

You were quoted as telling the National Assembly earlier in the year that the current outstanding AMCON bonds were yet to receive guarantee from the Federal Ministry of Finance. What is the position of things now?

The law obligates the Federal government to guarantee AMCON bonds that are issued in pursuance of its functions as defined in the AMCON Act. The outstanding bonds today have not yet received explicit guarantee of the Federal Government but the law implies that there is a guarantee. So, while there is no explicit guarantee, the law obligates the federal government to guarantee those bonds.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 18, 2015

Why has it been difficult for the Federal Government to issue the guarantee?

I think much of the delay is caused by process, and that in due course, that guarantee will be granted. In any case, by the end of this year, the only holder of AMCON’s bond will be the Central Bank of Nigeria. So the urgency of the guarantee will not matter much since CBN, which is also part of the federal government, will soon become the only holder. So the urgency of guarantee will be removed.

What is the latest on the move to amend AMCON Act to accommodate the codification of the Sinking Fund?

It is very important that the AMCON Act is amended to include the Sinking Fund-that is, the contributions from the banks. As it is normal in every human being, after a bad event of the past, we tend to forget .We may have forgotten that these banks were in serious jeopardy and it was the creation of AMCON and other interventions of Nigerians that rescued these banks and gave them a sound footing. They are now making the highest profits they have ever made in their history. Yes, they agreed at the height of the crisis to contribute certain amount of money and we believe them.

They are honourable people and they will certainly live up to their obligations.

However, it is better if it is codified in the law so that a new MD of a bank or a new CBN Governor who was removed from the crisis is not tempted to say well, the crisis is over, there is no need to contribute such money again. So it is good.

The law reminds us all that when banks are collectively irresponsible, then they should be collectively responsible for the cleaning of the mess.

Has all the bad debts been cleared?

Banking continues and there is a guideline from the CBN that no bank should have more than five per cent of non-performing loans and I think that will keep a ceiling of non-performing loan any bank can have. I think it is a very good guideline.

How will you react to the fear that the current challenges being faced by investors in the power sector in terms of performance and revenue generation could raise another prospect of loan defaults in banks?

As a Nigerian, I’m worried if it is true.

I don’t pray that it is true but as a Nigerian, I’m worried about it. I’m worried on two fronts. First, we need power and I’m worried also that if it is true that these loans are bad then we will create a problem for the banking sector but let me be very clear AMCON is not authorised to buy any loan unless it is designated so by the CBN. So if the CBN wants to do that, it has to be in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. AMCON cannot go and buy any non-performing loan without the guideline from the CBN in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. I think the mood in the country right now is for AMCON not to buy any more loans and as far as we are concerned, we are not buying any more loans. So, it will

There was an advertorial in virtually all the major newspapers by the management of Mainstreet Bank assuring depositors of the safety of their money, what informed this?

I have not read the papers today so, I haven’t seen the advertorial. But there has been some noise since we began our divestment process from Mainstreet Bank and I think it is important that the depositors were reassured that this is just a divestment from a public institution to a private institution that is better geared to grow the bank and take the bank into the future. That is not AMCON’s strength. AMCON’s strength is not to own and run businesses. Any business you see AMCON involved in is for the shortest practicable time and they will divest of all businesses they are involved in as much as we can.

Can you give us an overview of AMCON’s activities so far?

Chike-Obi

We’ve fulfilled our mandate -Chike-Obi be very unfortunate if the scenario you painted comes about but people should not look to AMCON’s direction if that crisis should come up.

Will the change of baton at the CBN affect your activities and dealings with the apex bank?

It is a good thing that we have a new leadership at the CBN because before now, we were in a period of uncertainty.

So we welcome the new governor and wish him well. What AMCON is doing was designed for the good of the nation and the good of the economy. I believe that the new governor has some experience in dealing with AMCON for about two or three years. He has a sense of what AMCON is all about. I think that Zenith Bank benefited from intervention of AMCON as well. It is on the basis of what good AMCON can do for the nation that we expect his support and so we are not demanding it, we are not taking it for granted but we believe that he himself is one of those that are seeing the necessity of AMCON. Will you say Nigerian banks have learnt their lessons as far as toxic assets are concerned?

I think that the risk management of banks today is far better than it used to be. I think the supervision of the CBN is far better than it used to be. I think the capital base of the banks is better than it used to be. So those three things prevent any major crisis from happening or reduce the chances of crisis that may happen in the future but I think we are all

growing. I think the banks, and AMCON have learnt some lessons from the past.

Can you give an update on the privatisation of Enterprise Bank and Mainstreet Bank?

We will complete the divestment from Enterprise Bank and Mainstreet Bank

by September 15 of this year. Those divestments are necessary for us. I like it when people say we are in a hurry to divest from these banks. From the minute those banks were bridged, I have been saying it repeatedly that we would divest from those banks as soon as practicable.

Left to me, we would have done so sooner than now, but it is also very amusing and mischievous when people take out a section of a process that is seven months plus, and complain that that is just only nine days and it is too short. The process of divesting from Mainstreet Bank started in February by the selection of the advisers and several other steps.

After the selection of advisers, we did Expression of Interest; we did a shortlist and later we invited people over for more detailed discussion; then due diligence; then a binding offer and the offer is narrowed to two to three names which were sent to the CBN. The whole process takes about six to seven months. Everybody said it is being rushed and I think getting investors into any bank in seven months is plenty of time. We will be done

by September 15, we will do it transparently and properly, we will get the best combination of price, income and the best managers that will build the banks in the future.

AMCON was created for three things.

The first was to relieve the banks of their non-performing loans and this allows people to focus on their jobs. We have done that absolutely perfectly.

