Dtn 2 12 15

Arms purchase: DSS arrests Dasuki as EFCC picks up Dokpesi Ï ^#^ ƅ ƗƆƌ ƏƏƆ Ɛ Ƈ ó ƍƍ ƈƐƈ ƆƋƆƌƆ Ɛ ô Ï Ƒ Ɛ ƌƆ ƑƐ Ƈ Əƌ ƗƆ Ƌè ƕ d Ə Ɗƈ Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎFormer National Security Advis-

er (NSA) to the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, rtd, was in the early

hours of Tuesday arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

No official reason has been given Continued on page 2

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 VOL. 1. NO. 243

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 1st December 2015.

UNILEVER

38.06

39.9

1.84 %

ETI

15.35

15.68

0.33%

NB

120

117.97

-2.03%

7UP

184

183

-1%

UACN

25.81

26.95

1.14%

GUINNESS

121

121.3

0.3%

CONOIL

27.41

26.04

-1.37%

PZ

25.46

24.87

-0.59%

Declare me gov-elect, Faleke asks court

Ï ƑƏƐ ƗƆƅƈƗƆ Ɠ ƆƐ ƆƏ Ɛ ƗƆƅƋ ƏƆ z Ɨ Ɠƈ ƆƏè Ɛ ƆƏ ƅ Ɔ 0ƏƈƗ ƕ Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎMr.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Politics

Æs

President Muhammadu Buhari (third from right); UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon (third from left); President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana (second from left), and leaders from Guinea, Mali and Niger on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference, COP 21, in Paris… on Tuesday Biafra: Igbo

Buhari’s change mantra is mere slogan- Prof Ben Nwabueze

on legitimate struggle, says g2 Yerima

ƈ è 9^R ƑƐ Ɨ Ɠ Ƅ è R ƈƐ ƒƆƏ E Ƒ Constitutional lawyer and Chairman of The Patriots, Professor Ben Nwabueze in this interview during the meeting of the eminent personalities in Lagos spoke on the need for caution on the agitations for Biafra saying the mere name of MASSOB connotes treason as there cannot be another independent state within Nigeria. The octogenarian former Minister of education also lampooned the Buhari administration over the change mantra saying so far, there is nothing like change in the country. AKINJIDE AKINTOLA, Political Editor was there. Excerpts:

Minister tasks stakeholders Ɔé1 ƒƐ Master Plan gB1 2020

Reaction to current agitations for actualisation of Biafra?

With the general condition in the country, unemployment of the youths, graduate unemployment is a serious issue in this country. And that has given rise to youths unrest and protest; it’s the season of the youths; graduates sitting at home for three, five or more years after graduation without jobs; what do you expect them to do? How do you expect them to feel? This is the issue. And the second issue that has given rise to protests is the feeling of injustice. Some areas of the country feel that they are not being well treated; they are being treated as if they do not belong. Look at the recent appointment by the federal government, by our president; the way the appointments are slanted in favour of a particular section of the country. Even the initial appointments before the appointment of the ministers - all favouring one area and one particular religious grouping. In the appointment of ministers, the president is not left with much discretion, he has to appoint ministers from each state, so he cannot say I will not appoint someone from the South east or the South west or the South

Ignatius Njoku: If

Ƒ Əƈô change g 8 mantra is mere slogan – Prof Ben Nwabueze

you want to stand out, you must give your all g L1 Nwabueze i.e. how the ministers are allotted functions. Otherwise what can be the justification for appointing in respect of security, all ministers in charge of security issues and functions and officers all from the same area. The Minister of Defence from the same area, Min-

Kanu lier appointment of service chiefs, most of them from the same area.

National Security is a national concern not the concern of a particular area. When you appoint the functionaries in charge of security from a particular area, you give the impression that national

nation. We don’t want to create a situation where in the event of a problem, the situation will be managed by one section who will now lord itself over the entire country to adopt solutions that will favour that particular section of the country. That’s very, very unacceptable

James Abiodun Faleke, the running mate to late Alhaji Abubakar Audu, the All Progressive Congress (APC)candidate in the November 21 Governorship election has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to declared him governor- elect of Kogi state.

In a suit filed on Tuesday through his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Faleke is seeking a declaration that the results of the election held on November 21 as declared by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), produced him as the Deputy Governor- elect of Kogi State.

He is also seeking a declaration that the results declared following the governorship election in Kogi State had produced a governor- elect in line with provi-

Amidst a renewed agitation by pro-Biafra protesters across the South east and South south parts of the country with the subsequent clamp down on them by the Federal Government, a former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmad Sani Yerima, has said that the Biafra agitators were on a legitimate struggle for self determination.

The former governor, now a Senator, told newsmen that consequently, the federal government and the security agencies must allow them to exercise their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Yerima, a politician known for his radical views on national issues, cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria Armed Forces against the use of force on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Survival of the Sovereign State of Biafra ( MASSOB), saying the groups were on a legitimate struggle for self-determination and should be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights.

He disagreed with President Buhari and the top echelon of the Nigeria Armed Forces on the handling of the renewed agitation by the groups to revive the defunct Republic of Biafra saying they

Continued on page 2

Senate passes N574.5b Supplementary Budget g6

News 2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Declare me gov-elect, Faleke asks court Continued from page 1 sions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Faleke’s suit was filed just as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja also on Tuesday fixed Friday for judgment on the consolidated suits that arose from the inconclusive November 21, 2015 Kogi State governorship election.

Four aggrieved parties, namely the state governor, Captain Idris Wada; Emmanuel Diakwo; John Jacob Usman and Hon. Emmanuel Igbokwe had

approached the court with various claims following the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the governorship candidate of the APC. Although, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), had scheduled its supplementary election in 91 polling units in 18 of the state’s 21 local government areas for Saturday December 5, Justice Gabriel Kolawale said he will rule on Friday to prevent a great shadow of doubt and avert constitutional crisis.

Three of the plaintiffs; Emmanuel Diakwo, John-

son J. Usman and Hon. Emmanuel Igbokwe a member of House of Representatives have asked the court to cancel the November 21, governorship election which late Audu was leading before his death while Governor Captain Idris Wada want the INEC to declare him winner of the said election.

The court will determine whether having regards to the provisions of Sections 31 (1) (2) (4) (5) (6) (7) and (8),33,34,36,85 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) as well as sections 178- 181of the Consti-

tution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the INEC can lawfully conduct a second/ supplementary election into the office of Governor of Kogi State on 5th December or any other day let alone accepting nomination/substitution by All progressives Congress on the basis of votes computed and credited to late Audu.

Whether in view of the provisions of section 179 (2) (3)(4)(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and other provisions of the electoral Act and having regards to the doctrine of ne-

(R-L) Minister for Works, Housing and Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN; Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Ighoyota Amori, during a courtesy visit of Fashola to the Senate Minority Leader in Abuja…on Tuesday.

Again, IPOB shuts down Aba, Onitsha over Kanu ÎÎÎIn continuation of

the protest for the release of its leader and director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of Security Services (DSS), the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Tuesday shut down two commercial cities in the South EastAba in Abia State and Onitsha in Anambra State.

In Aba, no fewer than 500, 000 members of IPOB marched through the streets of Aba, shutting down social and economic activities in the city.

No fewer than 20,000

members and sympathizers of the group also shut down vehicular and commercial activities in Onitsha and its environs, like Obosi and Nkpor to protest, in solidarity for the release of Kanu.

The protest march in Aba went on as scheduled in spite of warning from Abia State government that it would not condone further loss of economic activities nor compromise the security of lives and property.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Bonnie Iwuoha, but the protesters did not heed

to the call for restraint.

Our correspondent reports that the protest was peaceful as in previous demonstrations though economic and vehicular activities were grounded in most parts of Aba as the pro-Biafra group marched on the double lanes of major roads of Aba-Owerri road, Azikiwe road, Faulks road, Tonimas, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway among other roads serving as both exit and entrance routes into the commercial city.

It was also gathered that the group had on Monday gone round major markets in Aba - Ariaria, Ezikwu/

Cemetry, New Market (Ahia Ohuru), Shopping Center and others, warning traders not to open their shops for business on Tuesday, an order that was strictly adhered to by the traders except for shop owners on streets who were however forced to close down on sighting the protesters.

However, most public and private schools were open for academic activities but commercial banks in the city witnessed low patronage as most people stayed indoors.

Sources within OsisioContinued on page 6

cessity, the plaintiffs being the only surviving candidate with the majority votes cast at the election ought not to be declared winner of

the election having secured not less than one -quarter of votes cast in two-thirds Continued on page 6

Arms purchase: DSS arrests Dasuki as EFCC picks up Dokpesi Continued from page 1 by the DSS for his arrest.

But the DSS had earlier said that Dasuki had been indicted in another investigation involving the purchase of arms during the regime of former President Jonathan.

Also on Tuesday, the owner of Daar Communications PLC, operators of African Independent Television and Ray Power FM radio station, Dr. Raymond AleighoDokpesi was also on Tuesday arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the ongoing probe into an arms deal worth over $2.9 billion.

The arms deal was allegedly struck during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dokpesi was reported to have been taken to the EFCC office in Ikoyi, Lagos for interrogation over the issue.

It was however not clear if he had been released or still being interrogated by the EFCC operatives.

Daily Times recalled that Col. Dasuki had been placed under house arrest in his Abuja home since November 4, 2015 by the DSS. This was a day after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted him leave to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The court gave him three weeks for the trip.

He was expected to return November 26, 2015.

But the DSS said Dasuki had been indicted in another investigation involving the purchase of arms during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he served as NSA. Already, a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, had earlier been arrested in connection with the arms purchase investigation.

Dasuki was said to have

been moved from house arrest in his Abuja home into the facility of the DSS in connection with the ongoing probe into the arms deal.

The former NSA was said to have voluntarily followed the DSS operatives without any resistance.

In a related development, the owner of Daar Communications PLC, operators of African Independent Television and Ray Power FM radio station, Dr. Raymond AleighoDokpesi was also on Tuesday arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the ongoing probe into an arms deal worth over $2.9 billion.

The arms deal was allegedly struck during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dokpesi was reported to have been taken to the EFCC office in Ikoyi, Lagos for interrogation over the issue.

It was however not clear if he had been released or still being interrogated by the EFCC operatives.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned, in its entirety, the arrest of media mogul, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and other opposition elements by the APC-led Federal Government.

The party has also alerted that it has been made aware that more notable PDP leaders have similarly been listed for arrest over unproven allegations pursuant to the plot by the APC to cow and silence opposition in the country.

The opposition PDP said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh on Tuesday in Abuja.

The PDP said the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Chief Dokpesi before any fair hearing, betrays the fact that he is a vicContinued on page 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Youth unemployment in Nigeria

R

ecently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo raised alarm at the increasing unemployment in the country, especially among the youth. Obasanjo, who spoke at the 16th and 17th convocation of the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, stressed that if urgent steps are not taken to address it, “the country may be sitting on a keg of gun powder.”

Definitely, what the ex-president said is not new to Nigerians, given that the scale of unemployment in the country is approaching a catastrophic proportion.

We are equally concerned at the stratospheric rise in unemployment and the consequences it is having on national development. It is a truism that the rate of unemployment is alarming and unless this is resolved, the country would be facing a precarious future of restive citizenry.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment rate has averaged 14.60 per cent on yearly basis since 2004. There is no gainsaying the fact that high unemployment is responsible for increase in the level of frustration and high rate of crime in the country.

It is equally disheartening that despite Nigeria’s vast human and material resources, gross mismanagement, profligate spending, poor leadership and corruption by public officials has stymied the optimal utilisation of these resources in such a way that they would bring maximum economic benefits and employment generation to the citizenry.

Of course, unemployment is widely regarded as a major social and economic global problem, even as the consequences have obvious and well-documented links to economic disadvantages. For example, the

unemployed lack the wherewithal to purchase goods and services.

Therefore, where unemployment is high, investors are reluctant to invest in the production of goods or the provision of services because when production and consumption are down, there is no opportunity to get a return on their investment.

Aside adding to the economic imbalance of society, unemployment also means that people have less money to pay income tax and less disposal income to spend on goods and services. Moreover, inability to find work by youths usually creates a sense of vulnerability, helplessness and idleness, which in turn heightens the attraction to crimes and criminal tendencies.

Social commentators have for long argued that the worsening employment crisis in Nigeria is partly a reflection of government’s inability to design policies that will create more jobs, or provide the enabling environment to encourage individuals and the private sector to expand employment opportunities without let or hindrance.

Therefore, it is imperative that all levels of government come up with clear policies to address the complex unemployment conundrum. Most importantly, there is need to counsel those seeking higher education to pursue relevant courses that would equip them for the job market.

In addition, the federal, states, local governments and private sector should establish skills acquisition centres to train low and middle level manpower for the economy. Over all, it is important to recognise the fact that Nigeria is in a race against time to address the present job crisis. In short, the reality of unemployment is a problem that may take years to resolve, but must be tackled with urgency.

Now, Gov. el-Rufai should eat the humble pie Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎ

Among chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who since the party took over the Presidency and many state governorship positions in Nigeria on May 29, 2015 that have taken delight in lampooning the immediate administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan is Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, the Kaduna State governor.

In one of his outbursts, el-Rufai on October 1, 2015, on his Facebook page, accused former President Jonathan of spending N64 billion on Independence Day celebrations between 2011

and 2014.

In 2010, Jonathan spent N10bn for Nigeria’s golden jubilee celebration, the Kaduna State governor added.

Thereafter, admirers of the Kaduna State governor hailed him, calling for Jonathan’s head.

They believed el-Rufai’s statement to be true.

But at the weekend, the Federal Government described el-Rufai’s allegation as untrue. According to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Jonathan administration spent N332.6m for the anniversary celebrations in the years in question.

Federal Government’s statement was in response to a Freedom of Information request by BudgIT Nigeria, noting

Words On Marble :

that N1.7bn was spent on the country’s 2010 golden jubilee celebration and N138,138,000 on the centenary honours awards in 2014.

Clearly, the Kaduna State governor was just being mischievous by making such allegation.

He just showed his hatred for the Jonathan administration.

The debunking of the Kaduna State governor’s allegation against Jonathan by the Federal Government has shown that el-Rufai lied. He was just playing to the gallery. So, now that he has been proved wrong, one hopes that Gov. elRufai will swallow his pride and apologise to Jonathan and Nigerians. This is what maturity demands.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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

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

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

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Adams Oshiomhole

Justice Mahmud Mohammed

Barack Obama

“I have told my fellow governors that when the going gets tough, everybody will answer his father’s name. I am not and I will not support any government, any governor, federal or state that misunderstood the problem to focus on the weakest link”.

“Experience within the Judiciary shows that there is abject lack of political will to prosecute some high-profile corruption cases pending before our various courts almost a decade in some instances”.

“We all have a common enemy and that is ISIL and I want to make sure we focus on that threat”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednessay, December 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Senate on Tuesday condemned what it described as “high cost of construction” in the Federal Capital Territory.

Chairman of Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Dino Melaye, said this at a meeting with the FCT Minister, Alhaji Muhamnad Bello, chairmen of Area Councils and other stakeholders in the Territory.

Strike: FAAN, unions sign agreement ÏÏÏ

After reaching a truce with the leadership of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has finally agreed to increase staff allowances and other claims.

This was contained in a communiqué singed by leaders of three aviation unions and the management of FAAN at the end of their closed door meeting on Monday at its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos. The communiqué was made available to some journalists in Lagos yesterday.

Signatories to the agreement on the side of the unions included Kehinde Rotimi For ATSSSAN, Olayinka Abioye for the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and Emeka Njoku for the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), while, FAAN was represented by Mr. Abraham Inajoh and B. J Adeyemi, director and manager human resources respectively.

With this development, FAAN has accepted to meet the workers’ demands by commencing the payment of furniture grants by January 2016 and the modalities for the payment of 27 per cent salary arrears would be worked out before Monday December 7th 2015.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to confirm that YAHAYA BOYI SHAFWA, HOSEA YAHAYA DANJUMA are the same person. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Union Bank and the general public take note.

5 News

Senate flays high cost of construction in FCT According to Sen. Melaye, “The exploitative practices by both government and construction firms have pervaded the construction industry and fuelled the high cost of construction in the FCT. “The committee noted

that construction companies handling these projects have attributed the high cost to irregular and selective payment for jobs done by the FCT Administration despite the high interest rates and other liabilities incurred by these

companies”.

Melaye said the meeting with FCT stakeholders was meant to effect a change in the way government is being administered in Nigeria and also to make the FCT better, vowed that the senate would enhance

beauty and status of the Territory.

The committee, however, directed the six Area Council Chairmen in the territory, to wake up to their responsibility of expected good governance at the grassroots and summon-

ing them to appear before it next week Tuesday.

It also charged all secretariats, departments and agencies, SDAs in the FCT Administration to double their current internally generated revenue, IGR by June 2016.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Senate passes N574.5b Supplementary Budget Ï d Ə Ɗƈ ƅ Ə Ɔ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ Ɛ ƆƔƍ Ɔ ƅ ƏƏƑƍƐƈ Olufemi Samuel, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe

initial controversy that trailed the 2015 Supplementary Appropriation notwithstanding, the Senate on Tuesday passed the sum of N574, 532,726,857 billion proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari in the budget.

The Supplementary Budget submitted to the Senate two weeks ago by President Buhari invariably enjoyed speedy passage amid resolve

by Senators to remove all obstacles likely to obstruct plans for ending insurgency and fuel scarcity problems which the budget aimed to address.

The President had initially

proposed the sum of N465, 636, 926, 857 as supplementary bill for 2015 whereas, the figure increased to 574, 532, 726, 857 when it was eventually presented to the Senate earlier in the week for passage.

The Senate Appropriation Committee had initially queried the addition of N108, 895,800,000, although officials of government said the amount was meant to cover the fuel subsidy payment not initially captured in the supplementary budget for months of October to December.

The budget of N522, 258,934,505 billion as passed include payment of subsidy

claims amounting to N29, 958,865,512 billion for Operation Zaman Lafiya, a code name for military operations against insurgents in the North East.

The Senate President, Abubakar Saraki, in his remarks after the passage of the budget warned the ministries and agencies in charge of the expenditure to ensure a judicious use of the monies appropriated for them.

He also charged the Senate Committees on Appropriation, Downstream Petroleum and Anti-corruption to closely monitor the budget spending and expose the erring ministries with a view to applying sanctions where

necessary.

He said: “This is a huge amount of money and I even believe that the so-called economic sabotage agencies, this is where their work is.

“It is truly economic sabotage where billions of naira are being approved but not judiciously used, even our committee on anti-corruption must play a role to oversee every single payment.

“We have made provisions till December, so we must ensure that this money is used properly.”

The Senate President also urged Nigerians support of government in putting an end to subsidy just as he directed all relevant Senate

Committees to work out appropriate legislative measures to assist in achieving subsidy removal.

Leading the debate on the passage of the Supplementary budget, the Senate Majority leader, Ali Ndume, decried the consistent increase in the amount voted for payment of subsidy, contending that the Senate had always been blackmailed into passing it.

He said the only people

benefiting from the subsidy are those supporting it.

Ndume noted that it was easy for the Senate to get blackmailed on the issue of payment of subsidy because its failure to do so would mean that fuel queues at petrol stations would not disappear.

He added: “We are left with no option than to pass it. The only option we have is to investigate it.”

ƈ è 9^R ƑƐ Ɨ Ɠ Ƅ è R ƈƐ ƒƆƏ E Ƒ Continued from page 2 ma junction said that the group blocked the EnuguPort Harcourt Expressway, preventing vehicles coming into Aba from Port Harcourt, Owerri, Okigwe, Anambra, Enugu and Umuahia gaining access into the commercial city.

Some of the protesters who spoke to our correspondent including Jude Iheme said that they were not going to relent in their quest to pressurize the Federal Government for the release of their leader as the plac-

ards they were displaying read.

One of the protesters, a 65-year-old man who told newsmen that he is a pastor, said the actualisation of Biafra was revealed to him in a dream and that he would not relent until Biafra was realised.

“I don’t believe in violence or in carrying of arms because I am a pastor. Since I got a revelation about Biafra, I have been preaching about it everywhere I go and I have always joined in any pro-Biafra protest because we need to be free”.

Arms purchase: #dd ƏƏƆ Ɛ # ƑƊƈ &0 ƍƈƅƊ Ƒƍ # ƊƍƆ ƈ Continued from page 2 Gé`ë 6Ɔ Ɨ jƆ ƅ ƆƏè ƌƌƑ ƈƐƕ ^Əƕê dƅ Ƌè ƌƑƌ Ə è 9ƌ è LƏ ê ƌ ƆƇƑƋƆ EƆƖƈ ì ^ƑƍƈƋ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƅ Ƌè ƈ ƌ Ɗ R ƓƑƆ ƄƑƅ ƑƋ ƌè Ɠ ƈƋƆ ƏƆƅƆƈƒƈ ƍ ƅƊ ƅ Ɛ ƈ ƈ Ɛ Ɛ ƍ ƐƆ Ɨ Ɛ Ɛ ƄƏƑ ƇƏ ƌ ƈƏƐƆƋô jƆƏƏƈƐ Əƕ d ƋƆ L ƆƏè ƏƋƆ ƋƈƌƈƊ Ɔ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƈƏƐƆƋén ƈƋƆƒƆƏ RƏ Ƌ 6Ɔ ƋƐ ƍƏ Ə ƌƌƆ ƆƋƗ ƈ 9ƌ dƐ ƐƆČ ƏƆƅƆ ƐƋƕê

Declare me gov-elect, Faleke asks court Continued from page 2 of all the local government Areas of Kogi State.

Whether in view of Section 181 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended) INEC ought to conduct a fresh Governorship election in Kogi State.

Justice Kolawole gave the parties 48 hours to file their addresses which should be between 10 and 15 pages. He also adjourned the matter to Thursday 3rd December for adoption of addresses.

Faleke, in his own suit filed on Tuesday, further prayed the court for a declaration that by the combined reading of section 179 (2)(a)and (b) and 181 (1) of the constitution ,upon the death of a person duly elected as governor of a state, the person elected with him as Deputy Governor is to be sworn in as the Governor of the State.

A further declaration that INEC decision declaring the November 21 Governorship inconclusive is unconstitutional, illegal,

unlawful, null and void and of no legal effect whatsoever. Faleke therefore prayed the court for an order setting aside INEC decision that the election was inconclusive.

The plaintiff also sought court order to declare INEC directive titled “Kogi Governorship Election Notice” dated November 24 2015 of its supplementary election illegal .

Beside, he also asked the court for an injunction restraining INEC and APC or their agents from conduct-

ing supplementary governorship election in Kogi State.

Faleke’s suit is supported by 34 paragraphs affidavit.

In it he averred and displayed in details facts about Kogi state November 21 governorship election and the fact that the ‘Governorelect’ Abubakar Audu died.

He also averred that only 41000 registered voters are reflected in the 91 polling units where election did not hold and out of which only 35,000 had permanent voter cards (PVC).

tim of political persecution and mob trial by the APC government because of his association with the PDP. Also reacting on Tuesday, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki dissociated himself from the N60bn arms deal involving the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that contrary to report published in an online medium, SaharaReporters, he has never had anything to do with purchase of security equipment because in his entire political career he never served in any committee or body which has any link with Defence or national security.

“As a member of the Sev-

enth Senate, Dr. Saraki was not a member of any of the committees which have oversight function on the Ministry of Defence or the intelligence and national security apparatus. If he was tagged the leader of the opposition to the Jonathan administration, how then will he be privy to Arms purchases and have the influence to blackmail any government agency or institution over the release of funds.

“The Senate President would like to alert members of the public to this new plot by this particular online medium, SaharaReporters to tarnish his reputation as the medium and its sponsors pursue the singular objective of removing him from the office of the Senate President, an objective they have since failed to achieve within and outside the National Assembly.”

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

7 News

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Kehinde Joseph; former Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Chief (Mrs.) Wonu Folami; Iyalode of Lagos, Chief (Mrs.) Bintu-Fatima Tinubu and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Adebutu Kessington, during the Iyalode of Lagos Forum and Health Screening organised in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Health held at City Hall, Catholic Mission Street, Lagos… on Tuesday

Buhari to World leaders: Lake Chad revival’ll reduce migration to Europe Egena Egena , Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident

Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday in Paris, asked developed countries to make strong financial commitments to the 14 billion dollars urgently needed to revive the Lake Chad and save communities dependent on the water from extinction.

Addressing a high level meeting on “Climate Change Challenges and Solutions in Africa’’, on the sidelines of the on-going UN Climate Change Conference, COP 21, President Buhari said no fewer than five million people living in the Lake Chad Basin countries had been displaced by the depletion of the lake due to

climate change.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as saying that the shrinkage of Lake Chad, a former island sea, had resulted in increased social conflicts, high rates of migration and cross border movements.

