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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.78

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1Ɔ ƆƏ Ƌ LƑ ƌƌ ƗƑ Ƒ Əƈ æƏƈ Ɛçè ^Ə Ƈê Ɔƌƈ R ƈ Ƅ Ɖ æƾ Ɨ Əƈ Ɛçè ^Ə Ƈê ƐƐ ƈƏƑ CƆ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛƈ Ƈ ƅƆƏƐƈƇƈƅ ƐƆ Ƈ ƏƆƐƑƏ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ ƐéƆƋƆƅƐ Ɨ yƈƅƆ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ ƐéƆƋƆƅƐ ƈ ƄƑƉ êêê Wednesday PHOTO: Temitope Balogun

Boko Haram’ll soon taste our wrath – Buhari Ï ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ ƐéƆƋƆƅƐ ƏƆ ƆƓ ƍƋƆƗ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛ ƅƊƋƆ ƅ ƏƏƑƍƐƈ

Above 40?

Screen for Prostate cancer 26

Herdsmen on the loose ƈ è ƊƈƋƋ Ƣƾ ƈ Ɔ ƑƆ 4

First Lady congratulates Aishat Buhari

6

Lateef Ibrahim ƄƑƉ

ÏÏÏAT

exactly 2.35pm on Tuesday, the Presidentelect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), was formally presented with his certificate of return by the chairman of the Independent National CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2020

I

f all goes according to plan, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) hopes to suppress HIV by 2020. Stating this in Abuja, the Communications and Global Outreach Officer, UNAIDS Nigeria, Charles-Martin Jjuuko, said the group had organised a one-day seminar on the suppression of the pandemic under the new model 9090-90. Interestingly, the new model was launched in Melbourne Australia at the 20th International AIDS conference of July 2014. Under the programme, more people would get counselled, tested and placed on treatment in Nigeria.

The acronym 90-90-90 stands for “90 percent of all people living with HIV” to know their status. Definitely, Nigerians, especially those with HIV/ AIDS, have every reason to cheer this development. This is because the country has been losing ground in the handling of the HIV/AIDS treatment, even when the scourge is abating in most parts of the world.

This fact was disclosed in 2014 at the American Conference on the Treatment of HIV in Denver, Colorado. The consensus was that Nigeria is no longer taking reasonable steps to protect its vulnerable members against the spread of the disease, although it has been making considerable efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on sufferers.

That was why in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan launched the Presidents Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) to accelerate the achievement of key interventions like PMTCT and the HCT. The initiative

which is expected to cost N140 billion aims to avail 80 million Nigerians the knowledge of their HIV status; enrol additional 600,000 eligible adults and children on ART; provide ART for 244,000 HIV pregnant for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), provide access to combination prevention services for 500,000 most at risk populations (MARPs).

Giving boost to the programme, the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) recently donated N8bn towards the elimination of Motherto- Child Transmission of HIV and provision of treatments for those in need.

The fund has seen the PMTCT coverage rise from 17 per cent in 2010 to 30 percent in 2014. Even at that, stakeholders are also coming up with initiatives that will address HIVrelated issues like discrimination and stigmatisation of persons living with the disease, which is still widespread.

And to address this, President Jonathan has signed into law the AntiStigma Bill. The law will help more Nigerians seek testing treatment and care without fear of stigma and discrimination.

It is remarkable that within the measured time frame of 2005-2013, the country’s policies and actions have seen a reduction up to 35 per cent of new cases of HIV infection.

Assuredly, Nigeria will be able to end the pandemic by the projected year, 2030, if the current tempo is consolidated. An HIV-free generation is possible if all those responsible for its elimination will get to work with all the zeal and seriousness required of them.

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Nigeria: Doomsday prophecies fail!

Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏNow

that the presidential election has ended on a remarkably peaceful note, it is time to tell the hordes of Doomsday prophets who had predicted an implosion in the country: You were dead wrong!

Feelers from across the country show that rather than boil, Nigeria has witnessed remarkable peace -- the camps of both the winner and the loser have taken the result with grace, equanimity and respect for the wishes of the electorate.

The jubilation by the winning camp has been mea-

sured, while the losers have been gracious in defeat.

Nigerians have returned to their normal businesses in a peaceful atmosphere.

Recall that a United States of America think tank had in 2005 predicted that Nigeria would break up in 2015.

Since that prediction, acolytes of the think tank within and outside Nigeria had latched onto it to further heighten apprehension across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Even the US which officially distanced itself from the think tank’s prediction worsened the situation by taking steps which many Nigerians saw as being in tandem with the doomsday scenario about Nigeria. This became obvious in the steps that the US

Words On Marble :

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took in the run up to the election and even after the poll held. The climax of such steps came few days to the election when the US dispatched hundreds of marines to Ghana for possible evacuation of American citizens should violence break out in Nigeria after the presidential poll.

But with the jubilation across most parts of Nigeria and the peace pervading the country after the announcement of the poll result, the doomsday prophets have once again been put to shame.

This, of course, is traceable to the resilience of Nigerians and particularly the support of the Almighty, who at every turn, has proven that He has not yet finished with Nigeria as a united, indivisible and indissoluble entity.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Group Managing Director

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

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Yinka Olujimi

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Segun Adio Okay Osuji

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

Adolf Hitler

Oscar Wilde

Walt Disney

The great masses of the people… will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.

The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

‘Boko Haram’ll soon taste our wrath’ Continued from page 1 Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega.

General Buhari was accompanied to the podium by the VicePresident-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; and the incoming First Lady, Aishat.

The presentation ceremony, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, was witnessed by several dignitaries, among whom were the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governors elected on the platform of the party, as well as former Governors and former Ministers.

In his speech, entitled: “The Die Is Cast”, Buhari stated clearly that outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan has nothing to fear from the incoming administration, notwithstanding the fact that both of them might not agree on the methods for governing the nation.

He noted with sadness that Nigeria has suffered, greatly, in the recent past with its staying power tested to the limits by crises, chief among which is insurgency from the Boko Haram.

He pointed out that there was no doubt that in tackling the crisis; his administration would have a tough and urgent job to do.

The President-elect assured however that Boko Haram “will soon know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and

bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas”.

“We shall spare no effort until we defeat terrorism,” he added.

Buhari equally vowed to strongly battle another form of evil that is even worse than terrorism – corruption.

His words: “Corruption attacks and seeks to destroy our national institutions and character. By misdirecting into selfish hands funds intended for the public purpose, corruption distorts the economy and worsens income inequality. It creates a class of unjustly-enriched people.

“Such an illegal yet powerful force soon comes to undermine democracy because its conspirators have amassed so much money that they believe they can buy government.

“We shall end this threat to our economic development and democratic survival. I repeat that corruption will not be tolerated by this administration and it shall no longer be allowed to stand as if it is a respected monument in this nation.”

Continuing, Buhari said: “I pledge myself and our in-coming administration to just and principled governance. There shall be no bias against or favouritism for any Nigerian based on ethnicity, religion, region, gender or social status.

“Let me state clearly that President Jonathan has nothing to fear from me. Although we may not agree on the methods of governing the nation, he is a great

Nigerian and still our president.

“He deserves our support and permanent respect by virtue of the office he has held. This is how an honourable nation treats its servants and conducts its affairs; and this is how Nigeria should be”, he said.

The President-elect further assured all foreign governments that Nigeria will become a more forceful and constructive player in the global fight against terrorism and in other matters of collective concern, such as the fight against drugs, climate change, financial fraud, communicable diseases and other issues requiring global response.

He said, “I want to assure our fellow African nations that Nigeria will now stand as a more constructive partner in advancing the matters of concern to our continent, particularly with regard to economic development and eradication of poverty”.

The President-elect listed former head of state and president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon, Alh. Shehu Shagari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan and General Abdulsalami Abubakar among those who deserve commendations for their statesmanship and words of caution and counsel for peace during the tense moments of the electoral period.

He added, “Most of all, I thank the people of Nigeria for reposing their confidence in me at this trying moment. Our nation wrestles many challenges including

Again, Fulani herdsmen kill 32 in Benue Freddie Adamgbe Makurdi

ÏÏÏThirty-two

people were feared killed on Tuesday, in a dawn raid on the Local Government Area of the Benue State Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam, by a band of suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The herdsmen were reported to have unleashed terror at Kurungu and Tse-Vir communities both in Tomb Gambe-tiev town which falls within Governor Suswam’s council, called Logo.

About 80 persons were feared killed in a similar attack on Sunday, March 15 as seven villages were overrun by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Agatu Local Government Area of the state.

Two days earlier, some herdsmen struck at Ikpele and Okpopolo communities in the state, killing seven farmers and displacing over 6,000 inhabitants.

In the latest attack on Tuesday, gunmen reportedly stormed the area at about 5 am and started shooting at anyone in sight. They also razed down many houses.

An escapee, Chief Joseph Anawah, who spoke with reporters in Makurdi, the state capital, said: “The insurgents, numbering about 100 and heavily armed came while people were still sleeping. Many people woke up in a confused state as a result of gunshots, and were easily cut down with machetes and gunshots.

Anawa appealed to the Federal

Government, the security agencies and other well-meaning individuals and organizations to end the crisis and save the state from imminent famine following the displacement of farmers.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state command, Austin Ezeani, confirmed the incident, but said only three people were killed in the attack.

Ezeani, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed that the suspected Fulani militia attacked the community and burnt down many of their houses.

“Our men and soldiers on ground have been dispatched to the crisis area and calm has already started returning to the place,” he noted.

insecurity, corruption, economic decline. I pledge to give you my best in tackling these problems.

“The good people of Nigeria,

your obligation does not end with casting your ballot. I seek Continued on page 6

Mayhem in Ekiti as hoodlums invade APC’s victory dance Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏA victory party organized by

members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti yesterday turned awful as it was disrupted by gun-wielding hoodlums who destroyed five vehicles belonging to the party’s members. Also destroyed was a vehicle belonging to an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The hoodlums attacked the party’s secretariat at the Ajilosun area of the state capital, shortly after its members held a victory procession there to mark the victory of its candidate, Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari in the presi-

dential poll.

The party’s spokesman in the state, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, accused Governor Ayodele Fayose and the Police of complicity in the attack, saying the party had earlier got information that plan was being hatched by some top officials in the government house to prevent any celebration in the state.

He accused the governor of sending those he described as members of a killer gang after the party members with intention to stall the celebration party.

But Fayose’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, dismissed the claims.

Continued on page 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

NEW DAWN

Tinubu. Akande, Aregbesola at the presentation of the certificate of return to Buhari and Osinbajo by INEC in Abuja on Wednesday.

Saraki, Wamakko, Amaechi and Mohammed at the presentation of the certificate of return to Buhari and Osinbajo by INEC in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wild jubilation in Abuja after General Muhammadu Buhari was named winner of the 2015 presidential election. Photos: Temitope Balogun

5

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Hoodlums invade APC’s victory dance in Ekiti Continued from page 4 Olatunbosun said it was unbelievable that hoodlums could attack the secretariat even when the Divisional Police Officer of the Ologede Police Station in Ado Ekiti and some of his men were on guard to ensure that things didn’t snowball into violence during the procession.

He said that the hoodlums brandished guns, cutlasses and axes, which forced party members and passers-by to flee in different positions, to prevent being caught in the web.

He said those that perpetrated

One of the damaged vehicles in Ado-Ekiti...on Wednesday

PDP presidential campaign body concedes defeat Ï d ƕ è ózƆôƋƋ ƋƈƒƆ Ɛ Ƈƈ Ɛ Ɛ ƆƏ Ɨ ƕô Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), yesterday said that it had accepted the victory of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s presidential election.

The Director, Media and Publicity of PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who said this at a press conference in Abuja, equally commended President Goodluck Jonathan for having the large heart and courage to concede victory to Buhari.

He argued that by doing so, Jonathan had risen above party

politics to become a statesman.

The PDPPCO urged PDP members and supporters to stand firm and continue to support the democratic process and agitate for a better Nigeria.

According to Fani-Kayode, “We fought a virile, strong, aggressive and very effective campaign on behalf of our candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, and we put the case to the Nigerian people as to why we believe that he ought to have been elected as President for a second term.

“We are very proud of the efforts of our President and of our party and we are also very proud of the efforts of every single one of those who participated in the Presidential Campaign Organisation,” he stated.

Fani-kayode enjoined PDP members to continue to support the party as best as they could despite the defeat.

He further appealed to them to cooperate with the incoming government, reminding them that they were first and foremost Nigerians before anything else.

Fani-Kayode noted that losing the election was not the end of the world.

His words, “it just means that we need to re-group, re-organise ourselves and begin the process all over again because another election will come in a few years’ time. And that is where we are today.

“We have conceded that we have lost. We acknowledge the fact that we fought a good fight.

We do not have any fears about the future. We did the right thing during the campaign.

“We have no regrets about our candidate or the way in which we conducted our campaign and we will live to fight another day,” he added.

The PDPPCO spokesman observed that in every election, there will always be a winner and a loser.

He congratulated members of the APC campaign organisation, stating that he had nothing personal against them.

“I had nothing personal against anybody. I was simply doing my job for which I have no regrets and I wish them well and I sincerely hope that they will take Nigeria to a level that we can all be proud of,” he added.

the nefarious act came in three Hilux Vans with government house number plate, who after disembarking from the vehicles shot sporadically into the secretariat and destroyed some of their property.

“We had few members left when they came because some of our teeming members who held a peaceful victory procession were already leaving before they came.

They shot at our secretariat. Olatunbosun named four persons as the masterminds of the alleged violence.

“We were aware that they were coming but we never knew Governor Fayose could do anything funny because of the mood of the nation. Though, we heard him boasting that he won’t allow any to mark the victory of Buhari in Ekiti State”.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, who confirmed the attack said: “We received information that APC headquarters in Ado Ekiti was being attacked and I deployed a team of police there led by Assistant Commissioner of Police.

And they succeeded in flushing out the miscreants that came to carry out the act.

First Lady congratulates Aishat Buhari

Patience Jonathan

Buhari gets certificate of return, vows to tackle Boko Haram, Corruption Continued from page 4

Buhari

your voice and input as we tackle these problems. “This will not be a government democratic only in form. It will be a government democratic in substance and in how it interacts with its own

people”, he said.

Earlier in his address, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Jega urged all Nigerians to continue to exhibit patience and decorum as such are essential for the deepening of the nation’s democracy.

Jega pledged that INEC would

continue to do its best towards reforming the electoral process of the country.

He thanked the various security agencies, especially the Police, who he said played the lead role in the security arrangement for the elections.

ÏÏÏThe First Lady, Dame Pa-

tience Jonathan on Wednesday congratulated the wife of the President-elect, Hajia Aishat Buhari on the victory of her husband, Major General Muhammadu Buhari in last weekend’s elections.

In a statement signed by her media assistant, Ayo Adewuyi, the First Lady appealed to Nigerian women to give Hajia Buhari maximum support to make her succeed in her new assignment.

“The First Lady (Mama Peace) wishes her well in her new task,” the statement read.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

7 New Dawn

NGF, CNPP hail Buhari, APC over victory

I didn’t see my defeat as an insult – Niger Gov

Lateef Ibrahim

Pita Chikwem

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) have congratulated the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and All Progressives Congress (APC), for emerging victorious at the March 28 presidential election.

The NGF, in a statement on

Wednesday by its Director General, Dr. Asishana Okaru, also congratulated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and all other political parties who participated in the election.

The forum stated that the emergence of General Buhari at this point in Nigeria`s political history is nothing but the will of the people and the voice of God, considering the fact that he had previously contest-

ed the seat three times.

It said, “We thank President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his concession of defeat. This is the mark of true sportsmanship. We call on all other political party leaders to follow suit.

“We look forward to a successful conduct of the forthcoming governorship and state assembly election on April 11, 2015,” NGF added.

It reminded the president-

Lagos APC members celebrate Buhari’s victory ÏÏÏMembers of the All Progres-

Oyinlola

ÏÏÏThe Buhari

elect that the task ahead is enormous and prayed that God will use him to lead the country across party, religious, ethnic and sectoral lines.

President Goodluck Jonathan (Middle); Chief Observer, European Union Observer Mission, Mr Santiago Fisas (3rd-Left); Minister Of State For Foreign Affairs 1, Nicholas Ada (3rd Right) and Members of the team, after presenting their report On the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly elections To Jonathan in Abuja… on Wednesday

Kwasu Alhamdu sives Congress (APC) in Lagos, on Wednesday, celebrated the victory of all their candidates for the Presidential, Senate and House of Representatives, in the just concluded election at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota.

Newly elected member, representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Prince Rotimi Agusoye, told Daily Times that “we all gather here to celebrate our victory and that of our leader, General Muhammadu Buhari, as you can see people are dancing, celebrating the new leadership that will bring change to this country. This, however, means that our prayers hasve been answered.

He therefore called on all the newly elected Senate and House of Representatives members to join hands together and work for the betterment of this country.

Said he: “Our people gave us assignment to represent them in the red carpet and the green chambers.

So they are expecting so much from us, so there is need for us to join hands together so that we will not fail them. I will like to call all Nigerians to support us so that the change we are preaching will be visible”.

Minna

Mbaka turns prophetic hero Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏThe

Spiritual Director of Catholic Adoration Ministry, Enugu (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, who had earlier warned President Goodluck Jonathan of abysmal defeat in the hands of his major challenger, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) at the polls, for his alleged non-performance, has been eulogised by many in Onitsha for being courageous and outspoken.

Fr. Mbaka, a radical priest,who on the eve of the

Buhari’s emergence, huge victory for democracy

31st of December, 2014, told his congregation in a crusade of the impending defeat of the ruling party and its presidential candidate because of the monumental corruption and insecurity of lives and property that pervaded the entire country.

The cleric in that speech, which was recorded and sold by street hawkers across major streets of Onitsha and the entire South East, had allegedly criticised the leadership style of President Goodluck Jonathan where he accused the president of being indif-

Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏA

former National Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has described the victory of Major-

ferentto corruption among members of his ruling PDP hierarchy and the entire government machinery.

He also accused the Federal Government of doing nothing to combat poverty, corruption and the abject neglect of social infrastructure in the South East region of the country.

Majority of the PDP supporters and sympathisers of the president, criticised him for being critical of President Jonathan and warned him (Mbaka) to desist from making political pronouncements as an ordained man of God.

General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as a huge victory for democracy and for all Nigerians.

Prince Oyinlola, now a member of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in a statement that the peaceful manner of the change that

Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, on Wednesday, accepted defeat in the last Saturday National Assembly polls that brought David Umaru as Senator-elect of the Niger East senatorial zone.

Aliyu, who spoke to newsmen in Minna, said he had been calling the senator-elect to congratulate him but his calls and text messages were unanswered.

“I have already conceded defeat to Barrister David Umaru. I have called his number after he was declared winner about seven times, but he did not pick. I sent a text saying ‘this is the Chief Servant calling, please pick’ and I have not received a reply by now.

“I have no qualms about the defeat. I did not see my defeat as an insult to my person but as God’s will.”

Commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for paying attention to details, Aliyu said the electoral body should appreciate the shortcomings in the election and work towards correcting it.

He also applauded the gentleman approach of President Goodluck Jonathan in congratulating the President-elect adding that his action defused whatever tension that was on ground during the collation of the results.

“President Jonathan’s approach doused whatever tension that had been created. It worked to smoothen whatever rough edge the election would have created.

We hope that the transition will be smooth and everyone will see a friendly handover,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu

came to Nigeria, showed the hand of God in the nation’s affairs.

He applauded Nigerians for giving their mandate to the APC and Buhari, adding that “a new lease of life would soon come to Nigerians as soon as Buhari was sworn in.”

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Politics Muhammadu Buhari

World leaders, others greet Buhari

s

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

World leaders have continued to send congratulatory messages to President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari over his victory in last Saturday’s presidential election.

They have also commended President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigerians for the peaceful conduct of the polls.

The leaders included United States President, Barrack Obama and United Kingdom Prime Minister, David Cameron.

The US President in a twitter handle from the White House

commended both Jonathan and Buhari for their commitment to peace throughout the campaign period.

He commended Jonathan for paying attention to the interest of the country by congratulating Buhari over his victory.

