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Budget: Reps in rowdy session over Buhari’s letter ÏSenate begins debate on corrected version today

Henry Omunu and Olufemi Samuel,

House of Representatives on Tuesday bickered over President Muhammadu

Abuja

ÎÎÎMembers

of

the

Buhari’s letter to the lower chamber of the National Assembly regarding the

2016 Appropriation Bill.

This was just as the Senate President, Dr. Bukola

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

Saraki read a letter sent to Continued on page 12

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N150

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 27

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 19th January 2016.

WAPCO

78.3

80

1.7%

UACN

16.4

17.22

0.82%

NESTLE

703.05 675.1

-27.95%

MOBIL

145

137.75

-7.25%

INTBREW

14.9

16.3

1.4%

NB

94

94.65

0.65%

GUINNESS

102.89 93

-9.89%

7UP

166.25

162

-4.25%

Metuh arraigned in cuffs, granted N400m bail Lateef Ibrahim and Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Federal High Court

sitting in Abuja on Tuesday admitted the National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

Ï It’s brazen display of authoritarianism –PDP

Chief Olisa Metuh, to bail in the sum of N400 million.

Metuh, who is standing trial on seven-count criminal charge for alleged breach of trust, diversion of public fund and laundering

the sum of N400 million, was brought to court premises in handcuff.

However, the PDP on Tuesday condemned the handcuffing of Metuh, describing the action as ‘brazen display

of authoritarianism’ by the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Justice Okon Abang granted the PDP spokesman

bail in a bench ruling after Chief Chris Uche (SAN) moved the bail application that was vehemently opposed by Sylvanus Tahir, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commis-

sion (EFCC).

Justice Abang ruled that the defendant who is facing seven-count charge for laundering N400 million meant for arms procurement should produce two sureties with N200 million each to secure the bail.

Continued on page 6

NATCOM invests $1b in NITEL, begins operation in March gB1 Ministers, judges have up to 5 cars, why the uproar against lawmakers?

–Senator g 8

Vandalism: Minister g6 of Defence reads riot act to soldiers KOREDE

National Publicity Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh arriving the Federal High Court in Abuja from Kuje prison in handcuffs... on Tuesday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Ï How ex-NIMASA DG used my account to siphon N546m –Witness

g12

Bello An artiste

on a mission gL1

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

...Luxury & Style

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Page Three Æ s

3

Editorial Africa’s sit tight rulers

O

ne of the least surprising New Year’s announcements was that by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, to seek a third term in 2017. Making the announcement in the country’s media, Kagame claimed that he was reluctantly bowing to popular pressure.

It is worth recalling that Kagame has been President of Rwanda since 2000, even though his rule as military Head of State began in 1994, when his Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) routed Hutu extremists who tried to exterminate the Tutsi minority through genocide.

Under changes in a recent constitutional referendum, Kagame is entitled to stand for a further two terms after 2017, which allows him to stay in office till 2034. If all goes according to plan, Kagame will surely win in 2017. His victory is not because he is indispensable, but because he has ensured that there is no viable alternative to his draconian rule.

Today, Rwanda has no effective opposition, as political rivals have been cowed, jailed, exiled or have died in violent circumstances, while human rights abuses are legion. Definitely, Kagame’s dangerous precedent is symptomatic of a political malaise for which Africa is notorious. Incidentally, he is not short of admirers. For example, in next-door Burundi is President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose insistence on a third presidential term, despite a constitutional prohibition and public opposition, has resulted in deepening political turmoil.

Since the crisis erupted in April, Nkurunziza’s death squads are reported to have killed hundreds of people, while thousands more have fled their homes, thereby fueling fears of a resumption of another Tutsi-Hutu civil war.

Aware of the danger, the African Union resolved to send a 5,000-strong

peacekeeping force. In response, Nkurunziza threatened that such deployment would not only violate Burundian sovereignty, but also be resisted violently. Until now, he has ignored pleas to enter into talks with his political opponents.

Incidentally, Africa would have been spared such ignoble brinksmanship if established leaders had set a better example. In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has held office for 30 years and is expected to win another term in February. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has been in office for 31 years, while Mbasago of Equatorial Guinea has been in power since 1979. Others who have refused to relinquish power include Jose Santos of Angola, Paul Biya of Cameroun, Omar Bashir of Sudan, Isaias Afewrki of Eritrea, Yahya Jammeh (The Gambia), Meles Zenawi (Ethiopia) and Pakalitha Mosisili (Lesotho).

These dictators’ hold on power is orchestrated through a combination of constitutional sleight of hand and outright repression of dissenting voices.

Once in power, self-important politicians experience enormous difficulty in letting go. Such narrow-minded self-aggrandisement damages national wellbeing, inhibits African development and undermines faith in democracy among peoples desperate to escape the doleful legacies of tribal, colonial and dictatorial rule.

Unfortunately, even after nearly two decades of the spread of democracy in Africa, the continent has continued to suffer extreme poverty, with the people not seeing any positive change in their existence. Democracy in Africa has thus turned into the rule of the leader against the government of the people.

Surely, these sit-tight leaders have a choice between writing their names in gold by laying a good foundation for their countries, or exiting the office -sooner or later -- in ignominy.

Lilly-livered politicians and their swansong Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏOne

thing that the unending defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) has revealed is that majority of politicians in Nigeria are Lilly-livered and opportunists.

Their propensity to port from one party to another is perhaps unequalled in the world and should get a mention in the Guinness World Book of Records.

They can be best be described as AGIP- Any Government in Power and they are not ashamed. How sad!

Just recently, one of them, former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, defected

to the APC from the PDP where he was till the day of defection, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

Hear his reason: “I want our people to be part of the Federal Government at the centre. I had a problem being an opposition governor. I am not coming into APC because I want anything.

“I want our people to be reintegrated and have our own share of the Federal Government resources,” Nwobodo added while speaking at an APC meeting in Enugu.

In the same vein, Senator Uche Ekwunife, recently said she dumped the PDP for the APC because of the ineptitude of the PDP leadership.

Former chairman of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Otu Ita Otoyo, also recently defected to the

Words On Marble :

APC alongside a former senator, Aloysius Etok and former member of the House of Representatives, Eseme Eyiboh.

One of the decampees, Eseme Eyibo, who was former spokesperson of the House of Representatives, said he was joining the APC, to “take part in the struggle to rescue the state and its people”.

What is clear is that the former PDP members who have now defected to APC and others who in the days ahead may defect to the governing party are fair weather politicians. They just want a piece of the action in the current APC administration. Such political prostitutes and persons who engage in politics of convenience and not conviction should not be taken serious no matter the reasons they adduce to justify their defection.

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Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Managing Editor Yinka Olujimi Daily/ Online Editor Biodun Durojaiye Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

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Yahaya Kwande

Nelson Mandela

Ray Ekpu

``If we all performed our roles credibly, Nigeria will be the country we all seek to belong to and be proud of. ‘’

“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

“Nigeria is like a false pregnancy, every symptom is there but there is no baby.”

4 4

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016 Friday, November 13, 2015

‘PEACE ADVANTAGE’ Frequent Flyer Program

Overview PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Air Peace “Peace Advantage” Frequent Flyer Program is a customer initiative by Air Peace to show appreciation to & continuously reward its frequent flyers for their patronage from inception of Air Peace flight operations. The Peace Advantage FFP offers distinctive value to frequent fliers by delivering ‘recognition’, ‘rewards’ and differentiated service levels with an integrated customer interaction strategy to allow for continuous customer expression & feedback via a unique smartphone app (Android/iOS/blackberry 10 versions) and a dedicated website.

The “Peace Advantage” FFP aims to clearly communicate to Air Peace customers the value Air Peace places on their patronage & Air Peace’s commitment to building long lasting mutually beneficial relationships with its customers. The basic principle being that – The More You Fly with Air Peace, The More You Get Back From Air Peace.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Akam James, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎ The Speaker of the Bayelsa State

House of Assembly, Hon. Kombowei Benson, on Tuesday, stepped down from his post in obedience to the December 9 Court of Appeal ruling, which declared his election null and void, and ordered that he vacated the seat while a rerun in the Constituency area of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State would be conducted within 90 days.

Benson’s dismissal brings to five the number of members of the state assembly sacked by the election tribunal in the state.

Benson, whose decision to step down from the position of Speaker, was noticeable at Tuesday’s sitting with the Deputy Speaker, Abraham Igonbere (Brass Constituency 3) presiding over the House’s consideration of the 2016 Appropriation Bill submitted to it by the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.

Sources at the State House of Assembly informed our correspondent that the decision by Benson to step down was reached after a closed door meeting with Dickson, and the Attorney-General of the State, Kemesuode Wodu and Benson’s legal team.

The Daily Times gathered that at the meeting with the Governor, Benson was given an assurance of a come-back to his erstwhile position, after a successful State Assembly re-run election ordered by the Court of Appeal.

While Benson is pressing his consultations with his legal team and other stakeholders to secure his plum position, pressure has continued to mount among second-term members on a need for a replacement and election of substantive speaker.

Our correspondent gathered that some members from the Central Senatorial zone, where the Speaker

Bayelsa Assembly Speaker quits

ÎÎÎ Hell was let loose in the city

of Abeokuta, as officials of the Nigeria Immigration Corps (NIS), and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, Zonal Command Office, Abeokuta, Ogun State, engaged in a freefor-all fight.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, according to eyewitness, left no less than twelve of the TRACE and NIS officials seriously wounded.

The Daily Times gathered that apart from those injured during the fiasco, about six other TRACE officials were abducted by the NIS officials, while TRACE also abducted one of the NIS officer, with

N5,000 stipends will alleviate hardship — Lawmaker Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÎÎÎA Plateau State law-maker, rep-

resenting Langtang North Constituency, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Amos Gotau, has said that one of the sure ways to get Nigeria going in the All Progressives Congress (APC)led administration was to fulfill the campaign promise to pay 25 million unemployed youths a stipend of N5, 000 every month.

Gotau was of the view that most youths were frustrated with the low growth of the economy, which does not represent their aspiration and yearnings, and the gesture of N5, 000 every month would give them a sense of belonging and a hope for the future.

Era of imposition in PDP gone, says Delta Speaker

ÎÎÎ The Speaker, Delta State House R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule and Senator, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Oluremi Tinubu, during the Second Quarterly Town Hall meeting at the City Hall, Lagos… on Tuesday. hailed from, were seeking to occupy the position. The likes of Hon. Tonye Isena and Hon. Daniel Igali, were mentioned as possible occupier of the position.

A close aide to Esena said that his boss was not involved in any plot to occupy the seat of Speaker. “There is nothing like intrigue and lobbying. In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker will act. And when he returns, he will assume his position as speaker,” one member said.

In the ruling of the Court of Ap-

peal, which was based on the appeal filed by the APC candidate in the State House of Assembly election, Comrade Ebifieghe Orunimigha against the ruling of the Election petition Tribunal, ordered that the election of Hon. Benson Friday Konbowei as the purported winner of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly seat for Southern Ijaw Constituency Four elections held on April 11, 2015 was null and void.

The Court of Appeal, presided over by Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, Hon. Justice Ejembi

NIS officials, Ogun TRACE in free for all

Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

5 News

their whereabouts still unknown as at the time of filing this report.

It was gathered that the incident started when some TRACE officials stationed at Sapon area of Abeokuta tried to stop an NIS Official from contravening traffic rules, an action the official saw as an act of insubordination.

TRACE’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, said that his men were prevented from performing their official duties at Sapon, when they intended to caution an NIS official from parking indiscriminately at the middle of the road.

“In spite of the warnings and pleading from our men, the NIS official did not bow to the plea, a situation that made us to arrest him and charged him to court.”

He said further that “but few hours after the arrest and his arraignment, what we saw was the invasion of our Zonal Command by a detachment of the NIS officials in an unmarked Hilux van and an Almera car, shooting sporadically and beaten some of our men – including females and destroying our offices.”

Amosun

Eko and Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adam, ordered that, “It is hereby ordered that fresh elections shall be conducted in all the wards of the constituency within 90days from today except in Olodiama Ward four (4) and the polling unit 20-30 in Foropa Ward four (4) .

“These results from Olodiama Ward Four(4) and polling unit 20-30 in Foropa Ward Four(4) shall upon the fresh elections in other wards as ordered, thereafter be duly collated and final declaration/return made.”

of Assembly, Hon Monday Igbuya, on Tuesday, spoke on the problem of imposition in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging members to join him to reform the party.

“It is a historic challenge which we must rise to confront squarely” he said at the maiden tripartite meeting of PDP members in the legislative house, Commissioners and Advisers to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Igbuya, evangelical in his support for transparency, said the party must be clear as to the type of leadership required to meet the herculean challenges ahead.

“Whatever interest people want to advance, my position is, let there be a level playing field. PDP members in the House of Assembly must be carried along” he advised.

Assault on journalist: NUJ files N500m suit against Customs Kayode Adelowokan

ÎÎÎ

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapter, has filed a N500 million criminal suit against the Nigerian Customs Service, (NCS), over the brutal assault of a Badagry-based journalist, Otunba Yomi Olomofe, at Seme border post of the NCS last year.

Olomofe was, on June 22, 2015, brutally beaten by hoodlums believed to be working for the NCS at Seme border and left him in the pool of his blood at a refuse dump.

In a fundamental rights suit filed

by Mr. Jiti Ogunye on behalf of the NUJ and Olomofe, the NUJ is asking for N500 million as special and exemplary damages for the violation of the applicant’s rights.

The applicant, in the suit, asked the court for a declaration that the beating meted out to Olomofe the defendants, who inflicted bodily and internal injuries on him, on June 25, 2015, in the premises of the NCS, Seme, was “capable of infringing on his right to life as guaranteed by Section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

The applicant, however, prayed the court to declare that the beating of Olomofe, on the said date, in the course of discharging his professional duties and obligations, constituted an infringement on his rights to freedom of expression and the press as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Metuh arraigned in cuffs, granted N400m bail Continued from page 1 Other conditions are that each of the sureties must have landed property worth N200 million situated in Maitama district of Abuja which must be confirmed by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court.

He also ordered that the Chief Registrar must ascertain the residence of the sureties and the genuineness of the landed property from Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

Each of the sureties, Justice Abang added, should produce two year tax clearance certificates and swear to affidavit of means.

The court also ordered the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to verify the authenticity of the property to be provided by the guarantors.

On his part, the court ordered Metuh to deposit his international passport with the Chief Registrar of the court.

As regard his unlawful detention, Justice Abang said that he cannot make pronouncement on the issue until Metuh’s fundamental human rights suit is argued.

He also declined to restrain the EFCC from re-arresting Metuh, adding that the court has no jurisdiction to stop the organisation from performing its constitutional duties based on the bail application.

Earlier in the ruling, Justice Abang had noted that bail is at the discretion of the court. He said although

the prosecution had told the court that Metuh tore his confessional statement and ate it and will jump bail as well as interfere with witnesses judging from his conducts in custody, “the truth of the allegation has not been established and to hold the view that he would act in same manner is speculative.”

Meanwhile, the PDP on Tuesday condemned in totality what it called the ‘brazen display of authoritarianism’ demonstrated by the President Muhammadu Buhariled APC Government in handcuffing its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, even when the court is yet to hear his case.

The PDP made the condemnation in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Prof. Adewale Oladipo, in Abuja.

According to the PDP, “this development, which expectedly elicited widespread public outcry, clearly betrays an extra-judicial, top political witch-hunt policy of the APC, carefully designed to humiliate, embarrass and portray PDP leaders as common criminals and set the stage to cow and decimate opposition and perceived foes of the government”.

Furthermore the opposition party said: “The question remains, if not to mortify, dehumanize and break our National Publicity Secretary, who has been very vocal against the APC administration, and of course to send a signal to others critical of the government, what

else would have informed the decision to produce him in court in handcuffs, even when his case does not border on security threat?

“Is this an attempt to sway the court and ambush the judicial process against our National Publicity Secretary, all because of his stance against observed ineptitude and dictatorial tendencies of this administration?

“The PDP invites all Nigerians and the international community to note the emerging barefaced abuse of state power and violation of constitutional provisions regarding the arrest, deten-

tion and eventual arraignment of our spokesperson.

“Nigerians by now, should be extremely scared that our country is fast drifting into a police state where being in opposition or holding views divergent to that of the government makes one a criminal and an enemy of the state.

“For now, the target of the on-going lopsided war against corruption is the PDP and its leaders. All APC members, including those with known corruption issues are immune from investigation, arrest and prosecution.

“However, more worrisome is the fact that institutions of government, especially security and corrective agencies have now fallen victims of dictatorial abuses.

“Our fear now is that in no time, ordinary citizens of Nigerians, who in the last 16 years have lived under the rule of law and constitutionally guaranteed personal liberty, would begin to suffer brutality and oppression.

“Under PDP administration, some Nigerians, including APC leader and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, were

tried but never humiliated; now we see security operatives under this regime being used to crush and humiliate the opposition.

“Finally, while we study the bail conditions, we urge all PDP members to remain calm, united, focused and continue to pray for the nation and her people.

“We also urge the media to remain on the side of justice, fairness and rule of law and resist the pressure of being used as a tool to promote arbitrariness and abuse of process in the so-called fight against corruption”, the party said.

L-R: Director, Internal Affairs, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Wakili Mohammed; Head of Media, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren and Executive Chairman, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, during an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja… on Tuesday.

Vandalism: Minister of Defence reads riot act to soldiers

Monday Osayande, Asaba

ÎÎÎMinister

of Defence, Brig-Gen. Monsur Dan Ali has warned soldiers involved in pipeline vandalism not to be found aiding criminals, saying that anyone found wanting would face the full wrath of the law.

Addressing a combined team of soldiers, navy and air force personnel yesterday at the 3 Battalion, Nigeria Army Barracks, Effurun, Delta State, the Defence minister assured

that the Federal Government would equip the Armed Forces to deal with present security challenges.

Besides, he assured that the present government will do everything humanly possible to address various challenges confronting the military as well as issue of welfare.

Also speaking at the site of the gas pipeline attacked by militants in Egwa 1 Community, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state, the minister said

that they have ordered that those behind the dastardly act should be fished out as quickly as possible.

According to him, criminals are enemies of the Federal Government whose mission is to sabotage the nation’s economy and destablize the security networks of the country.