“Nigeria has a large population of over 170 million people and in some parts of Northern Nigeria, a farm that used to belong to 10 people now belongs to over 100 people. They have no other place to live and no land for cultivation,’’ he said.

The statement said President Buhari recalled that a research conducted by a

professor in a London university and published more than three decades ago, had predicted that unless one or some of the rivers from the Central African region were diverted to empty into the Lake Chad basin, the waters will dry up.

He noted that sadly that prediction had become a reality as the lake which covers over 25,000 square kilometers in 1925, had shrunk to 2,500 square kilometers.

“The amount of resources required and the high technological expertise and infrastructure needed to be undertaken to revive the Lake Chad has to be mainly financed by the G7 and the United States.

“The cost is great and

more than 14 billion dollars is needed to revive the Lake.

“But if that is achieved, at least five million people from Central African Republic to the Lake Chad Basin countries (Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin) will be rehabilitated.

“When this is done, those who are daring to cross the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean to come to Europe will remain at home because they have land where they can cultivate and earn a respectable living,’’ he said.

The statement said the Nigerian leader reiterated his appeal to leaders from the developed countries to make revival of the Lake Chad a top priority.

Pension verification saves N100m for FG Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÎÎÎOver N100 million fraud

might have been saved for the federal government following the recent verification exercise embarked upon

by Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) The Director General of PTAD Mr. Nellie Mayshak made this known while addressing journalists in Abakaliki during the verification exercise of civil service pensioners that took place in Abakaliki, and oth-

er parts of south-east.

Nellie noted that the objective of the verification exercises was to establish a credible, authentic and digitalized database of pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), as well as eliminate duplicate payments and fish out ghost workers.

He also noted that the verification was aimed at regularising anomalies such as over payments and under payments of salaries to pensioners across the country.

“PTAD is a Directorate

Buhari under the Federal Ministry of Finance and established in August 2013 in compliance with the provisions of section 30 sub-section (2) (a) of

the Pension Reform Act of 2004 and as restated in section 42(1) of the amended act of 2014, to manage the old pension scheme (Defined Benefit Schemes –DBS) for pensioners who retired on or before June 2007 and did not transit to the new contributory Scheme.

“With the successful completion of the nationwide biometric verification of Police, Customs, Immigration and Prison Pensioners, PTAD was able to Identify and remove over 3,000 bogus names from the payroll.

Buhari greets new Burkina Faso leader Kabore

Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu

Buhari on Wednesday, congratulated Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kabore of the Movement of People for Progress Party (MPPP) on his historic election as the second civilian President of Burkina Faso.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Buhari believed that the successful conclusion of the electoral

process would usher in a new era of true democracy and an inclusive good governance in Burkina Faso.

The statement read thus: “President Buhari appreciates the commitment of the people of Burkina Faso in ensuring a peaceful election and calls on them to continue to give the new leader the maximum support he needs to take Burkina Faso to the country of their dreams.

“He also praises the outgoing transition President, Mr. Michel Kafando for his tenacity and determination in ensuring that the electoral process was concluded amicably in the face of daunting challenges.

Petrol: IPMAN urges S’ East Govs to revamp NNPC depot Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎThe Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot, has appealed to the South East governors to revive the moribund Enugu depot of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to regain its mandate of providing petroleum products to the zone.

The IPMAN Chairman, Enugu Depot, Chief Ikechukwu Nwakwo, who made the appeal in an interview with Daily Times in Enugu said the revival of

Enugu Depot will go a long way in ending the perennial scarcity of petroleum products in the South east.

Nwankwo assured the governors that if their appeal is met, petroleum products will be regularly available at government price.

“We are deeply sad that for years Enugu depot has remained moribund making marketers to travel to other parts of the country to source for petroleum products. This is the reason for scarcity and the high cost of products in the zone” he said.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Politics

Æs

Buhari’s change mantra is mere slogan- Prof Ben Nwabueze Constitutional lawyer and Chairman of The Patriots, Professor Ben Nwabueze in this interview during the meeting of the eminent personalities in Lagos spoke on the need for caution on the agitations for Biafra saying the mere name of MASSOB connotes treason as there cannot be another independent state within Nigeria. The octogenarian former Minister of education also lampooned the Buhari administration over the change mantra saying so far, there is nothing like change in the country. AKINJIDE AKINTOLA, Political Editor was there. Excerpts: Reaction to current agitations for actualisation of Biafra?

With the general condition in the country, unemployment of the youths, graduate unemployment is a serious issue in this country. And that has given rise to youths unrest and protest; it’s the season of the youths; graduates sitting at home for three, five or more years after graduation without jobs; what do you expect them to do? How do you expect them to feel? This is the issue. And the second issue that has given rise to protests is the feeling of injustice. Some areas of the country feel that they are not being well treated; they are being treated as if they do not belong. Look at the recent appointment by the federal government, by our president; the way the appointments are slanted in favour of a particular section of the country. Even the initial appointments before the appointment of the ministers - all favouring one area and one particular religious grouping. In the appointment of ministers, the president is not left with much discretion, he has to appoint ministers from each state, so he cannot say I will not appoint someone from the South east or the South west or the South south; he can’t do that. He can however do that in the allocations of positions and responsibilities,

Nwabueze i.e. how the ministers are allotted functions. Otherwise what can be the justification for appointing in respect of security, all ministers in charge of security issues and functions and officers all from the same area. The Minister of Defence from the same area, Minister of Interior, from the same area; National Security Adviser (NSA), from the same area; the ear-

Kanu lier appointment of service chiefs, most of them from the same area.

National Security is a national concern not the concern of a particular area. When you appoint the functionaries in charge of security from a particular area, you give the impression that national security is the concern of one particular region. No, it is not that of a particular region, but the entire

nation. We don’t want to create a situation where in the event of a problem, the situation will be managed by one section who will now lord itself over the entire country to adopt solutions that will favour that particular section of the country. That’s very, very unacceptable and very dangerous approach. So, CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Boko Haram: The untold story of Madagali’s returnees

Bindow

Tom Garba Yola Madagali the last of Adamawa’s troubled territories under Boko Haram occupation to be liberated by the military last March, had been under the control of the insurgents for close to seven months, since August 2014 .

However, since its recapture by Nigerian forces, assisted by local hunters, the people of Madagali have not been fortunate to enjoy the relative peace enjoyed by their peers in Mubi, Maiha and its nearby neighbour in Michika because

of its proximity to Sambisa forest.

Madagali, which shares an adjoining border line with Gwoza local government of Borno State to its South, has had its own share of ill-luck, being the next door neighbour to the vortex of the Islamic extremists Boko Haram sect, enclaved in Gwoza, by the Sambisa forest.

The intermittent attacks by the sect had meant that over 30,000 internally displaced persons, who returned, going by reports, have faced even dire consequences settling down since the majority, depend on subsistence farming for their liveli-

Biafra: Igbo on legitimate struggle, says Yerima Amidst a renewed agitation by pro-Biafra protesters across the South east and South south parts of the country with the subsequent clamp down on them by the Federal Government, a former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmad Sani Yerima, has said that the Biafra agitators were on a legitimate struggle for self determination.

The former governor, now a Senator, told newsmen that consequently, the federal government and the security agencies must allow them to exercise their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Yerima, a politician known for his radical views on national issues, cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria Armed Forces against the use of force on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Survival of the Sovereign State of Biafra ( MASSOB), saying the groups were on a legitimate struggle for self-determination and should be allowed to exercise their fundamental rights.

He disagreed with President Buhari and the top echelon of the Nigeria Armed Forces on the handling of the renewed agitation by the groups to revive the defunct Republic of Biafra saying they should be more matured and accommodating in a democracy.

Yarima, who was speaking in Abuja said it was wrong for people to classify the agitators who have been campaigning for the revival of the defunct Republic of Biafra CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

hoods.

However, in Kirchinga, Gulak, and Shuwa where some returnees, were interviewed, they noted that nearly half of the population, from the area who fled the fighting have returned.

But the minus, however, is the loud chorus of neglect and abandonment, which the locals say appears to be their only lot, as many continue to view the area as “ a no go area”.

Even though those who have reCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Yerima

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

9 Politics

Biafra: Mere name of MASSOB is treasonable - Ben Nwabueze

Kanu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

these are the things that we have to consider in relation to the ongoing protests.

For myself, the answer to the protest is not the actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, no, that’s not the answer at all.

When I was Secretary General of Ohanaeze, I always tell the Igbo: I am Igbo; the Igbo are scattered all over the country, they are everywhere, you want a Sovereign State of Biafra, have you considered what will happen to all of them?

Igboland is not enough to contain all the Igbo, have you considered that? That’s the truth of the matter, we are much better here in Nigeria. We are much better off in one large country as Nigeria.

So, let’s try how to consolidate one Nigeria nation to reduce this element of marginalisation and discrimination.

In my beat as Secretary General of Ohanaeze, I held several meetings with MASSOB people.

At some of the meetings I said to them, if you want to be taken seriously, change your name.

The name, Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign People of Biafra taints you and all your activities with treason. You are agitating for a Sovereign State of Biafra within a Sovereign State of Nigeria. That’s treasonable. If you want me as a citizen to support your cause, you have to change your name; because operating under such name, if you do anything, if you burn down any police

Nwabueze station, and if OPC (Odua Peoples Congress) from the South west do the same thing, two different interpretations will be given. Your own action, the action of burning down a police station will be interpreted in term of your name and will be interpreted as treasonable while that same action by OPC will convey an ordinary interpretation of burning down a police station and they would be treated in terms of criminals who burnt down a police station. Yours will be different because of your name. Till today, there has been no change in the name, only recently we heard some people calling themselves the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). If they dropped MASSOB completely and go by this other name, this other name is not objectionable. If they can succeed MASSOB, it may be okay. But they’ve not succeeded they still use MASSOB, so we don’t know which is which. So, my answer is that the Federal Government should deal with the protests in a more matured way rather than arresting everybody and clamping them in detention as that can accentuate the whole situation. I think they should reason with these protesters, they are young people. That’s what I tell them: ‘look, you are young people, don’t go and plunge the entire people, the Igbo people into another catastrophy which we have not bargained for. We did not bargain for that, we haven’t recovered from the last one, don’t let’s contemplate another. I’m not condemning them because as

Uwazurike

“In my beat as Secretary General of Ohanaeze, I held several meetings with MASSOB people. At some of the meetings I said to them, if you want to be taken seriously, change your name. The name, Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign People of Biafra taints you and all your activities with treason. “ young as they are, they are reacting to some irritations which I have already mentioned- graduate, unemployment, youth restiveness, marginalisation. But Biafra is not the answer to these gnawing grievances in essence that you are actualising, you want to actualise a treasonable act. That’s my approach an I hope that these youngsters can be persuaded to follow this line. Unfortunately, Kanu has been incarcerated, but I have given

Buhari instructions that as soon as he is released, he should be brought to see me so that we can talk to him.

And the Federal Government should be persuaded to release him so that we can have access to him to talk some sense into him, I don’t know whether he would be more amenable than Ralph Uwazuruike. But let’s hope they will release him, it is better to release him than to keep him in prison or custody, no.

Why did it take so long for the Patriots to set an Agenda for the Buhari administration?

We were waiting for him to do what he had to do before we make a statement. Indeed, some of us wanted us to wait more before we speak.

What is the position of the Patriots on the anti-corruption war of the Buhari administration; some believe it is skewed against some individuals and not far reaching?

We said that we support the prosecution of the anti-corruption war of the government on the condition that it is done in accordance with the law of the country.

It should be done across the board and not in a selective manner. If it is done in a selective manner, it will create the impression that you are witch-hunting any particular individual or group of people.

That should be avoided. Besides, it is something everybody should support. Corruption is a big challenge in the country now, but not the biggest challenge. The greatest challenge facing our country today

is the National question, how to coalesce the 389 ethnic nationalities in the country into one nation.

That’s the greatest problem. 389 ethnic nationalities, that’s a large number. How do you get them together in one nation? We make the mistake of always talking about the Nigerian nation; we are not a nation yet, we are a state. That’s why we talk on the national question; how to coalesce 389 ethnic nationalities into one. And they may be more. The research done by Professor Echike formerly of the University of Ibadan identified 389 ethnic nationalities. That figure is contested. Some people say it is less, some say it is more. Even if we accepted this figure, 389 groups is not a joke to bring them together, all with a different outlook, different culture, different customs. But it is possible, it can be done if we have a government that is committed to doing it. With me here is Chief Solomon Asemota SAN, leader of the Ethnic Nationalities Movement and is doing his best with his Secretary, Michael Oronbator who is also Secretary of The Patriots. They are working hard, it is not a job for individuals alone, they need the government to support them. It takes a lot of money which the organisation cannot afford. The government is not taking the right attitude. They called a National Conference isolating the ethnic minorities; that it the major problem of unity in this country: Ethnic Nationality; they wear the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Boko Haram: Madagali’s Self help Initiative against insurgents CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

turned to Madagali say peace and tranquility is gradually setting in, they are however unhappy with some of their fellows who fled the fighting and have continued to shy away from returning despite some remarkable progress.

Our reporter who was in Madagali, and spent a night with the locals observed the self help initiative taken in the area, and which may just be the elixir, to make it possible, for residents who fled the insurgency from the area, to feel safe to return to their homes.

It would be recalled that about seven local government areas in Adamawa fell under control of the dreaded Islamic sect. Five out of the seven councils namely- Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Michika and Madagali are situated on the Northern fringes of the state, with its border lines skirting the boundaries of the Republic of Cameroon.

However, the other two, Gombi and Hong local government areas, belonging to the Central Senatorial District, going by political configuration in the state, only suffered minor disruptive activities, since they were quickly recaptured shortly after falling to the sect.

Until early, this year, since the territories in Adamawa were captured in August of 2014, the efforts of troops to retake the conquered territories had proved elusive.

It was therefore not hard at the time to point, and link the upscale

military activities against the insurgents by the erstwhile Goodluck Jonathan administration, especially with the mandate it gave the security agencies to reclaim every captured territory, to the country’s upcoming election fixed for the first quarter.

The success recorded by the troops translated, in the troops reclaiming back all towns and communities in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Gombe, after routing the terrorists.

The administration under former President Jonathan, had stepped up, its anti- terrorism war on February 14th, charging all territories captured by the sect to be

reclaimed before the March 28th General elections.

This was even rescheduled due to the invidious security climate hanging over the land in order to allow every eligible citizen to vote.

But since March after Madagali was recaptured from the hands of the insurgents, many of the residents who fled the fighting in the area have braved the odds and returned while others remained skeptical about returning, perhaps because of sporadic attacks, unleashed by the sect in the area.

However, Mr. Wajau Hyariju a retired teacher, who said he returned back to Gulak in April, lamented, that until the last three months

Olonishakin

Buratai

when over 500 local hunters were mobilised, those who returned could not live outside of Gulak because of intermittent attacks by the sect on soft targets.

Places like Gata, Lemu, Disa, Jaji, Gwubbla, Isgea, Zagore, Kobara, Metiku, Mezou, and Mildo, he said, were among the worst hit by sporadic attacks waged by Boko Haram sect on hapless residents who had returned.

This however, Wajau said used to be the trend before stakeholders in the area led by the lawmaker, representing the council in state legislature, Hon. Emmanuel Tsamdu, together with other stakeholders contributed to fund about 500 local hunters, charged with the task of protecting vulnerable communities in the area from further attacks.

He said although remarkable progress has been made since the arrival of local hunters to the area in August, he however noted that mis-information about the true security situation in the area had continued to hamper the return of many of the residents whom he described as being “ influential”.

Perhaps one of the greatest disservice the ominous cloud of insecurity has caused the people of Madagali, according to Wajau is the revision of over N690 million worth of assistance, which the current leadership in the state led by Sen. Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow, capitalised upon, and diverted to the state capital.

The roads contract which already has been funded through a bond payment by erstwhile administration of Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri, was meant for the construction and rehabilitation of roads between Madagali and Michika, but this was not to be however, as new administration citing security concerns in the area, instead used its discretionary powers to fund the construction roads rather in the state capital.

The retired teacher who enumerated some of the challenges encountered by returnees, said “none of them will tell you that they can’t sleep with all of their eyes close.

“Obviously not, they will tell you that the problem of Madagali is mainly the problem of lack of clean drinking water and shortage of food”, he added.

Lamenting the neglect of the area by state government, he said, since April when he moved in with his family to Gulak, the headquarters of Madagali local government, he has not witnessed any assistance from any agency of government to the area.

He observed that most residents who have returned and who are staying in Gulak, Barkkin Dutse and Sabon Gari area of Madagali are forced to travel 25-30 km, to Michika to get medical care every time their children or relations took ill.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Nwabueze: Its dangerous for one area to be in charge of security CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

shoes and know where it pinches; ask them and they will tell you but we are all full of pretences in this country. They say detrabilised, there is nothing like that. In the first place, we are all a member of one ethnic nationality, before being a Nigerian. If they tell you that they are making a false claim.

However you say you detrabilised, you are still a child of an ethnic nationality. So, you have to involve them, because unless you involve them, without involving them, you will not find solution to the national question. And until you find solution to the question of national question, you will not a have a Nigerian nation. So, that’s the issue and that was The Patriot’s ground against the last National Conference. We made our position very clear, we said it should be a Conference of Ethnic Nationalities.

We submitted a memorandum on this to former President Jonathan on this but he went ahead distributing memberships to all kinds of

friends and so on with only about 11 members of ethnic nationalities. They met but never proffered workable solutions to our problems. The problems are still there.

Even that which they did, the government should implement that.

Even at that, that implementation must be by a referendum; the Constitution must be conformed with.

The entire people of Nigeria must vote in the referendum.

In your communique, you called for a revolutionary change as a panacea to the nation’s myriads of problems.

President Buhari came into the Presidency on the crest of change mantra he promised Nigerians. Now he is six months on the saddle, is this the kind of change The Patriot is demanding?

Certainly not, you can answer that question yourself. You know what a revolutionary change is.

In our communiqué of 10 January, we talked about a revolutionary change. It is not by force but change in tempo and pace of gov-

ernment, and inbuilt with a revolutionary ardour to transform the entire polity and society of Nigeria into a new and purposeful country. That’s all we need, change in purpose, change in pace, change in tempo; is that happening? No. Nothing is happening, this country is rotten is every respect, not only people taking bribes but morally, ethically. We need an ethical revolution. When you talk about revolution, its not about carrying guns, violence, armed violence; no.

We need an ethical revolution to cleanse this society. It’s the society we are talking about, not the state.

This society is rotten, it needs to be revolutionised. We need to revolutionise this society, that’s what we need. To revolutionise the society, it’s not only one person talking, you have to mobilise the society.

We appealed to former President Jonathan on this, we told him: ‘we are prepared to mount the rostrum with you, we are prepared to talk to the Nigerian people on the need for a revolution, an ethical revolution’. It is needed. That is the

sort of change needed and can’t be achieved without an ethical and moral revolution. The people may be afraid of the word; when you mention revolution, they think in terms of armed conflict which is not necessary. If we have a president who is imbued with a revolutionary ardour, everybody will see it. We will all match behind him, without shooting. We don’t have to shoot to succeed. All we need is the right leadership that is imbued with that ardour. So, it depends on the leadership. Do we have the leadership? It’s not in sitting down in the office and talking; no; you have to mobilise the people. Social mobilsation for change. Change will not come by merely talking about change mantra alone. It’s a change that will about a change in the purpose, pace and tempo of the government. When that begins to happen, you will see it, everybody will see it. Everybody will be propelled; but that is not happening.

It is not just talking about change, change. What is change? They are not mobilising; I haven’t seen the

president going out trying to mobilise people for change. I want Nigeria to be saved.

Nwabueze

11 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Yerima: Igbo have a right to protest injustice CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

as secessionist because they have legitimate rights under the Nigerian Constitution to express their views on any issue.

He said that rather than treat the agitators as rebels who must be forced to either remain in Nigeria or be crushed, the Federal Government should find out why the agitation has been growing by the day.

In recent weeks, there have been a series of public demonstrations across the five states of the South-East geo- political zone as well as spreading into Delta and Rivers states in the South- South geo- political zone. In the wake of the mass rallies, President Buhari had warned the groups that he would not tolerate actions that could lead to the dismemberment of the country.

On the strength of that pronouncement, the Nigeria Armed Forces has also issued warnings to the agitators to bury their dreams of having a separate country or be prepared to face the full weight of the military. But Yarima argued that though he believed in the uni-

Ojukwu ty of Nigeria, the agitators should be allowed to express their views freely.

According to him, there should be no compulsion in a democ-

Yerima racy and the Indigenous People of Biafra must not be compelled to belong to Nigeria. He said that rather than use force to subdue the agitators, the Federal Govern-

ment could hold a referendum in the region to ascertain if it is the wish of the majority of the people to pull out of Nigeria and form a new country.

“These are people that want self determination. They believe that they are homogeneous in terms of tribe, language and culture and they want to live together and have their own community.

“In the end, you see, this is politics. I don’t believe in using force to make them succumb, submit or follow Nigeria and to stay in Nigeria”, he stressed.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Army relying on the military Rule of Engagement for internal security operations, recently warned the pro- Biafra agitators to desist from holding rallies in different towns and cities as the military had powers under the constitution to suppress any act insurrection or civil disobedience.

Following allegations of killings of Igbo in some parts of the north, Nigeria went to war in 1967 when the then Military Governor of the defunct Eastern Region, Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu declared the birth of Republic of Biafra from Nigeria. The war raged for 30 months leaving deaths and destruction in its wake before the secessionists surrendered.

How vigilantes face insurgent’s fire and military take credit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

He said he is perturbed that Madagali has continued to be overlooked by the government and even aid agencies, who should ordinarily help bring relief to the area but, have also shied away, from doing so, adding that those concerned are “not anchored on the reality on the ground”.

A recent suicide attack in the suburb of Gulak which killed 12 persons, including the three female suicide bombers and over 20 persons with severe injuries, is all to blame, for dashing whatever, little hopes there may have been about the safety of the area.

Our reporter found out that the people of Madagali are however gradually finding peace again. Perhaps, notable in fuelling the pervading air of safety, is the salutary effort of the civilian JTF, who are complimenting the effort of the military in being able to liberate some communities and villages, from the grip of the insurgents which they use as hideout to disrupt the peace in the area by picking on soft targets to cause mayhem.

Another interesting find, is that the resident of Madagali, urgently require, access to potable water since the armed conflict resulted in the destruction and vandalisation of the power infrastructure, which

has hampered the functioning of the boreholes.

There’s also the urgent need to get hospitals and medical centres opened as they are currently still shut, even though the member representing the area in the state assembly Hon. Tsamdu said there’s a subsisting directive urging health workers in the council who have been living in Yola the state capital to relocate and reopen the Madagali General Hospital.

The lawmaker who decried the state government’s neglect of his constituents, shed light on why he had to stamp his feet on the ground to ensure that a vigilante force was set up to safeguard the area from sporadic attacks.

He noted that because Madagali shared a common boundary with Sambisa forest, the increased military operations ongoing in the area, was bound to have a collateral effect on the area, adding that it was only natural to expect that as troops try to achieve the December deadline set for them to rid the North East of insurgency, and pummel the hot bed of insurgents in the Sambisa forest, most of the insurgents escaping from their den will obviously pose a threat to the civil populace.

The result, he added is that some of the insurgents who are lucky to have escaped, are the ones who now ransack remote communities in

search of food and shelter.

He however, said the development had taken its toll on food supply in the area since many of the locals now feel unsafe to go to their farms for fear of their personal safety.

“Our people are running short of food supply, you know food which is a necessity remains the greatest need of the people of Madagali for now,” he said.

“As I speak to you, there has not been any intervention by the state government.

“We have not seen and we have not heard anything about this funds. Because nobody has come to their aid except Red Cross, the UNHCR and other aid agencies,” Tsamdu said.

Hence, to curtail the upsurge of sporadic attacks on villages and communities sharing borderline with Sambisa, he said, stakeholders in the area, decided raising a counter-insurgency force of over 500 local hunters and vigilante to act as a bulwark against further attacks by the insurgents and also liberate communities which the insurgents have captured.

He also said the upkeep of the force which enjoins harmonious partnership with the military, has continued to be footed by the stakeholders because the Adamawa State government has not been forthcoming with funding.

Since the mobilisation of local hunters to Madagali as the community’s own self help response to check the incessant sporadic attacks by members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect on villages and towns in Madagali, significant success has been achieved, by the vigilantes, as locals revealed, that those communities have come under constant attacks like Mezao, Mildo, Wakara, Walu, Metiku and Lansaa, forcing them to seek refuge in Gulak have since returned back to these communities.