Also, former Nigerian leaders have been sending messages of congratulations to the President-elect.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated him on his victory in the presidential poll, charging him to fight cor-

ruption and carry out reforms in different sectors.

Obasanjo, who noted that so much harm had already been done to many national institutions, including the military, however, advised him to be magnanimous in victory.

His words: “With so much harm already done to many national institutions including the military, which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to do on institution reform – education, healthcare, economy, CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PRESIDENTIAL POLLS:

Panic grips PDP governors Barely 10 days to the governorship and house of assembly polls, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled states are now said to be in mortal fear following the sweeping of last Presidential elections by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Indications to this emerged on Monday when Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose offered the olive branch to Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, soliciting for support and cooperation for him.

It was gathered that as at last night, frantic efforts were being made by other PDP governors especially in the north where the APC snatched victory from them to strategise on

Jonathan

Judiciary to checkmate plans to truncate democracy

Following fears across the country over the ongoing suits against the eligibility of President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has declared that the judiciary would not succumb to the plot by desperate politicians to use the courts to truncate democracy.

His declaration came as he raised the alarm over what he described as a sinister move by some desperate politicians to truncate the ongoing political process through the judiciary.

He made the declaration at the swearing-in of Justice Ishaq Bello as the Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT).

Justice Bello replaces Justice Ibrahim Bukar, who retired Tuesday as the court’s CJ on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.

Consequently, the CJN warned judges not to succumb to the antics of desperate politicians, saying the leadership of the Judiciary was aware of

the next line of action as the signal from the presidential polls has already been giving them sleepless nights.

The panic is hinged on the fact that the victory at the Presidential polls may be transferred to the governorship leading to a landslide for the APC in the entire north.

Mostly affected are states like Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kogi, Gombe and Bauchi. Even in states where the PDP had marginal victories like Plateau, Benue and Taraba, the fear of the APC has become the beginning of wisdom.

The strategy, it was learnt CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

plans by some “unpatriotic citizens” to use the courts to disrupt the electoral process.

His words: “Permit me to use this opportunity to again assure all Nigerians that, under my leadership, the Judiciary remains resolute and committed to do its constitutional duty CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

9

Politics

World leaders greet Buhari, hail Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

security, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agri-business, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption.

“Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead,” he stressed.

Also, Former military President Ibrahim Babangida has congratulated General Buhari, on his emergence as Nigeria’s President-Elect.

In a statement he personally signed, Babangida described Buhari’s victory as a reward for perseverance and well-deserved.

He said: “I have just finished watching the proceedings of the declaration of results of the March 28, 2015 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the emergence of my friend, professional colleague and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari as the President-elect. Let me, therefore, formally congratulate General Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives’ Congress for this well-deserved victory”.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated General Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan on the outcome of the March 28 presidential election.

In a letter issued through his media office in Abuja, Atiku said: “My hearty congratulations to His Excellency, General Muhammadu Buhari, for being elected the next president of our beloved county, Nigeria.

You have led our party, the All Progressives Congress to an unprecedented victory within two years of its official formation, and in so doing, written the most important chapter of our democracy.

Also, Senate President, David Mark, congratulated Gen. Buhari, for emerging victorious at Saturday’s presidential

election.

Mark said Buhari winning the poll was a “reflection” of the wishes of the majority of Nigerians, who elected him as the next President of the country.

In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, the Senate President described the victory as a reward for Buhari’s resilience as a politician.

National leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the victory of General Buhari, as Nigeria’s finest moment in its political history.

In a statement, he said: “It is a moment when hope is reborn, faith is rekindled and a fresh fire of patriotism is released for the task ahead. I congratulate General Buhari, Nigeria’s President-elect, on his hard-won victory. I salute our gallant party leaders and members for running the long distance to victory. To millions of Nigerians, I say this - the APC seeks not power for its sake, but for the purpose of bringing a better life to our people and re-building our country.

According to him: “This is also democracy’ s finest moment. Nigerians alive today have witnessed the beginning of an era of change. They made this happen and they are the true celebrants and they are deserving. Together, we share this victory. Side by side we would work together to bring our country back.”

President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari has been receiving congratulatory messages from world leaders among who are the leaders of The United Kingdom, UK, France, Rwanda, Somalia and Niger Republic.

In their separate messages, Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Francois Hollande, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, Rwandan leader Paul Kagame and Prime Minister of Niger,

Obama

“They all pledged their support and commitment to ensuring the success of the Buhari administration and for better relations between their countries and Nigeria.”

Buhari

Cameron

Mahamadou Issoufou congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory and Nigerians for conducting a credible election that would ensure a peaceful transfer of power from one elected administration to another.

Among those who visited to felicitate with General Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday were former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President and chieftain of APC, Atiku Abubakar and his wife Hajiya Titi Abubakar.

Others included the US Assistant Secretary of state for African Affairs, Linda ThomasGreenfield and accompanied

by US Ambassador to Nigeria,

Ambassador James Entwistle, among others.

They all pledged their support and commitment to ensuring the success of the Buhari administration and for better relations between their countries and Nigeria.

In his response to the various leaders, General Buhari thanked the international community for working with Nigerians in providing the atmosphere that helped to bring about change through elections in the country.

He promised to work with the international community to restore Nigeria’s full commitment and obligations to the international system.

“Others included the US Assistant Secretary of state for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield and accompanied by US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle, among others.”

Entwistle

Politics 10

Fayose

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Aliyu

Lamido

Yero

Shema

Ahead of Gov Polls, Panic in PDP states CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

was to ensure that none of the state becomes an opposition state by the time the APC takes over the Presidency come May 29.

Those particularly affected by the panic include PDP governors who are candidates in the next elections like Kaduna State Governor Ibrahim Yero.

Most of the PDP governors from the north who were candidates in the last National Assembly elections lost to their APC opponents.

They included Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Isa Yuguda of Bauchi, Ibrahim Shema of Katsina and Gabriel Suswam of Benue.

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in

Adamawa State, Alhaji Mijinyawa Umaru Kugama declared that APC is set to carryout its final onslaught on the PDP to reclaim its mandate.

Kagama, a former state chairman of the PDP in the state insisted that Governor Murtala Nyako was illegally removed by the PDP and that April 11 is pay back time for the recovery of APC’s stolen mandate.

He spoke to reporters in Yola shortly after Buhari was declared the winner of the Presidential election saying that Adamawa State cannot afford to be in the opposition and that was why APC would step up its house-to-house mobilisation with more vigour to fight and bury PDP in Adamawa. “ You can see that our Presi-

dential candidate won Adamawa, we also cleared all the three senatorial seats and six out of the eight House of Representatives seats in the state to show how we dealt with PDP in Adamawa”, Kugama said.

Kugama said the victory of APC in Adamawa and Nigeria in general has justified former Governor Murtala Nyako’s prediction that the days of PDP were numbered due to its actions of impunity and imposition.

He said the victory recorded

by APC in all the elections in Adamawa was a boost to the chances of its gubernatorial and house of assembly candidates. “ I want to call on our teeming supporters not to relent in

“A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Alhaji Mijinyawa Umaru Kugama declared that APC is set to carryout its final onslaught on the PDP to reclaim its mandate.”

coming out en masse to vote APC on the 11th of April for real transformation of the state. “ I also want to communicate to the good people of Adamawa of former governor Nyako’s message of solidarity for the change they voted for and his promise to return soon”, Kugama said.

In Ekiti State, already, the APC has asked all its lawmakers who constitute the majority in the state house of assembly to resume in the state.

Most of them have relocated out of the state for fear of their lives following threats by the state governor since the division in the house which saw the minority nine in control of the house of assembly.

Judiciary alerts to plans to truncate democracy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

during this election period.

“We will not be swayed or distracted from the course of justice in any election matter that is before or comes before the justice system.

“It bears reminding to all heads of courts that you are primarily responsible for the preservation of our nation’s democracy.

“I strongly advise all judicial officers not to allow any party or politician to use the courts to truncate our nation’s democracy.

“We are aware that some unpatriotic citizens may wish to use the courts to stop the electoral process and I wish to warn in clear terms that we shall not be used as a tool for the breakdown of law and order in our beloved country,” he stressed.

Charging the Acting Chief Judge (CJ) of the High Court of FCT to work hard and improve on the pace of justice dispensation in the court, the CJN said: “I note with particular concern the number of corruption cases that are pending before the FCT High Courts and the num-

ber that have been returned by the Supreme Court to the trial courts.

“It bears reminding that posterity does not wear a human face in its judgment. I counsel you to ensure that your work remains like sterling silver that becomes more valuable with age.

“I therefore urge you to be proactive in seeking out ways to improve justice delivery especially as pertains to case disposal rate in the FCT High Court of Justice.

“Hence, I urge you to work

cooperatively with the other heads of court and indeed all judicial officers in order to ensure cohesion and synergy in your resolve to uphold the dignity of the Judiciary.”

Speaking earlier at the valedictory session held for him, Justice Bukar expressed gratitude to God that he retired with his head high.

According to Bukar, for the 33-year history of the court, he remained the only CJ of the FCT High Court to retire honourably, and honoured with a valedictory court service, a

development also noted by the CJN in his speech.

Justice Bukar expressed gratitude to other judges for their support during his tenure in office even as Justice Bello praised the retired judge, pledging to sustain his legacy of performance.

It would be recalled that last week, a federal high court in Abuja adjourned till April 22 suits instituted against General Buhari over his eligibility to contest the presidential election based on his school certificate saga.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

11

Politics

Our Agenda for Buhari: Form Unity Govt, fight corruption, fix Nigeria, implement confab report

By Our Correspondents Barely 24 hours after the declaration of General Muhammadu Buhari as President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), prominent Nigerians across the country have been presenting an agenda on what they expect him to do to fix Nigeria.

Top on their agenda is the issue of corruption which they said has become a culture in the present administration. Others are the epileptic power supply that has gulped billions of naira without any improvement, the restructuring of the country on true federalism as well as the formation of a government of national unity.

Among prominent Nigerians who spoke with Daily Times included, former governors of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Alhaji Lawan Kaita, son of former governor of old Ondo State, Tokunbo Ajasin, elder statesman and leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, former military administrator of Kaduna State, Col. Aminu Isa Kontagora (rtd), former National Legal Adviser of PDP Chief Olusola Oke and Kaduna State President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Steve Nwoke.

Alhaji Kaita told Daily Times that Nigerians would expect a lot of things from Buhari with his victory. According to him, Nigerians would expect Buhari to clean up the country from the mess it is presently in by instituting a huge crusade against corruption, rigging and stealing in the country.

“He is expected to make a lot of improvements, a lot of changes in a lot of ways”, he said, adding: “Though I cannot promise anything on his behalf, but I’m sure he will restore Nigeria to his lost glory”, he said.

Ajasin said he expects Buhari to tackle corruption headlong in order to be able to succeed in his new assignment which he described as divine.

Buhari, he said should also deliver on his promise of restructuring which he made to Yoruba leaders in the 2007 Presidential campaigns saying only a genuine restructuring will ensure that the country takes its rightful position in the comity of nations.

Ajasin also spoke on the issue of power which he said is the bedrock of any meaningful development calling on Buhari to make it his priority so that small and medium scale businesses

can blossom once again.

Another chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Chief Jibade Eniabata-Balogun called on Buhari to start the anticorruption crusade from his team.

He said starting the anti-corruption war from the top will ensure that everyone sits up as the message would have been clear to all that he would not tolerate corruption.

He said the issue of power which was part of his campaign promises should be addressed by appropriate policies that have been designed by the party.

He added that despite the long years of military training, Buhari was not a rigid person as he has imbibed the tenets of democracy which would guide him in his new assignment anytime the need arises.

Nwoke said Buhari, will face a tough task fighting corruption in the country saying he should fulfill his campaign promises that was centred on security and corruption.

He said General Buhari’s antecedent as an anti-corruption crusader who has zero tolerance for corruption, would be expected to come in handy in order to stamp out corruption from Nigeria.

Balarabe Musa advised Buhari to shun winner-takes-all syndrome and form a Government of National Unity as a way of moving the country forward.

“As we said before the elections started, we expect any winner, knowing the negative state of the nation and the need for all hands to be on deck, we call on winner to form a government of national unity involving all political parties under the leadership of the winner of the election.

According to him: “this will lay a solid ground for national cohesion to deal with the negative state of the nation as characterized by corruption, insecurity, unemployment, and poverty”.

Col. Kontagora, a chieftain of PDP said Buhari as a military head of state was different as a civilian president as all his actions would be subject to the decisions of the national assembly. “So we should not put him on a parallel scale. We should give him the benefit of doubt. After contesting in 2003, I believe he has transformed into a democrat”.

Chief Fasoranti cautioned Buhari to play politics that would be devoid of bitterness, hatred and rancour free pointing out that the interest of the people should be paramount and be the driving

Buhari

“Balarabe Musa advised Buhari to shun winner-takesall syndrome and form a Government of National Unity as a way of moving the country forward.”

force of the new government.

The elder statesman noted that the country would continue to experience peace and implored losers in the election to wait for another four years when they can test their popularity again at the polls.

The Octogenarian advised General Buhari and leaders of the APC not to jettison the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.

“The National Conference is taken and debated that Nigerians should be given what they want because it is the opinion of the people. That is what we want and we want resource control, regional autonomy”, he said.

Chief Oke disclosed that majority of Nigerians have chosen the president-elect, General Buhari through their votes for a hard-earned victory. ”The president-elect worked, preserved and dedicated to his aspiration, today; the majority of Nigerians have chosen you through their votes. It has been a long work to victory”, he said.

The PDP Chieftain, while congratulating members of the um-

brella party for discharging their duties despite all odds noted that poor leadership, injustice and mismanagement of opportunities were the vices that sent the party out of power.

“I congratulate all lovers of democracy particular members of the PDP in Ondo state who have kept faith with and discharge their duties to the party despite all odds. Poor leadership, injustice and mismanagement of opportunities available to the party are the vices that sentenced the party out of power”, he said.

“I also congratulate our supporters in and outside Ondo state for remaining focused despite distractions, provocation, frustration and ill-treatment”, he said.

He added that the resolve of the people to contribute their quota to making Nigeria a prosperous nation remained unshaken.

“Our resolve to contribute our quota to making Nigeria a prosperous, united and developed nation remain unshaken despite this development. It is all for and about democracy”, he added.

New Dawn 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Nnewi Catholic Bishop advocates attitudinal change

Awolowo’s spirit rejoices to see Importers’ boss Buhari win, says Aregbesola

Eche Nwaobasi

Sodiq Adekunle

Nnewi

Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe Catholic Bishop of Nnewi ÏÏÏWith Muhammadu Buhari’s Diocese, Most Rev. Hilary Okeke, has said that what the country needed now was a complete change of heart and a new mind-set so as to imbibe the service disposition of Jesus Christ, just as he welcomed the results of the last Saturday’s presidential election.

He urged Nigerians who aspire for positions of authority, whether at state level, church or group, to have a change of mentality.

Making this known as part of his Easter message read to reporters, during a press conference at the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Okwuani, Nnewi, Okeke bemoaned the rising rate of evil in the society, despite constant intercessions of the church for the country.

Said he: “Deceit, falsehood, infamy, corruption, violence and threats of violence are increasing every day. The viral effects are there for everybody to see, a country blessed with human and material resources, but cannot provide and maintain basic amenities for the generality of the people. Those who have access to material resources exploit them for their own interests.”

While describing Easter celebration as a triumph of sacrifice and service over selfishness, self-interest and aggrandizement, which lead to exploitation of people, the priest called on all Nigerians to have a change of attitude and be patriotic in order to build a just society.

emergence as the president-elect of Nigeria, the spirit of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo will be rejoicing in his grave, says Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

It would be recalled that Awolowo had, before his death, predicted that a time would come when people would unite to fight corruption, among other challenges.

Aregbesola, who spoke via his twitter handle, @raufaregbesola, jubilated that the words of Awolo-

wo had come to reality.

The governor, who tweeted in Yoruba said: “I am joyous to see a day like this. I am happy that I witnessed the defeat of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Congratulations, friends, join me to rejoice. Awo’s spirit rejoices to see this day.”

Also, Aregbesola described Buhari’s victory as the best thing to happen to a country that has endured 16 years by a single political party at the centre.

To the governor, Nigeria had finally been rescued from the jaws of death after 16 years of social,

Coordinator, Buhari Campaign Organisation, Lagos State, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (Right), during the Buhari Vctory Rally at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos… on Wednesday.

PHOTO: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

Polls: Nnewi town mourns Jonathan’s defeat Eche Nwaobasi Nnewi

ÏÏÏFollowing the declaration by

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the winner of last Saturday’s presidential election, the usually noisy commercial town of Nnewi almost went numb, as business activities in the town were brought to a standstill, with many residents regretting the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Daily Times discovered that immediately after the announcement, the streets and business districts were deserted, as everybody

political and economic strains.

Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, hailed Nigerians for their doggedness, perseverance and commitment during the voting process.

He said: “I congratulate Nigerians for their steadfastness and commitment to a better Nigeria in the way they have come out right from the collection of permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), which gave them the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibilities.

rushed indoors. Lively places like Nkwo Triangle, Agbo-Edo Market, public places and relaxation centres were virtually empty.

Attempts to contact many of the town’s political heavyweights, like Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, the proprietor of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited and founder of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN); Chief Olisa Metuh, Publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu Jr. and many others, failed. A majority of them switched off their phones and barred people from entering their houses.

Ubah’s residence at Umuanuka Otolo, Nnewi, for instance, was

Tosin Ajuwon

ÏÏÏThe

eerily quiet; his private security man refused to let in visitors.

Metu’s and Ojukwu’s residences, which were close to Ubah’s, were all kept under lock and key.

A human rights activist in the town and public analyst, Chief Solomon Onyema, said they were nursing the pains of the defeat of their party.

Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏJudging

from the past antecedents of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Importers Association of Nigeria, Chief Gilbert Bravo Obi, has urged the president-elect to carry all Nigerians along in the discharge of his constitutional functions.

Obi, who spoke to reporters in Onitsha, said that Buhari’s victory was a triumph for democracy, stressing that he was expecting the newly elected leader to tackle corruption vigorously, when he eventually assumes office on May 29.

He disclosed that the election of Gen. Buhari was not by accident, but a divine mandate to destroy corruption that was fast ravaging the entire fabrics of the country.

“I expect Buhari to carry all Nigerians along in the discharge of his duties as a leader.

As a man who detests corruption in all its ramifications, the country’s president-elect should block all loop holes that encourage incompetence and corruption,” Obi said.

Buhari represents victory for a new Nigeria – Osinbajo Akure

Jonathan

canvasses support for Buhari

All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State, has described the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, in last Saturday’s election, as a victory for a new Nigeria.

The party, in a statement issued by its state Publicity Secretary, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, to journalists in Akure, said the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari would restore the hope of the common-man and signal a robust government for the people.

Adesanya said the victory was worth celebrating and congratulated Nigerians on making a wise decision by electing the retired military man.

“Our country is very fortunate; we are proud and happy. It is a very rare feat; it is worth celebrating with so much happiness in our hearts.

We congratulate not only our party, but Nigerians on making this a reality,” he said.

According to the statement, General Buhari’s victory should be celebrated by all and sundry, as the desired change has finally come, adding that the new president would not disappoint the people.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

13 Africa

Uganda postpones 'terror' trial after death of prosecutor

Money intended to develop areas devastated by the war on the LRA has reportedly been stolen

ÏÏÏThe trial of 13 men accused

of taking part in an al-Shabab attack in Uganda that killed 76 people in 2010 has been postponed after the top prosecutor was shot dead.

Police on Tuesday vowed to catch the killers of Joan Kagezi,

acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, who was murdered by men on a motorbike as she drove home with three of her children on Monday evening.

Kagezi was shot twice through the window of her car after stopping to buy fruits on the side of

the road in a suburb of the capital Kampala.

"We call upon any member of the public who may have any information relating to the murder of Joan to give it to the police," Uganda's police chief Kale Kayihura said in a statement.

"The murder of Joan Kagezi should only serve to increase our resolve to hunt down and bring to justice all those elements bent on disturbing the security and development of our country."