“Soldiers must change their attitude and character to work, they must be loyal at all times but anyone who fraternize with criminals will not be spared,” the minister

said.

Dan Ali, who was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olanisakin, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe-Ibas, Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major General Alani Okunlola, Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola and other top military officers, admonished soldiers to do what is good at all times.

The minister, whose visit was prompted by the bombing of the Warri Escravos, Lagos and Abuja gas pipeline by militants, described the incident as massive, horrible and wicked plan executed by enemies of the nation’s economy.

Said he, “I am here on the spot assessment of the incident and, I believe that the explosion was well planned and executed. However, we must get to the root of the matter and arrest the fleeing perpetrators.

“We will not fold our hands and watch miscreants destroying the nation’s economy. We will fortify all areas in ensuring that such incident will not occur again,” Dan Ali maintained.

Brig-Gen. Monsur Dan Ali

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Corrupt judges’ll end up in jail, FG warns

ÏÏÏThe

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) has said that “corrupt judges will go to jail as the government of President Muhammadu Buhari will actively promote and ensure that corrupt judges are prosecuted and their illegally acquired assets are returned to the state.

“Considering the pivotal role that they play in the administration of justice, it is important to ensure that Nigerian Judges, like the proverbial Ceazer’s wife, are

beyond reproach or even suspicion. Gone are the days when corrupt judges escaped from Justice in Nigeria.”

Mr. Malami made the commitment at the media launch on Tuesday, of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)’s latest report titled, Go home and sin no more: “Corrupt judges escaping from justice in Nigeria”. The report, launched at Westown Hotels, Jummy Hall, Lagos, highlights through case studies of judicial corruption and the impunity of corrupt judges in the country.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Executive Director, SERAP, Mr. Olukayode Majekodunmi said Mr. Malami, who was the special guest at the launch and represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Abiodun Aikomo said that, “I can assure you today that in line with the cardinal agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation shall ensure that every appearance of corruption in the Judiciary is dealt with among other measures through

criminal prosecution and forfeiture to the state of illegally acquired assets.”

According to Mr. Malami, “Acts of judicial impunity will also not be condoned, so that our Judges can be judicially accountable at all times in a corruption-free judiciary which is both independent and impartial. All these, shall be achieved, (together with partners like SERAP), without violating the fundamental human rights of the persons involved, and in line with Rule of Law and international best practices.

NUC approves 14 courses for IBB varsity Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏThe National Universities

Commission (NUC) has approved 14 academic programmes of the Niger State owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Muhammad Nasiru Maiturare disclosed this on Tuesday to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, the Visitor to the University when he presented the NUC report on accreditation exercise of the courses offered by the institution.

According to the Vice Chancellor, of the 14 courses presented for accreditation, 11 courses were given full accreditation while interim accreditation was granted three courses.

Courses with full accreditation include Business Administration, Agriculture, French, History and International Studies.

Gov. Bello

L-R: Special Assistant to Attorney General of the Federation on White Collar Crimes, Mr. Biodun Aikomo; Executive Director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Adetokunbo Mumuni; Deputy Chief Registrar (Legal), High Court of Lagos State, Mrs. Busola Okunuga and Deputy Executive Director, SERAP, Mr. Majekodunmi Kayode, during the SERAP Report Launch in Lagos…on Tuesday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

7 News Lassa fever: Ahmadiyya hospital workers fume over closure Lara Adejoro

ÏÏÏThe health officials at the

Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital, located at Ojokoro, Lagos, on Tuesday, expressed their grievances over the shutting down of the facility by the Lagos state government after a 25-yearold student from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who was on admission at the hospital was diagnosed with Lassa Fever.

Daily Times gathered that 15 patients are placed under surveillance in the hospital.

A worker, who spoke with our correspondent said some of the patients were protesting to go home.

“They want to go home. That closure was actually not fair on the part of the state government.

Is it a crime to report such case to them? No patient is allowed to come in for treatment”, the worker said.

Another official in the hospital who spoke under anonymity said, “I have my grievances against the shutting down of this place because there’s no provision made for our patients before shutting it down. We have our patients, our pregnant women are shut out, some of them have been marked for special cases, some are hypertensive and some may have placental abruption and shouldn’t go through normal delivery.”

Gov. Bello frowns at drainage blockage Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏNiger

2015 recorded highest number of annulled polls, says INEC Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, revealed that the highest number of annulled elections in the country since 2007 were witnessed after last year’s general election.

The disclosure came despite the general belief that the conduct of the 2015 general election was the most free, fair, credible and transparent.

The 2007 general election, which was conducted by

Professor Maurice Iwu, on the other hand, recorded the least number of annulled election results by the courts.

The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu gave the analysis of the three previous elections conducted between 2007 and 2015, at his maiden meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

Prof. Yakubu further said that a total of 96 elections conducted in 2015 were nullified by the courts as against 34 in 2011 and 20 in 2007.

According to him, out of the

96 nullified elections, the Appeal Court ordered a fresh elections in 81, while INEC was ordered to issue certificate of return to 15 rightful winners of the elections.

His words: “As at last week, the high court sitting nationwide have annulled a total of 81 elections - senatorial, House of Representatives and two governorship elections that will proceed to the Supreme Court.

“But in addition to the nullified elections, some elections were upturned and the court ordered for the issuance of certificate of return.

State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has decried the indiscriminate dumping of refuse at the major drainages in Minna, the state capital.

He also expressed concern over the neglect of public utilities, such as roads by members of the public.

He frowned at the heaps of refuse dumped on major and minor drainages in the town on Tuesday during an unscheduled inspection of some township road projects.

Irked by the environmental implications, the governor warned that indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads and drainages may lead to blockage and subsequently flooding.

He told the people of Kwangila, Mekera and Keterengwari areas that government will not tolerate dumping of refuse on the drainages in the areas any longer.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Politics

Æs

Unease in Delta over alleged remittance of N325m by LGs to state assembly Ï 9Ɛ ƈ Ɛ ƐƏƑƆ Ô dƍƆ ƊƆƏ Things are no longer at ease in local government councils in Delta State following alleged remittance of no lesser than N325 million into the coffers of the State House of Assembly.

This development has snowballed into a raging controversy between the LGAs, in the state

and the state House of Assembly as the money was said to have been sent through the office of the Speaker, Hon. Monday Igbuya.

But the Speaker, speaking through his spokesman, Henry Ebireri said there was nothing like that.

Sources said every LGA in the

state was coerced into remitting between N5m to N4m per month from allocations coming to them from the federation account to the state House of Assembly as allegedly directed by the house leadership.

This alleged remittance is CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 Okowa

Igbuya

Ministers, judges have 3-5 cars, why the uproar against lawmakers? — Senator It has never happened that the budget of a nation will be declared missing for whatever reason. As an insider we want you to shed more light on this. What is really happening?

The truth of the matter is that the president presented the budget, I am a member of the Appropriation Committee; we are supposed to receive it and debate on it.

And after the debate, it will be sent to the Appropriation Committee of which I am a member. However, on Tuesday when we resumed, we were told that Tuesday19 has been picked to start deliberation on the budget. The date was announced by the Senate President and we agreed that each and everyone of us should indicate the date we want to talk on the budget and the budget will be distributed to us before that day. So, as far as I am concerned, I don’t know if the budget is missing or not but they are yet to bring a copy for me to study so that I can contribute on Wednesday which my name is slated for.

So, for now, it is politicking or jokes that is going on, I don’t want to be part of the joke.

But it’s not a joke as it wais

Aregbesola

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari who represents Oyo North Senatorial District is Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT, and a member of some committees including Appropriation, Industry, among others.

In this interview with select journalists, he spoke on the controversial missing budget, corruption and cybercrime. REMI OLADOYE was there. Excerpts:

Senator Buhari

CJN Mohammed

reported in the media?

It was reported in the newspaper, it was not reported by me and not officially by the Senate because that is why I said if between now and the date we are going to

start the discussion on the budget debate, I didn’t have my copy or I have a fake one I will talk on the position but as of now, it would be very unfair of me to start talking on the basis of rumor. As a Sena-

Mass sack: Aregbesola’s government, a source of sorrow to Osun People — CSCEO

As reactions continue to trail the ongoing mass sack of the civil servants in the service of Osun State government, the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEO) has described the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a source of sorrow to the people of the State.

Consequently, the group called on the workers through their organized Labour unions to resist

tor, I am entitled to a budget, as a member of the Appropriation Committee, I am entitled to a budget. The time has not lapsed for me not to receive my own, so, it will be very unfair for me to say whether

the budget is missing or not. If by Tuesday when I am supposed to get a copy, I didn’t get it, then, I will call you to grant a telephone interview.

When the news broke that the budget was missing in the Senate, how did you feel as a member?

Honestly I didn’t feel anyhow because before the news broke out, it was around that time that news came that senators were going to use N30-40 Billion to purchase cars which I know was a lie. But I just calmed down and regarded it as one of those rumours. I remembered a day in the early part of our dispensation I was told that we were getting N6-8 million as wardrobe allowance per month. At the end of the day it turned out to be N600, 000 for the four years. Up till today, nobody has apologized. I just count it as one of those rumors, and I have concluded that I will CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

every anti- worker policy of the Aregbesola’s government.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Adeniyi, the group urged the state workforce to be battle ready as the state government has concluded plans to retrenchment thousands of workers in the service of the State government under the guise of financial quagmire caused by CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

said to be generating ripples in the local government areas between the councillors and the council chairmen, who claimed that they are being forced to part with money.

But the councilors who were not carried along in the arrangement are crying foul.

Sources at the state House of Assembly, said that the alleged remittance had been ongoing between the councils and the Assembly leadership, adding that the financial crunch being witnessed across the nation have now made the practice unbearable for the councils.

One of the sources revealed that the remittance started since last year under Igbuya as the leadership of the house allegedly prevailed on each council chairman to remit money to the House leadership once they receive monthly allocation from the Federation Allocation and Appropriation Committee, (FAAC).

Another source indicated that the councils have so far remitted N325m to the Speaker on behalf of the House leadership for at least three consecutive times.

“The first money each council remitted was N5m which amounted to N125m. Sometime last year I think in the second quarter of last year, the state Assembly summoned the 25 council chairmen to furnish the House with their income and expenditure as regard financial

9 Politics

Unease in Delta over alleged remittance of N325m by LGs to state assembly

Okowa

Igbuya

transactions.

“The leadership of the house demanded that N5m each from the 25 chairmen be remitted which was collected from us. After a time, another N5m was collected again from the 25 council chairmen and the last money collected was in December and it was N3 million each,” the source revealed.

An insider from another local government council told our correspondent on the condition

of anonymity that immediately monthly allocation are released, the council chairmen will begin to run helter-shelter even in the midst of the economic crunch in order to meet up with the instructions from the house leadership.

“At a time when we are finding it difficult to pay council staff and councilors salaries, the House leadership gave us instruction to be taking N3m monthly as our security votes

and their interest must always be represented.

“These crop of our House members are heartless, how can they be collecting money from each council knowing fully well that for over five months now, we councilors are being owed not to talk of paying workers their salaries, yet they intimidate and blackmail the chairmen to cough out the money.

“Why we councilors were made to take loans in order to provide and meet up with our Christmas needs, the House leadership collected N3m each from all the chairmen in December while workers celebrated the Christmas without salaries,” one of the sources claimed.

“We are in a very big mess, just imagine when five million naira and three million naira each is pulled out of the lean allocations of between N1517 million that was coming to the councils what is left is not enough to run the councils.

“The situation if is not well checked by the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, it will plug the entire councils into an avoidable industrial crisis.

The most annoying aspect of

it is this their continuous denial and you will see that all the council chairmen will be forced to exonerate them just watch,” the source said.

The situation, the source disclosed was responsible for the brewing crisis in Ethiope West LGA, where the councilors ordered the chairman, a cousin of former Governor James Ibori, to stop any further monthly deductions. This reportedly led to a free for all fight in the councils in which many were injured and hospitalized some few months ago.

Efforts to speak with the chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, (ALGON), who doubles as Chairman of Isoko South LGA, Sir Malik Itiakor Ikpokpo proved fruitless as his phone was not connecting.

However, the Speaker’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Henry Ovie Ebireri said it was all lies as there was nothing like that.

He said the story was started by someone they knew who wanted to blackmail the speaker adding that the house has noting to do with the revenue coming into the local government.

‘Nothing like N40 billion cars for NASS’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

only talk on Tuesday if I didn’t get my copy. In the papers today, they said there are two budgets, one presented by the president and another by Ita Enang. I am yet to see one, let me see the budget and I will be able to say which one is original or fake, if at all it existed.

As a member of the Senate, if I want to speak on an issue, I should be able to speak from the position of authority.

Assuming the budget is truly missing what is the implication?

Now talking to you from experience, at the National Assembly, even if there is any issue on the budget, nobody needs to steal any budget; it’s just a one page memo, an amendment to the budget which is allowed before the budget is passed. As of this one that president presented to us, its not the one we are going to send back. If

you know what is called a budget presentation, the committee will work on it, we will put our input, the House Appropriation committee will work on it, they will put their input; the two committees will have a joint meeting; we get the standard opinion and we now take it to various chambers where any discrepancies will be ironed out at a joint meeting. So, when we approve it that is the time it becomes budget amendment proposal; if the president signed it, it becomes budget of the government of Nigeria.

But it looks funny that something that was brought and received is said to be missing while someone else was said to have presented another one which is quite different from the one earlier presented?

I was asked the same question by a journalist on Wednesday and I requested for the two copies but

Senator Buhari

CJN Mohammed

he could not offer any. Until I am able to see the two to pick the one that is a certified true copy. At this level, I shouldn’t be discussing on ‘I heard’ basis.

But there seems to be certain

lapses in the information management of the senate. Don’t you think the senate needs an information management team that they will be able to effectively manage what goes out to the public?

We have Chairman House Committee on Media, Senator Abdulahi. He is doing his job; it’s journalists that should crosscheck their facts. I was also shocked when I read a report that N37-40 billion is being used to purchase cars by the Senate out of N112Billion meant for five departments - the Senate, House of Representatives, National Assembly Commission and National Public Complaints Commission and one other making six. The moment you hear National Assembly, everybody thinks it’s just Senate and House of Reps. Its funny, these are some of the things that are sacred facts; each has its own head. For instance, when you say judiciary; there are many parts including Judicial Commission, NJC; the same with the executive arm of government. So, when CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

How to check corruption, by Senator Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

money is involved, it is only the common one that will be receiving the batch. Look at the issue of vehicles, a minister we screened; some of them have just one car, we are buying the same Prado or Land Cruiser. While we are getting one, they are getting two, one is called official car the other is called back up. They have another car for their SSS, police, and siren blaring escort car making five; nobody talked. We should learn how to give legislators their honour when they are performing their duties. When you see any lapses, criticize them. We are operating bi-camera legislature which is a combination of lower and upper chambers of the legislature. All over the world, democracy is very expensive and it is either we are prepared and ready for democracy

or not. Judiciary and the executive always have their day because people always see them around either in a military dictatorship or in a democratic dispensation. But for us, we are always regarded as strange bed fellows. If a car is purchased for a member to do oversight function, there is no big deal about it. I said to people that personally, I will not take any car if they are buying a car for N120 million as the papers reported. What kind of car will cost that much?

Are you buying a helicopter when people cannot afford three square meals? Quote me, the total amount of the vehicles they are going to buy is less than N4Billion against the N40 billion rumour and that N4Billion is for 109 cars for the senate. Go to an high court judge, they have an official car, they even have utility car that goes on errand for them. Check a Director

in a Federal ministry; they use the same car we are planning to buy.

For God’s sake, give us that respect and honour. Anytime we are misfiring and going above board, journalists are there to checkmate us and be a watchdog. Let’s be honest with each other, no sane Senator or member of National Assembly will take a car of N120Million.

That is no longer utility vehicle, it is luxury. The good thing about it is that if you are buying a car, with the help of the internet, you can check it online and get your result within 10 seconds. No sane house will buy cars of N40Billion not to talk of N120Billion. That is why I didn’t react. Most of the time, I always challenged journalists. I thank my God that I am a friend of journalists. I served as a media committee when I was at the lower chamber, I will appreciate if Journalists can do what Anas Are-

Ondo APC laments delay in 2016 budget presentation by Mimiko ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has condemned the delayed in presentation of the 2016 Appropriation Bill (annual budget) to the members of the state House of Assembly by the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

In a statement by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the delay of the budget presentation by Governor Olusegun Mimiko would worsen the standard of living of the people.

According to him, the delay would also increase the level of corrupt practices in the government of the present administration owing to the late implementation of capital votes.

“It’s disheartening to see that after almost a month into the New Year, Governor Olusegun Mimiko is yet to present this year’s Appropriation Bill at the state House of Assembly to be passed into law.

“By now, one will expect that while the 2016 budget is being executed and revenue and expenditure are being monitored to guide against any operating deficit, the governor and his team are developing the 2017 budget ahead.

“Surely, capital projects will suffer and when this happens, the standard of living will fall because capital projects are what impact on the standard of living of the people”, he said adding

Mimiko

Kekemeke

that a lot of plans are dependent on capital releases and if capital budget does not start early, it will affect businesses because most people look at the budget to make informed decisions.

“Besides slowing down the execution of capital projects, investors and businesses which depend on the fiscal document to make their investment decisions would have to wait”.

The party explained that the economic activities of the state would be slowed down because investors and businesses that depend on the fiscal document to make investment decisions would have to wait.

“Delay in budget passage also affects the confidence of investors in the economy as budget is the very lifeblood of public administration.

“Also, we observed with shock that Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s admin-

istration in the last couple of years, the budgetary performance index of his administration has been less than 15 percent in all.

“This to us in the APC is a serious indictment on a government that prides itself as running a ‘Caring Heart’ Government”.

The statement claimed that the administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko is noted for its various blatant abuse of budgetary provision, as it used state fund to finance personal programmes without budgetary provision for it.

“It has also introduced unknown conventions into budgetary preparation like reordered budget and so on.

“Today, Ondo State is bleeding profusely from the devious designs and implementation of meaningless projects and programmes without budgetary provisions designed to shortchange the people and for mere deceit”, it stated.

CJN Mohammed

Senator Buhari

meyaw did in Ghana; he singled out himself to contribute to the development of his country; he laid down his life and said the only way he can fight corruption is to start with the judiciary; that by the time the judiciary is sanitized, the executive and legislature will sit up. He started and it took him two and half years. He got 29 judges dismissed including four at the Supreme Court, and he became a star.

