Daily Times Newspaper For Friday 2nd October, 2015

NLC leader to Buhari: Ƒ ƅ ôƐ ƄƆ ^ƆƐƏ ƋƆƑƌ ƌƈ ƈ ƐƆƏ Kehinde Akinpelu, 9Ƌ Əƈ

ÎÎÎNational Deputy President of Nige-

ria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu, on Thursday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to rescind his

decision to make himself the Petroleum Resources minister.

Only on Wednesday, Vice President dailytimesng

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of Nigerian Association of Chambers Continued on page 6 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.202

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 28th September 2015.

NESTLE

859.7

39.70

4.62%

NB

146.04

5.97

4.09%

SEPLAT

249.9

-5.10

-2.04%

UNILEVER

45.13

-0.87

-1.93%

FO

250

10.01

4.00%

UACN

31.5

1.50

4.76%

JBERGER 41.88

-2.20

-5.25%

ZENITHBANK

17.52

-0.59

-3.37%

Buhari, Saraki in closed door meeting

Ï R ƈ Ƅ Ɖ è Ɛ ƆƏ Ɖ ƈ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƌ ƏƊ 9 ƗƆƍƆ ƗƆ ƅƆ ƈƒƆƏ Əƕ Egena Egena, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎPresident

Muhammadu Bu-

hari, on Thursday, met briefly with Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Aso Rock Presiden-

tial Villa, Abuja.

The meeting was held behind closed doors shortly after the Inde-

pendence Day ceremony.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker House of representatives,

Yakubu Dogara, as well as Chief Continued on page 6

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2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial The Mecca Hajj tragedy

T

he recent incident in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that led to the deaths of at least 717 pilgrims and hundreds more injured, ranks as one of the worst-ever tragedies at the annual Muslim pilgrimage. The incident came as Muslims all over the world marked Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice that is the most important holiday on the Islamic calendar.

According to reports, the tragedy was triggered by a stampede following an announcement by the civil defence service that it was dealing with a “crowding” incident in Mina, about five kilometres from Mecca. Before then, thousands of pilgrims had converged outside the Jamarat Bridge in the area to throw pebbles at one of three walls representing Satan, for the last major ritual of the hajj.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the government of Saudi Arabia and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Unfortunately, this tragedy being the second major accident this year at the pilgrimage site, came on the heels of another one that occurred after a construction crane collapsed on September 11 at Mecca’s Grand Mosque, killing 109 people including many foreigners. Following the accident, some have criticised the Saudi government for allowing the construction to continue even after the surrounding desert had been ravaged by storms, causing many to be hospitalised.

We are therefore calling for a thorough investigation into these tragedies with a view to unraveling the root causes and preventing future occurrence. Unfortunately, such accidents are becoming commonplace, especially during the Muslim annual pilgrimages in Mecca.

For instance, in 2006, more than 360 pilgrims died in a stampede at the desert plain in Mina during the symbolic stoning of the devil. The day before the hajj began, an eightstorey hostel building near the Grand

Mosque collapsed, killing 73 people.

In 2004, a pilgrims’ stampede at Mina led to the deaths of 244 people with hundreds more injured. Another 35 pilgrims lost their lives in 2001, during the final day of pilgrimage at Mina. In 1998, more than 180 pilgrims died after several of them fell off an overpass at the stoning ritual in Mina.

The worst recorded hajj related incident occurred in 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims were trampled to death during a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca. Given the various challenges, the world’s Muslims recognise the commitment of Saudi Arabia to do its best for the “Guests of Allah”, as visitors to the holiest sites under the kingdom’s custody are called. One precautionary measure during the renovations was to reduce the quota of pilgrims from each country.

Organising the hajj is no picnic and as the number of pilgrims continues to rise, it is becoming a planning and logistical nightmare. From about 100,000 pilgrims in 1950, the number rose to one million in the 1980s and now averages about two million, making the job much tougher and challenging. Accommodating two to three million people in one place at the same time for about two weeks will test anyone’s mettle.

We believe such incidents can be prevented if the Saudi Arabian authorities allow for international participation in the planning of annual hajj pilgrimages. Available evidence reveals the contrary and that should not be so. The annual hajj is an international event that brings millions of Muslim pilgrims from all over the world to Saudi Arabia in observance of religious obligations. Therefore, the planning including logistics should reflect its international composition, as leaving everything to the Saudi authorities would only reflect a local bias which has been responsible in part for the recurring tragedies.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Group Managing Director

Fidelis Anosike

Noel Anosike

Group Managing Editor

Chief Operating Officer

Editor

GM Operations

Molara Wood Yinka Olujimi

ÎÎÎI remember how, as a

child, my father used to share with me amazing Yoruba folklores as was usually the case in many families in Nigeria in those days.

Among the lot, the botched coronation of the elephant as king of its community always resonates in my mind. It was said that its community once approached the Elephant to reward it with the vacant stool of king of the community.

On the appointed day of

Words On Marble :

deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

What a support the duo seems to be enjoying.

The Senate leadership probably needs to learn from the experience of the elephant shared above.

That 84 of his colleagues (including those from traditional APC strongholds) now sing his praises should be enough worry for Saraki and Ekrweremadu. One finds it somewhat hard to believe that some of those seeking for Saraki’s head a couple of weeks back have suddenly believed in his leadership.

There are surely more than meets the eye in this sudden change of position.

A few words is enough for the wise, they say.

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Segun Adio

the coronation, a well kitted king-to-be Elephant rode majestically towards the well-decorated podium meant for it and was urged to take its seat. The king-to-be was heralded into the arena in pomp.

It did not dawn on the elephant that the covered seat for the new king was a pit dug to ensnare it. It was indeed a sad ending for the Elephant.

It is not difficult for me to liken the Elephant’s sad ending in the above folklore to the dense macabre currently going on in the Nigerian Senate.

Tuesday, this week, about 84 distinguished senators, of the 109, allegedly passed a confidence vote on Bukola Saraki and his

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Saraki and his 84 strange bedfellows

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Chukwuemeka Ezeife

Segun Osoba

Muhammadu Buhari

“The manifest destiny of Nigeria is to develop into a super power and earn respect for the black man any where he is in Nigeria’’.

‘’Anybody that has been in government must be ready to answer questions after office on how he managed the affairs of the government.’’

“We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Nigeria @ 55: Nigeria has a bright future - Obasanjo Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏFormer

president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Thursday, has said that in spite of the challenges facing Nigeria, the country had fared very well, when compared with other growing nations.

Obasanjo, who took a retrospective look at the country’s 55th independence anniversary, asserted that “we are not doing badly.”

Obasanjo, who spoke in Abeokuta, on other issues, including the just concluded United Nations (UN) General Assembly, in New York, said, it was gladdening seeing Nigeria back at the table with the world leaders.

He said “fifty-five years in the life of a nation is comparatively young, growing and when you look at the life and history of those that you may call settled societies or reasonably matured countries, we are not doing too badly.”

He said those nations would have “had missteps, just as we have. They have made mistakes and most of them have learnt from their mistakes. They have been dynamic in the way they have progressed and I believe that we are doing the same thing.”

His words, “What is important is that certain cardinal issues, cardinal features of our national life, values, should not be eroded.

And then we should also be will-

ing to learn from our mistakes.”

Obasanjo observed that President Muhammadu Buahri’s independence address, said that Nigeria had the capacity of a great nation, which would require that all hands, should to that effect, be on deck; men, women, Muslims, Christians, young and old, irrespective of our location, our tribe, our social standing.

As part of moving forward as a nation, Obasanjo opined that, “We must also realise important issues that we must not play with; we must not play with the issue of education. We must not play with the issue of health for our people; employment for our teeming population, particularly for our

youths. We must not play with the issue of economy. We must do a good job in terms of security and peace. We must not play with the issue of justice; justice and peace go hand in hand. We can’t have injustice and expect peace to reign supreme.

“These are some of the things, and then, of course, corruption must not have a resting place within our society. We must kick corruption out, because it destroys almost everything and I am not talking about corruption of money – corruption of attitude, nepotism, favouritism; they are corruption in different forms and all aspects of corruption must be kicked out of our society.”

HURIWA faults Buhari on his silence on police reforms ÏÏÏA

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (2nd right) join hands with the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (right); Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ikeje Asogwa (2nd left) and State Woman Leader of the PDP, Mrs. Oby Nwofor to cut a cake to mark the 55th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria at the Government House, Enugu, State... on Thursday

Tanker crushes motorcyclist, as Naval rating allegedly kills conductor Segun Adio

Group News Editor

ÏÏÏPandemonium, on Thursday, erupted at the Kirikiri area of Lagos State, after a tanker driver crushed a commercial motorcyclist, as he (the tanker driver) was trying to evade arrest.

This was just as a naval rating, whose identity is still unknown, allegedly dragged the conductor of the same tanker to his death.

According to an eyewitness account, the naval rating was said to have attempted to drag the conductor off the moving tanker and he (the conductor) was crushed to death in the process.

One of the tanker drivers who

simply identified himself as Femi told Daily Times that the whole incident was caused by naval ratings, who always extort money from them.

He said, “What happened was that the rating approached the tanker driver to ask for their usual N500 bribe but the driver refused.

According to the tanker driver, he had just started working and so had no money to give. As the driver tried to escape, he crushed a commercial motorcyclist.

Besides, the tanker also smashed a saloon car and a tricycle with registration numbers BX 941 ABC and KSF342 QE, respectively.

As the tanker tried to escape, the naval rating angrily dragged the

conductor down and he fell under the tyres of the tanker and was also crushed to death.

Immediately the incident happened, other heavy duty vehicle drivers stormed the area and unleashed mayhem on the naval rating.

It took the intervention of another dispatch of naval personnel from a nearby base to return peace to the area, as they shot sporadically into the air to disperse the rampaging drivers.

When contacted, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Raphael Osondu, referred our reporter to the commander of the unit at Kirikiri.

non-governmental organisation, known as - Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has flayed President Buhari for his silence on the widening spectre of kidnapping across Nigeria in his Independence Day national broadcast.

It also criticised Buhari for his failure to use the occasion to unveil his government’s programme on comprehensive police reforms.

Its National Co-ordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, and National Media Affairs, Director Miss Zainab Yusuf, said that an auspicious occasion, such as the 55th independence anniversary, should have provided the opportunity for the Nigerian government, under the new dispensation, to provide clear guidelines and evidence-based programme of police reforms, given that kidnapping had proven to be one of the greatest national security threats after terrorism. In the opinion of the Rights group the devilish activities of armed hoodlums, who perpetrated criminal kidnapping for ransoms went far beyond just mere criminality but crosses the borderline of grave threats to the fundamental freedoms of right to life and freedom of movement, as enshrined in Chapter Four of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 ( as amended ). HURIWA also stated that the independence day speech was deficient in the thematic area of youth employment, which was the major cause of social breakdown and the rise in social vices that Mr President mentioned in passing, such as indiscipline in schools and other institutions.

5 News

Invest more in South East, Ohanaeze tells Igbo Mathew Dadiya

Abuja ÏÏÏThe President of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, in Abuja, Mazi Odozi Elijah Nwodozi, has hailed the Igbo people (Ndi-Igbo) for their contributions toward national development in every nook and cranny of the country.

He has also offered that they should invest in the Igbo land.

Nwodozi gave the advice during the 2015 celebration of Igbo Day and New Yam Festival in Abuja.

The theme of the celebration was “Ako na Uche na Idi na Out”, meaning, “Tact and Unity”, Nwodozi, called for the protection of life and property of Ndi-Igbo in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

He also called for rekindling of Igbo language and culture and charged entrepreneurs among Ndi-Igbo to establish Igbo language newspapers, which according to him, would go a long way towards reinvigoration of the language and rich cultures of the Igbo people.

Why PDP lawmakers are not against Buhari –Akpabio

ÏÏÏFormer

governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, has shed light on why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the National Assembly were supporting the President Muhamadu Buhari-led government at the centre.

Akpabio, who stated this while delivering his goodwill message to Nigerians on the country’s 55th independence anniversary during a plenary said, “We are not here to play destructive opposition.

We want to place on record that we support this government and would do anything constitutional to ensure the success of the administration.”

He stated further that, “We also congratulate our President for presiding over the affairs of this country at 55, and want to use this opportunity to congratulate all Nigerians and appeal to them that they should continue to support the current administration as it strives to make life meaningful for us, even in the face of dwindling revenue,” he said.

Buhari

Buhari

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Buhari, Saraki in closed door meeting Continued from page 1 Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, were said to be in attendance at the brief meeting.

The meeting reportedly held at the president’s office after having light refreshments at the venue of the Independence Day ceremony.

Details of the meeting, however, were not made public.

Earlier, the embattled Sen. Saraki had joined President Buhari and other eminent government officials as well as several foreign envoys were at the forecourt

of the Presidential Villa for a low-keyed 55th Independence anniversary celebration and also the ceremonial presidential change of guards parade mounted by officers and men of the 177 Battalion and 7 Battalion of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Abuja The ceremony, which lasted for about two hours, replaced the normal full military parade and other forms of entertainments that usually hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

President Buhari on arrival at the event proceeded

to inspect the quarter guards at the gate before moving to the Villa forecourt to receive the national salute.

Apart from the inspection of new Guards/Quarter Guards, the ceremony also witnessed silent drills, posting of sentries, colour parade, inspection of weapons and uniforms among other colourful displays by the Brigade of Guards Command.

President Buhari signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from their cage and cut the anniversary cake after the 21-gun sa-

lute as part of the ceremony.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the event, Senator Saraki expressed confidence that the years ahead were promising for the country, saying that the National Assembly would make laws that would impact positively on the citizens.

He said: “I am hopeful and confident that the future is very bright. In the next few years, things will be even better.

“It will not be business as usual. We will ensure that the National Assembly will

be people-oriented and will make laws that will make impact on Nigerians.”

Also speaking, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, submitted that the country had been journeying on the wrong road all the while but had finally found the right path to progress.

“At 55, we have finally discovered that we are on the wrong road. We have finally moved to the road that leads to progress, hope, employment, prosperity and that will lead to Nigeria finally attaining that greatness that God destined it for,” according to him.

The ceremony was witnessed by serving and

ex-government officials, members of the National Assembly and the diplomatic community among other dignitaries.

It could be recalled that there have been media reports suggesting a rift between President Buhari and the leadership of the Nigerian Assembly.

Media reports speculate that the president has for some time frustrated all efforts by Sen. Saraki to see him following the controversial manner in which the latter emerged as the Senate president.

The occasion of Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary, however, finally provided an opportunity for them to meet.

Oct. 1 tragedy: Scores killed as female suicide bombers hit Borno Ï ơơ ƗƈƆ ƈ Ɨ ƌ Ɠ Wale Akintunde, Yola

ÎÎÎSeveral

Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun during the 55th National Day Celebration at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta...on Thursday

Issa Aremu to Buhari: You can’t be Petroleum minister Continued from page 1 of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Billy Harry, faulted Buhari’s decision, saying the President would be distracted and overload himself with excess workload.

Aremu said Buhari will be sending a wrong signal that the nation’s economy will still largely depend on oil and gas sector if he goes ahead to be petroleum minister.

Instead, Aremu urged the Federal Government to revive the rail transportation system, noting that “we can create job through rail transportation more than jobs created from the oil and gas industry.

The labour leader spoke with newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State on the sidelines of the 7th day fidau prayer for the repose of the soul of his late mother, Alhaja Afusatu Aremu.

He said: “I went through the ministerial list and found out that President Buhari wants to be another minister of petroleum resources. He does not need that, he should rather be minister of railway or textile.

“What I am saying is that the future of Nigeria lies in the manufacturing.

I think he should rather manage the real sector of the economy.

With the best of efforts, oil is exhaustible. Japan, China don’t have oil and gas yet they are produc-

ing all the electronics and cars we are using.

“For him to assume the ministerial position of the petroleum resources means that we are still oil dependent in our focus. We should not reduce resources to exhaustible oil and gas. The greatest resource God gives all is the human resources. For me, oil and gas is being mismanaged because the human resources are not well managed.

“President Buhari has promised ‘change’ but I have not seen change in that his decision at all. He is just going the way of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and there is danger in that; because the oil and gas sector is murky. It is cor-

ruption driven. Who will take care of the corrupt people when the person that should do that is also involved?

“The point I am raising is that we want a new approach to handle the oil and gas sector”.

He, however, described Buhari’s independence speech as very remarkable one.

“What I am saying in essence is that in spite of numerous challenges that we have in the country, I agree with President Buhari that there is a lot to celebrate. First, a united Nigeria and secondly that we have imbibed the sense of democracy. I agree that for the first time, an inContinued on page 12

female suicide bombers on Thursday evening, sneaked into Sageri, Ajilari and other outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, carrying out multiple blasts, sources said killed scores of innocent civilians and injured many.

Also, at least 11 persons were killed on Thursday when Boko Haram insurgents struck in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Ajilari ward which is an outskirt of Maiduguri had two days before the Eid witnessed a deadly suicide bombings, including an attack on a mosque which left over 100 people dead with 97 seriously injured.

The multiple explosions in Sageri and Ajilari occurred simultaneously at about 7:30pm after which men of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army responded with their artelary fire power towards that affected area, a situation that left many residents fleeing into the main city for safety.

A source close to the scene at Sageri said the female suicide bombers who sneaked into the area on tricycle detonated their explosives at a popular public gathering near a tea seller joint

(Mai Shai) in Hausa, while luck ran out of the other female suicide bomber, as she was apprehended by vigilante youths. The explosives wrapped into her body, however, failed to explode at her targeting point.

When contacted, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Tukur Gusau said troops were immediately deployed to the affected area to ascertain the incident, but declined comment on any casualties.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 11 persons were killed on Thursday when Boko Haram insurgents struck in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Eyewitness, who did not want his name in print, confirmed the attack, adding that several houses were also burnt down when the insurgents in their hundreds stormed Bitiku, kubu and Kirchinga villages of Madagali in the early hours of Thursday.

“The insurgents sneaked into these villages and started killing people and burnt houses almost at the same time without no justification” he said.

The immediate past Chairman of Madagali, Maina Ularamu, confirmed the atContinued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

7 News

Court fixes Oct 21 for ex-militants suit against Amnesty Office Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe Federal High Court, sit-

L-R First Military Administrator of Ebonyi State, Walter Feghabor; Former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu; Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barrister Kelechi Igwe; Governor David Umahi, his Wife, Rachel; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Nnenna and Wife of the former Governor of the State, Eunice cutting the cake during the Independence Day Celebration and 19th Anniversary of Ebonyi State in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, State… on Thursday

Military’ll treat Boko Haram who surrenders as war prisoners Segun Adio

Group News Editor Director of Defence Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar has said that any member of the Boko Haram terrorist group that surrendered willingly would be treated as a prisoner of war.

Col. Abubakar made this known on Thursday, while speaking with journalists at Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), in Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos State, during his familiarisation tour.

He said the insurgents should surrender so that the country can have peace in the North East, and by extension in Nigeria, so that investors could be able to invest in the country. ''There is a clear policy and directive that anybody (insurgents) that comes to surrender should be

ÏÏÏ

treated as a prisoner of war. ''His dignity, integrity and human rights must be protected so that we can collectively get information from them which will be used to advance our course. ''So far so good, this has been realised, a lot of them are at hand and as soon as we finish with them I believe they will be made known. ''We are not presenting them for security reasons, but once we finish with them, I believe the relevant authorities that they were handed over to will make them known to all Nigerians,'' he said.

Col. Abubakar revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin had just inaugurated a committee, saddled with the task to work out modalities on how to establish safe corridor. ''A safe corridor is a room where

a terrorist who decides to surrender will go, and once they get to that place, they are safe from any molestation. ''These centres would be established in the North East and some would be established very close to the theater of operation,'' he said.

The Defense spokesperson also said that the media has a role to play in the fight against insurgency. ''We have in the last 72 hours, been meeting media executives with a view to partnering and collaborating with them, and seek their support in the ongoing operation against the terrorist group. ''The Nigerian Military for some years have engaged in combat with the terrorist group and so far so good, there have been series of successes recorded in recent times", he added.

N54b windows of opportunity available for Abia, says Ikpeazu Sunday Nwakanma

Umuahia A total of N54 billion financial windows of opportunity is available for Abia State government to work with in its bid to clear arrears of salaries and allowances as well as embark on infrastructural development of the state.

However, only N14 billion Federal Government bailout fund, and Abia State House of Assembly N10 billion infrastructure loan resolution will soon be accessible for the purpose they are meant for.

Disclosing this in Umuahia to newsmen, the Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu said the other window which is the State House of Assembly resolution for the gov-

ÏÏÏ

ernor to borrow N30 billion from banks “will not be accessed in the foreseeable future as the state has managed to save some money” for developmental purposes. The opportunity, he said is in “abeyance”, and will only be utilised when the need arises.

For the N14billion bailout fund that was available, Ikpeazu said a committee he set up is handling its implementation to ensure that it was deployed for the purpose it was meant for, disclosing also that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N10 billion infrastructure loan, which comes at 9% interest and repayable over 20 years, will be used to build a flyover at Aba and 24 constituency projects in all the 17

LGAs, as well as resurface roads, especially with his new “cement” technology in the whole state.

Other projects, the governor said will be taken care of include, street lightening in all urban and some rural areas so as to increase business hours and discourage crime, equip police patrol with enough vehicles, reticulation of over 50 moribund water projects in the state, as well as road infrastructure. Explaining more on the N14 billion bailout fund, Ikpeazu said that unpaid gratuities have no share in the fund, but strictly for backlog of salaries and allowances, an indication that there is hope for payment of gratuities in future if finances of the state improves.

ting in Yenagoa, on Wednesday, fixed October 21st for hearing into the suit filed against the office of the Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Presidential Amnesty programme and the Federal Government over their non-inclusion in the Amnesty programme.

The aggrieved ex-militants, Asenekir Oyile, Angiama-Owei Oyindoubra, John Government, John Sawyer, Trydy Okpeke, Dollar Motor, Selebi Ayowei, Bobra Angese, Henry Gomeromo

Islamic cleric mourns Mecca tragedy, Onosode Deola Adekanbi

ÏÏÏProfessor

Sabitu Olagoke, President of Ajagun Esin Consultative Forum, (AECF) has described the death of 64 Nigerians at Mecca and the demise of Chief Gamaliel Onosode, frontline Industrialist, as a great tragedy for Nigeria in the month of September.