Bukar Jimeta, is the leader of the over 500 vigilante force guarding Madagali villages and environs, from the rapacious attacks of insurgents who cross over from their hideout in Sambisa forest to unleash mayhem on communities located in heartlands of Madagali.

Bukar’s whose mission is to rid Madagali land of any vestiges of Boko Haram fighters and their sympathizers and also defend remote communities such as Grata, Lemu, Disa, Jaji Gubbla, Isgea, Zagore and Gobara, which lay close to Sambisa forest from attacks, said since August when he and his men were called for this mission, over 500 insurgents have been killed while over 800 women and children were also rescued.

He also revealed that in Gatar and Lemu, where his men battled

the insurgents, before liberating the towns after fierce fighting, with the insurgents whom they routed, they were able to rescue about 570 women and children from both towns alone.

In the course of the mission, he said that they trekked to Gobara, a town he noted was just less than 10 kilometre away from entering the forest of Sambisa, stressing that the only reason they didn’t proceed into Sambisa forest was due to lack of mobility. The amazing thing about, Bukar Jimeta, whom his lieutenants, often call in Hausa language ‘Sarkin Mutuwa’ meaning the ‘ Commander of Death’ is their mysterious claim that he can hand pick bombs and that no bomb can ever detonate where he is. I asked him if this was true and true to his depiction, Bukar, brandishing an AK 47 riffle he confiscated from the insurgents, as part of his prized spoils of war replied: “No bomb can detonate wherever we are”.

He boasted that he had once dug out four landmines with his bare hands, retorting: “There was this operation we embarked on with the military and we encountered five land mines. I removed four of them and asked the soldiers to proceed.

“The insurgents who spotted us even fired a rocket launcher but it failed to explode where I was, nor did it imperil us,” he added.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Ambode canvasses attitudinal change among Lagosians ÎÎÎLagos State Governor,

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, said that there was a need for the people of the state to embrace attitudinal change and shun all forms of unethical activities in the interest of socio-economic well-being of the state.

Ambode, who spoke at the Iyalode of Lagos Forum/ Health Screening with the theme: “Improving the Ethical Standard of the Citizenry in Lagos State,” expressed delight at the return of peace

among youths and various trade groups, especially in Lagos Island.

Represented by Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr. Olaide Kehinde Joseph, the Ambode said he believed that such attitudinal change recorded on the Island would be replicated in all the nooks and crannies of Lagos State.

He also expressed hope that the development would be sustained for the socioeconomic benefits of the

state.

Besides, Ambode said that as a demonstration of his administration’s resolve towards the sustenance of peace and ethical rebirth in the state, the Office of Civic Engagement was created to engage the people on attitudinal change and public civility.

While assuring that government would reawaken good public conduct and moral rebirth, the Ambode urged the people to spread

the message and encourage public civility and good moral conduct within the family, the communities and the entire state.

The Governor also commended the Iyalode of Lagos, Chief Mrs. Bintu-Fatima Tinubu for taking the initiative to organise free healthcare for the residents.

The medical mission, which was organized, in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, witnessed free distribution of

drugs and screening for over 1,000 residents on various illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, eye screening, dental health screening and HIV screening.

Earlier in her opening remarks, Tinubu said her major motivating factor was her desire to see a better Nigeria, and urged great businessmen, intellectuals and entrepreneurs, who had come out of Lagos to give back to the society as part of civic responsibility.

FCT Council polls: APC begins sale of nomination forms Idu Jude Abuja

ÎÎÎAs

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left) with Director Global Good Intellectual Ventures, Mr. David Keogh (2nd left) during the signing of MOU to collaborate on Introducing Events Technology on sector of Agriculture and Health Care, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Tuesday.

Synagogue: Court stalls prosecution of TB Joshua, others Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎA Federal High Court

in Lagos, on Tuesday, stopped the trial of indicted engineers and registered trustees of the Synagogue Church of All Nation (SCOAN), over the collapse of a six-storey guest house belonging to the church, pending the determination of their appeal.

Justice Ibrahim Buba, had on November 9, 2015, dismissed the suit filed by the indicted engineers, Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun, seeking to stop their prosecution by the Lagos State Government, based on the recommendation of the Coroner

Inquest, headed by Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe.

The inquest was set up by the state government to investigate the cause of the collapse leading to the death of 116 people mostly South Africa in September 12, 2014.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of Justice Buba, the indicted engineers approached Court of Appeal to upturn the verdict of lower court.

Besides, Ogundeji and Fatiregun filed another application to halt their prosecution pending the determination of appeal filed against Justice Buba ruling.

Respondents in the suit

Joshua are State Commissioner of Police, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Attorney-General of the state and the head of Coroner Inquest that indicted them, Magistrate Komolafe.

Among the prayers of the indicted engineers in the application were: an order of

injunction restraining the Commissioner of Police, by him, through his agents or otherwise from arresting or detaining them for any reason whatsoever in connection with the verdict of Magistrate Komolafe, dated July 8, 2015 pending the determination of the applications’ appeal against Justice Buba ruling.

An order of injunction restraining the state Attorney- General, either by itself, officer and or agents acting on his behalf from prosecuting or proceeding with their prosecution, pending the determination of the applications’ appeal against Justice Buba ruling.

the area councils’ elections in the Federal Capital Territory draw near, the All Progressive Congress (APC), has started preparation with the unveiling of election primaries time table and sale of nomination forms.

The Chairman of the APC in the FCT, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, vowed to chase the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out of government by winning all the six area councils in Abuja, in the belief that people’s voting apathy would count against the former ruling party.

According to him, there had been several unchecked developmental disparities in the FCT localities throughout the sixteen years of PDP leadership, adding that the presence of the Federal Government, in Abuja had so much suspended peoples feelings and failure of Abuja Area Municipal Council (AMAC) leadership in the capital city.

His words, “I wish to tell all of you that the AMAC remains under-developed despite several years of PDP leadership. Our interest is to take developed areas like Gwagwalada, Nyanya Karimo and Idu. These places, have no reason to remain under-developed now.”

Fraudster blames woes on inability to pay kids school fees Joy Ndudi

ÎÎÎA

55-year-old father of two, Mr. Friday Essien, from Ikanofo village, in Akwa Ibom State, who came to Lagos to defraud people, has confessed that it was his inability to pay his childrens’ school fees that made him become a fraudster.

Parading the suspect on Monday the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said ‘on November 12, 2015, at about 2 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer, Ikeja Division transferred one suspect Friday Essien of No. I, Pedro Street, Iyana-ipaja Lagos, who was involved in a case of conspiracy and stealing.

He was later transferred to Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigation.

Upon his confession, a team of detectives led by Inspector Alagbe Olumide, booked and left for Egbeda but the gang had already relocated to unknown destination.

Minister tasks youths on entrepreneurial skills Marion Evabor

ÎÎÎLabour

and employment Minister, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngigi, has called on Nigerian youths to seek entrepreneurship skill, rather than wait perpetually for white collar jobs.

This, he said, on Monday, at the National Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NSEI) Centre, in Lagos.

Ngige, who said unemployment was increasing by the day, maintained that Nigerian youths needed not to wait for elusive white collar jobs.

He also said that the President Muhammadu Buhari was concerned about the alarming unemployment rate in the country.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

13 International

Obama pleads with Turkey, Russia to focus on ISIS ÏÏÏ

A week after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet sparking tensions, U.S. President Barack Obama is calling for a deescalation between the two countries and a unified front on the Syrian conflict.

“We all have a common enemy and that is ISIL. And I want to make sure we focus on that threat.

And I want to make sure we remain focused on the need to bring about some sort of political resolution in Syria,” Obama said.

The U.S. president spoke Tuesday following talks with his Turkish counterpart Recip Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the United Nations climate conference. The meeting took place a week after Turkey shot down an SU-24 fighter jet, saying the Russian aircraft had entered its airspace.

Russia has insisted the jet did not cross the Turkish border and responded by imposing economic sanctions against Ankara.

A radar picture shows activities of the downed Russian warplane on the Turkish-Syrian border, November 24, 2015 in this handout photo provided by Turkish Interior Ministry Undersecretariat of Public Order and Security.

A radar picture shows activities of the downed Russian warplane on the Turkish-Syrian border, November 24, 2015 in this handout

ÏÏÏIn

President Barack Obama, right, shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a bilateral meeting, in Paris, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015.

photo provided by Turkish Interior Ministry Undersecretariat of Public Order and Security.

Obama in Paris reiterated support for the U.S. ally.

“The United States supports Turkey’s rights to defend itself, its airspace and its territory. And we are very much committed to Turkey’s security and its sovereignty,” the U.S. leader said.

For his part, Turkish President Erdogan called for diplomatic language to resolve what he called problems in the region.

“We don’t want to invest in tensions, we want to avoid the tensions. We don’t want to get hurt and we don’t want anyone to get hurt, because if tensions arise in the region, all of the parties involved get damaged at the end. We

want peace to prevail at all costs,” Erdogan said. During Tuesday’s talks in Paris, Obama praised Turkey’s “generous” support of refugees and said the United States is interested in accelerating the military-to-military relationship to ensure “Turkey is safe and secure, but also that Syria can finally begin winding down what has been a terribly costly war.”

Britons divided over bombing ISIS ÏÏÏBritons

are divided as to whether their nation should join U.S.-led airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria. British lawmakers are expected to vote on the issue later this week.

Recent surveys show Europeans generally support more military action against IS; but, a sizable opposition exists in Britain, potentially making commitment to increased bombing more difficult for lawmakers. Britain-based pollster YouGov says 59 percent of the British support airstrikes.

VOA surveyed 300 British citizens and found 44 percent of those questioned believe airstrikes targeting IS in Syria would be in their nation’s interest; 36 percent said

Australia, New Zealand challenge Japan over Whaling ÏÏÏAustralia and New Zealand

have condemned Japan’s move to send a whaling fleet to the Southern Ocean. It comes a year after an international court ruled that Tokyo’s whale hunt in the Southern

Kaboré wins Burkina Faso Presidency

they would not be. The remaining 20 percent were undecided.

Nearly all said the militant group poses a threat to their country, with half saying a military response is the best way to defeat it.

Two out of every five people who said bombing IS in Syria was not in Britain’s interest, also said IS could only be defeated by using some military force. A student from Manchester, Samson Hart, says he is worried a military approach could eventually backfire on Britain and its allies. “We have to think about what us bombing Syria will add to the current process that is already going on there; probably not much. It’s probably more of a statement of power and

intent against IS. And it does not really work; they feed off that. So it might cause a bigger threat to us than already exists," said Hart.

Similar thoughts were voiced by thousands of anti-airstrike protesters in Spain and Britain on Saturday. In London, roughly 4,000 people protested in front of the prime minister’s residence at No. 10 Downing Street.

A civil servant from Birmingham, Anthony Patrick, was in London at the time, but did not take part. “I do not want to see the UK bombing any country; but, you cannot negotiate with people who are willing to blow themselves up.

Their agenda is not something that can be agreed to politically or

Ocean should stop.

Last year, the U.N.’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Japan's whaling program in the Southern Ocean was unlawful because it was not for purposes of scientific research.

The Japanese government says its new whaling mission takes into account that ICJ decision and is now a much smaller operation.

The nation’s Fisheries Agency says the fleet intends to capture

333 minke whales, about one-third of what it used to harvest.

Whalers will also carry out nonlethal research, including sighting surveys and the collection of biopsy samples during the threemonth-long hunt.

The fleet set sail Tuesday for the Antarctic. Professor Alex Gillespie, an expert in international law and conservation at the University of Waikato says Japan insists its actions are legitimate,

Burkina Faso, former prime minister Roch Marc Christian Kaboré won Sunday's presidential elections on the first round with a clear majority of the vote. He becomes the first new president of the country in almost three decades.

The provisional results of the presidential elections in Burkina were announced just a few minutes before midnight Monday.

"Candidate Roch Marc Christian Kaboré gathers 53.49 percent of the vote," said a speaker from the electoral commission on a big screen set up just outside the headquarters of Kaboré's party in Ouagadougou.

A couple thousand people were gathered to watch and hear the announcement. Soon after, Kaboré stepped on the stage to deliver a short speech.

"We should work together," Kaboré said, "to heal the wounds and succeed in truth and justice, national reconciliation and consolidate social cohesion between all Burkinabé. Long live Burkina!

Long live the Burkinabé people!" he proclaimed.

Iran rejects Kenya attacks plot

ÏÏÏIran's embassy in Kenya on

Cameron

over a conference table, so you got to fight fire with fire sometimes," said Patrick.

Britain has been bombing IS targets in Iraq since late last year, but the group’s headquarters is in Raqqa, Syria. Highlighting the recent attacks in Paris, Prime Minister David Cameron last week told parliamentarians that extending British bombing to Syria is in the world’s interest. despite last year’s court ruling.

“The ICJ made a decision that the particular whaling program was not doing scientific research and it had to stop. The ICJ did not say that scientific whaling had to stop, and so what Japan has done is come back and try to create a new program but the problem is is all the scientists who are looking at it are still saying there is no scientific need to do lethal scientific research in Antarctica,” he said.

Tuesday denied any links to two Kenyan men police said were allegedly recruited by an Iranian group to plot attacks in the east African nation.

Police chief Joseph Boinett on Saturday said they believed the two arrested men had travelled to Iran several times, identifying them as Abubakar Sadiq Louw, 69, and Yassin Sambai Juma, 25.

"We have irrefutable evidence they were recruited into an Iranian spying ring," Boinett said, claiming "the mission of that ring was to mount terror attacks in [Nairobi], not only targeting Western interests but targeting our people as well."

But the Iranian mission said it "denies any relation" with the pair, and added it was "ready to co-operate" with Kenyan officials.

Police gave no further details about the alleged Iranian group the men were linked to.

Iranians are treated with particular suspicion in Kenya, which is a close ally of Israel.

In May 2013, a Kenyan court sentenced two Iranians to life in prison on terror-related charges, including possessing explosives allegedly to be used in bomb attacks.

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

ITF denies workers’ allegations against DG Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

management of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has denied allegations of high-handedness and corruption leveled against it by the workers, saying they are unfounded, malicious and not in the interest of the Nigerian economy.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Fund, Mrs. Ifeoma Iheuze and made available to newsmen in Abuja, said the allegations are calculated strategies by enemies of accountability to disrupt the giant strides being made by

the Fund under the current administration for their selfish gains.

The statement further quoted the Director-General of the agency, Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, as calling on the Federal Government to urgently address hooliganism in unionism, while insisting that labour unions should continue to tread the path of integrity for which past labour leaders were known.

The statement read, “The peddlers of the malicious information, had tried every means to drag the image of the current ITF leadership in the mud without success,

which is the reason they have again resorted to instigating a protest.

“A situation where our labour unions allow themselves to be used by a few people, who want power by all means, to disrupt laudable policies that would eventually be in their longterm interest, and in the interest of the economy, is not acceptable. In ITF, it cannot be business as usual again, in the interest of efficient and effective skills development. This exactly is what a few people are trying to fight for reasons best known to them.”

On the allegations of cor-

ruption by the union, the management argued that it had actually, under the current administration, taken the activities of the Fund to an enviable height while striving hard to cut costs.

“We wish to refute the allegation of corruption in its entirety. The present DG has been commended severally for her financial prudence and her objectivity in tackling issues. On several occasions, she had directed for the renegotiation of certain outrageous contracts that were awarded in the past, thereby achieving huge savings for the fund,” the statement said.

Gbenga Sodeinde Ado-Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe Alumni Associa-

tion of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, has praised the outgone Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof Oladipo Aina, for achieving much during his tenure and charged the new Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Samuel Oye Bandele, to strive to achieve better than his predecessor in the development of the institution.

The Alumni specifically lauded the outgone VC for his exploits during his

Group tasks FG, INEC on free, fair polls Dr. Maitama Sule (left), with Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi at the 8th annual forum of The Laureates of The Nigerian National Order of Merit Award held in Abuja… on Tuesday

Aregbesola seeks approval to withdraw N1.25b Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏGovernor Rauf

Aregbesola of the Osun State has sought the approval of the House of Assembly to withdrawal N1.25 billion from the Omoluabi Conservation Fund to assist government in the provision of infrastructure in the state.

He sought the approval through a letter to the Assembly, dated November 27, 2015, which was read by the Speaker, Hon. Najeem Salaam at the plenary on Tuesday.

Omoluabi Conservation Fund Laws 2012, sponsored by the executive, was passed by the Assembly as a way of bailing the state out of emergency whenever

such occurs.

The letter read thus: "The law stipulates that an amount not exceeding 50 per cent of the outstanding balance in the fund can be withdrawn upon the approval of the Assembly to address such emergency.

"You are quite aware that for some months now, the state government has been having serious financial challenges which has been preventing it from meeting some of her basic functions.

"This development is largely attributable to the national economic downturn aggravated by the continuous decline in revenue accruable to the state from Federation Account in the last two years.

"The insufficient fund has made it difficult for government to meet the basic needs of the people, especially the provision of infrastructure to enhance physical development of the state which is certainly an emergency that is not palatable.

"It is against this background that I seek the approval of the Honourable House of Assembly to withdraw a sum of N1.25 billion being 50 per cent of the N2.5 billion in the Osun Omoluabi Conservation Fund to assist government in the provision of infrastructure in the state."

Subsequently, the Speaker directed that the letter be forwarded to the House Committee on Finance and

Appropriation for proper consideration.

He directed that the committee should refer to the law, ascertain whether the request was in compliance with the law and report back to the house within one week, with a view to giving the request the appropriate attention it deserves.

Aregbesola

ÏÏÏThe

United Niger/ Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS) has urged the Federal Government and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state is free and fair by encouraging a one man, one vote system.

In a communique issued at the end of the group’s National Working Committee’s meeting, UNDEDSS also expressed support for Buhari’s administration

Ekiti varsity alumni set agenda for new VC four-year tenure which included establishment of "a vibrant academic culture" and praised him for ensuring survival of the College of Medicine, sustained peace among students and members of staff, staff welfare and promotion, reducing cultism and incessant strikes to zero level, as well as zero-tolerance for indiscipline and laziness.

fight against graft.

The communique which was signed by the group’s Secretary General, Tony Ipriye Uranta, however, warned that except the election is free and fair, there is likelihood of ”noteasily manageable breakdown of law and order” in the region. ”INEC must be very visibly impartial and must in tandem with an impartial civil security structure, ensure that all future elections be free of the kind of violence and shenanigans that threatened to mar the Kogi gubernatorial election, and that seriously threaten to set the Niger/ Delta ablaze even in advance of the Bayelsa gubernatorial elections.

Plateau task force recovers 169 rustled cattle Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

Special Task Force, code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), deployed to maintain peace on the Plateau, has recovered 169 rustled cows and 44 sheep from rustlers.

In a statement, signed by the Media and Information officer of OPSH, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, and made available to our correspondent, it stated that, the recovery is sequel to combined operations between sector 5 and 6 targeting rustlers who abandoned the cows on sighting personnel of the OPSH who were in hot pursuit, saying that the cattle were recovered at a staging

point for onward loading out of the state.

Consequently, the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association have been contacted, Captain Iweha, said.

Meanwhile, OPSH has dispersed the reports circulating on the social media of an indiscriminate killings on the road leading to Jos, making reference to the popular Forest-Hawan Kibo axis.

Iweha said, the only report on Forest-Hawan Kibo axis was an armed robbery attack that occurred on the road in the early hours of Sunday, 29th of November, 2015, and was quickly cleared by personnel of OPSH, who were on patrol on that route.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

15 Opinion

Before we dance on Abubakar Audu’s grave

T

Phrank Shaibu

he finality of death is the coldest and starkest reality every man must confront.

What recently happened in Kogi state regarding the sudden passing away of Prince Abubakar Audu is a painful loss that drives the point home. The post events of his demise presents a touching picture of our real value for human life and how ludicrous we act on certain vital issues.

Indeed, since Audu’s passing away, it is really unfortunate that most of the actions from those believed to be beneficiaries of his political dynasty thus far do not recognise the many sacrifices and contributions he made while alive.

No doubt, this must be a fact and lesson for others left behind. I have watched people send their condolences, express their emotions to the deceased family, participate in the funeral and say their last goodbye before Abubakar Audu’s burial only for them to immediately turn around and drop all assumed sympathies to focus attention on a struggle called succession.

Such a disrespectful act in the mourning period of the man, they called ‘leader’ in less than a week is not only strange and ridiculous but exposes how greed can make men negate the significance of another man’s death.

Even though such ignoble acts and feud happen, all the time and we hear them as stories. However, Abubakar Audu’s betrayal is coming too soon.

This why I think, we must apply caution before attempting to dismantle his relevance with unnecessary ravenousness.

Commonsense sufficiently suggests that Kogi people must resist the temptation by some persons to lead them to quickly fall into the gulf of forgetfulness. Indeed, it is sad that even his close associates have given very limited attention to Abubakar Audu at death.

My aim is that this piece may serve as a modest reminder to our dear Kogi people that the late Audu Abubakar deserves to be mourned properly by being honoured for his immense contributions.

Abubakar Audu lived a life worthy of remembrance and emulation but his abrupt exit should be a standard reminder that in whatever we do or claim we are, for every man, there is certainty of death. We should always bear in mind and retain the knowledge that the people we consider dear, may make a make a hasty reverse of so called loyalty when we cease to exist.

Howbeit, Abubakar Audu will be missed because in life he earned the esteem of a significant population of Kogi people. Indeed, it is apt to state

Audu

that he contributed in vast ways in laying the foundation for the development of the state.

The best way to remember such a great man like Abubakar Audu ought not to be by the multi-faceted irrelevant responses and ill conceived actions by those that claimed to be his close political associates. As a sign of respect for Abubakar Audu, I decided to mark the shock demise by withdrawing from social events and desisting from commenting on politics to enable me join wholeheartedly with the family, friends and the people of Kogi state in the observance of the religious and customs protocols of his passing.

As such, I deliberately resisted the urge to comment on the death and post events even in my dual capacity as a public affairs analyst and the Chief Communications Manager to his Excellency, Captain Idris Wada, Governor of Kogi State.

Ordinarily, what I have read and heard since Audu’s death were enough persuasions to warrant prompt response. But I chose to remain mute not because my mouth failed me or my ink ran dry but for the reason that until we would have honoured our great politician with the 8th day Islamic prayer, it will be unwise to expand any debate outside pains of our collective loss. In my silence and pensive thoughts about death, I have seen the birth of many turncoats.

Specifically, as I watched Prince Audu Abubakar’s body being lowered by his male children into grave while wrapped in a white shroud, I could not hold back tears. The constant thought was could this really be the great Abubakar Audu’s journey to finality.

Even though the official three-day mourning declared by the Kogi State government has elapsed, many people will remain in an almost permanent

grief for months and years ahead.

Prince Abubakar was a man I met about two decades ago. Then, after my close interaction, he left me with a positive lasting impression. He was a man not afraid to speak openly on issues especially those that were not in line with his convictions.

His remarks were not just about the usual rhetoric of a politician, he exhibited the philosophy of a man that believed in his convictions. Perhaps such self-opinionated trait could have largely contributed in earning him the label of arrogance.

Nevertheless, he shared some pressing concerns on Kogi State which no doubt made me richer in knowledge about politics and some of these will remain difficult to dismiss. My only obvious but mild disagreement with him was that he called me a ‘wahala’ young man for my outspokenness.

This was the Abubakar Audu, I knew and respected.

Consequently, I feel very disturbed about the post events of Abubakar Audu’s death especially given that in this period of sorrow people ought to focus on offering strength to the family by comforting them to overcome the loss of their bread winner. Instead, some persons are concerned about who takes over the likely benefits of a political empire Abubakar Audu built.

Such a naked display of greed and insensitivity is a direct affront to the family. However, of great significance is that Audu’s family has exhibited right conduct expected of good Muslims by accepting death as God’s will despite the many controversies and rumours about the sudden death.

While the show of shame is ongoing, I will not waste precious time honouring them with a response.

Instead, let me honour the dead by affirming that despite our political differences, he was a wise politician, especially having gone through six elections.

In death, Abubakar Audu remains an admirable politician of rare courage. He had a special way of conveying his message to people to make himself a voters delight. Audu was a political icon that no opponent in an election would wish to ignore his influence on the electorate.

It is really unfortunate and a matter of great pain that the cold hands of death has snatched away one of Kogi’s best. A significant section of the Kogi people is at pains by Audu’s death.

The Governor, Captain Idris Wada exemplified this in his condolence speech despite their political rivalry.

As such, the Kogi State government must not be reminded to erect an edifice with Abubakar Audu’s name because it is a well deserved.

Let us however not forget that every man has his less respectful moments and neither Abubakar Audu nor the highest placed man in the

world is exempt from this rule. Whatever his assumed sins, it is obvious they have since been blotted, more so since no guilt verdict by any court of law was pronounced before his death.