Even the United Nations gave him award and diplomatic passport so that he can travel anywhere and today the country is better for it.

Look at how he did it. Since 1999 when we started this democracy, no single person has been jailed for corruption and everyday we’ll be shouting anti-corruption. Look at another funny aspect, only one person, Bode George was jailed, he served his term and the President quashed it. As far as our law is concerned, nobody has been jailed for corruption. Also, look at the different judgments of Election Petitions Tribunals from the same law with conflicting judgments; they remove somebody because of a reason and retain another for the same reason. Why another person was removed is funny. A House of Reps member in Edo and State House of Assembly member in Plateau were removed because they did not conduct proper primaries. That was the same reason that was used to remove the Governor of Taraba, but the Appeal Court upturned it and retained him. The same Appeal Court upturned the election of one from Edo; look at the inconsistencies in the judgments. I feel concerned about the development. Just last week, the CJN (Chief Justice of Nigeria) said he was worried about the issue of inconsistencies which means our reasoning has been upheld by the number one law citizen.

With the concern that you have expressed over the inconsistencies in the judiciary system, are you also concerned that the corruption war of President Buhari may not succeed the way

he wants it as a result of the judiciary?

He will, if all Nigerians support him. Like what is happening now, we have not reached the oil sector, aviation and sport. I am even talking of the one that you and I know; the issue of arms deal. We have not reached budget implementation; how much did we get in those years from oil and how much did we spend? And how did we spend it? We have not reached there so it depends on the reaction and support of Nigerians. The moment Nigerians stand firm and genuinely support what he is doing, forget about judiciary, they will sit up.

As a way out, some people are suggesting that the president should use plea bargain approach to recover the stolen wealth into the nation’s coffers.

Their argument is that if all the people being indicted are to be prosecuted, it may take more time and we may not have the desired result?

I don’t believe in plea bargain, I believe in the law of deterrent.

Let people pay for the consequence of their act. China law says: don’t steal money and if you steal, its execution. The chairman of the electricity company was involved in $20,000 deal which is less than N5Million, he was executed. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, most of these countries said: don’t bring drugs into our country, if you bring drugs, its execution, and you that is going with it already knows the consequences of what you are going for. So, if you succeed, fine, and if you fail, you already know that death is near. And that will stop many people, I don’t believe in plea bargain; when you steal N20 Million, they said you should take N10 Million and bring N10 million. It is silly, people will continue to steal money; take the whole money and send them to jail, that will serve as a deterrent. What is plea bargain?

The president can easily, quickly bring an executive bill to the parliament and lobby members because of the rot.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

11 Politics

Wind of change blowing in PDP —APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the wind of change blowing across the country is now touching the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to a statement by Mai Mala Buni, National Secretary of the party, it said “Perhaps the wind of Change has blown through the PDP camp and many PDP members realise the need to embrace and enforce change”.

The APC indicated that PDP members who are genuinely inspired by the APC-led administration are welcome to the APC fold, adding: “It is their right to abandon a sinking ship and join one that is smooth-sailing”.

The party marveled at how the PDP continues to blame everyone but itself for its self-inflicted problems which have led to the sorry state the PDP finds itself.

Secondus

its words: “In monitored media reports, PDP’s National Secretary, Wale Oladipo was quoted saying that some PDP members were being “used by the APC,

Oyegun

to draw political capital from the present challenges facing our party [PDP].” What could be funnier than such silly and unfounded allegation?

“The PDP now sounds like a broken record with its daily conspiracy theories blaming external forces and unseen hands for its electoral misfortunes, infighting and mind-boggling corruption charges and on-going probe of some PDP leaders and the immediate-past PDP-led administration”, it stressed.

The party said the question begging for answers is: “Why does the PDP choose to grope in the dark while reality stares it in the face? Did the PDP not know that it will one day pay for the impunity, recklessness and shocking mis-management of the country’s common wealth perpetuated under its watch for 16 years?

“For the record, the APC has no hand in the in-fighting and resultant implosion being witnessed in PDP’s hierarchy”, the party stressed.

Ondo 2016: It ‘ll be celebrated victory for APC — Akeredolu ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

Rotimi Akeredolu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has said the forthcoming governorship election in the state would be a celebrated victory for members of his party as they are warming up for the primaries.

Akeredolu who spoke with the Daily Times at the party leaders’ consultative meeting held in Akure, the state capital, also said members of the party are ready to rally support for any candidate that would emerge in its primary election.

He disclosed that the leadership of the party must give a level playing ground to all aspirants and avoid imposition in the face of many gladiators aiming to become the governorship candidate of the party.

“In the unlikely event, if any other candidate emerges other than myself, i would support such person. it is better a level playing ground is given to the aspirants to pick the candidate for the governorship slot of the state”, he added.

The former governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state also revealed that members of the party have an uphill

task in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Mr. Akeredolu, who is also an aspirant of the party to the Alagbaka government house averred that the party’s leadership are determined to emerge victorious and take over the reign of government in the state.

“All of us are determined to be involved in the election and take over the reign of leadership in the state. It is important for us to plan ahead”, he said.

He explained that the number of aspirants vying for the governorship position from the party should not be a matter of question as they all have legitimate right to contest adding that the utmost import should be who can represent the interest of the people and the party.

“If a few of us came out to run for the governorship seat, it is a challenge to the members and delegates to make a choice of anyone they believe would served the people and not only the interest of the party.

“Our choice of candidate must be well thought-out. We need somebody who has name, recognition, in order for the party to make smooth sail that Ondo State people can rally their support”.

Isaac Kekemeke, the state Chairman of the APC, promised

Akeredolu

that the party was planning big to ensure it won the coming guber polls in the state promising that the primaries of the party for picking the gubernatorial flag bearer will be free, transparent and credible.

“Uppermost however, in the minds of many Party people and the people on the street is the process by which the Party’s flag bearer will emerge.

“The guidelines to be issued by the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee will be followed strictly and a level playing ground provided for all.

“Any story that I have a pre-

ferred candidate is imaginary and delusionary. I have no capacity to impose a candidate on the party and I sincerely do not think that anyone else has”, he added.

He tasked the party’s governorship aspirants and their supporters to eschew bitterness, rancor and peddling falsehood during the campaigns while reminding them that they belong to same big family adding that the party would also monitor aspirants’ campaign and take action against anyone whose campaigns are offensive and hurtful to the image of the Party.

Mass sack: Aregbesola’s government, a source of sorrow to Osun People — CSCEO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

previous reckless spending of Mr. Aregbesola.

It alleged that the state was subjected to gargantuan indebtedness of foreign and local financial institutions and is now using over N2 billion of the monthly allocation to service the debts.

It sympathized with the workers, especially the affected members of the Academic and Non-Academic Staff Union of the State owned Colleges of Education and Polytechnics and Medical Doctors who happened to be the first casualties of Aregbesola’s mass retrenchment regime and urged the affected workers and other members of the state work force including; Local Government Staff, teaching and host of other workers in the service of the state to reject this obnoxious actions of the state government which is contrary to the Labour law and section 16 and 17 of the amended 1999 Constitution.

According to the statement released in Osogbo, after the emergency meeting of the group where they deliberated on the Aregbesola’s agenda of mass retrenchment of all strata of the civil service in the state, they condemned the state government action on the development, warning against set the cold war between the workers and the present administration, alleging that most of the civil servants were panicking now in their various homes because of the fear of this illegal retrenchment.

The group reiterated its support for the workers’ mass action against the obnoxious policy of Aregbesola, noting that if the state government was not stopped from further action on the matter, the issue might turn the state into a theatre of war in few months to come and called on well meaning people of the state, including the founding fathers and Monarchs to call Aregbesola to order before the matter would go out of hands.

They also rejected the reasons including redundancy, inappropriate qualification, poor academic development and declining productivity, being put forward by the state government as yard stick to sack the members of the academic and nonacademic staff of the state’s tertiary institutions, insisting that the state government action had shown its insensitiveness to the plight of the state workers.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Budget: Reps in rowdy session over Buhari’s letter Continued from page 1 the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, pertaining to the corrected version of the 2016 Budget and dated January 15, during plenary.

The Senate President after reading the communication from President Buhari affirmed that the clean copy of the 2016 budget has been produced, and urged members to get their individual copies.

He told Senators to prepare for debates on the budget from today, and that the process will end next Tuesday.

At the House of Representatives, hardly had Speaker Yakubu Dogara read the president’s letter containing corrections to the budget he presented on December 22, 2015, than the bickering followed with observations raised by the Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Leo Ogor (PDP-Delta), who cited Sections 81 and 84 of the constitution, which he said do not give the president powers to unilaterally amend the budget as such powers lie with the National Assembly.

He therefore prayed the House to disregard Buhari’s letter as read out by

the speaker.

But, Dogara in defending the president’s action disagreed with the PDP lawmaker, asserting that there was nowhere in the letter that the president alluded to the amendment of the budget, adding that it is only the president that has the powers to make corrections to the budget if he observes any error.

Following the Speaker’s ruling, PDP lawmakers in the House started chanting “no, no” and attempted to prevent Dogara from making any further comments on the controversy.

However, the Speaker refused to be cowed by the action of the PDP lawmakers and hinged his argument on the fact that there was no where the president in his letter had mentioned the word ‘amendment’, saying rather the term he used was ‘correction’.

Thereafter, Rep. Linus Okorie, (PDP-Ebonyi) raised a point of order, pointing out that the Speaker did not follow the procedure of the House, by choosing to read petitions pending before the House when in actual practice the president’s letter ought

to have been read first before any other matter can be discussed.

Again, Dogara simply told Okorie that the House rule which he alluded to clearly states that in the introductory paragraph that unless the House otherwise direct, that the letter should be read first.

His interpretation of the House rule drew applause from APC House members.

According to Dogara, he had informed the House

immediately he commenced the day’s proceedings that he was going to take petitions first before reading out any the letters he had with him.

He further explained that he actually forgot Buhari’s letter in his office, hence he allowed petitions to be read first.

The president’s letter read by the speaker reads in part: “It will be recalled that on Tuesday, 22 December, 2015, I presented my 2016 budget proposals to

the joint sitting of the National Assembly.

“I submitted a draft bill accompanied by a schedule of details. At the time of submission, we indicated that because the details had just been produced, we would have had to check to ensure that there were no errors in the detailed breakdown contained in the schedule. That has since been completed and I understand that the corrections have been submitted.

“The National Assembly would therefore have the details as submitted on the 22nd and a copy containing the corrections submitted last week. It appears that this has led to some confusion.

“In this regard, please find attached the corrected version. This is the version the National Assembly should work with as my 2016 budget estimates. The draft bill remains the same and there are no changes in any of the figures”.

L-R: Coaches, Waje Iruobe; Innocent Idibia; Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu; another coach, Timi Dakolo and Director, Corporate Communications, Airtel, Emeka Oparah during the press conference on the maiden edition The Voice Nigeria held in Ikoyi, Lagos… on Tuesday.

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

How ex-NIMASA DG used my account to siphon N546m –Witness Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎA

fashion designer, Chukwuemeka Benjamin Onuoha, on Tuesday, painted a graphic picture before Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos, how his company, Extreme Vertevex Limited, was used to siphon over N546,802,000 million from the coffers of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), for a contract that was not awarded to him.

Onuoha is the second prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of a former Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi and six others over alleged theft of N2.6 billion belonging to NIMASA. Akpobolokemi was

arraigned in a 22-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along with three others – Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan – and three companies, namely Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and AlKenzo Logistic Limited.

They were accused of converting a total of N2, 658,957,666 between December 23, 2013 and May 28 this year. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

When the matter came up, Onuoha told the court that the money was paid into his account with Zenith bank even though he did not tender any proposal or carried out any contract for NIMASA. Led in evidence by

EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, Onuoha told the court that the disbursement of the money was facilitated by the 3rd defendant (Ekene Nwakuche) who was his secondary school mate.

Onuoha said that sometimes in 2003 when the 3rd defendant secured employment with NIMASA, he (Onuoha) approached him and pleaded with him to remember him if there was any contract he could implement.

He stated that shortly after he made the request, the 3rd defendant called him on phone to enquire if he had any registered company that could be used for transactions as well as the company’s accounts.

Onuoha told the court that not long after his supplied details of his

company and his bank account to the 3rd defendant, he received several alerts from his bank totaling N546,802,000 million.

He told the court that on August 2014 he received N21, 802, 000, on November 6, 2014; he received the sum of N318 million and on November 25, 2014 he received alert of N207 million into his account.

He further said that when he enquired from the 3rd defendant on what the money was meant for, he was told to wait for further instructions.

Onuoha told the court that he was later instructed to transfer the money to different accounts by the 3rd defendant.

Under cross examination, by Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN, counsel to the first defendant, Onu-

oha told the court he had never met the first defendant, (Akpobolokemi) or received any instruction from him.

Also testifying, a Bureau De Change operator, Hussein Sabo said on March 2014 he was approached by one Muhammed Darlington who told him that the 2nd defendants, (Captain Ezekiel Agaba) wanted to buy dollars.

Sabo, in his testimony said: ‘’Darlington collected my account numbers and several millions of naira were paid into the account which I used to buy dollars.

Sabo also confirmed that on March 3, 2014, monies were paid into his account namely, N33, 800,000; N35, 000,000; N20, 000,000 and N3, 000,000 respectively.

He also disclosed that

between the month of March 2014 and December 2014 he received through his account, N85, 305,000, N155, 300,000, N13, 000,000, N10, 000,000, and N84, 000, 000 respectively.

However, there was a mild drama in court, when counsel to the 2nd defendant E G Onyeka sought to know if the witness (Sabo) could read and write either in Hausa or English languages.

Sabo who said he could not read, was asked how he wrote his statement tendered by the EFCC and whether he was assured by the prosecution that he would not be charged to court for making the statement.

Justice Buba has adjourned further hearing in the matter till February 2, 5, 16 and 19 respectively.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

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News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Military panel: Ekiti Assembly vows to resist attempt to remove Fayose Gbenga Sodeinde Ado-Ekiti

ÎÎÎEkiti state House of Assembly has described the military panel report set

EFCC arraigns health provider over pension scam ÎÎÎThe

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, arraigned one Dr. M.O Shona of Mos-Metro Hospital, Tudunwada, Sabon Gari, Kano, before Justice Nuhu Y. Galandanci of State High Court, Kano, on one count charge bordering on advance fee fraud.

The accused allegedly defrauded his former employee of her pension contributions over a ten year period. The victim, Mrs. Elizabeth Ekodi alleged that she worked with Mos-Metro Hospital as a nurse from 2005 to 2015 during which she was enrolled by the hospital management into the compulsory contributory Pension Scheme with NPLC Pension Fund Administrator. She further stated that deductions were made from her salary during the period but upon termination of her appointment, she went to her Pension Administrator to collect her contributions only to discover that no remittance was made into her account.

The charge reads: “That you Dr. Michael O. Shona and MOS-Metro Hospital Limited between 2009 and 2015 at Kano within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Kano state with the intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of N 715,800.30 from one Elizabeth Ekodi ( former staff of MOS-Metro hospital limited) being part of her contributory pensions scheme on the pretence that you will remit same to her Pension Fund Administrators which pretence you knew to be false thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Related Offence Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

up on 2014 Ekiti governorship election as a calculated means by the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) to remove the state governor, Ayodele Fayose and vowed to resist any attempt to use it to remove him.

Specifically, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Kola Oluwawole, said “it is an aberration for a military panel to review an election widely adjudged the best and confirmed by various courts in Nigeria.”

At a special session of the House in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, House Committee Chairman on Information, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogun, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari are out to muzzle the oppo-

sition in the country and to use frivolous panel report to cause mayhem in Ekiti state.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Segun Adewumi, said Buhari’s government is vengeful, adding “why should the 2014 Ekiti governorship election be challenged having been described as credible, free and fair by the international community.

In its eight point resolution after the plenary session, the lawmakers criticised, condemned and rejected the military panel report on the 2014 governorship election in the state.

Said the legislators: “We condemn in its entirety the report of Major General Adeniyi Oyebade which concentrated its indictment of its officers on their roles

only in Ekiti and exonerated the APC’s state of Osun and Edo. “That the self-indictment of the military after it has been commended by both local and international observer is an embarrassment to Nigeria and the army as an institution.

“That Ekiti Assembly is not unaware of the subterranean moves of the APC in its desperate bid to use the report tainted with bias and compromise to attempt a takeover of government through the back door. We are also aware of moves by the APC-led federal government to intimidate, muzzle and kill the voice of opposition elements especially Governor Ayo Fayose.

“We unequivocally will re-

sist any attempt by the APCled federal government to truncate the democratically elected government of Ekiti state through an army panel report or undemocratic process.

“That we stood by the mandate, freely given to Governor Fayose by Ekiti people on June 21, 2014, through an election that was devoid of violence, arson and killings and shall defend the mandate till 2018 when another opportunity will be available for the APC to contest in the state.

“We have no apology and regret for our loyalty to Governor Ayo Fayose and we support and shall continue to support him as the only standing opposition leader in Nigeria.

Umahi

Ebonyi govt explains cordial relation with Assembly Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÎÎÎEbonyi

state government, on Tuesday, said the reason for the cordial relationship between it and the state’s House of Assembly was because the two arms had been carrying each other along, while eliminating suspicion.

The Special Adviser to Governor David Umahi on House of Assembly Liaison, Ikechukwu Ogbu, stated this in a chat with newsmen in his office in Abakaliki, where he said the leaderships of both arms understood the ethics of human relationship.

Ogbu said what causes problem is when one suspects the other perhaps as a result of hoarding information; an act which he said the present government has tried as much as possible to avoid.

FUTMINNA rusticates 460 students Saka Bolaji, Minna

ÎÎÎThe R –L: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Managing Director, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), West Africa, Rahul Murgai and Chairman, RB, Chief Olu Falomo during the visit of the company to Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… on Tuesday.

Nigeria, UAE sign MoU on recovery of looted funds Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎNigeria

and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi signed six agreements to enhance bilateral relations between them.

The signing of the agreements on trade, finance and judicial matters was witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Obaid Attayar signed the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, while the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah signed the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Protection with the UAE Minister of State for Finan-

cial Affairs.