There is no bank today that is burdened by non-performing loans. The second thing was to recapitalise the banking system and we did that and every bank in Nigeria is properly capitalised, certainly, up to regulatory standards. The third thing which we are supposed to do, which we are in the process of doing is to do all of these at the minimum possible cost. That requires maximising recoveries, minimising expenses and maximising disposal of assets acquired.

That is what we are doing. We want to retire all our obligations. So that is what is taking time. Banks are strong, banks can lend. It is the banking industry that was able to lend to power industry. Without AMCON’s intervention, that would have never happened. Planes are flying, economy is growing, AMCON was a big part of it. So we have done that.

And people should continue to watch us and ask how well are they doing in minimising the cost of intervention. We run a lean organisation. We have about 300 people managing about 11,000 loans.

That is unheard of. We have a very low expense-asset ratio; we are well ahead of our target in terms of recovery. Just imagine how easy it is to manage a thousand cases. We are doing that with probably 15 lawyers with the help of external lawyers. So, we will try to keep minimising cost, we will try to maximise revenues, but that is the job that is left. But if you read the AMCON Act, it says it is for the purpose of efficiently resolving the non-performing loans of banks in Nigeria and related matters. That was what we have in the title of the act and we have done that. So when people say AMCON has not fulfilled its mandate, we refer them to the title of the act for the purpose for which it was set up. And we can say definitely that we have done just that.

Culled from THISDAY Sunday, 8TH June, 2014

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Men’s grooming Maximize the moisture L4 P

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Nutrition: Why you should eat banana

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday May 18, 2015

My target is to remain a good journalist Isaac Oguntoye He is the prime-mover of City People media group, publishers of City People magazine, City People Quarterly, City People Fashion and Style and City People Complete Fashion.

Considered by many as a rare icon in celebrity journalism, Seye Kehinde who has had to pay the prize associated with the pen profession, is considered one of the few publishers whose stable has churned out several other publishers as well in various sectors of the industry. A recipient of several awards including a honourary doctorate degree, the fellow, Centre for Foreign Journalists and Member, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, opens up on his professional journey.

You were recently 50. What does joining the golden club mean to you?

Well, it simply means that first, I am not getting any younger, secondly, I am getting older and thirdly, my time is almost up. The fourth aspect of it is that, I need to take a review of my life and see what is left to be done and see if I can still achieve them at this particular stage.

Some people will say their body system can no longer take certain things because they are getting old. Do you feel you’re 50 body wise?

No! For me, life continues. I just saw the day I clocked 50 as another date that needed to be formally marked and move on with life.

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When you look back and now that you’re 50, how will you describe your transformation?

That’s what I’m saying. I still don’t see the transformation because I still do everything I’ve always done. I still report, interview, transcribe myself and every other thing that I’m used to doing right from time. Unless I keep reminding or pinching myself that I am 50 and therefore have to behave like a 50 year old. For me,

I’m still my normal self, I just do my thing the way it comes and if it’s convenient for me, fine. I still can’t talk about transformation because I still see it as a continuation. So, I can’t draw a line and say from this particular time to this point, 50 begins. It is just that, officially, if I am filling a form I will fill 50. Now, I believe people when they say, age is just a number.

Comparing what you visualized for yourself growing up and what you have been able to achieve, would you consider yourself, fulfilled?

I think I feel fulfilled because I’m the kind of person who does not have too many plans. My plan in life is just to be accomplished in whatever I choose to do. And once it’s done, if possible, I move on to some other things. I’m a very simple person.

I’ve never planned to build castles in the air. The moment I chose to be a journalist, I made up my mind to be good at it. So, it’s a very limited goal that you can achieve in 10 to 20 years time. And once you’ve achieved that, you can then consider moving on to other things. Journalism wise, I think I’m happy with what I’ve been able to do, like creating an idea and seeing it materialize and moving on to something else. By nature, I’m a very restless person. I’m not the kind of person who likes to sit without any activity around me. I like to generate some activity to keep me busy because I believe that, any professional who allows himself to stay without doing anything for some time will surely lose form. For you to continue to be something, you have to be proactive by creating something that will keep you going. And the lessons I’ve learnt from being closer to older people is that they always say that doctors advise them not to slow down because if they do, they will vegetate and will crash faster.

That is why some of them keep attending functions and forming activities around themselves. I see some people who are in their 40s and they say they want to slow down and my question usually is, what would they be doing with the rest of their life?

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

we did a n d t h e m ar ket accepted us.

Looking at the way you started your brand, City People and where it has gotten to, what exactly did you have in mind when you set it up?

All I saw at that time was a vacuum that needed to be filled. I’m talking about a vacuum where you could do a story on people; the good, bad and the ugly. For instance, you look at the fashion, style and the entertainment aspect of different sectors of the society. A vacuum whereby you report from the human perspective and I’ve always loved the human aspect of what we do. I never believed that everything should be from the hard angle. People would say, there is hard-sell and soft-sell but I say to them that, even with hard-sell, they will eventually have to soften up. I mean The Guardian had to soften up, even The Economics of London that used to be very hard, at a point, they started having problem with sales and had to start including pictures. So, all the so call hard publications had to soften up for them to get sales. I was so happy when that happened. It simply meant that, journalism has become so hard that people are revolting. But when they began to see faces of beautiful people which would naturally attract them, people now wanted to read. But if you keep hitting them with statistic and figures, they will get tired. That was the concept I had and I felt that, even though there were publications in business before we came in, I felt we could still carve a big niche within that same market which was what

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

You talked about your simplicity and indeed you are known to be very simple. Where did you get that from?

From my parents. Initially, I thought it was punishment because when I was younger, my dad will not allow us have any house help. He insisted we do things ourselves. Even when we had people living with us, they will cater to them and not to us. Out of all my siblings, I was lucky that I lived with three to four older people and I was able to learn from them.

