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THE

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TIMES

NIGERIA INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER. EST. 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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180.28

16.75

10.24%

WAPCO

ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Buhari

has reacted to indications that his popularity has declined, boasting that he is still as popular as he was during the 2015 presidential election.

66.60

NSE QUICK BITE 5.04

8.19%

YEARS OF JOURNALISM

In an interview with African Leadership magazine, Buhari said: “Yes, I was elected by an overwhelming majority of Nigerians, and I am Continued on page 6

N150

MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 153

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GAINERS AS AT 15th July, 2016 FO

90

I’ll win again if election holds today – Buhari

VITAFOAM

3.48

LOSERS AS AT 15th July, 2016 -0.19

-5.18%

MOBIL

161.55 -7.45

-4.41%

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The

DAILY

TIMES

Property Club

The Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, the nation’s heritage and legacy newspaper has concluded arrangement to float Nigeria’s first property club.

The innovative Real Estate Club in the nation’s newspaper industry, proposed for every Thursday, is a new platform for complete and sustained interface between operators and potential clients.

The club scheduled for inaugu ƌƄƏ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè ƈƆƇ zƈƋƋƈƆ RƄƈ æƾ Ɨ ƋƆƇƐçì R ƈ Ƈ 9ƇƆè RƄ ƗƆƕƆƕƆ R Ƒ ƓƑ ƈ æƢƏƗ ƋƆƇƐçì Ɠƈ ƆƏè ƈƊ ƍƏƈƖƆ ƈ Ƒ ƈ Ɔ GƆ ƗƆƏ ƈƍè ƈƆƇ &Əƈƅ nƌƆ Ƈƈ æƢƏƗ ration in the second week of SepƏƈ Ɛçì ƈ ƓƈƇƆè Mƌ ƅ ƑƊƓƑì R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè dƆ ê 9ƄƈƊƑ ƋƆ ƌ Ƒ æƏƈ Ɛç Ɨ Ɛ ƆƏ ƈ ƍ Ɛ Ɔ ƈ ƇƐƆƏ ƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛƈ Ƈ Ɠ ƏƗ Ɛ nƌƆ Ƈƈ ƈ G êêê ƏƆƅƆ ƐƋƕê tember, allows property companies time to register for membership. All intending members are expected to pay N200, 000 per annum as subscription fee.

INCENTIVES FOR MEMBERS 1. Three free adverts for members per year.

6 2. All subsequent adverts attract 50% discount on total value.

3. Two copies of Daily Times for all members every Thursday and 12 4. Daily Times aggressive coverage of members’ activities.

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S-South, S-East lawmakers insist on 65 percent oil blocs for Niger Deltans g

FG lost $518m to Oil Swap, g OPAs deals – NEITI boss

Unlawful detention: Dasuki slams N15b suit against FGg

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Page Three Æ s

3

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial States and the federal loan package

T

he Federal Government recently announced another loan package of N90 billion for states.

The loan package announced by Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, would be accessed through bond only by those states that meet the 22 conditions contained in the fiscal sustainability plans of the government. Parts of the plans include the implementation of a centralised Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the publishing of their audited annual financial statements by December each year.

Nigerians have watched in utter dismay the daily singsong by state governors at the lack of funds to meet the statutory obligations in their respective jurisdictions, especially for the payment of workers’ salaries. These governors have consistently pointed accusing fingers in the direction of the Federal Government as the main culprit in this curious saga. Such outcries by the state chief executives are becoming commonplace, thereby giving the impression that they lack the vision and creativity to generate revenue internally without constantly going caps in hand for bailout. Definitely, Nigerians are wondering why it is becoming a habit for state governors to wait for allocation from Abuja before embarking on any programme or projects.

Expectedly, Nigerians are becoming uncomfortable with the consistent show of public outcry. Of course, the most often quoted reason for the demand is the dwindling allocation to the states from the Federal Government.

We are aware that the country’s constitution gives the central government an overwhelming influence in fiscal matters in comparison with the constituent states. A number of fac-

tors account for this, which include the growing importance of crude oil, the civil war, military incursion into politics, and state creation exercises that reduced the geographical size of the former regions which made them inherently weak and excessively dependent on statutory allocation. In view of this, revenue sharing and allocation between the federal and other tiers of government have become the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s fiscal federalism.

For example, the current revenue formula has the Federal Government getting more than 40 per cent of all revenue; the 36 states receive only 30 per cent, while the 774 local governments get the remaining. However, until a new revenue sharing formula comes into effect, the states must make do with what the constitution entitles them. It is therefore imperative for governors to seek creative ways of bringing more money into their states’ kitty.

It is time like this that Nigerians differentiate those governors who think outside the box from those sitting on their hands and waiting to be spoon fed from Abuja. We have always believed that the difference between one state governor and the other is their individual abilities to see opportunities where others would normally see threats.

On the other hand, we are at a loss knowing why some governors have become spendthrifts in the face of dwindling revenue. Rather than engage in productive ventures to raise revenue for their states many of them still live like modern day Pharaohs. Even at this, Nigerians need a constitutional reform that will launch the federating units into the productive industrial orbit; not one that would reduce them to indolent unproductive beggars that will always be looking forward to monthly subventions.

L-R: Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr. Olatunji Bello; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo and Commissioner for Environment, Lagos State, Dr. Babatunde Adejare at the 2016 Tree Planting Day... on Thursday. Fidelity Bank won the award for the 2015 Best Green Partner Tree Planting Campaign in Lagos State.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole addressing supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC), at the flag-off of the gubernatorial campaign of the APC, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City… at the weekend.

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L-R: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal during the condolence visit of Obasanjo to the Sultan on the death of late Umaru Shinkafi, in Sokoto … on Sunday.

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David Oyedepo

Nelson Mandela

Chinua Achebe

“Until you are willing to change your approach, you cannot improve on your results.”

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Nigeria is what it is because its leaders are not what they should be.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

5 News

News Analysis

The 2019 fight to finish Agozino Agozino

ÏÏÏThe 2019 presidential elec-

tion is still far away but it is already shaping up to an epic battle. On the surface, last week’s brawl between Senator Dino Melaye and Oluremi Tinubu who were enmeshed in a shouting bout using unprintable words against each other may look like a mere contest between two Senators. But it is not. It is far deeper than that. It is indeed about 2019.

Although some political analysts have expressed concern attributing the sad development to the frosty relationship between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) federal lawmakers and the Federal Government as a result of the deft moves to remove the principal officers in the Senate, but the battle is all about the soul of Nigeria come 2019.

Ever since the permutation of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC’s) choice of candidates did not go their way last June, when Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Ike Ekweremadu emerged as Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively, the battle line seemed to have been drawn between the two government institutions.

Indeed, the cat and mouse politics in the Senate portends a serious danger in the polity with regard to the call by aggrieved Senators on the other side of the divide to impeach President Muhammadu Buhaari, coming at a time, when Nigerians are groaning under the present economic reces-

sion.

Some adduced that it is an unnecessary distraction on the part of the Federal Government who supposed to close rank with the National Assembly to get the economy out of the woods but the reverse is the case due to the festering imbroglio. Some Nigerians see it as settling of scores between aggrieved politicians on their self-serving interest strategising against next general election due in2019.

Apart from the fact that ‘god fatherisim’ did not play a part in the Senate selection of their principal officers, the APC leaders took it as a slap on their faces, hinging the emergence of Senate leadership on forgery of Senate standing rules, which is now being contested at the law court. As the ‘game’ is playing itself out, accusation and counter accusations between the PDP and APC lawmakers in the Senate have become the order of the day.

Recently, the PDP caucus in the Senate threatened to withdraw support for the ruling party stating that President Buhari is acting ‘dictatorially’ to remove both the Senate President and his deputy, and harping that the anti-corruption war by the administration is selective targeting the perceived opponents.

With the court case on the forgery of the Senate rules ongoing, the die is cast between the PDP and APC senators, whose Senators share positions in the Upper Chamber. Nigerians are watching both parties since this episode of ‘charge syndrome’ started in the polity whether the Senate and the Federal Government stalemate will deepen democratic norms in the country.

FOI: SERAP sues FG over failure to name suspected looters

ÏÏÏThe Socio-Economic Rights

and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Federal Government over “failure to release the names of suspected looters and the circumstances under which recovered stolen public funds were recovered.”

The suit filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, followed a Freedom of Information request to the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed asking him to use his good offices to “provide information about the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered and the circumstances under which funds were recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each public official.”

The originating summons with suit number FHC/CS/964/2016 was brought pursuant to section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, and signed by SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Minister of Informa-

tion, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

The Plaintiff is arguing that, “By a letter with reference No MJ/FOI/GEN/014/1/54 and dated 21 June, 2016, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), confirmed that the FOI request by SERAP was brought to the attention of the defendants for handling. However, since the receipt of the FOI request and the confirmation

by Mr. Malami that the request was brought to the attention of the defendants for handling, and up till the filing of this suit, the defendants have so far failed, refused and/or neglected to provide SERAP with the details of the information requested.”

SERAP is asking the court to determine the question “Whether by virtue of the provision of section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the defendants are under an obligation to provide the Plaintiff with the information requested for.”

The suit reads in part: “By virtue of Section 1(1) of the FOI Act 2011, the Plaintiff is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution. Under the FOI, when a person makes a request for information from a public official, institution or agency, the public official, institution or agency to whom the application is under a binding legal obligation to provide the Plaintiff/Applicant with the information requested for, except as otherwise provided by the Act, within 7 days after the application is received.

“The information requested by SERAP does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act. The information requested for, apart from not being exempted from disclosure under the FOI Act, bothers on an issue of National interest, public concern, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability.

Gunmen kidnap Lagos monarch Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏSuspected

Buhari

gunmen have abducted a first class traditional ruler in Lagos, Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni, the Oniba of Ibaland, killed his guard and shot his wife.

The Daily Times gathered that the gunmen, suspected to be from Niger Delta, stormed the monarch’s palace at Iba area

of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria around 11:30pm on Saturday and took the monarch away, escaping through the waterways.

Palace source said the gunmen killed Oseni’s guard, a Neighbourhood Watch officer, shot his wife and in the process of escaping with the monarch shot a motorcyclist who was passing by.

Confirming the report, the Lagos State Police Command Police

Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus said “It is a new trend been employed by the hoodlums who are originally pipeline vandals tagged ‘militants’ because their vandalism activities have been curtailed and they are incapacitated on robbery, so they have resulted to kidnapping. The command have been arresting them and rescuing the victim, the latest will not be different.”

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Anti-corruption war: Buhari shielding friends, targeting enemies – Fayose ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari is acting like the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria by shielding his men from probe, Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose has said.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Fayose urged Buhari to stop this, just as he asked Nigerians to demand the release of the authentic report of the Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He described the claim by the federal government that the probe panel only looked into procurement and contracts awarded by the military between 2011-2015 because documents regarding procurement from 2007 to 2010 were not available as a clear indication of Buhari’s

support for corruption.

In the statement, issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said “It is now obvious to the entire world that anyone that is in President Buhari’s good books can never be adjudged as corrupt even if such a person is caught looting the entire money in Nigeria’s treasury.”

According to him, it smacks of sheer hypocrisy and nepotism for anyone to accept that fraud could have been perpetrated on procurement and award of contracts in an establishment without the involvement of the director of procurement.

“There are many petitions relating to defence from 2007 that are be-

ing discarded, the question is why?

There are several petitions against APC leaders that are not being looked into, the question is why?

“Fghting corruption and targeting only opponents of the president is in itself corruption,” he said.

He continued, “Buhari’s’ Minister of Interior, Major General Abdul rahman Dambazau (rtd) was Chief of Army Staff between 2008 and 2010 and the current Chief Of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai served as Director of Procurements, Defence Headquarters, from 2012 till May 2015.

“It is a fact that the committee in its terms of reference said it queried all procurement from 2007 to 2015. Even the Press Release issued was titled; ‘Third Interim Report of

the Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement from 2007 to 2015.

“First paragraph of the committee report also indicated that it used 2007-2015 as reference, stating that the committee ‘analyzed procurement contracts awarded by or for the Nigerian Army between 2007 and 2015.

“Questions Nigerians must now begin to ask President Buhari and his government are; where is the report of Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement relating to 2007 to 2010? Who doctored the committee report and why?

“Lai Mohammed said the ComContinued on page 12

L-R: Librarian, Yaba College of Technology (YCT), Mrs. Taiwo Adebowale; Registrar, Mrs. Charity Amapakabo; Deputy Rector, Academics, Mr. Innocent Akhuemonkhan and former Director, UNESCO-NUEVOC centre, YCT, Mrs. Ify Marinze at the World Youth Skills Day in Lagos… at the weekend.

Unlawful detention: Dasuki slams N15b suit against FG Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏEmbattled

former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has sued the federal government at the high court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja over his continued detention by the Department of State Security Service (DSS).

Dasuki who has been in custody since December last year is claiming N15b general damages and compensation for his alleged illegal detention and breaches of his fundamental human right to freedom of liberty and dignity of life.

He claimed his incarceration is a violation of his rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

In the fresh suit, Dasuki is praying the court to order his immediate release from the claws of the federal government security agents either conditionally or unconditionally.

The suit, marked FCT/HC/ ABJ/CV/2005/2016 and instituted on his behalf by his two lead counsel Messrs Joseph Daudu SAN and Ahmed Raji SAN, was brought pursuant to Order 11, Rule 1, 2 and 3 of the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rule 2009.

Listed as defendants in the suit are the Department of State Se-

curity Service (DSSS), National Security Adviser (NSA), Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Dasuki is also praying the court to compel defendants to jointly and severally tender a public apology to him to be published in two national dailies for the violation of his rights.

Besides, Dasuki is seeking the court’s declaration that he is entitled to his rights to dignity of human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, freedom of movement, private and family life and to acquire and own properties as enshrined in the 1999 constitution.

He also wants the court to de-

clare that his arrest and continuous detention since December 29, 2015 in the custody of the DSS and NSA by officers of the federal government without allowing him access to his medical personnel, members of his family and without charging him to court within the time prescribed by law is wrongful, unlawful, un-constitutional and a violation of his right granted by the country’s constitution.

In a 43-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summon, Dasuki acknowledged he is a retired army officer, decent with no criminal record, lawfully resident in Nigeria and had served the country in various capacities.

Buhari

I’ll win again if election holds today – Buhari Continued from page 1 ever grateful for the opportunity I have been given to serve.

“However, I don’t consider the result of the so-called survey a slip in my public rating and acceptance.

I appreciate the high expectations of Nigerians and as an administration we are working assiduously to deliver.

“We came in with a mantra of Change and the zeal to give a new lease of life to governance. Our zeal has remained the same and we are always prepared to make the difference.

“You will recall that when I was being sworn in, I emphasized that as a government, three key areas will be the priorities. The first is the need to rebuild the economy. I also pledged to fight insecurity while the third and equally important area is the fight against corruption.

“Nigeria will soon be back on track. Before now, we have been having sleepless nights in Nigeria with Boko Haram having field days in tormenting people, most especially in the North-Eastern part of the country. So far, we have shown resilContinued on page 12

FG lost $518m to Oil Swap, OPAs deals – NEITI boss ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government lost approximately $518 million to oil swap and Offshore Processing Agreements (OPA) in 2013 due to inefficiencies by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries, the Economic Confidential reports.

Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr. Waziri Adio, made the disclosures in an interview with the Economic Confidential, the intelligence magazine.

He said the Federation lost $211.88m to crude for product Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Okupe: Why Jonathan told Dasuki to give me N100m ÎÎÎFormer

Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), gave him N100 million on the instruction of Jonathan.

Okupe, who served as Jonathan’s spokesman from 2012 to 2015, added that he received N10m monthly from Dasuki to pay salaries and run a weekly programme on NTA.

The former presidential aide said this in a Facebook post on Sunday while reacting to his arrest and interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency had alleged that Okupe received N85 million from Dasuki at different times.

In his reaction, Okupe said: “The initial N50m was approved by the President to be paid to me from his security vote. N10m was to furnish my rented living apartment

and another N10m for my office. The balance N30m was approved as take-off grant.

“The N10m I received from the ONSA monthly was to run my office, pay salaries of staff, including overheads, pay expenses for our numerous press conferences, pay for publications in newspapers, magazines, local and foreign, television programmes, bulletins, and media consultants who assist and facilitate our work. I had about 23 staff, 11 were graduates out of which five were master’s degree

holders.

“The second N50m was approved again by Mr. President when I reported to him that the monthly allowance had been cut from N10m to N5m and that I was no longer in position to keep running a one-hour NTA network programme called INSIGHT which was aired 9-10am every Friday.

“We paid NTA about N1.2m monthly for airtime.

Two presenters were paid N600,000 monthly. We paid for tapes and editing per pro-

gramme. Besides we also pay honorarium for guests either directly or in form of hotel bills for those outside Abuja, or transportation.

“This cost averagely N500,000 weekly or about N2m monthly. All in all we spend about N4m monthly on the programme. Mr. President promised to help with the expenses. About a few months later when we had incurred some debts, the NSA sent me this N50m which was to cover the cost of the programme for 12 months.”

7 News Ondo guber: APC holds primary Aug. 27 Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed Saturday, 27th August, 2016 for the conduct of its primary election of its gubernatorial candidate for the Ondo State governorship election coming up in November this year.

The sale of forms for the APC primary will commence at the Party’s National Secretariat from Tuesday 19th July to Friday 5th August, 2016.

The governorship nomination form will be sold at the rate of N5 million while intending aspirants are expected to pay N500, 000 to pick expression of interest form.

The facts were contained in the APC’s time-table and schedule of activities for the conduct of the governorship primary election in Ondo State which were released on Sunday in Abuja.

The Party’s National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday.

Sacked Ogun commissioner alleges threat to life Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÎÎÎThe recently sacked ComL-R: Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu; MD/CEO Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya; Executive Chairman, Nigeria Telecom Award, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi at the 2016 Nigerian Telecoms award in Lagos… on Sunday.

I wish you well, Benin Crown Prince tells Obaseki Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÎÎÎThe

Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa has wished the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki well to be the next governor of Edo State.

During the visit of APC governor to the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom in Benin City, last weekend, the Edaiken said it is not good to be in the opposition.

The Edaiken who praised Governor Adams Oshiomhole said, “On behalf of the chiefs, the royal family and the Benin Kingdom, I want to specially welcome

here the gubernatorial candidate and his running mate, the one I call my son.

He is always so shy. I don’t know how he is able to play politics. I want to welcome all of you for coming here today. I am very delighted and honoured to see the chieftains of the APC, and we are sure that the state is moving on strong with the APC. I have always said one thing, and I have repeated and reiterated it over and over again that in Benin, the Benin monarch is not partisan. However, it is not always too easy to be in the opposition with the party at the centre in Abuja.”

He continued, “So, when Adams Oshiomhole, the Comrade Governor took

the reins of office here, and it was APC; the PDP was in charge in Abuja; we were all wondering: how is he going to do it? How is he going to get the attention of the federal government? How is he going to pool all the resources that he needs to work in the state? As you all know, he worked miracles.

He did a lot of things which many people thought could not be done. Almost along the same line, the governor of Lagos State at the time also, Fashola. So, they were virtually like two brothers working together in the face of the opposition.”

He said, “So, we can only pray that may the Lord God almighty and our ancestors protect the gubernatorial

candidate, give them the wisdom to put food on the table of the masses because for us, our first concern is the people, the masses, and of course, he will be a great respecter, like our comrade Governor, I said he should do better than him, to be a great respecter of the traditional institution.”

The Crown Prince added, “So, I want to thank you all very much and wish that the gubernatorial candidate will do their best to improve on the Comrade Governor’s work in the State. It is going to be a lot of work to beat. He has set standards that other governors, they have to beat.

I want to thank you very much, because I know the

time is far spent and you are starting the campaign now. On behalf of our family, the chiefs, I want to wish you well.”

Obaseki

missioner 1V in the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Oluwole Ebenezer Olubena, has alleged that sponsored agents of the government have been threatening his life and that of his family, following “misconception “about his person.

In a press release issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, copies of which was obtained by our correspondent, Hon. Olubena said he had since alerted the Police Area Commander about the invasion of his residence in Itele, on June 12, 2016, when a gun-toting man suspected to be agent of the government banged on his residence.

The embattled Commissioner, who was relieved of his appointment, in a terse statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, also denied any “misconduct” in the discharge of his duty since he assumed the position as Commissioner 1V in the service almost five years ago.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Politics

Æs

BEN AYADE Security

threat in Niger Delta: Ayade reads riot act to criminals

Amidst increased bombings in the Niger Delta region, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has read the riot act to criminals in the state, advising them to look elsewhere for their nefarious activities as they will soon be flushed out of their various hideouts.

Addressing newsmen at the Peace Park, Calabar, shortly after a five-hour security council meeting, the governor, who was accompanied by service commanders in the state as well as his State Security Adviser, unveiled a new security agenda aimed at containing the emerging threats to the prevailing peace and security of the state.

He warned criminal elements believed to have infiltrated Cross River from neighbouring states that their time was up, stressing that “We have identified the homes of the kingpins, we have the coordinates of their armoury, we have a clear picture of their modus operandi and we are working on a massive attack, we are coming after them.

“We have understood the basis of this crime, we have names, security reports of specific people, their agents, and their modus operandi have been well analysed by security commanders and we are confident that the action you will see in a matter of days to come, will be different.”

Vowing not to allow antisocial forces steal some of the unique elements which stand Calabar and indeed Cross River out among other states, Ayade said: “Cross River is known as the home state of tourism, Calabar is known as the destination for African hospitality, anything that will impinge on the integrity, knowledge, wealth and values of the state must be resisted by Cross Riverians and Nigerians. ” Decked in army green combat trousers, the governor disclosed that a total of 47 criminals have been arrested in the wake of the recent security threats in the state capital, adding that “none CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Dickson should allow Bayelsa Tribunal do its job, says Sylva Mathew Dadiya, Abja The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has raised the alarm that Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, has launched ‘a dangerous’ campaign in a few online media outlets and social media to browbeat the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Tribunal as it prepares to deliver its judgement.

A statement made available to the Daily Times by Doifie Buokoribo, Media Adviser to Chief Sylva, stated that such campaign contained series of lies deliberately told to impugn the integrity of the tribunal in obvious fear of an unfavourable ruling.

According to Sylva, the structured campaign, apparently, launched to try to arm-twist the

NNAMDI AZIKIWE

There is plenty of room at the top because very few people care to travel beyond the average route. And so most of us seem satisfied to remain within the confines of mediocrity.