Indeed, it will not make good logic for any sensible person to now dwell on his shortcomings. This is where it becomes very necessary to state that even the hitherto popular EFCC Vs Abubakar case has now become infamous and no matter how selfopinionated this may sound, the man should be allowed to rest in peace.

This is considered apt because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had over six years to prove its case against Abubakar Audu but failed woefully.

Therefore, it will amount to self delusion for EFCC to pursue the case any farther.

Whilst I wish not to dwell on INEC’s relinquishing of its independence by announcing a date for what it termed supplementary election as presumably directed by the Attorney General of the Federation, it is sufficient to state that the new leadership of INEC should be informed that its ill advised action and insensitivity to Audu’s death has already thrust the Kogi people into greater confusion.

Truth is that INEC has also opened our eyes to know the people that shed crocodile tears over Audu’s demise.

The fact is that INEC’s decision on an issue that is clearly beyond its jurisdiction is certainly substantially immaterial to the rule of law and the Kogi people. Kogi people should not tear their shirts on an issue that is alien to our constitution and inferior to the decision awaited from a competent court of law.

What the INEC has succeeded in doing is to polarise the Kogi electorate not necessarily along party divides but an intra party wrangling within the APC. This INEC induced disenchantment is clearly visible in the way the APC is conducting itself.

As such, before the Kogi people are misled into unnecessary political battles, let the highest respect be accorded to Abubakar Audu, as a man that directly affected his society.

For now, no one knows what the court will rule, so violence is unnecessary. The emphasis on who becomes Audu’s political successor should wait until the court rules.

Let the energy of the Kogi people be channeled in areas of utmost significance like reminding the CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele to urgently release the long overdue Kogi bailout funds it has held back for disbursement. We do not wish our workers to die to avoid Kogi becoming a mourning society. Kogi citizens deserve to enjoy this season of relief that the bail out provides like their counterparts in other states. Perhaps this will help console them in their period of grief.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Education Times Æ s NOUN, TETFUND scoop service delivery awards for public institutions Augustine Okezie, Abuja The duo of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the Tertiary education Trust Fund (TETFUND) came out tops and runner up respectively in the recently held service delivery evaluation exercise for public institutions in Nigeria conducted Independent Service Monitoring group (IMSG) in Abuja.

A member of the ISMG group, Dr. Chima Amadi, told the audience at the award night held on Monday that the public institutions featured in this year’s evaluation performed well considering the challenges observed in their institutional remits, powers, structures resource, constraints and management challenges.

He said: ’’The year under review wasn’t doom and gloom.

In writing this report and drawing up the list of the most outstanding public institutions in Nigeria in 2015, we measured the performance and quality of services delivered by these public institutions’’.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday,December 2, 2015

17

Teacher regulatory institution underway, says Anwukah Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, on Monday, said Federal Government will set up regulatory institution for teaching.

Anwukah said this in Abuja during the Annual General Meeting 2015 of Principals of Federal Government Colleges (FGC) with ``Education as a Change Agent’’ as theme.

He said the institution would ensure that teachers at all levels were certified to boost the quality of education in the country.

``It is only in education that there is no regulatory body like ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for accountants and COREN (The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria). ``We will ensure that teaching will be regarded in this country by pushing for the regulatory body to give teaching the status it deserves,’’ the minister said.

He said that the administration would also restructure the curriculum of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) to ensure its

graduates were grounded in basic education.

According to him, the present curriculum is preparing the NCE graduates for Bachelors’ degree in education rather than preparing them for teaching at the primary level.

Anwukah stated that some of the NCE undergraduates study Education in Physics, Chemistry, Geography, among others, which are subjects that are not applicable at the basic level.

The minister assured the principals of the FGCs that

L-R: Vice President, Channels IT Nigeria, Mr. Inderter Singh; Director, Institute of Education, Ireland, Mr. Andrew Kearns; Principal, Olashore International School, Mr. Derek Smith; Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Prince Taiwo Olashore and Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Prince Abimbola Olashore, after signing of MoU between Olashore International School and Ireland Government on Education held in Lagos… on Tuesday.

all the challenges facing the colleges would be addressed in this administration because the government was committed to attaining Education for All. Anwukah, however, urged the principals to train and teach the students to be good citizens.

He also called on the principals to be transparent in the utilisation of public funds and avoid corrupt practices.

In her remark, Mrs. Florence Ejikeme, Chairperson, Principals of Federal Unity Colleges, said education through its provision of social service was an agent of change.

She said federal unity colleges were established to bring together young Nigerians from different parts of the country and expose them to the same socialising influence.

According to her, the transformation of the Nigerian education system into vibrant and technologically -driven system as envisaged by the Federal Government, is faced with many challenges.

She outlined some of the challenges to be poor funding, unskilled personnel, irregular power supply, disruptive internet services, inadequate security and poor maintenance of ICT equipment, among others.

Ejikeme, however, assured the Federal Government of their support in ensuring that the country’s education system met global standards.

Parlous state of education: Stakeholders task states, FG Akintola Akinjide Stakeholders in the nation’s educational sector have advised both federal and state governments to arrest the parlous state of education in the interest of youths who are future leaders.

They warned that if this was not done, the country risks becoming an object of mockery in the comity of nations.

Besides, they also accused governments of misplaced priority leading to poor budgetary allocation to education both at

the federal and levels.

Speakers at a lecture in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to mark the anniversary of Olagoke Education Foundation, where the issues were raised and recommendations made were Professor Oyesoji Aremu of Department of Counseling and Human Development Studies, University of Ibadan; Mrs. A.O. Makanjuola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, Dean School of Engineering, Federal Polytechnic

Ilaro; Mr. Adediran Ibraheem of National Open University (NOUN) Ibadan Study Centre, Mrs. Grace Abimbola from London amongst others.

The lecture and award of prizes to brilliant students were part of Olagoke Education Foundation anniversary.

Professor Aremu, who was represented by Dr. Kunle Odedokun, observed that education being acquired by students were not functional to equip them for a job, noting that there were poor facilities in the nation’s

tertiary institutions consequent upon which the environment were not conducive to learning, adding that unqualified graduates were being pushed out from schools.

Aremu was of the view that the poor performances and corrupt tendencies of most of the politicians were traceable to the quality of their education.

Olagoke in his lecture, pointed out that under-funding was the bane of the nation’s education system, calling on governments to review the budgetary

allocation to education.

While presenting his lecture titled: “Students and education: Utilize the opportunity,” he said: “Any education that does not have proactive impact on the society is a waste. Education must therefore be functional and impactful for it to be meaningful acquisition”.

Scores of secondary school students who excelled in competitive examinations by the foundation received prizes during the programme.

Education Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday,December 2, 2015

UNILAG don, Akinwande, appointed professor in America

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Modupe Mojota (2nd left); Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc (NBP), Mr. Kufre Ekanem (2nd right); Mr. Tayo Adelaja (left) and Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Olabisi Akinnuga (right) during the official commissioning of a block of six classrooms at Gateway Junior Secondary School, Ita Iyalode, Ogun State donated by NBP… recently.

Photo: DAVID IDOWU

Stakeholders reiterate imperatives of Read campaign Stories by Augustine Okezie, Abuja Stakeholders in the Education sector have reiterated the significant importance of Read Campaign being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Education as a strategic step towards addressing the challenges of poor reading culture amongst students and indeed the general public.

In a consensus position of the speakers at a workshop marking the 2015 Awareness Campaign on Reading jointly organised by Federal Ministry of Education, National Action Committee on Read Campaign (NACORC) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office held in Abuja recently, the various presenters and speakers agreed that there is no alternative to reading.

Declaring the workshop open, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Christiana Okpede, acknowledged education as the vital instrument for national development, but expressed dismay over the current low level of literacy/ poor reading and comprehension competences of learners.

“Even more worrisome is

the realisation that some teachers in the schools do not read comprehensively beyond their respective disciplines, even some graduates from tertiary institutions are deficient in the required reading, speaking and writing skills which either render them unemployable or inhibit their competences in production and service delivery,” she said.

Mrs. Okpede further stressed that the issue of poor performances among students is an unpalatable fact that must be told. This is even as she expressed optimism that sustained awareness campaign on reading would make a positive difference and urged that the collaboration among the stakeholders on the subject matter should be scaled up.

Representative of the Office of the Senior Special Adviser to the President on MDGs, Dr. Ify Ukaegbu, said that the collaboration between the MDGs and the read campaign project yielded positive results over the years, and urged teachers in particular to take the campaign seriously. “No teacher can teach what he or she does not know,” she stressed.

Dr. Ukaegbu further disclosed that some of the eight goals of

the MDGs were achieved to a great extent and expressed hope that whatever could not be achieved before the December 2015 deadline would be achieved in the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which begins as from January 1st , 2015.

According to her, the SDG has 17 goals and 169 targets with education cutting across all the eight goals.

A representative of FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Mohammed Umaru, in his remark acknowledged the positive impact of the Read Campaign programme in facilitating education delivery in the territory and assured of continued partnership with relevant departments to achieve quality education.

Deputy Director of Informatics, Mrs. Cecilia Daniel, admonished the youth who are the target of this year’s campaign to strive to get it right from foundation, saying that anything built on a wrong foundation would not stand.

She urged the participating schools to take the message to the other students back in their schools in order to institutionalise reading culture.

French scholar at the University of Lagos, Dr. Peter Akinwande, has been appointed Professor of French Literature in the United States of America, where he is expected to resume work in January 2016.

Author of more than 30 articles published in peer-reviewed journals and three books on French and Francophone Literature ad civilization, Akinwande, native of Ayetoro-Yewa in Ogun State, had bagged a Doctorate degree in Comparative Francophone Literatures at the University of Paris XII in 2009 with distinction, and had his thesis published in book form (on the recommendation of Paris XII University) in 2011 by leading Paris publishers, L’Harmattan, titled: Negritude et Francophonie, paradoxes culturels et politiques.

With nineteen years’ experience as university teacher and researcher, first at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Agolwoye, Ogun State from where he moved to the University of Lagos in 2012, Akinwande gained prominence as an international scholar following his participation at international conferenc-

es/colloquia in Canada, France and the United States, between 2013 and 2015, the two latest being the West East International Academic Conference (New Orleans), and the HERA Conference (San Francisco), USA, held respectively in October 2014 and April 2015, where his two papers on French Prose and French Poetry were adjudged the best papers of the conferences.

Dr. Akinwande’s mastery of French was further confirmed by the French Embassy in Nigeria as he was described by the Director of Alliance Franaise in Nigeria, Mrs. Christine Deuve, as “Defender of the values of French Language and French Linguist”, while being introduced as Guest Lecturer at a lecture organised by the French Embassy in conjunction with the University of Lagos, inside Julius Berger Hall, Unilag, on March 7, 2014, tagged “Cultural Diversity and a modern Nigeria”, to celebrate the birth of the Francophonie (French Commonwealth of Nations), as well as the Centenary of the amalgamation of Nigeria’s North and South protectorates.

UNIFEMGA wants change of attitude towards vocational education The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslims Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) has called for a change of attitude towards vocational education while also making a case for increased funding of the education sector by the government in line with global best practice as recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

The call was made in Abuja on Saturday at the 2nd UNIFEMGA National Education Summit with the theme, “Nigeria’s Education Sector: Transforming into the 21st Century with Content, Quality and Global Recognition”.

Three papers were presented at the occasion and they are The Content, Quality and Relevance of Technical and Vocational Education Curricular for Nigeria’s Industrial and Economic Growth by Mallam Husaini Mohammed; The Challenges of Funding Nigeria’s Education Sector for Citizens Affordability: Solution Options by Alhaji

Ahmed Popoola and Creating and Sustaining a Qualitative Pool of Education Sector Professionals: Solution Options by Professor Musa Aibinu of Federal University of Technology, Minna.

The summit which attracted delegates from all the state branches of the association, education policy makers, school owners, teachers, students and other critical stakeholders noted that for the attainment of the overall development of the country, its educational system must be such that would lead to self-reliance and relevant to the needs of the society.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the Alhaji Abdul Ganiyy Oladokun, chairman UNIFEMGA Abuja chapter and Alhaji AbdulBasit Bolaji Bakare, chairman Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the summit, the participants therefore emphasized the need to encourage and promote technical and vocational education.

19

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday,December 2, 2015

Inside Campus Æ s Making a First Class isn’t impossible with God- Obakpolor 22-year-old Master Obakpolor Eki Osakpolor is the Overall best graduating student for the 2014/2015 Academic session of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State, having graduated with Master Obakpolor a total of 4.84 Cumulative Grade Point Aver- impossible with God on one’s side age (CGPA) from the and persistent reading habit.

What motivated you to study Physics Engineering Physics? department. He reveals Right from childhood, I had to ‘Tosin Ajuwon, the passion for the physical world.

Physics created that avenue for secret to his success. me, which also entails the study Excerpts: of the physical world, nature,

You are the best graduating student for the 2014/ 2015 session. How do you feel?

I feel excited and honoured and definitely grateful to God for making His glory shine through me.

At first, I never thought I could achieve this, but I told myself let me just try to put in effort to get a good result. I recorded 4.68 GPA in my 100 level first semester and I determined to build it up. God helped me and I am grateful to Him. I strongly believe in possibility and I make bold to say making a First Class in any discipline is not

matter, energy from which man derives strength to carry out activities. These are phenomena that interest me and studying Physics is the best avenue for me to understand the beauty of nature and the relationship between man and the physical world.

How was the five years academic journey in FUTA? It was sometimes tough, sometimes interesting but above all, it was educative. Every phase in life teaches one vital lessons which will be needed as one progresses.

The five-year journey was a step in the ladder to the top. In all, I give glory to God. I learnt you have always

been the best student from your primary school days; how were you able to maintain the rough road to these successes?

Rough? I wouldn’t call it rough.

I will call it an adventure. It was sometimes demanding, sometimes fun. Though desire, determination, dedication, diligence, and discipline had parts to play in achieving this feat, the lovely family from which I came, great friends and spiritual leaders have also been my support. Above all, I am just I’m product of GRACE- God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Would you say, you too lived the three-triangle life synonymous with campus life?

Sometimes, but at other times, I went out with friends, went to places that were exciting, met new people, and played videos game. As you know, all work and no play makes our friend, Jack, a dull boy. I know how to get fun when necessary. It’s timing that matters. Likewise, I attended fellowship regularly on campus.

How were you able to achieve this academic feat?

I set my priorities right and avoided lots of distractions by setting a goal for myself. I was able to achieve this feat by applying this mathematical formula always. Divinity + Humanity = Exceptionality.

Putting God at the center of everything, diligence and interaction with people made all these

possible. Also, I was very much determined to be the best among my peers.

What are the challenges you encountered in the process of achieving this feat?

During first year, most times, it was strenuous to attend lectures, sitting far from the board and unable to see and hear clearly or having to stand to receive lectures.

At other times, it was painful and difficult in having access to certain materials but as time progress it was all solved. During this process, I began to inculcate the spirit of getting to the lecture class as early as possible to get a seat at the front and I also make use of goggle and other search engines to source for materials.

What motivated you in your academic pursuit?

We all have penchant for success. Success is the greatest motivator. I know God has a great future for me and that drives me to put in my best in order to attain that height.

Who were your mentors?

My parents are my mentors.

Also I have my siblings who were very supportive, lecturers who encouraged me, and lots of people praying for me. I have the best, I couldn’t wish for more.

What is your aspiration?

My aspiration is to touch the lives of people positively through innovative discoveries (Research) and philanthropic work. A life lived for the good of others is a life that will live on after death.

UNIBEN Faculty of Pharmacy holds 40th induction ceremony Ezekiel Efeobhokhan (UNIBEN)

The Faculty of Pharmacy, UNIBEN, recently inducted 110 seven star pharmacists into the pharmacy profession. The ceremony which took place at the expansive Indoor Sports Hall of the University’s sports centre saw the presence of principal officers of the university and officials of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Addressing the new inductees, the Registrar, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, PCN, Pharmacist N.A.E. Mohammed, stated that they should not seem discouraged about the current state of the Nigeria health sector. He added that there are many green fields they can all fit in to make the country’s health sector bounce back in full strength.

Stating that Pharmacists are the most respectable professionals in the world, hence they

Cross section of inductees at the ceremony should all be known to raise the name of the profession higher and never be involved in practices against the oath they have sworn to.

As event at the Oath taking ceremony unfolded, emotions were high as the best graduat-

ing student, Amaka Eunice Ukwuhaiwe, read out the valedictory speech. She held the audience in awe as she neatly articulated her speech and presented what was termed the mind of her colleagues. She thanked every of her classmates for making her

who she was, stating that her success was a not a function of her struggle but the finger of a divine presence which was brought to pass by the presence of the persons God had placed around her.

Her words: “Today, I stand before you as product of God’s mercy. After completing six harrowing years in the pharmacy school, I am grateful to everyone who had made my stay as an undergraduate successful”.

However, the crowd went in cheers as she recognised the presence of her fiancé, who is also a pharmacist, who according to her, was among the persons who spurred her into such academic excellence.

Other dignitaries present were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Abiodun Falodun, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Professor John Akerele, UNIBEN PRO, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, head of departments amongst others.

Engage the youth, UNILORIN Student Union president urges Buhari Idris Alao Ibrahim, President, Students’ Union, University of Ilorin, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to incorporate the Nigerian youth in his administration’s programmes in view of his campaign promise during the last general election. AFIS ODEYEMI (400-LEVEL HISTORY), UNILORIN, reports.

If the rate of poverty and social welfare of the populace must be improved, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari must live up to his campaign promises as pledged during the last general election.

This was the view of Idris Alao, President, Students’ Union, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), when he addressed Campus journalists in Ilorin the Kwara State capital recently.

Alao, who however lauded the leadership quality of President Buhari since his assumption of office, urged him to use his good offices to extend hands of followership to the youth.

He said: “Based on the Nigeria status quo, the youth are persons aged between 18 and 35 years. On the condition of the youth and students in the country, students especially those in tertiary institutions constitute a larger percentage of the youth population, therefore; vouching for the interchange of the youth and students especially within the education and youth sectors has become a necessity. The youth are grossly unemployed.

It is no longer news that more than 50 percent of this population are unemployed – a situation recently described as an artificial creation of the few rich in government at the detriment of the massive poor out of government.

Unilorin Students’ Union President, Comrade Idris Alao

20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

21

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (left) presenting a souvenir to the former Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu. With them is former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Ghali Umar Na' Abba when the Save Democracy Group Africa paid a courtesy visit to Saraki in Abuja… on Tuesday.

Osinbajo seeks synergy among MSMEs, donor agencies Egena Egena

Abuja ÏÏÏVice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, said opportunities to access funds by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) abound but for lack of necessary information and linkage.

The Vice President spoke in Abuja at the 2015 National MSMEs Summit with the theme ``Entrepreneurship for National Development: The Place of MSMEs in the Economy under the Change Agenda.’’ He suggested an effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism for MSME funds to address the existing gaps and enable the economy to grow.

He said: “We need a very effective monitoring and evaluation so

that we can then address where exactly the gaps and the shortfalls are. ``But today, it is evident that the programmes are there; it is evident that the resources are there; it is also evident that the entrepreneurs are there; those who want to get engaged are there. ``But we need to make that very important link between the two.’’

According to him, it was either that there was no connection or that it was difficult for the entrepreneurs to access them.

Osinbajo said part of the reasons for the difficulty was because officials were not actually required to account for persons that were receiving the funds.

His words: “I think it is very important going forward and for

all those in the public sector to sit together and work out a way by which we are able to actually measure all the deliverables in this sector. ``For instance, we know we are supposed to fund a certain number of people; who are these people; can we verify them; how much are they getting? ``In what ways are their performances measurable and how do we measure their performances?’’

Osinbajo noted accordingly, that effective coordination among agencies was needed to remove the overlaps and streamline all the different interventions in other to avoid wastes. He advised that efforts be made to correct the ease of doing business index which makes Nigeria one of the worst places to do business.

Imo workers shutdown Owerri

...Demand unpaid salary arrears ÏÏÏSocio

economic activities were paralyased on Tuesday as workers of parastatals and agencies in Imo State took to the streets of Owerri to demand for their unpaid salaries from the state government.

The protesters, who were adorned in black attires sobbed openly as they matched through the major roads, pouring insults and cursing the state governor, Rochas Okorocha, claimed that the governor was deliberately responsible for their plight.

Some of the workers who were seen by our correspondent rolling on the roads and thereby causing gridlock, carried placards with inscription as “Rochas Idi Amin, Rochas Nebukadeneza, pay us our salary”, “Our children are suffer-

ing, no school fees.”

One of the protesters who declined to mention his identity disclosed that the reason for their dressing in black attire was to show solidarity for their colleagues from the judiciary who died on Monday out of frustration owing to nine months’ salary owed them by the state government.

Daily Times gathered that departments from the state parastatals which owed backlog of salary include the Water Board, owing 12 months; Library Board, eight months; Due P rocess, 9 months; Imo Marketing Board, 10 months; Imo Specialist Hospital, 13 months; Hospital Management Board, nine months, and Imo ADP, 10 months.

Meanwhile, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Austin Chilakpu has explained reason for the workers’ protest, saying that the workers doubted the ability of NLC to bring succour to the distressed workers.

He disclosed that the leadership of NLC had earlier on November 13 promised the workers that the state government would pay their salaries on November 17 based on the agreement reached the government, but it failed. According to him, the failure made the workers to lose confidence in them.

However, the state governor had earlier blamed the workers for the delay in the payment of their salaries, accusing the workers of refusing to collect their pay cheques.

Plateau Agency tasks hospitals on free HIV test

Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe Plateau State acting Ex-

ecutive Director of Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA), Sunday Markus Koka, has urged both private and public owned hospitals in the state to always carry out free HIV test for the people of the state, saying that it will help in checkmating the spread of the virus.

Koka stated this with our correspondent at the flag-off of the World AIDS Day on Tuesday.

According to him, "most carriers are discourage in going to have themselves checked because of the money involved and thereby would not know what their status are.

Early detection will held the car-

rier to go for counselling and prevent further spread of the virus", he said.

Mr. Sunday Koka said it is no doubt necessary to stamp out the virus as the effects of HIV and Aids remain great as it continues to devastate individuals, families and households affecting their health and economic well-being.

In stamping out the scourge, PLACA said the global theme for this year's celebration which is "Getting to Zero-Zero New Infections, Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths", coincides with the determination of the state in ensuring that the spread of the deadly virus is brought to zero percent.

Abia Catholic Knights absolve church from campaign against Appeal Court Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe Knights of St. Mulumba

of the Umuahia Catholic Church have distanced themselves from the position of a group that calls itself Catholic Network of Nigeria (CNN), requesting for the removal of the Owerri Appeal court judges due to lack of confidence on them.

Reacting to the media campaign in which the protesting group is calling for a change of the Appeal court judges, the Liaison Grand knight of Umuahia, Sir Nwanevu Christopher said the Catholic Church is not a partisan group and does not support partisan politics or the aspiration of a political party.

.5m Lagos residents are HIV carrier - lawmaker Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏThe Chairman, Lagos State

House of Assembly's Committee on Health, Segun Olulade, on Tuesday dısclosed that no fewer than 470, 435 Lagos residents were affected with HIV virus.

Olulade (APC- Epe II) made this disclosure on the floor of the House while urging the House to support the people living with the vırus.

The lawmaker explaıned that there is need to forge a common front in fighting the deadly disease not only in the state but across the country.

"There is need to show support to those living with the vırus, today gives us the opportunity to

According to him, what the catholic church does is to advise politicians to play by the rule just as it did before the last elections by inviting candidates of various political parties to say what they intend to do for the people.

To that end, he said that the Catholic Church has nothing to do with the decisions of the court and does not set up groups to interfere in such matters, adding that the Catholic Church has no right to direct the actions of judges of a court.

He made it clear that the said group is not known or directed by the church to embark on such protest, stressing that the Catholic Church cannot support the protest or be part of the campaign of calumny identify with the people living with AIDs. "It is a serious issue that cannot be ignore or treated with levity, no fewer than 470, 435 people have HIV in Lagos State alone," Olulade maıntaıned.

The Epe born lawmaker explaıned that the figure was obtained from the Lagos State Aids Control Agency on Tuesday by the House committee.

He, however, called on the state government and all the relevant agencies to support enlightenment programmes aimed at stemming the spread of the disease.

Ambode

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

400 women, girls abused sexually in Enugu- NGO Moses Oyediran

Enugu ÏÏÏA coalition of non-governmental organisations, (NGO), Women Aid Collective, WACOL and Tamar Sarc, which campaign for the eliminate of violence against women and girls, has cried out that sexual abuse of women was on the increase in Enugu State.

According to them, those who commit sexual offences in Enugu often abuse girls and children aged between 05 and 10 years.