In a statement, Olagoke condoled families of the deceased and prayed to God to forgive their sins and grant them eternity.

He said that the deaths of the pilgrims grieved him to the marrow, in view of the fact that they were performing one of the pillars of Islam, adding that Nigerians should pray that the country should no longer witness such incident.

Olagoke cautioned against buck passing by governments but de-

Arik Air resumes flight services to Monrovia ÏÏÏArik Air, Nigeria and West

Africa’s largest carrier, is resuming flight services to Monrovia, Liberia from October 5, 2015.

Flights to Monrovia were suspended in July 2014, in the wake of the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in some West African countries.

Arik Air will be operating three weekly flights from Lagos to Monrovia via Accra, Ghana on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Outbound flights will depart the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 7:20 am (local time) and arrive in Accra at 7:20

and Ekerebi Ombe, in their suit, claimed that the Amnesty Committee erred by refusing to include them in the ongoing Amnesty programme after series of resolutions from meetings with the past and present National Security Advisers to the President, Late General Owei Azazi and Col. Sambo Dasuki respectively.

The ex-militants in the suit, numbered FHC/YNG/CS/102/2013, filed at the Federal High Court, declared that they were former militants that had accepted Amnesty under the Third Phase and surrendered their weapons to the federal government, through the Amnesty Office in 2011.

vise means of averting such a disaster in future.

On Onosode, Olagoke, who is also the spiritual Head of Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, described him as a pride to Nigeria and global business communities.

Olagoke urged Nigerian businessmen to emulate the sterling virtues of Onosode who died at 82, adding, “he left an indelible print on the sands of time".

Onosode

am (local time). The flight leaves Accra at 8:05 am (local time), and arrives in Monrovia at 10:05 am (local time).

Inbound flights will leave Monrovia at 10:50 am (local time) to arrive in Accra at 12:50 pm (local time). The flight thereafter departs Accra at 1:35 pm (local time) to arrive in Lagos at 3:35 pm (local time).

The route will be serviced with a Boeing 737-700 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, configured to seat 12 passengers in Business Class and 112 passengers in Economy Class.

Arik Air’s Deputy Managing Director/Senior Vice President Operations, Captain Ado Sanusi said, “We are pleased to welcome back our passengers on the LagosMonrovia route and want to assure them that their safety and security is always our top priority.”

8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Politics

Æs

Buhari’s administration lacks economic blueprint — Rights Activist A human rights activist, Comrade Adeniyi, Sulaiman has declared that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has no economy blue print for the country, as it has not given any economic direction to the country except mere propaganda by his party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

Comrade Sulaiman also described the menace of corruption

Buhari

as the bane of economic and political crisis facing the country, calling for urgent action from the government at all levels with the cooperation of the Nigeria masses to stamp out the cankerworm out of nations’ system. He added that Buhari’s government has failed to assert its position on whether to remove the oil subsidy or not.

He also blasted Governor Rauf

Aregbesola of Osun State for his anti-people policies, stressing that Aregbesola was a disgrace to the human rights community in Nigeria which he claimed to be part of in the past, alleging that some known members of the community were giving encouragement to Aregbesola’s government to continue with antiCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Maikasuwa and the politics of National Assembly Morgan Inno Mkpu Abuja

Since the leadership of the 8th Senate and the House of Representatives came to the fore, there have been an avalanche of criticisms over their emergence. While sone will look at it disapprovingly, others will embrace the discrepancies as if our law makers were acting out a script.

The truth is that as the battle ground is the centre of war, the National Assembly reflects the theatre of our democratic practice.

It could be said without fear of equivocation or contradiction that the legislature, to some extent became an endangered species especially during the military era following prolonged jack boot rulership.

Thus, the most important organ of government was rendered destitute and therefore

Saraki could not function within the framework of law making simply because the military were ruling by decrees churned out dictatorially.

Maikasuwa But thank God that since 1999 when Nigeria’s temple of reason gained momentum and marked a reversal to the old order, the National Assembly

Dogara started dusting its house with a view to repositioning itself in the process of legislative governance. But those hiccups played out simply because we

don’t have a nation. Emergence of leaders especially at the National Assembly were fanned CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Buhari behaves as President of the north – Igbos In Diaspora Lament

Buhari

Chairman of Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of behaving as if he was elected as President of the northern part of the country alone.

Speaking as the Ndigbo celebrated her 9th World Assembly Convention in Enugu, the group (Igbo World Assembly, IWA) he said since assumption of office, the president has consistently portrayed himself as the presi-

dent of the north, which is not in line with his campaign promises.

He described President Buhari as a leader who lacks the capacity to rule the country commendCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Anakwenze

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

9 Politics

Shame! Lagos lawmakers turn lawbreakers Alade Tasma

One of the fundamental functıons of members of any legıslatıve arm of government ın any tıer of government ıs to make laws for the good governance of theır ımmedıate envıronment as well as seen as role models ın keepıng to the rules and ethıcs that guarantee a peaceful and orderly socıety at all tımes.

But thıs attıtude and moral characterıstıcs expected of honourable members, appear not to be the least consıderatıon of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This is because they have taken delıght ın floutıng a sımple rule meant to guarantee a non chaotıc sıtuatıon at the Assembly premıses.

The archıtectural master plan of the Assembly complex was beautıfully desıgned wıth a large space for car park separately reserved for the lawmakers, staff and vısıtors to the Assembly alıke whıle the frontage of the new multıstorıes offıce complex of the Assembly became prohıbıted for any vehıcle to be parked.

To ensure this, the Assembly management conspicuously put “NO PARKING” sıgns to barrıcade the desıgnated no parking arena. However, the lawmakers who are expected to uphold the rules and guıdelınes that guarantee orderlıness at the Assembly complex have rather, ın theır flagrant dısregard for rules been consıstent ın breakıng the rule by parkıng theır vehıcles ındıscrımınately ın the prohıbıted area.

Obasa

Several appeals from the management of the House to the lawmakers to have a change of mınd and obey sımple rules appear not to be makıng any sense to the Honourables members who have contınued to demonstrate a dıshonourable act. Thıs development has often tımes led to a very hot arguement and confrontatıons between the drıvers of the lawmakers and the securıty personnel of the Assembly who were saddled wıth the responsibility of maintaining orderlıness at the Assembly premıses. ”What messages are these legıslators sendıng out about themselves and thıs ınstıtutıon,” a vısıtor to the Assembly Complex was heard saying while expressıng her CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Buhari’s government will soon become usual - Rights Activist CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

masses agenda, to the extent of running the State aground despite allocations accruing to the State from the Federation Account.

He alleged that Aregbesola has run the State aground by putting Osun State into bankruptcy with the incurring of billions of naira loan in almost all commercial banks in the country, adding that “despite these loans, Governor Aregbesola has declared openly that the financial crisis facing the State was beyond his capacity.

He alleged that instead for Aregbesola to resign honourably ,he sent his groomed thugs popularly known as “STATE BOYS” “to disrupt a peaceful mass protest against him on Tuesday, July 7th,2015, where the thugs were directed to take his life for no just reason than being the leader of the human rights’ and Civil Societies Organization(CSO) that has been critics of his government”.

Speaking in Lagos as a guest speaker at a lecture/symposium entitled:”Degenerating Economy and Political Crisis,

which way forward for Nigeria” organized by the National Conscience Party (NCP) to mark its 21st formation anniversary of the party /independence lecture symposium, held at the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organization(GAFAMORG) office hall at Olayinka Bamigbose, off Olowu, Ikeja, Sulaiman who is the Chairman, Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State(CSCEO) stressed that Buhari’s administration was full of denial and lies of electioneering campaign promises, faulting President Buhari’s body language of looking for foreign help to solve the mirage of problems facing the country.

According to him, “Presently, Nigeria economy is nothing to write home about, because the present administration of Buhari does not give any meaningful economy direction to the nation. Nigeria people believed that immediately after Buhari was sworn-in, he would commence on redirection of the nation’s economy but till the present moment, President Buhari is looking for external help to fix the Nigeria degen-

erating economy.

“To my surprise, Buhari could not assert his government’s position, whether to remove oil subsidy or not. Before he came into power, he posited that the fuel subsidy was a fraud of highest order and conduit pipe which few elements in the land, were using to siphone the commonwealth of the country into private pockets, but when he came, he continued in that direction; what a double speak and deal? “This is the reason why nothing has changed in our economy till today. I want to say unequivocally that General Muahhmmadu Buhari (rtd) does not have any economic blueprint for Nigeria and the nations’ masses will continue wallowing in abject poverty and my heart bleeds for those who supported them dogmatically during the electioneering process without asking a question. I strongly hold that it is very much in the national interest and national security to speak against the ills in our society, no matter whose ox is gored”, he stressed.

“I am very sure and I stand to be corrected that Muhammadu Buhari’s administration fights

against corruption will fail because Buhari is not ready to fight corruption within his party and Yoruba adage says, ‘Charity must begin at home’, you could understand this position with Buhari’s body language and you will see that this government will be at

Buhari

the end of the day, be the government as usual. President Buhari would not be able to succeed in his fight against corruption with the advice of Professor Itse Sagay as Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on AntiCorruption”, he stressed.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

National Assembly: Truce and unending crises

Saraki CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

by ethnic or religious jingoism; or the uncle-boy or godfather network. But those were the days when the legislature would not conduct its business without extraneous interference. Otherwise, tell me why a

Maikasuwa governor or party leaders will storm the hallowed chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives during their inauguration.

Ideally, the National Assembly which is an organ or arm of government is independent and devoid of executive dic-

Dogara tates, for such attempt would burgeon into dictatorship.

This, if allowed would blow the entire structure of our democracy sky-high. But thank God that there are Nigerians, I mean a few Nigerians who would rebuff any enticement, gratification, or even threat to

their lives in order to do the right thing.

Thus, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, the indefatigable clerk to the National Assembly and the Ciroman Keffi performed the spectacular when in obedience to the President and Commander in

Chief of the Armed Forces’ order to inaugurate the National Assembly just did the needful more like an obedient secretary who responds at calls from his boss anytime he is needed.

Maikasuwa carried out the instruction from his boss even at the risk of his life. His action was unique and novel.

A man so diligent in his service to the nation and an epitome of the new order at the National Assembly stands out as one Patriotic Nigerian who defied entreaties from all and sundry and did that which today has been interpreted in certain quarters as the needful to ensure the independence of the National Assembly. Of course, he has the right background, the right socio-political and legislative skills to perform such herculean national assignment. He never, repeat, never acted on a concerted or preplanned move or motive, he was merely discharging his functions as the Clerk to the National Assembly. He should be allowed to do that which the Almighty has endowed him for the benefit of Nigerians.

But let it be known that the National Assembly is not an extension of any political party or a pressure group but the democratic epicenter of the common man reflected in its representation. Accordingly, further invitations of Maikasuwa to anywhere by any Agency over this matter would tantamount to suffocating the most important organ of government. The expressive desire of our people for enduring democracy should not be sacrificed on the altar of prejudice or political intoxicants. Thus, the presupposition of the rule of law with emphasis on the principles of imparCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Buhari behaves as President of the north – Igbos In Diaspora Lament CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

ably noting that Buhari, in his 100 days of power, had failed in delivering his campaign promises.

“The Buhari administration has failed Nigerians. After 100 days, it should now be abundantly clear that Buhari is not qualified to be President of Nigeria presently.

“His cardinal objective is ap-

Buhari

parently the prosecution of Northern hegemony,” a statement by the group read.

He stated further that President Buhari is “deceitful and not qualified to be President of Nigeria presently.”

He described the president’s posture as “President of the North” as totally unacceptable and therefore, called on him to resign if he is not willing to govern the whole country.

Anakwenze

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Lagos: Lawmakers as Law breakers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

dıspleasure over the flagrant dısobedıent to a sımple rule by the lawmakers. The female vısıtor who had accompanıed her spouse on a vısıt to the Assembly was later discovered to be a lecturer in a Unıversıty ın Bırmıngham, Unıted Kıngdom.

Obasa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has alleged that the All Progressives Congress(APC) government in the state has concluded plans to clamp down on the members opposition in the state.

This, the PDP said the APC intends to do with sponsored spontaneous arrest of its members across the state.

In an interview with journalists in Ilorin, the PDP state chairman, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, said the state government and the ruling APC had accused members of the opposition for the attack on its dignitaries last week during sallah prayers in Ilorin.

Last week at the Eid ground in Ilorin, suspected thugs stormed the prayer ground and distrupted the ceremony by stoning and pelting dinataries including the senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki with satchet of pure water.

However, in a reaction, the state government through the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Alhaji Wahab Oba, debunked the allegation, saying it was not yettime for politicking.

11 Politics

Why APC plans clampdown on us – Kwara PDP cries out

Oyegun

Secondus

“What could have warranted us running after PDP in Kwara State? What is the strength of the party here? I think the leaders of the party should simply search their conscience and see if it is their past that is haunting them.

“In Kwara politics, it is the

PDP that has the records of violence as showed in their last primary elections where dangerous weapons were freely used to settle political scores. On our side, it was an absolute peace. This is not time for politicking or raising of baseless allegations. They should

form a credible option rather than crying wolf where there is none”, he said.

The opposition party, which called on the police authority and all other law enforcement agents in the state to protect members of the party, also said that members of the public should note the development.

“The people of Kwara State know that we only practice civilized opposition. Where we see the need to praise the government, we have always been doing so. Where we need to tell the truth to the people about the wrong ways and manners that we have been governed, we only talk with facts and figures. Any attempt to kill, arrest or even illegally disturb our lawful activities will amount to intolerance of the opposition which is antithetical to the workings and the practice of democratic governance”, the party said.

Managing crisis at National Assembly CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

tiality, equality and the rights of individuals should be maintained at all times by democracy lovers especially those that the electorate have mandated to preside over their fate.

But some politicians are short sighted opportunists and tribal tin-gods who see nothing in upcoming ones. You don’t need to blame them because they have foreclosed their sensibilities to reason and common sense. Thus the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may have to go extra mile to sieve itself of strange bed fellows if the party wants to last as long as the opposition Peoples Democractic Party (PDP).

What is pertinent now is that the APC should focus on repositioning the party and reaching out to areas especially the South East where it failed to gather steam. The APC should purge itself of those individuals whose stock in trade is destruction. As there is no desert without an Oasis, APC still possesses some men of timber and caliber ready to move the party as well as the country

Saraki forward. It could be said that these days when there is the dearth of outstanding men of proven integrity and strength of character, we still have a Maikasuwa whose tenacity of purpose, obduracy and unwavering commitment to do that which is right, has put in place

Maikasuwa an Assembly that the present and future generations of Nigerians will look upon as a true assembly of our peoples representatives who did their best in the service of the nation.

A man of impeccable conduct and charisma, his unrivalled bureaucratic administration

Dogara has put in place remarkable transformation at the National Assembly. He has enthroned transparency, accountability and due process in the management of government business.

His works will never perish, for whenever the history of this great nation is written,

Maikasuwa’s track records of achievement will be too prominent to ignore. With people like him, there is still hope for Nigeria.

He has not only become an inspiration to most Nigerians but also a role model to the dynamic youths of this country.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Nigeria @ 55: NGF pledges continuous dividends of democracy ÎÎÎThe Nigeria Governors’

Forum (NGF) has pledged to continue to ensure the delivery of true dividends of democracy to citizens as the country marked 55 years of independence on Thursday.

The pledge is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State.

Yari also assured that as major stakeholders, the Forum would work toward the development of the whole country.

He said: “State governors, as major stakeholders toward the development of this country, will continue to ensure the delivery of true democracy dividends to the people.

“We will also work hard toward the advancement of the nation always.’’

He then urged Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies at all times, and work toward promoting unity and peaceful co-existence in the country.

The NGF chairman said that the independence anniversary should remind

Nigerians of their common root and destiny.

He added that “as Nigerians, we need to see ourselves as change agents wherever we find ourselves and join hands with government at all levels to enthrone the desired change.

“Government alone cannot bring about change

and development in the country.”

He congratulated Nigerians for the country’s achievements 55 years after independence, saying the current challenges bedevilling the country

‘Buhari can’t be Petroleum minister’ Continued from page 6

Ondo state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (3rd right), Pastor Chris Abayomi (left); Pastor Kola John (2nd left); Bishop of Akure Diocese of The African Church, Rt. Rev Samuel Ojo (3rd left); Mrs Deola Akinboboye (2nd right) and Dr. Kole Akinboboye (right) at the Covenant Renewal Day organised by the Territorial Altar Calling Body of Christ in commemoration of Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day Celebration, in Akure, Ondo State…on Thursday.

Boko Haram kills 11 in Adamawa Continued from page 6 tacks, calling for deployment of troops to the villages.

“The insurgents attacked a group of traders returning from Gulak market and killed four of them before proceeding to Kirchinga where they slaughtered seven persons including three women”, he said.

He stressed the need for the military to station troops in villages that saw frequent attacks in recent time with a view to flushing out remnants of the insurgents.

He also appealed to government for restoration of government structures and social services in the recaptured territory, saying residents are suffering from lack of hospitals, bridges as well as basic needs of life.

Kirchinga village where the insurgents slaughtered seven person is the hometown of former acting governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

The village shares border with the dreaded Sambisa forest and was one of the areas once annexed by the insurgents last year.

It was however later cleared of terrorists after Boko Haram was routed by Nigerian troops in a counter insurgency operation.

A fleeing resident of the village, Ahmad Musa, in a telephone interview, said the insurgents struck the village at about 12:30am on Thursday and started firing sporadic shots while razing down buildings, making residents to flee into nearby bushes.

”We are now in deep sorrow,” Musa lamented.

According to him, the insurgents had a field day for many hours as they operated unchallenged due to complete absence of security personnel in the area.

Another resident of the area, John Apagwu, accused the government of leaving them to their own fate, corroborating Musa’s account that there was complete absence of security personnel in the area.

“We want the government to deploy more security personnel for us because as Nigerians the government owes us a duty to protect us,” Apagwu said.

“The fact that our area share borders with Sambisa forest and Cameroon republic should have been enough

reason why government must deploy security personnel to protect us. If the government does not take proactive measures to stem the ugly insurrection of insurgents into our domain, they will kill all of us.”

Apagwu added that already, people were fleeing the area en mass to Madagali for fear of their lives as they anticipated more attacks from the Boko Haram insurgents following the absence of security personnel in the area.

The member representing Michika/Madagali Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Adamu Kamale, also confirmed the incident and blamed the Federal Government for the wanton destruction of lives and properties.

would be tackled.

Yari commended the military for the success recorded in the fight against insurgency in the North East and charged those behind the act to shield their swords.

cumbent was democratically voted out. We now have a democracy without war.

“I also reckon with Buhari for recognising his predecessor; no matter the imperfections of past former President Goodluck Jonathan, he did a good job to have accepted the outcome of the elections faithfully even though some members of his party did not agree. So there is cause for celebration.

“All we need to do is to rebuild Nigeria to the next level and some of the points the President raised in that his speech I agree with them; that we need to do things methodically not to be in a hurry.

“Nigerians are expecting ministers but we have never been short of ministers. We have been short of good governance.

I think we should concentrate on good governance.

For me, I found that remarkable”.

Also faulting Buhari’s decision, Vice President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Billy Harry, said Buhari would be distracted and overload himself with excess workload.

Harry, who said Buhari already had too much work to do to saddle, stressed that if he really wants to bring the change dividend that Nigeria voted for, the President should focus on administering all the ministries

from a vantage point as President, not as a minister and a President.

He said: “It will distract him and not give him the required space and work time to be able to administer facets of the economy and policies.

“We have so many more issues other than oil. Agriculture alone can swallow everything that oil is doing.”

“Agriculture alone can give us over 500 per cent of income stream of what oil is doing. So, does it mean that if he wants to curb corruption in that sector, he has to also be minister of agriculture?

“The President has to be very focused on job of supervising the entire economy as a polity.

I don’t think I will advise him to saddle himself with additional responsibility.”

Speaking in the same vein, former President of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr. Peter Esele, stated that Buhari would be saddled with a huge volume of work which might likely hinder him from concentrating on some sectors of the economy.

He said: “Theoretically, he can get away with it to a level, but what I am also looking at is the volume of work, because I think that the president has so much clean up to do, not only in the NNPC; with institutionalizing transparency and best practice, not only in the oil and gas sector, but in the entire economy, so that we can move on.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

13

International14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Greece opens Olympic venue to migrants ÏÏÏGreek

authorities have opened a disused Olympic venue to house more than 400 migrants who have been camping out in Athens' Victoria Square.

Police on Thursday escorted buses carrying the migrants, many from Syria and Afghanistan, to Galatsi Olympic Hall. The venue was home to table tennis and gymnastics competitions dur-

ing the 2004 Olympics.

City officials have been trying to ease citizens' concerns about the number of migrants camping out in the open in central Athens.

Greece is on the front lines of the European migrant crisis and has been overwhelmed with people who travel across the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle East and Africa to seek better lives in the

European Union.

At the U.N. General Assembly in New York Wednesday, SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon appealed to the world Wednesday to approach Europe's refugee crisis with "creativity, compassion, and courage."

Ban told meeting of 70 ministers at the General Assembly that "the future does not belong to those who seek to build walls or exploit

Children carrying toys and bags leaving their family's tent at Victoria square where hundreds migrants and refugees stay temporarily before trying to continue their trip to more prosperous northern European countries, in Athens, ... on Thursday.

Burundi to pursue the officials behind killings ÏÏÏBurundi's

president said those in possession of illegal arms have a month to relinquish them and that authorities will hold to account the "few" security officials behind cases of killings and torture.

President Pierre Nkurunziza made the comments late on Wednesday after the UN human rights chief said this week that there had been an "alarming upsurge" in arrests and killings, with some bodies of victims showing signs of torture.

The central African state tumbled into a political crisis after Nkurunziza said in April he would run for a third term.

Opponents said another fiveyear term, which he began in August, violated a peace deal that ended a 12-year civil war in 2005, a conflict that left Burundi awash with arms.

"The government gives one month to those who illegally possess arms to hand them over," Nkurunziza said in an address broadcast on state radio and tele-

vision. "Beyond this period, whoever is caught with arms will be punished."