Bayelsa State Governorship Election Tribunal as it prepares to deliver its judgement bears all the hallmarks of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s frequently used bully-boy tactics.

The statement read in part: “In one of the canards about a week ago, vended through a strange group, Good Governance Initiative, the Dickson group claimed that Sylva was lobbying the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, and other officials of the Federal Government to put pressure on the election tribunal to declare

SYLVA “Some key supporters of the Dickson-led PDP” have met to plan how to react in the event of an unfavourable judgement.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

TONY ELUMELU Nobody is going to develop Africa except us.

TAFAWA BALEWA

ADEKUNLE AJASIN

We must recognize our diversity and the peculiar conditions under which the different tribal communities live in this country.

“Our Federalism is upside down. We are not practicing Federalism in Nigeria.”

GEN. HARUNA IBRAHIM, EX AREWA BOSS

“The country Nigeria started from being divided. We are never one. It was the process of history that brought us together. The British did not meet us as one country. The country Nigeria started from being divided.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

9 Politics

Security threat in Niger Delta: Ayade reads riot act to criminals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

of those arrested are Cross Riverians and that clearly underscores the fact that the culture, integrity, character and honour of the people of the state have not changed.”

On cultism which he observed was beginning to resurface, the Governor warned: “We as an administration are going to take deliberate steps to ensure that any person who is in any cult and is in government is thrown out.”

On the intractable communal clashes in the state, resulting in the wanton destruction of lives and property, Ayade ordered the immediate withdrawal of certificates of recognition of traditional rulers in the affected communities.

He explained that, as part of the new strategy, his administration has decided to increase the budgetary provision for security, disclosing that, “we will provide additional 30 vehicles to cover Calabar city centre, increase the fire power of “Operation Skolombo,” expand our security network and introduce Cross River State Homeland Se-

curity Service that will provide intelligence report to Operation Skolombo and other security agencies in the state.”

The governor, who assured the citizenry of their safety, urged them not to hesitate in calling the emergency numbers so provided.

He further hinted that the state and indeed, Calabar, will be divided into 18 cells, even as” nine entry and nine exit points have also been identified.”

Stating that his team was aware of all militants parading and taking full occupation of Bakassi, he lamented that “the people of Bakassi have been in pains as their land and oil wells were taken away, while still being reduced in spirit, psychology and economy” adding “we can’t afford to create a perilous nightmare for the same people.”

While expressing confidence in the Federal government, Ayade, however, appealed to the President to extend “Operation Delta Safe” to Cross River state in order not to isolate the state in the battle to keep the Niger Delta region safe.

Ayade

Dickson should allow Bayelsa Tribunal do its job, says Sylva

DICKSON

‘‘It is also unjust for Dickson to be spending the resources of the people of Bayelsa State on a desperate media campaign purposed to call into question the reputation of the country’s judiciary. ‘‘

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

him governor via a ‘black market judgement’.”

“Another false report, an apparent follow-up to the intimidation campaign run, appeared on Thursday, 14 July. It claimed the existence of an imaginary tension in Yenagoa following alleged “confirmation” by APC leaders, including the national leader, Asi-

waju Bola Tinubu, that the tribunal would rule in Sylva’s favour.

According to the report, “Some key supporters of the Dicksonled PDP” have met to plan how to react in the event of an unfavourable judgement.”

Chief Sylva, who is the petitioner in the case, sees this attempt by Dickson to second-guess the decision of the tribunal and, perhaps, try to intimidate it, as

immoral and despicable. Sylva appeals to Dickson and his men to allow the tribunal to do its job.

As a democrat and firm believer in the rule of law, Sylva had taken his misgivings about the outcome of the election to the election tribunal to see if the victory awarded to Dickson by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could stand up to judicial scrutiny. He, thus,

urges that Dickson should for once control his predilections for falsehood and violent incitement and wait for the judicial process as it unfolds, Sylva stated.

“Sylva’s expectation of justice from the election tribunal is hinged on his belief that the honourable judges would be guided by the letter and spirit of the law.

“Neither Bola Tinubu nor Abubakar Malami, Babachir Lawal or Aisha Buhari is a member of the election tribunal. Therefore, it is unfair for Dickson and his group to insinuate that the respected tribunal judges are poodles of any political party or individual.

It is also unjust for Dickson to be spending the resources of the people of Bayelsa State on a desperate media campaign purposed to call into question the reputation of the country’s judiciary. It is even wicked, ungodly and uncaring that this wastage is happening at a time when workers in the state are being owed several months’ salaries.

We are aware that huge amounts of money have been disbursed by Dickson to individuals and groups to do a hatchet job on the Bayelsa election tribunal as

it prepares to deliver its judgement. We are also aware that certain groups have been procured

by Dickson and his men to cause violence if the ruling does not go in his favour.

This manifestation of politics of anxiety on the part of Dickson is despicable. It is uncalled for, especially, as he is well aware that whatever judgement the election tribunal would give is not final.

Finally, no date has been fixed for judgement by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Holden at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with Petition Number: EPT/BY/GOV/002/2016, involving: Sylva and the APC Versus INEC, Dickson and PDP. Yet, one report was very categorical on “the date” for verdict. This is worrisome.

According to one online medium on Thursday: “Although the tribunal will deliver its judgement on his petition on July 29, sources told journalists that the ‘positive mood’ in the Sylva’s camp was sequel to alleged ‘confirmation’ received from some influential citizens within the APC that judgement will likely go the way of their candidate at the tribunal”.

Politics 10 Motolani Oseni The governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard-bearer in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, received a major boost at the weekend, as friends and business associates hosted a fundraiser in his honour at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Themed ‘An Evening With GO’, the event, which was well attended by top business leaders, captains of industry, party leaders and government functionaries, also served as the formal launch of ‘The Essential GO’ book – a testimonial biography on the life and passion of Godwin Obaseki.

In his foreword to the book, Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, noted: “Godwin Obaseki is truly a remarkable figure with limitless talent, a big heart, and a self-effacing, down-to-earth personal style that gives no indication of his extraordinary accomplishments.”

“The Essential GO: An Insight into the Life & Passion of Godwin Obaseki is as much for those who have had a personal encounter with Godwin Obaseki as it is for those who haven’t. The underlying theme of the book, as mirrored by the exemplary life of Godwin Obaseki, is that true greatness can only be achieved through a life of purpose and ser-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Edo guber: Business community rally support for Obaseki

OBASEKI

vice.”

Attesting to Obaseki’s enterprise, President & CEO of Dangote Industries Limited and Africa’s most successful businessman, Aliko Dangote, stated in the book: “After over three decades in business, I have learnt that personal integrity is as important as executive skill in business dealings, and Godwin has both in abundance.”

“Godwin is a thoroughbred financial expert: His work with Afrinvest - and as a member of several government committees - speaks volumes of his abilities.

Whether in private enterprise or public administration, I have absolutely no doubt that Godwin will make a success of any venture he aspires to.”

In his testimonial, DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) stated, “Godwin is a sound professional who understands the linkages between business and the economic well being of the people. Perhaps, his strongest quality is his high integrity. His ‘can do’ attitude and friendly personality also make him a great and dependable lead-

Brexit: Nigerian leaders should learn form Britain - Ubani

Iniobong Iwok

Nigerian leaders have been urged to learn to allow the will of the people prevail rather than the wishes of few in taking decisions that affect the country.

This was the view of the former Chairman of Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar association, Barrister Chibuike Ubani in a chat with DailyTimes, noting that the current state of the country was unaccountability and bad leadership.

On the increased calls for a return to regionalism, Ubani stated that he supported the urgent need to restructure the country, but added that with the present number of states the country, regional government was not realistic.

He said “regional Government is not possible, its not practicable at this time, there would be issues of where the capital would be situated, what about the number of states we have in the regions now?

“The machinery of government is going to be a problem, but if you talk about proper restructuring, proper federalism that is what we need.

“I believe Nigeria should be restructured, let the states have autonomy so that everybody can develop at its pace; they are not maximising their potentials. As it is, every state has one mineral, so we say: go and make use of what you have”, Ubani stressed.

The legal luminary lauded the anti graft war of the current administration, but advised that it should not be selective.

“The anti corruption fight is moving on, but it must be extended to everyone who is liable; everyone who has broken the rule should face the law.

“The EFCC has the right to investigate any serving governor and he has to explain and such would explain questions regarding his finances and other issues”, Ubani stressed.

Bello

Bello did not spend N1 billion on vehicles - Aide The Kogin State Government has refuted reports that the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, spent N1 billion to purchased vehicles for political appointees in the state.

According to a statement by

the governor’s media adviser, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, the allegations are false and full of malicious content.

“For avoidance of doubt, Governor Bello, has not bought any vehicle for political appointees

er.”

The Essential GO also featured statements by many other notable business leaders and financial experts including Hakeem Bello-Osagie, Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria; Asue Ighodalo, Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc; Phillips Oduoza, GMD, UBA Plc; Ike Chioke, MD, Afrinvest West Africa Limited; and Evelyn Oputu, former MD, Bank of Industry, among others.

They extolled Obaseki’s strong values of honesty and diligence while also highlighting his exceptional business savvy, excellent administrative capacities, dynamic leadership style and commitment to service.

Among the business leaders in attendance were Dapo Osinusi, Chairman, Mansfield Energy; Asue Ighodalo, Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc; Peter Obaseki, Managing Director, First City Monument Bank; Ike Chioke, CEO of Afrinvest West Africa Limited; David Ladipo, Managing Director, Azura Power Limited; and Victor Ogiemwonyi, Managing Director, Partnership Investment Limited.

as erroneously stated by the Audu/Feleke political organisation.

“The vehicle that the Chief of Staff to the Governor is using is his personal car and was not bought by the government for him.

“It is therefore pertinent to say that all the appointees of the governor are yet to be given official vehicles and those who have were just using the old vehicles acquired and used by the immediate past government in the state”, the statement said pointing out that the vehicles purchased by the Local Government councils were bought on loans, which is to be paid back in twelve months.

“It is interesting to let the Faleke group know that the Ford vehicles purchased for Local Government Administrators are cheaper than the one used by the immediate past council Chairmen in the state.

“The vehicles in the governors’ convoy, with the exception of two, belong to the Governor himself and that means he has been very mindful of exravagant spending as exhibited by some past leaders in the state, which has brought the state to the present pitiable situation”, it stressed.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

11 Politics

Posers over Ajimobi’s N5m bounty on Oyo lawmaker’s killers

Tongues have started wagging on the N5 million prize money the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, placed on the heads of the three gunmen allegedly responsible for the gruesome murder of a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Gideon Aremu.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, in Ibadan, had announced the reward for any member of the public with credible information that might lead to the arrest of the criminals.

Ajimobi had appealed to members of the public in possession of any useful information to immediately contact the following telephone numbers: 0802 343 1079, 0803 653 6581, with assurances that such tips would be treated in the utmost confidence.

But many residents of the state are worried about the N5 million bounty considering the financial position of the state where workers and pensioners are being owed salaries, al-

lowances and pension running from eight to 12 months.

Commentators on a radio programme monitored in Ibadan at the weekend noted that what was paramount now was taking care of the living who are languishing in penury due to non-payment of salaries and pensions.

According to them, the N5 million would go a long way in taking care of pensioners, many of whom they said are dying by the day for the delay in paying them.

Reliable sources said apart from the workers and pensioners, many of those also being owed salaries are traditional rulers in the state whose five percent from local governments are being withheld. Also affected are former governors of the state whose benefits are also being withheld for lack of funds.

Sources said among those affected is one who is critically ill and needed urgent medical attention but whose plight may not have received appropriate response from the governor unlike the killing of Aremu.

Buhari condemns Turkey coup

Buhari

AJIMOBI

Governor, Oyo State

Aremu represented Oorelope constituency in the House of Assembly until he was murdered on May 31 by three gunmen that allegedly trailed him on motorcycle.

The governor said that he was still saddened by the ghastly incident that shattered the serenity the state had enjoyed in the past five years and would be prepared to reward anybody with clues that would assist the police to apprehend the culprits and their sponsors.

Ajimobi said: “This is to further demonstrate the government’s commitment to the ongoing investigation of the im-

mediate and remote causes of the murder of the parliamentarian who was allegedly gunned down in front of his home in Alakia, Ibadan.

“The governor, once again, wishes to reiterate his administration’s relentless pursuit and defence of the security of lives and properties of all citizens of Oyo State, without let or hindrance.

“The government wishes to assure such volunteers of absolute secrecy, confidentiality and protection of the law. Please, help to find those behind the murder of Hon. Gideon Aremu so that he and his family can

get justice, and on time too”, he stressed.

Ajimobi promised members of the public that the police and other security agencies would not relent in their efforts at maintaining peace and orderliness, and assured the deceased family that a crack team of homicide detectives were already working hard to apprehend the suspects.

He advised residents to embrace community policing by working with law enforcement agencies to curb crimes in the society and arrest suspected criminals before they wreak havoc.

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined other world leaders in condemning the abortive coup attempt in Turkey by a group of rebel army officers and men.

The coup resulted in the reported death of more than 100 people.

Reacting to the tragic events in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari said that he was deeply saddened by reports of a violent attempt to dismantle constitutional authority and disrupt the democratically elected government of Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey.

“The removal of a democratic

government by force is no longer acceptable. Violence can never solve any problem but only complicates them and sets back the progress of democratic societies,” he said.

He also noted that President Erdogan is one of Nigeria’s close international partners and sincere supporters in its current war against terrorism, adding that all should resist the “destabilisation of democratic countries through coups d’état in the 21st century.”

Democracy, he said, provided peaceful options of changing governments through the ballot box.

He said: “The ballot box doesn’t require violence to remove any

government perceived to have lost its popularity and public support.

“Despite its limitations, democracy is still better and more durable than a violent change of government.” He added The President praised the courage and immediate response of ordinary citizens who in face of guns and tanks defied the rebel soldiers and forced them to abandon their mad quest for power.

President Buhari called on the President of Turkey to pursue reconciliation and offer Nigeria’s support to the government and people of Turkey in their hour of trial.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

S-South, S-East lawmakers insist on 65 percent oil blocs for Niger Deltans Nosa Akenzua Asaba

ÏÏÏTo

facilitate development in the Niger Delta region, South-South and South-East lawmakers have urged the Federal Government to review the ownership structure of oil wells in the country.

“The people of the Niger Delta region should possess at least 65 percent of the oil wells contrary to the present ownership structure where less than 10 percent of the oil blocs belong to our people.”

They noted that the region’s development is being hindered by the present payment mode of derivative oil funds.

“There is an urgent need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to put in place adequate machinery that would ensure direct payment of derivative oil funds into the

hands of Niger Delta Benefiting communities” the principal officers and members of the Houses of Assembly in the region said.

Rising from the first parliamentary session of the South-South and South-East Houses of Assembly in Owerri, Imo State weekend, the lawmakers condemned the criminal and nefarious activities of the socalled herdsmen.

“Legislators of the Houses of Assembly in the South-South and South East can no longer watch helplessly as our region drifts aimlessly while our people walk the razor edge under the strain of impoverishment, environmental degradation, insecurity and uncertainty on the one hand and the destruction of oil/gas installations and the attendant consequences including their impact on the ecosystem and the economy on the other

hand.”

They urged the youth to shun confrontation, violence and militancy in pressing for the redress of the zone.

“They must embrace dialogue and diplomacy and channel their grievances through various constituted platforms” The joint session of legislators from the South -East and SouthSouth geo-political zones not only condemned the evil acts of kidnapping, hostage taking and bursting of oil pipelines but stressed that militants from the zones should be constituted into an officially recognized brigade for the protection of oil installations.

“They should among other things be charged with the responsibility to halt the rise of other offensive militant groups who may from time to time threaten to spring up”

The lawmakers advised the Presidency to direct the security agencies in the country to brace up and be alive to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“They must save the people of the geo-political zones from the hands of the marauding herdsmen.

Governments of the South-East and South-South geo-political zones should set up a high powered joint judicial panel of inquiry to unravel the facts and circumstances surrounding the incessant attacks by the herdsmen and determine the best way to prevent its recurrence in the zones. They should also establish special task force drawn from the various security agencies and neighborhood watch in each local government to checkmate the excesses of herdsmen and prosecute them.”

????

I’ll win again if election holds today – Buhari Continued from page 6 ience in stopping these people and yet many criticize the approach we are using.

“What I think our people should know is that a process of change is difficult as it requires endurance and patience. China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and other great Asian countries had at different times passed through processes of change. They are far better off today.

“And some of these countries were at par with Nigeria in terms of development some five decades ago.

We are attempting to do the same here to say let us stop building individuals, let us stop making those who serve in government get stupendously wealthy at the expense of ordinary Nigerians they had sworn to serve.

“Rather, we should concentrate on building strong institutions. Let us introduce economic prosperity by bringing in more investors to catalyze a sense of competition to grow our economy. Let there be law and order in our ways.”

Anti-corruption war: Buhari shielding friends, targeting enemies – Fayose Continued from page 6

Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji, Muhammad Kanar (left), receiving donation of food items from acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, at the Borno State IDPs camp in Maiduguri… on Sunday.

FG lost $518m to Oil Swap, OPAs deals – NEITI boss Continued from page 6 SWAP, and $306.16m of OPA, totaling $518m.

Adio, who spoke on the backdrop of the just released 2013 Oil and Gas Industry Audit report, noted that the NNPCand its subsidiaries also withheld some of the monies that are due to government.

“For instance they withheld $3.8bn and N358bn respectively.

Now let us break it down this way.

If you remember NNPC divested some of its interests in Shell Joint venture about 8 Oil Mining Leases

(OMLs) to Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), $1.29bn from NLNG; N354bn from unpaid domestic crude debt; N3.98bn from subsidy over-recovery in 2012 and N2.17bn from cash-call refunds,” he said.

Furthermore, the NEITI boss said the report discovered $4.7bn from theft and vandalism in 3 JVs—Shell, Agip and Chevron; and N20bn from not observing 90-day credit time value of money at 12%.

The issues captured, according to him, still need further elaboration.

“Now NNPC Divested 55% in 8 assets (OMLs) in Shell JV: OMLs 4, 26, 30, 34, 38, 40, 41, and 42. They were valued by by DPR at $1.8bn, but according to Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), they should have been valued at $3.4bn, given that Shell got $2.72bn for its 45% interest in those same assets. This then means that Shell’s 45% valued at 47% higher than Federation’s 55%.

Let us look at it another way. Given the disparity between $3.4bn and $1.8bn, assets valued at 47% loss or discount. But even with discount or loss, NPDC paid only $100m, leav-

ing an outstanding of $1.7bn. This means that NPDC paid only 5.6% of the discounted value of $1.8bn, and 3% of actual value of $3.4bn and yet enjoyed all the benefits, as oil from those assets lifted on behalf of NPDC and not the Federation”, Adio said.

Speaking on the four assets under the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) JV similarly divestedOMLs: 60, 61, 62, and 63, Adio noted that no valuation was done on those 4 OMLs; neither consideration paid, and yet oil was lifted on behalf of NPDC, not the Federation.

mittee would commence the audit of procurement from 2007 to 2010 ‘as soon as the necessary documents are available’, it is necessary that Nigerians are told who the custodians of the documents are. Why were documents on procurement from 2011 and 2015 available and those of 2007 to 2010 not available?

“Early this year, we were told that an ally of President Buhari and chieftain of the APC, Brig.

General Jafaru Isa (rtd) refunded N100 million of the N170 million he allegedly received from ex-NSA, Sambo Dasuki.

“Jafaru Isa who was a member of the 19-man Buhari Transition Committee was released after he was allegedly assisted by the Presidency to refund N100 million to the anti-graft commission and since then, nothing has been heard about the case. He was not charged to court like others.

“It took the Ministry of Defence and the Code of Conduct Bureau only one week to clear Buratai but others from the opposition party would be languishing in prison while EFCC go about fishing for evidence against them.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

13

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Hadiza Usman: What qualifies for ports?

T Yinka Odumakin

wenty-four hours before the announcement of one of the conveners of #BringBackOurGirls, Hadiza Usman, as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Thisday Newspapers had the “scoop”. I have decided to put some marks on the scoop given the known fact that the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari and Hadiza’s boss before the appointment, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai were both on the editorial board of Thisday.

The front page story of the elite newspaper titled “Buhari considers Hadiza Bala Usman head of NPA” read: “In a bid to inject a fresh pair of hands to run the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has submitted Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman’s name to President Muhammadu Buhari to take over as the new managing director of NPA, THISDAY has learnt.

“Should Buhari approve the recommendation, Ms. Bala Usman, 40, will become the first female chief executive of a top tier Federal Government agency and of the NPA. “She shall take over from Alhaji Habib Abdullahi, who was reinstated by Buhari in August 2015 as the managing director of NPA, after he had been shown the exit by former President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2015.

“Sources in the presidency, who confirmed that Ms. Bala Usman’s name had been sent to the president, said Amaechi had decided to make the changes in order to overhaul the NPA. “Amaechi, it was gathered, is not particularly impressed with the way the NPA was being run and has decided to effect a change of the executive team as soon as possible.

“A presidency source said that the minute Ms. Bala Usman’s name was submitted to the president, Buhari was happy to consider the recommendation, given the past relationship he had with her father, the late Prof. Yusufu Bala Usman, who was a renowned Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) academic, historian and activist before his death some years ago.

“Amaechi was also believed

Hadiza Usman to have recommended Ms. Bala Usman, on the grounds that two chief executives of the foremost parastatals under his ministry – Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) – are from the south, and he would rather have an equitable distribution of appointments into the agencies under his ministry.

“Ms. Bala Usman, who is currently the chief of staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, on January 2, 1976.

“She grew up close to the ABU campus where her father worked

and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in 2000 from the same university and her Master’s degree from the University of Leeds in 2009.

“She worked for a non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Democratic Development and Research Training (CEDDERT) in Zaria, as a research assistant for a year starting in 1999.

“She also worked for the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) when el-Rufai was the directorgeneral of the privatisation agency and moved with him to work as his Special Assistant on Project Implementation.

“In 2011, she worked as Director of Strategy for the Good Governance Group (3G). In 2015,

she was appointed Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State governor.

“She shot to national prominence in 2014 when Boko Haram insurgents kidnapped 276 girls from their secondary school in Chibok, Borno State.