Executive Director, WACOL, Mrs. Joy Ezeilo, who

led some members of Tamar Sarc, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and some section of the media to a rally at the Enugu State House of Assembly, as part of the ceremony marking the UN Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls, disclosed that between March last year and now, Tamar Sarc had recorded over 400 cases of women and girls who were abused sexually.

Ezeilo, who frowned at the trend, said they were at the House to urge the law-mak-

ers to enact a law against violence against women and girls.

“We stand against sexual violence. We want you to make a law that would punish those that contravene the law,” Ezeilo. She noted that the law had been enacted in Abuja and wanted it replicated in Enugu.

The WACOL director, who disclosed that they were acting in collaboration with Department for International Development (DFID) Justice for All Programe (J4A), opined that she would want Enugu State to set apart

huge sum of money to fight sexual abuse and assault in the state.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Edward Ubosi, represented by Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, House Committee Chairman on Information, said that the law opposed to sexual abuse against women and girls was a national one, but said that as lawmakers, they would do everything possible to see that the law was domesticated in the state. He said that they were in support of any law that would shield women and girls from sexual molestation.

L-R: Mother of the Convener, Goal Attainment Made Easy (GAME) 2015, Mrs. Adenike Salami; Convener, GAME 2015, Abiola Salami; Coordinating Manager, Cool FM, Wazobia FM/Nigeria Info FM, Onimisi Adaba; Managing Director, Deefrent Limited, Debola Olomo; Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Lagos State, Amina Adamu Augie and Chairman, Ruyi Communications Limited, Mr. Soni Irabor, during GAME 2015 career talk held at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos…on Tuesday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

23 News

Kogi supplementary election: Royal father sues for peace Ibrahim Obansa

National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja, on Tuesday, the royal father lamented that the way and manner the politicians in the state went about their quest for power was capable of tearing the state apart.

He called on the politicians, especially those at the centre of the crises to retrace their steps, in order to avoid plunging the state into a crisis, where the long, peaceful co-existence among the people would be jeopadised.

Titus Akhigbe

Forum scores Oshiomhole high on projects

Lokoja ÏÏÏThe Paramount ruler of Igala Kingdom and President, Kogi State Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II, has cautioned politicians against over-heating the state polity, saying that power belonged to God and He (God) gives it to whoever He desired at any point in time.

Addressing stakeholders at a meeting at the headquarters of the Independent

Benin

ÏÏÏMembers of

the Benin Forum, the apex socio-political organisation in Edo State, have scored Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, high on infrastructural development.

It gave the score when its members, led by Chief David Edebiri, Esogban of Benin, joined Oshiomhole on inspection of some projects in the state capital.

Edebiri, who marvelled at the level of reclamation done on the Queen Ede Gully erosion site, said critics of the government should see the project so that they would know that the money that comes to the state was judiciously spent.

He said: “We have 12 Wards in Oredo and I would love them to, one day, come and see this. Those critics – lame duck critics at home – let them come and see what is going on here, so that they

may know that any money that comes to this state is for development and not wasted or appropriated to individual pockets.

“The work going on here is simply marvellous and I have asked that those lame duck critics in Benin City and elsewhere should be given the opportunity to come and see this work. Only people with large heart can venture into this type of work to protect many people from the harsh effects of flood.

“I am impressed and every good person will be impressed. It means that every penny that comes to this state is used for the benefit of the people and not what we used to have here in this state where few people appropriate public and state money as their own personal money,” Edebiri said.

Appeal Court declares Igbuya winner of Sapele Constituency seat Umahi reaffirms support for Buhari ÏÏÏThe

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Monday Igbuya, on Tuesday, said that his victory at the Court of Appeal was a triumph for the common man and for democracy, adding that it was significant for the development of the state, particularly the Sapele Constituency. Igbuya not only praised the judiciary, in Asaba, for dismissing Felix Anirah’s case, but also said that his election was a welldeserved mandate.

He thanked the people of Sapele for the confidence reposed on him.

“My confidence in the nation’s judiciary is re-

newed. The court judgment went in my favour, despite the speculation that the outcome would go in favour of my opponent, whose party was at the centre.”

Igbuya also described the April election as the most transparent ever in the history of Sapele, “God saw me through the challenging times of the electioneering process, the litigations that followed and, of course, my emergence as first Urhobo speaker in Delta State.

He urged the people to support him to succeed, especially as Speaker of the sixth Assembly of the

Delta State House of Assembly.

“I am grateful to the people of Sapele Constituency for the mandate as demonstrated in their overwhelming votes to the PDP in the April election”.

Igbuya while extending a hand of fellowship to his opponent and brother from Sapele, said now that the litigations were over, he should join him in the task of developing the Sapele Constituency.

Igbuya said the victory would spur him to work harder to improve upon the welfare of the people of his constituency.

He said that he was in-

spired by the victory at the Appeal Court, promising to continue to serve the House of Assembly with the fear of God. “I am grateful to God for this victory. He has never failed me. This is not just my victory but that of Sapele, Delta State and the House of Assembly. My heart is filled with great joy”, he said. Appeal court sitting in Benin-City, the Edo State capital, on Tuesday, upheld the ruling of the Election Petition Tribunal, in Asaba which declared Igbuya winner of the April 2015 House of Assembly election for Sapele Constituency.

Ogodo Mbam

ÏÏÏEbonyi State Governor,

Chief Dave Umahi has restated his support for President Muhammadu Buhari, even though the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) remained party to beat and, so would not quit the party.

Umahi made this remarks while addressing members of Abakaliki Urban Community Forum at a rally organised to appreciate him for his developmental strides within five months in office.

He disclosed that his reason for continued support for Buhari was that the state had been cheated massively

in the past in the sharing of the national wealth and that he wouldn’t want it to continue.

Umahi described Buhari as his boss who should not be disrespected and used the occasion to dismiss the insinuation that he was planning to dump the PDP for the APC, because of his unalloyed support for the President.

Buhari

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

800,000 Ondo residents test positive for HIV, says ODSACA ’Tosin Ajuwon

Akure

ÏÏÏNo fewer than 800,000

of residents living in Ondo State have tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the retrovirus which causes AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

The Chairman Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, made the disclosure, on Tuesday, to journalists during a programme on condom use and safer sex sensitisation organised for hotels in Akure, the state capital.

Adelola said the exercise was part of activities to commemorate the 2015 World AIDS Day and

expressed the government’s resolve to enforce the HIV laws in the state.

He pointed out that the state government was working towards containing the spread of the virus, discourage discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with the virus – including mother-to-child transmission and other deadly diseases.

To achieve this, Adelola stated that ODSACA had embarked on consistent HIV counselling and test in all the nooks and crannies of the state with the support of major stakeholders in the implementation of strategic action plans to promote behavioral change – including support for people living with the virus.

According to him, over five hundred personnel have also been trained to further assist in the campaign against the spread of the virus in urban and rural areas.

While encouraging the residents to know their HIV status, Adelola explained that the law relating to the retrovirus in the state empowered the agency to compel hotels to put condom packs in their rooms and sanction, severely those who failed to.

He said that such action would promote safer sex and reduce the spread of the virus, stressing that agency would not hesitate to persecute defaulters.

He said civil society organisations had also been

exhorted to increase HIV awareness at different strata of the society and this had been very productive, as it amounted to very high behavioral change, adherence to preventive intervention mechanism among female sex workers and other most at risk groups.

ODSACA’s Project Manager, Dr. Adedayo Adegbulu, said that it had been proved that the virus was never a death sentence, in as much care and support were given to people living with it.

Adegbulu said that HIV education was now part of secondary school curriculum in the state and appealed to the private sector to assist the agency in stemming the spread of the virus.

Representative of Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Samuel Chenge (4th right); National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Com. Ayuba Wabba (4th left) and other stakeholders, during a Roadshow to commemorate World AIDS day in Abuja… on Tuesday.

Saka Bolaji

Minna ÏÏÏThe Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have accused the NNPC for being responsible for the scarcity of fuel in the nation.

The Chairman of the Niger State chapter of IPMAN, Alhaji Adamu Ahmed Erena said the corrupt people in NNPC have prevented the private marketers to have access to the petroleum product at government regulated price.

"NNPC have been using IPMAN for their business.

They ask us to pay for product lifting and when we do so, they refuse to give us the product. It is the money of private marketers that NNPC uses to make sales"

Agric ministry lauds group on value creation Lara Adejoro

ÏÏÏThe former Permanent

Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sonny Echono, has lauded the efforts of Primlaks Group, producers of the Sympli brand of convenience foods, for raising the bar of innovation and value in addition to Nigeria’s indigenous foods.

Echono gave the commendation during his visit to the Sympli exhibition stand at the just concluded 2015 Foodbext West Africa Exhibition in Lagos, where he tasted Sympli yam fries and

Remi Oladoye

Saraki bemoans death of Kano students in inferno ÏÏÏThe

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday decried the death of seven female students in a fire that gutted their hostel at the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Jogana, Kano State.

Saraki, while wishing other students that sustained injuries during the incident a speedy recovery, called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to unravel the cause of the incident, so as to prevent a recurrence.

In a condolence message to the Kano State Government, families of the vic-

tims and the school management, Saraki said he was saddened by the news of the inferno that killed the girls, at a time when the State was just recovering from an attack by the Boko Haram insurgents, a few weeks ago.

Saraki said, “As a father, I received the news of this tragic incident with shock and I most sincerely sympathise with those who lost their lives and others who sustained various degree of injuries in the inferno.

"The trauma of the incident is much a burden for us to bear. My heart goes out to the families of affected students. It was so pathetic.

“I want to use this medium to call on the authority of the school and other organisations across the country to always be vigilant and take measures to prevent any such occurrence, especially in institutions where our future leaders are being groomed.

“Our future lies in the hands of our young ones.

To lose them in this type of unusual circumstance is unacceptable. We must do all that is necessary to prevent a recurrence of this type of avoidable deaths and injuries,” he stated.

While appealing to the

affected parents to remain calm, the President of the Senate, prayed God to give the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, just as he gave an assurance of government’s commitment towards the safety and well-being of all citizens.

Ambode

Ibadan ÏÏÏThe Inspector General of Police IGP) Mr. Solomon Arase has charged his men to pay much premium on effective policing in order to meet up with the security challenges in the country.

The police boss made the charge in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital while paying courtesy call on Governor Abiola Ajimobi in his office on Wednesday, during his visit to Oyo State command According to him, community partnership in terms of security management is the in thing both nationally and internationally, adding that security could not be left out in the development of any society.

He admonished officers and men of his command to

IPMAN blames NNPC for fuel scarcity Erena said.

Erena, who faulted the federal government for saying there was enough petroleum product to go round said that the federal government should direct IPMAN to the location where the product is being lifted at government regulated price to enable them get the product and reduce the sufferings of Nigeria.

"Federal government can say there is enough fuel in NNPC. We are stating here and now, show us where to lift it. We are ready to supply, please show us where to lift it at government regulated price" Erena demanded. plantain chips to the delight of visitors and other stakeholders.

“Sympli has shown that it is not enough to just grow crops, we must add some value, do some processing, improve packaging and then the products will be exportable and can earn more revenue for Nigeria,” he said, adding, “Value addition is the way to go, the opportunities are bountiful, it is profitable, it also ensures that we create additional jobs for our people and we can get additional value.”

He urged the company to intensify efforts at creating awareness and getting markets for its products, leveraging on the quick preparation and affordability of local agricultural produce.

IGP charges officers on effective policing be human rights compliant and to respect the sensitivity and the cultural values of people of their area.

Arase disclosed that the command was able to apprehend a gang of kidnappers that has been terorrising the state, through the combined efforts of his intelligence response squad from Abuja.

He, however, reiterated his commitment to work assiduously and tirelessly in ensuring that Oyo state got the desired peace, stressing that no society could develop without adequate security.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

Nigeria propose Cote d’Ivoire, Italy friendlies N igeria are working on facing Italy and African champions Cote d’Ivoire in friendly matches in the New Year, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president.

NFF boss Amaju Pinnick disclosed in an interview that the federation’s match agent has already began discus-

sions with both teams for the friendlies to prepare them for 2018 World Cup and 2017 AFCON qualifiers.

“Nothing has been concluded yet but we wish to play reigning African champions Cote d’Ivoire in London. There is a proposal to play Italy, who are excited about playing Nigeria after we defeated Cameroun recently,” said Pinnick.

“We want to make the most every FIFA friendly window by playing top quality matches.”

There will be two FIFA friendly windows in the first half of the New Year, at the end of March, when Nigeria battle Egypt in 2017 AFCON qualifiers home and away and then between June 8 and 16.

There will be another FIFA window between August 31 and September 8.

Ndanusa tasks home-based players on Governor’s Cup SUNDAY AKINTOYE

P

resident of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Engr Sani Ndanusa has charged Nigerian tennis players to perform better in the forthcoming 15th edition of Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship.

Ndanusa disclosed this at the press conference of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship which was held on Tuesday at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Lagos Island.

The annual tournament will serve off from December 5-19 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

Ndanusa who was worried over the performance of Nigerian players since inception of the competition said time has come for local players to shine like stars and compete with the foreign tennis players.

He said they can only achieve success in the championship provided Nigerian players are fully prepared and ready to give the foreign players a run

Reece protests election result after Lady Golfers’ AGM ANDREW EKEJIUBA

F

Super Eagles striker, Moses Simon on the prowl.

Jordan 2016: Nikyu calls 30 players to camp EDIDIONG IBANGA

for their money.

Ndanusa expressed gratitude to Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for supporting the sponsorship of the tourney. He also thanked the Local Organizing Committee for painstakingly putting together a superb organization and fulfilling competition in order to ensure continuity with excellence.

In his earlier address, LOC chairman, Chief Pius Oluwole Akinyelure explained that the total prize money for the championship is $80, 000 with the women’s event taking lion share of $50,000.

Meanwhile, Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu, has appealed to the media to give 15th edition of Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship good coverage.

Tinubu told Extra Time in Lagos that the Governor’s Cup has come of age and he wants this year’s edition to enjoy better media coverage than previous editions.

Ndanusa

H

ead Coach Bala Nikyu has called 30 players to the camp of the U-17 girls national team ahead of a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture in January.

All invited players have been instructed to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Thursday, December 3.

The Flamingos, who have qualified for and participated in every edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals since the competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, will take on the winner of the Botswana/ Namibia first round fixture.

Namibia won the away leg to Botswana 2-1 at the weekend.

Nikyu, who also coached the team at

Nikyu the last finals in Costa Rica early last year, has recalled brilliant attacking midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade of FC Robo. But new faces populate the list and Nikyu stated on Tuesday that, “we need to start preparations early and we are happy the NFF has given us the go-ahead to start camp on Thursday, December 3.”

The 5th FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals will hold in Jordan from September 30 – October 21, 2016.

Flamingos reached the quarter -finals in Trinidad and Tobago (2010), Azerbaijan (2012) and Costa Rica (2014).

NFF congressmen off to London for leadership training

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first batch of Chairmen of Football Associations of States in Nigeria will fly out of Nigeria on Thursday for a 4-day leadership training program in the United Kingdom.

On Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation praised the FROT Group, ZENITH Bank PLC and ARIK Airline for their sponsorship of the elite program.

“I want to use this opportunity to commend FROT Group, ZENITH Bank and ARIK for their support for this lofty program. The objective is for long –term development of Nigerian football at the grassroots and we are confident this will be achieved,” said NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

Resource persons at the program in the United Kingdom include former vice chairman of Premiership leading club, Arsenal FC, Mr. David Dein and

25

Mr. Greg Dyke, Chairman of The Football Association. There will be a paper on ‘Identifying Boundaries,’ to be co-presented by George Dorling (Chairman, London FA) and David James (County Development Manager of London FA).

Dyke will present a paper on ‘Leadership – Strategies and the Workings of the FA’ while Dein will talk on ‘Building A Brand.’

There will be a presentation by Grassroots Football England on talent identification and nurturing at grassroots level, and Marketing Apparel as a potential tool for revenue generation at grassroots level, as well as visits to FA Centre of Excellence at St Georges Park and Watford Football Club ground. The second batch will attend the program in January 2016.

ormer Captain of the lady’s section of Ikoyi Golf Club 1938 in Lagos, Maureen Reece, has said that she will be contesting the results of the election of the Nigeria’s Lady Golfers Union that held over the weekend at the Ibori Golf Club in Asaba, Delta State.

She said the election was fraught with abnormalities which betrayed the spirit of fairness and integrity that the game is known for.

“I believe there are quite a number of things that were not done right,” she stated.

Reece, who contested as the zonal President South Western Zone of the body said her opponent presented a fictitious endorsement to outwit her.

Zulu Omo-Ikeroda, a former captain of Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos, who won the zonal presidency presented an endorsement from Smokin Hills “Lady Captain” for her candidacy which Reece believes was a ruse and shouldn’t have been admitted.

“I had thought the leadership of the NLGU should have verified such claim especially when as touring lady golfers we know quite well that a new club like Smokin Hills Golf Course in Ilara Mokin have no active lady section.

“Any claim of endorsement from such club need to be double-checked,” she added.

The office was decided by the number of endorsements by lady captains, in which Reece claimed they both would have tied with six endorsements a piece, if the contested vote is nullified. The office would then be decided by votes from members physically present at the Annual General Meeting.

“My team is unhappy and this could raise more disaffection among us. I am contesting this and I believe the NGLU should respect my position and conduct an independent verification,” she stated.

X3

26 A

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

FIFA withdraws Nwakali’s award after blunder

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orld football governing body, FIFA, have withdrawn bronze boot award from Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali at the recent U-17 World Cup in Chile and re-awarded it to compatriot Samuel Chukwueze after a mistake.

In a letter to the NFF general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, and signed by Mustapha Fahmy, director of the football division, FIFA admitted their blunder: “We made a mistake at the closing ceremony of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 with the distribution of the adidas Bronze Boot.

“Instead of player no. 8 of Nigeria, Samuel Chukwueze, the player Kelechi Nwakali (player no. 10 of Nigeria) received the adidas Bronze Boot. However, if two or more players are still equal (after goals and assists), the player who has

U-23 AFCON:

Okonkwo backs Dream Team to defeat Egypt

played fewer number of minutes will be ranked first.

“With this in mind, adidas will send you another Bronze Boot in December 2015, which we would kindly ask you to hand over to Samuel Chukwueze. Please be informed that Kelechi Nwakali may keep his trophy.”

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen scored 10 goals and made two assists to win the Golden Boot, while Johannes Eggestein of Germany scored four goals to win the Silver Boot.

Nwakali, who was voted Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and earned the Golden Ball, tied with compatriot Chukwueze for third place with three goals and three assists.

However, Nwakali played more minutes (630 minutes) as against Chukwueze’s 535 minutes.

F

ormer Nigeria’s U-23 team right back, Chibuzor Okonkwo has given the side nod to overpower the Pharaohs of Egypt in today’s clash in M’bour at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

The Dream Team VI lead the pack in Group B on three points following Sunday’s match day 1 fixture 3-2 win against the Les Aigles of Mali in

Omeruo

Omeruo

urkish club Kasimpasa are set to fork out five million pounds to sign Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo by the summer when his Chelsea contract will have only a year to go.

Top sources revealed that Kasimpasa are satisfied with the Nigeria international defender,

who is on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.

Omeruo, 22, has made eight appearances for Istanbul club Kasimpasa, who are sixth on the table with 20 points from 13 matches, 10 points adrift of leaders Fenerbache.

“Kasimpasa are very satisfied with Kenneth and they are most

likely to activate the player’s release clause at Chelsea which is put at between four and five million pounds,” a close source informed.

“His contract will have only a year left by next June and it is expected Chelsea will let him go for a fee by then rather than lose him for nothing thereafter.”

But for injuries, the Chelsea loanee would have been an everpresent for his current club.

He only returned to action this past weekend in a 2-2 draw with Galatasaray after a relapse of a hamstring injury.

M’bour.

Okonkwo said the side hard fought victory against the Malians is the rare tonic the Nigerians need to overcome the hurdle of the Egyptians.

“In any competition first victory matters a lot as it goes a long way to give the side confidence and stability in subsequent matches.

“I’m 100% certain that Dream

Team VI will defeat the Pharaohs as the first win will act as morale boost.

“Siasia is most likely to get everything right by avoiding the mistakes that saw his side labour to win after taking a convincing 3-0 win against Mali to end the tie on 3-2,” said FC Ifeanyiubah strongman.

A win against Egypt will guarantee Nigeria a semifinal ticket and closer to clinching one of the

three Rio Olympic tickets at the championship in Senegal. Egypt were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow North African side, Algeria in the group opening match on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Egypt U-23 national team coach Hossam Al-Badri is optimistic his side can get their CAF Africa U-23 Nations Cup campaign up and running when they meet Nigeria today.

quits Chelsea for Turkish club

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

27

F Benzema

Benzema banned from France squad

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he French Prime Minister says Karim Benzema “has no place” in the France squad at Euro 2016 in the wake of his alleged role in an attempt to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena.

The Real Madrid striker is one of the host nation’s key players but is currently facing charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape. He denies any wrongdoing.

“A great athlete should be exemplary,” Prime Minister Manuel Valls told reporters. “If he is not, he has no place within the France team.”

The investigation, based on wiretap evidence, began when Valbuena took legal action after being contacted by a man claiming to possess an incriminating sex tape.

Investigators who placed Benzema under formal investigation believe he was approached by a childhood friend to act as an intermediary and convince Valbuena to deal directly with the blackmailers.

“If a minister was handed preliminary charges, he would no longer be part of the government,” Valls said.

The French Football Federation has also joined the case as plaintiff.

“There are so many kids, so many youngsters in our suburbs that relate to great athletes,” Valls said. “They wear the blue jersey, the colors of France, which are so important in these moments.”

Preliminary charges under French law mean magistrates have strong reason to believe a crime was committed, and allow time for further investigation. The charges may later be dropped.

ormer Real Madrid striker Hugo Sanchez believes Cristiano Ronaldo is struggling in the number nine position but has backed him to adapt to the role.

Ronaldo netted a penalty in Real’s 2-0 weekend win over Eibar to draw level with third-placed Sanchez in La Liga’s all-time scoring charts on 234 goals.

“I am glad that a player like him, and at Madrid, did it,” Sanchez told reporters. “It was a matter of time.”

Former Mexico international Sanchez believes time is also the key to Ronaldo fully grasping the dedicated central attacking role granted to him by Coach Rafael Benitez recently.

“He has other qualities. I see that he feels a little uncomfortable in the fixed forward position but he has the talent and powers to engage,” Sanchez said. “He will do well.

Sanchez added that the change of position could be beneficial to Ronaldo, 30, in terms of career longevity.

“Now he lives more in the area.

Maturity gives you these things.

There comes a time when you wear out physically and need to save energy for certain moments.

“Everyone does this and this is what is happening with Cristiano.”

Ronaldo

Ronaldo

‘uncomfortable’ at Real role, claims Sanchez

Messi

Ballon d’Or: makes case for Suarez

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ionel Messi would like to have shared the Ballon d’Or finalists’ shortlist with Luis Suarez, but says Cristiano Ronaldo is a deserving nominee.

Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the prize for the last seven years but both face strong competition this year from Messi’s Barcelona team-mate Neymar.

Real Madrid forward Ronaldo has claimed the last two Ballon d’Or awards with Messi winning the previous four editions, the first of those given when it was known as

Inter didn’t deserve to lose—Mancini

that Cristiano is a true deserver of the nomination. So we will go to enjoy the moment like we did every time we went there.”

Suarez, Neymar and Messi have continued their unstoppable scoring form from the treble-winning campaign of 2014/15, and have a combined 43 goals already this term.

Barca boss Luis Enrique won the best coach in La Liga award, while Claudio Bravo won best goalkeeper and Neymar was nominated best player from the Americas.

Zidane’s son sees red, headbutts an opponent

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I

nter coach Roberto Mancini claimed the title hopefuls were unfortunate to lose against the “best team in the league” following Yuto Nagatomo’s red card. Gonzalo Higuain scored a brace as Napoli replaced Inter atop the Serie A table courtesy of 2-1 win on Monday. Inter were forced to play entire second half with 10 men after Nagatomo was shown a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on the stroke of half-time in Naples, but the visitors almost salvaged a draw as substitute Stevan Jovetic and Miranda hit the post inside the final 40 seconds.

the FIFA World Player of the Year prize.

And Messi, speaking at the annual La Liga awards where he won trophies for best player and best forward, said Ronaldo is a “true deserver” of a place in the top three.

“I am happy for once again having been selected among the three finalists,” he said.

“To be able to assist to another gala. I am happy I will be there with Neymar.

“I also would have like to share the event with Luis because he also deserved to be there following his great performance during last season.

“But we must also accept the fact

Suarez

Zidane

uca Zidane, the son of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, was sent off playing for Real Madrid’s under-17s against their city rivals Atletico Madrid, after headbutting an opponent and then lashing out at the player in the ensuing melee.