The president said the judiciary had uncovered cases of "security officers caught red-handed killing or torturing people while they are supposed to be ensuring peace and security.

"Even if they are few, we are going to seriously deal with them as criminals," he said. There have been a spate of shootings, grenade attacks and killings in recent weeks, targeting top government officials, members of the opposition and others. Bodies have often been found lying in the street after overnight violence in Bujumbura.

"There is an increasing risk that spiralling tit-for-tat violence will plunge the country back into its bloody past," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said on Monday, adding that bodies of victims often showed they were killed by a single shot and also showed signs of torture.

Nkurunziza

US, Russia military officials hold talks on Syria ÏÏÏ The United States and RusThe United States and Russia called an emergency teleconference Thursday morning in an effort to avoid firing upon each other as each wages air campaigns in Syria.

sia called an emergency teleconference Thursday morning in an effort to avoid firing upon each other as each wages air campaigns in Syria.

The conference, which was to include two high-level U.S. defense officials and at least one Russian counterpart, was precipitated by Moscow's launch of airstrikes Wednesday in support of Syria.

But the officials' conversation comes amid signs that Russia may be preparing to expand its air operations to neighboring Iraq.

A senior Russian diplomat said his country would consider airstrikes in Iraq if Baghdad asks, though Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated otherwise.

"We are not planning to expand our airstrikes to Iraq," Lavrov said at a Thursday news conference at the United Nations in New York.

"We were not invited, we were not asked. We are polite people; we don’t come unless invited." At the same time, Iraqi Prime Minister

fears."

He stressed cooperation among all those who are struggling to cope with the crisis with all efforts focused on saving lives. Otherwise, Ban said "the winners will be smugglers, traffickers and unscrupulous employers. Those who lose will be the dispossessed, the hungry, the vulnerable, the defenseless, and the children."

Opening the General Assembly earlier this week, Ban urged Europe to do more. He called on international community to tackle the source of the migrant problem — including the civil war in Syria and terrorism and instability in Afghanistan.

The world's seven leading industrialized countries, along with Gulf states, have pledged $1.8 billion to U.N. aid agencies helping with the migrant crisis.

Separately, Japan announced it will give $810 million.

The U.N. reports nearly 515,000 asylum seekers have left war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa since January, reaching Europe through Greece and Italy. But nearly 3,000 have drowned or disappeared, crossing the hazardous Mediterranean Sea on rickety or overcrowded boats and rafts. Most were left to the mercy of the sea by human traffickers.

Haider al-Abadi said he would welcome Russia. He told France 24 television earlier in the day that if Russia offers air support, "we will consider it and I would welcome it," Reuters reported.

He said Baghdad had been receiving "massive information" from Syria on ISIS and also from Russia.

Meanwhile, Russian jets staged a second day of airstrikes in Syria Thursday, targeting not only Islamic State militant extremists but, some observers charge, also fighters backed by the United States.

Russian aircraft had hit a dozen Islamic State targets, including a command center and two ammunition depots, Defense Minister Igor Konashenkov said in a televised report, The Associated Press reported.The Kremlin acknowledged it also was taking aim at "a list" of groups beyond the extremist group.

"These organizations are well known and the targets are chosen in coordination with the armed forces of Syria," spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday.

His words contradicted a statement Wednesday by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s chief of staff that raids were solely meant to aid Syria’s government in fighting the Islamic State group.

Tunisian troops seize arms, papers with ISIS symbol near Libyan border

ÏÏÏTunisian troops seized arms

and documents bearing the symbol of Islamic State from two cars near the Libyan border, as authorities tighten security following two major attacks this year, officials said on Thursday.

"Troops seized 10 Kalashnikovs, rocket-propelled grenades, explosives, Libyan telephones cards and documents" in Wednesday's incident, an official in Tunisia's interior ministry told Reuters.

In March, Islamist gunmen killed 21 tourists in an attack at the Bardo Museum in Tunis, and 38 foreigners were killed in an assault on a Sousse beach hotel in June. Islamic state claimed responsibility for both attacks.

Pakistani airstrikes kill 25 militants ÏÏÏPakistan's military says that

its fighter planes bombed suspected militant hideouts near the Afghan border Thursday morning, killing at least 25 terrorists.

An official statement says the airstrikes happened in North Waziristan's Datta Khel area, considered stronghold of militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban and the Haqqani network of insurgents involved in deadly attacks in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the U.N. General Assembly in New York Wednesday reiterated Pakistan's resolve to eliminate terrorists from its soil.

He said that the ongoing counter-militancy offensive called Zarb-e-Azb, in North Waziristan and elsewhere in the country will continue until it achieves its objectives.

"Our operation, Zarb-e-Azb, is the largest anti-terrorism campaign against terrorists anywhere, involving over 180,000 of our security forces. It has made substantial progress in cleansing our country of all terrorists and will conclude only when our objective has been accomplished," Sharif said.

The military-led offensive was launched in June 2014 and officials say it has so far killed more than 3,500 militants, including foreigners while nearly 400 soldiers also lost their lives.

The operation, according to Pakistani officials, has led to a 70 percent decline in terrorist attacks around the country.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

15 Opinion

Fowler: Challenges of increasing tax revenue

B

Kasim Adegoke

arely one month ago when his appointment as acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was announced not few Nigerians who should know applauded the appointment. He had a rich background and antecedents in government revenue matters to flaunt. Mr. Babatunde Fowler, the legendary chairman of Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) thus, assumed leadership of the FIRS almost immediately pledging to work with state revenue agencies and relevant stakeholders to shoreup tax revenue and improve on the country’s tax administration.

While taking over the mantle of office from his predecessor, Sunday Ogungbesan on August 21, Fowler told staff of the Service that the FIRS should be able to take the lead in tax revenue collection as well as share information and ideas with the states Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) to improve tax administration in the country. True to character, he did not mince words when he assured of a new era at FIRS which would be predicated on the resolve of the presidency to ensure maximum increase in tax revenue to end the country’s dependency on oil proceeds.

“My vision and mission is neither to alter the existing management organogram structure

in FIRS nor lay-off management staff, but to take FIRS as well as the nation’s tax system to enviable height. This we cannot achieve all alone without a robust partnership and collaboration of all stakeholders within and outside the system.

We must build a synergy for a healthy exchange of information between FIRS and SBIR. This synergy will produce the best form of revenue generation in the FIRS and the states in general as well as ensuring that over dependency on oil revenue becomes a thing of the past, “he said.

Against the backdrop of unending insinuations that the acting chairman would introduce consultants to help him in tax assessment and collection in the FIRS, Fowler debunked it. The use of tax consultants to collect taxes, a practice that is prevalent among state governments have been criticised as illegal and open to corruption between consultants and state governors.

At a meeting of the Joint Tax Board (JTB) recently, Fowler said the staff strength of the FIRS was not enough to undertake all that would be required in tax administration and as such consultants would be engaged but their duties would be exclusive of tax assessment and collection.

He said “You can imagine a staff roster that can audit the books of well over 400, 000 corporate organisations. It won’t work. Therefore to increase the level of transpar-

ency and accountability, we would engage consultants. But these consultants will only gather data.

The law does not allow them to undertake assessment. The law does not allow them to collect revenue on behalf of government. Consequently, they will collect data; assist our staff and we will do the assessment and issue the Demand Notice for the tax to be paid”.

On his view of the level of tax payers compliance, the chairman regrets that slightly over 30 per cent companies and other businesses pay tax in the country. A situation he said must change.

“There are about 450, 000 corporate organisations with only one of every three paying tax. Based on our objectives, we want to have at least 99.9 percentage success level of compliance. It means that every individual at the state level and every corporate organisation at the federal level is in the tax net and pays the appropriate type of tax.

We have exchanged information with all states’ Internal Revenue Boards. We have all the information on the database. We have given them out already and in case they need further information they currently don’t have on their database, we will always collaborate with them. With this development, we should have a growth in tax payers both at the state and federal levels within one week”, he said.

Fowler warned that organisations that evade taxes would be made to face the law in a civil suit

in order to collect outstanding arrears and their chief Executive Officers could face criminal charges.

According to Fowler, the meeting was to enable the JTB fashion out a roadmap to provide a workable tool for the FIRS and Internal Revenue Boards of states with a view to raising the level of tax revenue in the country.

Experts have been quick to align with the Acting chairman positing that there are many stones left unturned as far as the country’s current tax administration processes are concerned.

They say it is common knowledge that the administration of the Value Added Tax (VAT) is greatly hindered by many factors, ranging from inadequate coverage of ‘VATable’ persons to no-remittances of VAT deductions. Tax revenue loss in this aspect can only be imagined.

Fowler has so far, been quick to respond to this obvious gap in revenue generation.

He said the FIRS and the state boards would have to work with greater synergy in the areas of conducting joint audit exercises

by FIRS and SBIRs; carrying out joint tax enlightenment and enforcement exercises; sharing and exchange of information concerning unremitted taxes identified by either side; embark on joint training programmes and workshop; review and amendments of tax laws and legislations from time to time.

In whose interest is Buhari’s northern agenda

B

Kuddi Haastrup

y now, things are already adding up and the services of a naysayer may not be needed to see the direction the Buhari led government is headed. Prior to the 2015 general election, many of my friends who were staunch supporters of the former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had travelled to their respective wards with their voter’s card with much nostalgia to ensure a change in government.

Just like me, they wanted ‘change’ – a mantra used by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to win the votes and supports of Nigerians who were fed up with the status quo. The ease with which the APC resolved their differences after the merger to accommodate varying interest group in the build up to the election was applauded.

The APC gave us an outlook of a balanced party with full representation of ideologists coming together to shape the country for

good in the coming years. Regrettably, events and happenings within the APC ranks some months back clearly shows that the party was being run by some ‘animals’ more equal than others. It appears that President Muhammadu Buhari’s inaugural statement ‘’I belong to no one and I belong to everyone’’ practically ended some moments after those words as past events suggests that he’s is strongly influenced by a new breed of the ‘northern elites’ who are daily dictating the pace.

One of such notable agenda is the feisty cold war with the President of the 8th Senate, Dr.Bukola Saraki. It is shameful that after accepting that Saraki’s emergence was constitutional –Buhari allowed some infectious ants creep into his government and they are continuously eating their way into a few branches to ensure that their candidate emerges as Senate President by all means. It will be foolhardy of the presidency and his cohorts to embark on this show of shame when it is clear that the majority voted for Saraki. This brazen

disregard for the decision of the senators who were democratically elected is an affront to the Senate and its leadership.

How do you preach probity without practicing it? Let us therefore be clear on what ‘Change’ we crave.

The current arrangement to use the Code of Conduct Bureau to embarrass and force an elected Senate President out of office will be met with stiff mass resistance.

Those fanning the embers of disunity are only doing so for selfish reasons and not in the interest of the country. Buhari needto be reminded that his loyalty is to Nigeria and not to an individual or a group of people who he perceived to have contributed more to his emergence as President. I have also been reliably informed by insiders that the allegations being peddled around Bukola Saraki is a well crafted coup d’etat to install Lawan who is from the ‘core-North’ as Senate President to ensure an easier ministerial screening. Recall that, Bukola Saraki had vowed to end the ‘bow and go’ era where Presi-

dential nominees are prevented from answering precise questions pertaining to the office of interest.

Buhari’s dictatorial garb is gradually becoming loose, and he feels threatened by Bukola Saraki’s anti- corruption stands. Since Saraki became the Senate President he has stated categorically that he was ready to work in tandem with the Buhari administration to fight corruption and ensure that due process is strictly adhered to.

Which serious government, ready to sincerely fight corruption will want its number three citizen out in the name of a botched agenda?

Buhari should understand that as a former general, he is only as good as the overall success of his team-this is where he has failed as a leader. To whom much is given, much is expected; Nigerians expect a fully functioning cabinet and a strengthened judiciary devoid of partisan politics in coming days else, he would have betrayed the trust reposed in him by millions of Nigerian.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

Grassroots Watch Æ s Apete community laments poor road condition Remi Oladoye Residents of Apete community in Ibadan, have lamented neglect by the present administration in Oyo State, particularly on the state of infrastructure in the area.

Some of the people equally appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the incessant cases of flood in the country and ensure a long lasting solution to the havoc which has claimed lives and property.

This is largely due to the poor state of the roads in major parts of the communities and the inability of the state government to do something about the flood that have been ravaging the communities for sometimes now.

It would be recalled that scores of lives were lost and property worth millions of naira were destroyed during flood incidents, particularly the one of August

26, 2011, 2012 and 2015 respectively.

Some of the residents who spoke with our correspondent, condemned the attitude of the state government towards the situation of the infrastructures and basic amenities in the area, and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene.

Mr Bolaji Idowu, a resident of Idi Orogbo community in Apete, said “whenever it rains, there is always a problem, the only road leading to our community becomes impassable as the bridge is overflown and movement becomes uneasy, many people use to stay at home for the flood to reduce before they can go to their workplace.

“The bridge on the outer river, linking communities together is a communal effort, no government contribution whatsoever in most of the communities in Apete, we have written several

letters of appeal to the state government but all to no avail, we just hope that one day something will be done to avert the situation” Idowu said.

Some of the commercial motorcyclists, commuters and drivers also expressed dissatisfaction over the poor state of the ongoing reconstruction of the major road leading to Apete, which had been abandoned by the contractors, as they called on the governor to do something urgently.

It would be recalled that most of the flood that ravaged some communities in Ibadan in 2011 and 2012, the governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, awarded the reconstruction of Apete Bridge and expansion of the road leading to the town, and the ApeteAkufo road which is in a bad shape.

The uncompleted bridge was commissioned last year with the

By Babatunde Scott Court awards N5million as cost

Oba Oyebo

Egbin monarch wins case against Police over unlawful detention

The Paramount ruler of Egbin Kingdom in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, Oba Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo, has won a court case instituted against the Nigeria Police Force for being unlawfully detained for 35 days at the Kirikiri maximum prison over phantom charges of murder, robbery and stealing since May 22, 2013.

Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo, had sometime in 2014, approached a Federal High Court in Lagos challenging his unlawful arrest and detention by the Police as well as infringement on his fundamental human rights as a first class monarch and a member of the Lagos State Council of Obas, adding that the detention had brought reproach and humiliation to his personality and which must not be allowed to go unverified.

But last week Monday, Justice Victor Abang of the Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, ruled in his favour and cleared him of all the charges and ordered the Nigeria Police Force to pay him the cost of Five million naira (N5million) and make an apology in one of the reputable newspapers in the country.

Narrating his ordeals in the hands of the Police to Daily Times in his palace last week, Oba Oyebo stated that the sce-

promise from the governor that the road will be completed by December 2014, but as at the time of filing this report, the road is worse than before, leading to a serious traffic congestion both in the morning and the night.

A commercial driver who spoke with our reporter under the condition of anonym-

ity said,” as a driver, you hardly drive a week consecutively without visiting mechanic, both commercial and private car users are not enjoying this road, and the other road constructed by the government is like a journey of the Israelites, our government is not sensitive to the plight of people in this area and it is painful”

People trying to cross a damaged bridge at Adeosun area, Apete, Ibadan

nario is best imagined than witnessed as he was yet to get over the nightmare, while reminiscing that, “a jolly ride to meet with the Commissioner of Police in the State over an appointment now landed me in Police cell for 17 days and afterwards, 35 days in Kirikiri Prison.”

While giving graphic details of his travail, the Obateru of Egbin and member Ikorodu Divisional Chieftaincy Committee said, “on the 22nd day of May, 2013, he was invited to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. On arrival with my wife, I was ushered into the former office of Mr. Umaru Manko (ExCommissioner of Police, Lagos State), where I met Mr. Omuiyadun Amos Marcus, the former Area Commander, ‘Area N Command headquarters’, Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos.

“It was in this office that I was shown a copy of a petition written by one Kamoru Lamina (Sir Kay), a notable land grabber in Ikorodu division alleging that I was involved in murder, robbery, burglary, and stealing against the Police. Though, I made them to understand that I did not play any role in all the alleged offences against the Police as his name was not mentioned in the subject matter of the petition.

“Thereafter, the petitioner alleged that the former Lagos CP (Umaru Manko) and Mr. Marcus (Area Commander) used him to

cover up these alleged offences against the police which I knew nothing about; but before I could explain to them that it appears someone is trying to frame me up in all these allegations, I was taken to another office, precisely the office of Commissioner of Police Ex –Squad, where my statement was obtained.

“After obtaining my statement, and getting downstairs to move towards the direction where the driver and my wife parked the car, I was arrested within their premises and detained for 17 days (May 22nd to June 7th, 2013) without telling me my offence apart from the petition shown me which I knew nothing about. Later they took me to a Magistrate Court in Lagos without charge, but for remand, which later resulted in my spending another 35 days at the Kirikiri Maximum prison, while the case was ongoing.

“But on the 30th of June, 2014, I was set free by the Magistrate Court based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) that I had no case to answer that it was a phantom charges by the petitioner and the police to embarrass me.

“It was on this premise that I approached the Federal High Court to seek redress and correct the injustices meted out to me by the Police authority. I really thank God and those who stood by me during my travail” the monarch concluded.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

17

Features Æ s Vox Pox

Nigerians recount gains, pains of independence 55 years on

GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR reports dismay, anger and patriotism amongst Nigerians as the nation governance is weighed on the scale of 55 long years of her independence anniversary. His report.

We are not running a democratic system yet (Oba Samuel Tinuosho-Joshua, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo) If we weigh the liberty and progress independence is supposed to give us, after 55 years, I can say we haven’t attained 50 percent of the full dividends of democracy. We have just started practicing the real art of democracy; the law makers are trying a little but we’re expecting a lot more from them.

Though our independence is worth it, the type of capitalist system we see today, where anybody can have any amount of money to any length without question, while millions of citizens are struggling to get one meal a day and millions of citizens are sleeping under bridge and all these are not checked are not something we had hoped for back in 1960. Certainly this is not what our fathers had in their vision when they fought to get us this independence.

Our fathers who fought for the independence meant well; although they had their disagreements among them, but they pursued a common purpose and

Federal Government should not hold the national purse and be giving quarterly allocation to the states. The ratio of sharing the national cake is the reason we are having problems. Give more responsibilities to the local government; if the LG chairmen fail to perform the people will take them up. — Oba Tinuosho Joshua Azikiwe

Joshua

they achieved it and gave us independence.

In 1960 I was at Ebute-Metta and on that day of the independence I was at the Tafawa Balewa Square; I was 21 years old then. I lost an umbrella at the TBS during the celebration; under that umbrella I wrote my name and address, 134 Strachan Street, Ebute-Metta but later the Street was renamed and the number was changed to 160 Herbert Macaulay Street, Ebute-Metta.

Do you know that after one week, somebody brought that umbrella to that address close to

Apena bus-stop near Lisabi Hall which is where we have our family house; so Nigeria was a clean, honest and loving country that time.

When I joined the civil service in 1961 I was earning eleven pounds. With that money I always stocked my fridge full with every good thing; I was working with white people then and there was no inflation so my salary was always remaining to the next pay day. With that money I was sending one of my junior brothers to school and I was also attending evening classes.

By the time I was to work I had about three places to work at the same time; one was the Nigerian Railways, then the World Health Organisation where I worked throughout my life before I retired finally in the year 2000.

Looking at our people now I always have sympathy for the young ones because they’re only suffering. Graduates come out with good degrees but there’s no work for them to do. The solution is that politicians should create jobs for the jobless.

The problem is that Nigeria is too large a country and we are

not practicing the true Federalism like America is practicing.

Why, for example should the Federal Government hold the national purse and be giving quarterly allocation to the states?

The ratio of sharing the national cake is the reason we are having problems. But give more responsibilities to the local government and let people will see it; if the local government chairmen fail to perform the people will take them up.

It is 55 years of sorrows, tears and blood Seun Anikulapo-Kuti (Afro beat musician), Lagos.

What is there to celebrate? 55 years of corruption? Of sorrows, tears and blood bath in the North, East and West? There is nothing to celebrate, jare! It should be a day of sober reflection.

Since independence, development has never been part of the agenda of successive governments. If we are looking at progress in terms of projects and structures, there is nothing like that we can celebrate compared to the amount of money that has been siphoned away in the name projects nationwide. It’s still the same old infrastructures we have been dragging with till now.

A good example is our railways; the only one national transport network put by the white man is the one Indians are operating. We hear that China has come into it now, but it is still not worth celebrating.

It’s not really a Nigerian problem alone; no African government has come up with an innovative way of developing their own country away from the shadow of the colonial masters which we all know was wrong for African countries in the first place.

Solution I am a musician; there are people who are paid fat salaries to look for solution; it is them you should go and ask about solution.

My father talked about these problems all his life but the press was busy saying Fela was a crazy man, that he wore pants and married plenty women and smoke igbo, that was what they CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

The colonial masters manipulated the leadership – Adediji The situation is not very encouraging after 55 years, but it’s my hope that we would be able to nurture a core of leaders who will be able to take us to the next direction. We are depending too heavily on the old brigade and they’re tired — Jimi Olusola

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

published about him when he was alive; but today Nigerians are looking back and now they know that Fela spoke the truth, and I am alive and I’m still speaking the truth.

Amalgamation I have never been a supporter of the project Nigeria as I’ve always been speaking about it in my past interviews. I’m not a supporter of project Nigeria because Nigeria has never been a nation in the real meaning of the word, she’s just a geographical location so that we can have a place of reference. When we mention Nigeria we know it’s in West Africa somewhere and that’s the only reason it’s a country, not really a nation because there’s nothing that will link everybody together in Nigeria to create that national interest; and without national interest you cannot call a country a nation.

And when I say Nigeria is a project, I mean that it is the project of western governments and our political elites.

This is not the independence we fought for Pa Adio Mosanya (Retiree Political activist), Agege, Lagos I am highly disappointed at the way our independence has turned out to be. One Nigeria is a blessing from God. I am not happy because this is not what we fought for when we were fighting for independence. I believe Nigeria would have been better than America for the resources that

Adediji

God implanted in this country.

Britain was wicked to this country; what Britain planted here is what is worrying us.

They went so bad that they introduced tribal football teams in this country. I was in Lagos in those days. Ibo had their team where Fred Anyia played; Yoruba had their own where Thunder Balogon played. Whenever they contested, whichever side won the match, there was trouble and, because majority of the Nigeria police at that time were Ibos, they will be beating everybody with their baton.