I’m used to doing house hold chores and that is why some times when people want to help me carry stuffs, I always feel out of place. I mean, if you’re not there, I will still carry it myself. It is a different thing if I carry something that I need help with but if what I’m carrying is just a small bag, I don’t feel comfortable because I’m used to doing things by myself. So, I’ve been used to so many things that ordinarily prepared me for what now turned out to be the simplicity that people talk about. To make matters worse, I lived in Ibadan all my early years. Ibadan is like an ancient city where things were being done in a laid back format. That was the orientation I had while I was growing up, so there is no way I would come out of that and now say I want to live a flashy lifestyle. I will be out of place if I do that.

How has your simplicity helped you in all your years of practise as a journalist?

In the course of my career, I’ve

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

seen elderly for- eign journalists travel to Nigeria looking for Olamide or Wizkid. And anytime I hear that, I look at the man’s age, a man who is around 60-67 years old, coming to interview a 24 year old boy. They will travel all the way, touring Kaduna, Kano and other states in the country looking for one little person. And for me, it says a lot about them. If people we are copying from on how to do things can be doing all these, why must I now decide to say because I’m a publisher, I should just sit in the office and be watching television and all that. Trust me, I won’t feel fulfilled if all I do is to just sit and do nothing. I don’t want to get rusty, I want to know what is new and what is happening in that industry. I worry about the next phase of journalism because we live in a world where everything is changing. In every profession, they will tell you everything is changing. And I said to myself, even this little job we’re doing, how do we do it differently? What is the latest thing they’re doing now? Ordinarily to get a tape recorder now is difficult because most people have started embracing the digital midget. If you don’t know that and you say you have a tape recorder, you will just find out that, you won’t even see the cassette to buy. What I’ve learnt in this is that, if you feel you’ve reached the pinnacle of where you’re going and you decide not to do anything anymore, by the time you know what

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday May 18, 2015

is happening, you just find out that you are obsolete. But if you still find ways to reinvent yourself, you will just find out that you’re moving from stage to stage learning new things. A lot of things are changing, the rules of the game has changed and it still changing and there is no way you can continue to sit back and say you will not be part of it or you don’t want to know what the next level is.

In what areas do you think the younger generation of journalists are defaulting?

I think the only problem I have with them is the online thing and I keep begging our colleagues who are young and those that I meet, I still talk to them about the online thing.

I’m not saying we should not be part of the new development; we’re all part of it, it’s inevitable because it is the next phase but we should not leave the rigorous aspect of the job where you have to reach out to the concerned parties in other to get the true picture of the story. Don’t just sit in one corner and feel that if you Google Seye Kehinde, the name will come out and you could just run what you want to run without reaching out to him. For instance, you called for an interview and you sent a text to know whether I’m around and if you could start coming. Those are the things that excite me because it shows that you really want to get something fresh but most of our colleagues are okay with just going online, reading about Seye Kehinde and reporting the same thing that people have reported before which means they are not adding any new thing to the story. According to Mr. Adenaike, a former editor-in-chief of Tribune newspaper, he said we the younger ones are no longer as thorough as they were during their time.

Whether we like it or not, this job demands commitment and hard work because you don’t get good stories easily. Just like the popular saying, good things don’t come easy, you have to do some leg work to achieve certain things. So, what I’m saying is that, people should go back to that culture of hard work. We need a bit of hard work because it is not easy to come up with good stories. To get a good story, you must interview people, investigate the story before you write it. You must have done a lot of research, before going ahead with a story. These days, people tend to leave the hard work and hope they will get the big story.

So, you cannot do away with them.

But it is now left for you to control your appetite for that. Like an elderly friend of mine once told me, that it is not every food they you get served at parties that you eat. You should learn to say no because it is not really good for you but if you go for everything that comes your way, you’re bound to have a problem. So, in the case of women, I know my boundaries, I try to keep my eyes on the ball in other not to get distracted. For example, the second day after I had my birthday celebration, by 6am I was at the office to transcribe before that week’s edition went to bed. While I was at that party, I kept cautioning myself not to take too much alcohol because I knew I had to wake up very early the next morning. We cannot do away with women, we cannot also antagonize them but you have to carry them along and play along and then know at what point to draw the line.

Speaking of hard work, how do you find time for yourself?

I try to create the time. It’s not really easy but I try to create it once in a while. I am always sleep deprived, so whenever I feel the need for it, I just

So, what I’m saying is that, people should go back to that culture of hard work. We need a bit of hard work because it is not easy to come up with good stories

shut out and sleep. So, what I’m trying to say is that, I listen to my body a lot. When I see that my body is complaining, I just leave every other thing that I have to do to catch some sleep because I work over night most times. And of course when I go for events or go outside Lagos for an appointment, I try to arrive there a day before the appointment or stay back after the event to catch some rest.

But it’s really really difficult because there’re so many things I need to put in place in terms of getting good stories and also how to manage the business side of it.

Now that you are 50, do you have new plans for yourself and for your brand as well?

We’re always coming up with new ideas because it is a continuous thing. As we move along, when ideas come, we implement them. During our meeting, I ask my staff, what they think we need to do. I throw it open for them to bring in ideas. Anybody can come up with new ideas and the ones that we are able to do, we jot them down and the ones that we aren’t able to do, we give reasons why we can’t do them now. Yes! There will be new things but I can’t say these are the new things for now.

As we move along, if I realize there is need to change anything or change the game plan, we will go ahead and change the game plan.

Apart from your parents who influenced your way of life, who are the people you look up to business wise?