Kagezi had been due to appear in court on Tuesday at the trial of the men accused of participating in the July 2010 bombings in Kampala which were claimed by Somalia's al-Shabab fighters.

"The criminals riding on a motorcycle ... stopped next to the parked vehicle and shot her twice in the neck and shoulder, through the widow on the driver's side," Kayihura said. "Her three children who were with her escaped unhurt." Lawyers in court on Tuesday were visibly emotional, saying they would meet later with judges to decide what will happen next with the trial, defence lawyer Yunusu Kasirivu said.

The suspects did not appear in court. Kasirivu told reporters he was "very upset" at Kagezi's death, saying she had been a close colleague for several years.

"She was a wonderful lady very, very wonderful, hardworking, polite," he said.

South Sudan rejects troika mediators at talks ÏÏÏ South Sudan rejected a pro-

posal by IGAD, the regional bloc leading peace talks, to include members of the troika as mediators in the next round of talks.

IGAD announced this month that it planned to expand the mediation team to include the troika - the United States, Norway and the United Kingdom - as well as representatives from the European Union, China, the United Nations, and from around Africa.

South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei told reporters at a news conference Monday

Obama unblocks delivery of F-16s to Egypt

if there are troika officials at the negotiating table when the talks resume, Juba will raise objections.

"They are the very people who demanded that sanctions must be passed against the government of South Sudan. They have already decided to punish us," he said. "Are they neutral to come and mediate again? These people, whether you call it troika or the U.N., these are people who have lost credibility.”

The United States sponsored a U.N. Security Council resolution

ÏÏÏUS

President, Barack Obama has approved the delivery of a dozen F-16 aircraft to Egypt that had been frozen after a military-led takeover.

The White House said Obama told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi by phone on Tuesday that a 2013 freeze would be lifted.

The move comes as Egypt plays a key role in the Arab offensive against Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen and engages in

calling for a sanctions regime to be set up for South Sudan. The resolution, which was passed unanimously early this month, opens the way for the U.N. to impose targeted sanctions against "senior individuals" who are seen to be blocking peace in South Sudan. It does not specifically mention the government.

Makuei has been the spokesman for the government delegation at the IGAD-led peace talks, which have been running for nearly 15 months.

Last week, the U.S. Special En-

voy to Sudan and South Sudan, Donald Booth, told reporters in Juba that IGAD invited members of the international community to be part of the talks to help move the peace process forward.

The United States, Norway, and the United Kingdom have supported the peace process since it began in January last year. In addition to providing funds for the travel and accommodation of delegates, troika officials have participated as observers at the talks.

Makuei said their role should be to observe, not mediate.

the fight against the Islamic State group in Libya.

The decision would help "create a US-Egyptian military assistance relationship that is better positioned to address the security challenges of the 21st century," said National Security Council spokesperson Bernadette Meehan.

Aside from the high-tech war planes, Obama also agreed to deliver 20 Harpoon missiles and up to 125 M1A1 Abrams tank kits.

The shipments had been blocked after Sisi's military allies forcibly ousted elected president Mohammed Morsi in July 2013.

The new Egyptian authorities insist they acted to maintain order amid mass protests against a government that had lost popular support.

Hundreds of supporters of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood have been killed and thousands imprisoned in a government crackdown.

Issoufou

End of Boko Haram is near, says Nigerien president

ÏÏÏ

Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou has said that "the end of Boko Haram is near."

Issoufou spoke with VOA French to Africa news service Tuesday during a visit to Washington. He said Boko Haram "is not eradicated but was greatly weakened" by an offensive launched by multinational forces late in January. Since then, troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon have driven the Islamist extremist group from most of the towns it controlled in northeastern Nigeria.

Issoufou said Boko Haram "has no future," and predicted that "in a few weeks or months, we will see the end of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region."

However, U.S. intelligence officials have previously warned that Boko Haram may not be near defeat. Intelligence officials told VOA that the group has used strategic retreats in the past only to come back and launch devastating counter-attacks.

Libya crisis: Head of Islamist Tripoli government fired

ÏÏÏThe leader of one of Libya's rival governments, backed by Islamists and based in Tripoli, has been sacked by its parliament, officials say.

Omar al-Hassi was appointed in August to lead an alternative government after Islamist militia seized the capital.

MPs voted to oust him on Tuesday following allegations he misled parliament about government finances.

Libya has been in turmoil since the Nato-backed removal of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The country has had two governments and parliaments since Islamist militia seized Tripoli in August and established the General National Congress (GNC) that was led by Mr al-Hassi.

The seizure of Tripoli forced Libya's existing and internationally recognised government to flee to the eastern city of Tobruk.

Foreign 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Iran nuclear talks resume hours after missed deadline

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (left) British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond (second left) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (fourth left) German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier (7th left) French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (8th left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (9th left) wait with others before a meeting on Iran's nuclear program with European Union and Iranian officials at the Beau Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Monday.

ÏÏÏ Iran's nuclear negotiators

resumed talks on Wednesday, just hours after abandoning a March 31 deadline to reach the outline of a deal and agreeing to press on.

However, as the discussions dragged on, three of the six foreign ministers involved left the talks, and prospects for agreement remained uncertain.

Claiming enough progress had been made to warrant an exten-

Nepal doctors stay away from work ÏÏÏThousands

of doctors in Nepal stayed away from work at clinics and hospitals on Wednesday to support a colleague who has been on a hunger strike for 10 days demanding reforms in medical education and services.

More than 5 000 doctors took part in the action and only emergency services were open in hospitals across the Himalayan nation, said Dr Nirmal Rimal of the Nepal Medical Association.

The strike left most people in Nepal without access to doctors.

The physicians are supporting Dr Govinda KC, who is demanding that the government make medical education affordable to more students and medical services available to all citizens.

sion after six days of intense bartering and eager to avoid a collapse in the discussions, US Secretary of State John Kerry and his British and German counterparts huddled in the Swiss town of Lausanne to continue a marathon effort to bridge still significant gaps and hammer out details of a framework accord.

The foreign ministers of China, France and Russia all depart-

ed Lausanne overnight, although the significance of their absence, particularly when the broader group meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif, was not clear.

If they succeed, those understandings would form the basis for a comprehensive agreement to be reached by the end of June.

After the talks last broke in the early hours of Wednesday,

Zarif said solutions to many of the problems had been found and that documents attesting to that would soon be drafted. Other officials were more skeptical. Asked how high the chances of success were, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: "I cannot say." And British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Iran might still not be ready to accept what is on the table.

Peru PM sacked in spy scandal

ÏÏÏ Peruvian President Ollan-

ta Humala was left scrambling to find a new prime minister on Tuesday after Congress sacked the incumbent, Ana Jara, over allegations of domestic spying.

Jara was deposed in a noconfidence vote late on Monday after media reports that the powerful National Intelligence Directorate, or DINI, spied on politicians, journalists, business leaders and thousands of everyday citizens.

The prime minister had been under fire since 19 March, when news magazine Correo Semanal published a sweeping list of Peruvians who had allegedly been targeted by the now-suspended intelligence agency.

Summoned to Congress, Jara, aged 46, said the spying dated back to at least the previous two governments, and told lawmak-

ers she had ordered an investigation.

But opposition parties attacked her for failing to end the practice, and succeeded in getting the votes needed to remove her from office, 72 to 42, with two abstentions.

The move automatically dissolves the government, though the president can reappoint ministers to their posts if he chooses once he finds a new premier.

With one year to go in his term, Humala now faces his worst crisis since taking office in 2011.

The centre-left president has 72 hours to find his seventh prime minister in four years.

Humala broke his silence to pay tribute to Jara, thanking her for her work and deploring her "unfair" sacking.

"She was one of the best, if not the best ... we ever had," the president said during a visit to the city of Chosica devastated by mudslides.

"I regret this happened but we must respect the decision, because it's part of the democratic game," he said, vowing to have a replacement "soon."

Humala

35 dead in Yemen as airstrikes hit factory ÏÏÏ

Saudi-led coalition warplanes bombed Shi'ite rebel positions in both north and south Yemen early on Wednesday, setting off explosions and drawing return fire from anti-aircraft guns.

Airstrikes also hit a factory in a western port city and 35 workers died there, according to witnesses and officials.

The bombings came as the Saudi-led campaign against Yemen's Shi'ite rebels known as Houthis entered its seventh day. The campaign aims to weaken the Iranbacked rebels who are also allied with forces loyal to Yemen's deposed president, Ali Abdullah Saleh and halt theirpower grab.

Since their advance began last year, the Houthis have overrun the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, and several provinces, and have forced the current president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, to flee abroad from the southern port city of Aden.

Wednesday's airstrikes targeted rebel-controlled army camps in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, and hit warehouses belonging to a factory that produces dairy products. Anti-aircraft guns returned fire before the factory itself was set ablaze. Parts of its main building collapsed from explosions with workers still inside, according to at least five eyewitnesses and officials. According to the medical centre in Hodeida, at least 35 workers were killed, many of them crushed by the rubble or burned to death.

Two military officials said the factory had been used as a rebel weapons cache, and that while the airstrikes flattened the warehouses, the main factory building was only partially destroyed.

Thai govt lifts martial law ÏÏÏ

Thailand's military government has announced that it is lifting martial law, 10 months after it was imposed.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, announced the move in a televised statement.

Martial law was imposed in May 2014 shortly before the army staged a coup and took over the country.

Gen Prayuth has said the law will be replaced with a new measure which critics have said will leave the military with considerable powers.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

15 Opinion

Wasting Nigeria’s wealth

I Jason Osai

n Wealth of Nations, the 18th Century economic classic, Adam Smith (1723-1790) postulated that “by selling product[s] that people want to buy, [entrepreneurs] make money. While they are engaging in their enterprises…they are also providing [services]. Such a system creates wealth not just for the [entrepreneurs], but for the nation as [a] whole when that nation is populated with citizens working productively.” A scan through the Nigerian socioeconomic landscape impresses one that the wealthy and a worrisome percentage of the middle class are competing with the residents of the cliffhanger chateaus of the French Riviera and the magnificent mansions on the sprawling landscapes of Bel Air, Hollywood. The sad and rather instructive contrast is that whereas at the French Riviera and in Bel Air the residents of the mansions share the same socioeconomic status with their neighbors, the Nigerian noveau riche live in neighborhoods that snugly fit into the globally accepted classification of a ghetto where their homes stick out like a sore thumb. That a worrisome percentage of the wealth of Nigeria is tied to unproductive and grandiose display of opulence and

wasteful consumption is visible in every Nigerian community and social gathering: the “Taj Mahals” exist side by side mud-and-thatch huts therefore rudely proclaiming the socioeconomic disparities of the Nigerian society; this has been captured in poetry and canvass as Distant Neighbors. Debo Adesina, offers that “a lot of [Nigeria’s] capital is tied down in waste through building [homes] that are not needed [and] acquiring cars that are unnecessary. The answer to development lies in job creation and poverty alleviation.” If government pays heed to the essence and import of this statement and works towards correcting this misplaced priority in the society, the unemployment line will shorten and poverty will be reduced.

In a paper I presented at the 2008 Isaac Boro Memorial Lecture at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, I drew the attention of the nation to the fact that the then volatility of the Niger Delta must not be seen as a Niger Delta phenomenon; rather, that it should be seen as a national crisis, which the Niger Delta youths have reacted to through a window of expression that was convenient for them. I furthered by warning that if the social malaise of unemployment, poverty, illiteracy etc in Nigeria were not

addressed urgently, that the youths of other parts of the country would, sooner than later, also find convenient windows for expressing their frustration. Stories abound of people who borrowed to lobby for public office or buy forms to contest elective positions; it is generally known that within their first term of four years a lot of them acquired such wealth that cannot be explained within the context of their legitimate income. Meanwhile, in their communities where they erect humongous structures, there is no pipe-borne water, no electricity, and the streets are not macadamised except that which leads to their home.

During a previous administration, a political office holder erected a N100mn marble house at a time the Naira was two to the dollar; he put two lions in it and, legend has it that, each ate two goats per day in a society where and time when the average family could not, and still cannot, afford the cumulative equivalent of one goat in six months; in 2007, the house was up for sale at the asking price of N95mn; today, the house is still up for sale and the asking price has dropped drastically in real terms now that the value of the Naira vis-à-vis the dollar at its lowest ever.

In a more recent episode, another public officer allegedly built a N3bn home within four years of being in office while his community lacked in social infrastructure.

Cases such as these abound across the nation. The wealth of a nation does not consist of unproductive and wasteful consumption; rather, it derives from people producing and selling goods and services that others want and are able and willing to purchase. Chinua Achebe had offered that Nigerians are “enormously talented [and the nation is] prodigiously endowed;” Again, Nigeria has an estimated population of more than 160 million citizens who are globally acclaimed to be brilliant, enterprising, resourceful and hardworking; given the advantage of access to the marketplace of the ECOWAS subregion, all that is required is to put this workforce to productive service towards economic prosperity and the greater good of the nation. The essence of Adam Smith’s postulate of our introduction is hinged on the phrase: “[a] nation…populated with citizens working productively.” Are the leaders of Nigeria listening to this two hundred and thirty-nine years old admonition? What about the electorate and the citizens? Is anyone listening? Anyone at all?

Nigeria in the wilderness of unpleasant circumstances

I

Prof. R.A. Ipinyomi

magine for a short moment that you find yourself in a wilderness of unpleasant circumstances. How do you get through it? The other day it was the turn of a housewife whose heart was broken by another’s cruelty and she refused to stay in the marriage she had endured for over 15 years. At another time we found a different circumstance where the search is something or someone to ease the pain of loneliness. Nigeria does not seem to know what she is looking for at this moment. She has been raped severally and the men and women currently presenting themselves as political suitors may not be different from the previous national rappers and molesters.

What these politicians are actually fighting for could simply be the key to the national treasuries. This key is also what common thieves are looking for all their lives. We cannot read their (politicians) body language because they are always inconsistent and they lack the focus. When the sky is blue to most of us Nigerian politicians may read that as red.

Hence Nigerians sailing in Nigeria waters have found two rivers on their way each of which is promising to take them home.

We wish the distinctions between the two waters have been obvious like one flowing with bitter tears of remorsefulness and the other perhaps with sweet tears of joy.

For most of Nigeria’s life the path of its journey has been rough and bitter; not made so by nature but its leaders. Even when Nigerians are always soaked in those bitter waters many of her people remained trapped and could not rise to embrace the opportunity to have a great turn around for goodness. Poverty, illiteracy and ignorance are similar diseases with similar outcomes on the population. But now we have experienced more than our fill of pain. The slogan in town is “change” but how, where and what to? Between now and when the elections are eventually held Nigerians must be given a clear direction between choosing the bitter tears of remorsefulness (if there was one politician that is truly remorseful) or the sweet tears of joy, if also there was a river like that.

For example, the Church in Nigeria (and truly, I suppose Islam in Nigeria might have its own opinion too) has been suffering in the two most painful ways in the hands of Boko Haram homegrown Islamist sect. It is an open knowledge that Boko Haram has been killing pastors, church members, burning down churches, stealing Christians and their children, marrying innocent children off against every civic order.

Thus whereas that which our people first suffered in hands of Boko Haram has been able to unite us the second phase from the hands of politicians is only able to separate us the more. Needless to emphasise to Nigerians that Boko Haram has come to stay in Nigeria politics and social life. In the church we had expected that every unpleasant occasion we encountered would be an opportunity to purge every sin stained heart, bleach every stained garment of our souls, refine us, lift us high and erect a new nation that would be able to stand tall amongst others. Nigerians have cried enough bitter tears, but how long more?

Recall the tactical move of the sect

to ally with their international colleagues in ISIS. The analysis must include a conclusion that Nigerian politicians should come to a realization that they are not the stuffs they have portrait themselves to be.

They are fallible, infinitesimal and needing our daily prayers if they are to be sincere. Hence it is you and I that should decide the future of Nigeria based on the amount of information at hand on economic, security, tolerance to co-exist and ability to run our secular life as we wish. In fact, they are a pack of a mess. Everything about them needs to be fixed. We must also really have a great pity for them because we notice truly that their inner souls are full of pure motives. We see this purity in their manifestoes and their feeble attempts in persuading others for their votes. No genuine politicians go out to ridicule self on the fields like Nigerian politicians do. Even if you want to dole out money you would not take another step that is also wrong. Mark this that anyone who touches our churches harmfully in whatever manner will suffer direly for it.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

www.bglgroupng.com

Business Times

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

s

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

AshakaCem exits as Mobil enters NSE’s Islamic Index

LCCI lists private sector’s yearnings from Buhari

Adesola Akindele

Bello

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya The council of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Wednesday rose from an extraordinary meeting to congratulate key actors in the just concluded presidential polls and also itemised the key expectations for the incoming president.

Under the Chairmanship of its President, Alhaji Remi Bello, the LCCI council deliberated on the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country as well as a range of business and economic issues.

The LCCI Council congratulated the President-elect, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Mohammed Buhari (Rtd.), on his election and urged him to be magnanimous in victory. Council also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all the agencies of government involved in the electoral process for ensuring an election adjudged to be substantially credible. Council commended all Nigerians, especially the electorates for advancing the frontiers of Nigerian democracy through their commitments to the democratic process. The status of Nigeria as the largest democracy on the African continent was reaffirmed. The LCCI implored all Nigerians irrespective of religion, political affiliations, tribe to extend their support to the new administration that would

assume office in May 29th 2015 in the larger interest of the country.

“Council notes and commends President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR for his demonstration of statesmanship and nobility as reflected in his congratulatory message to the President-elect Mohammadu Buhari. We urge him to go further to calm the nerves of his party members and supporters to accept the result and promote the cause of peace in the country.”

Council equally commended the President Elect, General Mohammadu Buhari, for extending a hand of fellowship to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Council urged all aggrieved candidates in the electoral process to channel their grievances through appropriate channels in accordance with the Electoral Law. It emphasised that peace and tranquillity is paramount for the progress of any economy, and any society for that matter.

AGENDA FOR THE NEW ADMINISTRATION The plummeting oil price and the impact on the fiscal outlook, the council noted presents a significant challenge to the incoming administration. “It is therefore critical to manage expectations at this time. The outlook for many macroeconomic indicators is not bright with foreign reserves dropping below $30 billion and persistent pressure on

17

the naira exchange rate.”

The Council was optimistic that the success of the presidential election will definitely mitigate the anxiety and uncertainty that characterised the business environment before the elections.

“Investors’ confidence will be positively impacted by these developments.”

The LCCI urged the incoming administration to address the fundamental causes of the high cost of doing business and low productivity which could be ascribed to macroeconomic factors, institutional challenges and structural issues. Additionally the LCCI urged the Presidentelect to address the following issues as a matter of priority: Ensure the blocking of all fiscal leakages and wastes in Government, especially in respect of the management of petroleum products subsidy, immediate review of JTF activities in the Niger Delta area where revenue is being lost daily due to oil theft, pension funds, import duty waivers, ghost workers in the MDAs, Service Wide Votes and crude oil theft.

Prioritisation of government expenditure to boost investments in critical infrastructure. The challenge of high cost of governance, collapse of the rail system, poor power supply also demand urgent attention.

Sustain the momentum of the war on terrorism and insurgency in parts of the country.

Performances audit of key regulatory institutions whose activities impact on the private sector.

This is necessary to ensure that these institutions deliver the desired value to the private sector and economy at large.

The government should ensure acceleration of reforms on the Oil & Gas sector in order to attract more private investments in both the upstream and downstream segments of the sector.

This would save the economy the current huge foreign exchange used for importation of petroleum products.

Improve the scope and depth of financial intermediation for the benefit of all investors in the economy irrespective of size.

Guidelines for accessing intervention funds should be reviewed and made less stringent.

Ensure a level playing field for all investors across all sectors with regard to import tariffs, funding opportunities, tax incentives etc.

Ensure the sustainability of selected policies and programmes of the present administration which currently offer value to the economy.

Ensure robust consultation with the Private Sector bodies for inputs into policy formulation processes.

The Council stressed that investment incentives should be of universal application to all investors in a given sector.