Why is there so much division amongst the Yorubas?

We Yorubas are so divided ad that is one fault we have not addressed. This is 2015 and the problems of ethnic divide, individual interest and disagreement among the Yorubas have worsened. The military boys came and planted religion with intent to destroy the whole country.

Before then in Yoruba land, religion was never an issue. My mother was a Muslim, my father was a Muslim before he became a Christian; my grandmother

was a pagan; I lived with her and she took me to shrines. The day I drank palm wine, she made me rub my mouth on the floor to appease the gods to forgive me even though I was a Christian; so we never bothered about religion.

Britain knew what will delay and trouble our independence even though we have independence and they sponsored it in our midst.

I could remember Obafemi Awolowo in speech to the political class saying, “It was better we test the ship in the small river before we place it on the Ocean to sail, because if we don’t do that, and we just place the ship on the Ocean, the ship may sink.” And the ship, which is our independence, has been sinking ever since.

Corruption is the worst thing that has happened to Nigeria Engr Emmanuel Odedokun (Retired textile engineer, Lagos) The excitement in this 51st Anniversary of our independence is that we cannot say there are no improvements but the improvement is just about 25 to 30 percent improvement and when you compare with other nations, we are far behind. More people are now educated more than the time before and after independence; there are more housing now than before independence.

As we cry now that there’s no light no electricity, compared to 51 years ago, there is more light now than that time.

Oyo town has no electricity by then. In the whole Western Region you could only get electricity in few towns. Then there are more good roads now than the time of independence.

The only problem we have is that leaders of the military coup spoilt a lot of things because the military did not develop the nation as the first generation politicians did. Remember that it was the military that caused the war and they also started it.

With flimsy excuses that some

people were doing this and that they quickly took over the government.

However the first independent politicians were parliamentarians who did not earn fantastic salaries and allowances like they are doing now. In their time it is when you attend the meetings that they get their allowances; they were part time politicians and were never on salaries and that system was better for us.

Corruption started from Murtala’s regime.

Before the military came in politicians could not embezzle federal or state funds because if you steal people will know; and when they know they will discipline you. The way they discipline is that they will demote you, and when you are demoted you lose your authority; you will now be under somebody again in a position you have been the head before. If you are found to repent they will restore you after three or four years, by then nobody will pity you.

Commercial sex workers: It was Thursday evening in the red light district in Ikeja that our correspondent attempted to speak with some of the workers on duty. From their reaction, they were not totally unaware of the independence.

Maria (not her real name) from Edo, Edo State said: Look, sir, this is business time, don’t disturb us with independence when we have not made any money, abi do you have independence money for us, so we just sit down and talk to you?

(Pressed for a short talk she said) If independence favoured me you think I will be doing this work at all? Let me tell you, I am supposed to be a secretary in a big company or one big boss in a bank. I have brain, only I didn’t get money to go to school.

My family didn’t have money to train anybody, so it’s not only me that didn’t go to school and I am not blaming anybody for my waCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

19 Features

Patriarchs of Nigeria’s independence

It should be a day of sober reflection – Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti

Continued from page 18 hala.

So 55 years of independence holds no values or meaning to me. Maybe it would have been better if we didn’t get the independence.

Beatrice (from Ekpoma also in Edo State)

I came to work here as a last option, let me tell you. Before I came here I went everywhere for any kind of job; many men even slept with me on promise of a job they didn’t give me.

Hunger drove me to this work.

At least this is my body, it is God that gave it to me. God knows I cannot steal and I cannot carry

cocaine go die for jail abroad; but as I do this work I can feed myself, I don’t owe anybody any money; and when police come and they harass us, we give them small money and they leave, or they sleep with us for free, but at least, we have peace.

My prayer is that God should keep me away from any kind of disease because not every customer likes to use condom; some will even pay special if they don’t use condom, and the money is good.

Leadership values have eluded us Jimi Olusola (AREF’s CEO, Ikeja) I am actually a child of independence and if I have developed these tales of life as it is, I’m very disappointed that the country itself has gone beyond the tertiary state that it is now. Over the years, leadership values have eluded us.

Where we are now is where we probably should have been in 1970s in terms of attitude, discipline and awareness. The generation before us is a wasted generation; we would be able to give consistent leadership values and leadership direction to the next

I am highly disappointed at the way our independence has turned out to become and I am not happy because this is not the independence we fought for. I believe Nigeria would have been better than America for the resources that God implanted in this country — Pa Adio Mosanya generation of Nigerians.

In summarising, the situation is not very encouraging after 55 years, but it’s my hope that we would be able to nurture a core of leaders who will be able to take us to the next direction; we’re depending too heavily on the old brigade and they’re tired; a few of them have done very well, a few have been overstretched in trying to proffer direction, but a majority of the old brigade have left and that’s where the young brigade are picking up, but un-

fortunately it’s not as rosy and robust as it should be.

If we have to go by the reports we hear on daily basis, about the on-going things at the national assembly level, it’s like a cult; you would only get the kind of information they want you to hear because you’re not their member; but by and large there are some few good men and women who want to give proper political direction. We don’t want to go back memory lane of those

Continued on page 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

This is not the independence we fought for – Comrade Mosanya Continued from page 19 who had either misdirected Nigeria or misappropriated public funds; that’s for the courts and for the EFCC; but if we have to go by what we can see, we certainly can do a lot more for this country.

Oluwayomi Oluwatoyin Adeosun (Social Worker), Lagos.

What excites me about Nigerian at 55 is the capacity for us to grow quickly if we want to; for instance if you look at us in 1999 and you look at us now, it’s been a rapid transformation, because in 1999 you wouldn’t think we would be where we are now.

About seven years or so when my sister came from the United States, she was impressed that we now use the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). She was surprised because that was not something in the radar at the time, but it came quickly.

Now what has been most disappointing in Nigeria at 55 is the fact that we haven’t had any committed leaders. We’ve not had any leader with vision, will or the desire to move us to where we should be; may be Obasanjo

tried but nothing was built on it.

I don’t want to comment on whether the North and South should continue together; but one thing that I have seen is that we are different people, our outlook to issues are not the same; our expectations as well are not the same so we should not dwell together as a federal entity; I believe we should dwell in regions the way we were and let everybody exercise her strength to develop their area. Let’s have a weak centre and a strong peripheral. I believe that will go a long way into moving this country forward.

So many things went wrong, though it is not time to apportion blames, but when you’re talking of the past, seeing what is happening now, we are able to draw the lines and read between them.

Before the election in 1963, I strongly believe that the colonial ministers had interest on whom to lead; that was the problem and that is the problem still tearing us apart.

Before the election, the first known political party was NCNC which was formed by Herbert

Macaulay and Azikiwe was the general secretary; later the Northern People’s Congress, NPC; then later, the Action Group, AG. The NPC controlled the North; AG the West, NCNC, the East.

NPC had almost 50 or 51 percent of members of the House of Representatives, while the West and the South had 25 percent each, which was the remaining 50.

Now, if North had 50 seats, while the other two had 50 to share among themselves; and now, with politics of division between the other two, one part began to support the North that already had 50; and the other one became the opposition, that’s the same situation we are having till today.

“It’s a situation that Nigerians have not freed themselves, because every man will see himself within his or her ethnic group. The problem was the fear of domination, but by then there was no fear until when that election came in 1959 and Balewa became Prime Minister.

By 1962, two years after independence, the Federal govern-

Mosanya

ment had used its powers to destabilise the political situation in the West; this pitted Akintola against Awolowo. There was little or no corruption in the government.“Today, I don’t know how many houses Ahmadu Bello had, I am yet to be told that Tafawa Balewa had estate; but now it’s much easier to find a governor or any politician who comes into power with nothing to his name and account and within few months becomes a billionaire.

“And now the masses are not helping either, the moment our relatives are appointed into of-

fice, the demands from immediate family and environment becomes higher. He is tagged ‘honorable’ so he also wants to live the life that he does not have something to support.

“The moment they say somebody is appointed a commissioner from your village, all the villagers want him to do the impossible; he himself has become a tin god.

So when we’re talking about the leadership and the elites, the followers also have a lot to do; the followership also corrupts the leadership: Like the people, like their leaders.”

JUST HUMAN

5.20 pm. Jakande Estate. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/081

8.12 a.m. Pen Cinema, Agege. ‘Reads it - Sell it’ Photo God’s Covenant Snr/080

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

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582,257.81

29,112.89

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303,500.18

15,175.00

3”X3

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3”X2

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565,621.87

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2”X2

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390,511.26

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

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

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Plateau LG chair canvases rule of law Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏ

An embattled Plateau State Local Government Council Chairman, Mr. David Racha, has said that the All Progressive Congress (APC) - led government should strive to adhere to the rule of law,

even as we celebrate 55 years of existing as one united entity.

In a chat with our correspondent, Racha said advised that the constitution of Nigeria should be upheld, especially by those who were supposed to be the custodian of the law.

According to him, “if the

OLATUNJI BAMIDELE ADEOYE ALOBA DA-ROCHA

MRS. CHINENYE EUPHEMIA ARALU

I formerly known as Mr Olatunji Bamidele Adeoye Aloba, now wish to be known Mr Olatunji Bamidele Adeoye Aloba Da-Rocha.

All former remain valid. Ogun State Government Bureau of Land and Survey Abeokuta and general public take note

I formerly known as Miss Chinenye Euphemia Ojukwu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Chinenye Euphemia Aralu. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), all government Organization and General public take note.

GOSPEL OF GOD DELIVERANCE INT’L ASSEMBLY

APC is talking of change and the rule of law, they should make sure that someone will not wake up one day and dissolve elected officials who were duly elected by the electorate.”

Recall that the Plateau State Governor Hon. Simon Lalong dissolved the 17 local government cabinets on allegations of corruption and directed the Directors of Personnel Management (DPM) to take charge of

their offices. But the affected officials challenged the decision in court and declared they had secured an injunction stopping the governor from sacking them.

However Racha said that it was a collective struggle for all Nigerians to stop impunity such as this from happening, in a democratic setting. “Let there be an equivocal statement that this has happened and was

reversed and never again shall it ever happen in the history of this country,” he stressed.

He said they were in court to reclaim their mandate and to ensure that steps were taking to forestall such from happening again, saying that “if these steps are not taking, one day, the president or governor will wake up and dissolve the National Assembly or the State House

of Assembly.”

Buhari

WORD AUTHORITY DOMINION EVANGELICAL CHURCH

THE REVELATION OF PEACE JESUS MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990

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

TRUSTEES 1. Pastor Oluwasanu Adebayo – General Overseer 2. Mrs. Oluwasanu Esther Oluwatoyin – Evangelist 3. Mr. Olaniyan Oladayo Samson – Associate Pastor 4. Mr. Amosu Adebayo Sunday – Secretary 5. Mr. Salami Lukman Adeyemi – Elder

Trustees.

(1) Evangelist & Prophet Joshua Alade Olayinka - President (2) Catherine Olufunmilayo Olayinka - Secretary (3) Reverend Oyeyemi Akinola Philip (4) Reverend Oyunwola Kehinde Olatunji (5) Mr. Adegoke Adeniran Kehinde

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Preaching the word of God and doing His spiritual works 2. To bring more believers into God’s Kingdom 3. To promote and support human kind spiritually, morally and materially.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (a) To teach, preach and evangelize nations for Christ (b) To establish churches, and disciples classes (c) To engage in evangelistic outreaches (d) To organize prayer meetings and other Christian rites (baptism, Lord’s Supper)

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

Signed: GENERAL OVERSEER

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

Signed: Secretary

HOME OF GOD’S GRACE ORPHANAGE

COMMUNITY LEADERS ASSOCIATION OF EPE DIVISION

This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Solomon Ekpo Akpan - General Overseer 2. Rev. Mrs Akpan Regina Solomon - Vice President 3. Nworgu Nathaniel Chibuike - Treasure 4. Okereke Chigozie - Secretary 5. Solomon Umen Akpan

Trustees 1.Grace Boluwajoko 3. Kemi Ade-Olatujoye 5. Seyi Adeoti 7. Ezekiel Adeleye 9. Ola Solomon

2. Olaide Olufunke 4. Toluwalope Sanni, 6. Boluwajoko Temitope, 8. Olufunmilayo Adeleke,

This is to inform the general public that the above-named association has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Dr Bimbola Ogunkelu 2. Thomas Adebisi Ogunnupe 3. Alhaja Shade Abiola Agbalajobi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To take care of helpless and disadvantaged children

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote the social cultural and economic development of epe division and lagos state in general.

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

Signed: General Overseer

Any objection to the 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: Grace Boluwajoko

Any objection 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: Trustees

LIVING ABUNDANCE MOUNTZION PROPHETIC & DELIVERANCE MINISTRY

COMANDCLEM NIGERIA LIMITED

Aims and Objective 1. To preach the gospel

This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 Trustees 1. Prophet Onyekachukwu Okoli-General Overseer 2. Evang. Oliver Nwigbojiote 3. Evang. Chioma Loyce Uchendu 4. Amaga Raphael Igweh 5 Adeobi Cordelia Ubabuko AIMS 1. To evangelize the word of God to the uttermost 2. To reach out to the needy in the society 3. To educate the Ignorance of the value of re faith

Board Of Directors, Comandclem Nigeria Limited, 23 Aka Idak Eyop Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

28th of September, 2015.

COMANDCLEM NIGERIA LIMITED NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to the order of court made in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/61/2015 on the 23rd day of September, 2015 there will be a special meeting of the Board of Directors of Comandclem Nig. Ltd on Wednesday the 7th day of Oct. 2015 at the company’s Head Quarters at No. 23 Aka Idak Eyop St. Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by 9.00 a.m. prompt.

AGENDA: 1. Resolving the issues of Solicitors handling the briefs of the Company in the following cases. a. Suit No. SC/69/2011: Rev. C.J.A Uwemedimo & 1 Or. V. Mobil Producing Nig. Unlimited b. Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/61/2015: Rev. Bar. Jesse- Daniels Onuigbo& 1 Or. V Prince Reginould Uwemedimo& 9 Ors. c. Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/1111/2015: Comandclem Nig. Limited & 2 Ors. V. Queen Akon Uwemedimo& 6 Ors. 2. General

THE TRUSTEES ARE:-

This is to inform the general public that the above named club has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 TRUSTEES 1. Onyeke Boniface- Chariman 2. Nwokwu Christian Amaechi-vice chairman 3. Awueo Sunday Onyele-Gen Secretary 4. Ogenyi Innocent Raphael-Fin Secretary 5. Ejeh John-Treasurer

Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990

Signed: REV. JESSE DANIELS ONUIGBO ESQ (EXECUTIVE SECRETARY) COMANDCLEM NIG. LTD NO. 40 ORAIFITE RD, NNEWI ANAMBRA STATE. 08035000390, 07016915755

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

GOLDEN ELITE DILIGENT FRIENDS CLUB

NDIMUTO FRIENDS CLUB OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above-named club has applied for

ADELANI AKANDE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 Trustees 1. TPI Ajayi Moses Olubunmi 2. Rev Dr. Nihinola Ezekiel Emiola 3. Akande Adeyinka Tunde 4. Rev Dr.Ishola Ademola Solomon 5. Pastor Adejumo Adeyemo

AIMS 1. To promote unity and progress among members 2. To assist or bring succor to members in time of ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES

AIMS 1. To propagate the kindom of God 2. To keep the memory of Adelani Alive

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

SIGNED: SECERARY

1, Kalu Emmanuel Udu

2, Okpara Robert Ugwu

3, Innocent Emmanuel Okechukwu

4, Ude Uchenna Ibiam

5, Nwankwo Emenike.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1, To promote peace, unity and love among members 2, To care for members welfare Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Trustees

NEW ERA COUNTRY CLUB 2000 This is to inform the general public that the above named club has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Richard Fasunloye 2. Dr. Isaac Oluwatoyin Ojutalayo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster the unity and progress of members and association Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Bayelsa APC primary: Sylva campaign team commends delegates, aspirants Matthew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Timipre Sylva Campaign Organisation has commended the delegates at the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Wednesday, in Yenagoa, for their overwhelming vote for the winner, Chief Timipre Sylva.

The campaign team also applauded the peaceful conducts of both the delegates and aspirants throughout the process of the rescheduled primary.

The APC primary election, which a candidate for the December 5, 2015 governorship poll in the state must emerged, had been cancelled and rescheduled

following disagreements over the first exercise conducted on 22 September, which was also won by Sylva. The Timipre Sylva Campaign Organisation, in a statement, in Yenagoa on Wednesday, by Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, said, “We are extremely grateful to all the delegates for their votes, which earned Timipre Sylva victory at the primary election conducted Wednesday, 30 September. We thank all our supporters, the aspirants, and the entire APC family in Bayelsa State for your peaceful conduct during the course of the primary election.

“We are especially appreciative of your loyalty, not only to our candidate for the December 5 governorship

election, Sylva, but also to the cause of progress for our state under an APC government.

“In the wake of the primary election’s rescheduling, we had sued for calm among our supporters and asked for a more massive turnout on the new election date to repeat the performance of September 22 and prove our detractors wrong.

You heeded our call and not only repeated your overwhelming endorsement of Sylva’s candidacy, but in fact, topped it, from 726 votes at the 22 September polling to 981 on Wednesday.

“We thank Mr. Ndutimi Alaibe for his sportsmanlike steps to calm frayed nerves before the commencement of Wednes-

23 News

Afolabi Omobolaji

ÏÏÏTo mark the Nigeria’s

Independence on Thursday, TBWA Concept linked up with one of Nigeria's finest songwriter and musician, Waje, to launch its link initiative and to “publicise the Child Life line orphanage group”.

The event was held at the premises of Child Life line in Gbagada, Lagos State.

Managing Director of TBWA Concept, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, in his opening speech, appreciated the CEO of the Child Life line, Mrs Sally Udoma, for accepting TBWA to launch its link initiative, which they teamed up with Waje to publicise the charity.

In an interview, Nwosu explained reason why the foundation actually needed

day's exercise. His decision to withdraw from the race went a long way to ease some of the political tensions that had built during the previous voting.

“We have made a good start. But the successful choice of our governorship candidate, Sylva, is the beginning of a long haul to our desired occupation of Government House, Yenagoa, next year. We call on all the aspirants, their supporters, the whole APC family in the state, and, indeed, all lovers of Bayelsa’s progress, to join us and rally round the party and our candidate in the historic task of salvaging the state from the yoke of incompetent and dishonest governance foisted on it by the Peoples Democratic

Pastor, 70, kidnapped in Ondo, released ÏÏÏ A Pastor, Japhat Oba'Tosin Ajuwon, Akure.

Guest Speaker and CEO of Sports Radio, Brila FM, Larry Izamoje (2nd right), in group photograph with some members of Footie Aficionados during the 3rd Femi Ajayi memorial lecture held in Banana Island, Lagos, State … on Thursday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Umahi grants eight inmates amnesty, constructs 171 houses for widows Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏNo

fewer than eight inmates from Abakaliki federal prisons have been granted amnesty by Ebonyi State governor, Chief Dave Umahi, as part of efforts to exercise his powers of prerogative of mercy.

Governor Umahi made the pronouncement in his maiden address on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Nigerian Independence and 19th anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State at the township stadium, Abakaliki.

He directed the state committee on prerogative of mercy to monitor the activities of those granted pardon by the state government, so as to ensure that they don’t commit the same crime or other crimes and live a peaceful life in their various communities.

On the activities of the kidnappers who have been ravaging the state in the recent times, Chief Umahi said that he would not hesitate to sign the death sentence of kidnappers convicted by competent court of jurisdiction within twenty four hours of such

sentence.

He regretted that the activities of kidnappers and other criminals have thrown the state in bad light, thereby scaring investors away from taking advantage of the abundant human and material resources that abound in the state.

The governor urged the owners of uncompleted buildings in the state to ensure that they keep the premises clean, warning that any of the buildings used to habour kidnap victims or used as the den of kidnappers, would be de-

molished immediately.

He also stated that his administration would see to the upliftment and wellbeing of less privileged, especially the “widows of the widows”, promising that he would soon embark on construction of a building for a widow in each of the 171 electoral wards in the state.

Umahi said that the environment has received commendable attention in the state as mountainous heaps of refuse were evacuated, while structures that deface the capital city have been removed.

femi, with the Apostolic Faith Church, Ilepa in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo state, has been freed.

Pastor Obafemi was abducted penultimate Monday at Augu/Akunmu border, believed to be sharing borders with Kogi and Edo state.

However, family members told journalists that no ransom was paid to his kid-

TBWA partners Waje on children a lot of publicity, saying “Child Life line has been doing this since 1994 and a lot of us don’t know about this place until last year, so there is a need for publicity, people need to know that someone is trying to help the children out there, and for you to decide if you want to join the initiative.”

Waje

nappers before his release from captivity.

His abductors had earlier demanded for a ransom of N60 million from the family, but pleaded that such huge amount could not be raised.

It was gathered that the 70 -year- old Pastor was seen at Ise-Akoko few kilometers from where he was kidnapped last week Monday.

Speaking on his experience at the hands of his abductors, Pastor Obafemi disclosed that he trekked over six kilometres from the bush before he could be set free.

He was, however, set free at to Ise-Akoko area of the state.

Nigeria @ 55: APC youth group urges Nigerians to remain positive ÏÏÏAs Nigeria commemo-

rate her 55-year independence anniversary, the All Progressives Congress Youth Forum (APYF) has urged all Nigerians to celebrate the remarkable history.

“The story of our country since that faithful first day of October 1, in the year 1960, has been one that has been marked with perseverance, hope, and the endless potential of ample possibilities.

“As a country, we have journeyed through civilian rule to military eras, down to our present-day democratic dispensation.

Though our Independence Day stories have varied

noticeably over the years – given the current political and social climate in Nigeria today – the All Progressives Congress Youth Forum (APYF) is proud to be associated with Nigeria’s current push in a positive direction.

“For the past few months, under the All Progressives Congress (APC)led government, the steering wheel of our nation has been recovered, and steadily but surely, Nigerians can see our nation being driven to respectable heights in the comity of nations” Wole Onemola, the National Public Relations Officer of APYF stated.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY C E L E B R AT I O N S

Nigeria at 55: Okowa calls for sober reflection Monday Osayande

Asaba ÏÏÏDelta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Nigerians to reflect on the myriads of challenges confronting the nation.