In a scene reminiscent of his father’s famous dismissal in the 2006 World Cup Final, the young Zidane took exception to the Atletico player, nudging him with the head and then following up by getting involved in the mass brawl that then took place.

The Blancos day went from bad to worse as Atletico eventually triumphed 4-2, cementing their position at the top of the under-17 table, with the young Zidane watching on from the sidelines.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS Chelsea submit stadium plan

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Parker

blasts ‘selfish’ Van Gaal over unhappy duo

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o r m e r Manchester U n i t e d defender Paul Parker believes Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial are unhappy under Louis van Gaal due to the Dutchman’s s t r i c t management style.

Van Gaal guided United

to fourth place in the Premier League table last term, while they sit third in the table this campaign, trailing leaders Manchester City by just one point.

The Old Trafford side have received plenty of criticism, though, and Parker has blamed Van Gaal’s lack of flexibility for his attacker’s underwhelming form.

“Sir Alex Ferguson knew how to manage his players. As his side changed, he too had to alter his management style,” Parker fumed.

helsea have submitted planning permission for a new stadium at Stamford Bridge with an expanded seating capacity. The Premier League side’s application will now be examined by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

Stamford Bridge was first opened in 1877 and mainly served as an athletics venue in its early years, with Chelsea playing their home games at the Bridge ever since their foundation in 1905.

Van Gaal

“He did – and that’s why he was able to drag Manchester United to the Premier League title in 2013. Did he enjoy it?

No. But he did it anyway.

“When Louis van Gaal arrived at United, I thought he too would be flexible. But we now have a situation where there are a lot of discontented players and we have to question why they are playing badly.

“I look at Martial and worry for him. He looks like a boy who doesn’t smile anymore. He doesn’t look like he’s enjoying himself.

Lindegaard faces FA charge over Rooney’s response

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Lindergaard

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iverpool midfielder James Milner described the excitement at the club following their improved form under manager Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp’s men have risen to sixth in the Premier League, advanced in the Europa League and face Southampton in the League Cup quarter-finals today.

Vice-captain Milner said the atmosphere at Liverpool was muchimproved as his side target trophies.

“It is a great time to be involved at the club. It is exciting times for everyone,” the England international said.

“We have a talented squad of

nders Lindegaard is risking a charge from the Football Association after posting a crude Instagram response to Wayne Rooney’s accusation that he is “annoying”.

In an interview with a magazine last week, Rooney was asked to name one of his team-mates who he wouldn’t want to be stuck in a lift with.

“Anders Lindegaard,” replied the United captain. “He’s just annoying.”

Lindegaard’s response on Instagram on Tuesday morning , which included the

caption: “That’s why you don’t wanna be stuck in an elevator with me lad? @waynerooney #happytoseeyoustillgotshitbanter”, is likely to fall under the FA rule that punishes social media posts that are “abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brings the game into disrepute”.

In January, Stoke City defender Robert Huth was suspended for two games and fined £15,000 for posting images of people in explicit posts, while in March, former West Ham striker Carlton Cole was fined £20,000 for sending an abusive message to a rival fan.

Lindegaard left United in the summer to join West Brom on a free transfer but has only featured in the 3-0 defeat to Norwich City in the League Cup in September.

Milner

eyes trophies at ‘exciting’ Liverpool players, a great mix of youth and experience, obviously a new manager and the stadium is being upgraded as well.

“If we keep working hard, keep improving, keep doing our job then hopefully we can be successful.

“We just want to keep

improving, playing as well as we can and getting the wins on the board and hopefully get into January and February and still be in all the cup competitions and give ourselves a shot in one of the cups, see where we are in the league and assess it from there.”

In another boost for Liverpool,

Milner

captain Jordan Henderson and forward Daniel Sturridge returned from injury off the bench in their 1-0 win over Swansea City on Sunday.

Milner said he was thrilled to have the pair back as his team prepare for four games in 12 days.

Rush: Reds competition healthy!

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iverpool great Ian Rush thinks the return of Daniel Sturridge means his old team now have healthy competition for places in attack.

England international Sturridge made his first appearance since the arrival of new manager Jurgen Klopp on Sunday, coming off the bench towards the end of the 1-0 defeat of Swansea. And Belgium international Christian Benteke is also fully fit again and has three goals in his last seven, including a cracking strike against Bordeaux last week.

Herrera: I´m happy at Red Devils

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nder Herrera has insisted he is “very happy” at Manchester United following suggestions he is unsettled at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old has failed to cement his place as a guaranteed firstchoice midfielder under Louis van Gaal and reports emerged this week that he would seek assurances over his future.

Herrera, who has missed the last two United games due to a hamstring injury, has made 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Man City receive $400m Chinese investment

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he City Football Group, owners of Premier League leaders Manchester City, has announced a $400million deal with a consortium of Chinese investors led by media, entertainment, sports and internet operating company CMC Holdings.

Under the agreement, the consortium of CMS Holdings and CITIC Capital will take a shareholding of just over 13 per cent in the City Football Group. The deal values the group at $3billion.

Ruigang Li, chairman of CMC becomes a member of the City Football Group board, which increases from six to seven members.

Along with Manchester City, the City Football Group owns and operates Major League Soccer team New York City and A-League team Melbourne City.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Features Æ s

29

CHINA-AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FORUM: A 2009 International Trade chart put China ahead of the United States as Africa’s largest trade partner, indicating Angola, South Africa, Sudan, Nigeria and Egypt, as China’s top five African trading partners.

Also, a researcher and economic analyst, Mr. Djeri-wake Nabine described as massive the impact of Chinese foreign investment and bilateral trade with Africa.

Nabine cited the Nigeria-China relationship example in his contribution to a journal of Economic Commission for Africa, noting that though the bilateral trade doesn’t contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth the short term, but the long term relationship can enhance Nigeria economic growth.

Jacinta Nwachukwu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh corroborated this view, noting that Nigeria and China have enjoyed profound traditional friendship and China has always been a valuable partner.

In a meeting recently with Chinese Ambassador Gu Xiaojie in Abuja, the minister said that the Nigerian government attached great importance to agriculture and rural development.

He lauded Chinese companies’ investment and involvement in the development of the country, adding that the country would learn from China’s experience to reduce poverty.

Ogbeh insisted that there should be joint efforts to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural area and bring concrete benefits to peoples of the two countries.

In his response, Gu, said China would strengthen investment and cooperation in Nigeria’s

Need for Africans to negotiate, formulate policies

Delegates arriving the 5th edition of Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Beijing..

agricultural areas to inject new impetus to the strategic partnership between the two countries.

It would be recalled that the China Railway Construction Corporation Ltd., in other areas of development had signed an agreement with Nigeria in 2014 to build a 12 billion-dollar railway project.

The company has also undertaken similar projects in Algerian, Tanzania and Zambia, among other African countries.

In the same vein, Chinese bus manufacturing company, Yutong Group, stated that it has exported more than 33,000 buses worldwide, including Nigeria, since it began operations.

Unarguably, Startimes’ project in Africa has promoted the great leap-forward development of digital television in the continent by promoting cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa.

Similarly, , a A Chinese media firm, the Startimes Group similarly said

its multi-layer coverage transmission platform has the capacity to cover 80 per cent of the

African population.

Unarguably, Startimes’ project in Africa has promoted the great leap-forward development of digital television in the continent by promoting cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa.

Reviewing China’s contribution to security issues in Africa, the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies in Cairo, attests that China has paid more attention to the security situation in Africa in recent years.

“Since the establishment of China-Africa Cooperation Forum in 2000, the Chinese AfriCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Ministry, GIPI team up to empower youths

Some of the participants

With years of over reliance on crude oil beginning to take a toll on the economy, the need for diversification has become even more pressing. The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is however taking up the gauntlet, BABAJIDE OKEOWO reports the latest development.

For two weeks, over 100 participants drawn from three geo political zones in the country gathered at the Gateway Industrial and Petrogas Institute, (GIPI) Oni,

Ogun state, to learn new skills that will empower them.

One of the beneficiaries, Nnaji Ogechi told Daily Times all she ever dreamt of as a child was to go to school, get a degree, secure employment with a blue chip company and live happily ever after. Several years down the line, it has remained what it is - dreams!

Years of roaming the streets of Enugu state where she hailed from in search of the elusive job is yet to yield any fruits. It was

at the point of giving up that she was introduced to a youth empowerment programme by the Ministry of Youth Development.

She is not alone; Lucky Ebi Geoffrey, a native of Ijaw in Delta state has also been roaming the streets for years looking for the job that will break the shackles of poverty in his life. But now, his dream of a better life is fast coming to fruition, courtesy of the empowerment programme.

Ministry of Youth Develop-

ment to the rescue Sitting on over 100 hectares of land, the Gateway Institute of Petrogas Institute, (GIPI) Oni, Ogun State was established by the Ogun State government in November, 2007 and commissioned in 2008 with the aim of empowering the youths who are regarded as the future of tomorrow to be self reliant and socially responsible.

In this exclusive chat with our CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Features 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Ministry, GIPI plan youths empowerment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

correspondent, South West Zonal Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Dayo Bamgboye, revealed that the ministry provides sustainable framework for integrated planning and collaboration for the development of policies and programmes and other initiatives that promote and enhance the development of young Nigerians.

The role of GIPI The Rector of the institute, Engineer Hamilton Olabode who came on board as Rector in June 2008, told Daily Times that the vision of the institute is to

be known as an outstanding and leading institute that turns out best qualified and certified man power to meet the challenges of oil and gas, agro allied and other industries.

A partnership that works Like a marriage consummated in heaven, the Ministry of Youth Development and GIPI has teamed up to provide qualitative and experienced training for the teeming youths in the country that are battling unemployment.

While the latter provides the needed funds, the former provides the training and facility to empower the youths.

Students in the classroom

Olabode said the programme is aimed at providing Nigerian youths between the age of 19 and 35 the necessary skills and fund to establish a career in Agricultural related disciplines.

According to Bamgboye, the criteria for qualification are that the participant must be a Nigerian between the ages of 19 and 35; the participant is also expected

A hand-on approach to learning

to have a running interest in any of the programmes on offer and must have a verifiable business or residential address; although waivers can and are given to fresh starters.

For two weeks, the participants drawn from three geo political zones in the country namely, the South-West, South-South and the South-West, gathered at GIPI

to undergo rigorous training in poultry, fish farming, animal husbandry and entrepreneurship.

The participants are broken into three groups for poultry, fish farming and animal husbandry depending on the participant’s choice, while every participant is expected to undertake training in entrepreneurship.

China has always been a valuable partner - Ogbeh CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

can cooperation in the field of peace and security has become one of the most important fields of Chinese-African cooperation,’’ the centre writes in its indepth report.

Recently, China also scheduled to send an infantry battalion -the largest combat troop contribution China has made to a UN Peacekeeping Mission - to South Sudan.

Assessing the impact of Africa-China cooperation on development, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, insists that Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), has been a good platform for strengthening relationship between African nations and .,m China.

It says the forum is a platform established by China and friendly African countries for collective consultation, dialogue and a cooperation mechanism among the developing countries that falls into the category of South-South cooperation.

According to it, Africa needs to accurately assess the Chinese development agenda in order to approach the forum with strategies and priorities that will align with that the development of Africans.

The sixth edition of the forum will hold in South Africa from this Friday Dec. 4 to Saturday the 5th.

South African International

Banner for the 5th FOCAC confab

Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said the summit of the forum would hold in Johannesburg with the theme: “Africa-China Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development’’.

“The summit will elevate the Africa-China relationship to a new level that will have a beneficial impact and give impetus to Africa’s development agenda,”

Nkoana-Mashabane said and added that the summit is expected to open new avenues of cooperation as well as other opportunities for both China and Africa as the forum is historic, being the first to be held in Africa.

“It is expected to adopt the Johannesburg Declaration and Action Plan which will outline specific measures aimed at consolidating the growing mutual partnership between Africa and

China.

“The FOCAC platform is based on the principles of SouthSouth cooperation, mutual and equal benefit with a view to addressing various areas of concern for Africa’s socio-economic development and integration.

“These include deepening cooperation in the areas of infrastructure development, debt relief, industrialisation, investment promotion, market access

expansion, agriculture, science, technology, health and education, among others,’’ she said.

She noted that the summit would ensure that future FOCAC declarations and action plans were effectively implemented in line with the African Union’s Agenda for Regional and Continental Integration and Development.

Nkoana-Mashabane also said that South Africa would ensure that the Africa’s development agenda was realised through the FOCAC partnership that supported relevant African programmes aimed at eradicating poverty.

Stakeholders and observers however that in recent FOCAC summits, China has dominated the agenda settings for the meetings.

According to them, African leaders need to carefully strategise and actively voice their demands for contribution to ensure collective bargaining through regional and sub-regional organisations.

African leaders should make policy priority for the continent to make sure that effective Foreign Direct Investment inflow from China, a forum of analysts insisted.

They are of the view that with the importance of the forum, African countries should negotiate with China for more direct investment in all development areas.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

31 Opinion

And The Man Died

ÏÏÏAbout 15 All Pro-

gressives Congress (APC) chieftains competed against Prince Abubakar Audu, at the primary for the gubernatorial ticket but he beat all hands down. Audu fondly called ‘Adoja’ – the guide, died from a stroke, on the eve of his victory in the recently held gubernatorial elections in Kogi State. It was alleged his malaise started on the eve of that fateful Saturday 21 November and that a doctor was called to attend to him after a domestic staff at his Ogbonicha country home found him ‘with blood covering his face’. A reporter wrote that he would have made history as a three-time governor of the state if he had lived.

He commanded a near cult following in Ogbonicha in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He facilitated the socio-economic activities of his people. An Ogbonicha native said that Audu brought ‘roads, schools, wealth … You cannot cry to him and come back not smiling …’ They were assured of his total commitment to their cause and because of this they said they had lost a ‘breadwinner’. His stupendous wealth benefited his immediate extended family whose welfare was

catered for with proceeds from his mega NNPC petrol station. At the time of his death, Audu still had a case to answer with EFCC over his last tenure in the Lugard House. That case is now no more inconclusive unlike the elections in which he participated.

Is there a hospital in Ogbonicha? One could assume that his family would not have planned to fly him abroad after the elections for medical check-up if the hospital was well equipped and well-staffed. As he was reported to have been vomiting blood, a medical friend said that he might either have suffered from perforated ulcer which could have provoked the blood vomit or he might have been poisoned – conspiratory theory, abi?

My friend was convinced that hypertension couldn’t have made him vomit blood. He should know for he treated his mother for hypertension all her life.

He also went on to say that autopsy should have been carried out and the burial should have been delayed.

My friend said that many murders were covered up on the platform of religion.

Religion and corruption are often joined at the hips.

— Una don bury the Gover-

Audu

nor General?

— No o. He no be Muslim.

— I know now.

— We go do some ceremonies before we bury am.

— People for Lagos say de man no die o.

— Ha a a a. Lagos people too wicked.

— Den no wicked o. Den say de man don go change im face.

— I beg no follow dem talk rubbish o.

— Me, I dey report wetin I hear o.

— No mind dem o. De man self don prepare im funeral before im die.

— Dat be say he know say he go kpai?

— My sista, na so we see am o.

— Wetin kill am self ?

— Dem say na blood he go change o.

There we go again – blood, blood, blood. Blood, sign of

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covenant in some ancient societies.

The annual cultural festival, Ammasoma Seigben, caught my attention in a publication some time ago. It was much later I got to know that Amassoma was the hometown of Diepreye Solomon Peter (DSP) Alamieyesiegha, the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State. He ruled Bayelsa State between May 1999 and December 2005.

DSP, called the Governor General of the Ijaw nation, died on the 10th October 2015 at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

He was in Dubai for medical attention before being tipped off that the long arm of the British justice system was stretching his way. He was wanted in Britain for money laundering and also for making a mockery of their justice system by the way he

escaped from the country.

The Bayelsa youth said that they would hold the governments of Nigeria and the UK responsible for his death for ‘it is obvious that … an extradition of the Ijaw leader … aggravated his illness and led to his sudden death…’ I bet even the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital at which he was admitted and where he eventually died isn’t as well equipped as the one in Dubai from which he had to discharge himself even when the doctors were pleading with him to tarry a while.

DSP is credited to have built the major highway to Amassoma and he was proud to have completed it.

He was also proud to have founded the Niger Delta University in his hometown. But Yenagoa not Amassoma is the capital of Bayelsa State.

Those close to him described him as a ‘brutally frank individual’ who ‘never chose diplomacy where frank talk could suffice’ and that those traits could have earned him more enemies than friends.

The Governor General of the Ijaw was impeached by those members of his political party People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who were once ferociously loyal to him. His shining star dimmed. He bore that disgrace. He was granted an amnesty by his protégé, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, but that didn’t absolve him of the charges of the British justice system.

While Audu vomited blood, DSP was allege to be in need of blood. Both were adored, worshipped by their people for their largesse. In the eyes of their kinsmen both men were ‘primus inter paribus’ – first among

equals. But there is no stateof-the-art hospital in either Kogi or Bayelsa.

If the money in the commonwealth had been used to build hospitals, good roads, train medical personnel, equip hospitals in the states, wouldn’t all the citizenry in the states be beholden to their governors? Why do we buy patronage with funds from the commonwealth – owo Abou la fi nse Abou l’alejo we entertain Abou with his money.

Our statesmen are no modern day Robin Hood.

After amassing wealth from the commonwealth, they corrupt the young ones with their loot. The money isn’t used to start any industry for the next generation. The money isn’t even kept in the country. It is taken out of our shores to improve the economy of another country. They make no provision for the future of the youth.

Since the devil has work for the idle hands, the unemployed youth becomes thugs during the election campaigns. After the elections, the jobless youth become ‘area boys and girls’ doing ‘Alright Sir/Ma’. Teach us o Lord to number our days, so that we can apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Cheer up, the festive season is here. The weekend is full of social activities.

There’s the Food and Beverage Fair being organised

by Eventful from December 4-6, 2015 at Harbour Point in Victoria Island. Lagos Art and Fashion Gala (LAFGA) also takes place 5 - 6 December 2015 at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island. Lagos, the centre of excellence, is where it’s all happening.

Entry to both events is free.

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WEdnESdaY, dEcEmBER 2, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.243 NO.242

Price: n150

s t a e b i s Mes , o d l Rona a g i L a L s win top prize

Lionel Messi poses before the LFP 2014-2015 season award ceremony in Barcelona.

L

ionel Messi was named Best Player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo at La Liga’s annual award ceremony in Barcelona on Monday.

The prize, which comes on the same day the pair were named on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, was one of two picked up by the Argentine star, as Barca and Real Madrid all but swept the board.

Having guided Barca to the treble in his debut season in charge the club, Luis Enrique was named coach of the year, while two of his star forwards were also recognised.

Messi picked up the Best Striker award in addition to his Best Player gong, winning both for the sixth time, with team-mate Neymar - the third man on the Ballon d’Or shortlist - claiming Best American Player.

“It is a source of pride for me to receive

this award (Best Player) ahead of so many important players in the league, I’m very happy,” said Messi.

“This award, in particular, I want to dedicate to my son Thiago, even if he does not fully understand yet.”

Valencia’s Algerian midfielder Sofiane Feghouli picked up the Best African Player prize, while Barca’s Claudio Bravo was named Best Goalkeeper.

Ronaldo had to settle for the Fans’ Five Star Player award, with Madrid captain Sergio Ramos named Best Defender and the Best Midfielder award going to Colombian team-mate James Rodriguez.

Prior to receiving his award, and having accepted Ronaldo’s on the forward’s behalf, Ramos issued a warning to rivals

Barca following their recent 4-0 Clasico success at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It was a tough week after a negative result, losing a Clasico in that manner was a tough one to take,” he said.

“Now it’s time to forget all that and avoid dropping any more points in La Liga.

Barca should enjoy this as much as they can, nothing lasts forever.”

In the second tier, Sporting Gijon’s Ivan Cuellar was named Best Goalkeeper, while colleague Bernardo Espinosa picked up the same award in the defenders’ category.

Valladolid midfielder Oscar Gonzalez and Real Betis striker Ruben Castro were honoured, as was Pablo Machin - coach of Girona.

U-23 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS Today’s Matches Algeria v Mali 17:00 Nigeria v Egypt 20:00 Friday, December 4, 2015 South Africa v Tunisia 17:00 Senegal v Zambia 17:00 Saturday, December 5, 2015 Algeria v Nigeria 17:00 Egypt v Mali 17:00 COPPA ITALIA RESULT Spezia 2 – 0 Salernitana

COPPA ITALIA FIXTURES

Today’s Matches Palermo v Alessandria 15:00 Hellas Verona v Pavia 18:00 Udinese ? - ? Atalanta 21:00 Thursday, December 3, 2015 Carpi v Vicenza 18:00 Sassuolo v Cagliari 21:00

CECAFA CUP PLAY-OFF RESULTS

Uganda 2 – 0 Malawi Ethiopia 3 – 2 Tanzania South Sudan 3 – 5 Sudan Rwanda 5 – 3 Kenya Thursday, December 3, 2015 Rwanda v Sudan 12:00 Uganda v Ethiopia 12:00

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

SEC urges shareholders to fill e-dividend mandate forms

Page B4

Illegal oil bunkering: Court admits vessel as exhibit Page B5

Governors need NASS to change minimum wage — Tambuwal Page B2

Navy arrests boat with tons of stolen crude oil

KEPCO Energy Resource injects N46bn in Egbin Power

Funmi Coker

The Nigerian Navy in the Delta state has arrested a self-propelled barge loaded with an estimated 4,000 metric tonnes, equivalent of 400 truck load of suspected crude oil in what the Central Naval Command described as “a big break in the fight against oil theft” in the Niger Delta.

Flag Officer Commanding of the Command, Rear Admiral CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

L-R: Country Director, Korea International Co-Operation Agency (KOICA), Mr. Sang-Hoon Jung; Minister of Communications Mr. Adebayo Shittu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Arch. Sunny Echono and Director of e-Government, Mr. Tope Fashedemi, during a Stakeholders Engagement Workshop on e-Government Master Plan 2020 held by Federal Ministry of Communications in Abuja yesterday

Minister tasks stakeholders on e-Govt Master Plan 2020 Tony Nwakaegho

Minister of Communications has tasked Information Technology stakeholders on the need for the implementation of the e-Government Master Plan which was envisaged as a tidy Road Map for integrating governance in Nigeria, into the post-modern global ICT age for the purpose of matchless efficiency, accountability and transparency as experienced in the developed world.

The Minister, Mr. Adebayo Shittu made this appeal yesterday during Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop on “e-

Government Master Plan 2020” in Abuja, adding that the eGovernment Master Plan 2020 developed by the Federal Ministry of Communications was designed as an essential blueprint of modalities and protocols for the adoption of e-Government best practices, across board, by all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“I, and the entire Ministry of Communications, feel as per the importance of the e-Government Master Plan 2020. As you very well know, this present administration of positive ‘CHANGE’ is keen on delivering

improved government services to the citizens of our great country for the purpose of leading the country into a new era of growth and development. The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration is equally keen on the task of improving the capacity of its public sector workforce to match-up in skill and capacity for the delivery of the promised positive ‘Change’ which effectively constitutes the popular mandate given by Nigerians to the administration at the March 28, 2015 general elections,” Shittu said.

He enjoined the stakeholders in this crucial area to see them-

selves as essential co-workers with the administration in the task of empowering the administration and its workforce with positive national ‘Change’ in today’s ICT-driven world which is virtually impossible without competence and efficiency in eGovernance.

According to him, the benefits of speed, propriety, bestoption, transparency, accountability and mass-participation for meaningful and sustainable political and socio-economic growth and development in Government is available only via the e-Government framework and platform.

KEPCO Energy Resource Limited (KERL), has said it has injected N46 billion in Egbin Power Plc since it took over the company in 2013.

This is contained in a statement signed yesterday by Alex Okoh, the Head, Public Communications of KERL. The statement said Managing Director of the company, Mr. Dallas Peavey, stated this when officials of BPE visited the company in Lagos.

It stated that KERL, currently generating an average of 1,100MW, recently had its first major overhaul in 30 years with a total overhaul of units 4,5, and 1.

The statement said the power plant which was operating less than 50 per cent capacity prior to its takeover, is now operating at over 85 percent with the fixing of units 06 which had not been operational for eight years.

It stated that the preliminary work had commenced for the building of an extra 1,350MW combined cycle plant.

It added that 107 graduate engineers had been employed and currently being trained for a year to replace the aging population of the workforce.