“Following in her father’s footsteps, Ms. Bala Usman, in conjunction with the former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG), which brought global attention to the plight of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

“She is married to Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, former Chief Economic Adviser to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and they have two sons.”

I have reproduced the entire story so that we can ask some basic questions on this appointment.

The opening lines of this story says “in a bid to inject fresh pair of hands” into the running of the Ports is the motivating factor for this appointment .How cheeky could it get.

Please hold my hands and let’s run through the CV of thud fresh hand and decipher if there is any shred of public interest involved in this engagement.

All her working experience minus a stint with some NGO in Kaduna has been with el-Rufai as assistant in BPE, FCT, Good Governance Group and now his Chief of staff.

There is no requisite experience to her new post and no demonstrable knowledge to manage such a big portfolio. If it is true as the story stated that Amaechi wanted a Northerner to hold the position consistent with the regime’s nationally applauded to the principled commitment to federal character, can’t we find a competent northerner ?Only the marines would buy this.

The most probable hint was further given in the story where it was stated that the President was excited by her nomination

by Amaechi given his relationship with her late father, Dr. Bala Usman.

While this may not necessarily capture the entire story behind this appointment but it points to the incontestable fact that this is pure and applied nepotism. And that is a perfect sibling of corruption.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

15 Opinion

Silicon Valley of Nigeria

I

Matthew Oye

believe, that the only way we can bridge the wide gap of development between Nigeria and the developed world is massive investment in Information Communications and Technology (ICT). ICT is a term which addresses the role of unified communication and integration of telecommunication, computers and software. There is vast economic incentives when telephone and computer network are merged in a single unified system. All over the world, ICT is ever present, with almost 4 billion people having access to the internet. Almost everybody, including my mother who cannot read and write has a telephone. As a nation technology and not crude oil remains our saving grace. All the crying, hoping and wishing that something should happened that will trigger a barrel of crude oil to bounce back to over 100 dollars per barrel is merely a wishful thinking. Nigerians especially politicians are so addicted to spending and stealing oil money. Let’s shift our gaze and look elsewhere. Technology will solve the time bomb of massive unemployment staring us in the face. I know Nigerians especially the young boys and girls are bustling with ICT ideas. All the chaps who are engaging in sharp practices are full of ideas which they can use positive-

ly. Why do you have to use internet to defraud someone when you can use the same brain and time to develop your idea for legitimate money?

Look at Rwanda, just this last May 2016, they officially opened their own fatlab, where IT ideas can be incubated. Nigeria has no such things.

I hereby announce the formation off the Silicon Valley of Nigeria and I want the Federal, state governments, Venture Capital Organisation, International Agencies to enter into partnership to establish this monumental project. All those interested in partnership with me to bring this project into reality should contact me on my email:successnewsmag@ yahoo.co.uk or call 08140854948.

My heart cry for the development of this nation. How much have we made from solid minerals? How much money has Ministry of Science and Technology brought in for us? With Silicon Valley of of Nigeria we will use technology to provide solution to the epileptic power supply, oil exploration, efficient health delivery and reforming Nigeria education system.

As it is today, Nigeria is nowhere to be found as far as ICT investment in the world is concerned.For example, money spent on ICT worldwide is estimated at US 4 trillion and will double in the next 12 years. America budgeted over 80 billion dollars annu-

ally on ICT. Also corporate organisation are spending a high percentage of their annual budget on ICT. IT cost as a percentage of corporate revenue is now between 50 and 70 percent. ICT developmental index which ranks and compares the level of ICT use and access among nations around the world release by the International Communications Union have Denmark as first, followed by South Korea, and other countries in Europe and America.

In all nations of the world, Information and data use is increasing by leaps and bounds. ICT has become an important milestone of everyday life.

The future of ICT is great.

My initiative of Silicon Valley of Nigeria emphasis the collaboration with the Federal and State Government, Academia, I.T industry, Angel investors/Venture Capital in harnessing and annexing technical talents and information-oriented manpower, as the key driving force in transforming Nigeria from an oil-based economy into a knowledgebased economy. This is the secret of America,Korea, Japan even China and Europe.

Silicon Valley of Nigeria aims at harnessing technical talents and information oriented manpower to wean the Nation from oil-driven economy to a knowledge driven

economy.

The primary objective of Silicon Valley of Nigeria is to build Nigeria ICT capacity through developing talents in all facets of technology, developing software, hardware for organisations and technical skills.

We are going to have an information Technology buildings where high speed fibre optic telecommunication backbone and high speed International gateway facility with global integrated communication system with structured cabling system for multimedia application.

Silicon Valley of Nigeria will be Nigeria’s I.T hub and a centre of excellence. It will have ICT University, open space Real Estate development, hotels, vendor support companies for hardware and software, global chips technology, power infrastructure, where there will be no record of power shortage, transport facilities.

It shall be a centre for software, research and development subcontracting for International organisations, Telecommunication companies, finance companies.

All International I.T companies are invited to be part of this phenomenal project.

SIlicon Valley of Nigeria will also set up a business incubator in Silicon Valley California, where we can tap the resource of Africans and black Americans presently working there.

Declining productivity, public holidays and change deficit

N Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa

igeria is technically in a recession. Gross Domestic product plunged from 6.3% growth in 2014 to 2.7% in 2015. Specifically it went from 2.84% in Q3 2015 to 2.11% in Q4 2015 and then dropped off the Clive to -0.36% in Q1 2016. So without waiting for the official Q2 2016 report which is not expected to do much better, we have had two consecutive quarters of GDP decline.

National productivity which rose between 2010 and 2014, began a decline in Q1 2015 and has maintained this course up to date. In the component of Labour productivity, Nigerians are known to be hardworking but productivity of its labour force is often questioned. The labour productivity in emerging Countries like Russia ($24) Brazil ( $10.7) and turkey($28.9)is much higher than Nigeria’s. In Q4 2015, Nigeria’s labour productivity declined to $3.55 from $3.86 in Q3 2015 and the decline has continued since then approaching the 2011 level of $2.98 or less The fall in GDP is blamed on the precipitate fall in the price of crude

oil in the international market which started since June 2014 and has not recovered appreciably. Nigeria’s economy remains so vulnerable to the volatility of commodity prices in the global market. Efforts to diversify the economy have been moderately successful in terms of GDP contribution. As at Q1 this year, Agriculture contributed 19.17% to GDP, Trade 21.55%, oil 10.29%, Manufacturing 9.93%, Real Estate 6.46%, and construction 3.99%. In fact, the non-oil sector contributed 89.71% of National GDP according to the National Bureau of Statistics. But the challenge is that the oil that contributes only 10.

29% of GDP is responsible for nearly 80% of our foreign exchange earnings, which is one reason the country has had acute shortage of foreign exchange in the last one year or so.

Other causes of the fall in GDP include Nigeria’s loss of global competitiveness. In the 2015-2016 Global Competitiveness Index ( GCI), released by the World Economic Forum ( WEF), Nigeria scored 3.46 over 7 to rank 124 out of 140 countries measured. On the Ease of doing business ranking, Nigeria in the 2016 report came last at 169 out of 169 countries assessed, scoring

44.69%. Little wonder foreign direct investment has literally dried up in the country. The Adjustment policies previously adopted until a few weeks ago by the government to manage the decline in National income and foreign exchange, seemed to have compounded the loss of competitiveness,constricting the economy and bringing Nigeria’s trade balance to a deficit in Q1 2016, as total foreign trade declined by 22.6% over Quarter 4 2015 and by 38.0% over same quarter in 2015. It is also true that the worsening security situation especially in the Niger Delta region has been a significant contributor to Nigeria’s current economic realities.

On the side of Labour productivity, several factors are blamed. These include lack of quality educational institutions, poor training, lack of skills, unfavorable investment climate, lack of electric power, high unemployment and underemployment.

But there are two extraneous factors worsening both national economic growth and National Productivity. The first is the penchant for Nigerian workers to go on strike, and all such activities that stop them

from effectively utilising man-hours for productive activities. The painful losses in the first five months of this year are too fresh for us to forget as most Nigerians spent useful time queuing and sleeping in fuel stations due to fuel scarcity. The other extraneous factor is governments love for public holidays. State governments compete with the federal governments in finding excuses to declare public holidays for every conceivable reason. This is in addition to the religious holidays which are increasing by the day.

I was alarmed that Nigeria effectively lost last week on holidays.

Question is, do our leaders understand how the GDP of a country is calculated? Do they understand that business men who have borrowed money from the banks pay interest on the borrowed funds on public holidays? I was hoping that under our circumstances, we should begin to consider returning Saturday as working day. I was also hoping that under our change mantra, all such excesses as extending public holidays for whatever reasons would not happen. The habit of moving the holidays to the next working day(s) ought to change.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

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Features Æ s

17

Addressing the missing link in the Nigerian security architecture Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr Security expert and CEO of Virtual Risk Mangers Ltd, one of the rising private security organisations involved in crisis management, maritime/aviation security and private detective agency, Capt Okereke Augustine Onyeka (Rtd) has identified a missing link responsible for the frail security situation in the country.

In an exclusive interview over the weekend at his corporate headquarters in Shaha, Lagos, the Captain revealed that the architecture of Nigeria’s security framework had been dislodged since the end of the Civil War, leaving a void that government has failed to recognise and address to date.”

The missing link “The missing link hinges on the army of retired military and security personnel that government failed to involve in the internal security structure nationwide,” he said.

Lamenting the waste of skilled professionals retired in the peak of their service to the nation, Captain Okereke pointed out that even the private security companies have no place in government’s security plan.

“The whole strength of effective security is intelligence, and this must come early enough for law enforcement agents to act effectively. As of now, Nigeria is still practicing what we call reactive security strategy. Reactive in the sense that it is when evil has struck that we find the security

agencies carrying out fire brigade approach.”

Acknowledging that success had been recorded against insurgency in the Buhari administration, Okereke said it was a result of restrategising on the part of the military.

“The success recorded against insurgency in the Northeast is because of the re-engineering of their strategy to include effective intelligence; like knowing when these people are coming, preempting their moves because of good internal coordination of intelligence, etc.

“For example, one suspect was recently arrested for spying for Boko Haram. If that spy had not been smoked out, and he had gone back to the insurgents, he would download all the information he had gathered and they will have easy access to strike. After they strike people will begin to ask, who informed them?

“But the military has now moved a little higher by improving their intelligence network in collaboration with the locals and other essential elements of the stakeholder community to give them information as to the activities of the insurgents, and before you know it, their moves would be nipped in the bud and the strategy begins to function effectively.

That is what is responsible for the substantial reduction of the terrorists’ activities. The same strategy has to be replicated nationwide if we are to curb insecurity effectively,” he said.

Community surveillance “Now, when insurgency start-

Okereke

‘‘The whole strength of effective security is intelligence, and this must come early enough for law enforcement agents to act effectively. As of now, Nigeria is still practicing what we call reactive security strategy. Reactive in the sense that it is when evil has struck that we find the security agencies carrying out fire brigade approach.’’ ed, we were told they were just a group of people who gathered in Maiduguri; the people refused to send their children to school; the authorities knew them and the conventional police system they operate never bothered with them so they didn’t know what was building up: “But I can bet you the community members knew they have in their midst a group of people with a different lifestyle entirely.

In sociology, we talk about subcultures that will develop and become antagonistic to the general course.

“Now, if community policing had been in place there, they would have known that these people, their attitude, their culture and their way of life - though not defined as criminality at the time - will snowball into criminality in the future. So when they now built up and said they will stop your children from going to school, we started shouting, Boko Haram.”

Host community component “The police and every arm of the law enforcement agencies should go and align with their host communities. There is the

tendency of ethnic and tribal sentiments in situations where host communities tend to hide and protect their people from the law.

“The neutral people among the stakeholders in these communities are the retirees who had sworn allegiance to keep Nigeria one; those serving security personnel who are employed in companies, industries, etc in the host communities; they know they may lose their means of livelihood if their place of work is attacked or under threat. They are the only ones that can be CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

‘Even private security companies have no place in government’s security plan’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

trusted to report any information they have to the law enforcement agents for proactive action.”

Welfare of security personnel “Now, you know that it takes a well fed dog to watch effectively because you must be alive and fit to be able to protect somebody; so if the law enforcement agents are well taken care of in terms of remuneration, welfare packaging and pension benefits, insurance, etc, you will see a transformed vibrant career for those still in service and insecurity will reduce to the lowest minimum.”

Poor security package breeds corruption and produce criminal elements among security personnel themselves. How would you address that?

“That would be one Judah among the 12 disciples. We can’t rule out that one bad egg spoils the other eggs. That could be a flaw at the point of recruitment or selection. Anyone that takes up a security job is doing so primarily as a means of livelihood; that objective must be guaranteed and this is in making sure that his career is secured, his welfare is taken care of. Unfortunately, the lean purse of government may not be able to take care of all that, and that informs the need to involve private stakeholders.”

The Lagos State example “Lagos State government has started the Security Trust Fund; many private organisations and individuals are donating towards it and this is used to augment and improve security infrastructure and equipment as well as quality welfare package for the people.

“Now, if such is run by the Federal Government, it would make sense. Though we hear some state governments are now trying to replicate the project, but it should be a federal project, so that there would be enough fund available solely dedicated for the

Okereke

purpose of security. Then you can find everything working; vehicles on the road, rail communication effective, improved response to distress calls, highly motivated men working; you will have enough money to train and retrain law enforcement agents who will rid the society of crime.

That way, when stakeholders begin to see the presence of security and its effectiveness, they will be encouraged more to make greater input.”

Niger Delta and the Fulani herdsmen: what would you counsel government?

“I can tell you that in Delta State, that problem is purely political. If the state, the FG, politicians and the locals, all sit down and agree, you will see all these agitations fissile out in a moment.

“What we are witnessing is that a political class has decided to arm some people, pay them to dent the economy heavily to advance their political interest.”

Diversification a gradual process “Whether we admit it or not, oil remains the mainstay of our economy; President Muhammadu Buhari cannot, in one year develop agriculture or other alternative source of revenue to sustain us. It is going to take a long time to achieve.

“Now this is a new government that needs money to do many things and that money is not forthcoming; and the economic infrastructure that is generating the little we are managing is being destroyed by militias.

“The way of dialogue offered

by FG is good, but there is need to identify the political juggernauts that are behind these guys. Late President Ya’Adua sought them out by reaching their own people who went down to the creeks, talked to them and they put down their arms for amnesty.

Buhari

Reason behind the sack of senior military officers Chijioke Kingsley, Jos Nigerians woke up recently to the sudden announcement that about 38 senior army officers have been retired from service.

The retirement sparked off reactions across board, alleging loyalty to the immediate past administration and citing ‘geographical cleansing’ as most of the affected officers were from the Southern part of the country.

Some public commentators accused President Muhammadu Buhari of approving the exercise in order to purge the army of Southerners and replace them with his kinsmen from the North.

But the army, in a swift reaction, decried public sentiments, describing the reports and reactions as ‘unethical’ and ‘unfair’.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, in a statement, said the retirement was carried out in strict compliance with the country’s extant laws.

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to speculations and rumours regarding the number and names of the senior Army officers affected in the recent retirement exercise. This is worrisome as some individuals and media houses went to the ridiculous extent of publishing outrageous figures and names of serving officers as being retired.

“This is unethical and unfair.

We are quite aware that some mischievous elements are trying to whip up sentiments. This is quite unfortunate because all the affected officers were retired based on service exigencies and in line with the Armed Forces Act, CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

However, among the retired senior officers was the Commander, Special Task Force, code named ‘Operation Safe Haven’ in Plateau State, Major General Tagbo Ude, a fine officer who contributed over 50% of the relative peace Plateau State is currently enjoying, especially in the hinterlands.

The inclusion of his name saddened his lieutenants and soldiers who could not understand what his name was doing on the said list.

A Colonel who pleaded anonymity, told The Daily Times, “you can see we are not happy that such a fine officer is leaving us. His name should not be found on that long list of retired senior officers, because he is an upright man.

“I think it is outright injustice for our Commander to be retired just like that, after all his efforts to ensure that Plateau State enjoys relative peace.

“I can’t still understand the rationale behind Ude’s retirement as he was not known to have been involved in election duties nor had he commanded any of the insurgency operations. This is one of the retirements we are not happy about because I know that by the time the election was held in 2015, Gen. Ude was the Director of Engineering Services at the Defence HQ in Abuja and he was not known to have been involved in the insurgency CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

19 Features Reason behind the sack of senior military officers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

The targeted car

Car thief nabbed in Lagos

Benjamin

Oguntade Ismaila Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command recently nabbed one Benjamin Michael, 27, for attempting to remove a Mercedes Benz AClass with registration number UB202AAA from the park of a popular night club (name withheld) in Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspect who hails from Ughelli in Delta State, was arrested after policemen prevented the angry mob from carrying out jungle justice on him when they sighted him stealing the car.

Michael, who had sustained various degrees of injuries on his head before the arrival of RRS operatives, was taken to the hospital for medical attention by the police.

Upon his arrival at the RRS’ headquarters, he confessed that his plan was to steal the vehicle and take it out of Lagos to a neighbouring country to sell.

“I went out in search of any good to steal that night,” the suspected allegedly confessed.

“When I arrived the club, I was looking for a car which door may be unlocked and I discovered that the car in question was not locked, which gave me easy entry into it. I entered the car quietly with the aim of removing it from where it was parked and

take it out for sale,” he disclosed.

The suspected criminal said that he was unaware that some people were watching him all the while. “ As I entered the car, I saw a group of men coming towards me. I still pretended as if the car was mine. When they got to my side, they asked me if the car was mine. Unknowingly to me, the owner of the car was with them.

“I confidently told them the car belonged to me. They dragged me out of the vehicle and started beating me. If not for the timely intervention of the RRS officers, they would have killed me that night.”

It was gathered that the policemen who were on their routine patrol along the area rescued the suspect when he was about to be set ablaze by the enraged youths.

While confirming the arrest, the spokesperson of Lagos State Police Command, Superintendent of Police, SP Dolapo Badmus, said that efforts were in progress to arrest his colleagues.

“The suspect would be charged to court upon completion of our investigation. My advice to every vehicle owner is to ensure that your vehicles are parked in a secured place and properly locked to prevent car thieves from taking undue advantage of such negligence,” she said.

operations,” he said.

Ude, of the 31st Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, was appointed the Commander of the task force on August 5, last year. He still has about four years to attain the statutory service period of 35 years.

However, General Ude declined comment when our correspondent inquired on what he thought might have warranted the inclusion of his name on the list.

Consequently, The Daily Times investigation revealed that most of the senior officers were affected because of the forthcoming promotional exercise in the Army.

Our correspondent gathered that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, will be due to retire before that end of 2016, along with the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral IbokEte Ekwe Ibas.

If this happens, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen, Yusuf Buratai, might be moved to became the Chief of Defence staff, since President Buhari had earlier said that the Air Force has no business occupying the slot of Chief of Defence staff.

The question now is, who becomes the Chief of Army staff after Buratai is moved to the Defence staff ? That is where the compulsory retirement of the officers comes in, because a lower ranked officer cannot be appointed in the midst of the senior ones, since none of the retired senior officers are being tipped as the Chief of staff, should Buratai be moved to head the defence.

Ude, of the 31st Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, seems to be one of the most senior officers, while the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen, Buratai is of 29 Regular Course.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Two die, four injured in Ogun road crash Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ At least two persons lost

their lives while four others were injured on Saturday night in a motor accident that occurred at Wasinmi end of the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

The accident involved a Nissan saloon car with registration number, Lagos SZ 171 AAA and an IVECO truck marked Ogun SRA 546 XA. It was gathered that the occupants of the car were on their way back to Lagos from Ilaro in Yewa

South Local Government area of Ogun State where they had gone for a party.

According to eye witnesses account, the woman driving the car lost control when the granite-laden truck coming behind hooted to pave way for its passage on the double carriage road.

It was further gathered that the truck, while trying to manoeuvre, hit the road median and fell on the car, pouring all its content on the highway.

Our correspondent, who was at the scene observed that no part of the car was visible, but the victims’ hands were seen waving through

the granite.

It took the intervention of the entourage of the Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Isola Adekunbi, and newly promoted Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Abdulmajid Ali, which got to the scene immediately to rescue some of the victims.

Also involved in the rescue was a former Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Abeeb Ajayi.

Both Adekunbi and Ali immediately drafted the men of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, (TRACE) and Federal

Road Safety Corps, FRSC to the scene.

After fruitless efforts by hundreds of sympathisers to rescue the trapped victims, a passing truck with registration number, Lagos, EPE 231 XJ was later used to pull the truck off the car.

Four female occupants were miraculously pulled out of the damaged car with two of them rushed to Federal Medical Centre, IdiAba, Abeokuta while others were rushed to the Ifo General Hospital.

The remains of the two deceased were also removed from the vehicle and taken to the morgue of Ifo General Hospital.

Kwara police declare 10 wanted over Jebba killing Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe

Kwara State police command has declared 10 persons including a school principal wanted in connection with the killing of three persons in Jebba town in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara state on last eid-el -fitri celebration.

In a press statement signed by the PPRO of the state police command, Ajayi Okasanmi, and made available to journalists in Ilorin last weekend, said the declaration was sequel to issuance of warrant of arrest by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Plateau CAN to inaugurate new officials Chijioke Kingsley Jos

Kadzai called on all CAN members to emulate the foot prints that will be left behind by the outgoing CAN President, Pastor Oritsejafor.

He said Oritsejafor has worked tirelessly to give Christians a voice against oppression and what should be expected from every CAN member is to sustain this good work.

He said those criticising Oritsejafor are doing so out of ignorant, stating that the problem of Christians are within, characterised with sectionalism and lack of proper understanding of the scripture.

L-R: Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike (left), presenting a copy of the newspaper to former Editor, DTN, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu during a courtesy visit to Ugochukwu in Abuja…recently.

of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will be inaugurated during its National Executive meeting slated for 19th and 20th of June, 2016.

The inauguration is coming after a successful CAN election held in June 2016, to elect new officials consisting also of a new CAN President.

Rev. Samson Olasupo Adeniyi Ayokunle, who emerged as the new president of CAN after the election, is coming from the background of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) and candidate of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).

However, the candidate from the North, known as the TEKAN/ ECWA Bloc, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Gado and presently the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), who was supposed to be part of the election, had instituted a legal action challenging the election of Ayokunle as the President elect of CAN. But the counsel to CAN, Barris-

ter Edwin O. Okoro Esq, has dismissed it as laughable saying that there is no legal impediment that will restrained the Okoro, while speaking to Daily Times in Jos on Sunday, disclosed that there is no legal process before the court against the elections of the new National leadership of CAN. Said he: “As I’m talking to you now there is no valid legal process in court to stop the swearing-In of the President elect of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)”.