Effective Wednesday 1, April 2015, the reviewed Nigerian Stock Exchange Lotus Islamic Index (NSE LII) will reflect the performance of Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc., while it will no longer contain information on AshakaCem, following recent developments that leading to the merger between the latter and Larfarge Cement Plc. A statement from the Exchange explained that the review of the NSE LII was timed to coincide with the end of the first quarter 2015. “The Review became expedient following the expected merger of Lafarge Cement Plc and Ashaka Cement Plc later in the year. The recomposition of these indices after the review will be effective on Wednesday, April 1, 2015.”

The Nigerian Stock Exchange in partnership with Lotus Capital Limited began publishing certified Shari’ah compliant Index known as the “NSE Lotus Islamic Index” or NSE LII in July 2012. The index consists of companies in conformity with the principles of Shari’ah and was the first index created to track the performance of Shari’ah compliant equities on the floor of the exchange.

According to the NSE, investment instruments like Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) were built on the Index which ethically minded investors, both in Nigeria and overseas can invested in.

Onyema, NSE CEO

Money 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Stakeholders seek effective regulation of commodity exchanges Adesola Akindele Capital market operators under the aegis of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) and Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) have indicated readiness to work with the federal government in ensuring the establishment of viable community exchanges.

Speaking Tuesday, at the ‘Press Conference of G 29 under the aegis of CIS, ASHON and AIHN’, the President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers’ (CIS) Albert Okumagba said, “the core capital market operators would work with the regulators to come up with a pragmatic timetable which will be endorsed by the federal government for commencement of viable commodity exchanges which are either privately owned or government owned.”

A commodities exchange is where various commodities and derivatives products are traded.

He added that the commodity market should be developed in such a way that will provide underlying instruments on which other structured products in the financial market can be developed, to increase the number of tradable instruments in the capital market, such as instance futures; options and other derivative instruments on the underlying assets available in the commodity.

Speaking further, the chairman of ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike said policies that would promote marketablity of agriculture products should be

FAAN commences investigation into MMIA fire outbreak

Arik Air becomes first to use Bombardier’s CRJ1000 NextGen

Okumagba

enunciated and implemented to boost operations of the commodities exchanges.

According to Maduike, incentives should be given to listed companies and prospective companies to be listed so as to have some advantage over unlisted companies, saying “we propose some tax incentives for listed companies and those that are in the process of getting listed.”

“At present, the Nigerian capital market is underutilised relative to its absorptive capacity. Therefore, the federal government’s goal of diversifica-

Joy Ekeke The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced investigations into the fire incident that caused a stir among travelers and others at the “E” arrival wing of the International terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 1.13pm Wednesday.

The smoke was quickly traced to some offices at the E wing on the

tion of the economy would be reinforced if the capital market is deepened to enable it fund the capital expenditure over the short to medium term period.

“We the coalition of capital market operators under the aegis of the capital market alliance are fully prepared to work with the capital market regulators to enable the government reposition the market as a nexus for bridging infrastructural gaps. This is a major path towards Nigeria’s dream of being on the league of top 20 economies in 2020,” he said.

ground floor of the terminal by a combined team of FAAN’s electrical engineers and fire officers.

Describing the incident as a minor smoke inciden, the Authority said in a statement that it “wishes to assure the traveling public and other airport users that there was no immediate danger to anyone as a result of the incident neither did it affect flight operations at the terminal, investigations has commenced to ascertain the cause of the fire.”

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced on Tuesday that Arik Air of Lagos, Nigeria has placed the first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft configured with three-abreast business-class seating into service in West Africa.

The statement disclosed that Arik Air will use the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft to increase network service on its most popular business routes in West Africa.

The aircraft boasts of business-class seating in dual-classconfiguration: “Configured to offer the very best in-flight comfort and style for our passengers with 10 premier, three-abreast, business-class seats and 81 economy-class seats, the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft also provides a high degree of operational flexibility to enhance our service, with a reduced environmental footprint to promote greener, more sustainable aviation,” said Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Group Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air. According to Arik’s CEO,

the aircraft will be deployed to increase frequencies between more popular business routes from daily, to twice-daily flights, “we are also using the aircraft to launch a third daily flight on our popular Lagos to Accra service.”

“Designed to meet the needs of airlines in high-frequency regional markets, the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft has established a reputation for excellent passenger comfort, while delivering outstanding fuel economy and up to 10 per cent cash operating cost advantage,’’ said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“We are delighted to congratulate Arik Air on launching service with the first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft with a three-abreast, business-class configuration. This cabin configuration showcases the true flexibility of the CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet and is the key to achieving the highest passenger comfort and increased revenues.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

19 Money

Sub-Sahara Africa capable of $500bn annual demographic dividend - UNFPA Augustine Aminu, Abuja With the right investments in place The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has predicted a 500 billion dollars yield over the next 30 years, for Sub-Sahara Africa through its demographic endowment.

The fund stressed that this was achievable if public policies were appropriately implemented by respective governments.

The prediction was contained in a statement issued by Abraham Gelaw, UNFPA Communications Officer, in Abuja on Wednesday.

It said there are windows of opportunities to harness the demographic dividend which is time bound and requires immediate investments.

The statement quoted the UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, as saying this at the opening of the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Harnessing the Demographic Dividend for Agenda 2063 in Addis Ababa.

It said critical investments on the youth, adolescent girls, need to be made as regards sexual and reproductive health, quality education, along with investments on

infrastructure development and the right governance structure.

The statement urged member states to move from commitments to actions.

It also quoted the Deputy Executive Secretary of UNECA, Dr Abdalla Hamdok, as saying that Africa has been experiencing a high economic growth but poverty remains high.

The statement mentioned that the continent needed to grow with equity and manage its population and demographic changes along with inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. ``I believe that for Africa to benefit from the demographic dividend, we must take advantage of its population structure, ``its natural resources endowment to coordinate and the expansion of investments in human development and social protection,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), stressed that the vision of Agenda 2063 is to build a prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Zuma was represented by Dr René Kouassi, Director of Economic Affairs at the AUC, said the agenda requires reaping the

IFC commits $200m to boost emerging markets Tony Nwakaegho International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has committed up to $200 million to the IFC Financial Institutions Growth Fund (FIG Fund) in order boost emerging markets.

The FIG Fund’s mandate is to make equity investments alongside IFC in growing emerging market financial institutions, supporting private sector development by increasing much needed access to finance for small and medium enterprises in those markets.

IFC will commit $150 million to the first close, which together with other investors will bring the first close of the fund to approximately $345 million.

Three of the investors have additional commitments totaling approximately $105 million for

subsequent closings of the fund.

IFC is joined by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and the Hungarian Export-Import Bank, Plc. The fund will provide a platform for mobilization of private capital into emerging markets, enhancing and expanding IFC’s reach and development impact.

As a result of the growing economies, there is a larger need for equity capital by financial institutions in emerging markets.

Most institutions, however, face significant challenges raising capital due to perceptions of system risk, funding constraints and changing regulatory environments.

In order to address this gap in funding, there is an increasing opportunity for alternative vehicles like private equity funds

Osotimehin

demographic dividend and exploiting the continent’s human potential.

It said ministers from Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia and South Africa spoke at Ministerial Dialogue.

to mobilize resources into sustainable businesses in emerging markets.

Equity investments in quality financial institutions can also help further strengthen local financial systems against the risk of future potential crises.

In parallel, equity these investments provide the potential for attractive financial returns as a result of strong economic growth, a dynamic and growing middle class and increasing financial services penetration in these countries.

IFC, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer JinYong Cai, said “Global and local financial institutions increasingly need more capital to keep up with the rapid growth of economies in emerging markets, and to finance expansion opportunities to remain competitive.

“This fund will support these institutions with core capital, helping promote economic growth and development while aiming to achieve strong returns.”

``The ministers contended that investments on quality education, health, job creation, entrepreneurship skills of young people, empowerment of women and girls are pivotal in taking advantage of the demographic divi-

Awosika

Tony Nwakaegho Microsoft 4Afrika has launched an online hub for Kenyan small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the Connected East Africa Summit to access locally relevant information and resources to promote SMEs and improve trade.

Biz4Afrika is an Africa-wide network of SMEs designed to enable a sustainable and connected community of entrepreneurs that will have a meaningful impact on job creation, global competitiveness and wealth creation in the long run.

Started by the Kenyan Infor-

dend. ``It is also important for shaping Africa’s development for the next 50 years as envisioned by the African Union’s Agenda 2063,’’ the statement said.

It said that the panellists and participants of the Ministerial Dialogue highlighted in their interventions how the issue of demographic dividend is central to Africa’s development agenda. ``This is reaffirmed in the Common African Position on Post-2015 Development Agenda which positions demographic dividend as a critical tool to achieve Africa’s sustainable development,” it said.

The statement said the outcome of this High Level Ministerial Dialogue is believed to provide inputs for the upcoming African Heads of State Summit, the International Financing for Development Conference. ``The Dialogue was conducted as part of the on-going Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. ``It was jointly organised by UNFPA and the UN Economic Commission for Africa,’’ said the statement.

Biz4Afrika to promote SMEs, boost online inter-trade mation Communication Technology (ICT) Authority in 2009, the former Kenya ICT Summit is being expanded to East Africa for the first time with the theme, ‘the strength is in our networks’.

The goal is to promote the ideals of a shared ICT infrastructure and a talent pool of young innovators and entrepreneurs that will promote regional trade.

Delivering a keynote at the annual conference, Kunle Awosika, Country Manager of Microsoft Kenya- the title sponsor of the Summit, focused on the importance of the SME sector to boost intra-African trade.

Insurance 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

CBN issues conditions for bancassurance operations

Emefiele, CBN Governor

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has issued a new set of guidelines for banks providing bancassurance, mandating them to conduct thorough due diligence/periodic assessment on selection of insurance partners, which must hold valid operational license from National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

The directive in a circular to banks and signed by Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, said it was part of its measures to effectively regulate transactions on General and Life Insurance among banks.

The apex bank, specified that banks shall not engage in any other model of bancassurance other than that allowed under these guidelines and for which approval has been obtained from CBN. However, the apex bank stated that the guidelines were issued based on recent developments and the need to ensure synergy

in the financial system in exercise of its power under Section 33(1) (b) of the CBN Act 2007 and the provision of Part 2, Section 3, Item (l) of the CBN Scope, Conditions & Minimum Standards for Commercial Banks Regulate CBN Scope, Conditions No. 01, 2010.

It set out the regulatory framework for the offering of bancassurance products through the non-integrated referral model.

The choice of this model, according to CBN, was premised on the fact that it does not preclude banks from focusing on their core banking businesses and does not undermine the essence of CBN’s New Banking Model Bancassurance products.

Under the guidelines, the apex bank directed banks to enter into agreements with insurance companies, but should not engage in any other model of bancassurance other than that permitted under these guidelines and for which approval has been obtained from it. It stated that banks should not offer banking products that incorporate insurance features.

In addition, they were also prohibited from offering free premium payments as a feature of any of their products as well as providing the bancassurance products in a manner that contravenes the new guidelines or any other statutory provision or law that applies to insurance products and services.

Fola Daniel bags National Leadership award Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Fola Daniel has been honoured with a National Leadership Award for his remarkable achievements in sanitising the insurance industry in Nigeria.

According to the organiser, the award is in recognition of Mr. Daniel’s role in ensuring adequate protection of insurance policy holders, upholding good ethics and values, successfully keying in to the transformation agenda of the Federal Government through various developmental initiatives of the Commission since 2011 and, the effective and efficient manner the NAICOM has been discharging its mandate of regulating and supervising the insurance sector of the economy.

While presenting the award, the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, on Ethics and Values, Mrs. Sarah Jibril who stood in for Mr. President,

described Mr. Daniel as an unassuming, quiet but accomplished achiever.

Daniel was honored alongside the Governors of Cross Rivers and Anambra States, the Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health.

L-R: Mr. Sesan Adekunle Director of NEM Insurance Plc, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Lagos State, Mrs Oworu Olusola,Group Managing Director/ CEO, NEM Insurance Plc, Mr Tope Smart, Commissioner for Insurance Mr Fola Daniel cutting the tape of the new building, Chairman of the Company,Mr. Adewale Teluwo, Mrs Tonia Smart wife of the GMD/CEO, during the official commissioning of NEM Insurance new head office at Ikorodu road, Lagos.

Wapic pays out N1bn in claims, records over 200% profit in 2014 Stories by KAYODE ADELOWOKAN Wapic Insurance Plc has announced its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2014 on March 24, 2015, revealing that the company paid out over N1 billon in claims and recorded over 200 per cent Profit After Tax (PAT).

The company is the first Insurance operator in the Industry to have its Audited Financial Statement’s approved by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the first listed Insurance Commission to have its financials approved and published by the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

For the period under review, the Company recorded a growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP) of 38 per cent from the corresponding period in 2013 with an increase from N3.76bn to N5.2bn.

In the same vein, the underwriting profit increased by 1272

per cent to N1.24bn underpinned by improved risk selection and greater efficiency in managing Underwriting Expenses which dropped by 31 per cent relative to 2013. The Company’s profits improved significantly with a 214 per cent increase in Profit-AfterTax (PAT) to close at N236million over the N208million loss position recorded 2013.

The Company paid about N1.09bn in claims within the financial year. A significant percentage of these relate to current period transactions of 2013/2014.

Having paid most of the outstanding legacy claims in 2013, the Company’s efforts at implementing a structured approached to risk selection and management have begun to yield results as Claims Ratio improved significantly closing at 34 per cent in 2014 compared to 80 per cent in previous year.

The Company’s Shareholders’ Funds of N14.2bn is up 0.15 per

cent relative to 2013 position while Return on Equity (ROE) grew by 236% from corresponding period in preceding year.

Wapic’s Solvency Ratio of 171 per cent is above regulatory levels and remains one of the highest in the industry.

Wapic is a first generation insurance Company in Nigeria having been in operation for over half a century. Recently, it became one of only three insurance companies in Nigeria with a risk rating following its accreditation of b- rating on financial strength by AM Best, a global risk rating company.

All indications show that the company’s transformation agenda is on track while the elevated governance standard and commitment to performance for which the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is known for, is being brought to bear in steering the Company onto the path of sustainable growth.

PenCom extends submission of ICT infrastructure bid by two weeks

Daniel

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has given two weeks grace for submission of bid for supply and installation of its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and MPLS based broadband network.

Information obtained from the commission, said the two weeks extension is due to the Easter public holiday.

The commission urged prospective bidders to continue to submit the bids at its Head Office in Abuja.

Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, PenCom DG

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

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5”X2

48,749.95

2,071.87

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291,827.10

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447,890.63

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4”X2

38,999.96

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233,461.68

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652,640.63

27,737.23

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43,874.94

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9”X3

161,635.50

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BPS 6”X2

435,093.75

18,491.48

3”X2

29,249.98

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8”X6

311,282.25

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ROP2”X6

152,382.01

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2”X2

19,499.98

828.75

8”X5

259,401.87

11,024.58

FPS 2”X6

447,890.63

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1”X2

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414.37

8”X4

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BPS 2”X6

435,093.75

18,491.48

1”X1

4,875.00

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8”X3

143,693.55

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13”X5

368,842.50

15,675.81

BPS 2”X2

268,734.38

11,421.21

8”X2

95,786.12

4,070.91

13”X2

126,749.88

5,386.87

7”X5

226,976.64

9,646.51

11”X5

356,677.57

15,158.80

7”X4

158,886.00

6,752.66

11”X4

285,342.06

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176,566.55

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5”X3

55,300.74

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240,315.08

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33,180.45

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13”X2

95,847.32

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8”X4

156,948.04

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3”X2

22,120.32

940.11

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11”X5

269,728.90

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48,173.99

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121,533.92

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3,686.72

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PLEASE CONTACT LAGOS Moses-08169118913 Helen-08035208749 Rolland-08055086970 ABUJA Femi-08033550468 OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DTN COMPLEX LATEEF JAKANDE ROAD, AGINDIGBI, IKEJA, LAGOS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 44 ADETOKNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT WUSE 2, ABUJA

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225,992 .18

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128, 815 .53

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55,595.32

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33,282.11

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27,736.42

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4”X2

22,187.85

942.98

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3”X2

16,640.27

707.21

33,283.03

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2”X6 (BOTTOM STRIP)

12

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11,094.96

471.54

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1”X1

2,773.79

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22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Today in History Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

s

Cartoons from our Archives

2005 Pope John Paul II Dies On this day in 2005, John Paul II, history’s most welltravelled pope and the first non-Italian to hold the position since the 16th century, died at his home in the Vatican. Six days later, two million people packed Vatican City for his funeral, said to be the biggest funeral in history.

John Paul II was born Karol Jozef Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland, 35 miles southwest of Krakow, in 1920. After high school, the future pope enrolled at Krakow’s Jagiellonian University, where he studied philosophy and literature and performed in a theatre group. During World War II, Nazis occupied Krakow and closed the university, forcing Wojtyla to seek work in a quarry and, later, a chemical factory. By 1941, his mother, father, and only brother had all died, leaving him the sole surviving member of his family.

Although Wojtyla had been involved in the church his whole life, it was not until 1942 that he began seminary training. When

1941

the war ended, he returned to school at Jagiellonian to study theology, becoming an ordained priest in 1946. He went on to complete two doctorates and became a professor of moral theology and social ethics. On July 4, 1958, at the age of 38, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Krakow by Pope Pius XII. He later became the city s archbishop, where he spoke out for religious freedom while the church began the Second Vatican Council, which would revolutionize Catholicism. He was made a cardinal in 1967, taking on the challenges of living and working as a Catholic priest in communist Eastern Europe. Once asked if he feared retribution from communist leaders, he replied, “I m not afraid of them. They are afraid of me.”

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

Still, when Pope John Paul I died in 1978 after only a 34-day reign, few suspected Wojtyla would be chosen to replace him.

“The Desert Fox” recaptures Libya

On this day in 1941, German Lieutenant General Erwin Rommel, “the Desert Fox,” resumed his advance into Cyrenaica, modern-day Libya, signalling the beginning of what nine days later became the recapture of Libya by the Axis forces.

Early Italian successes in East Africa, which included occupying parts of Sudan, Kenya, and British Somaliland, were soon reversed after British offensives, led by British Field Marshall Archibald Wavell, resulted in heavy Italian casualties and forced the Italians to retreat into Libya. But Axis control of the area was salvaged by the appearance of Rommel and the Afrika Korps, sent to East Africa by the German High Command to bail their Italian ally out.

On the verge of capturing Tripoli, the Libyan capital, Britain’s forces were suddenly depleted when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill transferred British troops to Greece. Seizing the opportunity of a weakened British force, Rommel struck

quickly, despite orders to remain still for two months. With 50 tanks and two fresh Italian divisions, Rommel forced the British to begin a retreat into Egypt.

Operation Battleaxe, the counteroffensive by British Field Marshall Archibald Wavell, resulted in little more than the loss of large numbers of British tanks to German 88mm antitank guns, as well as Wavell’s ultimately being transferred from North Africa to India.

Rommel, known for his trademark goggles, which he pilfered from a British general’s command vehicle, may have had some help in defeating his British counterpart. He was known to carry with him a book called Generals and Generalship, written by Archibald Wavell.

Rommel was portrayed by James Mason in the 1953 film The Desert Rats and by Christopher Plummer in 1967’s Night of the Generals. Wavell was portrayed by Patrick Magee in the 1981 TV movie Churchill and the Generals.

Daily Times April 2, 1961

1982 Argentina invades Falklands On April 2, 1982, Argentina invaded the Falklands Islands, a British colony since 1892 and British possession since 1833.

Argentine amphibious forces rapidly overcame the small garrison of British marines at the town of Stanley on East Falkland and the next day seized the dependent territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich group. The 1,800 Falkland Islanders, mostly English-speaking sheep farmers, awaited a British response.

The Falkland Islands, located about 300 miles off the southern tip of Argentina, had long been claimed by the British. British navigator John Davis may have sighted the islands in 1592, and in 1690 British Navy Captain John Strong made the first recorded landing on the islands.

He named them after Viscount Falkland, who was the First Lord of the Admiralty at the time. In 1764, French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville founded the islands’ first human settlement, on East Falkland,

which was taken over by the Spanish in 1767. In 1765, the British settled West Falkland but left in 1774 for economic reasons.