There are so many and why I said so many is because when I was coming into the profession, I looked up to so many players and the list just kept increasing. like Uncle Sam for example, the Vanguard newspaper publisher, this is a man who I read his stories when I was in school and all that, but you hardly find him anywhere. They will tell you Uncle Sam was at that function but before you know what was happening, Uncle Sam is

City People is synonymous with women. Have you in anyway been distracted by them?

I don’t get distracted with women.

One of the things I had in mind from day one is to drop anything glamour, fame, women and other things that comes with being a celebrity.

In fact, if not for the showbiz aspect that I focus on, nobody knew who I was for the first five to six years. But when we started doing shows and I started coming on stage, people started seeing my face. I deliberately blacked out because I wanted people to relate with the product not with me, and that helped. I’m like an artiste; women will always come if you’re doing well. In our job, women form 90 per cent of our advertisers. With wife (4th left) and children (3rd and 4th right)

L3 Interview

gone. Apart from Uncle Sam, Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpo, and Dan Agbese are the people that brought me to journalism. They made me realize that you can actually run journalism as a business and make profit out of it. I like the experiment they came up with at that time when they started, Newswatch. Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, the former chairman of Punch newspaper, was the man who said he was not going to give Punch out to vendors on credit, that they have to pay for it. They threw punches at the vendors and the vendors retaliated but at the end of the day, he made Punch newspaper a success story.

There are so many people like that who I try to learn one or two things from, from the point of view of what they’ve been able to do with their media practice.

This is a profession where money should not be

your number one priority, how are you able to remain professional and still run City People media group as a business?

Before I set up City People, what I first did was to do some courses in Business and Marketing. I went for three courses at some major business schools and the courses had to do with accounting, cash flow, business and all of that. And then, I learnt a lot of lessons from how not to run a business and how to run a business.

So it was easy for me when I decided to start up because I knew I needed to run it like a business. I also had to curtail my appetite. I won’t because I sold something and made hundred thousand naira, spend the money on beer. You most know that the money is not your money but company’s money.

Men’s Grooming L4 Nkarenyi Ukonu

Daily Times Nigeria Monday May 18, 2015

Maximi e

moisture the

vaseline hydrate and soothe moisturizer

Nivea hydrate and soothing moisturizer

L’Oreal white-active oil control moisturizer

Ik Ogbonnna

Nivea spf 15 moisturizer

Still on men’s grooming. When it comes to a good skin regimen, moisturizing should be top priority. The first step to this is knowing what your skin type is.

Yes men also have skin types. Knowing what category of skin type you have will help you know what will suit you in relation to the skin type peculiar to you.

Know your skin type NORMAL SKIN Skin rarely gets dry or oily and spots an black heads only occur occassionally OILY SKIN Skin is always oily, prone to blemishes, blackheads and spots with enlarged pores DRY SKIN Skin looks dry, feels tight and is often flaky COMBINATION SKIN Skin has only oily T-zone, that is the bridge of the nose, forehead and chin, with dry cheeks.

There are different kinds of moisturizer to suit each skin of these skin types to ensure you get the best results.

Uti Nwachukwu

Alex Ekubo

Skin type

Moisturizer

Oily or combination skin

Oil control moisturizer

Oil control moisturizer is non sticky, fast absorbing and contains a varnishing cream base that ensures that your skin stays oil free and controlled throughout the day.

Dry skin

Hydrate and soothe moisturizer

Contains skin conditioning enhancers like vitamin B3, vitamin E and allantoin which helps to refresh and soothe dry skin.

Normal skin

SPF 15 moisturizer

With Sun Protective Factor of 15 per cent and vitamin B3, protects the skin from the sun thereby reducing dark marks and promoting skin tone.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday May 18, 2015

L5

Wellness

Do you really need that body piercing?

Adedotun Okesola Body piercing, a form of body modification, is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewellery may be worn. The word piercing can refer to the act or practice of body piercing, or to an opening in the body created by this act or practice. Although the history of body piercing is obscured by popular misinformation and by a lack of scholarly reference, ample evidence exists to document that it has been practiced in various forms by both sexes since ancient times throughout the world.

Ear piercing and nose piercing have been particularly widespread and are well represented in historical records and among grave goods. The oldest mummified remains ever discovered were sporting earrings, attesting to the existence of the practice more than 5,000 years ago.

Nose piercing is documented as far back as 1500 BC. Piercings of these types have been documented globally, while lip and tongue piercings were historically found in African and American tribal cultures. Nipple and genital piercing have also been practiced by various cultures, with nipple piercing dating back at

least to Ancient Rome while genital piercing is described in Ancient India c. 320 to 550 CE. The history of navel piercing is less clear. The practice of body piercing has waxed and waned in Western culture, but it has experienced an increase of popularity since World War II, with sites other than the ears gaining subcultural popularity in the 1970s and spreading to mainstream in the 1990s.

The reasons for piercing or not piercing are varied. Some people pierce for religious or spiritual reasons, while others pierce for self-expression, for aesthetic value, for sexual pleasure, to conform to their culture or to rebel against it.

Some forms of piercing remain controversial, particularly when applied to youth.

The display or placement of piercings have been restricted by schools, employers and religious groups. In spite of the controversy, some people have practiced extreme forms of body piercing, with Guinness bestowing World Records on individuals with hundreds and even thousands of permanent and temporary piercings.

Body piercing is an invasive procedure with some risks, including allergic reaction, infection, excessive scarring and unanticipated physical inju-

ries, but such precautions as sanitary piercing procedures and careful aftercare are emphasized to minimize the likelihood of encountering serious problems. The healing time required for a body piercing may vary widely according to placement, from as little as a month for some genital piercings to as much as two full years for the navel.

Body piercing is an invasive procedure with risks. Allergic

reaction to the metal in the piercing jewellery, particularly nickel, is common. This risk can be minimized by using high quality jewellery manufactured from titanium or niobium or similar inert metals.