According to the statement, the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates, Sultan Bin Saeed Albadi signed the Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth.

At a reception after the signing of the agreements, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and restoring Nigeria’s dignity in the comity of nations.

“The President also urged all Islamic countries to support the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and denounce the atrocities of Boko Haram as un-Islamic and against the teachings of the Holy Prophet,” the statement added.

Federal University of Technology, Minna, in Niger state, has directed not less than 460 students admitted for the just concluded academic session to withdraw from the institution.

It was learnt that letters of withdrawal were served on the affected students by the school management last Friday.

According to investigation, all the affected students were in the 100 level cadres and could not meet the requirement set for students to move to the next level in the pursuit of their education by the National Universities Commission.

It was learnt that the rusticated students could not garner a GP of 1.5 after the session and by virtue of the guideline they could not continue their programmes.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

15 Opinion

Imo State: ‘Rochanomics’ and a collapsed economy

W Chief C.O.C Akaolisa

hen Governor Rochas O ko ro ch a of Imo State announced his intention to run an unconventional government, many of us educated enough to understand such unconventional method pointed out the dangers in abandoning the rules, regulations and laws governing Imo State. We sought to educate Okorocha that government is a creation of laws and the constitution, which must guide its activities, as going contrary, would constitute fraud and exploitation. His unconventional method introduced lawlessness, disregard for procedure, neglect for financial instructions and circumvention of the regulatory safeguards in the procurement rules, as well as neglecting due process that checks fraud and corruption. Four years after, his family has exposed the Okorocha administration as a personal contraption for mindless primitive acquisition. By running an unconventional government,Okorocha created an extractive political structure that sucks in state resources for personal and family appropriation. Imo is in economic chains and Okorocha’s primordial instincts equates to the politics of

poverty and underdevelopment akin to the 15th century Spanish encomienda that operated a cruel and exploitative treatment of the indigenous people. By adopting the ancient and conquistadors style that facilitates the exploitation of peoples’ lands, and the monopolisation of governance and its benefits for family and associates, Okorocha has created an unparalleled inequality that has killed economic development and crippled growth and commerce in Imo State.

It is unfortunate that in the past four years of Okorocha’s administration,Imo people never witnessed any public advertisement of contract and procurement as provided by the law. Contracts and supplies are controlled by Okorocha, who designs, constructs, evaluates and supervises projects that bring no economic benefits to the people, while leaving out inputs from officials of the concerned ministry.

For a governor that lacks the basic education to appreciate the linkage between sound infrastructural development and economic growth, this haphazard approach creates a repulsive environment for any meaningful economic gain from such useless infrastructural projects. The truth is that the so-called development projects are not for meeting any infrastructural needs but designed for capital gains by principal officials of his government. Thus, the huge capital spent

on such project is squirreled away by Okorocha’s Lebanese agents, leaving the state economy in ruins.

What is shocking is why a relatively financially comfortable person as Rochas Okorocha could on becoming governor exhibit such poverty of mind and primitive acquisitive tendencies. Today, the Imo economy has collapsed and there are no redeeming features of government in the state.

It is instructive to note that the Okorocha administration has destroyed all public institutions that were functional before he came to office. These include Public Utilities, General Hospitals, Public Health Administration, Imo Concord Hotel, Adapalm, Imo Rural Road Maintenance Agency (Irroma), Imo Water Development Agency (Iwada), Imo Transport Corporation (ITC), and Imo Agricultural Development Project (ADP).

The only semblance of government is the Entraco Army of agents who levy all forms of taxes and payments on the pauperised citizenry. Today, there are cries all over the land. If it is not the health-workers crying over non-payment of their nine months salaries, it is the civil servants raining curses on Okorocha, while demonstrating on the streets of Owerri. Today, Imo is a hell on earth, as the people have become victims of Okorocha’s exploitative Machiavellianism.

It is unfortunate that despite finan-

cial bankruptcy of the state, Okorocha has continued his deceptive antics.

Okorocha should understand that he can deceive some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all the time. The poor workers, oppressed peasants, harassed land owners, abused retirees, heartbroken contractors and the shocked silent majority, including intimidated traditional rulers whose kingdoms have been balkanised and who are witnesses to the Okorocha family ’ filthy riches, are crying to the Heavenly Father, for redress. Today, Okorocha has taken his cruelty to an oppressive height by sacking more than 3,000 state workers.

The death of late Abubakar Audu in Kogi State should remind us that life and death belong to God. Our sympathy goes to the sacked civil servants, mechanics constantly threatened with eviction, students who have now realised the damage, which Okorocha’s “Free Education” has done to education and the numerous dismissed employees of parastatals by an unconscionable regime. We sincerely urge them to keep faith, as their day with justice is coming.

We are consoled that the Okorocha regime will not last forever but will some day end. We do pray it does not end disastrously.

Barr. C.O.C Akaolisa is the founder of Citizen Watch Initiative,Imo State.

Abia: Thinking outside the box “We are thinking outside the box, we want to make sure that Abia survives the post-oil era”.

Ikpeazu.

Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

T

hinking outside the box, also referred to as thinking out of the box, is widely used in business circles.

The phrase has been used in a number of advertising slogans. It came from management consultants in the 1970s and1980s challenging their clients to solve the “nine dots” puzzle, which requires some lateral thinking. It often refers to novel or creative thinking.

On the December 24,2015 Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu briefed journalists.

The briefing was significant for some reasons. One, the administration was 200 days old. Two, the administration is run on 100-day circle, and at the end of each circle, a briefing is held to appraise the journey so far. Third, the workers had just received their December salaries, an experience they never had for a long time.

As the governor presented his achievements, there was unanimous agreement that the administration is indeed on speed lane. However, what baffled everyone was the magic behind these achievements, considering that most states are already on their knees. The monthly allocations to

Abia fluctuates between N2.2 billion to N2.4billion, which is half or more than half of what it was getting.

With this paucity of funds, Ikpeazu must be a magician to simultaneously embark on construction of 40 roads with some fitted with streetlight. Moreover, not less than nine have been completed including Okonu and Umunneochi bridges. In addition, plans are on to engage a contractor for the popular Ururuka Road to reduce travel time between Aba to Umuahia; and to also give Faulks Road a facelift.

Besides, the state has adopted cement technology in some of these roads .A technology that is capital intensive. Nevertheless, Ikpeazu’s motive is that the roads will outlast his administration.

Though the cost of this technology is very high,Gov. Ikpeazu chose it as means of strengthening the loadbearing capacity of roads in Abia.

The technology has a sustainability guarantee of10 to 20 years.

Cement technology is one of the technologies used in the construction of airport runways and tarmacs.

Indeed, the current Nigerian economy requires every governor to think outside the box, and that is what Gov. Ikpeazu is doing to succeed in Abia.

Ikpeazu’s approach in addressing problems is two pronged. One, to minimise wastages in the revenue

generation process of the government. Between the time of this revenue collection and when it gets to the government coffers, over 70 percent is lost.

Part of the administration’s strategy to plug physical leakages is to make sure that the revenue is one.

The negative narrative of government revenue generation in Abia will change from 2016.

Another leg of the “operation plug the wastages campaign” is to cut down on all celebrations and miscellaneous.

Recall that after Ikpeazu assumed office he placed himself on half salary and cut his travelling allowances by 50 percent.

The second approach is to make sure that Abians are brought into the state’s tax net. Unfortunately, more than 60 percent of people doing business in Abia are not in the tax net.

To encourage parents to pay their children/wards school fees as well improve tax payment in the state, from January 2016, admission of pupils and students into schools would be on evidence of tax payment. The policy affects both public and private schools.

The motive behind delivering world class infrastructure is to muster the boldness to demand taxes from Abians.

In Abia, the latest approaches are” tasking our resourcefulness” and”

adopting local content in what we are doing. This approach is manifests in the “Friends of Abia School Adoption Initiative (FASAI).

It is a private sector driven initiative aimed at involving well- meaning individuals within and outside Abia to give back to their communities.

With this arrangement, they are expected to adopt indigent pupils and volunteer to renovate dilapidated school structures.

While the project aims at turning around the poorest primary schools, it is also designed to give hope to pupils from poor schools by getting well-to-do individuals to adopt such schools and in the process enhance their fortunes.

The governor expressed regret that the primary schools have for too long been neglected.

The most cheering news is that, Abia State will not downsize its workforce. According to Ikpeazu, “For now it is not on our radar to downsize our workforce”.

The governor has made it clear that, that his administration would not sack workers or cut the minimum wage.

The cost of governance in Abia has been drastically pruned down and Abians are enjoying it. What else do they owe this uncommon governor than to support him?

Ukegbu is SSA to Gov. Ikpeazu on media.

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

EU will not say ‘No’ to lawfully created Biafra ÏzƆ ƓƈƋƋ ƐƆ ƅ Mƈ ƆƏƈ Ɠ Ɛ ƅ ƗƑƅƐ ƍƆ ƅƆƇƑƋ ƍ ƋƋ nƓ ƖƑƏƑƈƊƆ Opeoluwani Akintayo, Lagos and Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏThe European Union (EU) on

Tuesday it will only recognise a Biafra born via international law and not armed secession.

The EU also called for the release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kalu and other members of the organisation

in detention.

EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Federica Mogherini, stated this in Brussels, Belgium, in response to calls by the Organisation of Emerging African States (OEAS) to support the agitation for Biafra.

The OEAS delegation to the meeting was led by its Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Jonathan

Levy.

She said that while the EU has strong diplomatic and economic ties with Nigeria, “protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms remains a priority for the EU and encouraged the Nigerian authorities in every occasion to respect such rights.”

Earlier, Levy had called for the release of all members of IPOB in

detention, a stand down of Nigerian forces, and a snap referendum to be held within 90 days.

To achieve a referendum, the OEAS advised that all non-violent means should be utilised including general strikes, economic boycotts, work actions, demonstrations, lawsuits, and civil disobedience.

He said that Nigeria as a member of the International Labour Organ-

isation (ILO) recognises the right to engage in general strikes and the right to strike is also recognised in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 (Article 8(1)(d)).

“OEAS supports the Shadow Government of Biafra and calls for the immediate release of all Biafran patriots detained by the Nigerian federal government.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the February 22 election into wards, provinces, districts, regions and zones in the South East and South South, leader of Biafra Independent Movement (BIM), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, on Tuesday, said the election will serve as a guide for the Federal Republic of Nigeria to follow.

Uwazuruike stated this at the zonal rally at the proposed site of Ojukwu Memorial Library in Enugu ezike, Enugu State.

The BIM leader, who was represented by a super region leader, Dr. (Mrs.) Augustina Ugwuoke, said: “Our election will not be conducted same way as that of Nigeria, BIM will not give room for election rigging as is the case in Nigeria.

“We are well prepared; we will teach Nigerians how to conduct crisis free election.

Very soon the B-INEC will roll out programmes for the polls”, she said.

Ugwuoke commended members for coming out enmasse to participate in the sensitisation forum and their continuous support for their leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, stressing that their dream Biafra Republic will soon be actualised.

“We believe in our leader’s ability to actualise the Biafra Republic, the processes as you can see have commenced. We have also commenced preparations for our census which will take place in the entire Biafra region to ascertain our population.

“I commend you all for your steadfastness in the struggle as well as donation of lands towards the building of Ojukwu Memorial Library in the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

Education Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

TETFUND promises reward for prompt execution of projects by tertiary institutions Stories by Augustine Okezie, Abuja The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has promised to reward tertiary institutions that promptly accessed its interventions in the building of infrastructure to enhance academic learning.

The Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Professor Suleiman Bogoro, made the pledge in Abuja while speaking as the special guest of honour in the recently held National Open University 5th convocation ceremony.

Bogoro, who further acknowledged that virtually all infrastructure at the permanent site of the university were funded by the agency following the approval of President Muhammad Buhari, maintained that the agency has a way of rewarding focused leadership in tertiary institutions by giving them more funds.

He said: ’’We must not keep un-accessed fund, we take it from those who are not performing

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (middle); former Irish Minister of Trade & Investment, Joe Castelo (right); Rodding Doyle (2nd right); Chairman, Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Obiora Ike (3rd right); Vice President of Dublin City University, Prof. Daire Keogh (4th right); Charge d’Affaire of Nigeria Embsay in Ireland, Olusola I gonna; Prof. Fionnuala of Dublin City University (5th right) and others after the Governor and others were honoured in Ireland, Dublin… on Monday.

and give it to those who are performing’’.

On those complaining that the agency is biased in the implementation of its mandate, Bogoro maintained

that as interventionists, the organistaion is not supposed to be a lead funding agency but seen to be playing the supplementary role in supporting Education especially in the area of capacity

building.

He promised NOUN of increased funding especially when implementing the 2012 annual allocation, to enable them build their lecture theatre.

17

UNIABUJA appoints librarian The University of Abuja has appointed a new University Librarian. She is Dr. (Mrs.) Rosaline Ifeoma Echezona, who until her appointment was Deputy University Librarian, University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Dr. Echezona’s appointment followed the approval of the recommendation of the Council Selection Board by the University of Abuja Governing Council at its 72nd regular meeting held from Tuesday 1st to Thursday 3rd of December, 2015. The appointment is with effect from 7th December, 2015.

The University Librarian’s appointment letter, signed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Adikwu, said that the appointment was in accordance with the University Decree number 106 of 1992 as amended by Decree number 11 of 1993.

The appointment is for a single term of five (5) years.

Dr. Echezona succeeds Dr. Innocent I. Ekoja whose tenure ended in December last year.

TETFUND promises reward for prompt execution of projects by tertiary institutions 70-year-old Rear Admiral Orishamolade Stephen last Saturday bagged a First Class degree in Mathematics alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo who had an MA in theology, as National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), graduated a total of 10, 653 students at its 5th convocation ceremony held in Abuja.

Also amongst the graduands is 52-year-old grandmother of eight, Abdullahi Amina, with first class degree in Islamic Studies and the best graduating student, Udo Effiong, from the Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management who massed cumulative grade points of 4.71.

A breakdown of the list of graduating students showed that 15 students scored first class honours while other class of degrees includes 34 from school of agriculture, 1,728 from the School of Arts; 1,375 from School of Education; 2,183 from School of Health Sciences; 283 from Law; 3,790 from Management Sciences; 1242 from Science and Technology and 20 from School of Lifelong Learning.

Congratulating Obasanjo and all graduands including three traditional rulers, President Muhammadu Buhari directed all universities to make significant contributions towards ensuring the attainment of goal four of

the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on Education.

Represented by the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission, Prof.

Julius Okojie, the president added that NOUN has a crucial role to play in actualising the SDG project bothering on quality of education.

Commending the efforts of NOUN despite the challenges confronting the institution, the president further reiterated government’s support in strengthening the National Open University of Nigeria to fully achieve its open and distant learning goals of education delivery.

He said: “Quality must be the watch word and priority of any educational institution because that is the way to contain the integrity of the course of study. I therefore enjoin the university to try even harder to attain global heights of global recognition and national relevance.

“I wish to specially recognise and congratulate his Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of this country and the grand patron of NOUN who has graduated with a master degree in distant learning,” Buhari added.

The president however enjoined Nigerians to play their individual and collective roles in upholding their

common principles of unity, faith, peace and progress in accommodating one another irrespective of tribal, religious, social or economic affiliation.

The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Vincent Tenebe, in his remarks, commended President Buhari’s efforts through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to fast-track the infrastructural development of the institution’s permanent site in Abuja.

He however raised the alarm over the perceived discrimination against NOUN graduates from gaining access to other relevant forms of education and national services.

Education Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

NUT to collaborate with Lagos govt. on ‘Ibile tablet’ The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday said it would collaborate with the Lagos State Government on its proposed `Ibile tablet’ for students in public schools.

The President of the union, Mr. Michael Olukoya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Lagos that the programmme was a laudable one.

Recall that Governor Akinwumi Ambode had during his 2016 budget presentation on December 17, 2015 said that the state government would develop its e-curriculum.

The governor explained that the e-curriculum would lead to the distribution of `` Ibile Tablets,’’ an information communication technology (ICT) device, to students.

Ambode gave an assurance that the e-curriculum could turn around the fortunes of the educa-

tion sector at the secondary school level. ``It will set a new standard in educational system and enhance the knowledge of children to enable them compete effectively with their peers in developed countries,’’ the governor had said.

The NUT president said that teachers were eagerly awaiting the implementation of the `Ibile tablet’ programme.

He said that the union could not speak on the efficacy of the device until it had been implemented.

Olukoya, however, said that considering the pedigree of the state, the best quality would be expected. ``We know the governor will not embark on a project that will not add value to the education sector. ``We teachers are eagerly waiting for the implementation of the policy as promised.

``If the `Ibile tablet’ is distributed as promised, I am sure that the problem associated with the `Opon Imo’, a similar device distributed by the Osun State Government, will be addressed. ``We are eagerly waiting for it; no effort toward advancing the course of education is a waste,’’ Olukoya said.

He said the union would continue to support programmes that would give the Nigerian child a better future. ``Should we find anything that requires constructive criticism with the policy, we will not hesitate to criticise it because NUT must be seen to be performing its duty. ``Every step made toward advancing the education of the Nigerian child, we will support it whole heartedly,’’ he said.

Ondo: Students shut down OSOPADEC office, protest non-payment bursary ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure Thousands of students from the oil producing communities in Ondo State on Tuesday besieged the office of the State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on Oba ile road, Akure, the Ondo State capital, to protest the non-payment of their three years bursary stipend.

The aggrieved students, armed with placards bearing different anti-government inscriptions, chanted solidarity songs and called top management staff of the commission unprintable names while they shut the gate leading to the entrance of the commission and disallowed entry into the compound.

The compound and facility accommodates both workers of the Commission and that of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) owners of the Ray power FM, thereby paralysing broadcasting operation and activities.

The Daily Times gathered that many of the workers upon sighting the protesting students took to their heels while others sought refuge in hamlets and stores at nearby outskirts.

It was observed that even the timely intervention of security agencies including the police, led by the Area Commander in Akure, Nkem Okoli, could not calm the aggrieved students as they refused to sheathe their sword.

Some of the protesting students affirmed that a total of seven thousand four hundred and forty students who applied for the scholarship/bursary fund, and had undergone the necessary screening exercise but have not been paid their allowances.