Spain abandoned its settlement in 1811.

In 1816 Argentina declared its independence from Spain and in 1820 proclaimed its sovereignty over the Falklands. The Argentines built a fort on East Falkland, but in 1832 it was destroyed by the USS Lexington in retaliation for the seizure of U.S. seal ships in the area. In 1833, a British force expelled the remaining Argentine officials and began a military occupation. In 1841, a British lieutenant governor was appointed, and by the 1880s a British community of some 1,800 people on the islands was self-supporting. In 1892, the wind-blown Falkland Islands were collectively granted colonial status.

For the next 90 years, life on the Falklands remained much unchanged, despite persistent diplomatic efforts by Argentina to regain control of the islands.

In 1981, the Falkland Islanders voted in a referendum to remain British, and it seemed unlikely that the Falklands would ever revert to Argentine rule. Meanwhile, in Argentina, the military junta led by Lieutenant General Leopoldo Galtieri was suffering criticism for its oppressive rule and economic management, and planned the Falklands invasion as a means of promoting patriotic feeling and propping up its regime.

In March 1982, Argentine salvage workers occupied South Georgia Island, and a full-scale invasion of the Falklands began on April 2. Under orders from their commanders, the Argentine troops inflicted no British casualties, despite suffering losses to their own units. Nevertheless, Britain was outraged, and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher assembled a naval task force of 30 warships to retake the islands. As Britain is 8,000 miles from the Falklands, it took several weeks for the British warships to arrive.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

23 News

Gowon, Atiku, US envoy, others visit Buhari

Buhari

ÏÏÏ

President-elect, MajorGeneral Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has been receiving congratulatory messages from world leaders among who are the lead-

ers of the United Kingdom (UK), France, Rwanda, Somalia and Niger Republic.

In their separate messages, Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Francois Hollande, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, Rwandan leader Paul Kagame, and Prime Minister of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, congratulated Gen. Buhari on his victory, and Nigerians for conducting a credible election that would ensure a peaceful transfer of power from one elected administration to another.

In a statement made available to Daily Times by Garba Shehu,

Director of Media and Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, among those who visited to felicitate with Gen. Buhari in Abuja, on Wednesday, were former head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former vice president and chieftain of APC, Atiku Abubakar, and his wife, Hajiya Titi Abubakar, as well as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who was accompanied by US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle.

They all pledged their support

and commitment to ensuring the success of the Buhari administration and for better relations between their countries and Nigeria.

In his response to the various leaders, Gen. Buhari thanked the international community for working with Nigerians in providing the atmosphere that helped to bring about change through elections in the country.

He promised to work with the international community to restore Nigeria's full commitment and obligations to the international system.

Jonathan, hero of our democracy – Lagos PDP Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏThe Lagos State chapter of

L-R: Some PDP Governors, dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta; Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom; Chief Sulivan Chime of Enugu and Hon. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa during their visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Wednesday

EU observers submit interim report to Jonathan Egena Egena

Abuja ÏÏÏThe European Union (EU) observers have submitted a preliminary report of their election monitoring exercise to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Santiago Fisas, EU chief observer mission for the 2015 election, who fielded questions from State House correspondents, after a closed door meeting with Jonathan, on Wednesday, however, declined to disclose the recommendations in the report.

According to him, two recommendations were in it, while the final report would be presented to the in-coming administration in July.

Asked whether he had any advice on how elections could be conducted better than what obtained in the country, he said the

report to be presented in July would address all that, adding, however, that the country had a choice to accept or reject such recommendations.

"I gave him (Jonathan) our preliminary report about the election. He was very happy and, of course, I will come back in July with the final statement

at a press conference and to give it to the new President with our recommendations, as would be contained in the final report.

"That (recommendation on how to achieve improved elections) is contained in the report, so it is up to the Nigerian government to accept, or not accept the recommendations.

Fire averted at Lagos airport Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏA

minor fire incident has been averted at the 'E' arrival wing of the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The smoke was quickly traced to some offices on the ground floor of the terminal by a combined team of FAAN’s electrical engineers and fire officers.

Mr. Yakubu Dati, general manager, Corporate Communications, said investigations had commenced to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Dati assured the traveling public and other airport users that there was no immediate danger to anyone as a result of the incident, neither did it affect flight operations at the terminal.

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has eulogised President Goodluck Jonathan as the actual hero of democracy and father of modern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, the party charged the in-coming president and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prepare grounds to honour Jonathan as the face of Nigeria's genuine democracy and modern Nigeria.

According to the party, Jonathan had shown uncommon humility and patriotism in the acceptance of the presidential result as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite the inadequacies substantial enough to precipitate violence during and after the voting.

The PDP, therefore, admonished all candidates in the elections to eschew violence and desperation. "Indeed, aggrieved candidates can yet explore the legal procedure, as prescribed in the electoral act and the election tribunal laws, when inaugurated."

Jonathan

Dasuki

Service chiefs, ministers in Aso Rock, meet with GEJ Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏMembers

of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), service chiefs and some presidential aides, on Wednesday, thronged the Presidential Villa to pay solidarity visit on President Goodluck Jonathan, after losing out in last Saturday's presidential poll.

It was observed that the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council did not hold this week.

Also, some female ministers came in a group to visit the President.

The service chiefs and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) immediately entered into a closed door meeting with the President.

None of the service chiefs spoke with journalists after the meeting, which lasted for over one hour. The military chiefs stood for a while, in discussion with the NSA at the forecourt of the president’s office, before driving out of the Presidential Villa.

Those who met with Jonathan are the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu.

Ministers whom came are the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN); Minister of State II, Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, and Minister of National Planning, Suleiman Abubakar.

Others are Minister of Women Affairs, Zainab Maina; Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson; Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe; Minister of Environment, Laraba Mallam; Minister Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Akon Eyakenyi, and Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka.

New Dawn 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Amosun, Daniel congratulate Jonathan, Buhari Plateau APC guber candidate Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

•••President

Goodluck Jonathan has been described as a true democrat and peace-loving statesman by his acceptance of the outcome of the just concluded presidential election as declared by the Chairman of the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega.

Describing the act as a rare show of honour and respect for the rule of law, former Governor Gbenga

OLADIRAN FOLUKE ELIZABETH

I, Formerly known as Mrs. Abioro Foluke Elizabeth, now to be known as Mrs. Oladiran Foluke Elizabeth. Ogun State Local Government service Commission and general public take note.

insists on card reader

Daniel of Ogun State, said President Jonathan has etched his name in the book of history devoid of the door-die tendencies of some world leaders.

Daniel, who was the Ogun State Coordinator of President Goodluck Jonathan/ Sambo Campaign Organisation, also congratulated President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), for his feat at the keenly-contested election, urging him to chart a way forward for the nation.

President Jonathan, he stressed, remained one of the few African leaders to openly concede defeat in a continent where most leaders would prefer to sit tight.

“The ‘change’ that Nigerians craved for, was not for want of achievements but

DEW DIVINE PRESSURE CLUB This is to inform the general public that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

the hope that General Buhari will continue on the path of the incumbent’s achievements and the foundation he laid for economic prosperity of Nigeria”.

He then appealed to Nigerians to remain peaceful and guide the nation’s democracy to the expected stability by accepting the change as a divine act that will usher in a new dawn for Nigeria.

Also, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has congratulated the president-elect, for his victory, which he described as a demonstration of the Nigerian people’s confidence in General Buhari’s strong leadership qualities.

In a statement by his media aide, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said: “The people have spoken

and demonstrated with their votes, their confidence in the ability of the president-elect to pull the nation out of its present economic woes,” he said.

The governor added that the trajectory of the president-elect, his principles and uprightness are some of the qualities that must have endeared him to the electorate.

Amosun

REAL-PLATINUM 2010 ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS LAGOS This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES:

1. Olajide Lookman Olaniyi-President.

2. Ekeagwu Christian Ikechukwu-Vice President.

3. Okoroleju Clarkson Otomewo-General Secretary.

4. Okafor Chinazor Celestina-Treasurer.

5. Nwosu Eberechukwu Peter-Member.

6. Okereke Kingsley-Member.

7. Onuegbu, Chief Wilson Okechukwu-Member.

8. Igwillo Uzochukwu Mercy-Member.

THE TRUSTEES: 1. Jimmy Friday - President 2. David Francis - Secretary 3. Isuku Ifah Jeffrey - Treasurer AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To assist the needy members.

2. To Forster unity among members

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

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

1. To create peace & resourceful relationship among members.

2. To discuss current social economic issues in the nation.

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

Signed: GENERAL SECRETARY

Signed: Secretary

Chijioke Kingsley Jos

•••The Plateau State gu-

bernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Simon Lalong, on Tuesday, said the result of the just concluded presidential election was credible because of the use of card reader deployed by INEC and insist that it should also be used on the forthcoming governorship election on April 11.

Lalong is quoted to have said “if not for the use of card reader machine, we would have witnessed the usual snatching of ballot boxes and thumb printing of ballot papers. Therefore,

I advocate that the card reader be used for the gubernatorial election”, he said.

Hon. Lalong, who congratulated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), for winning the presidential polls, said Governor Jonah Jang boasted to deliver 1.8 million votes to President Jonathan but could not achieve his aim as the vote from Plateau State was at close range with that of the APC. However, Lalong is confident of winning the gubernatorial polls following his party performance at the presidential polls, while adding that victory is sure for APC but declared that he will seek redress at the Judiciary, if he loses.

EKWUEME NGOZI ANASTASIA

OJINI PHILOMINA OGECHUKWUNMA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwanegbo Ngozi Anastasia, now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekwueme Ngozi Anastasia.

All documents bearing my former names remain valied. NYSC and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mordi Philomina Ogechukwunma, now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojini Philomina Ogechukwunma. All documents bearing my former names remain valied. The general public please take note.

OGUNKOYA OLUFUNKE OMOTUNDE

FAKEYE GRACE

I, formerly Miss Sowunmi Olufunke Omotunde now wish to be address as Mrs. Ogunkoya Olufunke Omotunde. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

i formerly Miss Ezekiel Grace Olufunso now wish to be address as Mrs. Fakeye Grace. All former documents remain valid.

Lantoro Hospital Abeokuta and general public should take note.

MARYLAND EDUCATION FOUNDATION

PINK COURT OF OSAPA OWNERS ASSOCIATION

DE-SKYLIGHT CLUB ‘15’ OF LAGOS

The general public is hereby informed that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affair Commission for registration under part “C “ of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above-named ASSOCIATION has applied for the registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under ‘Part C’ of the Company And Allied Matters Act,1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. David Olusola Jegede - President.

2. Michael Olusola Ajetomobi -Vice President.

3. Mrs Joyce Olufunke Ogunsanmi -Secretary.

4. Arc. Jegede Mykell Sola.

5. Pastor David Olawale Popoola -Treasurer.

6. Olatiilu Emmanuel Oluwafemi.

The Aims and Objectives are:To donate educational materials/ resources to be the public.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar- general, corporate affair commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY: - Secretary

YAHWEH’S VINE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Evang. Mrs. Josephine Joseph Bassey - Chairman 2. Past. Joseph Bassey 3. Evang. Evans Amadi 4. Evang. Divine Bassey - Secretary 5. Past. Jessey Bassey AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To preach the Gospel and Message of Jesus Christ.

2. To showcase the word of God to human race through outreaches, crusades etc.

3. To teach men how to emulate the mandate/authority of our Lord Jesus Christ etc.

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

Signed: EVANG. MRS. JOSEPHINE JOSEPH BASSEY Chairman

The TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Mr. Abraham Annam (Chairman) 2. Mr. Seyi Ogunbanwo (Vice Chairman) 3. Mr. Akinyinka Akintunde (Gen. Sec) 4. Mr. Clement Ojo (Financial Sec) 5. Bishop Felix Adejumo (Member) 6. Mr. Adeoye Adeyemi (Member)

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Alhaji Akarakiri Hassan Kehinde 2. Alhaji Allinson Semiu Okanlawon 3. Adesanwo Basil Adewale 4. Alhaji Delegun Abiodun Ganiu 5. Adekoya Babatunde Oluwarotimi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1) To cater for the welfare and interest of members of the Association.

2) To foster the spirit of unity and common purpose among the joint owners and inhabitants of the said properties/estate.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. For the social wellbeing of members 2. To promote friendship among members 3. To cater for the less privileged.

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

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

Signed: Olatunde J. I. Obayemi & Co (Solicitors)

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

SIGNED BY:- M. O Enifeni Esq 33, Fatai Irawo St, Ajao Estate, Isolo Lagos.

GOD’S FIRE MISSION INT’L The general public is hereby notified that the above named mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Chukwuma Chukwuemeka Peters 2. Evang. Veronica Emesana See 3. Pastor Jenifer Omeniha 4. Sis Maria Tabugbo

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Oluwasanmi Adewumi 2. Rev. Mother Agbolamagbin Omotunde 3. Deacon Ayo Akande 4. Pastor Muyiwa Olayiwola 5. Deaconess Oluyemi Kudus

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To promote the revival sign wonders and miracles of the Holy Ghost.

2. To preach the word of God to the whole Nation.

3. To bring salvation and total deliverance people from the power of darkness and bondage.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any Objection(s) to this Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 Days of this Publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any Objection(s) to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 Days of this Publication.

Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

25 New Dawn

Amaechi, Ikedife, Ngige, Mbadinuju, ALGON extols Jonathan, others task Buhari on governance Doris Nnabuenyi Awka

Ă?Ă?Ă?Prominent

Nigerians from Anambra State have expressed their desires for the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to reflect positive changes in the governance of the country.

According to the first Republic Minister for Aviation, Chief Mbazurike Amaechi, who spoke to Daily Times while congratulating Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the entire Nigerians on the con-

Yero congratulates Buhari Victor Jibrin Kaduna

Ă?Ă?Ă?The Governor of

Kaduna State, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has congratulated the President elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on his victory at the just concluded presidential election.

He also commended the patriotic courage of President Goodluck Jonathan for displaying uncommon sportsmanship in conceding defeat, even before the official pronouncement of the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a press statement issued by his media aide, Ahmed Maiyaki, the governor said: “On behalf of the government and entire people of Kaduna State, I congratulate General Buhari and President Jonathan on setting democratic standards worthy of emulation in Nigeria and the entire African Continent.�

duct of a peaceful election: “I urge the president-elect to reflect changes in the country, which has been the slogan of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “We need change in the area of basic infrastructure and power supply, as well as to fight against corruption and insecurity. “There is large scale corruption in governance, and we have experienced unemployment due to poor power supply that led to the killing of our industries.

Buhari must have to tackle the issue of insecurity, and

rekindled the confidence of Nigerians that government has the constitutional powers to protect its citizens,� he charged.

Also, a former Ohanaeze Ndigbo president-general, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, called for equity in the power sharing among the geo-political zones, adding that since the zones gave him their support, he should remember the South-East in the scheme of things. “This is a new dawn for Nigeria and it is important that the in-coming president take into consider-

ation the problems of the South-East, and to also ensure that our zone is not left out in the area of basic infrastructure. Similar things should also be done across the six geo-political zones, in order to ensure equity,� he advised.

Former governors of Anambra State. Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, and the South-East Co-ordinator of APC Presidential Campaign Committee, Sen. Chris Ngige, have described the victory of

6

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congratulates Buhari

Sunday Isuwa Abuja

Ă?Ă?Ă?The Association of Lo-

cal Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for expressing true statesmanship in the just concluded elections.

The union also congratulated the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, on his doggedness, urging all Nigerians to give peace a chance.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja, ALGON President, Mr. Micah Jiba, said the outcome of the election was the wish of God and the choice of the Nigerian people.

According to Jiba, the victory of Gen. Buhari, should not be seen as a victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) alone, but that of every Nigerian, irrespec-

tive of religion or region. “Election is like a football match where a winner must definitely emerge, and the spirit of good sportsmanship is for everybody to accept the outcome or result of every competition. Nobody should be seen as an enemy because of politics.

We should all see ourselves as one, irrespective of our political and religious affiliations and come together to make the in-coming government a success. “President Goodluck Jonathan proved to every Nigerian that when he said his political ambition ‘is not worth the blood of any man’, he meant it. That was why he exhibited the true spirit of statesmanship by calling to congratulate Buhari, even before INEC officially announced him the winner of the election,� he said.

‘Buhari’s victory worth celebrating’ Abiodun Taiwo

Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, has described the victory of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential elections as worth celebrating by all Nigerians, irrespective of political party affiliation.

The close associate of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a release he personally signed and made available to reporters on Wednesday, congratulated Buhari on his victory in the keenly contested poll, saying that victory came due to his perseverance and doggedness.

According to him, the outcome of the election

was a true reflection of the collective wish and aspirations of Nigerians, and must be respected.

He maintained that the people of the country had opted for change by dumping the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Baagbile of Egbaland also congratulated Nigerians on making an informed decision to entrench a purposeful leadership and good governance in the country.

Said Majekodunmi: “The result of the presidential election is a victory for democracy, good governance and the good people of Nigeria. It is also important that we must also congratulate Prof. Attahiru Jega on a job well done; it is all about good leadership, which he has proved to all the world�.

the nation’s democracy and ensuring post-election peace and security of Nigeria.�

He said: “Whichever way we look at the 2015 presidential election, the real winner is Nigeria, and the greatest beneficiaries are Nigerians

and our democracy, especially our electoral system. “I congratulate General Buhari, who, no doubt, has the experience, popular support, and goodwill to continue with the transformation process.

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Oyediran Ekweremadu Moses Enugu greets Buhari, The Deputy President applauds ��� of the Senate, Senator Ike Jonathan’s Ekweremadu, has congratuthe winner of the 2015 statesmanship lated presidential election and

candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

Reacting to the outcome of the presidential election, Senator Ekweremadu said Nigerians had spoken

through their ballots and commended President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding victory to General Buhari, noting that such “unprecedented show of statesmanship had gone a long way in re-writing the history of

Ă?Ă?Ă?A chieftain of the All

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Health

s

Health Editor: Lara Adejoro Email: omolara.adejoro@dailytimes.com.ng

Above 40? Screen for prostate cancer

Quote Unsafe food is linked to the deaths of an estimated 2 million people annually--World Health Organisation

Bill Gates warns against flu epidemic

Man undergoing medical screening

Stories Lara Adejoro omolara.adejoro@dailytimes. com.ng Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Nigeria, with mortality rate of over 80 per cent. Nevertheless, experts say, this mortality rate can be avoided if prostate cancer is detected and treated early.

Statistics by the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that in Nigeria within a period of

four years, there was an increase in death rate among men caused by prostate cancer. The statistics show that prostate cancer kills 26 men daily, up from 14 men.

However, a medical laboratory scientist, Alabi Adebowale, has said that every man above 40 years should screen for prostate cancer, adding that regular screening would ensure that the disease is detected early and managed properly.

Adebowale gave the advice at

the free prostate cancer screening organised by the United Bank for Africa in Lagos.

“Prostate cancer in the curable stage has no symptoms.

Men who have reached the age of 40 should begin testing for prostate cancer. It can be detected through screening exercise when it is asymptomatic. This measures the level of prostatespecific antigen in the blood.

Prostate gland cells manufacture this antigen, whether normal or

cancerous,” he said.

Corroborating his statement, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO’s cancer arm, Dr Christopher Wild, noted that, “Despite exciting advances, this report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem.

More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, Bill Gates has urged the world to prepare to fight a potential global flu epidemic.

He gave the alert at the Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) Conference held in Vancouver recently.

He said, the threat of a global flu epidemic was Sreal.

While Ebola seems to have been kept under control currently, next time “we may not be so lucky” the Microsoft co-founder warned.

He said that there were plenty of technology tools that could be used to contain the spread of a virus, urging governments to learn from how nations prepare for war.

“Nato plays war games to check that people are well-trained and prepared. Now we need germ games,” he said.

Continued on page 27

Fruits with high pesticide residue may affect sperm quality Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA, report that men who eat fruits and vegetables with higher levels of pesticide residues have a lower percentage of normal sperm, compared with those who eat food with lower levels of residue.

Previous studies have reported a link between occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides and lower semen quality.