In an address to commemorate Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary, in Asaba, on Thursday, he observed that, apart from security challenges, the country was still contending with corruption and other issues.

He said, “the security of our country, in the face of indigenous terrorism, the scourge of corruption ravaging not only our public institutions, but also our collective national psyche, grave questions over the control and appropriation of our natural resources, the

disturbing rate of unemployed and unemployable Nigerians, are just some of the numerous trials we have faced and continue to encounter on our path to realising the growth and development of our state, nation and people.

“I imagine the best way to celebrate Nigeria’s independence is to pay tributes to Nigeria’s extraordinary men and women in uniform, who are battling insurgency to restore peace in the north-east,” Okowa said, adding, “as we celebrate, let us pause to remember and pray for our compatriots, who, as I speak, are in trenches battling insurgents to save our country; we should also spare thoughts for their families and the internally displaced persons in various

camps. We need to pray for our President, Mohammadu Buhari, in his push to rid our country of insurgents, who are determined to destabilise our dear nation.”

Okowa, who paid glowing tributes to those who fought for the country’s independence – the likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa and Tony Enahoro, among others, reassured Deltans of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and ensuring prosperity for all.

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Asaba, Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu, commended Nigerians for living together in peace, harmony and sharing love among themselves since independence days.

Mogekwu, however, tasked all

and sundry to combat corruption to the barest minimum, so as to raise the hope of the righteous.

He prayed that God gives Nigeria selfless leaders, who will build a reputation of selfless services in the years ahead.

Okowa

CAN donates to Abuja IDPs Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThere was much to celebrate

Cross section of paramilitary organisations at Nigeria's 55th Independence Day celebration in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State… on Thursday

Nigeria’s independence not attained on platter of gold, says Ikpeazu Sunday Nwakanma

Umuahia ÏÏÏNigeria’s independence was not attained on an easy platter but a culmination of years of struggle, agitation, intellectual arguments, selflessness and a nationalistic fervor that brought out the best in our leaders.

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, stated this in his state-wide broadcast, on Thursday, on the occasion of this year’s independent celebration of the country, stating that sacrifices were made for the attainment of the larger goal and ambitions were subsumed to enable the dream to be actualised.

“Fifty-five years down the line, Nigeria has been through many epochs. As much as we have wit-

nessed many challenges, we have also witnessed remarkable triumphs. Indeed, as a people, we have a lot to be thankful to God for.

“To all those who contributed in one way or another to the independence of our beloved country, Nigeria, that we all call home today, I commend them to the verse in our national anthem, which says that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain”, he said.

He said his administration on inception initiated a number of projects and taken a number of measures aimed at sanitising the system and enthroning a culture of fiscal discipline and prudent management of available resources to meet developmental objectives. He said that he was aware that the state was currently

undergoing different forms of hardships from the difficult traffic situation in Aba to the poor state of access roads inside the Ariaria International Market and other markets, adding that his administration was working round the clock to ensure that the challenges were resolved. “It is for this reason that we embarked on a massive reconstruction of existing roads in the state and building new ones to create alternative outlets that will ease the pressure on the roads currently in use and create options for road users.

He called for the understanding of the people, assuring that a new dawn was in the horizon and in a very short while, the state would witness the manifestation of the work he had been doing.

on Thursday as the Nigeria commemorated her 55th independence anniversary.

Members of the Christian Associations of Nigeria (CAN), Gwozape, Asokoro, in Abuja, used the occasion to donate food items and clothing to the internally displaced persons at Kuchigworo camp, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

While making the presentation, to the inmates, the Gwuzape CAN Chapter Chairman, Dr. David Obot, said that the Christian community made the offer so as to help the plight of the inmates.

He said that the church has since the emergence of insurgency in the North East, embarked on serious spiritual exercise by praying for the end of the menace.

He reminded the people that the ways of God could not be questioned by anybody and asked them to accept their fate, which may change tomorrow for the better. He said, “We know how you people feel. This will be history soon, as the Federal Government is doing everything possible to flush out the insurgents and relocate you people back to your respective homes. We pray that none of you will be buried here; God forbid.”

Obot, however, praised the peaceful co-existence among all religious settings in the camp, adding that, “We can also see how all of you relate with each other here irrespective of religious affiliation and that is what the world preaches..." he added.

Ambode seeks co-operation from Nigerians ÏÏÏLagos

State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, urged Nigerians and Lagosians to co-operate with their respective governments at the federal and state levels, assuring that both governments were determined to take the country and state to new heights in infrastructural development, economic prosperity and security of life and property.

Ambode, who spoke at the Independence Day parade held at Police College Grounds, Ikeja, said that the call for change by Nigerians had brought in a new administration, and that for the change to translate into good governance, citizens must support the government by living in peace and harmony, and reporting bad elements within their neighborhood and by being law-abiding. He restated the commitment of his administration to deliver on its set goals towards making life more comfortable for Lagosians and visitors, pledging that his government would consolidate on the efforts of past administration in the state and work round the clock towards making the dream of a better and prosperous Lagos a reality.

Dunamis donates to orphanages, hospitals, detainees Akor Ejumene

Abuja ÏÏÏDunamis International Gospel Centre Phase 4, Kubwa, Abuja has donated food items to the lessprivileged in the area, as part of activities marking the country’s 55th independence celebrations.

The church shared the joy of independence with patients at Kubwa General Hospital, King’s Care Hospital, Unity Clinic and Maternity, children at the Wound of Jesus Orphanage, Ark of Refuge Orphanage, Kubwa Divine Orphanage and Detainees at Police Area Command Headquarters, Kubwa.

The food items donated included bags of rice, cartons of indomie, toiletries, fruit juice, pampers, biscuits, baby milk, foodstuffs, shoes, cloths, bibles and the church’s daily reading publication – Seeds of Destiny.

The Pastor of the church, Great Olusegun Ayodele, said the donation was part of the church’s social responsibility to its host community. He prayed for the recipients and enjoined them to renew their faith in God, who was able to set them free from all afflictions and restore their destinies.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Art Review

25

Æs

Nwando Achebe spots seldom-cited Female King of Colonial Nigeria Agozino Agozino Coming from a woman who is set to step into her father’s shoes, Nwando Achebe’s The Female King of Colonial Nigeria provokes instant thoughts from cover title to the entire content. The daughter of the late renowned novelist, Chinua Achebe appears very aware of that. Her book which was just released recently has issues that are as old as the ages.

The book dwells on the story of a woman, Ahebi Ugbabe, who rose from the status of a local girl and commercial sex worker to that of a village headman, a warrant chief and a king. Ahebi according to the author was born in Enugu-Ezike, an Igbo community in Enugu State, in the late 19th century.

At the age of 13 or 14, she fled into neighboring Igala land, Kogi State to escape marriage to a deity as propitiation for her father’s sins. While in exile, she became a commercial sex worker, and in this way, aligned herself with powerful men such as the ruler of Igala, and British colonial officials. She also became fluent in pidgin English and other African languages, a skill that proved relevant to her future political ambitions. The early 20th century was a period of British incursion into Igboland,

and Ahebi used this to her benefit by leading the British forces back into Enugu Ezike, her hometown. As a reward for her support, the British invaders installed her as a village headman.

Due to her efficiency and continued loyalty, she was elevated to the post of warrant chief, a feat that was contrary to British policy of female political exclusion in colonial Nigeria. With the help of the Attah of Igala, whose influence extended to Northern Igbo land, Ahebi Ugbabe became king of Enugu-Ezike, therefore upsetting the gendered politics in her community.

As king, she performed female masculinities, and superseded all existing male political hierarchy and authority. However, when she attempted to assume full manhood by introducing her own masquerade, a deed performed only by men fully initiated into the masquerade cult, she met serious resistance from which she never recovered. For fear that her society may not accord her a befitting burial; Ahebi performed her own funeral in her life time.

When she eventually died in 1948, she had a very quiet send-off. Notwithstanding, she became deified as a goddess in her mother’s hometown, and is remembered in many EnuguEzike songs and parables.

One good thing about the book is that the author reconstructs Ahebi’s story in a very interesting and engaging way. She surveys the society in which Ahebi grew up, the possible influences on her life while in exile, and the nature of the society in which she re-emerged as a man. She takes the reader through every step of her journey in search of Ahebi. Throughout the book, she describes the processes in which she gathered her information and arrived at her conclusions.

Her approach is instructive to students of history in terms of the possible challenges of oral Nwando Achebe

history, especially community silence and selective memory, and field research methods. It also offers a practical insight into the process of balancing and validating oral data.

Achebe’s book is a brilliant reconstruction of local history through a combination of oral interviews, archival sources, published materials, and interestingly, personal communication.

Reading the book is significant because it salvaged the history of a woman who became the only warrant chief in colonial Nigeria, and perhaps Africa. Her book distinguishes between Western concepts of

gender and sexuality, and the indigenous meanings of these concepts in an African setting. In the book, Achebe also highlights the fluidity of gender and sex in Igbo land, where a woman, under certain circumstances, can assume the religious and social status of a man. A menopausal woman of wealth and integrity can also socially transform into a man, and enjoy the rights and obligations accorded to men.

Such fluidity of gender and sex in Igbo land is portrayed in the life of Ahebi who, as warrant chief and king, became a man and assumed otherwise male roles, including marrying wives for herself and her brothers.

MUSON festival 2015 is here Preparation has begun for this year’s edition of the MUSON Festival billed to open on Monday October 14, through Sunday, October 25, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos.

The theme for the festival is Celebrating the School of Music the Arts through Young Nigerian Eyes.

The selection of the theme for this year’s event is designed to draw attention to the significant progress that the school has made since it was established, first as a basic school in 1969 and more especially since the Diploma School came on stream in 2005.

According to a bumper pack-

age unveiled recently by the organising committee for the showpiece led by the Vice Chairman, MUSON, Louis Mbanefo (SAN); Mr. Kitoyi Ibare Akisan, chairman Festival Planning Committee; Gboyega Banjo, General Manager MUSON; Marion Akpata, Francesca Emmanuel, Chief Femi Adeniyi Williams; Uche Nwokedi; Tunde Jegede and Sara Boulus of Society of Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), the festival will begin on October 14 with a performance by the selected finalists of the talent hunt, Musiquest/Youth Concert and Award on October 14, followed by My Kind of Music on the 15th.

The personality programme

usually features a select cast of eminent Nigerians, who provide a rare glimpse of their persona to an invited audience. Against the backdrop of their favorite music, they discuss their musical preferences and how they relate to aspects of their lives, personal beliefs, philosophies and more.

Other features for this year’s event include the ageless musical play- Jesus Christ the Super Star created by Andrew Lloyd Weber and produced by Uche Nwokedi which will be performed by Playhouse Initiative, a group notable for their formidable act, while Kakadu the Musical, will take place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17.

On Sunday 18, classical enthusiasts will have a feel of their best as the event features a symphony orchestra conducted by a German visiting conductor, Walter Michael Vollhart.

Monday 19 will herald a new introduction featuring MUSON Diploma School Festival Recital

by Student artists drawn from the school.

Lovers of jazz will also be having their Jazz Night on Friday 23 featuring individual and group acts infusing broad repertoire of jazz – popular and old school rhythms in jazz idioms. These are; The School Big Band, The Jazz Quintet led by jazz trumpeter, Ubong Etuk,

The School Jazz Band, The Girlz Rule Band-group of six females, while Ranti Ihimoyan and Phillip Uzo will feature as solo acts.

Society of Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) will also perform a dance concert titled The Gathering on Oct 24 featuring dance studios across Lagos.

The climax will be MUSON Day Concert and Cocktail which coincides with the closing Choral Concepts billed to end the entire festival on October 25.

This spectacular show will have MUSON Choir perform Gilbert and Sullivan’s riveting opera “Pirates of Penzance”, conducted by Emeka Nwokedi.

Art Review 26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Fresh phases of drawings, inks from Artzero Agozino Agozino Consistently, and in the past 13 years, the Lagos-based Artzero group has come together for the purpose of providing a platform for young artists to showcase their skills.

An exhibition of drawings, original prints and digital art mounted recently at the Alliance Francais, Hebert Macaulay Way, Yaba Lagos, by the group has confirmed that the artists have not moved away from that vision but are even eager to break new grounds.

The group show entitled Thoughts in Lines 2 paraded artists whose works were not just largely surrealistic, but also rendered in ink and pen. For those who are not at home with subject of works and especially mysticism, the show might not just be the ideal place to be.

Inside the large hall, the over 15 male and female artists which included Ato Arinze, Akeem Muraina, Abdulrazaq Ahmad, Olaolu Akinsanya, Achike Anayo and others, presented works that could pass the test of the period and mirrors deep socio-cultural realities.

Like goal-oriented talents zealous to make impressive mark, each of the burgeoning artists has a story to tell with their works which they lay bare.

Inks and drawings are used freely and in their brightest and one can see the moods of their canvass.

Among their remarkable ex-

hibits include Chinonye Ejimofor’s Captivity that looks like a gallon of oil in burning fire which illustrates the effect of the discovery of oil in Nigeria.

Surrealism is employed by Muraina Akeem in Ile-Alaruru, describing pregnancy and child formation. Chinedu Uzoma displayed his genius by using graceful strokes to render eloquent art pieces. In Window to the Soul, by Donald Patrick, the painter gives viewers another side of human spirituality.

We are all unique amidst the chaos of the society. This is stated artistically by Iyanuoluwa Ademode in his work titled Identity. The viewer’s eyes are captivated by Luke Osaro as he represents speed through swift line. With enchanting shapes and lines, Morgan Nwanguma puts faith of a deluxe future in the hearts. While Moses Osawe illustrates the inevitable coming of old age, Benard Onyemaobi stylized his images to suit his aesthetic appeal.

Ato Arinze’s work relates to the mysticism and spirituality of life while Lateef Olajumoke elucidates the joyful moments of childhood. We are taken down memory lane with the Lord’s Prayer by Olaolu Akinsanya even as the viewer is educated on the deep enigma of love by Anothnia Ezeokafor.

Toyin Omolowo uses the contemporary medium, the computer to propel mind of the simplicity of the female figure. In a bid to be unique, Ighadalo Ojemekele presents his

Some of the participants at the exhibition.

“Like goal-oriented talents zealous to make impressive mark, each of the burgeoning artists has a story to tell with their works which they lay bare” thoughts on the newsprint while Mukaila Ayoade allows his subconscious mind to control his pencil strokes.

The show was attended by artists, collectors and art lovers who appraised the works as interesting and engaging. For instance Onyemaobi Benard Okechukwu, of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Federal Polytechnic Oko dubbed the exhibition a unique one. In his words, “It is an interesting show.” Young artists are developing various feats on the respective technique and styles. I give them kudos for that.’’

Spirit of change by Arinze

Bolanle Peters in Full Circle Bolanle Austen Peters, the artpreneur who owns Terra Kulture, Lagos City’s top gathering place for the arthouse crowd, has a new musical drama in the forge, set for staging in the last quarter of the year. The play Full Circle, is an unspooling of the lives of four Nigerian medical school graduates, all former mates in the same class. It is largely about how much of lemonade you can make of the lemon that life throws at you. Full Circle is a coming of age story in a

sense, or about growing into the full measure of life. Each of the foursome in the story, sketched out by Ms. Peters and produced by the BAP (Bolanle AustenPeters Productions), go through an entirely different path than the lofty plans she dreamt of while training to be a Doctor.

Ms. Peters has had a busy nine months in the eleventh year of her founding Terra Kulture, a place of art exhibitions, book readings, library, drama performances and an arty restaurant. Full

Circle is her second stage drama after the enormously publicised Saro, patterned on the lines of Broadway musicals, which ran for two seasons. Ms. Peters’ BAP has produced a short, 17 minute film entitled No Good Turn this year already. It is also involved in 93Days, a full length feature movie centred on the true-life story of men and women who risked their lives and made sacrifices to save people from the consequences of the Ebola Virus in Nigeria.

Bolanle Peters

Friday, October 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

CONFED CUP:

Zamalek walk tight rope against Etoile Z amalek will have to overturn a fourgoal deficit against Etoile du Sahel in Cairo on Saturday, in the return leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semifinal tie.

The White Knights suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Tunisians in Sousse in the first leg, to seriously dent their hopes of securing an historic treble.

Marouane Tej and Baghdad Bounedjah gave Etoile a two-goal lead eleven minutes into the match, and while Zamalek starlet Ayman Hefni managed to pull one back half-way through the first stanza, Alaya Brigui made sure to restore his side’s two-goal cushion before the break.

Tej’s second strike and Saddam Ben Aziza completed the rout with two more goals in the second half, to see Zamalek suffer their heaviest continental loss since a 5-1 demolition

by Asante Kotoko in the 1987 edition of Africa’s foremost club competition.

However, Faouzi Benzarti’s men ruled

out

27

Igbinoba, Ovoke in line for Sept LBA

Zamalek attacking midfielder Mohamed Ibrahim.

any

complacency in their bid for Confederation Cup glory.

“It is never easy to score five goals to Zamalek.

But it is what we have achieved brilliantly,” Etoile striker Baghdad Bounedjah told the media.

“We managed to remain focused until the end. The strength of the collective made the difference. Our coach deserves the full credit, we made huge progress with him.

“We need to finish the job on Saturday, whilst still keeping our feet on the ground.”

Two players in the Glo Premier League, Esosa Igbinoba and Bernard Ovoke, have been shortlisted for the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) for the month of September.

According to an announcement by the LBA on Thursday, the duo of Igbinoba and Ovoke will have to face off for the player’s award for September alongside the duo of Sharks defender Gabriel Olalekan and 3SC’s Tope Orelope.

“Esosa Igbinoba of Nasarawa, Bayelsa United striker Bernard Ovoke, 3SC’s Tope Orelope and Sharks defender Gabriel Orelope are in the running for the player’s award,” the LBA announced.

Ovoke made a stake with a hat-trick

Igbinoba

performance in Bayelsa United’s 4-1 win over El-Kanemi Warriors while Igbinoba’s goalscoring form ensured he got in the mix of the nominees for September with a couple of strike that ended Sunshine Stars’ six-year run at home without defeat.

Adeshina savours

Tornadoes’ top flight chance

Adeshina

Niger Tornadoes defender, Lateef Adeshina, is excited by the chance of playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The centre-back played a major role in the promotion of the Minna club from the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Adeshina has never played in the top division, and he is hoping that his club would not make up the numbers when they return to the NPFL next season for the first time in three years.

The former Bida Lions man also acknowledged that the chance of playing in the top division “will surely come with its challenges.”

28

Friday, October 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

MUSA

delighted with CSKA win over PSV Mike Otanwa with Agency Report

A

hmed Musa has said his Russian club CSKA Moscow are back on track in the UEFA Champions League after a 3-2 home win over PSV Eindhoven.

The Nigeria star scored the opening goal for CSKA in the seventh minute on Wednesday night and the Russian army club raced to a 3-0 lead by half time with a brace from Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia, only to let in two goals to the visiting Dutch side to endure a nervy finish.

Ahmed Musa has now scored four goals in the Champions League.

CSKA Moscow now have three points from two games like other teams in the group namely PSV, Manchester United and Wolfsburg.

“It was a good game for us and I am happy we won,” enthused Musa.

“It’s nice to get our first win in the group stage after two games, we are back on track to make it to the next stage of the competition.

“I am also happy to add to my goals in the competition.”

Nigeria ranked 52

by FIFA, as Spain make top 10

Musa

FIFA scandal: Platini needs to clear his name – Jennings Investigative journalist Andrew Jennings says Michel Platini urgently needs to clear his name if he is serious about continuing with his candidacy for the FIFA presidency.

The former France and Juventus star, in charge of UEFA since 2007, has insisted he will still seek to succeed Sepp Blatter as the head of football’s global governing body.

But Platini’s campaign could yet be cast into disarray, with prosecutors in Switzerland investigating a transfer of £1.35million made by FIFA to the three-time Ballon d’Or recipient in 2011.

The 60-year-old Frenchman has claimed the funds were payment, albeit nine years late, for work undertaken between 1999 and 2002.

However, Jennings - speaking following the release of his book on FIFA, The Dirty Game - believes the fact Platini has been singled out should give the 1984 European Championship and 1984-85 Platini European Cup winner cause for concern.

“Michel Platini’s got a serious problem with the Swiss investigators,” he said.

“They’re great believers in privacy in Switzerland and…they’ve named Platini, which is quite astonishing.

Echiejile ANDREW

Monaco axe Echiejile!

AS Monaco again left out Nigeria defender Elderson Echiejile in yesterday’s Europa League home tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

Prior to the match, Spurs were top of their mini-league group with three points after a 3-1 home win over Qarabag, while Anderlecht and Monaco were on a point after they drew 1-1 on the opening day.

Elderson, whose future at the French club at the start of this season was unclear, was also not listed for his team’s weekend Ligue 1 game at Guingamp, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

The leftback has been recalled by Nigeria for two friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroun later this month.

EKEJIUBA

Nigeria has moved to 52 position, while Spain returned back to the top 10 in the latest FIFA Ranking. Also, Argentina retained top spot and world champions Germany moved into second position.

The reigning European champions dropped to 12th in the edition released in July and were placed 11th in the September Ranking, but victories over Slovakia and Macedonia in Euro 2016 qualifying has seen them climb back into sixth position, ahead of Belgium, who dropped to third.

Portugal overtook Colombia and Brazil have dropped two places, while Wales have reached their highest-ever position after moving above Chile into eighth and England remain 10th.

Austria have also reached their highest placing, moving into 11th following their qualification for Euro 2016, while the biggest movers in the top 50 are Norway, who jumped 35 places to 34th.

Algeria remain Africa’s top-ranked side in 19th, though Liberia have made a massive leap of 65 places to 95th - the biggest climb in the table.

Friday, October 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS

WiF

Slams FA For Clearing Mourinho

T

he group Women in Football (WiF) says it is “appalled” with the English Football Association’s decision to clear Jose Mourinho of alleged discrimination against Eva Carneiro.

The former Chelsea doctor, who left her post last month, was publicly criticised by Mourinho after she treated Eden Hazard on the pitch during the Premier League clash with Swansea City.