He said the Plaintiff’s application to stop the CAN elections was refused in the Federal High Court, FCT Abuja, on the 9th of June, 2016.

However, the outgoing CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor together with other leaders of the association, had been holding meetings in Abuja to ensure that the crisis in the Christian body is settled out of court.

Consequently, the CAN National Youth President, Engr. Daniel Kadzai, has called on all aggrieved faction to bury their differences and work for the common goal of the association.

Illegal detention: Shipping firm sues Customs for N50m

wuanyi Chamber, and according to the court papers, Mr Ukata was wrongfully detained by NCS officials attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, sometime in November 2015, for being in possession of foreign exchange which he had voluntarily declared at the NCS desk.

The firm also said that: in November 2015, it was contracted

by Aerodocs Inc. USA to clear its cargo at Chad and deliver same to Millicom, Chad, at an agreed cost of $46,731. The payment, according to the firm, was subsequently made through Access Bank Plc. However, after confirming the arrival of the cargo at Ndjamena Airport, the firm stated that it withdrew $42,200 from the amount paid into its Access Bank Plc ac-

count and detailed its Managing Director, Mr. Christian Ukata to travel to Ndjamena via Duala Airport for the purpose of clearing and delivery of the cargo. Mr. Ukata, through the suit filed before Justice Anka, also averred that he made arrangement to travel on November 15, 2016 with the view of clearing the cargo on November 16 so as to avoid incurring demurrage.

ÏÏÏ The newly elected officials

Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏA Shipping firm, Afriglobe

Shipping Lines Ltd, has dragged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) before the Lagos Federal High Court for N50m over an illegal detention of its Managing Director, Mr. Christian Ukata.

The company had filed a suit through its law firm, Charles Ug-

Ayokunle

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

21 Public Notice YOUNG STARS BUSINESS MEN CLUB

NIKE DEVELOPMENT INITISTIVE

CHRISTIAN TEACHING CENTRE FAMILY CHURCH

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

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

Trustees 1, Mr John Obinna Ogbu 2, Sir Luke Okwudili Nweze 3.Mr Cyprain Ike Ugwuanike 4.Mr paschal Ekene Agbo.

TRUSTEE 1. Dr John Esuga Akpami 2. Pastor (Mr) Clara Alemye Akpami 3. Pastor Samson Sumaila Nmodu 4. Pastor John Micheal Gaiya Duchi 5. Bishop Michael Nimma Akpami

Aims.

To Promote among NIKE People, values and practices that knit the society together at the grass root Level . 2.To utilise community capacities to implement basic community developmental interventions.

AIMS 1. To preach the gospel of christ to the people.

2. To set the captive free through the Word of God. 3. To create awareness and prepare souls for heaven.

4. To plant branches Within and outside Nigeria. .

The Trustees are: 1. ANYIM, Uchenna 2. EZE, Onyebuchi Prince 3.OHANUSI, Chigozie Thompson 4 OKEKE, Izuchukwu Emmanuel.

5.EZAKA, Ekene Solomon. 6.ONWE, Chidi 7. MMUOH, Kenechi.

8. AKARUKWE, Ifeanyi Bright 9. IGWE, Kalu Njoku 10. AKUBILO, Chinedu Camillus

Any objections 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 by Barr Emmanuel Ogunewe

BELIEVERS CHRISTIAN FAMILY INT’L HOME OF CHAMPIONS CHURCH. The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

Names of trustees Ohanme dominic azubuike.

Ohanme okwukwe prosper.

Aims/obj.

To preach the word of God to all nation Any objections 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 by Chairman

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

The Trustees are: 1. Ogueri Azunna Gladius.

2. Njoku Emmanuel Ikechukwu 3. Ude Paulinus The Aims and Objectives 1. To propagate the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2.To raise end-time Gospel bearer.

Any objections 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 by: Barr. Ezinwa B. Ukoha CHANGE OF TRUSTEES/AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION:ABUJA AUTOMOBILE TYRE DEALERS ASSOCIATION CAC/IT/NO: 9167 The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for change of her Trustees and Amendment of the Constitution under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE FORMER TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. LAZARUS MBA - Removed 3. MR. LINUS AGADA - Removed 5. MR. EZEKIEL IZUAGWU - Retained THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIMEZIE IFEH 3. ODOH OKWUCHUKWU LIVINUS 5. NWABUNZE HILLARY NNEMEKA 7. URAMAH ROMANUS

Any objections 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.

Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED Solomon Oyakhilome Uduebor 08036411184

Signed:. Bar. Ann Ayede.

2. MR. OLIVER UMEH - Removed 4. MR. OSITA OKEKE - Retained 6. MR. GABRIEL OFUONYE - Removed 2. MICHAEL ONUORA 4. ANI CHRISTIAN OKOYE 6. OBUNADIKE OBINNA DONATUS 8. ANAYO EMECHEBE

AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION: The entire Constitution was amended into the new Standard Constitution of CAC. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: Remain unchanged.

REASONS FOR CHANGES: 1. Two Trustees has travelled out of the jurisdiction, while two ceased to be members of the Association.

2. The Constitution was amended to read the new CAC Standard.

Any objection to the Re-Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: KENNETH ANAKWE, ESQ. Solicitor

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the corporate Affairs Commission Abuja under part C of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEE 1. Apostle Timothy John 2. Ayewoh Jude Iluobe AIMS 1. To Win souls to the kingdom of God 2. To preach the undiluted Word of God to all nations 3. To carryout evangelical programme all over the country and the world at large.

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.

TIMKID AFRICA CHILDREN EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES:1. Udofia Ndifreke Sunday 2. Sunday Willie Udofia 3. Udoh Faith Nsikan 4. Ekemma Uchechi Joyce AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To source funds to be given to the indigents to start small scale businesses.

2. To help the indigents set up profitable businesses and to monitor same.

3. To offer advisory services to indigents on business matters.

4. To do funding advocacy on behalf of the indigents.

Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED:- FRANCIS O. UDOKPOROH ESQ. FRANCIS PHILLIPS & CO. SOLICITORS

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

The Trustees are : 1. Dominic Odey Agu -Chairman 2. Agbo Eunice Achi 3. Odey Michael Ariku.

4. Oko sunday 5. Onah pope Liku 6. Ezekiel John 7. Michael Oleje 8. Michael Odey Okache The aim and objective: 1. To protect the interest of members Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

HOPE ARISE LIGHT FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above Named CLUB has applied for Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1TRUSTEES: 1. BABALOLA TIMOTHY ADENIYI-president.

2. BABALOLA FELICIA ABISOYE-treasurer.

3. STEPHEN MERE-Secretary.

4. JOSEPH ADESHINA -Vice president 5. BABALOLA DEBORAH FAITH -Protocol.

6. REV. KOLE OLOWOFOYEKU-Patron.

TRUSTEES: I. OLUWATOYIN AMINA TAIWO - CHAIRMAN 2. OLAYINKA BABA TUNDE TAIWO - SECRETARY 3. OGUNDAIRO SHADE 4. FUNMI FATIMAH SULE 5. AKINTOLA AKINLOWO OLUREMI 6. LADI HABU AHMED.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To bring the best safety services to all african children.

2. To provide free protective materials for children from injuries.

ANY OBJECTION TO THISSHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: President.

IKOGWE FRIDAY EDUCATIONAL SKILLS FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 Trustees 1) ANTHONY FRIDAY IKOGWE 2) BRIDGET KEONYE IKOGWE 3) TESSA OBIAGELI ANOTA Aims and objectives 1. To provide a common forum for exchange of information, ideas and training for the less privileged youths in our society.

2. To improve the economic status of youths through the establishment of viable trades, training and funding.

3. To diseminite information on issues related to technical information methodology, examination and certification.

4. To conduct, training programs that addresses the techniques, leadership skills, income and self confidence.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED:Secretary

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

YALA UNITED CLUB OF NIGERIA

GOD’S ORDAINED BELIEVERS CHURCH WORLDWIDE

SIGNED Barr Solomon Oyakhilome Uduebor 08036411184

WIN OF GLORY COVENANT MINISTRY

The aim and objective: 1. For the welfare, support and development of its members.

CAVEAT EMPTOR

The Shop known as Shop no.425 Block B40 Section A, at Wuse Modern Market, Abuja belongs to Mrs. ROSELINE OJUTALAYO and is not for sale.

Anybody who deals with any other person in respect of the above named Shop be it as collateral for Bank Loan, Facility or Purchase, does so at his own risk.

Be warned!

Signed: ONUKWUBA LAWRENCE ESQ 08033291964

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: I. Advocacy on social welfare.

2. Assisting and empowering the needy women.

Any objections 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

HOPE ARISE LIGHT FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of Companies and Allied Matters Acts 1990.

TRUSTEES: I. OLUWATOYIN AMINA TAIWO - CHAIRMAN 2. OLAYINKA BABA TUNDE TAIWO - SECRETARY 3. OGUNDAIRO SHADE 4. FUNMI FATIMAH SULE 5. AKINTOLA AKINLOWO OLUREMI 6. LADI HABU AHMED. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: I. Advocacy on social welfare.

2. Assisting and empowering the needy women.

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

TONYA LAWANI-OKOJIE FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 Trustees 1) Imuwahen Oduwa-Malaka 2) Ehimen Ine 3) Osamagbe Ogida 4) Zeno Odiase 5) Tyler Lawani 6) Aimalohi Lawani 7) Osemudiamen Okojie Aims and objectives 1. To assist the less privileged Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED:Secretary

Public Notice 22 MRS. SIKIRU ABEGBEO MOJISOLA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MISS.LAMINA MOJISOLA MISRAT,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MRS. SIKIRU ABEGBEO MOJISOLA. ALL OTHER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

I formally known as Macaulay Sunday Gogo and Macaulay Gogo Junior now wish to be known and address as Macaulay Gogo . All document bearing my former name remain valid. The general public please take note.

JASON CHIKERUM ONUOHA

CYPRIAN IWEKA NKPAGWU

I, formerly known and addressed as, JASON OGWUTUM OHAKWE WAGBARA, now wish to be known and addressed as, JASON CHIKERUM ONUOHA. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, CYPRIAN IHEALETU NKPAGWU, now wish to be known and addressed as, CYPRIAN IWEKA NKPAGWU. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

DESTINY SUPPORT AFRICA FOUNDATION OF NIGERIA.

OFFICE ADDRESS: NO 11 LEME’S COMPOUND IJEUN-TITUN ABEOKUTA OGUN STATE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) REV. MRS OLABISI AYOKA PRESIDENT (2) MR KOKUMO ABIODUN MATHEW. SECRETARY (3) OLABISI OLUBISI. TREASURER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) Empowering women in the Society.

(2) Support for the brilliant but needy school pupils and students (3) Organising Educational Conferences for Christians Leaders.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION. PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: Joy Augustine. legal practitioner

POSITIVE MARCH ASSOCIATION OF MAFOLUKU The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The trustees are: (1) Ganiyu Dosunmu.

(2) Adeshina Ibrahim. (3) Safiu Sodiq.

(4) Tajudeen Ajetunmobi.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster uniTy, Love, Tolerance,Progress among members and bring development to our community

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

POWER OF FAITH MISSION

PALACE CLUB OF NIGERIA

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

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

NAME OF TRUSTEES : 1. Olaleye Olanrewaju Nojeem 2. Adigun Alani Michael 3. Folorunsho Olusesi John 4. Folorunsho Dorcas Oluwatobi - Secretary.

5. Folorunsho Olusegun FAVOUR. - G. O.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:{1} JOHN NNANATU (PRESIDENT) {2} VITUS EBERE INNOCENT (SECRETARY) {3} OBINNA OBI (TREASURER) {4} CHIMEZIE OKWARAJI (FINANCIAL SECRETARY) {5} NDUKA NWANEKEZIE (PROVOST)

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed : Bar Olaleye Olanrewaju.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To promote the welfare of members 2. To foster unity among members 3. To help the less privileged Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abujawithin 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY : Prince Obinna Orji OOA,

ORE TOWNSHIP RICE DEALERS ASSOCIATION.

MARKAZUR - RAHMAH CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

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

THE NAMES OF TRUSTEES ARE:(1) AJIBADE JIMOH (2)OGUNLANA ANIKE ENIOLA (3) ODEWALE MAROOF (4) ONU BEJAMIN (5) AJIBOYE SOLOMON (6) RASAQ DAUDA (7) NWOYE JOHN (8) AHMED SALAUDEEN (9) MATHEW OLUSOLA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS (2) ASSIT THE LOCAl GOVT MARKETS DEVELOPMENT

The Trustees Are: 1. Alhaji Murtadho Abdul-koodir Osiofit 2. Alhaji Abdurrauf Abass Adesola 3. Alfa Ibraheem Rasheed 4. Atanda Ridwan Olamilekan Aim and Objective: 1. To promote peace, unity and love in the society and among members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abujawithin 28 days from the date of this publication

Any objections 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 BY: SECRETARY

Signed: Trustees

VICTORIA ADEYEMI WOMEN AND CHILDREN OUTREACH

The general public is hereby notified that the above Named has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES NAMES: 1. ADEYEMI KAYODE AYODELE 2. ADEYEMI VICTORIA NANCY Aim And Objectives: 1. TO provide immediate support counseling via 24 hours crisis line to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

2. To prevent future cases of domestic violence by providing domestic violence prevention education as an outreach to community groups, schools, churches and businesses immediate.

SOMOLU BARIGA AUTO SPARE PARTS AND MACHINERIES DEALER’S ASSOCIATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act NO 1, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) MR ANICHE EGWUATU VINCENT CHAIRMAN (2) MR ABONYI CHRISTOPHER UGWUOKE TREASURER (3) MR EZE SAMUEL OKEKE PATRON (4) MR EGWU LIVINUS MEMBER (5) MR ONYEKARUSI NORBERT CHIJIOKE MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:TO PROMOTE THE COMMON INTEREST OF MEMBERS

Any objections 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.

Any objections 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.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, WUSE ZONE 5, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication

Signed: secretary

Signed: Trustees.

SIGNED BY: EMEKA UZO AGBAIM ESQ (ATTORNEY TO THE ASSOCIATION, 08133704698)

UNITED FORUM FOR PEACE, EQUITY AND DEVELOPMENT The general public is hereby notified that the above named FORUM 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. CHRISTOPHER NGWU - chairman.

2. MS. ROLAKE ODETOYINBO - secretary.

3. DR. AKIYODE AFOLABI ATINUKE - member.

4. MR. EZIEFULE BEDE CHIMEZIE - member.

5. UMEH KOSISOCHUKWU SAMUEL - member.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To increase accountability in Nigeria AIDS, TB and Malaria response.

2. To build capacity of CSOS to improve feedback mechanism as in health intervention.

3. To promote effective utilization of health responses in Nigeria.

Any objections 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: J.O ODIKPO (SOLICITOR)

ASSOCIATION OF ORUK ANAM INDIGENES OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified 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.

POWER OF DIVINE SOLUTION BIBLE CHURCH

BELLE APEX EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

This is to notify the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

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 199 0.

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Abraham Olabode Akanmu (General Overseer/ Chairman) 2. Deacon Oyeleye Edunjobi (Secretary) 3. Elder Samuel Adebaye Oni 4. Pastor Mrs. Lydia Akanmu 5. Deaconess Rachel Adediran 6. Mr. Lukmon Kusimo 7. Deaconess Olabisi Ake

The Trustees Are: 1.Mrs. Abidemi Olufunke Bada-chairman 3.Mr.Olayinka O.Adelami 5.Mrs. Victoria Chioma Eyinnaya 7.Mr.Daniel Ayotunde Bada

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Gospel of Christ throughout the world.

2. To win sinners /souls to the Kingdom of God 3. To organise crusades.

4. To deliver souls from satanic bondage.

5. To raise, train and equip believers for the work of evangelism.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, NDOLA SQUARE, WUSE ZONE 5, ABUJA within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Wole Oyero Esq. Wole Oyero & Associates, Suite 2, Jos Carpets building, Abiola- Way, Abeokuta. 08034129607

HEALTH REACH OUT INITIATIVE

2.Miss.Hannah Ayomikun Bada-secretary 4.Mrs.Abosede O.Otunba 6.Mr. Joshua Adeleye Bada 8.Mr. Bamidele Ade Bada

Aims And Objectives: 1.To set up special schools,care homes/boarding houses that will cater for the needs of children with special needs(disability).

2.To plan and implement charity projects on provision of teaching aids/equipment,facilities that will support their daily and comfortable living.

3.Organizing and participating in seminars,trainings and latest development in handling children with special needs in the field of medical sciences,education and relevant areas.

4.To raise the awareness and relevancy in team work approach to handling issues relating to children with special needs in a holistic manner.

5.To seek to raise the dignity of such children by empowering them to develop their self esteem,confidence and belief in themselves.

Any objections 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: Miss.Hannah Ayomikun Bada-secretary.

THE ‘NURTURING LIMBS’ - GODSON FOUNDATION.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 199 0.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of Companies and Allied Matters Acts 1990.

The Trustees are : 1.Solomon Padonu Omonike Mamukuyomi 2.Fehintola Fabajo 3.Samuel Olonikadi

TRUSTEES ARE. 1. GODSON IFEANYI OKWONKWO. – President 2. WILLIAMS BALOGUN - Vice President.

3. AGGREY LEO ADEGBOLA - Secretary.

4. BALOGUN JIMOH – Member.

Aims And Objectives: 1. To Cater For The Welfare Of Elderly Pensioners.

2. To Offer Health Training And Talks To Pensioners And Elderly In The Society.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. To sponsor of indigent children nationally and internationally.

2. To operate orphanage home and donate to other orphanage homes.

3. Catering for the less privilege in the society in collaboration with government and other corporate organisations.

Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objections 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.

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Quality Brain Management Consultancy Services, 08099428652, 08023413731

Signed: Barr Nwachukwu.

Signed by;Secretary.

The Trustees are : 1. ELDER DANIEL MICHAEL UMOH, MR. 2. UBONG DANIEL JACOB, 3. MR. LUCKY JONAH EKPO 4. APOSTLE RAPHAEL, ELIJAH UDOH 5. MRS. DORIS EKAETE UMOH 6. MR. PATRICK AKPAN UMOH 7. DEACON OFONMBUK TIMOTHY INYANG, 8. MR. ISAIAH SUNDAY UDOH, 9. MR. SUNDAY JONNAH ABASIUBONG 10. MR. FRANCIS DONALD AKPAN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AND CATER FOR GOOD WELFARE OF ORUK ANAM INDIGENES IN NIGERIA AND OVERSEAS 2. TO PROMOTE AND ORGANIZE SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES AND TRAIN MEMBERS. 3. TO PROMOTE AND PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR TRAINING OF YOUTHS AND CREATE CENTRE FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT. 4. TO CATER FOR LESS PRIVILAGE AND SUPPORT GOVERNMENT PROJECTS 5. PROMOTE AND PROVIDE SAFETY ENVIRONMENT FOR INDIGENES OF ORUK ANAM

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

23 News

Gen. Ijioma sues Army, others N5b over compulsory retirement Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎFive weeks after he was

compulsory retired from service alongside others by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, an officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma, has dragged the Nigerian Army and others before a National Industrial Court, Abuja.

General Ijioma, in an originating summon, is asking the court for an order directing his immediate reinstatement to the status quo ante bellum, in his position in the Nigerian Army before the letter dated June 9,2016, titled :”Compulsory Retirement NA Officer Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma (N8304)” pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit.

Sued also are: Minister of Defense, Chief of Defense Staff and Chief of Army Staff.

The Originating summons is brought by General Ijioma’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome SAN, in motion on notice brought pursuant to the provisions of the Order 11Rule 1(1)and Order 14 Rule 4(1), 4(1)(2) of the Industrial Court Rules 2007 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

ADDITIONAL OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OWOYEMI TIJANI, I WANT TO ADD JAMES TO MY NAME NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TIJANI OWOYEMI JAMES ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

ADVERT SPACE FOR SALE

Specifically, the claimant sought the court for an order compelling the Respondents jointly and severally to pay to the him the sum of N5 billion (N5,000,000,000.00) only as general, aggravated, punitive and exemplary damages for the unlawful, wrongful, illegal, unconstitutional and oppressive compulsory retirement and the attendant humiliation, psychological trauma, mental agony and odium caused the Applicant and his family, by the actions of the Respondents.

Besides, he asked the court

to declare that the purported compulsory retirement of the Claimant from the services of the Nigerian Army, vide letter dated 9th June, 2016, titled, “COMPULSORY RETIREMENT NA OFFICER MAJOR GENERAL IJIOMA NWOKORO IJIOMA (N/8304)” pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 09.02c(4) of the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers of the Armed Forces (HTACOS) 2012 Revised, did not follow due process and is consequently illegal, invalid, wrongful, unlawful, uncon-

stitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

General Ijioma sought the court for an order declaring that he was never validly and legally retired from the services of the Nigerian Army on the 9th of June, 2016, vide letter dated 9th June, 2016, issued by the Army Council pursuant to its meeting of the same date, or at any other time.

A declaration that he is still a serving member of the Nigerian Army, and is to be accorded all rights and privileges that he is entitled

ing that his association with the purported compulsory retirement in the on-going arms deal probe and/or involvement in political partisanship, when the he was never involved, indicted, invited, questioned, detained, or interrogated in any way howsoever, by either the Presidential Probe Panel on the Arms Deal or the election Probe Panel, or be involved in any of the two scandals, is illegal, unlawful, wrongful and constitutes a gross violation of his constitutional rights.

We’ve no evidence of impeachable offence against Buhari - House Chief Whip ÎÎÎThe

Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Alhaji Alhassan Doguwa, on Sunday in Buachi, said that the House had no single evidence of impeachable offence against President Muhammadu Buhari.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Doguwa, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Constituency in Kano State on the platform of the All Progres-

Buratai

OKWUZI GRACE OLUBUNMI I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS : ODUPITAN GRACE OLUBUNMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS : OKWUZI GRACE OLUBUNMI ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

AKAH UZOAMAKA FAVOUR I formerly known, called and addressed as CHINYERE UZOAMAK FAVOUR. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKAH UZOAMAKA FAVOUR. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, General public should please take note.