However, data on associations between pesticide residues in food and adverse health effects have been limited, and no previous studies have looked at what the effect on semen quality might be.

“To our knowledge, this is the first report to link consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, a primary exposure route for most people, to an adverse reproductive health outcome in humans,” says Jorge Cha-

varro, assistant professor of nutrition and epidemiology and the senior author of the new study in the journal Human Reproduction.

Using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program, the researchers categorised the following as fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of pesticide residues: peppers, spinach, strawberries, apples and pears.

Gates

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Early treatment shames kidney stones, says urologist A consultant urological surgeon with Royal Free London NHS Foundation, Dr Leye Ajayi, has said patients with kidney stones can make full recovery if diagnosed and treated early enough.

Dr Ajayi made this known at the training/lecture organised by PathCare Laboratories in Lagos on kidney stones.

In a lecture titled, Kidney Stones: Unrecognised, Undiagnosed and Untreated, Ajayi, a leading specialist in the management of kidney stones using non-invasive procedures, in the UK, said kidney stone was more common among Africans than is currently acknowledged. But, according to him, it is poorly recognised by physicians in Nigeria because of paucity of diagnostic equipment and the fact that it mimics a lot of other more common conditions.

According to him, severe pain is a major symptom of kidney stones.

“Doctors need to have a high index of suspicion when patients come with severe back pain. Patients can also present with fever or feel unwell, which is why it is sometimes mistaken for malaria.

The danger of untreated kidney stone is that it could lead to loss of the kidney with patients needing dialysis or transplant.”

The expert however said patients can make full recovery if diagnosed and treated early enough.

“We always encourage our stone patients to be properly hydrated. In the UK, the intake of about 2 to 3 litres of water a day is recommended, but because of our climate in Nigeria, patients will probably drink 4 to 5 litres to reduce the risk of forming new stones.”

Also speaking, a consultant pathologist at PathCare Labora-

27 Health

Expert urges pharmacists to collaborate on raw materials Group Managing Director, Mutual Benefit Assurance, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has urged industrial pharmacists in the country to pool resources.

Ogunbiyi gave the charge at the bi-monthly meeting of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) in Lagos.

The collaboration, according to him, would boost local production of raw materials rather than relying on import.

He said about 85 per cent of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are imported, saying that is not proper because there are investable funds to boost development in the sector.

He however charged pharmacists to see opportunities in the industry, adding that the country is the number one supplier of pharmaceutical products to the sub-Saharan region.

Ogunbiyi said with the way the dollar is rising daily, over-thecounter (OTC) and prescription drugs would be out of reach of the common man. The falling of the naira is affecting the sector,

he noted, adding that one cannot ask the pharmacists to pay more on products.

“We have the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). They should be able to assist in that particular area to reduce the cost.

“All the industry needs to do is show seriousness. They should come up with business plans and ideas. Then the funds will come,” he said.

He added that it is a critical time when people should look beyond the country’s economic mainstay, oil, to research into other areas.

Ogunbiyi

Study links family income to brain devpt Ajayi

tories, Dr. Olawale Olusanya, said the training is a Nigerian Medical and Dental council accredited Continuous Medical Education (CME) programme to update doctors on the current trends in the management of various health conditions.

He said, “PathCare, in conjunction with its partner, the Bridge Clinic, has continued to invest in Doctors Forum programme, because we recognise the importance of continuous training of doctors and other medical personnel in order to build a sustainable and high quality healthcare in Nigeria.”

Speaking on Decoding the

Researchers at the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA, and Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY, have published the findings of a new study that show a link between socioeconomic factors and children’s brain development. “While in no way implying that a child’s socioeconomic circumstances lead to immutable changes in brain development or cognition,” says Elizabeth Sowell, of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, “our data suggest that wider access to resources likely afforded by the more affluent may lead to differences in a child’s brain structure.”

National Health Bill-What Every Physician in Private Practice Needs To Know, Dr. Seun Akinyemi, of the Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, said, the passage of the bill was necessary for the development of the sector.

Akinyemi added that some loopholes in the bill needed to be reviewed to ensure that there was proper implementation of the bill and that doctors in the private practice did not become victims as the current health bill recognises the contribution of private practitioners in Nigeria’s health system.

‘Sreen for prostate for cancer when above above 40’ Continued from page 26

address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.”

Adebowale urged men to eat fresh vegetables such as tomatoes to reduce their chance of developing prostate cancer.

“Lycopene-rich foods such as fresh tomatoes and tomato products are potential effectors in the prevention and therapy of prostate cancer. This provides an

overview on the efficacy of supplementation with tomatoes, tomato products and lycopene on appropriate surrogate endpoint biomarker such as metabolite of the insulin-like growth factor pathway in healthy individuals and prostate cancer patients.

“Consumption of a diet rich in lycopene reduces the aggressive potential of prostate cancer by inhibiting the neoangiogenesis (the mechanism in cancer

that permits the creation of new blood vessels to supply cancerous tumours and ensure their growth) that occurs in tumour development. Higher lycopene intake is associated with lower angiogenic potential in tumours based on vessel size and shape,” Adebowale said.

Prostate cancer is the development of cancer in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate can-

cers are slow-growing; however, some grow relatively fast. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. It may initially cause no symptoms. In later stages it can cause difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or pain in the pelvis, back or when urinating.

A disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia may pro-

duce similar symptoms. Other late symptoms may include feeling tired due to low levels of red blood cells.

Factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer include: old age, a family history of the disease, and race. About 99 per cent of cases occur in those over the age of 50. Having a first degree relative with the disease increases the risk two to three folds, according to Wikipedia.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Features

s

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

VERDICT 2015

Tough road to the climax and the aftermath Our features desk felt the pulse of the nation in the last 72 hours and reports a possible tale of the unexpected. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR reports with additional report from JOY EKEKE. Tension, apprehension, insecurity and anxiety, key factors that necessitated the shifting of the presidential and National Assembly polls from February 11 to March 28 still hung over the polity nationwide before, during and 24 hours after the protracted elections that dragged from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 March, 2015.

Perhaps, because of the resolve by ‘unconnected’ Nigerians frustrated and worn out by 16 years of retrogression, poverty and hopelessness compounded by insecurity, especially in parts of the North, everyone tried to play down the tension within and without. The determination and disappointment can be deduced from this lamentation of 86-year-old Pa Adio Mosanya of Agege: “The change has been long overdue; everyone wanted it so badly that Nigerians struggled against all hitches in the system to make sure we vote: registration-for-registration, PVC-forPVC, but the system managed to disenfranchise us. For the first time since our democracy, I could not vote because INEC denied me my PVC with every trick under the sun.”

The old fellow was not alone in the PVC debacle. According to statistics, more people were disenfranchised through the mishandling of the PVC distribution. The past three days also showed how the mechanisms employed by INEC technically or deliberately disenfranchised those who succeeded in obtaining their PVCs. But nothing in Nigerian is easy sailing. Among the electorate longing for and pushing for the change was an overwhelming multitude working against the change. For a crumb of free bread they were ready to forget

the sorrows of the last 16 years.

This was attested to by the many things that went wrong and many more that went unreported during Saturday and Sunday elections nationwide.

“It was obvious the election was not going to be smooth sailing,” said another disenfranchised senior citizen, David Odedokun. “INEC had all the time for preparation but Jega did not put square pegs in square holes and round pegs in round holes within his workforce and administration. It was not impossible to have managed the PVC distribution accurately, but cracks in INEC’s walls were one too many.”

One analyst mentioned the presence of fifth columnists in Jega’s administration, noting that after all, Jega is not omnipresent.

It would be recalled that months before the elections, Immigration and Customs officials had apprehended about 20 Togolese at the border with PVCs bearing Nigerian names.

This happened at a period when crashed INEC laptops containing registered voters disenfranchised millions of eligible voters, including journalists and senior citizens across the country. So how did Togolese get hold

“The change has been long overdue; everyone wanted it so badly that Nigerians struggled against all hitches in the system to make sure we vote.”

Jega

President Jonathan and president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari embraces

Hausas hawkers excited at the outcome of PVC carrying names and photographs of Nigerians? What were they going to do with the cards in their country?

The election malady Also, signs that the results of the presidential election would not be conclusive started with reports of INEC’s card reading machines malfunctioning at the point of use. INEC had made no provision for IT men to be drafted to each Local Government Area.

Mr. Salami Ibrahim who arrived at the polling unitat six in

The long wait to vote

the morning told Daily Times how it felt to be disappointed.

“I have been here since 6a.m.I waited four hours before they came only to find that their card readers are not working. I am really disappointed in INEC because they had all the time to be prepared for this election.”

Sixty-four-year-old Madam Bukola Abiola, who spoke to Daily Times in Yoruba said, “If it’s not that this vote is important, I won’t have come out, but I just have to because it’s my right

to vote.”

An ad-hoc staff of INEC described the situation as a general one, adding that INEC is working hard to resolve the problem.

“This card reader is a general problem and we are working hard to resolve it. We may have to use the manual system if we can’t resolve the problem.”

Mrs. Ngozie Okoli’s concern is the disenfranchisement of willing voters.“The problem now CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

A roadmap to peace between warring Fulani herdsmen and Agatu people of Benue State may be in the offing at last. FREDDIE ADAMGBE in Makurdi reports that a recommendation that will give herders a right of way in the community if implemented is before the State Government.

The recent attack on Egba Community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State is one of the most devastating in the history of the state.

It has so far defied all solutions.

The God-given rich and fertile coastal area of the River Benue, stretching from Kwande, Katsina Ala, Buruku,Guma, Makurdi and Agatu Local Government Areas is however supposed to be a blessing.

The massive area, naturally rich in Fadama and ideal for the cultivation of rice is the attraction of Fulani herdsmen who have been invading the land, maiming, killing and destroying the massive rice and other agricultural crops therein.

Their excuse every time they strike is that their cattle are allegedly rustled by the inhabitants thus provoking them to revenge.

Strangely enough, the deserted land is no longer good for herds and their herders who cross over to Agatu through RukubiAkpajana axis of Duma Council of Nasarawa State armed with sophisticated weapons instead of cows --- as if they are going on a hunting expedition.

Benue State Police Commissioner, Mr. Hyacinth Dagala, confirmed last week’s attack on Egba Community in Agatuwhere about 82 persons were killed and expressed worry at the level of destruction perpetrated on the community. The attackers disappeared immediatelyguerilla style.

According to an eye witness, the attackers arrived the area decked in military uniforms, protective jackets and wielding their weapons on anything in sight.

A member of the Benue State

29 Features

Agatu killings: Who will stop the bloodshed?

Victims of the attacks House of Assembly representing AgatuState Constituency, Sule Audu, confirmed that 81 people lost their lives while over 50 people sustained injuries.

“We didn’t include those who escaped with injuries and died somewhere in the bush,’’ He said.

He insisted that there was nothing religious about the attack, “We are one ethnic (group) and they killed both Christians and Muslims and even pagans.’’

The lawmaker disclosed that since the invasion of Agatu by the Fulani herdsmen in 2013 to date, about 20,000 people have been displaced leaving only Obagaji, the headquarters.

“The goriest aspect of the onslaught is that the invaders grabbed many babies from their mothers’ backs and sliced

their throats after which they killed the defenseless women.”

The question on the lips of some indigenes of Benue South also known as Idoma is : Why is it only Agatu area that is being singled out for the ceaseless attacks?

A political leader in Agatu, Elder EghahiOyinu, ruled out politics in the attacks, saying the continuous attack is intended to take control of the fertile farming land and the vast aquatic potentials in the area.

He contended that being brave in pushing the invaders every time they venture close to the land has angered them to resort to hired mercenaries to avenge the human loss they incurred in the past.

The former Chief Whip noted that while the Nigerian consti-

tution guarantees the right of freedom of movement and residence in any part of the country to all Nigerians and not cattle, such right should not be abused taking cognizance of Section 44(1) of the same Constitution which prohibits forcible acquisition or occupation of another person’s property, especially immovable property (except via prompt payment of compensation thereof).

To him, since the invaders have not paid and the community did not want their association, they had better leave them in peace,not in pieces.

Another community leader in Agatu, Elder Zakaria Obiebo, who is taking refuge in Makurdi told our correspondent that for the crisis to be permanently

averted, the Federal Government must set up a Joint Security Task Force to be patrolling the borders of Nasarawa State where the invaders usually pass through to Benue State.

Elder Oboibe, also opined that stationing a permanent Mobile Police Barrack in the troubled area will be appropriate since they will be on hand to nip any breach of peace in the bud.

He appealed to government both at the state and federal levels to implementthe report of the Sketch Map of Transhuman Routes, North Central Pastoral Recommendation wherein there are clearly identified cattle routes that would give herders right of way for grazing their cattle without interfering with farmlands.

Massive voters turnout but faulty card readers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

is that there is a massive voter turnout here but the card readers are not working.

“Am not even angry about the lateness of the INEC officials but my main concern now is for the card readers to work and we should conduct the election in a peaceful manner. How can you turn up late in a serious matter like this and then your equipment

are not working?” She lamented.

At Udu Council in Warri, Delta State, voters waited all Saturday in vain with no sign of INEC officials. Report reached the community late evening that thugs had waylaid and forcibly taken away voting materials.

Daily Times gathered that fights broke out again on Sunday when INEC showed up at the same centre as people fought to take possession of voting mate-

rials and card reader, so most people fled to the safety of their homes.

One of the reports from Obiaruku, the Local Government Headquarters of Ukwani LGA in Ndokwa East in Delta State says: “The crowd was too much in the morning, so I went back and returned late afternoon,” a senior citizen of the town, Mr. Sunday Ozim, told Daily Times in a telephone chat. “But I met

some people carrying bottles and fighting here and there, the cause of it was not known. I don’t want to go (die) with election problems so I returned to my house.” That was the story in many centres in that council.

The report that 136 youths found with valid and cloned PVCs in the state governor’s foundation in Imo State was played down because the youths are the governor’s ‘boys’.

The card reader problem

30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

Metro

s

Another mysterious fire engulfs Balogun Market Barely 10 weeks after two separate fires swept through the famous Balogun Market on Lagos Island, another fire disaster came calling in the early hours of yesterday. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR was there and reports.

While the nation waited for INEC Chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega to formally declare the winner of the 2015 Presidential election at the early hours of yesterday a (Wednesday April 1st), mysterious fire enveloped the textile and lace section of Balogun Market.

Daily Times gathered that the fire, the third on the Lagos since January 11, 2015, started at 1 a.m. from a suspected electric short-circuit box. One of the guards at the market, who spoke to our correspondent, said there was power outage before traders closed their shops on Tuesday night. “Because of the election, many traders locked up their shops and left early; but later after midnight thick smoke and the smell of burning clothes started oozing out from some shops and so we raised an alarm.

“We called the radio stations and fire service, while we tried to break the security doors to battle the fire. It was the timely arrival of fire fighters that saved the fire from spreading.”

An unspecified number of shops selling imported textile materials including lace; scarf and women’s clothing were affected.

Our correspondent met a crowd of sympahisers in the area with fire trucks from the Lagos State Fire Service strategically positioned while owners of the shops were seen lamenting their losses.

Two young Igbo traders who lost more than 80 bales of imported textiles could not CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Traders overcome with grief

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, April 2, 2015

“These fire outbreaks could be avoided if traders will heed the fire safety regulations... I don’t know if I will ever recover the losses but I put my trust in God”

Traders counting their losses

‘It is like god of fire has come to Balogun market’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

hold back their tears as they clung to each other. Emotions were so high that journalists could not get them to narrate their ordeal.

Neighbours who were partly

affected pointed to the heap of burnt clothes bales and those completely consumed by the inferno.

“We don’t understand what is going on here anymore”, Stella Okafor who lost part of her wares to the inferno

said. “It is like the god of fire has come to visit destruction on the market. Every time we are recovering from one fire disaster, another one will happen, and it always start when no one is in the market.

How can we be losing all goods

to fire all the time?”

Nkiruka, a relation of the two traders whose goods were consumed in the inferno, said in between tears that some unseen evil forces are after Okey and Chima. “But they will not succeed in the name

31 Metro of Jesus. “My brothers are the family breadwinners. This is not the first time their shops are targets of fire outbreaks. The latest incident has destroyed more than N10 million worth of goods that were imported before the election. Why now?

Why my family?” she lamented.

Mathias Okechukwu, one of the affected traders found his voice and told Daily Times he is completely devastated by the incident.

“They called me early in the morning that Balogun Market was on fire.

It was not possible to come immediately as we were eagerly waiting for the election result, so I could not get any vehicle to arrive at the scene.

Myself and other traders at Okoko prayed that the fire not get to the area of the market where our shops are situated.

But when I arrived at 5 o’clock, I was shocked to find that the fire had enveloped my two shops and a few others.

“I don’t know if I will ever recover the losses but I put my trust in God”.

Daily Times gathered that goods estimated at N40 million were lost to the inferno.

An official of the Lagos State Fire Service, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they received an emergency call shortly after midnight and hastened to the market to fight the fire.

“The shops in the market are closely knit together but fortunately the fire was confined to an area where most of the items consisted of bales of clothes that are not highly inflammable.

“Although it took three service trucks and a dozen fire fighters to contain the inferno, but in the end many of the clothing bales were affected.

On the cause of recurrent fire incidents, the officer said traders at the market are always careless when it comes to handling electrical wiring and apparatus in their shops. “The Igbo trader is his own electrician and will personally service his power generator. These fire outbreaks could be avoided if traders will heed the fire safety regulations. It is one thing for government to enact a law and another for citizens to obey them. A little discipline will make Balogun Market safe for everyone”.

It would be recalled that two mysterious fire outbreaks occurred on Lagos Island between Broads Street and Balogun Market on January11 and 16 this year.

Features

Agatu killings: Who will stop the bloodshed ?

P29

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.78

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With Jonathan, Africa’s list of good losers gets longer •••

Graciously conceding defeat is not something candidates in African elections have traditionally been very good at.

In a macho political culture that sees a routing at the ballot box as a source of shame, refusal to accept a result often leads to protracted battles in court, on the streets or in the worst cases a military crackdown.

So when Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan magnanimously threw in the towel to challenger Muhammadu Buhari after the latter’s stunning victory in the weekend’s presidential election, he joined a growing list of African leaders for whom humbly admitting the game is up has become a cause for pride.

“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country,” a somber Jonathan said in his concession speech. “I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.”

Such speeches used to be rare on a continent still getting used to winnertakes-all electoral contests

and where power has frequently changed hands at the barrel of a gun.

Academics have long pondered the reasons - it could be the emphasis in a traditional African societies on consensus over competition or that losing political office can mean the difference between sleeping in a palace or a shack.

The wide margin of Buhari’s win, enabling the first peaceful transfer of power at the ballot box in Africa’s most populous nation, certainly helped.

But the idea leaders need to know when it is time to pack their bags

has also gained ground over the last five years.

When former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede to Alassane Ouattara in 2010, re-igniting a civil war, one of Gbagbo’s most high profile campaigners, reggae star Alpha Blondy, publicly urged him to play fair and hand over.

He failed to listen and is now facing war crimes charges in The Hague.

Senegal’s former President Abdoulaye Wade in 2012 became the first West African leader in a while to concede defeat when he was thumped by former protege Macky Sall,

enabling Sall to proclaim that “the big winner...is the Senegalese people”.

In Southern Africa too, the time has come where a “big man” was told by voters he was no longer popular - and has had to accept their verdict.

Ex-Malawian president Bakili Muluzi, who observed Nigeria’s elections for the Commonwealth, ran against dictator Hastings Banda in 1994 and succeeded in ending his 33-year-rule.

“He was unhappy. He said to me ‘You are like my son and now you are running against me,’” he told Reuters outside a

polling station on Saturday. “But he couldn’t do anything about it.”

Zambia’s Rupiah Banda drew more than a few tears when, on losing his presidency to Michael Sata in 2011, he told the nation: “I have no ill feeling in my heart”.

“I wish him well in his years as president,” he continued. “Now is the time for a new leader. My time is done. It is time for me to say good bye.”