Suggestions emerged that Mourinho had directed abusive language towards Carneiro as he berated his medical team from the touchline, but the FA stated on Wednesday that it was “satisfied that the words used do not consti-

tute discriminatory language under FA Rules”.

That decision has been slammed

by WiF, which represents a number of female professionals within the sport, after it conducted its own investigation into the incident using a linguistics expert.

“Women in Football (WiF) are appalled by the conclusion of the FA investigation into Jose Mourinho’s conduct during, and following, Chelsea’s match against Swansea on August 8 2015,” read a statement released via its official website.

“Contrary to the FA’s appointed expert’s advice, which WiF has not seen, our own language expert made it abundantly clear that the

Shawcross making progress in recovery Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is making good progress in his recovery from back surgery and could return to the pitch in the coming weeks.

Shawcross had an operation on a back problem in the close-season and has not played for the club so far this season. However, the former Manchester United centre-back trained with the academy on Thursday and manager Mark Hughes is optimistic he will be able to return to action soon.

Mourinho

abusive words used by Mourinho on the touchline that day were specifically directed towards a woman, as indicated by the grammar of his sentence.

“Other Portuguese speakers we contacted in gathering evidence also emphasised this point. We therefore find it extraordinary that any expert or Portuguese speaker would report otherwise.

“WiF can only conclude that this latest investigation provides yet another damning example of the FA failing to tackle discrimination, specifically sexism, in the football industry.

“The conclusion from the investigation also leads us

to question the FA’s commitment to referees and medics. If a similar incident were to occur in the future should the medic listen to the club manager not the referee in charge of the game? This sets a disturbing precedent.”

The FA later issued a staunch defence of the linguist at the centre of its own investigation, stating: “The linguistic was native Portuguese and has taught at the highest level universities in both Portugal and the UK with many published works on both Portuguese lexicography and lexicology and Portuguese linguistics including modern day vernacular.”

MITROVIC:

Gomez Mitrovic However, Steve McClaren’s side delivered a much-improved performance in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend and Mitrovic is confident the result was proof that they can compete with the very best in England.

“We don’t fear anybody,” the 21-year-old, who returned from suspension against the champions

Deeney unfazed by EPL goal drought Watford captain Troy Deeney says his Premier League goal drought is not weighing on his mind and he is confident his fortunes will change soon.

The striker has yet to find the back of the net in the 2015-16 campaign after scoring 21 goals last season to help his side back into the top flight.

Liverpool confident despite poor EPL start, says Gomez

Newcastle have no fear of Man City!

Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic insisted his side do not hold any fear as they prepare to face Manchester City on Saturday.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side began the season in indomitable form, winning their opening five Premier League games without conceding a goal, but back-to-back defeats to West Ham United and Tottenham saw them surrender top spot to Manchester United.

Newcastle, by contrast, are without a win in their seven games so far and were dumped out of the League Cup with a 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

29

said.

“They are a team we can beat for sure, like any team in the Premier League. We showed against Chelsea what we can do, especially in the first 45 minutes. We can play well against the big teams.”

Mitrovic, who joined Newcastle from Anderlecht in July, is still waiting to score his first goal for the club.

Joe Gomez insists Liverpool have always been confident in their potential despite their disappointing start to the season.

Back-to-back Premier League defeats against West Ham United and Manchester United were followed by consecutive 1-1 draws against Norwich City and Bordeaux, while Brendan Rodgers’ side required penalties to beat Carlisle United in last week’s League Cup third round.

However, some of the pressure on Rodgers was alleviated following Saturday’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa, and Gomez is confident the Anfield club can build on that victory in the Europa League and in this weekend’s Merseyside derby.

“I don’t think there was much doubt that we were capable of performing that way,” the defender told reporters.

“Everybody is up and positive and just looking forward to the next game and onto the weekend against Everton because

30

Friday, October 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

RETIREMENT

not on

s ’ o h n i d l a n Ro s i s s A – agenda

R

Gotze

s p i t LAHM E Z T O G n i e n i to sh n r e y a B Philipp Lahm is confident Mario Gotze has a big part to play in Bayern Munich’s future despite struggling to hold down a first team spot at the Allianz Arena.

Gotze has started three of Bayern’s six Bundesliga matches this season but has yet to score his first goal of the 2015-16 campaign, and his start has been hindered by reports of a fall out with Pep Guardiola.

The Germany international was reported as criticising Bayern’s head coach for not communicating with him enough, although he later insisted his words had been misinterpreted.

Despite constant speculation about his

future Gotze remained at the club after the transfer deadline, and Lahm says the 23-year-old has a big part to play moving forward.

“He is very young, but has already experienced a lot,” Bayern’s captain told reporters. “When so much criticism breaks on such a young player, it’s not easy.

“We have done our best as a team to support him, he is fully integrated.

“We know how important he is. He has shown it not only last year, also this season.

“He can make the difference. He knows that, so I am not worried about Mario.”

onaldinho’s agent, Roberto Assis, has laughed off suggestions the former Barcelona forward is set to retire.

The 35-year-old was released by Brazilian giants Fluminense on Monday after less than three months with the Rio de Janeiro club, during which time he made just nine appearances.

There had been suggestions the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year was going to quit but his representative, Roberto Assis, insists Ronaldinho still has plenty to offer.

When asked if he was going to retire, Assis said: “Are you crazy? No chance, you’ll have more surprises yet.

“He has to be happy on the field and feel good about himself. He has an advantage over many others in that he has never suffered from a serious injury. And while he still has that flicker then great.”

Assis admitted a move to Corinthians in the United States was a possibility, adding: “Yes it is, he has

Ronaldinho

friends there. There are a lot of other proposals coming up.”

Ronaldinho requested his release from Fluminense after admitting he did not feel he was doing himself justice.

And Assis confirmed there were no hard feelings from the player’s side.

“It was a wonderful experience, the club did everything to make it work, and the player too,” he said.

“Unfortunately things did not go the way that Ronaldinho wanted. It was a cool-headed decision. If it’s not working it is best to stop.”

BENITEZ wants more from Real

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez is still targeting improvement despite his side’s dominant win over Malmo on Wednesday.

A Cristiano Ronaldo brace, which saw him overtake Raul as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, saw Real to their 2-0 victory in the Champions League. Real’s dominant win came on the back of complete control in Sweden, with 69 per cent possession and 21 attempts on goal.

Benitez still wants to see better from his team, who visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

“We played slightly better than we did against Malaga.

We had more than 70 per cent possession,” he said.

“We managers are eternally dissatisfied and we’re always looking to cut out mistakes and improve things. Their two or three threats on goal came from mistakes and through us not playing the easy ball.

“I’m very pleased with the team, but it’s my responsibility to try and improve things.”

To take further control, Luka Modric came on for Karim Benzema midway through the second half at the Swedbank Stadion.

Benitez said the move allowed Real to keep possession better and deny Malmo oppor-

Benitez

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

31 Opinion

Sketches of the absurd ÎÎÎ There are no dull mo-

ments in our country just as there are many events that play out in our public space that make one want to think that the writings of the playwright, Bertolt Brecht, would have been influenced by our sordid tales and the absurdities we have come to patent as our gifts to humanity. In a country where the notoriety and the shenanigans of men and women of power and influence supplant national outlook, life, culture and milieu, Brecht would have been driven by the impulse to interrogate the relevance of the tragic legacies of our ruling elites that are shaping our national discourse today. He would have wandered with his muse into our fields of imagination in search of those absurd metaphors we live by that are made real by true life events to enrich our experiences, conversations and riddles, almost in a mocking way. He would have constructed his imagined audience, mocked us-we, compatriots who sit in the front row of our national playhouse or stand on the sidewalk of our theatre of the street, and watch our half-naked King strut with his damsel, barely the age of his daughter, into the hideous backstage as the light dims and the curtain

falls behind them. Is curiosity not the cat’s greatest foe?

Dear reader, if you have any experience in matters of the feline, I invite you for curiosity to peer through the dark stage of that imagined national playhouse to catch a glimpse of what the recording artiste, Tha Suspect, in his clever imitation of the irrepressible Fela’s ‘Na Poi’, describes this way: “When man see woman...and dem lock door...the thing wey dem dey do behind the door wey dem lock door...like this like that.”

The foregoing suggests the sexual encounters of every man and woman in all societies. In many ways, it depicts how bright and beautiful, great and small creatures succumb to the lures of the flesh, even where the spirit is unwilling. But, there are many troubling issues the foregoing raises in the context of the heterosexual experience of HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who at 54 years of age, took the 18-year-old Princess Saa’datu Barkindo-Musdapha as his fourth wife. Granted, marriage falls into the realm of the private that it is not often open to public inquiry; but marital privacy exists only to the extent that it doesn’t disturb what constitutes the ethical health and good

of society and it is for this reason homophobes oppose same-sex marriage in our part, for instance. Our men and women of power and influence might have missed out on their youthful sexual adventures, fantasies, fun and play times, but to seek to relive those adventures, experiences, fantasies and integrate all of this into a sexual repertoire at a time when adulthood demands responsibility and introspection is repugnant to good conscience.

The absurdity of it all is not with the practice of trophywives taking, but it is with the attitudes of dilettante grandees, long past their shelf lives, who simply glorify the cultural practice of another age and milieu to privilege their insatiable lusts. Does it not occur to these grandees that relegating the lives of their trophywives to their dated shelves would invariably throw up troubling issues of catching up and living their lives and ages outside the realm of normal life? Can’t these young girls be allowed to become the women they can be in the natural progress of life? What do I know in the matters of the geriatric heart?

How did our people view the drama that attended the selection of ministers and the transmission of the list of ministers to the Senate?

By taking front row seats at the cinema hall of our collective comedy as pundits who simply speculated on the oeuvre of an orchestrated script! Or by taking the back row seat in our individual halls of indifference while we rubbed our hands in glee! Ministers’ appoint-

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ment is no longer what it is used to be - the horse trade of interests and privileges of power inside those places where lot on names of appointees who represent the interests of the lot drawers are drawn. Two weeks ago, I argued in this column that: “President Buhari would have done a damn good job as a celebrity host of a prime time television reality show...in which political office seekers...face the camera and klieg lights constantly shifting between their faces and their nottoo-distant-past, searching out murk, dirt and malfeasances as they pitch their ideas and visions in order to secure ministerial appointments.

Presidential appointment is a serious business of state, a serious exercise of power to be contemplated from the klieg lights of a television reality show.”

President Buhari loves

the dramatic and those elements of a good dramasuspense, timing, tension, contrast and climax. Did you observe how he moved away from the seeming celebrity circus television reality show-style of ministerial selection to the ancient Athenian transmission of the list of ministers to the Senate?

If you didn’t, imagine President Buhari as the Greek god, Zeus, who sought the delivery of that important communication of state by any means possible, quickest and fastest to beat the self-imposed September 30, 2015 deadline.

Imagine how the chief messenger, Senator Enang, who like the Greek messenger, Pheidippides (not Hermes for the purpose of our imagination) ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of the military victory against the Persians in the Battle of Marathon.

Imagine Senator Enang dashing across time zones, spaces and places with the list of ministers clutched to his chest. Can you imagine the bodies he ran into as he changed flights at London’s Heathrow Airport, the retinue of armed soldiers who waited endlessly at the Abuja Airport? Now, imagine his sighs of relief on touch down at the Abuja Airport, the speed with which he sped past the immigration desk into the arrival lounge and the dash into waiting convoy of cars blaring sirens. Can you imagine how time and nature pressed on him - his wristwatch click-clocking away while his bladder bursted at the seams. He had a message to deliver, and peeing on his trouser was a national sacrifice. Now, too, imagine the joy that wrapped his being when he arrived the office of the Senate President, long after the Senate had closed for the day. Imagine the call he placed through to President Buhari soon after and his words: “Joy to you, Your Excellency, Sir, I have delivered...Rejoice, joy to you!”

The selection of ministers and the transmission of the list of ministers to the Senate shouldn’t be dramatic in this era of modern communication. What was the essence of our modern Pheidippides crossing borders to deliver a presidential communication when such communication should ordinarily have been transmitted through secure official email server? Was it for suspense? Suspense makes a good drama but not when the drama is absurd.

Ask Bertolt Brecht.

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Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com. ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.202

Price: N150

ALLI JOINS IBE,

FIFA SCANDAL: JENNINGS TELLS PLATINI TO CLEAR HIS NAME X28

DUMPS NIGERIA FOR ENGLAND E

MONACO AXE ECHIEJILE! –Page 28

ngland have moved a step ahead to cap Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli ahead of Super Eagles of Nigeria after they called him up for Euro qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania with manager Roy Hodgson describing the player as “a very exciting talent”.

Alli’s father is Nigerian and he is also eligible to play for the Super Eagles though he has featured for various England age-group teams.

Alli has made a successful transition from League 1 (the English third-tier league) to the English Premier League this season.

He has scored a goal in 321 minutes of action in the EPL. England have already qualified for the Euros in France next year and manager Hodgson said he has high regards for the versatile Alli, who could play as defensive, creative or attacking midfielder.

“We’ve been impressed with Dele Alli and this is a chance to get to know him.

He’s a very exciting talent,” remarked the England boss.

Another Nigerian-born EPL ace, Jordon Ibe, has already opted to feature for England at full international level after a meeting with Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh.

Business Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

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Africa Investor, business leaders launch sustainable development goals

MD/CEO, UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso; and Deputy CEO, UBA Africa, Mr. Emeke Iweriebor, during the launch of the 2015 edition of National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary School students in Nigeria, organised by UBA Foundation, held at UBA House in Lagos on Wednesday

Tony Nwakaegho Africa investor (Ai), a leading international investment and communications group, has announced that it has launched a seminal business statement on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) entitled ‘The Business of African Development Economic Development: Implementing the Sustainable Development and Finance Goals in Support of Agenda 2063’ during the UN General Assembly.

The Ai Business Statement was launched to over 250 business and government leaders at the Africa investor (Ai) CEO

Investment Summit, which took place on the eve of the UN General Assembly at Thomson Reuters in New York.

Participating dignitaries included Hubert Danso, CEO and Vice Chairman, Africa investor Group; Ambassador Maged Abdelaziz, Under Secretary General and Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations; Amir Dossal, Chairman of the Global Partnerships Forum; H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; H.E. Prof. Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi; H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia; H.E. Hailemariam

Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and H.E. James Wani Igga, Vice President of South Sudan amongst many others.

The Africa investor Business Statement on the SDGs is the result of a 12-month Africa investor (Ai) consultative process with over 200 business leaders and investors operating in Africa.

This Business Statement reflects the recommendations and the collective views of private sector leaders working in Africa on optimal ways to achieve the SDGs. The Statement calls on public and private sector leaders to ad-

vance the pursuit and achievement of the SDGs, expanding the role of African business in the implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, agreed to by all UN Member States, at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development.

Leaders are asked to prioritise the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The Statement highlights the commitment of business to play an economic leadership role in implementing the SDGs and sets out the following seven recommended areas of focus for collaboration: Infrastructure investment and the development of African skills; Capital markets development; Climate finance; Technology and innovation; Industrial and SME development; Import substitution; and Women’s empowerment.

Commenting on the African Development Business Statement, Hubert Danso, CEO and Vice Chairman of Africa investor, said, “The private sector is a critical partner in the fight against poverty in Africa and seeks to be more effectively engaged by development partners.

To optimise the development impact business can have, there is an urgent need for clarity on the sequence and interrelationship of the Financing for Development Agenda, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the first 15 years of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, especially on the issues of infrastructure development, women’s empowerment, innovation and technology, entrepreneurship and capital market development.”

NERC receives Phillip consulting WEB performance award Augustine Okezie Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has been awarded outstanding Public Sector Website Performance award in Nigeria by the leading management consulting firm, Phillips Consulting. The award ceremony tagged ‘’Web Jurist Awards’’ was conferred on the commission in Abuja.

Receiving the Web Jurist

award, Commission’s Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi, who was represented by the Head, Information Technology (IT) Unit of the NERC, Mr. Abdullahi Adamu commended Philips Consulting for its speciality in information security assurances, IT management and training as well as in e-business development.

Recall that the award process followed a detailed evaluation of public sector websites broken into five categories, namely Aesthetics, Technical Aspects, Web-

site Content, User Experience and Performance.

NERC’s winning of the ‘Web Performance’ category was arrived at after evaluating the overall performance of the site and measuring such critical metrics as the extent to which the website has been optimized and also taking cognisance of the speed at display, availability, and also on popularity.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the award by Mr. Jason Ikegwu of Phillips

Amadi

Consulting to Adamu, on behalf of Dr Sam Amadi.

NERC had remained the foremost regulator of the power sector in the country, a position that had immensely contributed to the transformation of the sector.

Arik refutes bankruptcy claim Arik Air has condemned reports alleging that that it was in financial trouble and may be going bankrupt. “This false and malicious publication is the handiwork of fly-by-night social media sites trying to ride on the popularity and huge followership of Arik Air, to attract attention or relevance to their sites.

These harbingers of bad news in their senseless sensationalism and quack journalism would stop at nothing including pulling down national institutions, and icons, in order to achieve their narrow pecuniary interests and those of their desperate sponsors,” Arik Air media unit said.

While the airline said that “We not deterred by this smear campaign,” it also said that it had been “steadily operating over one hundred flights on a daily basis which are being increased to one hundred and ten from the on-set of the winter season.

We have already launched expansion into cities such as Abidjan, Monrovia, Cotonou and Douala which are being further increased to weekly frequencies from this week onwards and, therefore, find it ridiculous for anyone to suggest that the airline is going bankrupt. Our long haul international flights to London and Johannesburg continue to be operated on a daily basis without any issues along with New York JFK, which is flown three times per week.”

It said that reports of mass resignations of pilots and cabin crew were also totally inaccurate, adding that, “We have gathered that certain elements of society, who are envious of what we have accomplished since our commencement of operations, want to discredit us to strengthen our competitors.”

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

Buhari orders audit of CBN, FIRS, Customs, NCC Stories by Charles Okonji In his address to the nation on the occasion of Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari revealed that he has ordered a complete audit of the CBN, FIRS, Customs and NCC. He said “In addition to NNPC, I have ordered for a complete audit of our other revenue generating agencies mainly CBN, FIRS, Customs, NCC, for better

service delivery to the nation.

Prudent housekeeping is needed now more than ever in view of the sharp decline in world market oil prices. It is a challenge we have to face squarely. But what counts is not so much what accrues but how we manage our resources that is important.

“We have seen in the last few years how huge resources were mismanaged, squandered and wasted. The new APC government is embarking on a cleanup, introducing prudence and

Buhari

probity in public financing.

He noted earlier that ““Preliminary steps have been taken to sanitize NNPC and improve its operations so that the inefficiency and corruption could be reduced to a minimum. Those of our refineries which can be serviced and brought back into partial production would be enabled to resume operations so that the whole sordid business of exporting crude and importing finished products in dubious transactions could be stopped.

He also said, “At an early stage, the federal government addressed the issue of salary arrears in many states, a situation capable of degenerating into social unrest. The APC government stepped in to provide short-term support to the owing states and enabled them to pay off the backlog and restore the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

On his regime’s agenda for Change, Buhari pleaded with the countrymen and women

NCC confiscates N7.9bn pirated works in 4 years

Ezekude

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on Wednesday disclosed that it seized creative works worth N7.9 billion in the last four years across the country because they were discovered to be pirated.

Mr Afam Ezekude, the Director-General of the commission disclosed this at the opening of a copyright workshop on Collective Management of Copyright and Related Rights.

Ezekude said that the seizures were nationwide and where piracy activities were more prevalent. ``The commission in the last four years has made a seizures of pirated works valued at N7.9 billion across the country.

``In the last four years, the commission has carried out 210 strategic anti-piracy operations in endemic locations across the country. ``The anti-piracy operations led to the arrest of 459 suspected pirates and seizures of over seven million quantities of pirated copyright materials,’’ Ezekude said.

He said that some of the seized pirated works were CDs, VCDs, DVDs, literary and inspirational books, the Holy Bible and dictionaries.

The director-general said that within the first and second quarters of the year, the commission arrested 16 suspected pirates during anti-piracy raids across the country.

According to him, the commission confiscated three shipping containers of pirated books, CDs, VCDs and DVDs at Apapa Wharf, Lagos in the second quarter of the year.

He said that the commission also secured an unprecedented 53 convictions against copyright pirates at the Federal High Courts jurisdiction across the country.

Ezekude said that the arrest of the pirated works was achieved in collaboration with the Nigeria

Customs Service, the Nigeria Police and other relevance stakeholders in the industry.

The Director General said that the commission would remain resolute in its drive for enhanced copyright protection, awareness generation and zero tolerance for piracy of creative works.

According to him, the purpose of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of collective management organisations.

He said the collective management ``is a facility for realising the underlying objectives of the copyright system. ``Collective management organisations require the technical know-how to engage the emerging scenario of exploitation.

“The expectation of the workshop will provide opportunity to up scale the available expertise in managing the collective management organisations in Nigeria,’’ Ezekude said.

Earlier, Mr Chinedu Chukwuji, the Chief Executive Officer of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) said the workshop would help the collective management organisations to monitor the right use of works.

that “Change does not just happen. “You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring CHANGE about. We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behavior in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices. To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.”

Experts unveil new hybrid maize in Nigeria As part of efforts towards attaining food-sufficiency in Nigeria, a team of experts at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IART), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, has successfully released two new maize hybrids – Ife Maizehyb-07 and Ife Maizehyb-08.

This was contained in a statement made available to the press by the institute, which states that the team led by Dr. Samuel Adelowo Olakojo, has come up with a set of two new hybrids with potential yields of 7.0/ha and 8.5t/ha respectively. According to the press statement, the hybrid varieties have stated attracting preference from most farmers, stressing that the preference was mainly because of its qualities of early maturity, as it has an advantage during erratic rainfall seasons especially in the second planting in South West Nigeria.

The institute explains that the grain size and its high starch content was another quality which is

good for livestock feed mill, stressing that the Ife Maizehyb-08the weighs better and has high energy to release from feed.

“There was a real gap between production and needs of maize in the southern part of Nigeria which is mainly due to demographic increase, drought, diseases, new requirements from endusers (poultry feed, livestock feed, breweries, processors etc.) and appearance of agri-business farmers who are requesting hybrids.