KOLE -JAMES IYABO OLUSHOLA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

rather than the House of Representatives, that, I don’t know.

“But I want to be very straight forward to you that we don’t have such a consideration before us; that matter is not even being contemplated; it was not even at any point in time thought of,” he said..

“After all, we do not have any evidence of impeachable offence with which to use against Mr. President,” he said.

OLAMILEKAN SIMIAT ILESANMIJUOYELO

OMOYEMI OMOLARA OSUNDINAKIN MARRY

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS : IYABO ADEYEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS : KOLE -JAMES IYABO OLUSHOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

I, formerly known and addressed as, RAHEEM SIMIYA R., now wish to be known and addressed as, OLAMILEKAN SIMIAT ILESANMIJUOYELO. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NAME- SALIU OMOLARA NOW WISH TO BE NAME AND ADDRESSED AS OMOYEMI OMOLARA OSUNDINAKIN MARRY ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

TANIMOWO BISOLA AFOLAKE

BERNARD OKORI EZUGO UMEZURIKE

CHARLES OLUWADAYOMI PAUL

EJIKE FLORENCE

I formerly known, called and addressed as BERNARD OKORI. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as BERNARD OKORI EZUGO UMEZURIKE. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, General public should please take note.

1 FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DAYOMI FEMI-PAUL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHARLES OLUWADAYOMI PAUL ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE AMERICA LAWRENCE AKPORROWHORAKPOBOOGH

I formerly known, called and addressed as OGUNLEDU BISOLA AFOLAKE. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as TANIMOWO BISOLA AFOLAKE. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, General public should please take note.

ADEGBOYEGA FELIX AJAYI

CHIFORDU PATRICIA

EKWESIRIKE ESTHER CHIOMA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FATAI MOHAMMED BELLO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS .PAUL OLAPOJU BELLO, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TURAWA AHMAD .U , NOW WISH TO BE NOW AND ADDRESSED ADEGBOYEGA FELIX AJAYI ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

I Formerly Known And Addressed As Chifordu Barbra Patricia Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Chifordu Patricia All Former Documents Remain Valid General Public Should Take Note

I Formerly Known And Addressed As Nwadioha Esther Chioma Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Ekwesirike Esther Chioma Al L Former Documents Remain Valid General Public Should Take Note

KAREEM MONISOLA IDAYAT

BABATUNDE OLALEKAN SHERIFF

OSIMBONI FAUSAT FUNMILOLA

I formerly known and addressed as ATUNDE SHERIFF Now. wish to be known and addressed as BABATUNDE OLALEKAN SHERIFF All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

sives Congress (APC), said no such issue was contemplated in the House of Representatives.

“As far as I am concerned, I am a member of House of Representatives and a principal officer of the House; the National Assembly is a twin institution; we have the House and we have the Senate.

“If there is any insinuation or speculation about the impeachment of Mr. President in any chamber

This is to inform the general public that Magdalene Uweh Bassey and Magdalene Bassey Uweh refers t. One and the same person . All Former documents remain valid. The general public should take note

PAUL OLAPOJU BELLO

I, formerly known and addressed as IDAYAT AMOKE OLAITAN now wish to be known, called and addressed as KAREEM MONISOLA IDAYAT All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities please take note.

to based on his rank and position, as provided for in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service, for Officers of the Armed Forces (HTACOS) Officers (2012) Revised.

He asked the court to declare that this present action in seeking justice before this Honourable Court, shall not constitute any ground to witch-hunt or victimize him upon his reinstatement to the services of the Nigerian Army.

The claimant asked the court for an order declar-

I, formerly known and addressed as, OSOKOYA FAUSAT FUNMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as, OSIMBONI FAUSAT FUNMILOLA. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, AMEKA,LAWRENCE ,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS, AMERICA LAWRENCE AKPORROWHORAKPOBOOGH ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

I, Formerly Known And Addressed As Mrs Odoh Florence Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Ejike Florence All Former Documents Remain Valid General Public Should Take Note EGUABOH BLESSING UWATI 1 Formerly Known And Addressed As ;Eguaboh Blessing Ivie ,Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Eguaboh Blessing Uwati All Former Documents Remain Valid General Public Should Take Note

COMFIRMATION OF NAME

ADVERT SPACE FOR SALE

I, MERCY MALACKI ETIM, AND MERCY VICTOR ETIM, refers to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, MERCY VICTOR ETIM. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday July 18, 2016

Turkey widens crackdown on military, judiciary after failed coup Turkey widened a crackdown on suspected supporters of a failed military coup on Sunday, taking the number of people rounded up in the armed forces and judiciary to 6,000.

Overnight, supporters of President Tayyip Erdogan rallied in public squares, at Istanbul airport and outside his palace in a show of defiance after the coup attempt killed at least 265 people.

With expectations growing of heavy measures against dissent, European politicians warned Erdogan that the coup attempt did not give him a bank cheque to disregard the rule of

law, and that he risked isolating himself internationally as he strengthens his position at home.

Broadcaster NTV cited Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag as saying that more arrests were expected on top of the 6,000 people already detained.

Authorities have rounded up nearly 3,000 suspected military plotters, ranging from top commanders to foot soldiers, and the same number of judges and prosecutors after forces loyal to Erdogan crushed the attempted coup on Saturday.

Among those arrested is Gen

Bekir Ercan Van, commander of the Incirlik air base from which U.S. aircraft launch airstrikes on Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, an official said.

“Control across Turkey has been restored and there are no clashes at the moment,” a senior official said, adding that although a few groups of coup plotters were holding out in Istanbul, they no longer posed a risk.

“There are still a few important soldiers on the run and being sought. I believe they will be captured shortly,” the official told Reuters.

25 Foreign

African passport launched in Kigali The African passport has finally been launched and the first two copies issued at the 27th African Union (AU) summit in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.

The outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Dlamini-Zuma issued the first two copies to Chairperson of the AU and Chadian president, Idris Deby Itno and Rwandan president Paul Kagame.

According to Dr. DlaminiZuma, even though the initial plan was to issue the passports to Heads of State, Foreign affairs ministers and top diplomats, the AU had been overwhelmed by calls from many who want to share in the privilege of holding African passports.

She therefore appealed that nations should accept the

challenge to issue the African passports to their respective nationals within their own processes.

Dlamini-Zuma in delivering her last address as AU Chairperson, spoke about the successes the Commission has chalked among others championing the rights of women, the launch of the African passport and championing youth involvement in the continent’s journey into the future.

She challenged the next commission to focus on achieving all indicators towards the Agenda 2063 dream that had been set. The AU is expected to choose a new Chairperson to run the affairs of the Commission for the next four years.

Mass looting of food aid in South Sudan As fighting raged between forces allied to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and those loyal to Vice-President Riek Machar in the capital Juba last week, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) food storage facility in the city was picked clean.

The warehouse which held a month’s supply of food and nutrition for over 200,000 people was looted and the WFP says it was outraged by the theft of the supplies, meant to reach the “poorest and most vulnerable people” in a country that is trying to starve off famine.

“While the extent of the

looting is not yet clear, we fear that the loss of these vital food supplies will severely hamper WFP’s ability to assist the tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes because of the violence,” said the WFP deputy regional director, Vernon Archibald.

The warehouse serves as WFP’s main logistical hub in the country and is used as a supply point to the agency’s operations in the the rest of South Sudan.

It is estimated that nearly 5 million people out of a population of 11 million South Sudanese is dependent on food aid.

America resumes air-strikes against IS Anti-coup protest in Turkey

Zambian political parties pledge peaceful campaign

Five Zambian political parties including the ruling Patriotic Front have signed new pledges committing themselves to ensuring that supporters desist from violence ahead of the August 11 general election.

The parties renewed their pledges after a meeting Friday in the capital, Lusaka, with officials of the Electoral Commission of Zambia and church groups.

The other signatories were the United National Independence Party, the People’s Alliance for Change, the Forum for Democracy and Development, and the Democratic Alliance.

The electoral commission sought to meet with all stakeholders as part of an effort to curb escalating violence, which prompted a suspension of campaigning for 10 days in the Namwala and Lusaka districts.

The commission plans to lift the

suspension Monday.

Despite the pledges, Zambia’s main opposition party, the United Party for National Development, refused to commit to peaceful campaigning on the ground that its demands were not met during the meeting with the electoral commission.

The Rainbow Party and the United Progressive People also refused to sign the no-violence pledge.

Spokesman Chris Akufuna said the electoral commission’s main goal for Friday’s meeting was to win support from all parties and candidates for “a pledge for peace” during the remaining weeks of the campaign.

Those who declined to sign the no-violence pledge, Akufuna said, “felt we needed an addendum ... [to] assure them of their rights and freedom in terms

of assembly and association during the campaigns.”

Public reaction to the suspension of campaigning in Namwala and Lusaka has been mixed, Akufuna said.

One party that signed the new peace pledge, the Forum for Democracy and Development, has challenged the electoral commission’s legal authority to suspend campaigning.

The Constitutional Court plans to begin hearing the challenge next week. freedom of association,” said Akufuna. “The commission, as things stand, has said that the political party that has taken us to court is a stakeholder and is at liberty to seek legal interpretation in terms of the law in as far as it stands. So the commission is perhaps waiting for the ruling of the court.”

United States-led coalition airstrikes from Turkey are again being carried out against Islamic State after airspace in the country had been closed following Friday’s coup attempt.

Air operations against IS were blocked temporarily by the Turkish government following the coup attempt.

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook, using an acronym to describe IS, issued a statement saying Turkish authorities reopened their airspace to military aircraft on Sunday. “As a result, counter-ISIL coalition air operations at all air bases in

Turkey have resumed.”

Turkey, a major U.S. ally in the region, has allowed the U.S. to use Incirlik Air Base in the city of Adana to launch attacks against IS. Cook said U.S. facilities at the air base are still operating on internal power sources and hopes commercial power will soon be restored.

Meanwhile, Turkish authorities have detained the commander of Incirlik Air Base, General Bekir Ercan Van, along with ten other soldiers and one police officer for their roles in the botched coup attempt.

Germany apologises for its Namibia genocide Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel has said her country will make the apology for nearly completely wiping out the Herero people of Namibia between 1904 to 1907. Some historians see the atrocities committed by Germans then as a precursor to the Jewish Holocaust a few decades later.

Angela Merkel

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Our Heritage Æ s

In Nzeogwu’s town, Queen Mother is key Whenever one mentions a monarch, it readily comes to mind that you talking about a man.

The reverse is, however, the case in Okpanam town, where the Queen Mother, the Omu, wields much power. Agozino Agozino writes Locating the Omu of Okpanam and Anioma in her hometown, which shares boundary with Asaba, the Delta State capital, is not a difficult task.

The task is made all the more easier by a signpost standing at about ten minutes walking distance into Obodoogba quarters, Okpanam, through the town junction along the Benin-Asaba Expressway, pointing to her palace.

Okpanam town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State is an indelible mark in Nigerian history, being the hometown of the late Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, the man credited with leading a group of young soldiers that staged the first coup d’etat in January, 1966.

With a population of about 70,000 people, made up mainly of civil servants and farmers, Okpanam is bordered by Asaba and Ugbolu to the East, Igbuzo (Ibusa) and Ogwashi-Uku to the South, Issele Azagba and Azagba Ogwashi to the West and Akwukwu Igbo, Atuma and the River Niger to the North.

The town has a history of attracting dwellers from diverse cultures such as Anam and Oba in Anambra State; Benin in Edo State and Auchi in the riverine area of Delta State.

The Omu institution is one of the most unique features among the culturally endowed people of Anioma, which, literally, means a land that is good or a land of decency. It is made up of the people constituting the present Delta North Senatorial District, who have a common identity and share the same linguistic features.

The nine local government areas making up Anioma are: Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Ukwuani, Oshimili South and Oshimili North.

The origin of the Omu institution cannot, exactly, be ascertained. But it is believed that the institution is as old as the communities where it’s established. It is also believed that it was conceptu-

alised when it became necessary to involve women in governance, particularly, in the area of mobilising the womenfolk for the benefit of the community at large.

The institution, which is, generally, referred to as the Omu council is made up of mostly women set aside to perform the assignment they are called out for. The council is called the Omu’s cabinet and has the Omu as the head.

The office is an exalted one that demands both physical and spiritual responsibilities. This makes the appointment and installation of an Omu an enormous one.

Serving as the Queen Mother of this vast area is Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu, who bears the title of Omu of Anioma.

While the traditional ruler is the father of the community, the Omu is the mother of the community and also head of women in the community. She is the Queen Mother and the only female in the traditional ruling council. Just like the monarch, the Omu has her separate palace from where she carries out her responsibilities.

The functions of the Omu are physical and spiritual. She is the custodian of the market and oversees the overall commercial activities of the community. She is the link between the spiritual realm and the living. The desires of the ancestors are revealed to the people through the Omu, who is a direct recipient of the information.

She and members of her cabinet carry out sacrifices of atonement, cleansing and purification. She also acts as judge and counsellor as she settles quarrels between her people, especially, among the womenfolk, and offers useful advice to the monarch on administrative and religious matters.

The Omu’s office is a highly revered and carries so much dignity and respect. This is why the position is not just open to any woman because it takes so much to occupy this office and the responsibilities are demanding.

OBI MARTHA DUNKWU

For a woman to become the Omu, her nomination must be confirmed by the oracle before she assumes office. In most cases, however, the direct selection and endorsement of any woman for that position comes from the spiritual realm, to be revealed to the community

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Group rolls out drums for African music festival

Cultural troup in a performance during Badagry festival

Agozino Agozino Through a Canada-based music and arts promoting body , Afrikadey , music lovers in Nigeria will soon get to know more about country’s rich music heritage and its potential.

The Pan African music promoting body that has hosted many festivals in Canada said the outing tagged Pan African Music Market is designed as event where those in interested in African music prosper and have opportunities to market their works. The project will bring together wide range of music creators and entrepreneurs who have interest in production and marketing of original African music. The goal is to establish an environment where sellers and buyers of music would converge, interact and initiate transactions that would be mutually beneficial to all involved.

It will begin in Lagos October in Badagry Lagos, and will be a yearly event and subsequently, go through other parts of the country.

To be featured in the four days panoramic cultural music package are concerts, music tradeshow, stands and pavilions, artist’s showcases, special guest presentation, evening dance, artist’s showcases, visual arts, industry presentations, special awards and closing concert.

Addressing a press conference at the body corporate headquarters, in Lekki Lagos penultimate Friday, Mr. Tunde Dawudu, Executive Director of the Company narrated what to be expected when the music festival project began. He said that the objective is economic diversification from total dependent on crude oil income for social and infrastructural development to creative arts and in particular music, especially as today’s music is sustainable method of accomplishing creative goal.

Dawudu further disclosed the intent of Pan African Music Market project is to increase opportunities available for African and in particular Nigerian music artists and entrepreneurs to make significant contribution to the continent cultural expression.

“Pan African Music Market project desires to ensure that African music artists have the necessary skills, know-how and tools to succeed in a global and digital environment. Music is an art

form that moves people, whether we are singing, playing instruments or just listening, we feel the emotion that music generates and it inspires us spiritually. The PAMM project will be a place that nurtures creativity, fosters technical innovation and provides enabling avenue for international acceptance of music created by African artists.

Nigeria is fast becoming a global destination for business investors. The production of unique events like Pan African Music Market project could become the imperative in sustaining longterm interest in Africa continental development process.,’’ Dawudu reasoned.

Establishing the significance of the event, Dawudu said it was inspired by the need to arrest the massive erosion of Nigerian music cultural values by Western world. A problem which he noted is not good for the future generation. According to the music promoter executive, if the present day young Nigerians who are interested in music are not properly given a good opportunity, the danger is that they will grow up forgetting their background. Therefore, he said the event will showcase works of other international artists in the country and will give credence to governmental effort in positioning Nigeria as a global player in African arts renaissance.

“The project could be a springboard for the diversification of African economy by encouraging bilateral trade, strengthen cultural industry in the continent and promote unity through musical exchange and collaboration.

This proposed annual four day event in historic city of Badagry would attest to the benefit of networking across national borders and prove the role of music as a major force in cross cultural exchange, intercontinental and global trade.’’

Explaining how the music event will be conducted, Dawudu said that it will be like a music market project but will be open for all for participation.

He narrated “The proposed annual four day Pan African Music Market would be scheduled for every fourth week of October, starting from Thursday through to Sunday of each year. The project is purposely created as an all-encompassing musical event with multinational and multi lingual conference that would bring together, professionals in the music industry from all over Africa.’’

27 Our Heritage

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Ondo APC women group to protest Melaye assault on Tinubu ’Tosin Ajuwon Akure Makarfi

Makarfi writes INEC, OGSIEC on Ogun PDP exco Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏAs

the Local Government elections draw near in Ogun State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has written the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele as the party’s chairman in the state.

It also urged the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) to accord Ogundele the necessary co-operation ahead of the October 8 elections.

Copies of the two letters, dated July 14, 2016 and addressed to the INEC Secretary in Abuja and OGSIEC Chairman in Abeokuta, respectively, urged the OGSIEC to deal with the Party Executives led

by Hon Sikirulai Ogundele who was a former Chairman of Ifo Local Government and two-term State Assembly member.

This is coming in the wake of lingering leadership tussle between Ogun PDP factions, which are loyal to Senator Buruji Kashamu and a House of Representatives member, Oladipupo Adebutu.

ÏÏÏThe All Progressives Congress (APC) Women for Women Group in Ondo State would today (Monday) stage a protest against Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West at the Senate House for allegedly assaulting a fellow female colleague, Oluremi Tinubu during an executive session of the Senate.

The State Co-ordinator of the group, Fola Olasehinde, who promised to mobilised all women for

today’s protest said the attack on Tinubu was one too many on Nigerian women.

Olasehinde accused Melaye of having records of assaults and physical attacks on women as seen in the reports of his first wife, Tokunbo Melaye.

She described the action Melaye has inhuman, indecent and a shameful behaviour from a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Olaseinde said, “Melaye could flex his muscles if he so will but not by being a bully in the Senate

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as evident in the way he sprang up from his seat and charged towards Senator Tinubu and threatened to physically assault her.

“This is the height of legislative rascality ever perpetrated by any law-maker in this country and Mr. Melaye has misrepresented the good people of Kogi West Senatorial District, who elected him into office by his barbaric show of shame that has become a national embarrassment”, she said According to her, it was unparlia-

mentary for anyone in the Legislative Assembly to exhibit aggression – verbal or physical assault, still less expressing derogatory sexual harassment against a fellow female member.

She called for appropriate sanctions to be meted out to Melaye by the leadership of the Senate, so as to serve as deterrent to all men who assault women in the country.

Olasehinde added that the National Assembly should make laws for the safety of women in this country.

L-R: Managing Partner Fit Consult Limited, Chief Loretta Aniagolu; President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Rev. Ugochukwu Chime and 2nd Deputy President, ECCIMA, Sir, Emeka Nwandu, during a facility tour of Fit Consult housing project in Enugu… on Sunday.

Adamawa youths laud ex-MDGs co-ordinator, Garbajo Lawyer queries ex-Ekiti Prisons boss Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏYouths

in Adamawa State, under the auspices of Adamawa Youths Awareness Association and Social Developments Congress (AYADEC), in their hundreds, converged in Lelewal Hall and showered encomiums on Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Garbajo on his efforts to consolidate democracy by providing succour to the less- privileged in the state and at the country at large.

The leader of the group, Comrade Aliyu Marafa Adamu, emphasised that honour must be given to those that deserve it, because of what they were doing to save mankind from the shackles of poverty.

“As you can see us here in our

great numbers, it is to appreciate and tell the whole world of what one of our own is doing and he deserves to be recognised and crowned with a feather of honour, because of what he is doing to support the Nigerian youths. This, indeed, is the consolidation of Nigerian democracy in action”, Marafa said.

“Because of this man, there is both cause for hope and certainty that the agony and protests of those who suffer injustice shall give way to peace and human dignity.

“The children of the world shall know the great work of this extraordinary leader and his fervent mission to right wrong, to do justice, and to serve mankind.

“Poverty, ignorance, disease, hunger, and racism have each seen

effects of the valiant work of Adamu Abubakar Garbajo. Through him and others like him, never again will freedom rest in the domain of the few.

“The entire members of the Adamawa Youths Awareness Association and Social Development Congress salute him this day as a hero in the global pursuit to preserve the history and the legacy of the Nigerian Youths. We recognise him as a special epitome of youth empowerment for an award of his great exploits of supporting people”.

The youths enumerated the achievements of Garbajo, since when he was the Co-ordinator of Adamawa State Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), where thousands of youths were empowered.

over alleged torture of OPC chief Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe

immediate past Comptroller of Prisons in Ekiti State, Attahiru Mustapha, is facing an allegation of brutality meted out to the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) leader Adeniyi Adedipe in custody.

Adedipe’s lawyer, Jamiu Tijani, disclosed on Sunday that his client was beaten, dehumanised, stripped naked and beaten by armed prison guards under alleged supervision of Mustapha at about 10.00 a.m. last Wednesday, July 13.

Sources at the Ekiti State Command of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) revealed that Mustapha had been transferred to Taraba State where he would assume duty

today (Monday).

Tijani called on the NPS National Headquarters, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Department of State Services (DSS) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to launch an investigation into the incident.

He insisted that his client who had been of good behaviour since his detention in prison custody committed no offence to warrant the brutality visited on him.

Adedipe popularly known as Apase is on trial alongside seven other persons in connection with the murder of the former state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Omolafe Aderiye, on September 25, 2014 a charge which they all denied.

Dream Team VI in slim win over Charleston N

igeria Olympic team defeated local side Charleston Battery 1-0 in a rescheduled warm-up game after the original game was delayed hours in Atlanta due to heavy down pour. Portugal-based defender

Stanley Amuzie was the match winner in the 33rd minute against a team with an average of 17 years.

Coach Samson Siasia’s team created several chances, but could not add to the lone goal.

They enjoyed the ball possession, but their young opponents had a goal disallowed in first half stoppage time. Their final test game is on July 27 against another Rio-bound team Honduras.

Stanley Amuzie was Nigeria’s match winner.

Page 29

Monday, July 18, 2016

Keshi’s

Pele visits

Nigeria Aug.11

burial to gulp N30m T

he burial of former Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi will cost about N30 million, but even then the cash has not been made available by government.

It has now emerged that unless the Presidency intervenes, the planned burial date of Keshi may not hold as scheduled as a result.