Jonathan

Gbagbo

Wade

Banda

Culled from http:// news.yahoo.com/ jonathan-africas-listgo o d - l o s e rs - ge t s - l o n ger-163304780.html

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Thursday, April 2, 2015

Celebrities welcome change, post presidential election L6

Ayo Makun A rising entertainment P

mogul L2,3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 2, 2015

Losing my parents early in life made me who I am today Ayo Makun

Nkarenyi Ukonu He is known by his stage name, AY and from struggling to he has gone on to become one for the most successful comedians Nigeria has ever seen, with a soon to be, media empire for himself. The comedian opens up in this interview on a myriad of issues.

You recently lost your one of your in-laws to the cold hand of death. Please accept my condolence. How did you take news of his death?

It was a devastating piece of information to swallow especially because I had been chatting with him just a few hours before I received news of his death.

And your sister, how has she been coping since her loss?

Initially she was very distraught and I believe there are still moments of sadness but with the show of support from close friends and family which constantly reminds her that she is not alone, she has been able to rally herself in order to be a mother and father to their kids.

What was it like winning the New era award at the 2015 AMVCA awards for your movie, 30 days in Atlanta?

It was like a dream come true especially after I came to understand what that particular award stood. To me and my team, it is gives a formal stamp of approval to our entrant into the Nigerian movie industry.

Life&

T E A M

The Movie threw up a number of nominations in several categories but unfortunately didn’t win any except that one. What went through

your mind as you saw other nominees carting home the awards?

Wow, that question brings back a lot of thoughts. Initially I was disappointed but that was till I was made to fully understand how the awards work. We had put together a great product but forgot to canvas for votes as much as our counterparts. We won’t be making the same mistake in subsequent years.

You mentioned while receiving the award that your wife talked you into making the movie. Why didn’t you ever consider movie making even though you are a theatre arts graduate?

The truth is that since I left school I have been more concerned about becoming an economic success.

This is because I needed to have the resources to provide for my siblings to whom I was both father and mother to. By the grace of God, my comedy career paid off and I focused all my energy on building it to greater heights. But as you can recall from the countless skits we have produced over the years and even featuring in the movie projlove. The nudge my wife gave me was to encourage me to invest into

as a movie maker, did you anticipate the kind of rave reviews you got including the movie being the highest grossing movie ever shown in any Nigerian cinema?

Not exactly. I hoped that people would like the movie but the dimensions of appreciation for the movie My apprehension had been borne

ceptance quickly made those feelings rescind.

Are you here to stay as a movie maker or is it a one off thing?

I am in it for the long haul. The Nigeria movie industry is steadily growing in quality and also the cinema distribution network is spreading to even more states of the federation and this is indeed a time for not just Nigerians but the world to enjoy our creative treats just as we have enjoyed movies from Hollywood and Bollywood since we were kids.

Will you continue to make comedy movies or are you looking at exploring other genres of movie?

We are looking at making difour stable will be predominantly are also looking at making some drama and action movies.

I guess it wasn’t easy shooting in two different continents.

What were some of the challenges you experienced while shooting and how were you able to overcome them?

Cultural differences take the cake because we shot 90 per cent of the movie in Atlanta but working tidote. The team in America led by Robert Peters, the director, made the production seamless.

Do you consider this to be your greatest achievement thus far?

My greatest achievement is the lovely family God has blessed me with. The success of this movie is considered a delicious piece of icing on the cake. We are still baking so we are hoping to add a lot more icing.

Ayo Makun

major project but the level of ac-

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 2, 2015

it. Could you clear the air on this?

Your annual comedy show is coming up soon. What are you going to be doing this time, different from what you have done in the past?

I won’t want to spoil the surprise we have put together for the audione that attends the show will get

terviews that MVP is a partnership gentlemen who believe in the same goal in this regard.

The extravagance with which you had the club done up is perhaps, second to none in this part of the divide. Why is that?

The idea was to create an enchanted world that would trill

the celebration of complete happiness we have put together in honor of the season.

The show has been adjudged as the best comedy show in Nigeria if not in all of Africa.

What has kept you at the top of your game?

Freshness is our secret ingredition of the show we meet as a team to discuss the high and low points from previous shows and then we

stress that had plagued them up premises.

You also have a television show, an events management and production company as well. With your new found ventures; movie making and the club, don’t you think they are all a bit too much?

the low points don’t reoccur and to surpass the highpoints.

the poor timing at times but it’s a

one of your protégés, Seyi Law, will be performing live. Why did it have to take so long to have him grace your stage?

guests arrive at 8pm then there will

Law is one of the most talented co-

perform better to a full hall and

AY LIVE stage but in the past few

venue, it contributes towards the late start of the show because the show is for the audience.

The showcase of these veterans is both a celebration of their immense contributions to the growth

members of the audience whose musical delight are songs from the 80s and 90s.

If there is one thing most people aren’t happy about shows in Nigeria, it is the timing. No show ever starts as at when scheduled. And your show is one of the culprits. Why aren’t you thinking of wowing your audience and further set your show apart with your timing?

is that I also have a team of capable hands and so we are able to achieve greatness without burning out.

It seems you have a Midas touch to everything you set out to do? What would you say is responsible for this besides God? because he is the beginning and end of all we do. The other element -

periodic leaps of faith.

When you aren’t busy taking care of business, how do you let off steam?

What would you say is that

Did you deliberately set out to make your show different from other comedy concerts or did it just take a life of its own?

There is nothing about AY LIVE ginning, I had a vision to create a unique concert that met the thirst mances.

What is the idea behind bringing veterans, Onyeka Onwenu and King Sunny Ade to your show, knowing that more than half of your audience identify more with the young generations of musical acts?

AY LIVE

L3 Interview

shaped you to be who you are today?

cause it made me sift the chaff from

Where do you get inspiration for most of your jokes?

You recently increased the number of automobiles in your garage with a brand new Jaguar XJL worth millions of naira.

Would you consider yourself a car freak?

What is your ultimate dream car?

-

inspiration from life. I am particu-

burden of mentorship is exacting on you?

the comedic elements from scenarios that are happening.

and so mentorship has been more of a delight than a burden.

I know you rested your AY Open mic contest but later resurrected it. Is it still on and in what ways do you plan to revamp it if you will?

For now it is still rested but we

Who are your own mentors and why are they your mentors?

Most of the winners of the AY open mic contest have gone to do great things in the entertainment industry. How does this make you feel?

That was the goal for the projencourage talented comedians to become the rave of the moment ness.

Do you sometimes feel that the

ter miner, he saw a diamond in the rough and honed me to greatness with encouragement and opportunities.

version of the KIT in the Knight

Still on AY He is a radio presenter as well as an MC He is also a writer and was a guest columnist in and Laugh Mattaz publication.

newspaper

,

manager

You now run a night club, MVP. Why night club business, what is the story behind it?

Delving into the nightclub busicision aimed at creating multiple streams of income.

awards in 2008

There have been rumored talks about the real owner of the club. Some say you own it 100 per cent, others say you co-own

others.

Outside of school, he has several awards to his name.

celebrated theatre arts student, the most fashionable student on campus, the best show-biz promoter, the most celebrated student

daughter.

Music Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 2, 2015

Stories by: Opeoluwani Akintayo

Dr Sid reveals sex of his unborn child

List of new videos released last week

…as speculations arise on sex of Tiwa Savage’s baby

Mavin Music act, Dr Sid sure can’t wait to be a father. The dentist turned music act whose wife, Simi Osomo, is currently in America for the birth of their reveal the sex of his unborn child. After

-

Also, the soon to be father, announced

‘Kingin’ ‘Telephone’ by Dice Ailes ‘Doinz’ ‘Mutumina’

of the same school.

Dr Sid

Kelly Hansome signs management deal with Now Muzik

Anything wrong with Vector Tha Viper?

-

street lifestyle may have eventu-

-

Vector

Kelly Hansome

Praiz postpones UK tour Praiz has announced that he will

until further notice. The tour which

-

sz wrote.

This leaves us with the question, what

Cool FM’S, Mannie wins @ Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards -

in London, was cancelled for reason -

-

announced soon.

show, won the award ahead of

foreseen circumstances that are be-

shall announced new dates as soon

six continents in addition to twitter

-

-

he wrote.

Praiz

Mannie

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday April 2, 2015

L5 Movie Gists

Stories by: Mutiat Alli

Helen initiates budding My Bra cost me 10 thousand naira each - Ronke Ojo actors

Ronke Ojo

Saro The Musical for Easter showdown

Helen Paul and inaugurated students

deter

a n d prayer this

Saro the musical cast

Tonto Dike spotted at Elpis Megalio store launch

Funke Akindele and other casts in a scene in the movie

Jenifa series debuts in April

Chairman Instarmac Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Wale Afolabi, of Sifax Group, Mr Oliver, Tonto Dike, Olufunke Afolabi & Friend

Music and Movie Gists L6 Mutiat Alli

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde in whoops of joy as daughter turns 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday April 2, 2015

Photo speak

Actress and sexy mother of four, Omotola JaladePrincess turned 18 recently.

The delighted actress took to her social media to wish her lovely daughter a happy celebration. She wrote via her Instagram page “Happy 18th birthday, amazing princess!!!

God fearing, kind, considerate and free spirited. Our queen of hearts. May God’s wisdom guide you and he’s protection continually shower you. You’re so loved”.

Princess and mum, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike posted on her social media a picture where she is seen kissing a man’s neck. The man may probably be her supposed Fiancée whom she always calls Mr. X

What your favourite celebrities are up to on Instagram ...Post presidential election Compiled by: Opeoluwani Akintayo

Tee Billz

Kunle Afolayan kunleafo: This is what my Yoruba people call “Omi tan ley-

ToyinAimakhu releases after-election statement

bankywellington: In other

long time and even without many victories, you still support them, so I urge you all to view this as one of those matches; people loose, they get hurt and eventually get over it and move on. I congratulate APC and I believe in one Nigeria.

Despite your abuses and insults (orubebeism, pls stay out of trouble and violence. No politician is worth our blood... love you all.

Help us tell him congrats on Day 1. #miraclesStillhappen# changeHasCome indeed

Toolz

Lilian Esoro lilianesoro: It’s a beautiful day. #Thanking God for the the peaceful citizens of dis great country #Noblemen#GEJ, #GMB n #JEGA. For making this possible. May God guide n direct our new President-elect to bring us d #CHANGE we seek n deserve. #God bless our #great#Country#NIGERIA# long#live#NIGERIA. #Nigeriadecides#Godwin.

Banky W

I know quite a number of you have been waiting for this, so here it is. To start with, I love you all and if you insult me I will

now the Federal government and Lagos State which is the My wish, is that exchange rate should revert to $1 to N1.

Am dreaming abi? One love and all the best to all Nigerians. #newnigeria

teebillz232: A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.... I learnt from GEJ that leadership is not muscle but getting along with people.

I admire your leadership #Blessings

I woke up today feeling incredibly positive about my country! Sadly, I can’t remember the last time I felt so positive about Nigeria. Looking forward to a new dawn. A huge congratulations to our new president, General Muhammadu Buhari and much respect to the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan for conceding and doing his best to make for a peaceful transition. I’m excited!! Democracy exists in Nigeria!! Lots of promises were made by both candidates; now we should all hold @ThisIsBuhari to all the promises he made and ensure he delivers. Looking forward to a better Nigeria! Amen!! #Nigeria#History

Ice Prince meets Jay Z

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday April 2, 2015

L7 Music & Movie Review

Mutiat Alli and Opeoluwani Akintayo

Yayo by Phyno: A battle of talents

Released on the 5th January, the visual for Phyno’s 2014 single, Yayo, was surely a good way to begin the year 2015. Although the video has been well received on YouTube with 481,376 views as at press time, as well as radio. Directed by Clarence Peters, the 4:39 seconds video opens with a violent scene; shirtThen appears a girl butt naked on whose shiny rump was clearly written Phyno and Yayo. That’s all to this walks straight to Phyno, shaking her naked derrière as she goes. It gets even worse as she gets in front am sure the massiveness and rhythm produced by her backside is what has been driving the most viewing

the street while others around him battle for street credibility. I wonder who eventually gets to be crowned between himself, Olamide and M.I. Thumbs up for the use of props like burning tyres, cutlasses, shirtless guys, a throne made of cutlass,

Good lighting and appropriate street costumes. Phyno’s attitude and body language while interpreting the lyrics was also on point. Those guys with the cutlasses made the scene look real. Also the scene where that guy crashed the car into the wall was out of this world. of the angels had faces of known Nigerian rappers like Illbliss, Vector, Kel and others. Thankfully he didn’t use lookalike faces of M.I and Olamide else, there would have been some sort of ‘war’. Nice scene there though, all towards proclaiming himself as king of rap in Nigeria.

-

Clean video. Clear rap lines.

The video is worth 8/10.

Artiste: Phyno Running Time: 4:39

Clearance Peters Director

Apaye:

Desmond Elliot loses the sparke Directed by Desmond Elliot, Apaye opens with the documentation of the life of Yepayeye, taking

on her way to becoming a social icon. Apaye shows the life of the central character, Yepayeye

Aside from the storyline and praiseworthy production design, the movie is well depicted from the various acting efforts on display by the actors and use of the appropriate props. Although the movie set out to portray a true life story from the Niger Delta creeks, it however shows the lack thereof of, perhaps the director or the person in charge of makeup, directorial or makeup skills.

For instance, actor Kanayo 0. Kanayo attempts to provide some energy in the interpretation of his role but his good work is relatively undone by his refusal to age as much as his character should aged man is what he carries on as years roll by and up until his elimination from the story. an’s life and does poorly in giving a relevant biopic to the now late woman. There were irrelevant scenes, such as the scene from the forest where very young Apaye was humming a tune and walking on and singing. The scene suddenly gets transformed to a church with a choir singing the tune being hummed in the forest.

It is important to bring to the notice of the reader that the movie Apaye is the story of Elder Irene Yepayeye Uriah-Dieah, who was a relative of President Goodluck Jonathan in real life.

On the whole, the biopic stretches the truth, showcasing western outlaw, a criminal, a great musi-

Assistant director: Niyi Akinmolaran Written by: Uduak Isong Oguamanam, Ke-

Desmond Elliot, Director,

Produced by: Emem Isong.

Cast: Clarion Chukwurah, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Belinda Effah, Mbong Amata, and Millicent Jack.

Running time: 110minutes

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday April 2, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

115 M-Net Series Zone

152 AfricaMagic Epic

02:00

00:09

Wed, 25 Mar | 16

Thu, 26 Mar | PG13

A young Catholic girl, who becomes pregnant, accuses an assistant catechist of being the father. Her parents don’t believe her and drive her away from their home. Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Francis Duru.

(2005) Tchidi Chikere.

101 M-Net

00:00 Pompeii 01:30 About A Boy 02:00 X-Men: Days Of Future Past 04:10 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Middle 06:30 The Mentalist 07:30 Chicago Fire 08:30 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 10:30 Entertainment Now! 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 The Blacklist 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 Two And A Half Men 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 About A Boy 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 The Fixer 19:30 Series TBA 20:30 NCIS: New Orleans 21:30 CSI: Cyber

118 Telemundo

00:00 Fearless Heart 00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Aurora 03:00 Fearless Heart 03:50 Labour Of Love 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 Labour Of Love 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 Labour Of Love 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 Labour Of Love 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 Labour Of Love 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Aurora

‘S4/E8 - Road Trip’. Teaming up with Grayson to supervise a law student’s suit on behalf of a computer company employee puts Jane at odds with her former Stanford Law School mentor.

120 BBC Entertainment

124 E!

00:00 My Family

10:15 Deal Or No Deal

00:15 Top Gear

10:55 My Family

01:07 Call The Midwife

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:59 Come Dine With Me

12:10 Top Gear

02:48 EastEnders

13:10 Come Dine With Me

03:25 The Weakest Link

14:05 Series TBA

04:10 Top Gear

15:10 The Weakest Link

00:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

16:00 EastEnders

01:00 Giuliana & Bill

05:25 QI

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

02:00 Dr. 90210

06:00 Spy

17:15 QI

03:00 Dr. 90210

06:25 EastEnders

17:50 Would I Lie To You?

04:00 Pop Innovators

06:55 Antiques Roadshow

18:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA

05:00 Fame In The Family

07:50 The Weakest Link

19:15 Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond

05:30 LA Sugar

08:40 The Cube 09:25 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

06:15 Celebrity Style Story 07:00 Giuliana & Bill

135 BET

08:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons 09:00 Keeping Kardashians

Up

With

10:00 E! News

128 SONY MAX

11:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On 11:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On

05:00 Code Name: Pheonix

12:15 Celebrity Style Story

06:25 Exposed

13:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons

06:50 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

14:00 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills

07:35 Most Shocking

14:30 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills

08:30 World’s Wildest Police Chases

00:00 Being Mary Jane

10:00 BET Presents: 2Face Idibia

09:25 Repo Games

00:01 Vindicated

10:30 Real Husbands Of Hollywood

00:00 Tough Love

09:50 World’s Wildest Police Videos

00:30 Vindicated

11:00 Comics Unleashed

00:15 Unbeatable Banzuke

10:50 Exposed

01:00 The Xperiment

11:30 Africa Straight Up

00:40 Unbeatable Banzuke

11:15 Exposed

01:30 Shuga

12:00 Nellyville: The Family Special

17:00 Keeping Kardashians

01:05 Guy Code

11:40 Most Shocking

02:00 Shuga

13:00 The Real

18:00 E! News

01:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

02:30 BET Now

14:00 Reed Between The Lines

01:55 Pootie Tang

12:40 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

03:00 Late Night Heat

14:30 Reed Between The Lines

19:00 The Jason...

03:20 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

13:35 World’s Wildest Police Chases

05:00 Soul Sessions

15:00 Comics Unleashed

20:00 Christina Milian Turned Up

14:35 My Rebelious Son

06:00 Soul Sessions

15:30 Africa Straight Up

21:15 Celebrity Style Story

04:05 Unbeatable Banzuke

16:10 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

07:00 Soul Sessions

16:01 Run’s House

08:00 The Wendy Williams Show

16:30 Run’s House

22:00 Keeping Kardashians

09:00 The Real

17:00 The Real

21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke

The

15:15 Celebrity Style Story 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons Up

With

Kennedy

Up

The

Wedding:

With

The

X4

Interview

FIRMINO

tips Brazilian football to rise again X6

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

X5

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Poster!

PER MERTESACKER

Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Age: Height: Nationality: Current team: Number: Position: Foot: Outfitter: Twitter: Facebook:

Per Mertesacker September 29, 1984 Hannover, West Germany 30 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) Germany Arsenal 4 Defence (Centre Back) Right adidas @mertesacker PerMertesackerFans

Youth career 1988–1995: 1995–2003:

TSV Pattensen Hannover 96

Senior career 2003–2004: 2003–2006: 2006–2011: 2011–Present:

Hannover 96 Hannover 96 Werder Bremen Arsenal

National team 2003: 2004: 2004–2014:

Germany U-20 Germany U-21 Germany

ABOUT PER MERTESACKER

QUOTES BY

PER“

PER MERTESACKER

X4,5

Per Mertesacker, born September 29, 1984 is a German professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Arsenal. He also played for the German national team but retired in August 2014 after winning the World Cup. Mertesacker is a youth product of Hannover 96 and he made his senior league debut in November 2003. Mertesacker was soon dubbed “the Defence Pole” by German tabloids and gained a reputation for his good disciplinary record and went 31 Bundesliga games without being booked.

Since joining Arsenal, their fans have nicknamed him the BFG, which is short for “Big Fucking German” and an allusion to Roald Dahl’s The BFG due to his height.

He has been described as an imposing, reliable, dominant and an accomplished defender.

Mertesacker married German international handballer Ulrike Stange in June 2013 and they have two children (born April 2011 and May 2014). Mertesacker is a Protestant Christian.

In November 2006, Mertesacker created the “Per Mertesacker Foundation”, initially to support the family of his former Hannover and Germany late teammate Robert Enke, and is targeted at those suffering from depression. Since 2007 the foundation has organised yearly charity football matches which has featured Mertesacker’s national and club teammates Philipp Lahm, Lukas Podolski and Tomas Rosicky as well as comedian Oliver Pocher, Fury in the Slaughterhouse member Rainer Schumann and German ice hockey legend Uwe Krupp.