While speaking on behalf of his protesting colleagues, President of the National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS), Comrade Abayomi Joseph, told journalists that the commission had deprived the students their lawful entitlement by owing them bursary allowance for the 2013/2014, and 2014/2015 academic sessions respectively.

Joseph, a 300 Level student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife in Osun State, who observed that such action provoked the students to embark on a peaceful protest, said their N40, 000 naira yearly allowance has not been forthcoming since 2013 academic session.

He maintained that the the commission under Pastor Johnson Ogunyemi had repeatedly promised to pay the students their accumulated outstanding busary allowance but failed to keep to his words till date.

“We (students) have written series of proposals regarding this issue. Every necessary processes have been put in place but is quite appalling that the commission is delaying in the payment of this money.

Education minister presents 2015 ISESCO literacy prize to Islamic Augustine Okezie, Abuja

L-R: Emir of Kano, Mohammad Lamido Sanusi; Chairman of the occasion/Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and One of the Key note speakers, Chief Dara Mbazulike Amache, during the 50th memorial lecture of Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh and a book launch titled ‘Chief F.S Okotie-Eboh in time and space’ held in Lagos...recently.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Quality of candidates seeking admissions into COEs worries NCCE boss Augustine Okezie, Abuja The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Professor Monday Joshua, has expressed concern that candidates seeking admission into colleges of education lack the desired quality and are grossly made up of university rejects and those who per-

formed poorly in the university tertiary matriculation examinations.

The NCCE boss, who was speaking to Education correspondents in Abuja recently, said the major variable challenge that is confronting the council at the moment is how to weed off the influx of grossly unqualified candidates into the nation’s colleges of education.

He said: ’’When they try and cannot get admitted into universities, they now rush to COEs. The quality of those streaming into COEs is low and ill motivated’’.

He promised that his council is set to improve the standard of learning in all the COEs, adding that any identified illegal ones found to be operating would be promptly closed down.

An Abuja based Islamic Organisation known as International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE) won the 2015 prestigious literary prize of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO).

Education Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, at a brief ceremony in his office in Abuja presented the award comprising a Certificate, the ISESCO Plaque and the sum of five thousand US Dollars (S5, 000.00) only.

The minister commended the organisation for doing Nigeria proud through its participation in the exercise.

The team of officials that received the award include Alhaji Ahmad Abdulkabir, who represented the Board of the organisation, Dr. Maoyad AlRachid, who is Director –

General and Abdallah Ahmad, the Executive Administrator of the ICICE. Earlier, the group had informed the minister that their organisation was interested in education of children, teenagers and adults on the exact meaning of Islamic Culture and Education through organising capacity building programmes, conferences, exhibitions.

The group said it was also interested in social programmes like extending assistance to the needy such as the Internally Displaced People’s Camps.

Recall that Nigeria’s representative to ISESCO General Conference received the prize on behalf of the ICICE at the official ceremony during the 12th Session of ISESCO General Conference held from November 26 – 27 2015 at Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

19 Education Times

Inside Campus Æ s Ezekiel Efeobhokhan, (UNIBEN) The National Fellowship of Christian Pharmacy Students (NFCPS), University of Benin, has welcomed fresh students into the Faculty of Pharmacy. The event which took place at the expansive Lecture theatre 3 saw the presence of lecturers across various department of the faculty.

Speaking at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Omo Owolabi advised the students that the main reason why they are in Pharmacy today is the handiwork of God, hence they, should not disappoint him. She stated that many persons would wish to trade place with them, hence, they should not waste this opportunity given to them.

“Don’t go about visiting and being part of different associations and groups on campus, your main purpose in school is to study and serve God who made it possible for you to get here,” she advised.

Also addressing the students were Dr. Idemudia from the department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Dr. Macpherson Uyi of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Christian fellowship welcomes freshers

cross section of freshers at the event

In his closing remark, the president of NFCPS, Timothy Okooboh, thanked all those present and advised the new

pharmacy students that surviving in Pharmacy school is not by their brilliance or intelligence but by God’s favour.

Other activities marking the event were quiz competition, Drama presentation and cutting of the cake.

Social Media Bill, an affront on freedom Franklin Onwubiko The proposed Social Media Bill has caused uproar in various segments of the nation.

Activists and social media users have expressed their disgust at the bill which they regard as criminal and barbaric. To show the staunch rejection of the bill, Nigerians took to twitter using the #NoToSocialMediaBill hashtag.

The bill, being sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah of the All Progressives Congress (APC), attempts to, inter alia, mandate that all petitioners, before making their petitions, get an affidavit from a court of law. Interestingly, the bill has passed the second reading and is left with just one stage before being forwarded to the president for assent.

The reaction of the Presidency is quite relieving and comforting on the matter. President Muhammadu Buhari has shown once again that he is law abiding and well aware of the fundamental rights of the citizen. He has declined any connection to the draft bill and assured Nigerians that the bill, if passed,

will never get his assent. This is as clarified by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, who reportedly said: “The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria”.

Unfortunately, this comforting news may not be comforting on the long run. The bill even without the assent of the President can still be passed to law. According to Section 58(5) of the 1999 Constitution, “Where the President withholds his assent and the bill is again passed by each House by two-thirds majority, the bill shall become law and the assent of the President shall not be required”. This provision gives the legislature the power to turn the bill into law even without the president’s approval. Hence, it seems to me that the President might not be all that is needed to be on the people’s side to win this war.

Luckily, there is one entity that is bigger than the president, the National Assembly, and even the citizen as a whole. And then, our constitution. Interestingly, whoever this document supports wins every battle he

engages in within the realm especially when such battle is connected to the provisions of chapter four of the document.

A survey of this document is thus important at this moment, a task that this legal piece is orchestrated to embark on.

Pursuant to Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution, “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”. This provision gives every person the right to “speak and hear” information. The necessary words of this section in this situation we found ourselves are “without interference”. Everyone is free “to speak and to hear” without interference.

The phrase “without interference” has received judicial clarification in the case of Tony Momoh v.

The Senate to mean that nobody can be compelled to reveal the information (and its source) which he holds.

In that case, Mr. Tony Momoh, the then editor of the Daily Times published an article about senators lobbying for contracts from the exec-

utives. He was then summoned by the Senate Committee of Inquiry to disclose the source of his information. The court held that disclosure of his source will be a violation of his freedom of expression and that except the need for the source overrides this right, he cannot be compelled to disclose such.

Also, in the case of Oyegbami v.

A.G. Federation, the court posited that “no person, be he an editor, reporter, or publisher of a newspaper can be compelled to disclose his source of information for any matter published by that person and non-disclosure cannot be contempt of court”.

From the foregoing, it has been established that the draft bill negates the dictate of section 39 and therefore inconsistent with the constitution.

The constitution is the most powerful legal document and pursuant to Section 1(3) of the constitution, “If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.”

FG to improve staff welfare, varsities’ tools Ololade Oge The Federal Government will improve staff welfare and facilities of tertiary institutions nationwide, Education Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu, has said.

Adamu, made this known in a keynote speech at the sixth convocation of the Federal College of Education (FCE) in Eha Amufu, Enugu State.

He said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration would ensure that basic facilities to enhance teaching and learning were provided. The government, he added, would train and re-train staff of federal tertiary institutions to equip them with modern teaching skill.

Adamu, represented by Executive Secretary of National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Professor Monday Joshua, said excellent teaching and learning could only be achieved if facilities and qualified workforce were provided.

He said: “There is need to reposition tertiary education to serve as a piston in the engine of our change agenda. One of the major areas of reform is teachers’ training, which remains the foundation of human capital development.

No nation can rise in education if the quality of teachers is not encouraging. It is imperative that teachers receive adequate training and re-training.

“There is no doubt that excellence in teaching and learning cannot be attained without the requisite infrastructure and highly qualified workforce.”

The minister said Federal Government had sponsored more than 100 members of staff of the college to national and international conferences through Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), with the aim of improving staff development.

Adamu praised the college for constant convocation and assured the management that government would complete the ongoing projects on the campus. He urged the graduating students not to end their career with National Certificate in Education (NCE), saying: “NCE is a stepping stone to further academic pursuit.”

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Lagos govt, NUPENG on collision course over N224m claim Benjamin Omoike

ÎÎÎReacting to a purported

protest carried out by members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, said it would not succumb to the attempt to blackmail it into paying a questionable N224 million debt.

It said although it was not against peaceful protest by aggrieved citizens, it would not be stampeded into taking any action without strictly following due process and rule of law.

NUPENG had alleged that the N224 million was for payment for the supply of diesel and kerosene to the State Government for the execution of direct labour projects in Ojodu area between October 2014 and May 2015.

The South-West Chairman of NUPENG, Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, did threaten that members of the association would embark on the protest with over 1, 000 tankers, and that Lagosians would be subjected to experience scarcity of fuel, if the request was not acceded to by government.

But in statement signed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the government recalled that the said transaction took place between an independent marketer and the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) before this present government assumed office.

Ayorinde said the company wrote the government about the transaction, and it replied that it wanted to investigate the claim.

According to Ayorinde, “The investigation proved

that the claim by the company was fraudulent, but while the investigation was still on, the company went to NUPENG, and the association agreed to demonstrate on its behalf.

“Our position is that the Lagos State Government cannot be stampeded or blackmailed into making payments that have not been verified for which investigation is still ongoing.

“While government is not against peaceful protest by aggrieved citizens, we would like to urge Lagosians to go about their businesses peace-

Monday Osayande, Asaba

ÎÎÎThe Delta State Governor,

Gov Ambode fully.

“No amount of blackmail will stop the government from following due process and rule of law,” Ayorinde said.

Shiite: Nigeria can’t handle another Boko Haram –Cleric

Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, signed the 2016 appropriation bill of N267 billion into law.

This amount comprised N153 billion recurrent expenditure and N114 billion capital expenditure While signing the bill, at a brief ceremony in Government House, Okowa expressed appreciation to the members of the House of Assembly for the passage of the bill.

Governor Okowa promised to block all the loopholes that, hitherto, existed in the state to ensure that the state generated adequate revenue.

Ondo APC laments delay in budget presentation

Tunde Fapounda

ÎÎÎAn

Islamic cleric has advised the Federal Government to be cautious in the ongoing clash between the Army and the Shi’ites Islamic sect, warning that the country could not handle another Boko Haram insurgency at the moment.

Speaking in Ibadan, at the commencement of 2016 Ishrat of Shafaudeen In Islam, President of Ajagun Esin Consultative Forum (AECF), Prof Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, advised the Federal Government to handle, carefully, the problem of the Shi’ites led by El-Zakzaky, adding that the Shi’ite group suffered from leadership weakness and called on religious leaders to indoctrinate their followers with messages of peace, love and harmony stressing: “no religion, particularly Islam, supports violence.”

He frowned upon the Ministers of God of the major religions in the country because they had failed the nation. He advised them to retrace their steps, lest they incurred the wrath of God. “We religious leaders are indirectly responsible for most of the problems in the country among which are corruption, insecurity and others. If we have been courageous and bold to preach the truth to politicians in our mosques and churches, the country will not be in the mess if finds itself today,” Olagoke noted.

Okowa signs N267b 2016 Appropriation Bill

’Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÎÎÎThe

L-R: Secretary, Egbe Omo-Ibile Igbomina, Alhaji Ganiyu Gbadeyan; National President, Engr. Timothy Adebayo; Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed; Vice President, Barrister Teju Oguntoye and Treasurer, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Jimoh, during a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmed at the Government House, Ilorin…on Monday.

A’Ibom govt’s effort at resolving communal dispute ends in deadlock Julius Joseph, Uyo

ÎÎÎA peace initiative by the

Akwa Ibom State Government to resolve communal disputes between two warring communities – Amazaba group of villages in Eastern Obolo and Ikot Akpan Udo in Ikot Abasi – local government areas of the state has ended in a deadlock.

The meeting, which was at the instance of the state government, and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo, at government House, Uyo, failed to address the burning communal issues

between the two neighbours.

Meanwhile, the crisis which started in 2008 resurfaced again last week, following the alleged invasion by the Amazaba community against their neighbour.

In the renewed hostilities, it was gathered, that many were killed and property estimated at several millions destroyed.

Addressing a delegation from the two villages made up of traditional rulers and opinion leaders, on Tuesday, the Deputy Governor expressed disappointment at the recurring disputes and directed them to go back and make

peace.

He warned that failure to resolve the crisis within the shortest possible time would lead to the state government confiscating the disputed land.

Ekpo, who reiterated the determination of the state government to develop every community, said that the purpose would not be realised if the different communities in the state could not live together in peace.

“The Peoples Democratic Government (PDP) government, under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel, certainly has a plan to develop every nook and crannies

within the available resources, but not in a situation of rancour and disagreement’’ Ekpo, who disclosed that the state government had dispatched security personnel to quell the crisis, regretted that resources that would have been used to develop the community was now being expended to keep peace.

“The resources we have spent, so far, to maintain the security personnel keeping peace in the crisis is certainly not for your sake; but for development,” he said, pointing out that development cannot be guaranteed in an atmosphere of bitterness.

opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has decried the delayed in presentation of the 2016 budget to the members of the state House of Assembly.

The party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, told journalists, on Tuesday, that the delay in the presentation by Governor Olusegun Mimiko would worsen the standard of living of the people.

He added that delay would also increase the level of corrupt practices in the government of the present administration.

“It’s disheartening to see that after almost a month into the New Year, Governor Olusegun Mimiko is yet to present this year Appropriation Bill (annual budget) before the state House of Assembly to be passed into law.

“Surely, capital projects will suffer and when this happens, the standard of living will fall because capital projects are what impact on the standard of living of the people.”

He disclosed that a lot of plans were dependent on capital releases and if capital budget was not implemented early, it would affect businesses, because most people look at the budget to make informed decisions.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Ugwuanyi in UK, woos Nigerians in Diaspora, others to Enugu Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏGovernor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

of Enugu State has been honoured in Dublin, Ireland for his outstanding leadership as a governor and his role as chairman of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport for eight years.

He was offered the international leadership award along with other personalities – including a female Irish professor and women rights activist, Fionnuala Waldron, former Charge d’Affaires of Nigerian High Commission in Ireland and a former Nigerian

ambassador, Benedict Onochie Amobi, among others., at the event put together by Metro Eireann, Ireland’s first multi-cultural newspaper.

The event, which held at the weekend at Radison Blu Hotel in the capital city, came two days after scores of investors gathered at Dublin City’s Westin Hotels to brainstorm in a mini investment summit, which offered the Enugu State delegation to Ireland the opportunity to promote the vast investment opportunities that are abound in the coal city state.

The investment summit also organised by Metro Eireann which is run by Metro Publish-

ing Consultancy Limited, the primary source of news and information on Ireland’s growing immigrant and ethnic communities and run by a Nigerian, Chinedu Onyejelem, opened up a lot of vistas for the Enugu State delegation to enter into concrete and temporary agreements on mutual co-operation in the areas of agriculture, education and commerce and industry.

At the awards night, Ugwuanyi, who featured in the internal category, told the elite gathering – including diplomats, and serving and former Irish government officials, as well as members of the Nigerian community in Ireland,

that his 11-man delegation was there specifically on investment drive, in view of the cheerless situation in the global oil market, which was currently unfavourable to Nigeria’s economy.

He told the gathering, which was also addressed by a former Irish Minister of Trade and Development, Mr. Joe Castelo, that he was dedicating the awards to the good people of Enugu State back home, whom he described as the true heroes of democracy for their support and decision to join his administration in a current stoic philosophy of belt-tightening to shore up the economy of the state.

Niger govt assures citizens of democratic dividends Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏThe Niger State Commis-

sioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, has called on the people of the state to support the government of Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello to curb corruption and block areas of leakages, in the interest of sustainable development of the state.

In a statement, in Minna, Vatsa noted with delight that the anti-corruption stance of the government was now known to the people and that they had keyed into the agenda as the basis for the changes they voted for.

He stated that rather than taking the path of cosmetics in recovering stolen funds the government had taken practical steps aimed at recovering them and blocking leakages and set a standard for a quintessential procedure in doing government businesses.

Vatsa stated that, for the first time since 1999 in the state, in the budget recently presented to the House, capital allocation was almost at par with recurrent expenditure, showing that the state government would not create avenue for wastages.

A cross section MTN Subscribers waiting to update their SIM cards at Sango Ota, Ogun State.

Photos: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

Lagos working to contain Lassa fever, says Ambode Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏFollowing the outbreak of

Lassa fever, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said that his administration was working hard to ensure that it contained the disease the same way the Ebola virus was conquered. The governor said this at the Lagos City Hall during the second edition of the quarterly Town-Hall meeting.

He appealed to all Lagosians to be vigilant and co-operate with the health officials in the various local governments and communities. He advised that people should adopt personal hygiene, keep their surroundings clean and visit healthcare facilities when they identify the

Ambode

symptoms of the disease.

The first case of Lassa fever in was confirmed last Friday. The index case, Ahmed Fasasi, was treated at the Ahmadiyya Hospital at Ojokoro-Ijaiye, Lagos, which has since been put under surveillance by the government.

Fasasi, a student of the Ahmadu

Bello Universiy, Zaria, was said to have travelled to Lagos from Zaria, Kaduna State and took ill.

He was first taken to the private hospital before he was referred to LUTH where he was diagnosed with Lassa fever.

Ambode also revealed that his administration had made efforts to boost the health sector of the state by stopping the contentious casualisation of medical doctors, who were employed some years ago and upgrading some health facilities. “We have regularised their employment status in the state civil service.

In addition, we have also extended the Accident Insurance Policy for our entire workforce to cover accidents recorded outside working hours”, he said.

News 21 Group tasks Buhari on corruption Yakubu Salisu Kano

ÏÏÏA group, known as Save the

Dream Nigeria Project, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to initiate a national dialogue on corruption to enable him mobilise opinions, build consensus and to sell his anti-corruption agenda.

According to the group, the co ordinated and seemingly sponsored widespread media attacks on Buhari over the past few weeks for allegations that his government was promoting arbitrariness at the expense of the rule of law, following his refusal to implement two controversial court orders, was unpatriotic.

The National Co-ordinator of the group, Chief Chris Azuka, said that contrary to various unsubstantiated allegations against Buhari, it wished to state that Buhari was actually promoting the rule of law, because holding corrupt leaders accountable for their actions in and out of office and recovering whatever they had stolen from the people was one of the defining aspects of a rule of law in any given society.