The burial has been fixed by the Federal Government for July 27, 28 and 29, with a committee headed by the Permanent Secretary in the Youth and Sports Ministry already put in place for the purpose.

It has now come to light that the committee has not been able

to function because there are no funds for their meetings let alone burial proper.

Sports minister Solomon Dalung, who is battling to get the funds for the Rio Olympics out for Team Nigeria to travel later this week, is said to be at a loss over how to ask the Presidency for the Keshi burial fund.

Sources within the committee say the Minister is worried, especially as Nigerians will not take it lightly if Keshi is not given a befitting burial.

“But, this is an extra-budgetary matter and we have to be patient with the Presidency,” a source hinted.

“Having captained the national team for nearly 15 years, winning the Nations Cup as captain and coach, Keshi deserves a hero’s burial and the Federal Government will do it but funds have been hindering us,” another committee member hinted with a tinge of regret.

In setting up the burial committee, Dalung had said the government want to accord Keshi a heroic burial so as to send a message home to today’s youths that if they serve Nigeria well in any endeavour the nation will never forget them and will reward them bountifully even in death.

Late Keshi

B

razil’s football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimentor, popularly known as “Pele” will be the country in August for a two-day programme on youth development and empowerment.

The facilitators of the visit, Winihin Jemide Series (WJS) and Youth Experience Days Africa (YEDA), made the disclosure at a news conference on July 15 in Lagos.

The football great, is renowned for many achievements, including scoring 1,281 goals in his professional career.

Pele has also been named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and FIFA respectively.

His forthcoming visit will be his second visit to the country, the first in 1967 was occasioned by a two-day cease fire during the Nigerian civil war.

His visit allowed the warring sides to watch Pele and Santos play an exhibition match in Lagos.

Pele would be in the country from Aug. 11 to Aug. 12 for the programme, tagged “WJS/YEDA Legend Edition”.

The organisers said that programmes line-up for the events were street football tournament that would feature 44 youths selected from the street and sports clinics.

Also, there will be a gala night with Pele and other Africa football legends where Pele memorabili would also be auctioned, the organisers said.

The facilitators said that proceeds from the auction would be donated to an eligible local youth football academy.

Pele will also visit Ghana on Aug. 14.

MultiChoice signs Ighalo as Ambassador

L

L-R: Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe; Watford FC striker and MultiChoice Ambassador Odion Jude Ighalo and Multichoice General Manager (Marketing), Martin Mabutho.

eading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced Super Eagles and Watford Football Club striker, Odion Jude Ighalo as brand ambassador for MultiChoice.

The endorsement deal was signed recently at the MultiChoice head office in Victoria Island.

Ighalo will feature in a soon to be launched DStv campaign which includes TV, Out-of-home, digital, radio and press adverts and make special guest appearances at major DStv events amongst other activities.

Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe speaking on the endorsement said the company is

pleased to welcome Odion Ighalo to the family as an ambassador.

According to Ugbe, Ighalo’s zest and brilliant accomplishments as a footballer, locally and internationally, made him a perfect fit for the brand.

“From his humble beginnings of playing football on the streets of Ajegunle to scoring big on the international scene, the Odion Ighalo success story is one that deeply resonates with the brand.

We believe his energetic display and results on the pitch will inspire Nigerians as they work on achieving their dreams,” he said.

Speaking on his partnership with the brand, Odion Ighalo said, “I am

happy to be part of the MultiChoice family. Growing up, we couldn’t afford to have DStv in our house, so I used to pay to watch football at viewing centres. It is a dream come true and I am looking forward to this new relationship with MultiChoice”.

Ighalo joins other celebrities who have in the past represented various brands of the company. Some of which include Nollywood actors OC Ukeje for the DStv Explora; Ivie Okujaye for DStv Compact while another Nollywood actor, John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu and veteran Nigerian singer, John Odafe Asiemo popularly known as Daddy Showkey both as GOtv ambassadors.

30

Monday, July 18, 2016

EXTRATIME

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE BRIEFS

Pereira determined to impress Mourinho M

Palace win in front of record crowd

W

ilfried Zaha and Jordon Mutch were both on target as Crystal Palace closed out the United States leg of their preseason tour with a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati. A capacity crowd of 35,061 witnessed the game - the largest football crowd in Ohio.

Zaha sealed the victory for the Premier League visitors just past the hour-mark after Mutch opened the scoring in the eighth minute on Saturday.

anchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira is determined to prove his quality to Jose Mourinho this season.

The 20-year-old joined United’s youth system from PSV in 2011 but has struggled to force his way into the first team, making just four substitute appearances in the Premier League under Louis van Gaal last season.

The Brazil youth international scored a superb second goal for Mourinho’s side in their 2-0 friendly victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday after replacing Michael Carrick at the heart of midfield.

And Pereira hopes he can

Spurs target N’Koudou

T

ottenham are interested in Marseille winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, according to sources. It is understood the 21-year-old caught the eye of Spurs scouts while they were looking at former Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi, who joined Chelsea earlier this month.

Reports in France claim a deal of £10.8m has been agreed between the clubs and he will soon fly to London for a medical.

Mata wary of Dortmund

J

uan Mata says Manchester United must be wary of Borussia Dortmund’s attacking qualities ahead of the two teams’ meeting in Shanghai next Friday. After Jose Mourinho’s first match in charge ended in a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, United turn their attention to upcoming International Champions Cup matches against Thomas Tuchel’s side and rivals Manchester City in China.

Pereira

continue that form in training and pre-season in order to earn more regular playing time under the new manager.

“I’m very happy that I scored in this game, and yeah, it was not a bad strike at all,” he told reporters.

“I can play in other positions but I enjoyed that role a lot. I think it was very important for me to get some minutes and show the manager and show the team that I can help them. I am very happy that I could help.

“I want to show the manager, to show the people around the club, to show the players

that I can help this season. It’s very important for me. I want to show this in training and just keep working hard.”

Mourinho had high praise for Pereira after the match, adding: “Andreas has lots of talent - he has incredible vision and an incredible technique.”

United’s next game is against Borussia Dortmund in China on Friday.

Chelsea: Begovic hails

Kante’s signing C

helsea have signed a “big player” in N’Golo Kante, according to goalkeeper Asmir

Begovic.

The Blues completed the signing of the France midfielder from champions Leicester City on Saturday for a fee that could reportedly rise to £32million.

Kante has put pen to paper on a fiveyear deal with Chelsea and Begovic welcomed his arrival after the squad’s disappointing 10th-place finish last season.

“He is a big player, a huge player for Leicester last season and he had a good

impact for France at the Euros as well,” Begovic told reporters after playing in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna.

“He is a player we are looking forward to adding to the team. We needed more options. You can never have too deep of a squad so the more options you have, the better.

“Kante adds a lot to our team and will make us better going forward.”

Despite Chelsea losing in their first pre-season game, Begovic has enjoyed working under new boss Conte, but said the manager had not yet confirmed whether he or Thibaut Courtois will

be the number one keeper.

On Conte’s methods, Begovic added: “It’s been great so far. We are buying into what the manager wants us to do, working hard to try and improve and work in a different way. It’s going to take a bit of time, it’s a process, but so far so good and over time we will get better.

“The work ethic is really strong. I’m sure we have got another few hard days ahead – we have got to get our base fitness.”

Kante

Hazard can reach Messi’s level-Conte A

Hazard

Conte

ntonio Conte says he can turn Chelsea’s top players into Ballon d’Or contenders if they buy into his work ethic.

Conte is determined to restore Eden Hazard to the kind of form which carried Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2015 and earned the Belgium international both big player-of-the-year

awards.

And Conte’s message to Hazard and his team-mates is clear: ‘Follow me, and I can take you to Lionel Messi’s level’.

“I think Chelsea have players who can become top, top, top players,” said Conte. “I think that these players can still improve a lot with work.

“We have players, fantastic

players, who have great talent but in this moment the world doesn’t think they are the same level as Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo or Paul Pogba.

“But I think that in our squad there are players who, with work, can improve a lot and reach this level. I’m sure about this. It’s

the

important players

understand this.

“There is the ability to work, to prove and to show that, now I am a top player, but I want to become top, top, top player and I want to stay there.

“This is important.

The mentality is important. The heart is important, patience and the will

Monday, July 18, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… Ronaldo (left) in pains as he receives medical attention.

Collina defends Payet’s

Real star Bale engages longterm partner

tackle on Ronaldo U

EFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina does not believe there was any malice in the tackle from France midfielder Dimitri Payet that prematurely ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2016 final.

Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo limped off during the first half of Portugal’s eventual 1-0 extra-time triumph with a knee problem, failing to overcome the effects of Payet’s early challenge.

A

rjen Robben will miss the start of Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga season after suffering a groin injury in the club’s first friendly match of the new campaign.

Robben picked up the problem in Bayern’s thrilling 4-3 win over Lippstadt on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti’s first game as the Bundesliga champions’ coach.

Having registered a goal and an assist in the early stages, the 32-year-old pulled up as he attempted a sprint in the 36th minute and was immediately replaced by youngster Mario Crnicki.

“The injury to the player’s

The West Ham player went unpunished and Portugal boss Fernando Santos felt Payet should have received a card – not necessarily a view Collina subscribes to.

“The entry of Payet, it was a foul,” the former leading referee told reporters. “He deserved a yellow?

It is debatable, but the dynamic of the battle – knee to knee – it was accidental.

“It is an unfortunate episode.

Payet did not want to hurt him.”

Euro 2016 was a tournament pleasingly free of refereeing controversies and Collina reflected on a job well done from the men in the middle.

“We received so many compliments, for example, the words of praise expressed by leading coaches like Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger,” he said, before explaining that officials were given

breakdowns of teams’ expected tactical approaches to help with their game management.

“We introduced an important innovation: to know the schemes of the teams and the technical characteristics of the players, which is critical to predict situations that might otherwise take you by surprise – a condition that often leads to error.

G

New injury setback for

Robben right leg was diagnosed after an examination conducted by the club’s medical unit in Munich on Sunday. Robben will be sidelined for approximately six weeks,” read Bayern’s statement.

A six-week absence would keep Robben out until around August 27 and see him miss all of the club’s pre-season

campaign, as well as the DFL-Supercup match against Borussia Dortmund and their opening Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen.

Robben only played 15 league matches in an injury-hit 2015-16 campaign.

Gareth Bale (right) engaged to sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones.

Robben

areth Bale has announced his engagement to longterm partner Emma Rhys-Jones.

The Wales international has been on a break with friends and family in Spain’s Balearic Islands after helping his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 earlier this month.

Bale turned 27 on Saturday and has now revealed on Twitter that he had extra reason to celebrate after his new fiancee accepted his marriage proposal.

He wrote: “She said yes!! This is a birthday weekend I won’t forget for a long time.”

The couple have been together since they were teenagers and have two children, three-year-old Alba Violet and Nava Valentina, who was born in March.

Callejon hopes Higuain stays amid Juve links

J

Higuain

ose Callejon does not believe Gonzalo Higuain is seeking a move away from Napoli, with the forward hopeful his in-demand team-mate will stay put.

Higuain topped Serie A’s goalscoring charts last term and the Argentina international has since been linked with a move away from Naples, Italian champions Juventus emerging as a shock

destination.

Napoli have quashed reports linking the 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract, to Juve and Spaniard Callejon is determined to see Higuain continue in Naples in 2016-17.

“I want him to stay here at Napoli,” Callejon said.

“I have played with him for the last three seasons, two at Napoli and one

at Real Madrid, and I now have a strong relationship with him.

“I have not heard anything from Higuain that he wants to leave. A lot of the news at this time of year is just mere speculation. It would be a shame if he is not with us next season.”

Higuain scored 36 goals in Serie A last season - 17 more than any other player as Napoli finished second behind Juve.

Published by folio communicationS ltd, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 018447948.

DAILY EDITOR: Biodun duRoJaiYE

mondaY, JulY 18, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.153

Price: n150

Keshi’s burial to gulp N30m Page 29

news Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. advert Hotlines: 08086296714

Super Eagles’ Frenchman Paul Le Guen is highly favoured to land Super Eagles top job.

Andrew Ekejiuba Sport Editor he Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation will meet in Abuja today to interview three persons shortlisted for the position of Super Eagles’ Head Coach and thereafter forward the name of the successful candidate to the NFF Board.

Nigerian Salisu Yusuf (54), Belgian Tom Saintfiet (43) and Frenchman Paul Le Guen (52) are the candidates in the running.

The NFF Technical and Development Committee

T

B

razil captain Neymar said it’s rare for a “land of football” like his to have never won gold in the Olympics, while adding he isn’t daunted by the responsibility that comes with leading his team.

Neymar, 24, did not take part in the Copa America Centenario in the United States in favour of trying to help Brazil win the country’s first-ever gold medal in football at the Olympics.

The timing for the historic first has added significance as Brazil are hosting the games in Rio. “It’s a unique opportunity,” Neymar told Brazilian television. “Not only for me, but for everyone on the team. We know how important this medal is.

“I know that this gold medal has eluded Brazil so far, and we will do everything to try to win it. It’s rare that a country like Brazil, considered the land of football, still hasn’t won this gold.”

It will be the second time Neymar will play

new coach emerges today

further revealed that the interview process will take place at the NFF secretariat and they will only settle for the candidate they see as most qualified and capable of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Saintfiet coached the National Teams of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Yemen, Malawi and Togo, and also worked with the Qatar U-17 side, Young Africans FC of Tanzania and Free State Stars FC in South Africa.

Yusuf was capped by Nigeria at U-20 level, won FA Cup titles with El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri as a player and coached top clubs Kano Pillars, El-Kanemi Warriors

and Enyimba FC. He also assisted Super Eagles’ head coaches Samson Siasia and Stephen Keshi (of blessed memory), and was caretaker coach for two friendlies that the Eagles won against Mali and Luxembourg in Europe at the end of May. Le Guen, 52, played for Brest, Nantes and Paris Saint Germain and won 17 caps for France, before coaching Rennes, Lyon, PSG (in France) and Glasgow Rangers (in Scotland). He qualified the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals and also coached Oman.

Rio Olympics:

Neymar

targets soccer gold for Brazil for Brazil at the Olympics. He led the team that lost the 2012 final to Mexico in London, where the Brazilians were the heavy favourites. Brazil was runner-up twice before, in 1984 and 1988.

They also won the bronze in 1996 and 2008, the last time with a squad that featured Ronaldinho and future stars like Marcelo and Thiago Silva.

Neymar will be one of the three over-23 players each nation is allowed to add to their roster. The other two are 38-year-old Palmeiras

goalkeeper Fernando Prass and 28-year-old Beijing Guoan midfielder Renato Augusto, who have far less international experience than Neymar.

There is also extra pressure on the Selecao captain after Dunga was fired for the second time from the national team following a disastrous Copa America that saw the team fail to advance from the group stages.

Neymar

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Shell’s host communities in Bayelsa report earth tremour Page B2

Depositors want banks to strengthen security at ATMs Page B3

Govt accumulates over N140bn pension liabilities in three years

Page B5

US investor, Lagos communities sign joint refinery ownership agreement In a move that may yet nip in the bud the perennial restiveness in oil communities, USA investor, Trans oil energy incorporation and a cluster of communities in the Lagos West Senatorial zone at the weekend sign a joint ownership agreement that will give birth to a 100,000bpd petroleum refinery in the next twelve months.

The new company, Union Trans Oil Refinery Limited will be sited in the over 700acres of choice land provided by the communities. While the investor will pay for the land, they will also part with a sizable chunk of equity shares to give the communities a sense of belonging. Speaking during the short but impressive signing ceremony, the promoter and President of the refinery, Mr. Hicham Makkaoui said this move will end the perennial restiveness in oil regions. ’’The communities know that they stand to receive dividends yearly which we believe will be ploughed into community CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

SEC determined to raise market participation – Gwarzo

NEPC

Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi; Cabinet Secretary, Foreign Affairs of Kenya in Nairobi, Mrs Amina Mohammed and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Segun Awolowo at the opening ceremony of UNCTAD in Nairobi, Kenya… at the weekend.

DISCOs advocate stiffer punishment for vandals Ï&E&# Ɖ Ƅ ƐƄƍ MƾƞƊ Ɗ Ǝ ƉƓ Ǝ Ɛ ƕ Ɖ Opeoluwani Akintayo Electricity distribution companies, DisCos, have called on the Federal Government, to enact laws that will allow equipment vandals to face stiffer punishment for their crime.

Speaking at the weekend on behalf of the Discos, Mr Oladele Amoda, the Chief Executive Officer, EKo Electricity Distribution Company Plc, EKEDC, condemned the increase in equipment vandalism, adding that it has forced the Discos to spend money meant for other electricity development projects on replacing stolen equipment.

He said that electricity mate-

rials, such as cables and wires, among others, had either been stolen or vandalised within the its operations, with the recent one taking place in Apapa, Mushin, Ikoyi Ajegunle and Festac area of Lagos State.

According to him, equipment such as 300KVA and 500KVA were vandalised in Eko Disco, and the company loses over N50 million monthly to vandalism. ``Vandalism of electricity installations in the areas has become a problem. Within the past four months, the unit has recorded further acts of vandalism of nine transformer substations. ``Most time the vandals carted away eight metres of 150mm2x4

core cable, cable sockets and ferrules. ``We have raised alarm over the increased rate of vandalism of our equipment in recent time, while we beefed up surveillance, ‘’ he said.

Amoda, therefore called for the review of existing laws on vandalism of electricity equipment and other public facilities and their replacement with laws that would stipulate stiffer penalties against culprits.

He said that the stringent laws and penalty would help reduce and possibly eradicate the nefarious act, adding that the existing laws against vandalism of electricity equipment were lenient on

culprits, hence the need for their review.

He decried a situation when convicted vandals are sentenced to just two or three months of jail term after causing indelible damage to the economic and social wellbeing of Nigerians who are affected by acts of vandalism.

The Eko Disco boss further stated that vandalism of electricity equipment and other public utility facilities was a serious act of economic sabotage and should be treated as such.

He said that sales of public power equipment such as transformers, aluminium conductors CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed its determination to raise the participation of retail investors in the Nigerian Capital market as that is one of the critical ways of deepening the market.

Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo stated this when the Management of the Commission visited the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) on an advocacy visit on the 10 year Capital Market Master Plan.

Gwarzo stressed that the dominance of the market by foreign investors is one of the reasons why the market is not as deep as it ought to be.

He said, “Our intention is to ensure that we raise the level of participation of retail investors in the Market that is the only way we can maintain the strength of the market. Dominance of the market by foreign investor is one of the reasons why our market is the way it is.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

M&` ƍƄƇƄƃƎ ƃ ƏƍƎ ƍƏƉƆ ƐƄƍ ƽƾü ƄƉƄƃƎƍƆƃƆƎƓ ƆƈƄ Opeoluwani Akintayo The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has said it does not accept the Federal High Court’s ruling over reversing the 45% electricity tariff hike.

The Commission’s stand was made known in a statement over the weekend.

Speaking on the Court’s ruling, Acting Chairman/CEO, Dr. Anthony Akah, said although it respects the judgement by His Lordship Mohammed Idris on the matter however, NERC “dissatisfied because it represents the reversal of the commercial foundation upon which contracts for gas, hydro, coal and solar feedstock for the production of electricity have been predicated”, he said.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

US investor, Lagos communities sign joint refinery ownership agreement CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

developments, so the sense of belonging has been provided’’ Continuing, Makkaoui said the fact that the communities’ representatives are also on board of the company is an assurance that their views are taking into cognizance during decision making processes and employment. .

According to him, the company has received the approval of the United States Export Import bank for $500m equipment guaranty to commence operations on the Oil refinery, while Sterling Finance Canada ,has also structured $2b for the project.

He added that the company has also secured the interest of foreign technical partners for the Projects such as S&B Infrastructure, a US based American Engineering firm in Houston Texas.

The company has also secured a refinery licence from the federal government. While applauding the efforts of the federal government in deregulating the oil industry, Makkaoui pointed out that since the issue of funding, location of the company, operational licence and appointment of technical partners have been resolved, ”we can boldly say full operation will begin in 2018’’.

DISCOs advocate stiffer punishment for vandals CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

and armoured cables should be better regulated to make it difficult for vandalised electricity equipment to be taken to open market for sale.

Besides meting out stiffer penalty to convicted vandals, Amoda also advocated for quick trial and determination of cases of vandalism by the setting up of special courts to handle such cases.

He said that about 30 vandals had been record dead in the last three months, while several had been arrested and handed over to the security agencies.

The EKEDP boss said that a total number of 25 distribution transformer substations were vandalised and various electrical items were stolen from these stations, thereby throwing the communities being supplied from the stations into darkness. ``Apart from throwing communities into darkness, the cost of replacing vandalised equipment is colossal and it can no longer bear such costs.

LCCI

L-R: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Nike Akande; Vice President, Mr. Varkey Verghese and Head, Branding and Communication, Sterling Bank Plc, Chimaobi Nwaokoma, at the Sterling Bank sponsored Inauguration of the Medical, Pharmaceutical and Allied Services Group in Lagos…Friday.

Shell’s host communities in Bayelsa report earth tremour

... As Shell keeps mum Opeoluwani Akintayo Shell’s host communities in Bayelsa, Rivers State, have unanimously reported cases of earth tremour, seeking further investigation into the causes.

The alarm was raised over the weekend by Organisation, (NGO), Friends of the Earth in Bayelsa.

The Group reported that in some of the affected areas such as Igbogene and Akenfa in Bayelsa as well as Akinima, Akie-Oniso(Oruama), One Man Country and Mbiama in Rivers, residents said they were yet to know the causes of the earthquake hence, were still in fear.

According to eyewitness account, heavy vibrations that lasted for several minutes occurred dur-

ing one of the incidents on Sunday night.

Chief Etekpe , a house owner and retired School Principal in Igbogene , Bayelsa on Friday said it was a frightening experience.

“We were about to go to bed when I heard a heavy vibration.

I thought it was something else so I quickly went into spiritual prayers’, the 60-year-old stated.

Victor Idieto, who also resides in the area, said, “In fact, there was a kind of quake, very serious quake that lasted for over minutes.

“At first I thought it was armed robbers that were removing my roof, so I started shouting, only to realise that others had similar experience.”

At Akie-Oniso in Oruama in

Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers, a resident, Paul Kio said the tremor caused a crack in his building.

“This vibration was something unpredictable, look at the cracks on my wall,’ Mr. Kio said.