I prefer Zonal marking, I don’t like to get blocked, mostly man to man, means I have lesser impact defending.

We just continue to play like that and I think we have a great chance in the FA Cup and in the league but, when you have one bad game in the Champions League - that’s the beauty of the game, then you are out - even against a team which was a bit underestimated by the public but I think they deserved it.

—Per Mertesacker

”

MERTESACKER Thursday, April 2, 2015

S ’ I S S ME Y R U J N I S E I R WOR CA BAR

ALABA

faces 7-week absence X7 X7

Falcons

battle Mali April 10 X2

Farah to race in Doha

X3

X2

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

FALCONS BATTLE MALI APRIL 10

T

Andrew Ekejiuba

T

he 11th All Africa Games final qualifying round return leg match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the senior women’s team of Mali will now be played at the National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday, April 10.

General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, revealed that a letter to this effect had been sent to the Mali Football Federation for its information and necessary action.

Already, a full house has been recorded in the Falcons’ camp in Abuja as the African champions prepare for the crucial return leg, which guarantees the winner a place at the Women’s Football Tournament of the 11th All Africa Games that is scheduled for Congo-Brazzaville, September 3-18 this year.

UEFA to investigate disruptions in Georgia

U

EFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) following trouble during their Euro 2016 qualifier with Germany.

Supporters twice invaded the pitch during Germany’s 2-0 victory in Tblisi

Fed Cup: NFF appoints officials for state finals

Super Falcons defender, Onome Ebi (left), in action

on Sunday, while one of the world champions’ training sessions before the match was also interrupted.

The GFF is also under investigation after fireworks were let off, and for having insufficient organisation within the stadium.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will rule on the case on May 21, with the GFF having already released a statement revealing its concerns over possible sanctions ahead of their next home qualifier in Group D, which comes against Scotland in September.

he Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Match Commissioners for the finals of the 2015 Men and Women Federation Cup competitions in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled for this weekend.

Former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Etta Egbe will take charge of events in Cross River State, while Bright Omoregie will preside in Edo State, Abdulwaheed Dauda in Katsina and M.K. Adebiyi in Oyo State.

Others are Alh. Y.S. Mayos (Adamawa), Paul Gambar (Bauchi), Ali Sheriff (Borno), B.A. Olayinka (Gombe), Nsentip Udom Udeme (Taraba), Ishiaku Yerima (Yobe), Chief Felix Udoh (Akwa Ibom), Sir J.C. Efozia (Delta), Hon. Ziprebe Pius (Bayelsa), Gighi Joseph (Rivers), Alfa Umar Abdullahi (Kano), Nura Malam Madori (Jigawa), Barr. Dare Akanbi (Kwara), B.A. Akintola (Kaduna), Chinwe Albert (Anambra), Paul Ikechukwu (Enugu) and others.

The grand finale of this year’s competitions will take place on August 16.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

H A R A F TO RACE

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Athletics

champion Mo Farah ritish double Olympic and world paign in Doha on cam gue will open his Diamond Lea . said May 15, organisers 0 metres in the opening Farah will compete in the 300 rking the 32-year-old’s first leg of the 14-meet series, ma appearance in Doha. gs about the track, the “I’ve heard so many great thin Doha,” said Farah. crowd and the competition in ng fields in the distances so stro very ays alw “There are test on the track for me. I’m this will be a great early season ance.” form looking forward to a good per metres double at the 00 10,0 and 0 Farah won the 5,00 year later became only the 2012 London Olympics and a s at the world championships second athlete to win both title in Moscow. of the greatest current “We are delighted to have one at our meeting this year,” Olympic and world champions president Dahlan Al Hamad. said Qatari Athletics Federation in Doha will ensure that nce “Mo Farah’s first appeara ance racing excellence will our tradition of early season dist continue this year.” gears up for the world Farah’s rivals in Doha as he August 22-30 include from championships in Beijing ers Ethiopia and Kenya. traditional distance running pow

B

IN

DOHA

Cricket

Vettori calls time on international career

N

ew Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori has announced his retirement from international cricket after an 18-year career at the top.

The 36-year-old was looking to bow out on a high in Sunday’s World Cup final but the Kiwis were blown away by a rampant Australia side at the MCG. However, the Auckland-born veteran can look back on his career with much pride after playing 113 Tests, 295 one-dayers and 34 Twenty20 internationals for his country.

He claimed 705 international wickets and scored 6,989 runs across all three formats, while also captaining the Black Caps in all three versions of the game.

The slow left-armer secured 361 Test wickets and would have taken many more but for a plethora of injuries late in his glittering career, and he is one of only three men – along with Sir Ian Botham and Kapil Dev – to have scored 4,000 Test runs and taken 300 Test wickets.

Tennis

MURRAY

‘key to producing new talent’

Tennis

NADAL

strategises on his game

R

Nadal

afael Nadal says he will work on the mental side of his game as he begins preparations for the clay-court season. The 28-year-old crashed out of the Miami Open with a three-set defeat to Fernando Verdasco on Sunday.

It ended a disappointing few weeks in the USA after he lost in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells to Canada’s Milos Raonic.

The Spaniard did win a low-key event in Argentina back in February but it has generally been a below-par start to the year for the 14-time Grand Slam winner.

The Majorcan has always been known for his mental toughness and he has been able to grind out results as his opponents wilted over the years.

But, as he gets ready for another assault on the French Open and other clay-court tournaments, the nine-time Roland Garros champion admits that he still has much to work on.

A

ndy Murray’s success on court is a key component in the development of future generations of British tennis stars, says Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) chief Michael Downey.

Downey revealed the LTA has a four-year plan to try and increase participation in the sport.

He has spoken to British number one Murray about the part he can play.

“His role is to keep doing what he is doing and winning on the court in style,” said Downey.

World number four Murray, 27, has appeared in six Grand Slam finals, winning twice.

“Andy Murray winning court, doing well for the sport, being in the media every week, being on TV every Saturday and Sunday is the best thing he can do for this sport because it generates what I call water-cooler talk,” added Downey, who took over as LTA chief executive in January and was speaking on the Tennis Podcast.

“We track the interest in him across the general population of this country and how people look at him in terms of a role model.

“His numbers are very, very high and they continue to get high as he wins on court.”

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

PERSON INFOR Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Age: Height: Nationality: Current team: Number: Position: Foot: Outfitter: Twitter: Facebook:

Pe Sep Ha 30 1.9 Ge Ars 4 De Rig adi @m Pe

Youth career 1988–1995: 1995–2003:

TSV Ha

Senior career 2003–2004: 2003–2006: 2006–2011: 2011–Present:

Ha Ha We Ars

National team 2003: 2004: 2004–2014:

Ge Ge Ge

ABOUT PER MERTESACKER

QUOTES BY

“ PER

PER MERTESACKER

Per Mertesacker, born September 29, 1984 is a German professional footballer who German national team but retired in August 2014 after winning the World Cup. Mertesacker is a youth product of Hannover 96 and he made his senior league debut Defence Pole” by German tabloids and gained a reputation for his good disciplinary booked.

Since joining Arsenal, their fans have nicknamed him the BFG, which is short for “B BFG due to his height.

He has been described as an imposing, reliable, dominant and an accomplished de Mertesacker married German international handballer Ulrike Stange in June 2013 2014). Mertesacker is a Protestant Christian.

In November 2006, Mertesacker created the “Per Mertesacker Foundation”, init Germany late teammate Robert Enke, and is targeted at those suffering from depre charity football matches which has featured Mertesacker’s national and club teamm well as comedian Oliver Pocher, Fury in the Slaughterhouse member Rainer Schuman

I prefer Zonal marking, I don’t like to get blocked, mostly man to man, means I have lesser impact defending.

We just continue to play like that and I think we have a great chance in the FA Cup and in the league but, when you have one bad game in the Champions League - that’s the beauty of the game, then you are out - even against a team which was a bit underestimated by the public but I think they deserved it.

—Per Mertesacker

”

MERTES

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

NAL RMATION

er Mertesacker ptember 29, 1984 annover, West Germany 0 98 m (6 ft 6 in) ermany senal

efence (Centre Back) ght idas mertesacker erMertesackerFans

SV Pattensen annover 96

annover 96 annover 96 erder Bremen senal

ermany U-20 ermany U-21 ermany

plays as a centre back for Arsenal. He also played for the

t in November 2003. Mertesacker was soon dubbed “the y record and went 31 Bundesliga games without being

Big Fucking German” and an allusion to Roald Dahl’s The

efender.

3 and they have two children (born April 2011 and May

tially to support the family of his former Hannover and ression. Since 2007 the foundation has organised yearly mates Philipp Lahm, Lukas Podolski and Tomas Rosicky as nn and German ice hockey legend Uwe Krupp.

SACKER

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X6

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

FIRMINO: BRAZIL STILL A FORCE

Firmino

TO RECKON WITH The 2014 FIFA World Cup 2014 was a momentous event for Brazil’s national football team. Their disappointing end to the competition not only brought about a change of coach but also gave many new players a chance to prove themselves for A Seleçao. Roberto Firmino is one of them.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has delivered a string of impressive performances since moving from Tombense to German side Hoffenheim in 2011.

With six goals and seven assists to his name in the present league campaign, he is one of his team’s top scorers and has played a major role in helping the club from the Kraichgau region to reach their current position of seventh in the Bundesliga.

His talent, and particularly his gift for making crucial passes, have not gone unnoticed by Dunga, the man now tasked with turning around the fortunes of the most successful team in World Cup history.

Firmino celebrated his long-awaited debut in green and yellow in a friendly against Turkey last November – and immediately showed what he can do. Firmino earned another call-up to the Verdeamarela squad for this month’s international games and contributed an assist in his side’s win against France and scored against Chile.

In an exclusive interview, FIFA.com asked him how it feels to take to the pitch for his country, how he views his role within the team and how his move to Germany helped him to realise his dreams of playing for the five-time world champions.

What does November 12, 2014 mean to you? And what’s your reaction to this fact that it was the day you made your Brazil debut against Turkey?

It was the realisation of a lifelong dream. Every boy in Brazil wants to play for their country, from when they start kicking a ball about in the streets as a youngster.

Brazilians often reiterate just what an honour it is to play for the national team. What is it that makes A Seleçao so special?

The team is a symbol for the entire country. Brazil are record world champions and some of the greatest players in footballing history have played for this country: Pele, Zico, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. They are legends recognised all over the world, just like the nickname A Seleçao. To run out onto the pitch in that shirt is simply unbelievable. It was a little surreal for me at first, but I think I did a good job.

You scored your first international goal in only your second game – and a stunning goal at that. How did that feel?

I really can’t describe it. It was phenomenal. I could feel that it was a

good shot the moment it left my foot, but for it to end up in the top corner was wonderful.

How do you rate your chances of continuing to be named in the squad?

I’ve got to keep performing week in, week out for Hoffenheim; if I can do that then I think I’ve got a pretty good chance. It all starts at TSG and goes from there.

What personal targets do you want to achieve with the national team?

I haven’t thought about that at all.

I just want to be called up and play as often as possible.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was not long ago. Do the national team still discuss it at all? What is the overall mood like within the squad?

By the time I joined the side it was no longer an issue and the atmosphere within the camp was good. Of course that exit to Germany was a bitter setback. I watched the match in the team room at our running training camp in Westerburg and couldn’t really believe what I was seeing. I think every Brazilian had imagined that World Cup ending differently.

Seleçao experienced significant upheaval after the tournament.

What do Brazil need to change to get closer to being among the best in the world again?

As in every side, the coach naturally plays an important role. He gives very clear instructions and determines the team’s playing style. I don’t think Brazil are far from the top, and I think they’ll show that again in future.

How important is Coach Dunga for you?

He’s the one who called me up into the national side for the first time, so he’s an important figure for me. He and the other members of the squad made my first stint with Brazil easy – it really was a great experience.

How do you view your role within the national team?

Have I got a role yet? I’ve only been called up three times and I’ve played four games so far. I’m a young player who still needs to find his place, and I hope I’ll get an opportunity to do that.

Neymar has his role within the side, so does Oscar, so does David Luiz – they’re players who are much further along in their careers than me.

You are enjoying a good season with Hoffenheim. What sets the 2014 team apart?

The different characters within the squad work really well together.

There’s a good atmosphere within the dressing room, and that’s important for a start. What’s more, we’ve had a clear philosophy ever since Markus Gisdol became coach in April 2013.

We want to play TSG football and constantly continue improving.

This continuity and the painstaking work that goes with it are extremely important factors in the team’s performances.

we can do that, we’ve done our job.

What’s possible for TSG this season?

We’ll see. We go into every match with the same objective – to win – but every week we come up against another opponent with a similar aim.

We can only make the absolute best of our opportunities in every game. If

Your contract with Hoffenheim runs until 2017. Do you want to stay in Germany and TSG, or do you feel drawn to another club or even another league?

2017 is still a long way off. We’ll see what happens.

You’ve been in Germany since 2011.

Has German football made you a more complete player?

I think so. When I arrived at Hoffenheim I could already play football, but I’ve developed physically, technically and tactically since then. The Bundesliga is one of the world’s best leagues. I had to adapt and improve to get by here, and although I’ve now reached a good level, there’s still more left to do. My own dissatisfaction is my biggest motivation.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

Sterling

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: G N I L R STE I’M NOT A

!

R E B B A R G Y E N O M L iverpool forward Raheem Sterling says the lack of an agreement with the club over his new contract does not make him a money-grabber.

The England international’s current deal expires at the end of next season, with manager recently Rodgers Brendan

I

nter Milan are understood to be interested in signing Aston Villa defender Jores Okore, according to reports.

Roberto Mancini is said to be a big admirer of the Villa centre-back and sees him as a

faces 7-week absence

replacement for Nemanja Vidic.

Okore joined the Villans in 2013 from Nordsjelland and his current deal is not set to expire until June 2017.

The 22-year-old missed the majority of his debut campaign through injury but has featured 18 times in

the league this term, netting once in the process.

The Denmark international signed for a fee in the region of £4million when he arrived at Villa Park and the Premier League outfit will be keen to make some profit if they do allow him to leave the club.

BRIEFS

ayern

Munich’s David Alaba faces seven weeks on the sidelines with knee ligament Alaba damage, the club have confirmed.

The Austria international has been diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament tear in his left knee, sustained during his country’s friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday.

Following a collision with Hoffenheim’s Ermin Bicakcic, the versatile midfielder was substituted at half-time in Vienna and now faces a battle to feature for Pep Guardiola’s side again this season.

Alaba will spend the next two weeks with his leg in a cast and adds to a Bayern injury list that currently includes dangermen Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

The 22-year-old’s impending absence is unlikely to halt Bayern’s charge towards a third consecutive Bundesliga title, but he will miss both legs of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final with Porto.

Alaba, who spent more than two months out earlier this season after partially tearing the medial ligament and damaging the meniscus in his right knee, is eager to return before the end of the campaign.

Sterling has previously spoken of his desire to stay at the club, where he has shot to prominence since making his debut in 2012.

“I don’t want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old.

“I just want to be seen as the kid that loves to play football,” Sterling said on Wednesday.

Okore on Inter radar

Alaba B

confirming that negotiations were to be shelved until the end of the current campaign.

While Rodgers maintains this is to allow Sterling to focus on his football, the 20-year-old’s perceived refusal to put pen to paper has attracted criticism from certain quarters.

Milan can’t give up on Euro qualification –Paletta

Leiva keen for Liverpool return

L

iverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is itching to make his return against Arsenal on Saturday after nearly two months on the sidelines with a groin injury.

The Brazilian has not featured since limping off in February’s Merseyside derby against Everton, which finished 0-0.

Lucas was back on the bench for Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United before the international break and played 90 minutes in an All-Star charity match at Anfield last weekend.

And he is keen to feature for Brendan Rodgers’ side at the Emirates Stadium as Liverpool attempt to cut the gap to the Premier League’s top four.

“I feel great,” Lucas said. “Leading up to the Manchester United game I had a full week of training as well, so it’s been two weeks of full training.

“I was available for the Manchester United game, but probably wasn’t able to play the whole game. Now I feel 100 per cent.

“Now it’s just a question of getting some minutes and training sessions, so that’s what I need and what I’m having.

“Leading into the Arsenal game that’s going to be good because I will have had three full weeks of training and I’m looking forward to it.”

Defender Gabriel Paletta believes Milan ‘can’t give up’ on European qualification, whilst discussing the national team and Palermo. Il Diavolo are enduring a nightmare season and are still eight points away from sixthplaced Fiorentina, whom they will have to overtake to qualify for next year’s Europa League.

Real’s Pepe suffers thigh injury

Leiva

Pepe

Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of Pepe after confirming that the centre-back has sustained a thigh injury.

The centre-back was absent for Portugal’s 2-1 victory against Serbia in UEFA 2016 qualifying last Sunday and subsequently returned to Madrid after being excused from the nation’s friendly against Cape Verde, which ended in a surprise 2-0 defeat.

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

BARCELONA

Messi

R E V O T E R F A C BAR

S ’ I S S E M EKPOLO S S E N T I F

A

head of their La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo scheduled to be played on Sunday, Barcelona have concerns regarding the fitness of their talisman Lionel Messi.

The 27-year-old has been suffering from discomfort in his right foot and subsequent examinations have revealed that the Barcelona superstar is not suffering from any injury; he is simply bogged down by pain.

The Argentina national team captain was rested by Tata Martino for their friendly fixtures against

Pedro admits plan to leave Barca

El Salvador and Ecuador as a precautionary measure.

“If he had a bad injury he would have gone straight back to Barcelona, but it is true it is painful for him,” Martino said.

“When he gets back they will do tests on him to evaluate his condition.”

Explaining the extent of the forward’s discomfort, Martino, who was at the helm of Barcelona last season, said that Messi is not comfortable wearing boots, and his lack of participation in the friendlies was no more than a precautionary measure.

2014/15 campaign, only really playing when one of first-choice South American trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are rested or injured.

Arsenal and Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs who have been recently linked with moves for the attacker who has also won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 trophies with Spain.

Godswill Ekpolo (right) on the prowl

Barca chase Manquillo

B

B

arcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez has admitted he could leave the club in the summer, although he said for the moment he will just concentrate on finishing the season well.

La Masia graduate Pedro won two Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey during his first six seasons as a first-team regular at the Camp Nou. The 27-year-old has, however, featured less regularly during the

following Amunike’s footsteps

Pedro

arcelona are keeping a close watch on Liverpool full-back Javier Manquillo with an eye on making a move for him in the future.

The Spaniard joined the Reds from Atletico Madrid last summer on a twoyear loan deal and Liverpool have the option to make the move permanent for a fee of around 6 million Euros.

The 20-year-old started well at Liverpool and was involved in first team action during the early part of the season, but since Brendan Rodgers reverted to a 3-4-3 system,

Manquillo has hardly played any football. He made his last appearance for the club in an FA Cup clash against Bolton towards the end of January.

Though highly-rated at Anfield, Liverpool are still undecided on offering a permanent deal to Manquillo, who has made only 19 appearances in all competitions this season for the club.

According to report, Manquillo’s name is being discussed in hushed tones at the Nou Camp as Barcelona look to identify a long-term successor to Dani Alves at the club.

D

ream Team VI invitee Godswill Ekpolo may be following Emmanuel Amunike’s footsteps as he is tipped to be promoted to the first team of Barcelona in the 2015/2016 season.

It was learnt that the defender is one of the players being considered

by Coach Luis Enrique to replace Dani Alves on the roster if the Brazilian fails to move to either PSG or a Premiership team in the summer.

Other players that their names have been penciled down include Pedro, Martín Montoya and Douglas.

La Masia academy products Patricio Gabarrón and Joan Campins, who both represent Barcelona Team B, could also make the jump, as they are on the radar of Enrique, according to reports.

Ekpolo has spent several months on the sidelines this season after rupturing the medial meniscus in his right knee.

If Ekpolo, 19, plays in La Liga next season for The Blaugrana, he would become the third Nigerian to wear the red and blue colours of the Nou Camp side, following in the footsteps of Amunike and Gbenga Okunowo.

Arguably, Ekpolo was the star player of the Barcelona U-19 team that won the UEFA Youth League in 2014.