It stated that the replacement of turbine vibration monitoring system was to assist in CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

Buhari, Zuma to meet over MTN’s N1.04trn fine

Access Bank holds leadership conference Leading global business and political leaders will next week descend on Lagos for the 2015 Access Leadership Conference which is being organised

by Access Bank Plc. This year’s Access Conference which holds on December 10, is titled “Leading in a transformational world – the imperative of innovation” and features a host of speakers from around CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Zuma

President Muhammadu Buhari and South African President, Jacob Zuma, are to meet in Johannesburg this week to discuss MTN Nigeria’s $5.2billion fine.

Both leaders are expected to meet and discuss the fine along the sidelines of the Forum of China-Africa Co-operation which takes place on December 4-5 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Clayson Monyela, spokesman for the Department of International Relations, stated that government was monitoring the

development with keen interest, adding that “The matter between MTN and Nigeria is between a private company and issues of compliance in a market they do business in.”

It will be recalled that the expected meeting between the two heads of state is coming on the heels of what the minister of communications, Adebayo Shittu, said last Wednesday that Buhari will decide MTN’s fate regarding the fine.

The Nigerian Communications

Commission (NCC) fined MTN $5.2billion for failing to disconnect five million unregistered SIM cards in a timely manner.

Nigeria’s SIM card registration process is designed to curb terror and criminal threats in the country.

The fine, which Denmarkbased Strand Consult attributed to be the biggest of its kind in history, upset the South African headquartered MTN whose share price shed about fifth of its value amid the penalty.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

ITF denies allegations by workers

FAAN commits more fund to staff welfare

Augustine Okezie, Abuja

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN has agreed to increase staff allowances and claims in the organisation.

This was contained in a communique singed by leaders of three aviation unions and the management team of FAAN at the end of their meeting Monday in Lagos.

The unions signatories include, Kehinde Rotimi, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ATSSSAN, Olayinka Abioye National Union of Air Transport Employees NUATE, and Emeka Njoku National Union of Pensioners NUP while, FAAN was represented by Mc Abraham Inajoh and BJ Adeyemi for director and manager human resources respectively.

With this development, FAAN has accepted to meet the workers’ demands by commencing the payment of furniture grants by January 2016 and the modalities for the payment of 27% salary arrears will be worked out before Monday December 7th 2015.

On the issue of promotion exercise, FAAN management promised to to conclude all issues relating to promotion by December 17 2015, while every qualified employee of the agency will be given opportunity to participate in the promotion exercise to be strictly done in accordance with the condition of service by involving the unions.

The meeting also resolved, to evolve modalities for the payment of the accrued pension benefits from Pencom while the unions will partner FAAN to recover all debts owed the organisation.

The communique also stated that the management of FAAN and NCAA confirmed that BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited has not been given approval for regional operations.

Labour Mi nistry reviews Registration Protocol for Co-operatives

Tambuwal

Governors need NASS to change minimum wage — Tambuwal Joy Ekeke Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal has said state governors on their own cannot change the minimum wage without the input of the National Assembly.

Tambuwal said the issue at stake was complex, “The issue of minimum wage is a constitutional matter which no state government can decide on its implementation or otherwise. And so far, the Nigeria Governors Forum has not taken any collective decision on the issue of minimum wage,” Tambuwal disclosed.

Tambuwal, according to his spokesperson, Imam Imam, made the disclosure when he granted audience to the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba.

While insisting that, NGF is not against the welfare and interest of their respective states workforce, Tambuwal noted that, workers in any state are viable partners in

Joy Ekeke Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity Nigerian is set to commence new registration protocol for all cooperatives operating in Nigeria, in order to establish a central data base and facilitate proper profiling of individual societies.

Management of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has denied allegations of high-handedness and corruption leveled against it by the workers, saying they are unfounded, malicious and not in the interest of the Nigerian economy.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Fund, Mrs. Ifeoma Iheuze and made available to newsmen in Abuja said the allegations were calculated strategies by enemies of accountability to disrupt the giant strides being made by the Fund under the current administration for their selfish gains.

The statement further quoted the Director-General of the agency, Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, as calling on the Federal Government to urgently address hooliganism in unionism and insisting that labour unions should continue to tread the path of integrity for which past labour leaders were known.

The statement reads, “The peddlers of the malicious information, had tried every means to drag the image of the current ITF leadership in the mud without

progress in the business of nation building.

“States have only minimal say on the issue of minimum wage because it is a constitutional matter. Any change desired for the present minimum wage will have to come through a constitutional amendment to be performed by the National Assembly.

“We must correct the impression that Governors are against workers. That is not the case. We are partners in progress and our roles are complimentary of each other.

“In Sokoto specifically, we are evolving various policies to better the lots of our workers and improve on their productivity. They are important allies and we hold them in high esteem,” Tambuwal stated.

Speaking on his part, NLC national chairman, Comrade Ayuba Wabba noted that Tambuwal played commendable role during his tenure as Speaker of the 7th National Assembly.

Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko

This was part of a stakeholders’ resolution at a forum, titled “Addressing the Social Security Needs of the Informal Sector through Cooperatives Delivery System” held on October 29, 2015, through a collaborative venture between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and

Productivity in Abuja.

According to the Director Social Security/ Corporative Development, Mrs. Mojisola Sonubi, the forum was organized by the Ministry of Labour to demonstrate its commitment to the development of cooperative societies in the light of their role as vehicles for integrating the infor-

success, which is the reason they have again resorted to instigating a protest.

“A situation where our labour unions allow themselves to be used by a few people, who want power by all means, to disrupt laudable policies that would eventually be in their long-term interest, and in the interest of the economy, is not acceptable. In ITF, it cannot be business as usual again, in the interest of efficient and effective skills development.

This exactly is what a few people are trying to fight for reasons best known to them,” On the allegations of corruption by the union, the management argued that it had actually, under the current administration, taken the activities of the Fund to an enviable height while striving hard to cut costs.

“We wish to refute the allegation of corruption in its entirety.

The present DG has been commended severally for her financial prudence and her objectivity in tackling issues. On several occasions, she had directed for the renegotiation of certain outrageous contracts that were awarded in the past, thereby achieving huge savings for the fund,” the statement said.

mal sector into the social security system.

National President of the Institute of Cooperative Professionals of Nigeria (ICOPRON) Mr Emma Okechukwu, had last month declared his organisation’s rejection of the return of the cooperatives department to the Labour ministry.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

B3 Business News

Nigerian workers now survive on Cooperatives’ loans -SSANU

Joy Ekeke

Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has disclosed that majority of Nigerian workers now manage to survive through credit facilities from cooperative societies.

SSANU therefore urged the Federal Government to quickly ameliorate the condition of workers through a new national minimum wage.

The President of the union, Samson Ugwoke has also been re-elected for another four years tenure at the just concluded 1st quadrennial national delegates’ conference of SSANU in Enugu.

Speaking at the conference, Ugwoke castigated the Governors Forum for contemplating nonimplementation of the minimum wage law as unreasonable.

The SSANU boss said surviving on N18,000 was bad enough saying most Nigerian workers are surviving on credit system via cooperative societies in their offices to solve immediate family problems.

Ugwoke hinted that labour has since passed the stage of minimum wage but are progressing to how to review the ‘slave wage’ to a more reality wage system that is just.

Navy arrests boat CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Apochi Suleiman who briefed the press recently at the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Delta in Warri said the boat, MT Camille, was caught November 15 along with 11 man crew in Forcados waters where Shell operates an oil terminal.

Apochi said, “The crew captain is making serious confessional statement, but this is such a big break that we can’t let the details out now so as not to compromise the investigation. We have informed the oil majors operating in the area too.

“No ordinary person can put a 400 trucks capacity crude oil stealing boats on the river. This is a big break. We will get to the bottom of this and get the kingpins, working with other relevant stakeholders.”

The crewmembers were paraded by the Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Raimi Mohammed who said they would be handed to relevant agency for further investigation and prosecution.

L-R: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Lagos, DCP Zubairu Muazu; Chief Information Officer, Keystone Bank Plc, Mr. Femi G. Aderibigbe; Deputy Governor, Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Suleiman Barau and Chairman, Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF), Mr. Dipo Fatokun, during the 2015 NeFF General meeting in Lagos on Monday

He added: “The issue of minimum wage is non-negotiable. We are talking about reviewing of the wage due to inflationary rate.

The present wage cannot even take workers home, because they are living on credit system where workers take money from the cooperative society with such money deducted from source at the

end of the month, which leaves them with nothing to take home.

So any governor that is saying he cannot pay minimum wage is not being reasonable.”

The SSANU President, who lauded the Federal Government efforts at repositioning the economy, urged government to ensure such steps not lead to suffering of

KEPCO Energy Resource injects N46bn CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

regulating the speed of the turbine in the event of vibration to avoid a catastrophic failure.

The statement listed renovation of the administrative building, construction of a simulator room and upgrade of distribution control system for units 4,5 and 1 as the achievements of KERL since takeover.

It cited inadequate gas supply, non-payment or delay of

Peavey

proceeds of power sales with an outstanding cumulative balance for 10 months amounting to over N40 billion as the challenges facing the company.

Others are delay in disbursement of CBN intervention fund for legacy debt.

It added that the aim of the monitoring was to ensure that the organisation complied with the tenets of government since it took over the company.

the masses.

He, however regretted that with the present economic realities in the country occasioned by epileptic power supply, industries were reducing workforce, which had negative effect on workers.

He said: “Industries will sack their workers sooner or later because there is no power, the power

level is still low, an economy that is generator-based cannot guarantee companies to produce at 100 percent, and who are suffering, it is the workers. So if a business man cannot make profit, he will reduce workers and these people will come back to be unemployed, thereby increasing the poverty level in the country.

So government must look at the economy again and take us back to agriculture. We are blessed with abundant arable land, including six to ten months rain.

“So, why can’t we feed ourselves and other African countries? A situation where Chinese vulcanizers will come to Nigeria and be called ‘Engineers’ is not acceptable.”

In a solidarity message at the occasion, General Secretary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Peters Adeyemi said unions must collectively fight against the introduction of the neo-liberal approach to industrial relations in the universities system.

His words: “At the heart of neoliberal approach to industrial relations is deregulation of collective bargaining; limited intervention of the state in industrial relations and encouragement of individualism as against collectivism. Central in the collectivism approach to industrial relations is collective bargaining, where workers are represented by their unions and collective agreements entered into by parties are implemented.

Access Bank holds conference CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

the world who will discuss the major issues facing Africa, the global economy and the social transformation which is being wrought by technological change.

In both Nigeria and around the world every industry is grappling with the disruption that accompanies technological innovation. The financial system is no exception and faces changes that will fundamentally alter not just the operations of banks, but the nature of their relationships with customers.

A statement from the Bank indicated that public office decision-making is rarely straightforward. “Competing interests, rapidly changing circumstances and electoral dependencies mean that uncertainty is the only reliable constant in public policy. The discussion will look at what it takes to make bold, and sometimes unpopular, deci-

sions in the face of complexity and opposition.”

Drawing on their varied experience from careers that include central banking and microfinance, panellists at the Conference according to the Bank, will discuss the impact of innovation so far, and where the next wave of disruption will take the sector.

The Access Conference 2015 closing ceremony will feature the W Awards, which have been set up to recognise and celebrate Nigerian women who defy all odds to stand out successfully.

Key categories include the W Entrepreneur award, the W Young Professional Award and the W Seasoned Professional Award. In addition to the awards, Access Bank will provide a preview of its new book, The Power of 100, which celebrates the positive contribution made to Nigerian society by women from all walks of life.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

SEC urges shareholders to fill e-dividend mandate forms Ï ƄéƕƆƐƆƕƄ ƕ ƍƄ Ɔ Ǝƍ ƎƆ ƎƎƍ ƃƎ MƟƞƞ ƃ ƍ Ƅ ƅƍ Ɗ L ƍƃ Stories by Adesola Akindele The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised all Shareholders and Investors of the Nigerian capital market to

approach their banks or registrars to complete the e dividend mandate forms for immediate processing and upload to the e dividend mandate management system (eDMMS) free of charge for the next 90 days effective from 23 November, 2015, after which a fee of N100 will apply.

This was published on the apex regulators site on Monday, 30th November, 2015 and also noted at a post media briefing held in Lagos recently.

According to the DG of the commission, Mr. Mounir Gwar-

zo, the e-dividend registration mandate is one of the many steps taken by the SEC to ensure successful implementation of the initiatives surrounding its 10 year master plan, geared towards the growth and development of the Nigerian Capital market.

Other mandates recently engaged by the Commission are the: Recapitalisation exercise to strengthen market institutions, Dematerialisation of share certificates which according to Mr. Gwarzo has reached unprecedented level of over 85% with

100% in sight before the year ends and the Direct Cash Settlement which leverages on the BVN database.

The unveiling of the Corporate Governance Scorecard launched

by Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, which the SEC’s DG said will bring about a new era in corporate governance compliance as specific rules that make compliance with the SEC Code of corporate governance mandatory.

Similarly the National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF) scheme was launched by the for-

mer Minister of Finance as well as National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman who also inaugurated the board of the fund as well as its verification committee.

The Inauguration of Capital Market Master Plan Implementation Council (CAMMIC) was another milestone achieved by the SEC. Mr. Gwarzo in reference to this development noted that “this was a major step towards the master plan implementation as we have in this council distinguished and highly respected Nigerians who will lead advocacy efforts to various master plan initiatives.”

“These are major changes that are happening within the market and a lot more changes is on the way as we continue to faithfully implement the master plan, he said.

Stock Market Report The Equities market segment of the Nigerian Stock Market (NSE) resumed the last month of the year on a negative note as lead indicators further depreciated by 0.26 per cent Specifically, the NSE All Share Index and Market Capitalization dropped 71.69 points and N25 billion lower from their previous figures to close at 27, 314 points and N9.39 trillion respectively compared to 27,385.69 and N9.42 trillion recorded on Monday.

Similarly, the volume of equities traded reduced by 52% to 153.3 million units of shares from 319.8 million units traded on Monday, while the value of equities traded decreased by 43% from N3.0 billion to N1.7 billion.

The market breadth closed negative with 23 losers against 16 gainers. Tiger Brands Plc topped the losers chart with a decline of 9.09 per cent or14 kobo to close at N1.40 per share trailed by Unity

Bank Plc which depreciated by 8.25 per cent or 8 kobo to close at 89 kobo per share while FBN Holdings Plc dropped 6.37 per cent or 34 kobo to N5.00 per share.

Similarly Conoil Plc lost 5.00 per cent or N1.37 to close at N26.04 per share and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc fell 4.96 per cent or 19 kobo to close at N3.64 per share.

On the other hand, Cutix Plc led todays 16 gainers with a 4.88 per cent or 8 kobo appreciation to close at N1.72 per share followed

by Unilever which added 4.83 per cent or N1.84 to close at N39.90 per share, while UACN Plc gained 4.42 per cent or N1.14 to close at N26.95 per share.

Law Union and Rocks Insurance Plc likewise appreciated by 3.85 per cent or 2 kobo to close at 54 kobo per share while AIICO Insurance Plc increased by 3.33 per cent or 3 kobo to close at 93 kobo per share.

Index movement

L – R: Mr. Kunle Ayodeji, Executive Director, Finance & Operations, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc; Mr. Phillip Obioha, Chief Operations Officer, CWG Plc; Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Austin Okere, Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc; and Mr. James Agada, Chief Technical Officer, CWG Plc at the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange Tuesday.

TEEP calls for 2016 entry The Tony Elumelu Foundation has announced for entries on the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) 2016.

This is the second annual round of the $100m for emerging African entrepreneurs, open to citizens and legal residents of all 54 African countries. Applications for 2016 open on 1st January and can be made by any for-profit business based in Africa in existence for less than three years, including new business ideas.

In 2015, TEEP empowered 1,000 African entrepreneurs, with an average age of 21-40, from 51 African countries selected from over 20,000 applicants, with start-up investment capital of $5,000, active mentor-

ing, business training, an entrepreneurship boot camp and regional networking across Africa.

TEEP 2016 opens for entries at 00:00am WAT on 1st January 2016 and will accept applications until midnight WAT on March 1st, 2016. To be eligible, entrepreneurs must complete the online application form with questions on their background, experience and business idea, plans for growth and proposed pan-African impact.

A beneficiary, Stella Nakatudde, founder of ICT company, Ella Solutions Ltd, based in Uganda, said of her experience: “Since being selected for TEEP 2015, I have learned invaluable life and business lessons, expanded and enriched

my business network, opened our first office, hired two staff and closed two web development deals. TEEP is not just a means to start or propel your business, it is the torch that will light your entrepreneurship journey for life and the pen that will script your story in the new African Narrative”.

Commenting on the programmes, Tony Elumelu Foundation CEO Parminder Vir OBE stated “Africa does not need aid alone, it needs investment and it needs entrepreneurs. TEEP brings both and our ability to bring capital and the necessary support, for those who will help Africa harness its enormous potential is creating extraordinary opportunities across the Continent.”

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

B5 Maritime

Illegal oil bunkering: Court admits vessel as exhibit Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos has admitted MT Anuket Emerald, a vessel allegedly used for illegal dealing in petroleum product as exhibit.

Justice Buba alongside the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, the defence counsel, Babajide Koku, SAN and the captain of the vessel, Pakhladzhian Artur, were at the Nigeria Navy Beecroft on November 13 to inspect the vessel where it was admitted as exhibit.

During the inspection, Abdulahi Alaya, a Senior Detective

Superintendent of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) testified that MT Anuket Emerald with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number 9393644 was the vessel and that it had petroleum products on board.

The prosecution counsel, Oyedepo also tendered the cargo on board the vessel and the logbook, which were admitted by the judge as exhibits.

MT Anuket was intercepted on March 8, 2015, by officers of the Nigerian Navy, during a routine patrol within Nigerian waters.

Further investigation by the EFCC revealed that the registered owner of the vessel is Combe Shipping Limited and the beneficial owner is Alliance Tankers Incorporated and that the ship flies Panama Flag with IMO number 9393644. Furthermore, it was discovered that Monjasa DMCC of Dubai UAE are the chatterers of the vessel.

Count one of the charge reads, “That you MT Anuket Emerald, Monjasa DMCC, Glencore Energy UK Limited, Artur Pakhalazhian, Sergo Abgarian, Vasily Shkundich, Vitaliy Bilous, Hi-

larion Teofilo Regipor JR, Laguta Oleksiy, Cadavis Gerardo, Kretov Andrey, Baduria Benjamin, Chepikov Oleksan, Naranjo Allian Antero JR, Patero Christian, Alcayde Joel and Caratiquit Micheal Bryan on or about the 27th day of February, 2015 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court conspired among yourselves to commit an offence to wit: dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority or appropriate licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 19(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of

Buba

the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 17 of the same Act”.

Marine surveyors decries infiltration of profession by quacks Stories by Funmi Coker Centre for Marine Surveyors in Nigeria has decried the infiltration of the profession by quacks over the years.

President of the association, Bambo Ademiliyu who raised the alarm at a public lecture held in Lagos recently, said that quackery has been the bane of the profession.

He also lamented that companies in Nigerians often prefer to deal with foreign surveyors rather than make use of the services of Nigerian indigenous surveyors.

“The foreign companies are coming here to take away the big money because we Nigerians

Ademiliyu

don’t recognize the Nigerian professionals who are licensed to do the job,” he said He said as part of effort to deal with the situation, corporate members of marine surveyors plan to come together to form a regulatory body which would be constituted by the association of marine engineers and surveyors; guild of marine surveyors and the centre for marine surveyors in order to regulate the practice and ensure that anybody not registered or certified by the body is not allowed to operate.

“We need to come together to have one voice for marine surveyors in Nigeria in order to drive away quackery. That is actually is the bane of marine

survey in Nigeria and all over. If we can come together and have one voice to self-regulate, we would be better put to get more business and bring in young men and women who want to be marine surveyors. If we don’t do that some of them will end up as quacks because they will go to the people who do not have proper certification for training.

“We are looking forward to legislation and we are working towards it so that we can have an institute for marine surveyors in Nigeria just like we have ICAN it will help a lot more and that way, we can have people say I am certified by the institute of marine surveyor and we can hold any person not certified responsible for any quackery.

Hurdles ahead of Edike as Customs battles to meet revenue target As the year gradually winds up with less than four weeks to go and given the drop in volume of imports into the country which has considerably affected the revenue generation of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Charles Edike who was recently appointed Acting Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs in charge of Zone ‘A’ no doubt has the onerous task of ensuring that the revenue generation from the zone does not fall beyond the expectation of the Customs Comptroller General, retired Col Hameed Ali. This is because the zone accounts for 75 percent of the Service overall target representing the largest chunk of the Service revenue with well over eight thousand workmen and women spread across several states in the South Western region of the country.

The Customs Comptroller-

General, who recently lamented the decline in NCS’ revenue collection, disclosed that only a paltry sum of N1billion to N1.5 billion is currently being generated by the Service on a daily basis.

So far, the NCS said it had generated a total of N747 billion out of N944 billion with less than N200 billion to meet this year’s target.

According to Ali, unless the Service generates N100 billion for each month of November and December, it would not be possible to realize the target.

Ali who is certainly under pressure to deliver on his revenue mandate as handed down to him by President Muhammadu Buhari had in consultation with the Customs management appointed Comptroller Edike, a quintessential officer to head the zone.

Edike’s appointment did not come as a surprise to stakehold-

Edike

ers in the industry especially those in the clearing and freight forwarding profession and among officers who believe he is best qualified for the job.

Apparently aware of the task

ahead and especially with the warning from the CG that zonal coordinators will be held accountable for revenue shortfall in any of the commands under them, Comptroller Edike with

just two weeks into assumption of duty last week embarked on a working visit to all the commands in the Zone where he relayed the worries of the Customs boss to the officers.

As at the last count, Apapa port which handles the largest volume of import into the country, has witnessed a 40 per cent drop in vessel calls. This notwithstanding, Edike did not mince words when he told the officers at the Apapa Area Command not to let the zone down as the service will not tolerate any excuse if they fail to meet the revenue target set for them.

He charged them to change their attitude to work to facilitate trade and redouble their efforts especially as the yuletide season approaches by ensuring that all revenue from imports into the country is collected and ensure that all loopholes are blocked to maximize government revenue.

Aviation B6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

L-R: NAMA MD, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam with Senior Operational ATC Expert, ICAO Technical Cooperation Bureau, Ben Hallberg (left) and ICAO Safety Management Expert, Anders Ellerstrand (right) during the review of ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) 2016 Protocol Questions at NAMA headquarters, Lagos recently.

Manpower development, mgt key to Nigerian aviation growth— Expert Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Manpower development and management remain the keys to the growth of the Nigerian aviation industry, as these can galvanise the aviation industry to succeed in the situation the sector found itself.

These were the words of the former Director of flight Operations (DFO),Air Peace, Capt .Tunde Adekoya, who was the guest speaker at a conference organised by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Alumni Association(NCATAA) at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA)Annex, Murtala Muhammed Airport(MMA),Lagos.

Speaking at the conference with the theme, ”Human Resources Development in Nigerian Aviation Challenges and Imperatives” Adekoya posited that manpower development and management was crucial to the Nigeria air transport sector that is witnessing some hiccups.

He warned that to ignore this means that the growth of the country’s aviation would be retarded.

According to him, human Capital development and management is pivotal to the success of any service oriented industry such as Aviation. If well marshaled, it can propel the industry to a zenith of prosperity

and relevance as key economic index especially in a setting such as Nigeria finds itself today. On the other hand, to pay apathy to this subject is a recipe for disgruntled workforce, chaos, industry dwarfism or atrophy and colossal economic loss.

The former Air Peace DFO explained that the work force in aviation industry could be generally classified into two groups ; the skilled and non-skilled, adding that the non-skilled category could be sourced from the pool of job applicants and given tailor-made job orientation; usually of short duration to equip them for the work place.

The skilled workforce, he stated were usually licensed as an attestation of competence to perform key duties critical to the objective of the organisation, stressing that any negligence in the performance of duty by these skilled workers are subject to state sanctions and or prosecution in courts of law.

He added that it was because of this reason that minimum levels of experience in specified positions were prescribed as entry requirements.

The guest speaker stated that qualifying for a position in the skilled category implies; acquiring specialised training institution for basic and advanced certification, having On the Job Training (OJT) for line experience and skill acqui-

sition, a time lapse of three to five years post certification and a tidy sum of money expended in the process ranging from N10 to 50 million per candidate.

Adekoya noted that getting the desired manpower in the skilled category calls for visionary leadership, planning and projection, phased training programme and huge capital outlay often in foreign currency.

He listed the factors that must be present for any set up within the aviation industry to get it right to include: organizational discipline and passion for aviation, long term prospect for survivability and profitability, an enabling operating environment and deep pocket An organisation that went this far, he posited cannot afford to see its human capital loafing, adding that presently there is a mismatch in the provision manpower in the industry.

In his words, “Currently, there is a mismatch and lopsidedness in the provisioning of manpower for the Industry in Nigeria. This is an unhealthy outlook.”