“The humid forest ecologies of Nigeria is a great potential to the zones for maize production, which can help to reduce this gap with the availability of high yielding adapted hybrids such as the Ife Maizehyb-07 and Ife Maizehyb-08.”

Dr. Toure Aboubacar, program officer, Crop Improvement and Variety Adoption, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), who said, that AGRA’s strategy to meet the needs of smallholder farmers across Africa is yielding great results.

· Exhibitions

· International partnerships

· Seminars

· Products’ launch

· Raffle draw

· Entertainment

· Discount sales

. Meet Regulators

Indian Firm showcases B4 oil mill equipment P

2015 ABUJA

Chamber of Commerce & Industy International Trade Fair Digest

Friday, October 2, 2015

ABUCCIMA boss seeks speedy diversification of Nigeria’s Economy FAAN reiterates commitment to boost tourism at AITF B5 P

Sights from 10th Abuja International Trade Fair B6 P

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday,October 2, 2015

ABUCCIMA boss calls for speedy diversification of Nigeria’s Economy

Augustine Okezie Abuja The President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye has called on governments both at federal and local levels to expedite action in exploring alternative revenue bases through diversification of revenue generating sources Mr. Ejinkeonye who made the appeal on the occasion of ‘’Plateau State Special Day’’, at the 10th Abuja international trade fair, said there is need for Nigeria’s Economy and that of Plateau state to be

diversified considering the numerous mineral resources and human capital that can accelerate economic development .

He said’’ Your Excellency Plateau State is known as a state of Peace and Tourism which accommodates many foreigners; I would therefore like to commend your administration for the peace that has returned on the Plateau’’ The ABUCCIMA boss further commended the State Governor Simon Lalong, on behalf of the members of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the special occa-

sion marking the Plateau day and considering the number of local government areas that are presently participating at the ongoing fair apart from the State government contingents.

He added that the theme of the fair “Entrepreneurship as a Panacea for Economic Growth”, is carefully crafted taking into consideration the fact that about 75% of the Organized Private Sector is made up of Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s) which drive the economy of every nation.

Responding , Governor Lalong assured potential

investors that the state is now peaceful and investor friendly, assuring that his government has taken all necessary steps not only to diversify that state’ revenue bases but to encourage industrialization.

Ejinkeonye

NCC to sanction Telcos over unsolicited messages

Danbatta

ÏÏÏG Ə ƃ Ƅ ÕƼƼ ƄƑ ƃ ƕƄ ƅ ƍ ƃ ƊƋƉ Ɔ Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday disclosed that necessary measures have been put in place to sanction telecommunications service providers in the country over stormy unsolicited text messages to subscribers.

The Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Commission, Dr Femi Atoyebi made the disclosure in an interview with journalists during the NCC Day at the 10th Abuja Trade Fair Complex.

According to Atoyebi, the Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC is here to respond to questions that bother consumers; talk to them about their issues

and whatever complains are gathered from here, the commission uses it in regulating the industry.

He said that in its effort to promptly address the complaints from consumers, the Commission has introduced a three digit code 622; saying that most time the NCC wants to hear what the subscribers who actually use these services and what they are complaining about.

“We are subscribers ourselves, we know some of those issues and we are addressing them.”

Mr Reuben Mouka, Head of Public Relations of the NCC also reemphasised that the Commission was concerned about the unsolicited text messages and it has taken serious steps to address it.

He said part of the measures taken to tackle the issue include preparing a legislation that will enable the regulation of

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

that segment of the market.

“We are also considering a stakeholder forum involving the service providers, VAT (Value Added Tax) providers who also are involved in sending text messages.

We had meetings with operators and have advised them to put some kinds of filter to allow some messages that are not solicited to drop along the line.

We hoped they are listening to the cries of the subscribers, everybody is concerned about the level and today we also had complaints about not just unsolicited text messages but also unsolicited voice messages.”

We have also told them to put some proviso where if somebody doesn’t like one particular type of text message, should opt out of that. Therefore, we do hope they are listening and they will alleviate the complaints of the subscribers in this regard,” he added.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye commended the management of the NCC for their leadership style saying that “they are highly proactive as government agency, usually you see this kind of proactiveness in private organisation but for an MDA to be alert to their responsibility, alert to the yearnings of the consumers, that is highly commendable.”

Coconut oil mill machinery

Indian firm showcases oil mill equipment Olatorera Dickson-Amusa, Abuja An Indian based firm, Goyum Screw Press has occupied a stand exhibiting a variety of vegetable oil mill machinery, oil refinery and Solvent Extraction Plant at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair 2015.

The Head-Marketer of the company, Mr. Amit Agarwal told Daily Times that the Firm came all the way from India to participate at the 2015 Trade Fair with the aim of creating self-employment opportunities for Nigerians,

predominantly small and medium scale enterprises and rural community farmers.

According to Mr. Amit, Goyum offers a complete set of the equipment necessary for the stage by stage harvesting and processing of seeds with oil content such as groundnuts, soya bean and copra. He intimated that the machinery all sell at very affordable prices, and are all in perfect working condition.

The Head marketer further proceeded to list many socio-Economic benefits of Goyum prod-

ucts. According to him, “It eliminates exploitation by middlemen and traders, because consumers have direct contact to the mills.it greatly encourages rural development, and self-employment jobs are generated in villages”.

Mr. Agarwal held that Goyum products make pure, fresh, natural oil available to villagers from their own oilseeds on custom milling basis.

Therefore, villagers are saved from profiteering, adulteration, taxations and other discouraging factors.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday,October 2, 2015

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Ice-Block equipment firm offers discount at Abuja Trade Fair Olatorera Dickson-Amusa, Abuja A world-class Ice Block making machine manufacturer, Balocool Excel Nigeria Ltd has announced that it offering a 10% discount and a one year warranty to potential customers wishing to purchase its products.

The manager, Mr. Oladele Olatunji made this known to Daily Times at the company’s stand, located within the grounds of the Abuja International Trade Fair 2015 said the machines are multipurpose in nature which can be used for block, meat, fish, turkey and all types of drinks.

Olatunji revealed that the ice-Block machines

have been designed to take care of diverse production needs, depending on the need of the customer.

He boasted that the machines have adequate ventilation to prevent excessive heating, and roll-covers with cooling sheets”.

Olatunji announced that free installation services would be made available to customers wishing to buy the ice-block making machinery. According to him, the qualities of the Ice-Block making equipment are in comparison to none other anywhere in Nigeria and beyond, adding that the products are widely spread and gaining popularity across the country and some other African countries.

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport

FAAN reiterates commitment to boost tourism at AITF Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) joined other government agencies at the ongoing 10th Abuja International Trade Fair to exhibit its services as it informs, educates and canvasses for clients at the fair ground.

According to information made available to the Daily Times by the information desk, Linda Amara, has been an active participant at the Federal

Airports Authority of Nigeria manages 21 airports on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The management of the FAAN outlined 10 reasons why people should do business with the agency saying “there is a direct linkage between economic prosperity, population growth and airports, airline, as well as tourism activities.

“A number of indices can make FAAN and, by extension, tourism attractive and flourishing and

investors will find the new improved airports and Nigeria generally a haven for the following reasons: First, Stable democratic government, secondly, Potentially popular tourist destinations in places like Cross River, Bauchi, Kwara, Osun, Plateua, Taraba and Adamawa states.”

Other reasons include high population (over 170 million people), Diversified economy (farming, mining, manufacturing etc). Diverse and rich cul-

tural heritage, Good export potential (Cargo), The government’s current support for growth in aviation and tourism industries is a tonic to: Huge investment potential in all facets of the economy; Friendly populace as well as World-class hotels/restaurants are available everywhere in Nigeria.

FAAN also listed the major international Airports to include: Murtaloa Mohammed International Airport (MMA) Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe Interna-

tional Airport, Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Port Harcourt International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

“Investment opportunities at our airports are nearly inexhaustible, making the airports major attractions to an exciting collection of partners from airlines, concessionaires and specialized investors, FAAN stated.

The information further states that, more interna-

tional airlines have added MMA Lagos to their long haul schedules including two from the USA, two from the Middle East, one from the far East and several regional airlines.

It maintained that local airlines are also expanding their fleet and route networks while private-public partnership is growing with a fresh set of projects underway at various airports and the first of BuildOperate-Transfer (BOT) projects recently commissioned at MMA.

Independence Day magic at 2015 Abuja International Trade Fair Olatorera Dickson-Amusa, Abuja Nigeria is 55! The very atmosphere in the country seems refreshed and hopeful, and this seems to reflect upon the Abuja International Trade Fair 2015 as well. It seems hardly believable that the same traders who had previously complained of poor patronage are now wearing happy faces as customers stormed the fair complex shopping like a Chrismas eve.

One of the traders sim-

ply said, “Things are looking up”.

And of course, the reason for this wonderful change is the Independence Day celebration. It’s a holiday, and people are finally free to leave the confines of their offices. Children aren’t left out either. Free from the heavy burden of schooling, at least for two days, they could be seen all over the place on the Fairgrounds today, tagging alongside their parents.

The trade Fair grounds truly rang with the sound of people and the wonder-

fully ancient art of buying and selling reigned all around in all its glory. One stand in particular, Owodeola Ventures, selling kitchen utensils seed to be enjoying an unusually large amount of customers.

The shoppers looked happy to be let loose from the routines of everyday life. A smiling customer who spoke to Daily Times, Miss Yinka Akinola said that it was refreshing for people to be able to relax and celebrate Nigeria’s independence.

Apparently the magic

of the Trade Fair has also infused Miss Akinola with purchasing energy. She said she came to purchase Hair Relaxer because she was sure to get an original quality at the fair. But looking around, she also picked up a pretty dress, some bleach and other items.

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! And to all the wonderful Nigerians out there enjoying their weekend of freedom, hope you all have fun shopping, especially if you are doing it at the Abuja International Trade Fair.

Buhari

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday,October 2, 2015

SIGHTS FROM 2015 TRADE FAIR

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

B7 Money

Real Sector Digest The world’s growing taste for cocoa Cocoa demand has been on the rise in Brazil, Eastern Europe and India, consumers around the world have developed an increasing taste for chocolate. Cocoa demand has been on the rise in Brazil, Eastern Europe and India, and according to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) demand could surpass production by one million tonnes in the next five years, according to a report in Prepared Foods Nutra Solutions website.

Cocoa has grown to a $16.5 billion industry while production in the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which account for 60% of the world’s cocoa, is declining. This, among other factors, can lead to volatile prices in the cocoa market and a need for cocoa industry participants to better manage their risk from origin to finished product.

In response to these fundamentals and industry demand for improved hedging mechanisms, CME Group expanded its product suite to include Cocoa futures and options contracts on its European exchange, CME Europe, earlier this year. Since launch customers have traded more than 10,000 Cocoa futures contracts, averaging up to 100 lots per day. Open interest in these contracts surpassed 1,000 on 25 June, and a record 465 contracts traded on 24 August.

Keeping up with the World’s Growing Taste for Chocolate, highlights the supply and demand fundamentals that can have an impact on cocoa prices, as well as a number of unique features built into CME Europe’s Cocoa contracts to offer market participants enhanced risk management capabilities.

Nigerian firms in trouble over raw materials import Nigerian companies making anything from soap to tomato paste could run out of raw materials and be forced to shut down as Africa’s top oil producer has effectively banned the import of almost 700 goods to prevent a currency collapse, according to Reuters report.

Selected luxury items such as make-up or brown bread imported from Europe have become scarce in some shops as the central bank denies importers dollars, seeking to stem the fallout from a crash in vital oil revenues hammering Africa’s largest economy.

Cocoa

Enterprise Strokes

Product faking: A global phenomenon

Stories by Siaka Momoh Product counterfeiting is killing. It has ruined several economies, causing plant shut downs and innumerable job losses.

John Engler, president, National Association of Manufacturers, United States of America, says counterfeit products account for a staggering 5 to 7 per cent of world trade, a volume of almost $500 billion (N75.9 trillion) annually. Counterfeiting is evil. It not only violates the intellectual property rights of manufacturers, it also puts consumers in serious danger. Dangers range from ingestion of fake pharmaceuticals to accidents caused by

substandard parts.

China is a culprit. It engages in unfair trade practices, including wholesale counterfeiting of U.S. products. It has huge factories dedicated to making products that look exactly like U.S. brand name goods. Tonnes of Chinese products, sub-standard products dominate markets. Stories are told of Nigerians who approach factories in China to manufacture fake products for them. We hear they take the originals of these products to Chinese manufacturers and instruct them to counterfeit them.

When products are counterfeited, they cause job losses in countries where the counterfeited products are brought into.

Counterfeited textile products imported into Nigeria caused textile plants shut downs and by extension massive job losses.

Way back in the eighties, Nigeria had 120 textile factories. Today, this figure has dropped to 45. The productive capacity of the sector is so low to the extent that about 90 per cent of textiles/fabrics needs of Nigeria are being fed through importation.

Intellectual property theft affects the nation’s movie, music and books industries with owners of videos, DVDs, CDs and books losing billions of naira to unrepentant pirates.

Reports have it that in his recent study of fake pharmaceuticals, Paul Newton of Oxford

University found a disturbing amount of fake malaria drugs sold in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam and disappointedly concluded, “...about half of the artesunate contained no active ingredient. So, logically, if malaria is a public health problem in Southeast Asia and is potentially fatal, if people are taking these drugs that contain starch and chalk, they are very unlikely to survive their malaria infection.”

Late Dora Akunyili, erstwhile director general of National administration for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), put her life on the line fighting peddlers of counterfeit drugs in the country.

AGRF to elevate role of youth, women in agriculture The rapid rise of urban food markets across sub-Saharan Africa represents an unparalleled opportunity to drive development of African agriculture, and ultimately to engage millions of youth who enter the continent’s labour market each year, according to conveners of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), which held in Lusaka, Zambia.

More than 500 leaders from over 40 countries attended the AGRF, including high-level government officials, leaders of panAfrican development organizations, representatives of youth and women’s organizations, academic experts, investors and agriculture business innovators.

“The AGRF can generate huge momentum for policies and pro-

grammes that support Africa’s famers and African-owned agriculture businesses to capture a bigger stake in the agricultural sector and rising urban markets,” said Sindiso Ngwenya, Secretary General, Common Market of East and Southern Africa. “Rather than meeting this demand through food imports, Africans need to grow, process, package and market the food consumed in our rapidly growing cities and towns.”

AGRF 2015 comes at a time when there is a growing consensus that rapid growth in all aspects of agriculture is crucial, both for food security and also because the sector is uniquely capable of rapidly generating economic and employment opportunities at all income levels

across sub-Saharan Africa.

Agriculture is viewed as particularly promising for African women who produce 80 percent of the region’s food—their manual labour directly feeding their families and communities— and for the 200 million Africans under 25 who make Africa the world’s youngest continent.

The theme of this year’s AGRF

Women in agriculture

is “Walking the Talk on Youth and Women: Bringing Inclusive Agricultural Markets to Life.”

It comes at a time when Africa’s young population is searching for increased employment and meaningful opportunities. Of the 10 million young Africans who enter the job market every year, only a minority find formal employment.

Global business B8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2 , 2015

Global economy slows as Chinese, European factories falter

GM vehicles

GM optimistic of double-digit earnings growth in 2016 General Motors has said that its recovery is gathering momentum with improving margins, strong brands, new markets for high-tech vehicles, and prospects for stronger double-digit profits in coming years.

The U.S. automaker said it is targeting an increase in earnings per share to between $5 and $5.50 per share before items, from the $4.50 per share that Wall Street analysts expect for this year. GM earned $3.05 per share in 2014 before items.

GM said it will increase its return to investors by stronger profit margins in China and North America, as well as operating efficiencies and share buybacks.

An improving U.S. economy and rapid jobs growth have put 2015 U.S. car sales on track for sales of more than 17 million. GM, the market leader, has shown a 4.2 percent increase in the U.S. market through September, which is expected to be in line with industry growth when that figure is known later on Thursday.

In an annual presentation to investors in the Detroit suburb of Milford, Michigan, GM said its pre-tax global margins target is 9 per cent to 10 per cent by “early next decade.”

The Detroit-based automaker, which reported a 12-per cent rise in U.S. September sales, has had a difficult time convincing Wall Street of its value and its shares have fallen below $30 recently, well short of its 2010 initial public offering of $33 per share.

That IPO came a little over a year after GM emerged from a government-funded bankruptcy in which the company pared four of its brands and much of its U.S. dealership network.

GM said it will have revenue of $155 billion this year as well as global margins of 6.8 percent and a 24 percent return on invested capital.

Shares rose 1.3 per cent to $30.42 on the New York Stock Exchange, while the broader market was down slightly.

The company will save about $5.5 billion in the next three years

in efficiencies in manufacturing, administration and purchasing, which will pay for investments in technology and brand development.

While the electric vehicle market has been pressured by low fuel prices in 2015, a lowering of the costs of EV battery cells will fall by 2022 to the threshold of $100 per kilowatt-hour that analysts have said will allow EVs to compete with vehicles fueled by petroleum.

GM said that when it introduces the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt small electric car next year, it expects the cost of its battery cells to be an “industry-leading” $145 per kWh. Global auto sales industrywide will grow by more than 50 percent to 130 million vehicles by 2030, from about 85 million now.

While GM, the No. 3 global automaker by sales, is not interested in merging with global No. 7 automaker Fiat Chrysler, it expects to gain $2 billion to $3 billion in savings from developing technology with other automakers.

World economic growth lost momentum in September, with China’s factory output shrinking again, euro zone manufacturing growth slowing, and U.S. activity steady.

The latest business surveys across Asia, Europe and the Americas paint a gloomier picture and are likely to prompt more calls for central banks to loosen monetary policy even further.

“The data probably increases the case for more stimulus in certain parts of the world, especially from the People’s Bank of China and the European Central Bank,” said Philip Shaw, economist at Investec in London.

“Those economies that are at less advanced paths of the recovery cycle -- the key example is the euro zone, where we’re looking at more disinflation -- may well find more stimulus is in order.”

Surveys of China’s factory and services sectors showed the world’s second largest economy may be cooling more rapidly than earlier thought, with deeper job cuts.

“Two straight months of manufacturing sector contraction with a depressed equity market suggests China’s third-quarter GDP growth is likely to have slowed to 6.4 percent,” economists at ANZ said.

The official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)in China inched up to 49.8 in September from 49.7, but was still below the 50 level on the index separating growth from contraction.

Private data vendor Caixin/ Markit reported its China PMI slipped to 47.2 in September though, the lowest reading since March 2009.

China is a major importer of raw materials, especially from commodity producers such as Australia, Brazil and Canada, so a slowdown in demand is being felt globally.

Wall Street slides as Apple stumbles, factory activity cools Wall Street started the last quarter of the year in the red on Thursday as Apple fell and investors parsed mixed U.S. data.

Apple was down 2.2 percent at $107.83 on a report that chip suppliers were concerned the iPhone maker would cut chip orders for the fourth quarter.

The stock was the biggest drag on the three major indexes.

New jobless claims rose mod-

estly last week but remained near 15-year lows. Also, a gauge of the trend in claims fell.

Mixed signals from the data could complicate the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise interest rates this year.

Wall Street rallied on Wednesday as investors bought beaten-down stocks, with biotechs rising for a second day after a recent bout of sustained selling.

“Markets opened modestly lower after yesterday’s big rally and then the ISM number came out just barely above 50,” said Paul Nolte, portfolio manager at Kingsview Asset Management in Chicago.

“Stocks are recovering a little bit, but it goes on the side of the ledger that indicates that the U.S. and the global economies are certainly not growing at a robust rate.”

Nolte

Concerns over China and global market volatility figured high on a list of reasons the U.S. Federal Reserve did not raise interest rates last month.

In the euro zone, where the central bank is six months into a 1.1 trillion euro asset purchase program, the PMI survey data showed manufacturing output weakened slightly last month.

Markit’s final euro zone manufacturing PMI was 52.0 last month, lower than August’s 52.3.

Factories in Europe’s number one economy, Germany, performed better, however, driven by strong output from consumer goods producers and rising new orders.

The PMIs also showed French manufacturing grew faster than first thought in September, while British factory growth lost steam and shed jobs for the first time since 2013.

The drag on the UK economy is likely to weigh on the Bank of England which is considering when the appropriate time is to raise interest rates from the current 0.50 percent, where they In the Americas, growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector rose slightly in September but was still at its second-lowest level since Oct. 2013, according to Markit.

“The U.S. manufacturing sector has seen a distinct loss of growth momentum in recent months, endured the worst performance for two years during the third quarter,” said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit.

“Headwinds include the rising dollar, weak demand in global markets, a downturn in business investment and financial market jitters,” he added.

An alternative U.S. manufacturing survey from the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) showed the pace of factory activity slowed in September while remaining at its lowest level since May 2013.

Life &

Times Friday, October 2, 2015

Damilola

Afolabi Opens up on career

L2,3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Damilola

Afolabi: When fame comes, I will remain humble

The son of billionaire business mogul, Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SiFAX Group who is currently with Wizkid’s Starboy records, Damilola Afolabi a.k.a LAX is now the rave of the moment. Not a few contemporary artistes of his would kill to possess his kind of artistic quality and have it on rampant display; LAX’s creative talent is rare to the point of being eccentric. It is not so often that you would find so many astounding variables in one artiste, including features which ought to be incompatible: vulnerability, a sense of menace, sterling and comprehensible intellect, candour, audacity and a rather startling energy.

In this interview, the talented creative act opens on his journey into the music world. Excerpts: You be omo baba olowo, why are you into music?

I love music, it is my passion. At the end of the day, I want to make money out of it. So I am doing music for the passion and for me to be able to stand on my own. Forget my father or anything, to be able to do things for myself.

There is nothing like doing what you love and making money out of it. So it’s something I love doing that’s why I am doing it.

At what point did you know music is what you were going to do?

I didn’t start music as a kid when I was young or from the choir. I started music like a fluke. My friend called me up and asked me to come to the studio with him that his car broke down and he wanted me to take him to the studio. So I got to the video and there was this vibe then, the producer then asked me: how are you doing, whatsup?