Bacterial infections are seldom serious, but 10 to 20 percent of piercings result in local benign bacterial. While rare, infection due to piercing of the tongue can be fatal, it can also cause excess scar

tissue, including hypertrophic scar and keloid formation. While piercings can be removed, they may leave a hole, mark or scar. Physical trauma including tearing, friction or bumping of the piercing site, may cause edema and delay healing. The risks can be minimized by wearing properly sized jewellery and not changing it unnecessarily, by not touching the piercing more than required for aftercare, and by being conscious of environmental factors such as clothing, that may impact the piercing. Any time you create an opening in the body there is a chance of infection. Going to a questionable piercing shop can put you at risk for tetanus, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Sometimes, vaginal piercings can lead to bleeding, scarring,

or an allergic reaction. Piercing behind the clitoris may interfere with blood flow.

If you’re going to get your navel pierced, you’ll have to deal with potential chronic infection, long healing times, allergies and medical concerns, as well as clothing restrictions and other daily annoyances.

Sometimes, jewellery can poke a hole in a condom or dislodge a diaphragm. So it’s a good idea to use extra protection, a backup method or extra condom, when having sex.

It’s normal to have some discharge after you get a piercing. But if that discharge has an unusually colour, say, green or foul smelling, you may have an infection. It is therefore important to consider the disadvantages along with the advantages before you go under the needle.

10mg is required daily to derive the benefits of lutein. So as you add up on your daily lutein intake with dark green leafy vegetables, spinach and fruit, why not throw in some banana peel as well to hit the mark?

face. It helps keep the skin hydrated and tightens the pores.

This makes it softer and helps to reduce small wrinkles.

Nutrition

Eat banana, eat the peels Judith Frank-Edet

Judithjudith463@yahoo.com You’ve probably heard that banana delivers huge nutritional value before. But what you may have never heard of is about the benefits of banana peels. After reading the following surprising benefits of banana peels, you will think twice before tossing any banana peel into the bin.

Banana peels are the thick ropey-textured and green to yellow colored skin of bananas. They can be eaten raw or cooked to make it more palatable. There is a long list to the health benefits of banana peels but here are a few.

It is a rich source of fiber Banana peels are rich in soluble fiber best known to promote healthy bowel movement and relieve constipation.

It also helps you maintain a healthy weight, by making you feel full. Studies have also shown soluble fiber to reduce the risk of heart attacks and avert early onset of diabetes.

It fights cholesterol The soluble fiber contained in banana peel which is also in the banana flesh too helps in lowering cholesterol levels.

Soluble fiber has been extensively studied and proven to reduce the levels of low density lipoprotein, LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol.

It fights depression Ripe banana peels are great for depression. According to a study at the University of Taiwan, banana peels are packed full of serotonin which boosts your mood and helps you feel happy. Studies show that if you eat two banana peels a day for three days, you have a net increase of 15 per cent in your serotonin level.

It contains antioxidant properties Banana peels contain polyphenols and carotenoids, which are phytochemicals with antioxidant properties.

Studies have found that un-

ripe banana peel contains more of these anti-oxidants than ripe banana peel.

It protects the eyesight Another antioxidant found in banana peel is ‘lutein’, which is known to reduce oxidative stress and neutralize free radical damage in various organs, including the skin. But lutein is also known to provide nutritional sustenance to the eyes – by not only reducing the risks of macular degeneration and cataracts, but by also filtering out harmful UV rays from damaging the eyes, as well as protecting cells in the eyes from free radical damage. Researchers suggest a minimum of 6mg –

It reduces wrinkles The inside of a banana peel could be used to moisten the

Note: Make sure to wash banana peels very well as some may have been sprayed with pesticide. Now when you eat your banana, eat the peel too.

Buzz Bytes L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday May 18, 2015

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Tosyn Bucknor hosts Brunch With Tosyn 3.0 Media personality, Tosyn Bucknor hosted friends, creative enthusiasts and fans at her lifestyle event, ‘Brunch with Tosyn’. The highly interactive event which was initiated by Tosyn to connect fans with some of their most loved personalities while creating an opportunity to network and make impact, had Marketing Communications expert, Steve Babaeko as guest where he shared tips with guests on ‘How To Grow Your Personal Brand’. At the event, guests had Tosyn Bucknor anf friends the opportunity to network with one another and also exchange knowledge in a warm and fun-filled atmosphere. The highlight of the event was the speed-mingling session after which the most interactive guests were presented gifts by the amiable host. Guest speaker, Steve Babaeko while sharing tips on ‘How To Grow Your Personal Brand’ took guests through his journey from broadcasting in NTA Kano to his relocation to Lagos as a Copywriter and his transformation to the most sought after Creative Director and CEO of Nigeria’s leading brand agency, X3m Ideas. Speaking on the idea behind the monthly brunch event, Tosyn Bucknor said her love for being around people and watching people connect, as well as a love for food led to ‘Brunch With Tosyn’. Notable faces spotted at the event include singer, Jodie Odiete and Ebony Life TV host, Lamide Akintobi who said, “The atmosphere was really warm and inspiring, I am excitedly looking forward to the fourth edition of Brunch With Tosyn”.

Toyin Poju-Oyemade, Nosa Oyegun, others join leadership at Red Media Africa As part of the Red Media Africa (RED) restructuring and expansion plan, the omnimedia group has announced the appointments of Toyin Poju-Oyemade and Nosa Oyegun into its leadership team, while Isime Esene has now joined the management board. They lead a series of new hires and acquisition across the line just before the group celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Toyin Poju-Oyemade will be leading Y! Productions as Senior Manager, and joins RED with over 10 years experience in television and radio production.