Another resident, Paul Harrison, said it was the fourth time the tremour had occurred, vowing to take his family away from the community in the event of another.

At Akinima, headquarters of the Local Government Area, a housewife, Animason Emeka Mark, pointed out that it was a traumatic experience she had on Sunday night.

“Everywhere was shaking. It was something else. I thought the world had come to an end,” she recalled.

SEC determined to raise market participation – Gwarzo CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Although it is the pattern of the market, but this dominance is a major factor because they are the ones that come in and come out.

We need to upscale the participation of the retail investors in the market and that is why we are addressing some of their concerns.

Anyone you meet today and tell him to come back, the issue of unclaimed dividends is always a major problem In order to achieve this, the DG

disclosed that the Commission has embarked on various initiatives like recapitalisation, edividend registration, the Direct Cash Settlement as a direct benefit to investors from the e-dividend registration as when they register for e-dividend, anytime their shares are sold, they would get the proceeds directly in their bank accounts among others.

“We are urging Nigerians to go and register to get their dividends electronically.

Gwarzo

Brief

Creative youths set to access N25bn Lagos Employment Fund Joy Ekeke As Lagos state government gets set to disburse the first tranche of the N25 billion State Employment Trust Fund loan scheme, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said on Saturday that only youths endowed with creativity will be considered.

Ambode made the disclosure at a Youth Empowerment Programme organised by the `Eleniyancare Leadership Foundation’ in Epe, Lagos state featuring over 1,000 youths drawn from across the state.

The empowerment programme is entitled: “Unlocking the Potentials Within: Making your Ideas Work.”

The programme is convened at the instance of Mr Segun Olulade, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Services.

The governor, who was represented by Prince Babatunde Durosimi-Etti, said that the fund would soon be released to only deserving creative entrepreneurial youths as loan.

“His Excellency has said that the disbursement procedure of the fund would soon be out.

“I am aware the board had met with various institutions, they have completed their processes, and they are just putting finishing touches to it.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Briefs Sterling Bank, NASME partner to boost entrepreneurship Sterling Bank Plc in collaborations with Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) will from Monday July 18, 2016, flag off a 3-day Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Workshop for members of the Association, and it is scheduled to hold at the Federal Institute for Industrial Research (FIIRO) Oshodi, Lagos.

The Bank had organized similar workshops in Port Harcourt and Kaduna for MSME operators as part of its nationwide workshop to empower MSMEs. The next workshop will hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Bank in a statement made available to newsmen said the workshop would provide participants with the opportunity to fully appreciate the concept of entrepreneurship and better position them to improve their managerial capacity in the areas of risk management and profit maximization.

The Executive Director, Finance & Strategy of the Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman had announced at a press conference earlier in the year that the Bank would be anchoring a series of workshops for MSME operators in various states nationwide.

B3 Money Market

New FX regime: CIBN, experts x-ray effects on business, economy Stories by Motolani Oseni In a move to ensure better business environment and improved foreign exchange rate in the country, the Chartered Institute of Banker of Nigerian (CIBN) and financial experts have x-rayed the effects of the newly introduced forex policy on the Nigerian business environment and its implications on the nation’s economic growth.

The industry experts also expressed concern over the current business dynamics being faced

by Nigerians under the prevailing flexible exchange rate in the country.

Speaking at a breakfast session of the institute at the weekend, with a theme: ‘Business Dynamics under a Flexible Exchange

Rate Regime’, the President and Chairman of CIBN, Professor Segun Ajibola, said that the CBN has done well by allowing the market to play a role in determining exchange rate for the Naira, to promote allocative efficiency. According to him, if businesses can reorder their modus operandi as counseled above, Nigeria’s economy and Nigerians stand to be the gainers.

He, however noted that the flexible exchange rate was another attempt at finding a workable exchange rate regime in Nigeria and for Nigerians, adding that the underlying facts are well known.

In a situation where there are supply rigidities, attempts to administratively regulate prices promote black marketeering.

Herein lies the challenge of the

Authorities. Should Naira be allowed to float freely? Some have argued that pegging the exchange rate at about N270 to a dollar is equally unrealistic.

He said, whatever view is held, the immediate implications of the flexible exchange rate regime on businesses of all types and at all levels include increase in cost of factor inputs, hence cost of production.

“Accordingly, total demand may fall, leading to reduced output, stunted growth and reversed development and eventually fall in both nominal and real GDP. Consequently, other financial experts noted that though, the recent policy had placed a positive impact on the economy by removing distortion, hoarding and speculation in the currency

market but could only be enjoyed better if the CBN, would remove its ‘invisible hand’ from the free flow of the market operations.

They said that with the adoption of the flexible exchange rate, the apex bank had promised that the decision would lead to increase in dollar inflow in few days but the reverse has been the case as Nigerians are facing hard time to do business with the directive.

Ecobank Group bags financial inclusion award The Ecobank Group has won the Award for Financial Inclusion at the 10th edition of the African Banker Awards.

The Award for Financial Inclusion is awarded to banks that have succeeded in delivering financial products and services to wider parts of society, particularly to the most disadvantaged and low income segments, ultimately contributing to financial inclusion, development and growth.

The awards ceremony took place at the Intercontinental Hotel Lusaka, Zambia, on the sidelines of the 2016 African Development Bank Annual Meetings.

Commenting on the win after the award ceremony, Ecobank Group Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Laurence do Rego, who received the award on behalf of the Ecobank Group, said: “Winning this award is a testament to the sweet success of making financial inclusion an integral part of our work.

ETISALAT

L-R: Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Ibrahim Dikko; Director, Brands and Experience, Elvis Ogiamwanye; One Day Governor of Lagos State, Master Olufemi Olaseinde; Vice President, Marketing, Adebisi Idowu and Chief Products and Information Officer, Otuyemi Otule, all of Etisalat Nigeria during a courtesy visit of Olaseinde to Etisalat Office in Lagos… at the weekend.

Depositors want banks to strengthen security at ATMs Depositors of commercial banks operating in the country have charged Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to regularly improve on the security of their Automated Teller Machines, ATMs, so as to protect the savings of banking customers at all times.

Speaking on the issue at the weekend, a computer software specialist, Mr. Adejumoh Adeoye, suggested that securing depositors fund should not be treated with kid’s glove since it is not impossible to have such scams here.

According to him, “We’ve been having similar ones here; it

is just for them (the fraudsters) here to update their knowledge on how it is being done there and the way to go about it here.

It will definitely happen here, if it has not yet happened. The way out is for banks and their customers to be wary of this form of fraud and are more careful while at any ATM spot.

My fear is whether the society here has that capacity to quickly act on such things and avert them.”

But Mr. Biyi Adesuyi, Chief Executive Officer, Wealthgate Advisor, would not see this as a new development. Adesuyi, whose banking career spanned

more than two decades with one of the nation’s frontline banks, stated that the nation’s financial institutions had even started taking measures to nip such scams in the bud.

“Some banks in Nigeria have provided a reliable solution by installing a flat non-transparent object to cover customer’s hand whenever he is pressing the ATM keys. This prevents such a camera from capturing the PIN so pressed,” he explained.

Adesuyi, however, want ATM users to also be more restrained whenever they are on the machine, by using a book or cardboard of reasonable

size to cover their hands while imputing their PIN for their funds or accounts to be protected.

Interestingly, Ajayi Omolayole, a marketing communications practitioner, believes the way to go is for stakeholders to take the ‘enlightenment path.

“Let the banks sensitize the public, especially bank customers, to this new trend in ATM frauds. Once the public is adequately informed, the tendency to be caught unawares would be drastically reduced.

They would always be wary of all these things while at banking premises,’ he stated.

Thought Leadership B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

Key considerations for transfer pricing risk exposure assessment in Nigeria Suleiman Yahaya and Omojo Okwa The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is paying a lot of attention to revenue generation and collection. This is due to the decline in revenue accruing to Federal Government of Nigerian (FGN) from sale of crude oil. The FGN has notified the stakeholders that it will turn to the non-oil sector, through taxation, to finance a part of the 2016 budget.

Expectedly, the FIRS has raised the tempo for revenue drive with a view to ensuring that more companies are brought within the tax net.

Those already within the net are being pressurized to fully discharge their tax obligations. For instance, The FIRS has invoked the relevant provisions of the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) that requires companies that declare interim dividends to pay provisional tax on the amount, rather than wait till the end of the relevant financial year. Similarly, the tax authority has stepped up the audit of companies’ tax and accounting records for compliance with various taxes especially valued added tax (VAT), withholding tax and Transfer Pricing (TP) Regulations.

Given that TP is still at its infancy in Nigeria, it is not unlikely that a large number of companies will be struggling to comply with the provisions of the Income Tax (Transfer Pricing) Regulations No. 1, 2012 (the Regulations). As the FIRS concludes its plans to conduct more TP audit exercises, this write up highlights some of the key action steps that will enable taxpayers perform a proper current risk exposure analysis and take a more proactive approach in managing TP issues going forward. This will enable tax payers manage potential exposure to additional tax liabilities that may arise from TP audits.

Some of the key considerations have been highlighted below: i.

Identify all potential Connected Taxable Persons (CTPs): For the Regulations to be applicable to a taxpayer, the taxpayer should have conducted transactions with a CTP. The next question will therefore be who is a CTP? Regulation 10 of the Regulations defines CTPs to include persons, individuals, entities, companies, partnerships, joint ventures, trusts or associations and also includes persons referred to in the provisions of other existing laws such as sections 18(2)(b) of and section 15(2)of the Petroleum Profit Tax Act ; Article 9 of the OECD Model Tax Conven-

tion; and “associated enterprise” referred to in the OECD Guidelines.

Whereas the various acts make reference to CTPs in the provision on artificial transactions, they do not define connected taxable persons.

Hence, the only explicit definition of CTPs in the Regulations is the reference to the OECD Guidelines’ definition of “associated enterprise” as a type of connected taxable person as defined in Regulation 19(c): “…Persons that are business associates in any form and two enterprises are considered to be associated where - one enterprise participates directly or indirectly in the management, control or in the capital of the other; or the same person or persons participates directly or indirectly in the management, control or capital of both enterprises.”

This definition will assist taxpayers to identify CTPs as a first step to compliance with the Regulations. ii.

Confirm existence of transactions with CTPs: Once it has been established that the tax payer has CTPs, the next step is to confirm the existence of a controlled transaction with the CTPs. Where such controlled transactions exist, the taxpayer is charged with the responsibility of ensuring and proving to the revenue authorities they have been priced at arm’s length. iii.

Review the value of controlled transactions with CTPs: Controlled transactions, which account for a significant portion of a company’s revenue or cost, are likely to attract the scrutiny of the revenue authorities. For instance, where a single controlled transaction account for a significant part of the total cost incurred by a tax payer, the revenue authority will want to satisfy itself that such transaction have been conducted at arm’s length. Should this not be the case or the taxpayer is unable to convince the revenue authorities of the arm’s length nature of the transaction, it might be exposed to TP adjustment. Where the revenue authority is able to sustain its position, it may lead to potential additional tax liability.

Tax payers are therefore encouraged to pay attention to the materiality of their controlled transactions to ensure that proper attention is paid to those one that are high risk. iv.

Jurisdiction of the CTPs: Controlled transactions involving CTPs located in jurisdictions with low or no tax rates are also high risk transactions. This is due to the fact

RISK EXPOSURE that there is a significant incentive for a Group to structure controlled transactions in a way that systematically shifts profit to those jurisdictions thereby reducing the effective tax rate of the Group as a whole.

Tax payers will need to evaluate their related party transactions to ensure that there is substance to such transactions and appropriate TP documentation are put in place in the event of a TP audit. v.

Review the tax profile of the parties to the transaction: Taxpayers that have conducted transactions with CTPs and consistently report tax losses in spite of high revenue or conduct significant transactions with enterprises registered and operating in the Free Trade Zones or obtained pioneers tax reliefs are more likely to attract the scrutiny of the revenue authorities. Such entities should therefore ensure that the controlled transactions meet the arm’s length principle to avoid TP adjustment during audit. vi.

Confirm existence of intercompany agreements for all controlled transaction: Taxpayers should ensure that controlled transactions are backed by agreements that clearly reflect the substance of their transactions. There are a lot of instances where CTPs transact among themselves on the basis of “gentleman agreement” without necessarily documenting the terms of such transaction. Under TP audit, this may be requested for by the FIRS to confirm the alignment of the form and substance of the controlled transaction. vii.

Review TP policy visa-vis the TP documentation and

Persons that are business associates in any form and two enterprises are considered to be associated where - one enterprise participates directly or indirectly in the management, control or in the capital of the other

intercompany agreements: Often, taxpayers invest a lot of time and financial resources to prepare a TP policy only for them to remain on the shelves. Appropriate implementation and ensuring the accuracy of the facts presented in your TP policy are critical.

Having a TP policy and intercompany agreements in place is only the starting point. If a taxpayer’s facts are not consistent with the taxpayer’s TP documentation and intercompany agreements, the documents will provide no protection during an audit. viii. Nature of the transactions: Certain types of transactions will naturally increase the TP risk.

An example of such is intangible property transactions, which include trade intangibles such as technology and know-how as well as marketing intangibles such as trade name and trademarks. The FIRS has also shown particular interest in procurement arrangements amongst group members.

Tax payers are therefore advised to do a proper review of their related party transactions to ensure that these types of transactions have been properly analysed. ix.

Track appropriate support for related party transactions: Tax payers should have appropriate documents and information to justify the pricing of related party transactions. This may include the annual TP compliance documentation, intercompany agreements, benchmark studies, sample invoices for similar transactions with unrelated parties, evidence of comparable pricing arrangement for similar transactions between

independent parties etc. Tax payers should also ensure that they track the financial information for related party transactions. This includes appropriate tracking of cost of providing services, segmented financial information for all the related party transactions etc. These should be kept in a way that can easily be retrieved in the event that you are required to produce them with a hort time frame. x.

Timely submission of annual TP returns: The Regulations require companies with related party transaction to file TP returns annually. These returns which comprise of TP Declaration and Disclosure forms should be submitted to FIRS alongside the income tax returns. Failure to file the TP returns as and when due may suggest that the company has not complied with the Regulations and thereby increase its risk profile during the FIRS’ risk assessment exercise.

Conclusion In summary, while related party transactions create a lot of synergies for companies, paying close attention to transfer pricing requirements will allow companies to maximize their tax-efficiency and mitigate TP risk exposure. Even taxpayers that have a TP policy in place should meet the contemporaneous TP documentation requirement on an annual basis.

This is to ensure that they remain compliant with documentation requirements of the Nigeria TP Regulations.

–Suleiman Yahaya, Manager and Omojo Okwa, Senior Consultant of the Tax, Regulatory and People Services, KPMGAdvisoryServices,Lagos,Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

B5 Insurance

Govt accumulates over N140bn pension liabilities in three years Stories by KAYODE ADELOWOKAN Amidst the growing concerns over Nigeria government’s inability to meet its obligations, reports have showed that the Federal Government has accumulated over N140 billion pension liabilities in recent times.

According to the National Pension Commission (PenCom), from 2014 to date, there has been a decline in budgetary provision in funding the Retirement Benefit Bonds Redemption Fund (RBBF) account and the remittance of monthly contribution, adding that sum of N20.07 billion is required to pay all outstanding accrued benefits for deceased and manda-

tory retirees of the Federal Government for the periods October to December 2015 and the sum of N79.16 Billion has been computed as the arrears of 15 per cent pension increase owed to 79,961 Federal Government retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as at December, 2014.

PenCom also noted that N50.20 billion was provided for the 2016 FGN Budgetary Appropriation for the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund (RBBRF) Account presented to the National Assembly, compared to the Commission’s projection of N91.91 Billion, resulting in a shortfall of N41.71 Billion.

Chairman, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria

(PenOp) Eguarekhide Longe, said compliance with regard to remittances of pension contributions from the Public Sector on both the Federal and State levels have lagged notably, stressing that whilst remittances from the Federal Government through the National Pension Commission (Pencom) were last received for September 2015, some states have outstanding remittances dating back over two years.

Amidst the dire economic challenges, Longe, acknowledged that pension assets under the CPS grew by 15% from N4.61trillion as at end of December 2014 to N5.3trillion as at the end of December 2015.

He also mentioned that the pri-

vate sector remittances, though impacted by the adverse economic environment, but have been more consistent.

Whilst the private sector is in compliance to the amended pension Act, it is shameful that the Federal Government is yet to commence the implementation of the revised 18 per cent minimum pension contributions for its employees as stipulated under Section 4 of the PRA 2014.

It is noteworthy that only few state governments have implemented the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), whereby leaving many workers’ fate hanging after their retirement from active service.

PenCom said from the incep-

tion of the pension reform in 2004, the Federal Government had been religiously implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme by payment of monthly contributions of its employees in a dedicated account in the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Contributory Pension Account.

It noted that the Federal Government was equally making payment of five per cent of its monthly wage bill into the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund Account for the payment of the accrued pension rights of its employees who had worked under the old Defined Benefits Scheme and transited to the CPS, until the recent financial crisis, which had hindered its obligations.

Pension operators call for proper deployment of funds

NANS

The President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Kayode Okunoren in handshake with Vice President, National Association of Nigerian Student (NANS), Comrade Lawal A’Pounds, after the presentation of National Outstanding Leadership Award 2016 to Mr Okunoren at NCRIB Secretariat, with them are the Executive Secretary/CEO, NCRIB, Mr. Fatai Adegbenro and other NANS’ Exco.

GNI counsels Nigerians to adopt insurance as culture Great Nigeria Insurance Plc has called on Nigerians to adopt the culture of insurance now more than ever before.

This advice is coming at the heels of the various incessant cases of road accidents across the country, collapse of buildings especially those under construction, fire outrage and other eventualities which have destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.

Chief Technical Officer of the firm, Mr. Folusho Alliyu, at a press briefing in Lagos, said that it is time Nigerians need to consciously educate themselves on the benefits they are bound to derive in

taking up an insurance policy.

Alliyu, availed that there are various insurance products that have been designed to protect lives and property, noting that the most essential thing is for the insuring public to willingly open their minds in accepting the fact that insurance is a very important aspect of their lives.

“Nigerians have waited too long in recognizing and accepting the reality that without insurance, one is like building a House without a foundation and in no time, it could come crashing; and when that happens, you will have to start from the scratch again with even

more funds than you initially expended”. Said he.

The Chief Technical Officer also said that insurance gives the promise of a safe and comfortable future. “The earlier we disabuse our minds of the old notion that insurance does not work, the better it will be for all of us, he concluded.”

In the same vein, the Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Cecilia O. Osipitan, equally mentioned that low awareness remains one of the major reasons why a very large percentage of the Nigerian populace is not insuring as they ought to considering the population and the level of commercial activities

in the country.

She also emphasized the need to positively influence the perception of the insuring public to engender greater patronage as the negative notion that most people have against this very noble profession is adversely affecting the performance of the industry.

She conclusively charged practitioners of the business to ensure the effective sensitization of people around them on the need to embrace insurance as an integral part of their lives because we all are confronted with different kinds of risk as we go about our daily businesses.

The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has reiterated the need for proper investment of pension funds, noting that careless deployments could wipe the gains already achieved in an instant.

Eguarekhide Longe, Chairman, PenOp, disclosed this in Lagos, stating that the call to invest a greater portion of the pension funds in infrastructure require clear, calm, incisive and strategic thinking to achieve any notable success.

“With N5.3trillion, grown over an 11-year period, careless deployment could wipe these gains out in an instant. On the contrary, if looked at as a constituent part of National Economic Strategy, the focus will switch to how we can support the industry to grow beyond N20trillion describing broader coverage so that a National savings pool, effectively utilized, will always be available to kick-start properly conceived, internally consistent, National development initiatives,” he said.

He urged pension operators to esteem professionalism, adding that unprofessional and unfair competitive practices should really have no place in the industry.

“I believe that we have to maintain a high standard of professionalism in our conduct as individuals and within organisations to etch ever stronger the Oasis of Sanity this industry has come to be in the Nigerian Financial Services landscape.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

NASD, NPFL partner to list football clubs on capital market NASD OTC Securities Exchange has entered into an agreement with the League Management Company (LMC) to work towards opening a sporting segment on the market where eligible football clubs may list.

The signing marks the kick off in a series of events that will ultimately lead to the privatizing of the football league away from the State governments who currently have majority stakes.

NASD in a statement made available to Daily Times at the weekend noted that market leaders have started to emerge.

“Kano Pillars and MFM FC, who were both at the event indicated a strong interest in approaching the capital market and should soon start the preparation to be eligible to enter the OTC exchange.” a statement released by NASD said The OTC securities Exchange

TEF

L-R: Chief Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr Olusegun Awolowo; Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), Ms Arancha Gonzalez and Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu, signing an MoU to support SheTrades; an initiative to promote the involvement of women in global export trade, in Abuja … recently.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI

28,805.45

DEALS

4,078.00

VOLUME

272,528,436.00

VALUE

1,696,993,460.41

CAP

9,893,215,068,902.19

Access Bank Plc has sought the permission of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to submit its half year audited financial statements not later than August 31, 2016.

The Bank noted in a regulatory filing with the NSE that its Board of Directors will be meeting on July 28, 2016 to approve the Bank’s Half Year Audited financial Statements after which it will be submitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for approval.

Meanwhile, the NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 0.17 percent to close last week at 28,805.45 and N9.893 trillion respectively.

Similarly, all other Indices finished lower during the week, with the exception of the NSE

further disclosed that it expects improved corporate governance and transparency in reporting will lead to higher levels of private investment in the clubs.

“As funding and application of such funds improve, we expect the League will become more attractive to corporate sponsorship. Dividends of this certainly will be passed to the fans. We believe that football can contribute to economic growth and depth through the creation of jobs, expansion of the entertainment sector, tourist attraction, and timely remittance of taxes amongst many other economic benefits.

The next couple of months will determine the speed of entry and the number of entrants to the OTC market. Still the whistle has been blown and the market has opened. We look forward to creating liquidity, transparently for the winning teams.”

International Trade Centre, Tony Elumelu Foundation sign women empowerment initiative Leading African businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu in collaboration with the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) CEO, Segun Awolowo and Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) Ms. Arancha Gonzalez have signed a women empowerment initiative at the Women in Export Stakeholders Forum and Exhibition in Abuja.

Themed ‘Achieving Zero Oil Growth through Women Inclusiveness in Global Export Trade,’

this year’s event, organised by the NEPC and the ITC, sought to increase the economic empowerment of women through trade via the ITC’s SheTrades Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to connect one million women to the international market by 2020.