515,531 Ekiti children undergo Measles immunisation Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe

Director, Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health in Ekiti State, Dr. Joshua Ileke, has disclosed that no fewer than 515,531 children between nine and 59 months old were expected to be immunised soon.

Specifically, he disclosed that, the five-day immunisation exercise was part of the Integrated Measles Campaign scheduled to hold between January 28 and February 1, this year.

Ileke, who disclosed this on Thuesday, in Ado-Ekiti, at a media orientation workshop, with churches, mosques, markets and schools represented, said that the exercise would be administered by 6, 202 health workers and community members in the state.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

MADAM COMFORT BELLO FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act,cap 20, LFN 2004 as amended.

The trustees are: 1. BENJAMIN BELLO JOHN (Phd) 2. MRS ROMINA OSEJI. Aims And Objectives: 1. To promote humanity.

2. To grant scholarship to the less privilege students in the society.

3. To cater for the less privilege women and children in the society.

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

SIGNED: Secretary.

PERIODONTOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Professor Okoisor Frank Etumiwe 2. Professor Savage Kofoworola Olaide 3. Dr Ayanbadejo Patricia Omowumi 4. Prof Arowojolu Modupeola Olayinka Omowumi Aims and Objectives: 1. To promote and protect the practice of periodontology in Nigeria.

2. That the practice of periodontology in Nigeria shall be of the highest international standard.

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

Signed: Trustees

THE LAMB OF GOD KINGDOM MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

ASSOCIATION OF BUILDING ARTISANS OF OGUN STATE

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

The TRUSTEES are:(1) Rev. (Dr.) Babafemi Adewodun – President (2) Pastor (Mrs) Olagbile Anike Adewodun – Vice President.

(3) Adedotun Daniel Adewodun – Treasurer (4) Tosin Johnson Adewodun – Secretary (5) Oluwatoyin Florence Adewodun (6) Temitope Bolatito Adewodun The Aims & Objectives are: (a) To proclaim the Gospel of God’s Kingdom (b) To promote Godliness & Biblical Doctrines Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Bar OLUSOLA EFUNKOMAYA

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

The TRUSTEES are (1) Alfa Rasheed Ayinde Salami (6) Mr Olufemi Taiwo Obasan (2) Alhaji Sulaimon Alao Danyiwo (7) Alhaji Idris Ayodele Abiola (3) Alhaji Chief Toyin Lawal (8) Alhaji Wasiu Adegboyega Popoola (4) Chief Isiaka Alani Bello (9) Alhaji Saubana Adisa Babatunde (5) Alhaji Mukaila Oyewole Jimoh (10) Mr Sanyaolu Ganiu Ishola

RHODA AND WILLIAMS GBEMIJO FAMILY WELLNESS FOUNDATION

AIMS & OBJECTIVES of the Association: (I) To promote UNITY among Building Artisans in Ogun State (ii) To encourage youths on the benefits of being an Artisan Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyiironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Announcer: OLUSOJI EMMANUEL

THE SAVIOUR GOD’S TABERNACLE

DANJUMA BULUS

I, formerly known and addressed as BULUS ASHAFA, now wish to be known and addressed as DANJUMA BULUS. Corporate Affairs Commission and general public please note

YOUNG JANE ODOCHI I, formerly known and addressed as JANE HENRY, now wish to be known and addressed as YOUNG JANE ODOCHI. Corporate Affairs Commission and general public please note

AGHOLOR BLESSING I, formerly known and addressed as BLESSING PATRICK, now wish to be known and addressed as AGHOLOR BLESSING. Corporate Affairs Commission and general public please note

OYELADE SUSAN NNDIDI I, formerly known and addressed as JANE OYELADE, now wish to be known and addressed as OYELADE SUSAN NNDIDI. Corporate Affairs Commission and general public please note

ST JUDE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY MAFOLUKU HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE The general public is hereby given notice that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 The Trustees Are: 1. Mazi Udochukwu Udonsi Chijioke Chairman 2. Mrs Harriet Adaku Achilonu General Secretary 3. Mr. Francis Obinna Amaechina Financial Secretary 4. Sir Charles Ukwuoma 5. Mr. Ayokunle Aloysius Olafusi 6. Lady Faith Adesua Ogidi 7. Mr. Henry Okon 8. Barr Aloy Chiagorom Abarah 9. Mr. Harrison Joseph Eganta Aims and Objectives: To provide healthcare for its members by leveraging on the National Health Insurance Scheme Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission at Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiy Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Aloy C. Abarah 08033734962

WONDERFUL GIFT CHURCH

The general public is hereby given notice that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEE ARE: 1,ADEGBEMIJO ADEWALE MOSES 2,ADEGBEMIJO ADENIKE ADEOLA 3,SOLOMON OKUBIO 4.OKUBIO OLUWAKEMISOLA ESTER 5.OLAWOYIN AANUOLUWAPO AYOADE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN, ABLE AND LESS PRIVILEDGE IN ACHIEVING THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES. 2. TO PLAT AN ADVISORY ROLE IN HEALTH, EDUCATION,CHILD’S/HUMAN RIGHTS,DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,FAMILY SUPPORT AND CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT. Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission at Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiy Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

The general public is hereby given notice that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 The Trustees are : 1. Ajanaku Akanbi Micheal (President) 2.Ajanaku Rachael A (Vice President) 3.Ajanaku Ayomide Samuel (Pastor In Charge) 4.Akintola Bisi James (Treasurer) 5.Ogundele Emmanuel Abiodun (Evangelist In Charge) 6.Oyelowo Samuel Tunde (Secretary) AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission at Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiy Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

The General Public is hereby notified that the above name CHRCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990

DEPENDABLE EXCELLENT GOD FAVOUR MINISTRY

AGRICULTURAL PRACTICAL EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE FOR ALL

THE PAVILION LIVING WORD MINISTRY

The General Public is hereby notified that the above name CHRCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 The Trustees are: 1) Oghenekobiruo ogheneoriovo 2) Onyeka Stanley Martin Chukwudubem, (3) Tochukwu Nweke, (4) Muojekwu linus Chukwuemeka Aims and Objective 1 To proagate the gospel unto salvation 2 To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world 3 To Evangelise Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission at Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiy Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

THE SOWER SUPPORT INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIR COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1.

ANJORIN SUNDAY - PRESIDENT 2.

ADEKUNLE AKINTAYO - BOARD CHAIRMAIN 3.

MRS ELOHO ENIH- SECERTARY 4.

ADELEKE KABIR- LEGAL ADVISER AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY AMONG ALL ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION AREA 11 GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

STAR HOLDERS CLUB OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Sule Damilola Steven 4. Dr Dare Isaac Olulana 2. Mrs Damilola Jane Ebele 5. Barrister Onoja Gabriel Unekwuojo 3. Mr Sule Safiyu Oluwaniyi

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

The Trustees Are:(1) Adekuoroye Igbekele John (4) Ariyo Makanjuola (2) Akinyemi Olabode (5) Akintola Taiwo (3) Ariyo Kehinde Raimi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To empower economically active women 2. To reduce poverty among Nigerians 3. To increase the standard of living of the Nigerian women.

The Aims And Objectives Are:1. TO PROMOTE PEACE,UNITY AND LOVE AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO CARE FOR MEMBERS WELFARE. 3. TO GIVE MORAL, FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT TO MEMBERS WHENEVER THE NEED ARISES. 4. TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERSHIP EMPOWERMENT Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

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

SIGNED: GABRIEL ONOJA GABRIEL ONOJA & CO BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 1, ISOLA CLOSE, IWO ROAD, IBADAN.

Trustees are Pastor Charles Chiemeka Madueke and Pastor (mrs) sandra Evbusogie Madueke.

Aim is to propagate the gospel of Jesus christ.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission at Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiy Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Osunkoya Dolapo Olayemi

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIR COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DAVID CHUKS OLEKA 2. KETTY NDUONOFIT. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Is for the propagation of the kingdom message and souls winning and to ensure that God will is done according to the gospel.

Moreover reaching the unreached and saving the unsaved is God command for all kingdom labourers in the kingdom works.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission at Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiy Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198 Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Mr Ibitoye Sesan Bankole (2) Barrister (Mrs) Omolara Abosede Obajuluwa (3) Pastor Akolo Samuel Abejide (4 ) Mr Akinnike Micheal Oluwatobiloba THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) TO EDUCATE, MENTOR,EMPOWER,FOSTER & SUPPORT THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL FOR QUALITY IN EDUCATION IN AFRICA. (2) PROVIDE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR LEARNING, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY:- SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

LIVING STONE BAPTIST CHURCH; FESTAC TOWN

GALAXY DOMINION & POSSIBILITY CHAPEL

23

CHRIST TOTAL SUBMISSION ASSEMBLY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. MR MAKINDE, ADEMOLA STEPHEN KAYODE 2. MR WEKPE, CHARLES OMAR 3. MRS FAKILE , VICTORIA AJIBOLA 4. MRS ADEGBOLA, FUNMILAYO DERINOLA 5. REVD TELA, ABIOYE OLASUNKANMI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:TO PROPAGATE THE FULL GOSPEL OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST TO THE TOTAL MAN IN TRUTH AND SINCERITY Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY:- MR MAKINDE, ADEMOLA STEPHEN KAYODE ( CHAIRMAN)

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

The Trustees Are:1. Emmanuel Sossa 2. Esther Jerimiah 3. Sylvester Okhai The Aims And Objectives Are:( 1) To Preach The Gospel Globally (4) Charity To The Less Privilege (2) Counselling And Guidance (5) Social Welfare Services ( 3) Assistance And Aids Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY:- SYLVESTER OKHAI SECRETARY

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

The Trustees Are: 1.Prophet/Pastor Godwin lfechukwude John 2. Pastor Okhiria Bose Christiana 3. Elder EkundayoSegun Eliot 4. Elder Mumonwu Augustine Bazin Aims And Objectives: 1. To spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To acquire properties for missions and church planting 3. To teach the bible and discipline men into deeper spiritual experience with God. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyiironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication Signed: Trustees.

CHRIST STARS INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE

OSORO FREEDOM LINE AUTO PARTS DEALERS ASSOCIATION LADIPO LAGOS

CAREFULNESS OF LIVING OUR ENVIRONMENT THROUGH AWARENESS IN NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Akaolisa chukwuma jerome 4. Onwe philip Egba 2. Offor Obinna Abel 5. Madu Gilbert 3. Nwnnan Cajtan 6. Ezeigbo Benjamin E.P Aims And Objectives: 1. To foster unity, peace and progress amongst members of the association 2. To promote understanding and instill discipline amongst the members 3.To help one another in areas of good purpose.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent of Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication Signed: Trustees

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLUSEGUN ADEBAYO ARIYO - CHAIRMAN 2. TPL RAHEEM OLUYINKA GANIYAT - SECRETARY 3. YINKA AGUNLOYE (PHD) - MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO SUSTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARD, SAFETY AND AWARENESS THAT SOUND THE ALARM AND PROPAGATE CONSIDERABLE DEGREE OF CONVENIENCE FOR HABITABLE LIVING 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 SIGNED: BARR DOMINIC FRIDAY 08068399996

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

THE TRUSTEE ARE: 1. TAIWO VICTORY 2. WELLINGTON OFOSE 3. OYEFADERIN ADEDAMOLA PATRICK AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO TRANSFORM LIVES 2. TO RAISE LEADERS 3. TO BRING LOST SOULS TO CHRIST Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent of aguiyiironsi street maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED: TRUSTEES

AGBAMU DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

CHRIST-LIFE INT’L PROPHETIC EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. PROFESSOR RAPHAEL ABIODUN OLAWEPO -PRESIDENT/FOUNDER 2. MR. AYORINDE ADEDOYIN -VICE PRESIDENT 3. MR. EMMANUEL ADEYEYE OYEBANJI -SECRETARY 4. MR. ADENIYI OLARENWAJU OLUWATUNDE -MEMBER 5. MR. YINKA FEMI OPADERE -MEMBER 6. MR. BAKARE ABIMBOLA MONSURAT -MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO SUPPORT IN THE PROVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES SUCH AS HOSPITAL, WATER, SECURITY AND SCHOOLS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGBAMU COMMUNITY. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: ILUMAH THOMAS O. ESQ. PP. WALLSTREET & PARTNERS SUITE 1013 ANBEEZ PLAZA WUSE ZONE 5 ABUJA FCT 08035388569, 08097520389

GOSPEL PATHFINDERS MISSIONS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. PROPHETESS TEMITAYO ADEKUNLE – MEMBER 2. BRO OLUWATOBI OYEWALE – MEMBER 3. EVANG. ADEKUNLE AJIBOLA – SECRETARY 4. FAITH DAMISA AZOROBODO – TREASURER 5. REV. ADEKUNLE OYEWALE – FOUNDER/G.O 6. ABIDEEN QUADRI ONI RABIU 7. PST OLAYEMI OLATINJI 8. EDWIN PATRICK 9. MRS MODUPE ADELEYE 10. MR. DAVID OLOTU

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

J127 INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. REV. JULIUS MSHELIZA 2. MAJOR GENERAL FEMI ADEOSUN (RTD) 3. MR. DELE AROGUNDADE 4. MRS. KEMI AROGUNDADE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO REACH OUT TO ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND THOSE WHO CANNOT HELP THEMSELVES AND GIVE THEM HOPE AND A REASON TO LIVE WELL IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR. (MRS) OGHENEMASE ADEBAYO FARMASE & ASSOCIATES C 80 PHASE 2 ARMY POST HOUSING ESTATE KURUDU ABUJA 08037290826

DEW OF GRACE ASSEMBLY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. ALBERT KEKONG BISONG(FOUNDER) 5. DCN ALBERT NWOGU 2.FLORENCE TITILOPE BISONG 6. PST. IDAHODA OSAMHANZE 3.DR.STEPHEN NCHA OCHANG 7. VEN. (DR).ADEYEMI AGBELUSI 4.SIR EMET MBELU, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: BAR. DOMINIC ADEDEJI, 08034613314

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD. 2. TO TAKE CARE OF THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 3. TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

RADCOR IMAGING AND DIAGNOSTICS FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. DR. CHIKAODILI ILOANUSI LOGIE - CHAIRMAN 2. DR. SALLY NGOZI OZOUGWU - SECRETARY 3. DR. NNEKA NKECHINYELU ANI - VICE CHAIRMAN 4. DR. AMAKA OBIAGELI NNAMANI - MEMBER 5. DR. PHILIP CHINEDU OKERE - MEMBER 6. DR. NNEKA IFEYINWA ILOANUSI - MEMBER 7. BARR. ONYEMUCHE NNAMANI - MEMBER 8. ENGR. ARINZE OZOUGWU - MEMBER 9. PRINCE ERIC OBIORA ANI - MEMBER OBJECTIVES: 1. TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE BY INCREASING THE AVAILABILITY OF ADVANCED MEDICAL IMAGING AND PROVIDING PROMPT DIAGNOSIS OF VARIOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS. 2. TO ESTABLISH AND PROMOTE EXEMPLARY STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS THROUGH EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND IMAGING DECISION SUPPORT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: UKAGA O. K. ESQ. 08033155820

GENUINE PATRIOTIC YOUTH FOR SOCIAL CHANGE AND EMPOWERMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. AKINPELU MUFUTAU ADEWUNI MNI. 2. HAJIYA SULEIMAN ADESUWA HALIMA. 3. MUHAMMAD OLAITAN SAHEED 4. ONABEKUN ISIAKA ADEKUNLE MNIOB AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. HELPING THE YOUTH DISCOVER THEIR LEADERSHIP ROLE. 2. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF THE INDIGENT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR FARUK SUFYAN

TRUSTEES: 1. MR. EMMANUEL NSA 2. DR. UGOEZE ENEOGWE 3. MR. ADEDAPO PETER ADEBAYO 4. BARR. (MRS) OGHENEMASE ADEBAYO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN EVERY UNREACHED TRIBE IN OBUDU LAND, TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN NORTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NORTHERN REGIONS OF EVERY STATE IN NIGERIA, AFRICAN AND NATIONS OF THE WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: FARMASE & ASSOCIATES C 80 PHASE 2 ARMY POST HOUSING ESTATE KURUDU ABUJA 08037290826

COOK AND STEAM CARE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES 1) EDMUND NWAORA ANIONWU 2) ODINAKA ANIONWU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) TO ACT AS THE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ARM OF COOK AND STEAM LTD 2) TO ASSIST ORPHANS 3) TO PROPAGATE CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: O. MARX IKONGBEH ESQ. EVERLAW ASSOCIATES 08173342216

HEROES OF NICOHO DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SAMUEL ESIAKPOYERE - CHAIRMAN 6. ERIC IYERE 2. AMINU MOHAMMED - SECRETARY 7. ADE YAKUBU 3. SHERIFF ABIBU 8. AKUT IBRAHIM 4. MABEL ABDUL-OMAGI 9. ISTIFANUS SILAS 5. AYOMI OJISUA-AGHEDO 10. PHILIP EMOKPARE The aim and objective: 1. To protect the interest of its members ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION Signed: Secretary

24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Oil swap probe: Sanctions await defaulting firms – Dogara Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏSpeaker of

the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has declared that companies found culpable in the ongoing investigation of the oil swap agreement contract by the NNPC will be sanctioned, even as he said that the probe is not aimed at witch-hunting any person.

He said the investigation is aimed at reviewing and repositioning the nation’s oil sector to make it more productive and transparent.

Speaking while declaring open the public hearing organized by the House ad hoc committee investigating the oil swap agreement contract of the NNPC at the

National Assembly complex on Tuesday, Dogara said it has become imperative, with the free fall in the price of crude oil in the international market to improve on the available resources and utilise the oil revenue to drive the economy in order to stimulate development in the country.

He explained that “our goal here is not to witchhunt, no! It is essentially a diagnostic review with the aim of repositioning the oil sector to perform its role as a major primer of the nation’s development.

“The issue of transparency in the management of the oil sector considering its significance to the economy of Nigeria is at the very heart of our nation’s development

challenge, especially at this time of dwindling revenue resulting from the continued drop in oil prices.