She has worked as Producer on Inspire Africa’s Moments with Mo, and also Producer/ Operations Manager at Ndani TV. She has worked with Multichoice Nigeria, Storm 360 and others. Oyegun joins RED as Online Content Lead, with a portfolio including YNaija.com, YNaija2015. com, YAfri.ca, Enterprise54 as well as online TV and radio. Before joining RED, Oyegun was Web Content Editor for DSTV Online, and founded the food blog e ‎ atdrinklagos.com. Also, as part o f Toyin Poju-Oyemade the RED restructure, Isime Esene, who was until April the Associate Editor of YNaija.com, has b e e n appointed into the management board. He functions as Managing Editor in charge of Content. In this position, he works with the chief executive officer to oversee property across radio, TV, print, events and online.

He joins other board members including Tolu Orekoya, Mfon Ekpo, Adebola Williams who is co-founder and Chude Jideonwo, who is chief executive officer.

“As we move on from our start-up phase and consolidate our position as Africa’s number one youth media group, we are excited about these fantastic additions to our leadership team,” said Jideonwo. “We are deliberately building a company to own the future, with a decidedly young management team that’s incredibly experienced with global media and invested in its digital future. We are excited to expand the resource of talent and gravitas to propel RED into its next phase.”

Is 9ice rebranding?

Now that the election period is over, and of course, 9ice lost out in his quest for the Oyo/Ogbomosho South House or Representative seat, the Alapomeji boss may be trying too hard to get back with his fans. That’s because he was spotted at the new album listening party of music couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, looking unlike his usual self. The singer, who recently dropped the video to Life is beautiful, featuring 2face Idibia, a song off his Bashorun Gaa album, rocked a black T-shirt with sweatpants and complimented it with a white and blue striped sneakers. His looks got tongues wagging, with many condemning his new swag as unfitting for the star who has been known to either look better on traditional attires or on simple shirt and and a pair of trousers.

9ice

P-Square in collaboration with Tanzanian star, Diamond Platnumz As you read this, music duo, P-Square are in the studio cooking something with Tanzania music star, Diamond Platnumz. The duo shared a studio shot with the Tanzanian act on Instagram, confirming to drop something real good for their fans soon. Let’s not forget, PSquare still has a yet-to-bereleased video featuring Awilo Longomba titled Enemy Solo.

P-Square and Diamond Platnumz

New video alert!

VJ ADAMS Gbemisoke ft. Nonso

Music channel, Soundcity VJ Adams, has released a new video, Gbemisoke featuring verses from Pasuma and Reminisce. It is a new version of the song written completely by Adams, and performed by emerging act, Nonso. An accompanying video was also released to mark the birthday of the TV, radio, media personality and entertainer. It features a photo stream of exciting moments for the VJ in the course of the year.

Adams

PHOTO OF THE DAY Former couple, Femi Kuti and Funke Kuti, were spotted holding hands, laughing, chatting and generally having a good time at Tunde and Wunmi Obe’s album listening party.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday May 18, 2015

L7 Buzz Bytes

Mutiat Alli

ON Set

Movie title: Oloibiri

Movie title: A place called Happy

Producer: Rogers Ofime Director: Curtis Graham Screen Play: Samantha Iwowo Cast: Richard Mofe-Damijo, Taiwo AjaiLycett, Olu Jacobs, William .R. Moses, Ivie Okujaye, Ifeanyi Williams, Ivie Okujaye

Producer: Dolapo Adeleke Director: Dolapo Adeleke Cast: Blossom Chukwujekwu, Sika Osei, Kiki Omeili, Mawuli Gavor and introducing kid model, Zainab Ebinum., Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada and Akan Nnani.

Synopsis: Fate takes two strangers, Abena Aseidu (Sika Osei) engaged to be married and Dimeji (Blossom Chukwujekwu) who is on the verge of a divorce, on an unexpected journey that will change their lives forever.

Ivie Okujaye, Olu Jacobs and a cast on set

RMD in action

William Kingsley

Olu Jacobs and RMD

Blossom, Kiki Omeli and Deyemi Okanlawon

Cast of A place called happy

Blossom and Kiki

Omowunmi Dada

CNN Multichoice award postponed

CNN 2013 winner,Kenyan Joseph Mathenge Organisers of the CNN International and Multichoice African journalist award has announced that an extra week has been added for the submission of entries to enable more participant partake in this year’s award. In a statement made available to pressmen, the competition for African nationals based on the continent, welcomes entries from journalists creating content targeting an African audience, and is now open until Monday 18 May to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the African Journalist Awards. Recall that Kenyan Joseph Methenge was awarded the top prize at the CNN Multichoice African Journalist 2014 Awards ceremony. His work, Images of Terror, which appeared in Kenyan daily print newspaper, The Standard, documented the moments of terror experienced by Westgate Mall shoppers in Kenya, when the mall was attacked by unidentified gunmen in September 2013. As part of its addition to this year’s edition of the award, participants can now submit entries in categories such as Culture award, Features awards, Economics &Business Awards amongst others

Iyabo Ojo announces movie premiere date

OC ukeje

Ayanda enjoys Cannes screening After the buzz it had during its production stage, award winning director, Sara Blecher’s new flick Ayanda, featuring AMVCA winner, OC Ukeje was premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Market. The well attended premiere features Fulu Mugovhani, Thomas Gumede, Nthati Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi, Jafta Mamabolo, Sihle Xaba and Vanessa Cooke, with the support of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), Africa Magic and the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) The movie, Ayanda, reflects the story of a young woman whose dreams of running a retro car restoration business is threatened by dark family secrets, the complications of love and the day-to-day challenges of life in the sprawling African metropolis.