And I was like ‘I just brought my guy to the studio’, so he said ‘do something on the mike for me’ we were just joking around, it was the end of the session. This was like in 2007. So I jokingly did a freestyle. After the session,the producer called me and was like: ‘guy you have a distinct voice and I think you should learn this craft. So I go to the studio every day and he used to teach me like keys, music and everything.

He is actually dbanj’s producer, dvee. So I worked with him for like two years and that was how I started.

At the point you were going to take music professional, why did you pitch your tent with Wizkid and not another

record label or start your own record label?

I started coaching myself even without my dad and my mum. I was just using my own savings to push myself. I shot a couple of videos while in London when I was in school. So when I got back to Nigeria, I think I had a show, like a summer jam. I think it was Hennessey or something that was doing the show, so I was supposed to be on bill there and I met one woman and she looked at me and was like ‘I like you swag, I like your dressing, I’m a stylist, I want to style you, blah blah blah’ so we spoke for a while and we became close. I used to call her from London then she’s close friends with Wizkid and she was styling Wizkid at the time and she called me up and she was like ‘oh, send me some of your stuffs I want to play it for Wiz and see if he likes it’. He listened to some of my stuffs, liked it and called me up. I went to his house and then we started vibing, Can you remember the first day you met Wizkid? When and where was it?

It was in Wizkid’s house. It was in the night, like 1am. That was the day she called me. This was in 2013. She called me up in the evening around 6pm to come to Wizkid’s, but I was doing something by then and told her I will be there before night time. So I got there by 12; we spoke and from there we just clicked.

Between when you met wizkid, how long did it take you to officially sign a contract with him?

It took like two months. Because after the meeting when he heard my stuffs and liked it, like two weeks three weeks after we went to London because that’s where I schooled.

He went to London with me, we did couple of tracks together, that was when we recorded ‘Caro’ as well.

Whats the contract you have with Wizkid? Is it a management or a record label deal? How many years is the deal?

Is there a sign off fee that we didn’t get to hear about?

It’s a record label deal and it is just for two albums.

For how many years?

Two years.

But you can’t achieve two albums in two years, can you?

The contract states that we can extend the contract.

Continued on P 3

Life&

T E A M

Pfromfrom

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

L

Damilola Afolabi

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Luke Utomi

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Music is Spiritual –Damilola Afolabi Continued from

Pfromfrom

L2

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In the time you have been working with Wizkid, how will you describe him?

He is a cool cat, he’s focused, he motivates me, he works a lot, he’s a hard worker, he goes to the studio like everyday, working. We are even going to the studio today to have a session.

What project are you working on now?

I’m working on my singles, I have close to 30, 40 singles songs recorded and I am working on my album as well.

When is your first album going to be out?

Its supposed to be out next year, but we can still push it.

What are you learning from Wizkid?

I’m learning to build my own craft, my own type and sound of music.

What’s your own type of music?

I do everything, fuse, I can go on any beat, I can go on reggae, pop, afro beat, fuji sound so on.

I’m just trying to come together with my own sound and create my own kind of music.

Where lies your strength?

I am very good at speaking Yoruba because of my grandma, so I like to put Yoruba in my music to get the fans on the street as well.

You said that wizkid inspired you?

Yeah, I have been wizkids’ fan for a very long time. Since he came out because he was a young kid doing his thing so I looked up to him as well when I was in school and doing my own thing. So he has inspired me a lot. Even working with him has inspired me a lot.

Which other Nigerian artiste are you looking up to?

I look up to Wande Coal. I listened to him a lot. When I was younger, I look up to a lot of Nigerian artistes because everyone is trying to survive.

Back in London, did you make any attempt to go into Music?

Yeah. I have been doing music for a while since I was in London.

I had a studio in my house; I used to do music so it has been part of me for a while.

Was it professional?

I won’t say it wasn’t professional because I used to go to the bez studios in London, I used to work with a producer that has worked with beyonce and Jay Z. he was my producer for like two years, he used to mix and master my songs.

So I will say what I was doing was

semi-professional.

Why didn’t you stay up there, why did you come back to Nigeria?

I was doing my school. I just finished my masters, so school and studio; I was just building my craft at that time, trying to just create my craft as well as focusing on school, building my craft so that when I finish school I will be able to start fully.

If you had not done music, what else would you have done?

I think I would have been a businessman going into different ventures, not just one thing, because I don’t see myself wearing suit and tie.

What was your dad’s reaction when you told him about your d o i n g music?

M y Dad is a very c o o l g u y , we are close, we talk.

He wasn’t exactly h a p p y with music.

I want you to head one of my companies but after a while when he heard my songs and his friends were always calling him up telling him ‘I saw you child on TV’ so he started supporting me, but he had been supportive from the beginning.

How prepared are you for scandal?

I am prepared for scandal 100% when I was in secondary school.

I was like the kid that everybody wanted to be like. I was a cool kid and everybody wanted to be like me from when I was in secondary school. So at the end of the day, I have been receiving that kind of attention from when I was a kid and I have been dealing with it because I have a great mum that keeps me on check and a great manager that keeps me on check.

My manager is like family to me.

Which Nigerian artiste will you like to feature in your music?

What I am doing in my kind of music, I am not an artiste that just does one kind of sound so it depends on the kind of sound I am trying to put out there and the kind of artiste that features.

Every Nigerian artiste coming up now is good so I don’t have any preference for any artiste in particular.

Are you married?

(Laughs) No Are you in any relationship?

No Why aren’t you in a relationship?

Because I am trying to stay focused. I’m trying to make this money, the world now, no money.

What happened to your last relationship?

Damilola Afolabi Nothing, we are cool. I am cool with everybody.

How would you describe your dream woman?

To be honest I have related with a lot of girls in terms of friendship.

Am just looking for somebody that can understand me because this music thing is crazy men; the fans, the pleasure, so I am looking for somebody that would understand me and love me for who I am.

Which female artiste do you have a crush in?

I don’t think I have a crush on anybody, but I’m feeling Cynthia Morgan; like I like her sound and her type of music and I think she’s bold.

Your full name and schools you attended.

My name is Damilola Afolabi, I went to AveMaria Primary School, Nigerian Turkish International School, Stanford University for my degree,

L3 Interview

(Human Resource Management), I finished my masters at the Manchester University (Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship).

How do you see these courses improving your music career?

That’s why I did my masters in innovation management and entrepreneurship.

Being an entrepreneur is being able to have a lot business skills and using your innovation skills to try to make changes in the industry. It is not even about my music now, it’s about what I want to do for the industry based on the structure.

Don’t you think you will be more useful in the area of artiste management?

At the end of the day, I am still going to have my own company, my own brand, that is going to push other artists to bring them up.

Why the name LAX? it isn’t your initials.

It came from my secondary school. In school, people used to call me LA because I had a shoe called Lacrox and in my school, at that time we were only allowed to wear leather shoes so I used to wear trainers and I spoke to the administration of the school to let students wear any shoes they like and they agreed.

So my friends started calling me LA. So when I started music, I colonized it and I and my friends just sat down one day and were just trying other alphabets to it. X sounded cool so I just used it.

Who wrote ‘Caro’, you or Wizkid?

We did the studio session together, he did his part and I wrote mine.

What has life being like as a music artiste?

There have been up and down.

Sometimes you go to the studio and no inspiration comes, you have to chill till the inspiration comes. Music is spiritual, it comes some days and others it doesn’t. I focus more on the music because it’s the music people hear that makes them fall in love with you before they even get to know you personally. So apart from that, working with different artistes, the struggle and all but the good side is receiving love from fans, family and everybody. It has been cool.

Why do u say music is spiritual?

It is spiritual because even the Bible and Quran talks about how spiritual it is. Because music touches a lot of people’s hearts.

When some people are down and they listen to your music and they become free from whatever is disturbing them.

Are you a Christian or a Muslim?

I am a Muslim.

Have you ever thought of dropping music to do something

else?

Every great person thinks of dropping something to do something else, even when they love something because things don’t always work out the way you want it to. I have thought about stopping music for something else a lot of times but the love for music keeps me in it.

What are the instances that make you think of doing something else?

It still boils down to going to studio at times and not getting inspiration. You question your talent, but the people around me and my manager encourages me to keep motivating me.

What are the challenges generally?

In Nigeria, we don’t make as much money as we are supposed to make. If you like at the American industry, they are making so much money. An average songwriter in America makes more money than an average artiste in Nigeria and in Nigeria only the artists make money.

What are the structures in those countries you think we are lacking here?

The government in America puts focus on the entertainment scene as a whole because they are making revenue from the industry.

But in Nigeria, you don’t see the government putting interest in artistes performance. Even radio stations don’t support the industry the way they are supposed to.

Do you belong to any music association in Nigeria?

Yes, I belong to COSON. Do you see music as a lifelong career for you?

No, no really. At the end of the day, I am doing music because of my passion for it, but I am still planning to put a lot of artist on, as big as I want to be, I can now start doing other things.

Who are the international acts that you will love to do collaboration with?

My team is presently talking to Kendrick Lamar to work with him as well. I love a lot of international artists and we are planning to work with them in the future.

Why do you think Nigerian Artists like collaborating with foreign acts?

In Nigeria, we don’t actually make as much as we suppose to make, that’s the first problem. It’s not only Nigerian artists that want to break into the world scene.

Music is supposed to be universal.

Just like PSY who did ‘Hangover’ with Snoop Dogg and the music went viral.

You said you started as a Rapper, have you left rap completely.

I haven’t. If I need to rap in a song, I will. It’s just that I find my strength in singing. Will be dropping some singles soon, before the year runs out.

What will change about you when you reach the top?

Nothing will change about me, I will still remain that humble guy.

Society Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Socialites who dazzled at Isaac Oguntoye Ojude Oba takes place every third day of Eid- el-Kabir. It is now celebrated by Muslims and Christians of Ijebu origin.

The celebration has been on for over 100 years since the first set of Muslim converts visited the then Awujale to express gratitude to him for giving them the free will to practice their new found faith. They also seized the opportunity to pray for his long life and prosperity for the town. At the turn of the 19th century, the Ijebu people came into wealth by virtue of their diligence and industry and this further led to the systematic internalisation of different age grades into its social fabric. Each of the groups comprises of people born within the same age bracket of three years and their nomenclature also signalled major happenings. These groups have, in time, crystallised into instruments of social cohesion and mobilization for the development of the Ijebu nation. In this piece, we present to you some of the topmost socialites who graced and played a significant role at the festival.

Daisy Danjuma

Otunba Subomi Balogun

Vivacious Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma is a renowned politician who has done remarkably well ever since she delved into the political arena. The ever-radiant wife of one of the Nigeria’s richest men, General Theophilus Danjuma was also present at the Ojude Oba Festival looking glamorous in her stylish attire. There was never a dore moment for the fair in complexion politician as she was accorded repect and recognised amidst the mamoth crowd.

Otunba Subomi Balogun is a banking guru who has made an appreciable impact in the profession. He was one of those who started indigenous banks and has remained relevant in the banking sector. The octogenarian also remains a force to reckon with on the social scene. Penultimate week, he was at the Ojude Oba festival to pledge his own support.

He was not just there but his First City Monument Bank played a significant role in making sure the festival becomes a successful one.

Prof. Ashiru and Wife, Toyin Chief Mrs Edionsere a.k.a Cash Madam Veteran Socialite, Chief (Mrs.) Abiola Edionsere alias Cash Madam also made the guest list with friends. In case you don’t know, she’s the first Iya Suna of Ogun State granted by the Muslims Council. As Cash Madam who is in her late 70s stood up from her seat, over 50 Lagos textile merchants (Ladies) marched along with her like a platoon following their commander to war as they danced and escorted the veteran lace merchant.

One of the significant contributions of Prof. Ashiru in the field of reproductive endocrinology is in the elucidation of mechanisms controlling pituitary gonadotropins (FSH) release.

He showed that exogenous FSH has a positive feedback on the release of endogenous FSH. That is the basic science behind the use of exogenous gonadotropins (Pergonal, Metrodin and others) for extra follicular development, in infertility management and IVF cycles. Currently his area of research is in embryo culture techniques and implantation failure.

He pioneered the IVF program in Nigeria in 1984 and his team successfully delivered the first test tube baby in Africa in 1986. He was there with his wife, Toyin Ashiru.

Gov. Bayelsa, Dickson The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, was accompanied by ex-Bayelsa governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, where he was special guest. The governor used the opportunity to campaign for his re-election come December 5th, 2015.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

L5 Society Gists

Ojude Oba Festival 2015 Chief (Mrs.) Tola Solomon In Abuja today, Erelu Tola Solomon is a top society lady and frontline Fashion designer and beautician; she is the brain behind Terivik Couture and Hair Xcellence. This beautiful woman of style does not only designs for the top society women in the FCT, she also beautifies them with the skills she acquired at London School of Fashion, United Kingdom. She was based in England for several years where she owned a beauty shop for 16 years before she relocated to Nigeria some years back. This amiable woman also has a boutique where most Abuja women feel comfortable shopping from.

She is adored for her kind-hearted nature, and this attribute has won her the friendship of many society women. This Ijebu born Chief was not left out on the list of society ladies that added colour to Ojude Oba Festival this year.

Justice Oguntade and Wife Hon. Justice George Adesola Oguntade and his lovely wife, Modupe were the cynosure of all eyes during the 2015 Ojude Oba festival as the duo, adorned in the same attire were looking like a new wedded couple. They were full of life exchanging pleasantries with friends and close business associates who made it to the festival.

Sen. Sulaimon Olalekan Mustapha Sen. Sulaimon Olalekan Mustapha did not only answer the call made to all sons and daughters of Ijebuland as well as philanthropists of repute to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the community but also made it an obligation to be part and parcel of the entire Ijebu growth.

He was present at the Ojude Oba Festival with friends and clients from different part of the world.

Rasaq and Sade Okoya Thirty seven year old Sade Okoya, the beautiful wife of 75 year old billionaire businessman, Rasaq Okoya is known to be a Fashionista who shared a strong bond between herself and her husband. The Marriage of over 16years always looks like yesterday each time they stepped out.

Otunba Lekan Osifeso Otunba Lekan Osifeso is in the news again, this time around, it is not about his controversial lifestyle but his role in the just concluded Ojude Oba Festival. Though, the cool dude did not play any major role but his presence was appreciated by the organizers of the festival. He was calm and focus all through the event.

Kolade Onanuga The young musician became a force to reckon with after many fans and followers likened his voice and music composition to that of Fuji Czar, K1. K2 hails from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State and has become one of the major performers at the annual Ojude Oba festival that has become synonymous with indigenes of Ijebu Ode. He was at the grand finale of the festival with his well beautified horse.

Society Gists L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

Isaac Oguntoye

FCMB holds Seminar/Workshop for New Media Journalism

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) on Wednesday organised Media Parley/Workshop for online journalists under the theme, “Stimulating Responsible New Media Journalism: A Pathway to International Recognition”.

At the event, which had award winning journalist and expert in new media journalism, Mr. Inigo Gilmore from the United Kingdom, as Guest Speaker, the GMD/CEO of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ladi Balogun, said the Bank organised the parley/workshop as part of its contributions towards enhancing the skills and competence of journalists to enable them carry out their job in a more professional manner, which will go a long way to develop the country.

He said FCMB believes that the media should be fair, responsible, independent and accountable. Through this way, the media industry and its practitioners would be able to realise their aspirations and add significant value to national development.

Other speakers, including Dr. Larry Izamoje, Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe and Mr. Martins Oloja (Editor of Guardian newspaper), spoke in the same vein, saying that the media has a key role to play in the well-being of the country. They advised practitioners, especially those in the online platform, to effectively and positively harness the opportunities provided by technology while discharging their functions.

Over 1million worshippers partake In Liberation City 2015 annual Fire Conference

The annual Holy Ghost Fire Conference of Liberation City, NOT MY HEAD NOT MY BLOOD has ended with supernatural testimonies. This year’s program recorded the highest number of Christian faithful in one program attended. Over one million worshippers partook in this year’s conference. The conference which took place at the International headquarters, LIBERATION CITY at Ojodu Berger, Lagos, recorded different testimonies which include a pregnant woman with four years pregnancy. She gave birth to a baby boy shortly after the program. Another lady who has been on a wheelchair for close to 30 years also received her healing as she walked again with her legs. The first day of the program began with supernatural miracles as God’s servant and the Senior Pastor, Liberation City Dr. Chris Okafor Prophesies accurately to the life of the people. One woman who has been suffering from neck goiter for close to 25 years received her healing as the goiter disappeared through the word of prophetic by the Oracle of God. Also, a young man who has been deaf since he was born received his healing as he now hears.

Top business mogul, Olu Okeowo celebrates wife’s birthday

Penultimate Thursday was another remarkable year as friends and family of Lady Funke Okeowo gathered at Saviour Cathedral Church, Onikan Lagos to celebrate with Olu Okeowo’s wife. The reception that took place at Civic centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Victoria Island, Lagos had top personalities from all spheres of life were in atendance. The Lagos billionaire and Chairman, Community Development Association of Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Prince Olu-Okeowo was so happy as his amiable wife clocked the golden age (50 years).

Gani Adams flanked by Unilag Creative Arts Students and some guests at the festival.

Gani Adams supports Unilag Creative Arts students to Promote African Cultures The University of Lagos (Unilag) was thrown into a carnival mood on Monday, September 28, as the creative students of the institution thrilled a massive crowd with amazing festival performances.

The event which was proudly supported by the Olokun Festival Foundation and National Coordinator of the OOdua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams (OGA) was perfectly woven to serve a dual purpose. First the evening of cultural displays was to serve as an exam for the students in the creative arts as well as be a source

of entertainment aimed at promoting Nigerian and African cultures, the occasion was well graced, with many dignitaries in attendance.

OGA was the chief patron for the event and he delivered the keynote address in which he debated that Nigeria as nation cannot progress except its citizens go back to their roots and uphold their cultures.

The political activist went on to allay fears over the misconceptions of culture. He informed that fanatics often cross the thin line between culture and religion, and because of western influence

they tend to demonize the African cultural heritage.

The OPC leader said that culture is and will be a great tool in taking Nigeria to the height which it is supposed to have attained.

While explaining the role of culture in Nigerian development, he said we will lose our identity and focus if we continue to demonize our own tradition.

He noted that there is a great distinction between culture and religion, stating that the consciousness of the people must be awakened to ensure that our root is not forgotten.

“If we continue to forget our root, then no matter the intellectual wealth we acquire, we may not be able to move this country forward.”

Gani said he was glad that the event took place in Unilag were many prominent Nigerians have their children, noting that if Unilag has started to imbibe cultural promotions as this, then it won’t be long before the entire Nigeria keys into the initiative.

He urged all Nigerians to begin to see their various cultures in a new light, stating that this would be the road to finding our national identity.

HID Awolowo Chris Erondu

Where is Chris Erondu?

The man who seatatop one of the busiest night club on Opebi, Chris Erondu is an humble gentleman whose business strategies cut-across every angle of hospitality businesses. He’s the prime-mover of De’Vogue around Salvation in Opebi axis. For sometimes now,

nothing has been heard about the cool dude.

Some close pals said the entrepreneur of note is working a big project which has been taking lots of his time while some said the easy-going man has decided to live a low profile lifestyle in order to be able to focus on his business.

What you need to know about HID Awolowo The last may not have been heard about the death of wife of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo. Mama Awolowo who gave up the ghost few weeks ago at her country home in Ikenne was described by notable Nigerians as an epitome of both

beauty and knowledge to womanhood. But something astonishing about the late Matriarch was that, she was a devoted Christian who never missed any of her church programmes.

Another testimony on her death was that she died on 19/09 while her husband, late Obafemi Awolowo was born in 1909.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

L7

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, October 2, 2015

L8 TV guide

Showing on

Showing on

152 Africa Magic Epic

141 Eva Channel

00:45

03:00

Fri, 2 Oct | 16

Fri, 2 Oct | PG 13

Aka Nneka My Princess. A rebellious prince is forced to choose a wife hoping that this would make him settle down. However, the prince is determined to have his way regardless. Nuella Njubigbo, Charles Okocha. (2012) Ifeanyi Azodo.

101 M-Net West

03:00 Caught On Camera 04:00 The Voice 05:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 06:00 Modern Family 06:30 The Blacklist 07:30 Battle Creek 08:30 Iron Man 3 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 NCIS: New Orleans 14:00 Hawaii Five-0 15:00 The Fixer 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Odd Couple 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Resurrection 19:30 Arrow 20:30 The Bag Man 22:30 The Deadly Game

154 Africa Magic Family

00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Good Morning Africa 03:27 Secret Room 03:49 Behind The Scenes: Invasion 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

07:25 Paul’s Puzzle 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Nowhere To Be Found 14:30 Nowhere To Be Found 15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Goal Diggerz 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Days Without Rain 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

‘S1/E59 - 1/59’. A tearful Marthita confides her secret to Olvido. Regardless of his pain, Armando refuses to see a doctor. Everybody celebrates the birth of Iran’s baby girl, except Iran.

155 AfricaMagic World

00:25 Most Shocking 01:20 Sexy Car Wash 01:50 Rude Tube 00:30 The Weakest Link

10:25 Deal Or No Deal

01:20 Scott And Bailey

11:05 My Family

02:10 Come Dine With Me

11:35 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:05 EastEnders

12:25 Top Gear

03:35 QI

13:25 Come Dine With Me

04:05 Top Gear

14:10 Celebrity MasterChef

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

15:05 The Weakest Link

05:25 QI

16:00 Casualty

05:55 The Thin Blue Line

17:00 The Chase

06:25 EastEnders

18:00 The Cube

06:55 Antiques Roadshow

19:00 New Tricks

07:50 The Weakest Link

20:00 The Graham Norton Show

08:35 The Chase

21:00 Dragons’ Den

09:25 QI

22:00 Live At The Apollo

09:55 Would I Lie To You?

22:50 QI

155 Africa Magic World

00:02 Music Block 01:00 Good Morning Africa 02:05 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Music Block 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:05 Last Angel In Hell 07:20 Star Gist 07:55 Star Gist

08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Kumwesu 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 The Bleeding Heart 21:45 Jara 22:15 Music Block

02:20 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:45 The Boondocks 03:10 Rude Tube 03:35 Most Shocking 04:30 South Beach Tow 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow 15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Tattoo Nightmares 20:30 Skin Wars 21:30 Hip Hop Squares 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 1000 Ways To Die