“As at yesterday, oil, I understand, was trading at $28 dollar from about $114 it traded as at September, 2015. You don’t have to be an economist to observe that if we do not improve on the management of available resources and effective utilsation of oil/petroleum resources to drive the economy, our developmental aspirations will continue to emaciate. It is in recognition of this pivotal role which the oil sector plays in aiding development that the present House of Representatives decided to place enormous emphasis on the improvement of the sector especially,

OMOTOLA TIMOTHY

and to insist on the transparent, professional, and efficient management of all resources. This is the only way the Change of Agenda of this administration can be actualised.”

He further explained that the essence of the investigation is to expose abuses and losses to the Nigerian nation with a view to revitalise the sector to make it more efficient and transparency driven, against the backdrop that public investment that has been made in the oil sector and the returns Nigerians have enjoyed from the sector between 2010 to date do not tally and other issues surrounding the nation’s oil management company, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

IGWEDINMAH CHINONSO

EZEIKE LILIAN CHIOMA

CHRISTOPHER CHARLES

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UDOH LILIAN CHIOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZEIKE LILIAN CHIOMA. All documents bearing my former name remain valid.

IMT, NYSC and General Public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGINYI ALEKE now wish to be known and addressed as ALEKE CHRISTOPHER CHARLES. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. First Bank and General Public take note.

This is to confirm that Sunday Omotola, Timothy Omotola and Sunday Omotola Timothy refers to one and the same person.Now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY OMOTOLA TIMOTHY. All former documents remain valid. United Bank for African plc,Guarantee Trust Bank and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS DURUIBE CHINONSO STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IGWEDINMAH CHINONSO STELLA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

AZEESAT KIKELOMO ESHILOKUN

JEMILAT J. YAHAYA

ONYUKWU NKWO OGE I, formerly known and addressed as ONYUKWU VICTORIA NKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYUKWU NKWO OGE. UBA and the general public please take note.

MODUPE MARGARET AWELEWA I, formerly known and addressed as ADETOKUNBO MODUPE MARGARET OLALEYE (Miss), now wish to be known and addressed as ADETOKUNBO MODUPE MARGARET AWELEWA (Mrs). All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINWANDE KIKELOMO AZEESAT(MISS) now wish to be known and addressed as AZEESAT KIKELOMO ESHILOKUN former documents remain valid. Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and the general public to take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JULIANA BELLO SADIQ, now wish to be known and addressed as JEMILAT J. YAHAYA(Mrs). All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

SIWONIKU OPEOLUWA CECILIA

NWADINOBI UGOCHI CHARIS

OSIGWE NKIRUKA EUNICE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olayiwola Opeoluwa Cecilia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Siwoniku Opeoluwa Cecilia. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eze melvis Ogo, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Nwadinobi Ugochi Charis. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBOGU NKIRUKA EUNICE, now wish to be known and addressed as OSIGWE NKIRUKA EUNICE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OKERE UJU ABIGAIL I formerly known and addressed as MISS EZECHUKWU UJU ABIGAIL now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKERE UJU ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

PROMISE NNE ALUMONA I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NKWACHUKWU AZUBUIKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS PROMISE NNE ALUMONA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

ISAH LAWAN WADA I formerly known and addressed as ISAH YAHAYA now wish to be known and addressed as ISAH LAWAN WADA. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

HANAFI BOLAJI

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NWAOZOR ADAKU EUCHARIA

I formerly known and addressed as Madu Adaku Eucharia wish to be known and addressed as Nwaozor Adaku Eucharia. All former documents remain valid general public take note

Vandalism: Defence minister reads riot act to soldiers

Dan Ali

Monday Osayande Asaba

ÏÏÏMinister

of Defence, Brig-Gen. Monsur Dan Ali has warned soldiers involved in pipeline vandalism not to be found aiding criminals, saying that anyone found wanting would face the full wrath of the law.

Addressing a combined team of soldiers, navy and air force personnel yesterday at the 3 Battalion, Nigeria Army Barracks, Effurun, Delta State, the Defence minister assured that the Federal Government would equip the Armed Forces to deal with present security challenges.

Besides, he assured that the present government will do everything humanly possible to address various

OKPARA FAVOUR

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS KANU IFEOMA FAVOUR, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKPARA FAVOUR IFEOMALOVEDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SUNDAY CAROLINE I, formerly known and addressed as IBEAWUCHI CAROLINE CHIATUOGU, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IGWENEME BLESSING NGOZI I, formerly known and addressed as IRULO HELEN CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as IGWENEME BLESSING NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

challenges confronting the military as well as issue of welfare.

Also speaking at the site of the gas pipeline attacked by militants in Egwa 1 Community, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state, the minister said that they have ordered that those behind the dastardly act should be fished out as quickly as possible.

According to him, criminals are enemies of the Federal Government whose mission is to sabotage the nation’s economy and destablize the security networks of the country.

“Soldiers must change their attitude and character to work, they must be loyal at all times but anyone who fraternize with criminals will not be spared,” the minister said.

Dan Ali, who was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olanisakin, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe-Ibas, Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major General Alani Okunlola, Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola and other top military officers, admonished soldiers to do what is good at all times.

ATTAH PATIENCE FITUMI

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HANNAH OGHENETEGA

I formerly known, called and addressed as Miss. OKIEMUTE HANNAH OGHENETEGA. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. ULEBOR HANNAH OGHENETEGA. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, General public should please take note.

UGOCHUKWU DAVID I formerly known and addressed as ONWU UGOCHUKWU DAVID now wish to be known and addressed as ONWUNEGBUIKE UGOCHUKWU DAVID. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. Access Bank and General Public take note.

SHULAMMITE OKEYINKA I formerly known and addressed as Ngozi Shulammite Chikwendu now wish to be known and addressed Ngozi Shulammite Okeyinka. All former document remain valid general public should please take note.

FO

R

L SA

E

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

25 Opinion

Adieu, Uche Okeke (1933 – 2015) Nku di na mba na eghelu mba nni

(A people’s wood is their source of cooking fire – Igbo proverb).

The sad news came early in the year that one of the Zaria Rebels has gone to join the ancestors.

Aurora is highly honoured to be the medium through which Dr. Pat Oyelola shares her memories of the great Uche Okeke with the world.

ÏÏÏ He plunged his hands in

Ana’s spring, Drew waters of vivifying power, Gave them to the young And bade them drink.

He took patterns from the mother’s skillful hands, Showed them to the young And bade them see.

Now swirls of forgotten uli Live again.

The bodies that wore them once, long gone, But colours glow on canvas, Engravings dance across the wood, Smoke from the people’s cooking fire.

Pat Oyelola After struggling for years with the disabling after-effects of a stroke, Uche has returned to the embrace of Ana, whose disciple he was on this earth.

Uche’s frailty of body in his latter years, however, could not diminish the power and influence of the vision of his youth. His theory of “National Synthesis” advocated a harmonious blend of all that is good in both Nigerian and European culture to arrive at artistic statements

relevant for our place and time. He turned to a female Igbo body-painting technique, Uli, practised by his mother, analysing its underlying design principles where space is as eloquent as line and form.

From this grew a modern art movement, ULISM, nurtured in Nsukka. “Uche and modern Nigerian art”, published by the National Gallery, Abuja, edited by Dr. P. C. Dike and Dr. Patricia Oyelola (this writer), contains a comprehensive collection of essays covering Uche’s life and work. The art historian, Simon Ottenberg analyses Uche’s work and his influence on younger artists in “The poetics of line”.

On the way back from the Community Museum in Nri maintained by the University of Ibadan in the 90s, I visited Uche at the Asele Institute in Nimo. The institute extends over three storeys, housing a gallery, a library-cum-conference hall and the family’s living quarters. The library contains a vast, wide-ranging collection of art books acquired by Uche through barter. He would request a

Okeke

particular book and offer in exchange a book published in Nigeria but unavailable elsewhere. The compound was full of projects in progress – a children’s center, an eating place…

The last time I saw Uche was about three years ago at the 80th birthday celebration exhibition of Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya at Nike’s Gallery in Lekki, Lagos. Uche and Bruce were classmates in Zaria and maintained a close, brotherly relationship ever since. Uche made a slow and painful entry into the hall, hailed joyfully

by Nike, Bruce and everyone present.

Is it not time we had an Emergency Stroke Treatment Center in every state of the Federation where prompt medical intervention could save years of unnecessary suffering?

The female in focus “Asele …epitomizes the finest qualities of the designer, namely the aesthetic and ethical conscience of the Earth Mother, and the manipulative

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skill of the genius Badunka” It is an uli design by Uche Okeke’s mother and her face, the beautiful face of a strong and capable woman, which greets the reader opening in pages of “Art in Development – a Nigerian Perspective” in which Uche expounds his theories of modern Nigerian art. The female principle, embodied in Ana is of fundamental importance in Igbo philosophy. Ana is “the mainspring of creativity” as well as the custodian of the mores and ethics of the people. It is therefore not surprising that Uche Okeke chose a female Igbo art form, Uli, as inspiration for what was to become a major art movement in the Nigerian art of the late 20th Century, centered at the University of Nsukka.

The rejection of ethnic and national identity as a definition of self is becoming fashionable among some contemporary Nigerian artists, particularly those living abroad who are desirous of being absorbed into the

mainstream of international art. They wish to be known as “artists” to avoid the stereotypical image of “African” with its connotation of exoticism which still persists in the minds of many who have had no direct contact with any part of the African continent.

However, the time and place which shaped Uche Okeke and his contemporaries as artists imposed on them a very different attitude towards the concept of identity. When they entered the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1958, Nigeria was still under colonial rule. The education syllabus and text books at primary, secondary and tertiary levels were all of British origin: they did not take into consideration the social, historical or cultural background of the Nigerian students. Books on Nigeria’s art history had not yet been written, although scattered articles could be found in the pages of The Nigerian Field (estab. 1931) and Nigerian Magazine (estab. 1932). Zaria itself, site of the Nigerian College, was a Muslim city in northern Nigeria, far from great art traditions of the south.

It is not surprising in these combined circumstances that the art students of Zaria found it imperative to assert their own national and ethnic identity in their work to prove that Nigeria was not a cultural tabula rasa. Yusuf Grillo’s figurative painting, executed in subtle, subdued colours, reflects the humanistic spirit of Yoruba art. Bruce Onobrakpeya’s prints are

replete with references to art from all over Nigeria, as well as his own Urhobo culture.

Perhaps it was Uche Okeke’s overriding interest in drawing which led him to research the graphic tradition of uli design and to apply its motifs and principles to his work.

By so doing, he was responsible not only for supplying the inspiration for a new school of painting, but also for focusing attention on a little known female art form. The contribution of women to art in Nigeria had long been overlooked by the international community due to the high monetary value collectors placed on sculpture produced by men. However, in their own community, the work of women potters and textile artists was valued and appreciated, as were the ephemeral designs on walls and the human body, and intricately fashioned hairstyles, all created by women.

Through Uche Okeke’s faith in the abiding relevance of indigenous cultural values and his commitment to art teaching the uli practised by women has given rise to an internationally recognized school of modern Nigerian art which, while bearing the unmistakable stamp of Igbo culture, carries an aesthetic appeal which transcends ethnic and national boundaries.

(From NKU DI NA MBA: Uche Okeke and Modern Nigerian Arts. Paul Chike Dike and Patricia Oyelola (eds.), 2003: 304); Dr. Pat Oyelola is the author of Nigerian Artistry.

O’Yemi Afolabi can be reached at oyemiajike@ gmail.com / @oyemiajike

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Features

Features 26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Æs

REVOLUTION IN ANAMBRA TRANSPORT SYSTEM:

Obiano sets template for future economic development The administration of Governor Willie Obiano in Anambra State at inception gave each of its ministries a point of departure upon which they would leverage on.

Chief of this is the state ministry of transport which before now has been one of the sick babies of the state in the area of governance.

Against this back drop, the transport ministry took a bold step poised at reviving and repositioning itself for optimal results.

Apparently aware of the transport challenges in the state, government teed off with a transport scheme for civil servants.

This gave birth to the launching of a mass transit scheme by Governor Willie Obiano that has, to a large extent, subsidised the cost of transportation on the part of civil servants and members of the public.

Similarly, the government embarked on the training of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO). The governor at the occasion informed that the training was part of the state government’s efforts to save lives and to ensure the efficiency of the officers in the discharge of their duties.

While expressing his government’s readiness to give the state’s highways a face lift free from accidents, Obiano said his administration is interested in the resuscitation of the operations of the VIOs in Anambra state which, he noted, was non-functional since the retirement of the last VIO Officer in June 2013.

Also speaking at the flag off, the state

Governor Willie Obiano’s administration at inception streamlined key players of his government to focus on making Anambra State the industrial and commercial hub of the South-East geo- political zone. State correspondent NKIRU NWAGBO reviews the new look transport system in the state.

Obiano inspecting the new ATMA officials

Commissioner for transport, Engr.

Ifeanyi Ejikeme said two companies Oliswarren Associates and Philips Smith Security Limited – would be conducting the training of the newly recruited VIO officers as directed by the Ministry of Transport.

“The training of the traffic officers would involve lectures from different

governmental agencies such as Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Officer (Abia State) and Awareness Against Anti Social Behaviours, a Non- Governmental Organisation, affiliated with the United Nations (UN) and International Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons

Exxon Mobil, Foundation prepare students for leadership, sustainability Tomeb Foundation, a body committed to preparing students from the secondary schools to university levels for professional and leadership heights in partnership with Exxon Mobil recently held a workshop for students of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba in Lagos.

The seminar with the theme Achieving Goals - was organised to give leadership blueprints to final year medical students of the tertiary institution.

AS part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Exxon Mobil, an oil exploration giant and Tomeb Foundation recently held a seminar to prepare final year medical students of University of Lagos (UNILAG) for a better tomorrow. ISMAILA OGUNTADE reports for features desk.

Participants were exposed to talks and lectures at the seminar which held at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) auditorium, Idiaraba, Surulere. Participants were given copies of a book titled The Personal Business Plan: a blueprint for running

your life, courtesy of Exxon Mobil.

Dr Ibipo Abdurraheem-Salami from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in his address noted that young medical practitioners

Continued on page 27

(ICANW) among others,” Ejikeme said.

Following the success story of the activities of VIOs across the country, the state government flagged off the Anambra Traffic Management Agency (ATMA), the Ocha Brigade and the City Cab Scheme (CCS).

Speaking at the event, Governor Obiano said ATMA has been reengineered, restructured and charged with the administration, control and management of road traffic matters with additional 200 ATMA officers well trained at the highly internationally recognised FRSC Academy at Udi, Enugu state.

The modus operandi of the Agency will be to ease traffic congestion, direct traffic and enhance a sustainable, transportation system in Anambra. the governor said.

While tasking them on efficiency in the discharge of duty, he urged them to bring determination, zeal and energy to bear into their new assigned responsibilities.

Obiano also disclosed that construction

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Continued from page 26 of three flyovers in Awka, the Anambra State capital to tackle traffic congestion at strategic points in Nigeria’s south-east states is ongoing.

In a brief ceremony Gov Obiano gave the new officers their certificates and awarded deserving officers who distinguished themselves in the course of training with executive gift items.

The Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kingsley Nwegbe, assured the Governor that the cadets have received the best of training and are thoroughly prepared to effectively function as traffic managers.

The State Commissioner for Transport, Ifeanyi Ejikeme was also of the opinion that the new officers opened a new vista of vitality to the operations of traffic management.

While commissioning the City Cab Scheme the Governor revealed that the scheme was set up to empower the youths to own their own cars through hirepurchase, enhance a cleaner and modern transport system in Anambra State and increase internally generated revenue.

Also benefiting from the revolution in the transport sector were the drivers who were

27

We aim to empower youths to own their cabs —Obiano

Obiano

subjected to improvement test.

According to the Public Relation Officer of the Ministry, Mr. Stanley Onunkwo, “the Vehicle Test is aimed at ensuring that all public, private and commercial transit vehicles are roadworthy, conform to road safety standard requirements, update drivers on traffic rules and regulations as well as make professional drivers competent enough to face traffic challenges on roads.

“The exercise is also targeted at educating drivers on maintenance culture of their vehicles for optimum performance and certificates will be given to drivers who passed the test.”

Daily Times gathered that the vehicle test is in line with Governor Obiano’s passion and emphases on road safety which made his administration to work towards improving good road network and road furniture in order to make Anambra state roads safer and better.

In order to streamline commercial transport system, the Governor further ordered free registration of commercial motorcycles and tricycles.

Speaking at the registration centre, Engr. Ifeanyi Ejikeme told the operators that Anambra State Government has no intention to scrape motorcycle transportation in the state, but warned them to stay off the restricted routes.

“All the Okada/Keke Operators present for the

registration will be registered irrespective of the fact that some of them have fake plate numbers and licenses,” Ejikeme said and enjoined them to meet the motor License Authority (MLA) at the registration centre to obtain information on how to procure genuine license for their bikes and tricycles.

The Transport Minister further informed them that the registration is divided into three Senatorial Districts with Awka district comprising Awka and its environs.

“Each district has its own vest coloured for identification, Awka and its environs can be identify with orange colour and each vest has the code numbers of every registered operators written boldly on it.

“All motorcycle riders in the state must register and have biometric data captured with state origin; all motorcycle riders in the state must have operators permit issued by the State Ministry of Transport through charms PLC. “All motorcycle riders

must wear protective crash safety helmet and provide one for his passenger on board.

Motorcycle riders must not carry more than one passenger at a time and especially, no motorcycle rider should operate commercial motorcycle after attaining the age of 65 years,” Ejikeme said.

Further on the tricycle registration, the MOT directed that all tricycle riders in the state must register their tricycles with FRSC number plates issued by the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue Service; that tricycle riders in the state must charge same fare per drop except when on charter trips.

The new drive aimed at reviving the transportation sector in Anambra State no doubt speaks volumes of government determination in ensuring safety on its high ways and also create template for future economic development through transportation sector in the South-Easter parts of the country.

Exxon Mobil, Foundation prepare students for leadership, sustainability Continued from page 26 are not immune from the wave of global unemployment problems and the situation is not helped by the continuous decline in the quality of training fresh practitioners are exposed to, Abdurraheem–Salami added.

Speaking on the topic ‘Principle and Practice of Goal Setting and Achievement’, Abdurraheem–Salami told the final year students not to wait until they are decked in their graduation gowns before making plans for their future, but rather begin strategising on how to succeed from the very beginning of their educational pursuit.

“Write down your goals, be clear in your objectives and make plans to achieve them and work on your plan every single day,” he counseled.