Iyabo Ojo Light-skinned actress and CEO, Fespris World, Iyabo Ojo, has hinted that her work Beyond Disability and the most current, Black Val which were both directed by actor turn lawmaker, Desmond Elliot will enjoy a classy premiere soon. In a chat with Daily Time’s Life &Times, the actress divulged that Beyond Disability will be premiered on September 4th, 2015 while Black Val will be screened on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2016 as preparation is already in top gear towards the success of the movie.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday May 18, 2015

L8 Television

Showing on

Showing on

102 M-Net EDGE Channel

112 Studio Universal

01:00

05:20

Mon, 18 May | 13

Mon, 18 May | 16L

‘S3/E4 - Chapter 30’. Kevin Spacey stars as the ruthless politician Frank Underwood in this multiple Emmy award winning drama.

Claire Underwood struggles to salvage her Mideast peace plan in this episode.

101 M-Net West

A has-been divorcé basketball coach is asked to run the local high school girls basketball team. He finds an unexpected chance to get back on his feet again.

Emma Roberts, Rob Corddry, Sam Rockwell. (2009) James C. Strouse.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 SONY MAX

00:05 New Tricks 01:00 The Cube 01:50 Come Dine With Me 02:40 Downton Abbey 03:30 EastEnders 01:10 The Imposter 03:00 The Double 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 Modern Family 06:30 Blue Bloods 07:30 The Fixer 08:30 Moms’ Night Out 10:30 2 Broke Girls 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 Nashville 14:00 Arrow 15:00 Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Goldbergs 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Grey’s Anatomy 19:30 Mysteries Of Laura 20:30 Elementary 21:30 Carte Blanche 22:30 A Good Marriage 23:04 Strike Back 22:30 Mob City 23:00 Strike Back 23:50 Rome

04:00 EastEnders 00:30 The Impostor 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 The Impostor 03:00 The Impostor 03:50 The Impostor 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 Would I Lie To You?

04:30 EastEnders 05:00 Spy 05:25 QI 00:45 Perils Of The Sentimental Swordsman

06:00 The Thin Blue Line 06:30 EastEnders 07:00 Antiques Roadshow

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

02:15 Most Shocking

08:00 The Weakest Link

17:10 The Cube

03:10 Most Shocking

08:50 The Chase

18:05 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

04:05 Exposed

19:00 Celebrity MasterChef

05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak

20:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

05:25 Exposed

21:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

05:50 Exposed

21:50 The Graham Norton Show

06:15 Video Zonkers

22:45 Would I Lie To You?

06:40 Repo Games

23:45 Tanked

07:10 World’s Wildest Police Videos

09:35 Total Wipeout UK 10:30 The Cube 11:20 New Tricks 12:20 Top Gear 13:10 Come Dine With Me 14:10 Total Wipeout UK 15:10 The Weakest Link 16:00 EastEnders

155 AfricaMagic World

00:05 President For A Day 01:10 Sequence 02:00 Jara 02:30 Jara 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:05 53 Extra

08:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 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

154 AfricaMagic Family 04:50 Perfect Union 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Vanity’s Last Game 08:30 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 Goge Africa 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

04:30 Exposed

13:40 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:40 South Beach Tow 15:10 Exposed 01:00 Series TBA 02:30 Good Morning Africa 03:30 Good Morning Africa 04:30 Prem 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 My Good Will 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 19:25 So Wrong So Wright 20:00 Secret Adventure 22:40 Series TBA 22:55 Series TBA 23:45 Why Stop Now? 18:30 So Wrong So Wright

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 Max Knight: Ultra Spy 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 Tool Academy

Kenyans shine in Okpekpe Road Race g 29

Poster!

Adam Lallana

g X2,3 Monday, May 18, 2015

Ayew set to quit

Marseille g31

e r a b g Oka wins women’s

100m in Shanghai g 30

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Sharapova secures Italian Open title g 30

May 10, 1988 (age 27) St Albans, England 1.72 m (5 ft. 8 in) Attacking midfielder/Winger Liverpool 20

Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

Bournemouth (loan) Liverpool

2007: 2014–Till date:

England U-19 England U-21 England

2006: 2008: 2013–Till date:

Adam David Lallana (born May 10, 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liverpool and the Eng-

About Adam Lallana

England U-18

2006:

National team

Southampton

2006–2014:

Senior career

2000–2006:

Bournemouth Southampton

Adam David Lallana

Full name:

Youth career

Adam Lallana

Name:

Personal Information

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EXTRATIME

Monday, May 18, 2015

Adam Lallana

land national team.

As a child, Lallana supported Everton, like his father. He is of Spanish descent through his paternal grandfather.

He began his youth career with Bournemouth before transferring to Southampton in 2000, where he became a professional in 2006. After a brief loan back to Bournemouth he broke into Southampton’s first team as they earned two promotions from League One to the Premier League, becoming captain in 2012. After two seasons in the top flight and an international breakthrough, he joined Liverpool in July 2014.

Lallana was given his senior international debut for England in 2013 and was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And prior to the World Cup, Lallana was subject to interest from Premier League runners-up Liverpool. After long periods of negotiation Liverpool placed a reported £25 million bid which was later accepted by Southampton.

Following England’s return from the World Cup, Lallana signed for Liverpool, and was handed the number 20 shirt, the number he wore during his time at Southampton.

Still on his international career, Lallana has played for England Under-18s, scoring on his debut against Slovenia, 18 months after undergoing an operation to correct an irregular heartbeat. He has also played once each for England Under-19s and England Under-21s. On September 10, 2012, Lallana was called up to the senior England squad for the first time for the 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine although he was not selected for the match itself.