Keynote addresses at the Forum were delivered by the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and Ms. Arancha Gonzalez. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Buhari boldy called on the public sector to support women saying, “I would like to lead a call to the Federal Government to assign 20% of public procurement to women-owned businesses.”

Access Bank seeks NSE approval to extend submission of Half Year results

Ï Md& 9 ƕƆƃ Ǝ ƍ ƕƄƃƉƆ Ƅ ƂƓ ƞêƟơü Premium Index, NSE 30 Index, NSE Consumer Goods Index and the NSE Industrial Goods Index that gained 0.11 percent, 0.17 percent, 0.95 percent and 1.46 percent respectively, while the NSE ASeM Index closed flat.

Trading in the Top Three Equities were FBN Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc (measured by volume) which accounted for 353.999 million shares worth N3.867 billion in 4,188 deals, contributing 30.80 percent and 28.40 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respec-

tively.

Twenty-two (22) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than nine (9) equities of the previous week. Thirty-eight (38) equities depreciated in price, lower than forty-eight (48) equities of the previous week, while one hundred and twenty (120) equities remained unchanged lower than one hundred and twenty-three (123) equities recorded in the preceding week.

A turnover of 1.149 billion shares worth N13.616 billion in 21,868 deals were traded this

week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 377.798 million shares valued at N3.641 billion that exchanged hands last week in 7,466 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 868.827 million shares valued at N6.110 billion traded in 13,046 deals; thus contributing 75.59 percent and 44.87 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates Industry followed with 103.304 million shares worth N272.848 million in 1,111 deals. The third place was occupied by the Con-

sumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 66.743 million shares worth N3.501 billion in 3,368 deals.

Also traded during the week were a total of 941 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N2.646 million executed in 22 deals, compared with a total of 35 units valued at N374.00 transacted last week in 7 deals.

A total of 44,381 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N44.679 million were traded in 5 deals compared to a total of 13,767 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N14.356 million transacted last week in 5 deals.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

B7 Business Interview

We need legislations that grow economy, investment – ASHON boss Recently, the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, RT Honourable Yakubu Dogara visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange and spoke on the task of making the Nigerian capital market number one in Africa to correspond with its status as the number one economy.

Reacting to this, president of the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr. Emeka Madubuike, who in this exclusive interview with AFOLABI ADESOLA speaks on the essence of the legislature in the capital market and what is needed to ensure that the Nigerian capital market becomes number one in Africa.

The Honourable Speaker came to the capital market some days back, and he talked about making the Nigerian Capital Market number one in Africa. How can we achieve this feat?

We have had engagements with the legislature even before he came to the stock exchange, and we are looking at how new legislations and amendments to existing legislations can be put in place to ensure that the economy is opened up for more investments to take place.

One of the lowest hanging fruits, is the issue of putting together a legislation that will encourage companies that are quotable to quote on the market, and especially companies that are in the critical sectors of the economy. When they enlist, it will also help the situation in the economy in general.

We are also looking at a situation where legislations such as the Companies and Allied matters Act (CAMA), were amendments are made. The land use decree and there is also the issue of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Those are some of the legislations we have been talking with legislature, to ensure that the amendments or new legislations are put in place to free up the economy.

So, he’s coming to the exchange is like reinforcing the engagements we have been having with them and they are willing and ready, giving the commitment that they have made to look at those legislation and put them in place in the shortest possible time so that it can begin to have an effect on the whole financial system.

One other thing that is being looked at is the issue of tax laws as a vehicle for incentivizing in-

vestment. We need tax laws that are amended in such a way that it can encourage listing. For example, one of the issues the speaker was raising has to do with amending the procurement act, to such an extent that companies listed will be giving preference for the purpose of procurement from the federal Government as a means of encouragement for other companies to list.

Recently, there was an announcement that Federal Government is planning to inject N6.5 billion idle funds into the capital market, what’s your take on that?

The truth of the matter is that we are having an economy that is facing challenges. So anything that will re-inflate the economy will be good, not just for the capital market, but for the financial system as a whole.

When there is business, there is velocity, and that translates into productivity and that translates into earnings, and you know you cannot invest if you have not earned. It is out of earnings that you invest, so if that report you are talking about is true and it happens, of course it’s going to be good for the economy.

We are going to have a lot of people who are productively engaged, these people will have made earnings, which can then be invested into either money or capital market.

On the other side is the fact that if you have that sum of money coming into the economy, of course that is also going to affect businesses in general, and so business are likely to do well.

Their turnover will increase and they are likely to pay even more, especially the ones that are listed on the stock exchange. They are

MADUBUIKE “In anything that has to do with supply and demand, the question is where will the supply come from? What is the rate of Naira/ Dollar with the new market?” likely to make more profit and will enhance their ability to pay dividend, which will translate to increase in the earning capacity of shareholders.

How can the Capital Market support the growth of Infrastructure?

If you have legislations that hinder investments, how can that happen? That’s why the enabling environment must be put in place.

This is the reason we need the legislature and we are determined to work with them, to put these things in place.

Take for instance, the power assets that were sold, if they were

President of the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON)

handled in such a way that, they came through the capital market, today regardless of the challenges they are facing, everybody will know what the issues are. But they were put together in such an opaque manner that nobody knows what is going on, no one knows what their records are. If they were listed, even if not all their shares were listed, at least the discipline of the capital market will ensure that they are able to produce an account. So that we don’t have a situation where, people have bought assets that ought to be running, and the Federal Government is still funding them.

This is why I believe, assets like that should be funded through the capital market.

How has the free float of Naira impacted on the capital market and firms operating in it?

In anything that has to do with supply and demand, the question is where will the supply come from? What is the rate of Naira/ Dollar with the new market? The biggest challenge is where will the foreign exchange come from?

There are several models of doing foreign exchange but all of these things are coming up because we do not have the supply.

As you know, most of transactions that are taking place in the foreign market are supplied by CBN. If you have other sources, it could have been better.

Right now we do not have foreign exchange by International

Oil companies because of activities in the Niger Delta and dwindling global oil prices.

A lot of people are watching and don’t know direction of the new foreign exchange. The new free float of Naira has affected our market critical with the exit of foreign portfolio investors.

Given what we have in the foreign exchange regime, it is unlikely that we are going to have those people participating in our capital market.

If they invest, to exist becomes a challenge and foreign investors don’t have brothers. They just follow the money and exist at anytime.

Why is demutualization so important to capital market operators?

Demutualisation is about The Nigerian Stock Exchange and you know The Exchange is a private company even though it has public interest in there.

In general terms, what Demutualization does to any Exchange is that; it converts Exchange from a private company to public company.

From the point of view of the public, The Exchange will become a public company and allows the general public to invest.

For those of us who are dealing members, we are owners of the Exchange right now and so we have to demutualize in the interest of the public. At the end of day, we will have company for others to invest.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, July 18, 2016

O

32,000

Naira Value (m)

NSE All Share Index

14,000

29,500

10,500

27,000

7,000

24,500

3,500

15-Jul

12-Jul

09-Jul

06-Jul

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03-Jul

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B8

Life&

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde celebrates 3 million followers on Facebook

Times

L2

Monday, July 18, 2016

P

Why going on vacation is important L7

P

Fans hail

Iyanya’s decision to leave

Triple MG music label L P

2

Gists L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday July 18, 2016

Mutiat Alli Fans of popular Nigerian recording artiste and performer, Iyanya Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, have hailed his decision to leave his co-owned music label, Triple MG. Iyanya had announced through his Instagram page last week Monday that he would be leaving his co-owned music label and start his own record label to release a new album.

A day after the announcement, Iyanya released yet another single titled ‘Ayaya’ and for the first time, the Triple MG logo was missing, giving a clear cut indication that he might be leaving the label sooner than expected.

Cassandra Agim, a bartender of Krystal Lounge in Abuja, said she was sad to learn of the issues his label was facing and wished him success in the

Fans hail Iyanya’s decision to leave Triple MG music label new venture.

“Triple MG was known to be on the path to great success with all the stars that they had signed on their team. With that label, he had become internationally known and he won a couple of awards while with that label. I pray he doesn’t regret this move and that he remains productive in this new label,” Agim said.

According to Iyanya’s Instagram bio, he is still signed to Triple MG which is responsible for handling his bookings alongside Upfront and Personal Global Management Consultants (UPGMC).

Many are of the opinion that Ubi’s actress wife, Lilian Esoro might have been the reason for the sudden supposed exit of

Iyanya from the label he co-own but in swift reaction, Iyanya took to his Instagram page to clear the air.

He said: ‘All these are lies. I’m not fighting Ubi. His wife is the best woman in the world for him, she is a good woman, and she’s a good cook too. You guys please chill’.

However, Ubi Franklin has finally commented on the issue, stating that it is true that Iyanya is starting up his own label which will be a company out of Made Men Music with a different structure and different focus aiming at growing the industry.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Cartoon Network launches unique African localised series, ‘Pop up Party’, this July The leading kids channel on the African continent, Cartoon Network, is proud to announce that it has teamed up with one of Africa’s leading content creators, Urban Brew Productions, to launch an innovative, locally produced series of short inserts called ‘Pop Up Party’, aimed at entertaining audiences on the African continent with Cartoon Network’s signature innovative and creative show-stopping fun on DStv, channel 301.

“This is the first time that Cartoon Network has teamed up with an African production company to produce something original and exclusive for its African audiences, full of local flavour, whilst still being true to the Cartoon Network brand and style,” said Pierre Branco, VP and Managing Director of Turner Africa. “The final product is not only fun, but also surprising, and that is exactly what Cartoon Network’s Pop up Party is all about. With a proudly “African” edge, not only is the show taking place in South Africa, but it is mainly centred on dance, which Cartoon Network believes appeals to our African audience and their culture,” he added.

The crew are currently all students from the Michelle Oppenshaw Dance Studio. Michelle, one of South Africa’s most versatile and elite dancers, is best known for her work in the

celebrates 3 million followers on Facebook

Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, last Wednesday hit an uncommon feat of three million followers on the popular social media platform, Facebook.

The excited actress took to Facebook, sharing a photo with the caption: ``Yessss!!!

3 million!!!, My wonderful Facebook family’’. ``You guys are amazing, you add colour to my world. Thank youuuuuuuu.”

Currently, Omotola has 3,001,361 likes on Facebook.

This is considered by fans to be a great attainment for the actress, as such achievement is rare on the social media platform.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Lagos to host Queen of Aso Nigeria 2016 preliminary fashion show

Life&

T E A M

In its 11th edition, the Queen of Aso Nigeria Beauty Pageant contestants will tour Lagos State between Thursday, July 28th and Wednesday, August 3, 2016 for their camping activities which includes visit to different tourist centers/Resorts, Cooking Competition, Cultural Display, Kick Against Rape Novelty Football Match, and a preliminary fashion show to round up their activities in Lagos before gearing up for

the grand finale billed to hold Sheraton Hotel and Towers Abuja on Friday, August 5, 2016.

Hosted by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the preliminary fashion show is expected to hold Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The prestigious Queen of Aso Nigeria Beauty Pageant is all about humanity and helping the less privileged in the society.

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Iyanya

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Hollywood movie, Honey 3, Strictly Come Dancing, the South African version and being the choreographer and a dancer in Mi Casa’s ‘Turn You On’ music video.

The African-flavoured dance party has been shot in South Africa, but for any future series of the show, Cartoon Network will investigate the possibility of popping up in other African countries.

In the meantime, all Cartoon Network fans should be shining their dancing shoes in anticipation to catch the first of all ten Pop Up Party shorts by tuning in to the brand new series which kicks off on the 23rd of July 2016 on Cartoon Network, channel 301 on DStv at 16:30 CAT

Yemi Alade inks deal with Nairabox Johnny Crooner, Yemi Alade, a music artiste has officially signed an endorsement deal with fast-rising Point of Sale (POS) Company in Nigeria, Nairabox.

Nairabox enables you to pay bills such as event tickets, buy recharge cards, in-store payments, cinema tickets and to donate cash for charity organisations.

Alade alongside her manager, Taiye Aliyu, penned down the endorsement deal.

The ``Johnny’’ crooner immediately took to her Instagram to share the pictures saying, ``we can’t wait the unbelievable benefits @Nairabox has to offer you’’. ``@nairabox is the NEW E-WALLET THE WHOLE NATION IS TALKING ABOUT!’’.

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Daniel Ekiye

Yemi Alade

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday July 18, 2016

L3 Opinion

LLI MUTIAT

Where are the

bands?

Nigeria has often time been called” The Heart of Africa Music” because of its role in the development of West Africa highlife and Palm wine music which fuses rhythm with techniques imported from Congo for the development of several popular styles that are unique in Nigeria. ALLI MUTIAT takes us on a ride into Highlife music.

No doubt, the music industry in Nigeria is gradually coming up. This is evident in recent music video productions, lyrics and other performance. The industry now experiences influx of young, up and coming artistes, who are into different genres of music, but the most popular one include the Hip-Hop (secular and religious), R&B and Fuji.

Highlife music remains over-shadowed in Nigeria at present by widely popular fuji, juju, reggae and hip-hop music listened to by most of our youths.

However, the music industry is obviously losing what used to be its strength and identity from inception, that is, from 50’s to the early 90’s live band performance.

In Nigeria today, most musical artistes now depend on computer and other music producing, digital technologies, before they can sing. Besides, bringing bands to perform at a show is gradually fading out.

Musicians in the western countries where the technologies and the Hip-Hop and R&B genres originated from perform on stage with their bands. The likes of Akon, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Wyclef among others have gone on major tours with their full band members.

Even some African musicians with the likes of Papa Wemba, Maria Makeba (Mama Africa), and Lucky Dube among others have their live bands.

Gone are those days when nearly all the Nigerian musicians had their own bands as they moved about performing at various social gathering and relaxation centers. The musicians themselves could play one or two musical instrument as then most popular genres of music then were Highlife, Juju, Apala, and Jazz.

Majority of the then musicians have become legends in their own choice of music. They are now point of

reference in the Nigerian music industry. The likes of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Sunny Ade, IK Dairo, Late Sunny Okosun, Steven Rhodes, Ebenezer Obey, Fatai Rolling Dollar among others are still celebrated today, and their songs still remains evergreen to many Nigerians.

Like the living ones, the dead ones among the music veterans were skillful, artistic and up to the task when it comes to stage performance. For instance, Orlando Owoh, the highlife crooner has a voice synonymous with combo highlife of the palm wine guitar style. He was a master lyricist and veteran who have been on the scene, since the late 50’s. Another highlife legend is Oliver de’ Coque. He was perhaps the last gap of Igbo highlife, whose identity is recognised by agitated guitar. Before him were the highlife stalwarts like Ikenga

Super Stars, the Oriental Brothers, The Rockafil Jazz of Nico Mbarga and lately, the Sound Makers led by Stephen Osita Osadebe.

The realism of a performance from a live musical band cannot be over emphasised. The unadulterated mix of drums, saxophone, guitar, and other musical instrument sound, unarguably makes one enjoy music to the bone marrow.

Now, only few musicians like Lagbaja, Megga 99, and a crop of other Fuji stars have permanent band members. Among the Hip-Hop musicians, only Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj or Koko Master, plays with harmonica, appreciating the rich values of the same instrument that our legend musicians imbibed in gaining hype in the music world However, despite the cumbersome nature of producing music in analogue, it is still better than the digitally made ones which are cheaper and easy to manipulate. It should not be back side that getting upto-date with the latest trend in music production, but live band performances should be revived in Nigeria music industry. Apart from Lagbaja who performs with his bands at the Motherland other few jazz and highlife “Retirees” who perform in major relaxation spots in Lagos metropolis, the life performances of musical bands would have been dead by now. Nigerian musical artistes should try to work hand in hand with other stakeholders to enliven band performances in the country as this will further bring out the originality and inherent creativity in musical artistes. Corporate organisations and the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) should work together and promote live band performances in the Nigeria music industry.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday July 18, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday July 18, 2016

L5

Nutrition L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday July 18, 2016

Maureen Onuigbo

Health benefits of

Ginger

Ginger is grown as a root and it’s a flexible ingredient that can be consumed in drinks (tea, beers, etc.) or in cooking. It can be used to make foods spicy and even as a food preservative. The root or underground stem (rhizome) of the ginger plant can be consumed fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, in oil form or as juice. Thus, its benefits are innumerable but some are listed below:

1. It maintains normal blood circulation:

characterized by uncontrolled growth Ginger contains chromium, magnesium of abnormal cells. Ginger extract is an and zinc which can help to improve blood alternative treatment for several forms flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever of cancer. Ginger may help to slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells. and excessive sweat.

7. It reduces pain and inflammation: Ginger contains some of the most is a known effective remedy for the nausea potent antiassociate with motion sickness and post operation. The exact reason is unknown, but in a study, those given ginger power suffered less.

2. It remedies motion sickness: Ginger

3. It improves absorption: Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does these by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.

4. Cold and flu prevention: Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu.

5. It combats stomach discomfort: Ginger is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding possible stomach ache.

Ginger appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen.

6. Colon cancer prevention: Cancer is a very serious disease that is

inflammatory fighting substances known and is a natural powerful painkiller even for menstrual pain.

8. It fights common respiratory problems: If you are suffering from common respiratory diseases such as cough. Ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus, that way you can quickly recover from difficulty in breathing.

9. It strengthens immunity: Ginger helps improve the immune system.

Consuming a little bit ginger a day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries.

It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.

10. It combats morning sickness: Ginger has demonstrate a success rate of 75 percent in curing morning sickness and stomach flu.

11. It helps fight infections: Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections. In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria.

12. Ovarian cancer treatment: Ginger power induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells.

QUICK TIPS: •A fresh ginger into your next smoothie or juice.

•A fresh or dried ginger to your next stir-fry or homemade salad dressing.

•Steep peeled fresh ginger in boiling water to make your own ginger tea.

•Use fresh or dried ginger to spice up any fish recipe

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday July 18, 2016

L7 Wellness

Mutiat Alli

Why going on is important A real vacation, where you completely unplug with work and focus on things you want and like to do, has a variety of benefits to your physical and mental health. The fact is, careers are time-consuming and at times, challenging and stressful. Getting away from your responsibilities and focusing on yourself can do wonders, and reconnecting with yourself, your partner and family can positively impact other areas of your life. Unfortunately, a lot of people, especially business owners, take very little time off each year. And while many consider long weekends holidays, that isn’t enough to get the true benefits of a couple weeks on vacation. So, here are some benefits of going on a vacation:

1.

Relieves stress: Stress can have a negative effect on all aspects of your health physically, mentally and emotionally.

Headaches, back pain, anxiety, irritability, lack of concentration and frustration are just a few of the harmful effects of stress.

In today’s world, we lead busy lives, and often our crazy schedules and the pressure

we put on ourselves eventually turns into stress. Taking a vacation helps relieve the built up anxiety, which can lower your blood pressure, help you sleep better and build up your immune system. Stress can even cause you to gain weight, especially around the middle. Holidays will not only help you relieve stress, but can help you

manage it better when you get back to the real world?

2. Clears your head: Life is hectic and your brain is often overworked. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Always being on the go and taking care of your many responsibilities in both your personal and professional life can cause you to feel frazzled, confused and overwhelmed.

Vacations can alleviate these problems, giving you a fresh perspective and calming your nerves. Taking a break from a jampacked schedule will noticeably lower your anxiety. Even better, clearing your head and slowing things down often leads to great ideas and a fresh perspective when you head back to your job and normal routine 3. Builds your immune system: A busy life wears you down. You can fight it all you want, but eventually everything will get to be too much and exhaustion will set in. When you’re tired and stressed from work and your home life, you’re more susceptible to catching the cold and flu that makes its way through your office or kid’s class. With work and responsibilities comes stress and it can actually promote the risk of disease because of your immune system’s uncontrolled reaction when it comes into contact with a virus. Vacations can help relieve stress, allowing your immune system to build back up. Without the break, your body likely won’t be able to properly fight off viruses and other diseases.

4. Lowers risk of heart disease: When you don’t take your allotted vacation days,

you could be doing serious damage to your heart health. Unlike in foreign countries where several weeks of vacation are not only paid but regulated and mandatory by law, a lot of North Americans don’t even take the standard two weeks. But skipping out on vacation can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attacks. Several studies show that taking a yearly vacation can lower your risk of heart problems by a staggering amount– according to a Framingham Heart Study, men are around 30-percent less likely to die from a heart attack and women have a 50-percent lower risk of having a heart attack 5. Increases happiness: While it would be nice if everyone found the job of their dreams and loved every minute of working, the fact is, many people don’t find this type of career satisfaction. And even if you are loving what you do, foregoing happiness on a personal level will eventually catch up to you. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and being happy goes a long way to mental stability. Happiness and good mental health can help you cope better with and prevent life’s stresses. Spending time with family or some well-earned time alone allows you to enjoy life in a way you aren’t able to if you don’t use your vacation days.

6. Better quality of sleep: The stresses from a busy life greatly impact your quality of sleep–restlessness, insomnia, and not enough sleep hurts your health. It’s now common to be plugged into work right up until bed time and many people sleep with their phone, answering emails late in the evening or during the night when you should be allowing your body the rest it needs. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you don’t get quality sleep, you put yourself at risk of getting sick more easily, and the long-term effects can increase your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Vacations allow you to break this routine, resulting in more peaceful sleep, as well as sleeping for longer 7. Improves family health: Day-to-day routines and responsibilities get old fast.

It can seem that days fly by without you really absorbing everything that makes life worth living. And you’re not the only one in your household who may be feeling disconnected and on auto-pilot. A happy home life will positively impact other aspects of your life. In turn, problems at home can negatively affect work and other relationships, and increase stress. By taking a vacation and reconnecting with your family, friends and loved ones, you’ll feel emotionally fulfilled, a requirement of good health 8. Rejuvenates your body: People who take regular vacations can likely relate to how the time off allows you to rejuvenate your body, increasing your energy levels and providing a more positive outlook.

With busy lives where you’re always on the go, your energy can be seriously lacking. Because of this, exercising regularly becomes less and less frequent, putting your health at risk and losing the happy endorphin from workouts. Going on vacation can snap you out of the less healthy routine you’ve had going and give you a fresh perspective.

L8 TV guide

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday July 18, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

102 M-Net EDGE Channel

112 Studio Universal

01:00

05:20

Mon, 18 July | 16L

Mon, 18 July | 13

‘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