He stated that while the rest of the aviation world is currently battling with how to attract its young generation to take up careers in the industry so as to address the crisis of acute shortage of entry level manpower but in Nigeria, the reverse is the case.

General Manager of Mainland Cargo Options Limited, an indigenous cargo and freight forwarding firm, Ms. Shakeelah Naransamy has called on stakeholders to come together for the good of all operators.

Naransamy made the call during recent courtesy visit on the leaderships of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Cargo Agents, ANLCA and the Nigerian Association of Air Freight Forwarders & Consolidators, NAFFAC at their various secretariats in Lagos.

She expressed her Company’s readiness to partner other stakeholders in moving the industry forward and advocated for fairness and openness in the dealings of members so that sharp practices and other unwholesome acts being perpetrated by un-registered and un-licensed operators will be minimized to save the genuine ones from ridicule. She sought the total and unwavering support of the association in the task ahead.

“I have come as a partner in progress to join hands with you and others in moving the cargo business forward and we will do our best to ensure that our customers are offered the best available services”.

On his part, Chairman of ANLCA, Lagos chapter, Nze Aloysius Igwe commended the Company for its initiative despite being a new entrant and pledged his association’s unflinching

Kabiru Mohammed nominated director of ACI Kabiru Mohammed, a staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been selected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Community of Practice (CoP) of the Airport Council International.

This was disclosed by the Nominating Committee of the International Airport Professional, Community of Practice (IAP CoP) in a letter dated November 24, 2015 from its office in Montreal, Canada.

According to the letter the Nominating Committee made its selection based on each candidate’s unique qualification for board duty ... as required in the CoP by-laws.

The vision of the International Airport Professional, Community of Practice (IAP CoP) is to be the premier global platform where IAPs advance the practice

MCO boss calls for synergy among freighters

support. He however added that for the Company to enjoy all the available privileges accruable to members, it must register with the association and be a paid up member.

Speaking also, the Chairman of NAFFAC, Lagos chapter, Alade Shabi, expressed profound appreciation for the visit.

“We look forward to working with you and it is our hope that this rapport will continue for the good of all of us”. He said.

Mainland Cargo Options Limited is a Nigerian registered Customs - licensed clearing and forwarding company, with alliances with major industry players in the cargo import and export business in Nigeria and some other African countries.

It also has handling agreement with some major airports.

Kabiru

of airport management through interdisciplinary networking and developing best practices of airport businesses for the benefit of the aviation industry.

By this nomination, Kabiru Mohammed will not only be advancing his own knowledge and networking capability, he would also be creating opportunities to enhance the practice and profession of airport management on a global level.

An AMPAP graduate of the Airport Council International program for airport professionals, Mohammed will facilitate networking, collaboration and shared experiences of world-class experts at a global level.

Kabiru Mohammed who is a Deputy General Manager at the office of the MD/CEO is one of the few ICAO/ACI Accredited airport professionals in the country.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

B7 ICT

Mobile subscriptions surpass global population— Ericsson

Abass

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho The mobile revolution has passed another milestone this year, according to Ericsson’s most recent Mobility Report.

The report disclosed that the number of mobile subscriptions now outnumbers the world’s population.

In Ericsson’s estimation, the number stood at 7.3 billion at the end of September and will grow to 7.4 billion by the end of the year.

The world’s population, according to the United Nations will climb to 7.35 billion by the end of 2015.

The fact that many people have

multiple active or inactive subscriptions more than makes up for the many people still living without a mobile phone.

Ericsson puts the number of actual subscribers at 4.9 billion, leaving 2.4 billion people disconnected.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) website indicated that as at September, Q3 of 2015, MTN has a subscribers’ base of 62,493,732; Glo has 31,306,472 subscribers’ base; Airtel has 31,134,625 subscribers’ base; Etisalat has 23,492,214 subscribers’ base; while the CDMA which include Visafone has 2,031,802 subscribers’ base and Mutilinks Telkom has 10,213 sub-

scribers’ base.

The sub total GSM subscribers’ base stands at 148,427,043, while the sub total for CMDA stands at 2,105,981.

However, the number of mobile internet users on Nigeria’s telecoms networks had reached 97.21 million on 30 September, up from the 95.37 million recorded in August. This is according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to the NCC, both the GSM and CDMA networks increased by 1.84 million in September 2015.

The NCC also revealed that 97.06 million mobile internet users were on GSM networks and the other 151,816 users on CDMA networks. However, CDMA operators had lost 367 internet users from the 152,183 recorded August 2015.

The NCC said MTN has 41.84 million subscribers browsing the internet on its network, the highest among the telecom operators.

MTN recorded an increase of 423,448 internet subscribers in September after recording 41.41 million in August. Globacom had 21.89 million subscribers surfing the net on its network in September. About 20.77 million surfed the internet on the network in August.

Airtel Nigeria had 17.73 million internet users in September, against 17.49 million customers in August. Internet users on the Airtel network increased by 235,941 in September this year. Etisalat Nigeria had 15.59 million customers browsing the web in September, against the 15.54 million users in August 2015.

Etisalat opens Zaria experience centre

Etisalat, Nigeria’s innovative and customer-friendly telecommunications company has increased the number of its experience centres across the country with the formal opening of another centre in the historic ancient city of Zaria, in Kaduna State.

The opening of the Etisalat Experience Centre, which was welcomed with excitement among the residents, is aimed at bringing Etisalat products and services closer to the people as well as to afford customers seamless interactive opportunities to resolve any issues they may want the company to attend to.

Speaking at the event, Matthew Willsher, CEO of Etisalat

Nigeria, said the new Etisalat Experience Centre located in Tundun Wada, Zaria was in keeping with the company’s commitment to continuously innovate with touch points that give customers excellent experience any time they use any of the Etisalat products and services.

Willsher said: “The reason we call this an experience centre and not a shop is because, at Etisalat we believe that our customers deserve positive experience; that our products and services are not just to be sold to them. We also believe that our customers deserve an excellent experience every time they call or use their phones or their tablets/PCs to do email or to

surf the internet. And, I am delighted that we are working together with our business partners to roll out these new franchise experience centres and this one in Zaria is the first-of-its kind in the whole country.”

The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Balarabe, said the opening of the Etisalat Experience Centre in Zaria was auspicious given the strategic nature of the city as a national historic centre.

He added that the centre would boost the delivery of quality service in the community and its environs.

Ejimofo

Asoko Insight appoints Obi Ejimofo head Sub-Saharan Africa Asoko Insight has announced its first executive appointment with Obi Ejimofo, joining to head operations as the venture shifts gears on the heels of its recent funding round.

Ejimofo, who recently stepped down as managing director for Lamudi Nigeria, was already part of the Asoko Insight advisory team and will now lead the venture’s drive to scale its operations across sub-Saharan African markets.

Prior to Lamudi, Ejimofo ran global transformation programs for Thomson Reuters and Philips Electronics before focusing on strategy execution and market development in Sub-Saharan Africa as a consultant.

“I am really excited to be joining Asoko Insight at this pivotal stage in our story. Our objective

“I commend Etisalat for targeting Zaria for this launch. This is a very strategic decision because Zaria is home to many educational institutions; both individuals and institutions rely on access to quality telecommunications services”, he said.

Speaking more on the experience centre, Ken Ogujiofor, Vice President, Consumer Sales and Services, Etisalat Nigeria, said it was a response to subscribers’ need for increased access to qualitative customer services.

He added that “with this experience centre, Etisalat customers can make purchases, resolve any network issues and source for any form of telecommunication services. They can

is simple - to become the go-to source of corporate data and market intelligence for a global investment community that sees Sub-Saharan Africa as the next growth frontier.” Ejimofo said.

His announcement comes quickly after Asoko Insight publicly announced it had secured $1.35 million in seed funding.

The London-headquartered firm will use the funding to rapidly scale its data and content operations across Africa’s most dynamic growth markets.

“Obi’s experience running Africa focused operation is of critical value to optimizing our next growth phase and building superior analytics on African companies. We’re delighted to welcome him to the management team,” Asoko co-founder, Rob Withagen declared.

Willsher

also experience quality customer service that we provide all over the country.”

The launch of the Zaria franchise experience centre is the beginning of the planned panNigeria initiative designed to increase access to better customer services.

Capital Market B8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 01-12-2015

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Ignatius Njoku:

Super-talented fashion designer

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Making people look good is his major desire. Little wonder why Ignatius Njoku, CEO of N21 clothing, is a master at what he does. When the works of your hands are admirably good and sellable, invariably, the money begins to role in through the customer network that you must have built for yourself through referrals. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the Imo State-born businessman shares how it all started, the secret of his success and future aspiration. Excerpt:

You must have a drive to be successful

— Ignatius Njoku

Life &

T E A M

Tell us about the challenges you encountered when you were starting up and the ones you face now?

If you are talking about a business, what about the needed fund?

Someone gave me some money to give to someone else and I used it to trade. The N20, 000 that was the proceed is what I used to develop my business to this level.

So, how much would you say you started business with?

I would say I started business with N20, 000 which was not even mine. I never had any money of my own. I would take some money to Yaba market, buy Okirika (OK) trousers, adjust them and sell and that was how we started getting money to the point that we were able to purchase materials and equipment. We knew where we were going but we didn’t know which way to go. I also got a loan from the bank but later, I decided not to do it again because of the high interest rate.

Did you ever nurse being a fashion designer at an early stage of your life?

I never knew I would go into this.

When we were much younger in 1996, we formed a club called Pens Club and I was the one in charge of what we wore as young boys growing up in the village. I was choosing the colours and doing it the way it

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

should be done.

So, when did you start up professionally?

When I first came into Lagos, there was much aspiration. Along the line, I found myself doing something else. I was doing a different business and I was also praying for God to show me what to do.

My brother in London asked me to come over to stay with him but I had an issue that made me stay back in Ghana. In Ghana, I was fully in business and decided to come back to Nigeria. I had already started making clothes that people would always admire my colour combination and the quality of the clothes I was making. I started working with a friend at Maryland and we were getting it gradually, although we made mistakes sometimes. At a time, I was a dealer with a telecom company and I had contacts I had built over time and what I wanted to do was to use my contacts in my new business. My partner then didn’t see my dreams because I wanted a situation where I would see a good fabric in the market, produce it and have people come to buy. Within a period of time, people would come because if the quality is good, the finishing is nice. At a time, I was paying more than the usual to the person that was doing my works for me because of the standard of his works. I just wanted good quality and finishing. I met another guy who took me to Tinubu Square at Lagos Island. Later, I decided to be on my own because I never wanted to continue giving someone clothes where I won’t be there to supervise. He may not be able to interpret it the way I want. That was how I told the guy I was going back to set up a fashion factory. The guy looked at me and asked if I was stupid because he had been in the business for 17 years and he had never thought about that. He just couldn’t believe why I would be talk-

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

ing about that? To me, I knew what I was going to do and I was only thinking of how to go about it. One day, I was in the house and a friend of mine came in and was putting on a well-made native which looked like an Italian made wear. He gave the address of the person that made it and I went to their factory to check out all they do and that was how I got motivated to go into mine fully. I had a lady friend close by who would work from Mondays to Saturdays while I move my workers to work over the weekends. As we went on, there was a need for us to start and we started. The volume I was doing was then putting pressure on the people that were making the clothes for me. Gradually, we were able to put money together and we bought our first two machines.

How long has that been now?

I have been in this business constantly for five years and it has all been good. If I tell you in details how the whole thing started, you will see how funny it is.

Do you have plans to widen the scope of your business? If yes, how do you intend to go about that?

Just as I said, there were not enough resources with which to start. I developed that myself and I had to also engage people to work with me. When we first started, we had about 50 customers but today, our customers are getting to over a thousand. We have customers in the US, Canada, Ghana. In Ghana alone, we have over 2000 customers. When you take people’s money, you must do the job.

How much of money do you make in the business?

I cannot say for real because the cost of running is very high.

The major challenge had always

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

L3 Interview

‘If you want to stand out, you must give all’ CONTINUED FROM L2 been power but it has been stable now. I tell you, if we will continue to have stable power this way, I bet that within the next 6 months, we would move to a bigger place. I can comfortable take away 24-30 more people who are ready to work off the streets.

How can someone else make money in such a business like this?

First is that there must be that drive. If the drive is not there, it cannot work. For me, it is not about money. My joy is in customer satisfaction and the number of people I see wear my clothes in a gathering.

One day, I know I would come to a big gathering and see all the people there wearing my clothes. I belong to a club where I instituted making same clothes for everyone. We went to a function in Ondo State and the governor, senators and everyone else was asking ‘who are these people?’ That is what gives me joy and not just about the accrued money. There is a philosophy I have about money. Money will come with time. When you get there, the money will look for you.

I also care about taking care of my

“One day, I know I would come to a big gathering and see all the people there wearing my clothes” workers so that they would continue to do the job.

Can you recall the largest contract you have got in the business?

I don’t really charge the people of my club. What I do is that I make them my models. They have different places of work and they get me contracts there. The biggest of my contracts is the one I got from some people in the US. I made one

Global Fashion Mutiat Alli Established in the summer of 2015 by Celebrity Stylist; Mrs. Veronica Odeka, Vane Nail Polish has become the first of its kind to be created by an African woman with the principal objective of creating a luxury nail polish line; consisting of vibrant colours, that will be provided to the fashion forward woman at a reasonable price.

The typical nail polish is created from a brew of Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor; Vane Nail Polish is “5-free”free of the vicious ingredients proven to negatively contribute towards cases of cancer, birth defects, and reproductive issues.

At the recently concluded Vane Polish x House of Tara event, Mrs. Veronica spoke briefly about the new collection of the cosmetics brand which is to be launched this December. She said the collection would be called ‘The Brown Girl’ Collection.

The collection fuses durable, sought after shades of Brown while containing toxin free ingredient which makes it suitable for today’s woman who has to be aware of her health and her beauty without sacrificing one for the other.

for one of my customers there and when he wore it to a gathering and the president of the club saw it, he was interested and ordered five pieces. When he got it, he was so satisfied that he assured me the big one was about to come.

Have you ever recorded any loss in business?

Yes, we do all the time but that is never a problem. If you make clothes and they do not fit you, it would do for someone else. Before Italians make clothes, they invite you for what is called fitting but here, people won’t even come if you ask them to come for fitting.

Are you not afraid of the competitive nature?

What makes us stand out as a company is that I am in for the game and I am not scared of anyone. It is a business that must grow.

The finishing of the clothes made in Nigeria was not too good and that was what prompted us to come into

Vane Store Launch X The Brown Girl Collection

The ‘Brown Girl’ collection is made up of seven shades, plus a top coat and base coat which compliments each of the seven shades when worn in unison. Perfect shine finally meets the ultimate chip resistant, fast drying properties sold mutually exclusively in the formulas of other brands.

“Each shade was inspired by the diverse skin colors of the African woman. This goes a long way to say that at Vane, we celebrate diversity and uniqueness.”

Coming to the Vane Flagship Store on the 5th December 2015 will be the Vane Polish ‘Brown Girl’ collection alongside other classic shades of the brand.

Veronica

business. My clothes fit well and our cuts are spectacular. I really don’t like making loud styles but I do that if you demand it as a customer.

Whenever I make clothes for customers, I make calls to follow up on how they fit. I do that always until I am sure I have got it right.

What message do you have for young entrepreneurs who are still struggling in business?

The key thing here is that you

must tell yourself what you want at the initial stage of your business.

If it is just about making money, there are so many other ways you can make money but if you want to stand out, you must give all. You must always look at job delivery and do it very well. What I do is criticize my own work. Whenever I don’t like a design, I criticize it by myself. You must have a drive in you and be able to visualize constructively.

Anna Ewers goes topless Renowned vogue and fashion magazine’s photographer Mario Testino captures Anna Ewers for a topless ‘Towel Series’ feature.

The German fashion model known for her works with Alexander Wang posed topless with only for the white towel covering her lower part as she goes nearly naked for the 97th feature. Mario Testino, a renowned fashion photographer and Vogue Magazine’s official photographer has captured top models and other famous faces for the black and white ‘Towel Series’ he posts on Instagram.

Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bundchen, Gigi Hadid and more have all being featured in his Instagram project.

Anna

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

L5

Fashion Score sheet L6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Mutiat Alli

FABULOUS

red carpet statement at the

Name: Nikki Laoye, Dressed in purple wardrobe outfit Score: 7/10

Name: Adesua-Etomi, Dressed in Mai Atafo expression Score: 7/10

The Exquisite Lady of the year (ELOY) awards 2015 took place recently at the Red Carpet event centre where spectacular women who blaze the trail in Nigeria were celebrated.

The grand event saw many of our favourite celebrities as well as other people from all walks of life in some very beautiful attires and we just couldn’t take our eyes off them.

Here is our score sheet on best dressed of the night.

ELOY 2015

Name: Toke Makinwa Score: 5/10

Name: Linda-Osifo dressed by Mai Atafo Score: 6/10

Name: Funmilola Raimi-Aofiyebi Score: 7/10

Name: Tayo Afolabi Score: 8/10

Name: Hawa R. Mukaw Score: 7/10 Name: Lala Akindoju Score: 6/10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

L7 Fashion Score sheet List of Winners FEMALE GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR • Nikki Laoye • Lara George • Tope Alabi • Onos Ariyo - Winner • Sinach Egbu • Glowreeyah Braimah FASHION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR • Matopeda Abiola (Tope FnR) for FrockIt RockIt • Toluwaloju Olowofoyeku for Toju Foyeh - Winner • Wana Sambo for Wana Sambo • Mariam Afolabi for Mademoiselle Aglaia • Yinka Fashola for Moofa • Nancy Nwadire for Iconic Invanity MAKE UP ARTIST OF THE YEAR • Funmilola Irantiola Olurinola for Abeke Make Over • Zainab Azeez for Z.A MakeOvers • Olubunmi Oshewa for Oshewa Beauty • Bibi Omas for Bibiyonce Mua • Fali Mamza for Mamza Beauty • Dodos Joseph for Iamdodos – Winner STYLIST OF THE YEAR • Damilola Oke – Ms Modish (Fierce and Modish) • Rhoda Ebun – Roses & Thorns Fashion Company • Ngozi Ijoma – Zed Eye • Jane Michael – Jane Micheal • Tobenna – Harvella Styles - Winner • Yummy Ogbebor – Styled By YouMe MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR • Dija – Aww • Yemi Alade- Taking Over • Simi – Jamb Question • Tonye Garrik- Aribelema • Cynthia Morgan – German Juice • Seyi Shay – Right Now – Winner

Name: Ozzy Agu, Styled in Ouch men’s wear Score: 7/10

Name: Toju-foyeh, The fashion designer of the year award winner looked yummy in a black and white dress by herself, of course.

Score: 7/10

Name: Toyin Lawani Score: 7/10

Name: Bolanle-Olukanni, The star OAP may not have won an award last night but she definitely slayed our hearts in an Elvira Jude number Score: 7/10

Name: Mariam Afolabi Score: 8/10

ACTRESS TV OF THE YEAR • Brycee Adiah Bassey- Deadline - Winner • Funke Akindele – Jennifa’s Diaries • Tomi Odunsi – Tinsel • Adesua Etomi – Gidi Up • Oge Okoye – Hotel Majestic • Linda Esifo – Desperate Housewives

Actress (Big Screen) OF THE YEAR • Osas Ighodaro-Ajibade – The Department • Adesua Etomi – Fallen - Winner • Ini Edo – While you slept • Weruche Opia – When Love Happens • Stephanie Okereke Linus – Dry • Mary Lazarus – Don’t cry for me BRAND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR • Michelle Dede – Emmaus • Tolu Toolz Oniru – Vitafoam • Seyi Shay – Holladia • Osas Ighadaro Ajibade – Polo - Winner • Mercy Aigbe Gentry – Prestige Cosmetics • Toke Makinwa – Payporte ON AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR • Sweet Mandy – Blaze FM - Winner • Kemi Smalls – City FM • Shade Ladipo – Smooth FM • Destiny Amaka – Cool FM • Mercy Ajisafe –Cool FM • Sope Martins – Smooth FM TV PRESENTER OF THE YEAR • Dolapo Marcy Oni – The Marcy Project • Ariyike Akinbobola – On The Couch • Cynthia Kamalu – EL Now - Winner • Vimbai Mutinhiri– Start Gist • Bolanle Olukanni – Project Fame • Agatha Amata – Inside out SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR/ONLINE EDITOR OF THE YEAR • Samantha Dimka – www.stylevitae.com • Ezinne Alfa – www.beautyinlagos.com • Moriam Musa – www.tribeandelan.com • Yetty Williams – www.lagosmums.com -Winner • Ronke Edoho – www.9jafoodie.com • Ezinne Chinkata – www.zinkata.com ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR • Toyin Lawani, Tiannah’s Place Empire - Winner • Leslie Okoye, Cookie Skin • Omonike Fowowe, EMR Group • Bisola Borha, Trendybee events • Sharki Balogun, Bunniebees Fabrics • Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, Wecyclers

Television L8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

125 FOX Channel

107 M-Net Movie Romance

02:10

02:15

Wed, 2 Dec | 13SL

Wed, 2 Dec | 16SNL

‘S3/E4 - Full Moon Fever’. Bobby falls for Travis’ photography professor, but Travis refuses to introduce them. Laurie falls for a guy she’s never met when she begins a romance via Twitter.

In this introspective film, a young man has everything one could possibly want, but still isn’t happy. When he meets a woman from his past, he wonders if she is the missing piece. Rachael Taylor, Josh Lawson. (2012) Rob Sitch.

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

128 SONY MAX

00:00 New Worlds 01:00 Time Of Death 02:05 Hours 04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:30 Mysteries Of Laura 07:30 Grey’s Anatomy 08:30 Stranded In Paradise 10:30 Mike & Molly 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 14:00 Elementary 15:00 Chicago Fire 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Middle 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Modern Family 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 The Blacklist 20:30 CSI: Cyber 21:30 NCIS: Los Angeles 22:30 Gotham 23:00 Twelve Monkeys

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love 23:05 QI 23:35 Top Gear

00:20 Most Shocking 01:10 Kenny vs Spenny 11:00 My Family

01:40 Freakshow

00:25 The Weakest Link

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

02:10 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

01:15 Silent Witness

12:20 Top Gear

02:40 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal

02:10 Total Wipeout UK

13:15 Come Dine With Me

03:10 Hip Hop Squares

03:05 EastEnders

14:15 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:40 Most Shocking

03:35 QI

15:05 The Weakest Link

04:30 South Beach Tow

04:05 Top Gear

16:00 EastEnders

05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak

05:00 Spy

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:30 Exposed

05:25 QI

17:10 The Cube

05:55 Exposed

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

06:20 Video Zonkers

06:30 EastEnders

19:00 Dragons’ Den

06:45 Repo Games

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

20:05 Top Gear

07:10 World’s Wildest Police Videos

07:55 The Weakest Link

21:05 Hell’s Kitchen USA

08:45 The Cube 09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow

08:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

23:45 So You Think You’d Survive?

155 AfricaMagic World

154 Africa Magic Family

00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Living With Trisha 01:30 Family Ties 02:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Evanescent 08:35 Living With Trisha 09:25 The African Child 10:00 Good Morning Africa

11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 14:00 Prem 14:30 Jara 15:00 Family Ties 15:30 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:30 Living With Trisha 17:30 Comfort Zone 18:00 Meet The Adebanjos 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Airtel Touching Lives 20:35 Evanescent 22:00 Tyme Out With Tee-A 23:35 53 Extra

00:05 Noose Of Gold 00:35 Good Morning Africa 01:40 The Dzigbordi Show 02:30 Good Morning Africa 03:30 Good Morning Africa 04:30 Prem 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 Johnbull And Rosekate 08:35 Prem

09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 So Wrong So Wright 11:00 Lies That Bind 11:30 Lies That Bind 12:00 Jara 12:30 Jara 13:00 Series TBA 14:00 53 Extra 14:30 53 Extra 15:00 Kakibe Ki 15:30 Noose Of Gold 16:00 Foot Print 16:30 Lies That Bind 17:00 Lies That Bind 17:30 Star Gist 18:00 Star Gist 18:30 Star Gist 19:00 Prem 19:30 So Wrong So Wright 20:00 Market Sellers 22:25 Series TBA 23:30 The Tracker

09:10 South Beach Tow 09:40 Most Shocking 10:40 Most Shocking 11:40 Video Zonkers 12:10 Repo Games 12:40 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:40 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:40 South Beach Tow 15:10 Exposed 15:40 Criss Angel Mindfreak 16:10 1000 Ways To Die 16:40 Video Zonkers 17:05 Repo Games 17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne 20:30 Impractical Jokers 21:00 Freakshow 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 Tool Academy 23:20 The Real