However, on May 12, 2014, Lallana was named in the 23-man England squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He made his competitive debut on June 14 in the first group game against Italy, coming on for the last 10 minutes in place of Sturridge who had scored England’s goal in the 1–2 defeat.

Monday, May 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

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Monday, May 18, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW

Future Olympians will be discovered at Rojenny – Ezeonwuka Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka remember him? He is a member of Board of Trustees (BOT), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Proprietor of Rojenny Tourist Village Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. In this exclusive interview with ANDREW EKEJIUBA, the Ogirisi Igbo (Cleanser of Igbo race) as he is fondly called, opened up on the new-look Rojenny Stadium, his vision for sports development in Nigeria and the need for public spirited individuals and Corporate Nigeria to bankroll sporting activities following the laying of tartan tracks at the venue for athletic events. He also affirmed that future Olympians would be discovered at Rojenny within four years of utilization of the worldclass facilities by our upcoming athletes. Excerpts: The Rojenny Stadium is having a new facelift with the laying of tartan tracks; how soon is the stadium going to be ready for use for athletic events?

As you can see, the laying of the tartan tracks at Rojenny Stadium is now a reality. The materials for the laying of the tartan tracks are here, but what is remaining is the completion of this project, so that our athletes can have a place they can race on.

From what is on ground, we can comfortably say that in no distant time we have a place Nigerian athletes can call their home, because the venue is of international standard.

Initially it was like a dream, I mean nursing the idea of having this project completed; therefore, from the depth of your heart, how do you feel about this latest development of having a standard venue almost ready for athletics through your partnership with the Anambra State Government in this regard?

My feeling is like that of a dreamer, a dreamer dreams of not himself alone, but dreams on a selfless platform. A dreamer dreams not for what will benefit himself, but for what will benefit the entire human race. My reason for speaking in parables is simple; if one dreams for his own selfish interest that’s not visionary, but if that dream can affect the entire people positively who inhabit the earth you are on the right path! What we are doing here is enough to transform the entire society.

I’m happy that in Rojenny, the dream of partnering the Anambra State Government is beginning to bear positive fruits. The state government has come forward to embrace our dream by putting standard sporting facilities in place here which are of international standard.

The project commenced during Gov. Peter Obi’s administration before he handed the baton of leadership to the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano. The whole process has been a continuous experience because Governor Obiano has vowed that they will do everything possible to achieve that dream of making Rojenny Games Village the hub of sports revolution in

Nigeria.

Now the tartan track materials have arrived and I want to beckon on Nigerians to give the venue four years and Olympic champions will be produced from this project at Rojenny.

How soon is the laying of the tartan track going to be completed because many athletes are itching and anxiously waiting to run on these tracks?

Everything is the hands of the state government to finalise. The laying of the track will soon commence from my understanding because we have been waiting for years and months for these materials to be made available. Today, the materials are here and what is remaining is for the job to be completed, therefore we just need to be patient to see all these our aspirations become a reality.

Ezeonwuka

New look Rojenny Stadium undergoing reconstruction.

Also, you can see that the company handling the project has already scrubbed the hard floor to enable the turf to be smooth enough for tartan track materials to adhere to the glue that will be applied to the surface.

So, the contractors are on course and ready to complete the project.

With this massive sporting project going on here, do you have a vision of owning sporting clubs at Rojenny so that these facilities will not be lying fallow and also leave a good legacy for future Nigerians to emulate?

My take on your question is very simple; we have Nigerians who have

the money to own sports clubs, but they are wasting their money on politics instead of investing it on talented individuals whom God can use to make the country proud in international sporting events.

We want to encourage these money bags to come forth and bankroll sporting activities at Rojenny. They can equally own clubs if they wish, so we are using the facilities here to create avenues whereby they can be encouraged to contribute their quota for sports development in Nigeria.

Nothing stops individuals and Corporate Nigeria from coming here to sponsor age grade competitions because these competitions are what we need now in order to discover our future Olympians at their real ages and groom them to stardom.

It might also interest you to know that Rojenny Games Village is a multi-

sporting arena which houses many sporting facilities like standard swimming pools, basketball, chess, scrabble, tennis, table tennis, handball, rugby, badminton, football, athletics or track and field events.

We also have an amusement park and a mini zoo for our guests to visit.

Rojenny is home away from home!

Looking at the Rojenny Stadium and some sporting facilities here, it seems sporting actions have been going in the place; what’s your reaction in this regard?

I cannot be able to count the number of sporting activities going on here now because they are many.

For the past years or even before the renovation of the sporting facilities, we have organized many sporting competitions at Rojenny like FA Cup competitions, Traders Cup competitions, school sports events and even using the venue for hosting continental and league matches.

Now the renovations of these facilities are going on, we are still hosting sporting events which means churning out future Olympians at Rojenny is a project that is dear to our heart!

We are not interested in the resources accruing from using these sporting facilities, but we are interested in people using Rojenny to produce future champions.

Individuals who have the financial muscle can come here and bankroll sporting events free of charge because we need to discover more athletes from the grassroots. We need these people to come home and contribute their quota to sports development in Nigeria!

Finally, what does the future hold for Nigeria in sports with such world-class sporting facilities in place at Rojenny Games Village?

I want to be emphatic here in answering your question. The future of sports development begins here at Rojenny Stadium because with the completion of the laying of the tartan tracks, we must begin to expect a boom in our sports development policies.

It is my dream that we must take over athletics from the hands of Jamaicans and Americans. You can see that in the past, this region of the country has produced world-class short distance runners. From Mary Onyealis to Innocent Egbunikes, the list is countless. Our neighbours from Delta State are also doing wonderfully well in athletics with the discovery of athletes like Blessing Okagbare and co. So, we must not be tired in giving future Nigerian Olympians a place to train and hit stardom.