“Certain people dread setting goals because they feel it is not important or that they may not be realistic, while others may be afraid of mockery that may come from their peers in anticipation of their inability to meet their set goals even as time ticks by.”

Abdurraheem-Salami therefore admonished them to adopt the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound) principle in setting their goals.

Country Managing Director (Accenture), Mr. Niyi Yusuf, who spoke on ‘Art and Science of Self-knowledge’ challenged participants to identify their inner assets, as self-awareness would help them know their strength, weakness, values, and habits among others for self-improvement.”

To continue thriving in life, Yusuf said all they need is to continue to do what they are passionate about, while doing away with what would not add value to their lives. Abduraheem –

Olaitan, Ogunsola, Yusuf and Akinleye at the event.

Salami also urged them to do away with any situation or individual that could distract them from their goals.

He challenged participants to ponder over some posers such as, what drove them to their present situation, the kind of company they keep and the environment they go; the passion behind their goal; how exceptional they are among their contemporaries; their understanding of success, as well as optimising the face of travails among others.

“If you can provide answers to those questions, you can surely place yourselves on a scale and see how they fare with respect to making it in life.

“Because we are all different in the way we react to things, learn and synthesise information, it is helpful to occasionally spend time in selfreflection to gain better insight into ourselves,” Yusuf advised.

He further said everyone is valuable and unique; “Everyone has a unique contribution to make in life the responsibility for making that contribution lies solely with that individual,” he added.

Founder, Tomeb Foundation, Mr. Tunde Popoola said the non-profitmaking body which his family started in 2012, focuses on: education, youth development, leadership and sustainability.

“What we are doing today is part of the activities we usually carry out to engage young people. Our vision is to inspire people and communities to be able to do more with their lives.”

Popoola who also delivered the third lecture: ‘Dealing with procrastination’ said the foundation offers scholarship to secondary school students, mentoring to aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as leadership training through seminars.

Pillars in hot chase of Chikatara!

K

ano Pillars have said Nigeria CHAN hero Chisom Chikatara has given them his words that he would sign for them in the new season should he still be in the domestic league by then.

Abia Warriors striker Chikatara, 21, announced his emergence on the international stage on Monday when he came off the bench to fire three goals for

Nigeria to beat Niger 4-1 and get off to winning start at CHAN 2016.

“We have not signed any contract papers with Chikatara, but he has given us his word that Kano Pillars is the club he will play for next season if by then he is still playing in the league,” Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa said.

“He approached us and he said he would

love to play for us.”

Last year, ‘Kolanut boy’ Chikatara had trials in Switzerland but Abia Warriors said the offer was too poor to consider.

Last season, Christian Obiozor joined Pillars after he scored the winner for Nigeria against Zimbabwe in a third-place match at the 2014 CHAN in South Africa.

Lahm wants to win treble for Guardiola

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Gabriel

scores first goal in Portugal N

igeria midfielder, Reuben Gabriel, scored his first career goal in Portugal on Monday as Boavista beat Vitória Setúbal 4-0.

Gabriel, who was booked in the 49th minute, made his point from a positive perspective just three minutes after he

was ticked off by referee, Carlos Xistra.

The former Kano Pillars man leapt highest in a crowded Vitória Setúbal penalty area to meet Renato Santos free kick with a towering header.

His effort left goalkeeper, Lucas Reader with no chance and temporarily gave the

S

Amanfor quits

Enyimba, s r e g n a R s n i o j

hosts a 2-0 lead at Estádio do Bessa Século XXI. Gabriel has played in 12 of Boavista’s 18 league games this season.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has said CHAN 2014 MVP Ejike Uzoenyi could leave the

Amanfor

triker, Chimezie Amanfor has joined Enugu Rangers for the coming 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The former Akwa United ace was a key performer in the colours of Nigerian champions, Enyimba in the out gone season.

Amanfor said he needs new challenge and more playing time which the Flying Antelopes will provide for him in the

Reuben Gabriel (right) in action for Boavista.

club if the right offer came.

Uzoenyi is still training with the club, but he was not registered by ‘The Brazilians’ for the current PSL season after he managed only a handful of games last season no thanks to injuries.

“We are going to release them to go if there is a team interested,” said Mosimane.

“But we have to honour their contracts, we can’t dump them.”

Uzoenyi is reportedly on 5 million Rands (more than 100 million Naira) a year at Sundowns.

coming league season.

“Yes, I have signed for Enugu Rangers for the upcoming NPFL season and I hope to achieve higher heights with the side.

“Enyimba do not offer me new challenges having won the Federation Cup as well as the league shield with the Aba outfit.

“Besides, I discovered that I was no longer getting enough playing time which every quality

player needs badly.

“I think the urge for new challenge and laurel is the overriding consideration to pitch tent with Rangers.

“More so I want to win titles in the colours of Enugu Rangers, at least, either the league or Federation Cup title.

“Rangers are good and quality side with dedication and hard work the task to win laurels will be achieved.

‘Akwa won’t add Super 4 numbers’

F

ederation Cup winners, Akwa United have said they will not make up the numbers at the 2016 NPFL Super 4 tournament in Kaduna and Uyo. The Promise Keepers will lock horns against NPFL runners-up, Warri Wolves in match day 1 clash today at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

The Uyo outfit stormed the Crocodiles city on Monday with new recruits, Bassey Akpan, Ubong Ekpai, Kufre Ebong and Michael Ibeh

as well as oldies, Godspower Igudia, Aniekan Ekpe, Emmanuel Ariwa, Olufemi Kayode, Namso Edo, Ubong Friday, among others.

An official of the side, Uwem Ekoh said the side will use the Super 4 platform to make a bold statement of their readiness to excel in the domestic and African scene.

“We are ready to be counted but not as underdogs at the NPFL Super 4 tournament.

“We will use the platform to prove to Nigerians of our readiness to campaign

favourably in the home front and Africa.

“I’m confident we won’t in worst case scenario go beyond the second spot at the Super 4 tournament.

“We are ready to kickoff our campaign on winning note against Warri Wolves today in Kaduna,” said Ekoh.

League champions, Enyimba will battle NPFL second runners-up, Nasarawa United in the second clash of the match day 1 fixture.

Akwa United players celebrate after winning the Federation Cup last year.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

EXTRATIME

29

CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016

Zahoui

DR Congo target second win

’ s e l g a E trio demand

D

R Congo will look to put on foot in the quarterfinals of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) when they face Angola in their second Group C match on Thursday afternoon.

The Leopards eased to a comfortable win in their opening match on Sunday, defeating Ethiopia 3-0 to establish themselves at the top of the Group C standings. They lead Cameroun – who beat Angola 1-0 – on goal difference.

DRC’s goals were scored by Guy Lusadisu, who netted a brace of goals, and Elia Meshak.

Angola, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back following their loss to the Indomitable Lions.

The Palancas Negras felt they should have gotten something out of the game, with Cameroun playing the final quarter with just 10 men after the sending off of Joseph Ngwem.

“We showed too much respect to our opponent early in the game, and were not masters of our game,” Angola coach Jose Kalamba said in the aftermath.

The Southern Africans need a positive result against the DRC if they are to remain in contention for a place in the next round.

starting shirts

Nigeria’s hat-trick hero Chisom Chikatara (left) on the prowl against Niger on Monday at the ongoing CHAN 2016 in Rwanda.

H

at-trick hero Chisom Chikatara, midfielder Usman Mohammed and defender Orji Kalu have pushed for starting shirts with Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the CHAN on the strength of their displays against Niger, officials have disclosed.

Chikatara came off the bench in the 58th minute to replace the hugely ineffective Tunde Adeniji and he showed his class with three well-taken goals and could even have scored more against Mena.

He has done more than enough to lead the Eagles strike force against Tunisia on Friday afternoon.

Usman Mohammed did more in the 20 minutes he was on the pitch than the older and more experienced

Bartholomew ‘Mosquito’ Ibenegbu produced in 70 minutes. “‘Mosquito’ was far apart from the two defensive midfielders, Paul Onobi and Ifeanyi Matthew. He could not thread a through pass to the attack, he did not follow the tactical instructions,” said one official.

Jamiu Alimi was outstanding in the team’s training camp in South Africa, but he was a nervous wreck in the heart of the defence against Niger on Monday so much so that he bagged a booking after a late reaction and he was promptly hauled off after just 16 minutes.

And his replacement Orji Kalu came in to post a solid display in central defence, a position he plays for his club Enugu Rangers, though the Eagles have used him in right back.

licks wounds, plots Syli Stars’ fall

N

iger coach Francois Zahoui praised Nigeria for their ruthless performance when they beat them 4-1 on Monday at the Stade Régional de Nyamirambo Stadium in Kigali Rwanda in a Group C encounter in the ongoing African Nations Championship 2016.

Zahoui was lost for words on what could have happened despite his team starting the game on a positive note against the favourites Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a very good side you could all see how they came back in the second half strongly and with determination.

“We kind of lost concentration immediately the second half begun and that is what finished us. We are in a very tough group, but what we can do is to

generously accept the defeat and start work on our next game because we tried our best against Nigeria but they proved to be too good,” Zahoui told reporters with a tinge of regret.

“We want to try and make amends in our next game but let’s remember Guinea are a very aggressive team but we will learn from our mistakes against Nigeria and try to give our best performance as it is a tournament not a league, “he added.

Zahoui

30

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

EXTRATIME

B

Bentancur

Real set to launch

Bentancur bid

B

oca Juniors president Daniel Angelici has opened the door to Real Madrid to try to sign highly rated midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

The 18-year-old has been linked with a potential €15million move to the Santiago Bernabeu in recent days, with Madrid thought to be eager to step up their recruitment process this month due to an impending two-window transfer ban.

While Angelici says Madrid are yet to formalise their interest, he has claimed Bentancur’s contract contains a release clause lower than the rumoured €15m fee and has invited Zinedine Zidane’s side to make an offer.

“We’ve still had no formal offer from Real Madrid for Bentancur,” he told reporters.

“The figure being put about is not correct.

His clause is lower than what is mentioned.”

arcelona head coach Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi is injury free but will not make a decision on whether he will face Athletic Bilbao today until earlier in the day.

Messi was forced off at half-time of his side’s 6-0 thrashing of Athletic on Sunday with a hamstring complaint, though tests confirmed he did not suffer any muscle damage.

But Luis Enrique, who stated after the match he was eager not to take undue risks with his star forward, has refused to state whether he will feature in the Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg.

“Messi is good, he does not have any injuries, just a little discomfort,” the Barca boss told the media on Tuesday.

When asked if Messi would benefit from sitting out certain games, Luis

Messi

B

V

F

rench Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet has defended his stance on Karim Benzema and claimed the Real Madrid striker has been victimised by the media. Benzema has been charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal conspiracy as part of an investigation into a sex-tape plot involving France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Messi treble for Guardiola

Marin denies Barca interest

Le Graet defends Benzema support

Enrique delays decision on

m h a L wants to win

BRIEFS

illarreal full-back Adrian Marin says he has heard nothing to suggest he is a concrete transfer target for Liga champions Barcelona. A report in Spain last week claimed Barca transfer chief Robert Fernandez had watched the 19-year-old in action against Athletic Bilbao with a view to launching a bid to sign him as future competition for Jordi Alba.

Marin, however, has dismissed the rumour and says he will not become distracted by any talk of a possible move.

Enrique simply replied: “Ask him.”

Luis Enrique also confirmed Neymar “is perfect” after he underwent some recovery work in training following Sunday’s victory.

Athletic played almost the entirety of Sunday’s Liga fixture with 10 men after goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz was sent off for bringing down Luis Suarez inside the penalty area.

Lahm

a y e r n Munich captain Philipp Lahm is hopeful the club can send-off outgoing coach Pep Guardiola by winning the treble.

Guardiola will call time on three years at Munich at the end of the current season as he seeks a move to England’s Premier League, but Lahm said he has provided Bayern with some special moments.

Lahm is sad to see Pep go, although he is looking forward to working under another one of the world’s most recognised coaches next season when Carlo Ancelotti arrives.

“I have had a lot of top

Simeone can be Atletico´s Fergie

—Juanfran

A

coaches, from Germany like Ottmar Hitzfeld, Felix Magath, Jupp Heynckes, and international greats like Louis Van Gaal, Pep Guardiola now and then another one coming in Carlo Ancelotti, who has won the Champions League on a number of occasions,” Lahm enthused.

“So I definitely look forward to that, but on the other hand I have had and still have a very good time with Pep. We understand each other well and it is enjoyable to play under him.

“But I have been playing since I was six and players and coaches come and go, so it is a natural part of the way things go and you accept and respect these decisions.”

tletico Madrid defender Juanfran has backed Diego Simeone to establish a legacy at the club to rival that of Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

The former Argentina international has

delivered stunning success in his first four years in charge at the Vicente Calderon, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League, as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2014.

Mandragora

Juve seal €6m deal for Mandragora

J

uventus have announced the signing of Genoa midfielder Rolando Mandragora for an initial fee of €6million.

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Serie A champions and will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Pescara.

Juve have confirmed the transfer fee could double to €12m depending on the player’s achievements in Turin.

Former Napoli and Inter defender Hugo Campagnaro described the midfielder as having “enormous potential” this week.

“He has an uncommon head for someone of his age,” he told reporters. “His movement is reminiscent of Thiago Motta but I can see the tactics and cunning of Javier Mascherano in him.”

Mandragora has made 16 appearances for promotion-chasing Pescara in Serie B so far this season.

Aguero

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

EXTRATIME

Curtis:

Ayew

S

wansea forward Andre Ayew is not for sale in the January transfer window, according to caretaker manager Alan Curtis.

Last week Sunderland made an approach to the Welsh club for the Ghana international.

The 26-year-old joined Swansea on a free transfer from Marseille last summer, and has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dreary season for the Swans.

Ayew no

t for sale!

Curtis, who will now work alongside new head coach Francesco Guidolin for the rest of the season, said: “There was talk of him going to Sunderland or

them making a bid.

“But we wouldn’t even entertain that as far as I am concerned. He is one of a number of big players for us and we don’t

Cech aiming to

want to lose anybody during the window.

“We want to bring people in and we will get somebody in. But if we don’t its important that no player goes out through the door.”

Curtis was speaking after Swansea picked up their second victory in five Premier League games by beating Watford 1-0 on Monday, thanks to captain Ashley Williams’ goal.

Curtis will remain part of the Swansea set-up under former Udinese boss Guidolin, who will be assisted by the former Chelsea midfielder Gabriele Ambrosetti, and the 61-year-old said he was happy to stand aside for the Italian.

match Cantona P

etr Cech helped Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League on Sunday - and in doing so moved a step closer to replicating a feat achieved only by Eric Cantona.

The former France striker became the first player to win back-to-back league titles with different clubs in the history of English football in 1993.

Now Cech, signed by Arsenal for £10m from last season’s Premier League winners Chelsea, has an opportunity to do the same.

While the defending champions continue to struggle in the bottom half of the table, a goalless draw at Stoke saw Arsenal move back to the summit on goal difference ahead of Leicester, with Manchester City a point further back in third.

Arsenal are searching for their first league win since 2003/04, while Cech won four Premier League titles during his 11-year stay at Chelsea.

Costa urged to join PSG D avid Luiz has urged Chelsea’s Diego Costa to join him at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazil international, who moved to the French champions from Chelsea for £40m in 2014, believes Costa is one of the world’s best strikers and would welcome him to the Parc des Princes.

Luiz and Costa have clashed in previous games against each other, but Luiz insists they always ended with a hug.

He said: “If Diego decides he has had

enough of England and wants a new challenge, he would be welcome here.

“Diego is one of the clinical strikers in Europe and would be a welcome addition to any team. I think PSG have made clear their intent over the last three or four seasons - that we only add the best players.

Cech

Costa

31

BRIEFS

Monreal

Monreal signs new Arsenal deal

A

rsenal defender Nacho Monreal has signed a new long-term contract.

Spain international Monreal joined the club from Malaga for £8.5m in January 2013 and has been a regular in Arsene Wenger’s side, featuring in all 22 of the Gunners’ Premier League matches this season.

Monreal, who usually plays at left-back but can also slot into the centre of defence when required, was praised by Wenger for both his individual play and overall approach.

“He has the consistency in his performances that is requested at the top level,” Wenger said.

“Overall, his attitude has been absolutely fantastic on a daily basis since he arrived here. He’s 100 per cent committed and I think as well he has always improved since he has arrived and has shown that in many big games as well.

“He’s calm, focused and dedicated.

He’s well-accepted and loved by his partners. He has the modest approach of a player who wants to give his best to the team.

“Everybody senses that and that’s why I think it’s important for the club to have that stability.

“Everyone in the Premier League would say that he has become a very strong player. Arsenal are gifted at the moment, I must say, with two top-class left backs Monreal and Kieran Gibbs.

“We have many young players.

They need to be surrounded by experienced players, especially at the back.

“We now have experience at the back. Nacho is part of that - he’s a good example for the young players and we have a good bunch of young players.”

The player himself says he has built a strong rapport with his team-mates and with Wenger, factors which led him to commit his future to the club.

Published by folio commUNicAtioNS ltD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948.

GROUP EDITOR: BioDUN DURoJAiYE News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.27

Price: N150

Messi Cech Enrique delays decision on

g 31

g 30

aiming to match Cantona

S

epp Blatter is still being paid by FIFA despite his suspension, a spokesman for the governing body’s Audit and Compliance Committee has confirmed.

Blatter was suspended for 90 days by FIFA on October 8, 2015 and then banned from the game for eight years last month for ethics violations over a £1.35m payment FIFA made to Michel Platini with Blatter’s approval in 2011.

But Blatter, who has been president of FIFA since 1998, will continue to be paid until a new president is elected on February 26, the spokesman Andreas Bantel said.

That would mean Blatter would have been paid for nearly five months during which time he was unable to carry out his duties, and a period in which FIFA has appointed an acting president, African soccer head Issa Hayatou.

The compensation sub-committee of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee recently ruled that it could stop Blatter’s bonuses but not, according to his contract, his salary.

“Until the election of a new president on February 26, Mr Blatter is the elected president and therefore - according to his contract - is entitled to receive his remuneration,” Bantel said.

Blatter’s lawyer and his Switzerlandbased spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment.

FIFA is facing the worst corruption crisis in it history as a total of 41 individuals and entities, including many former FIFA officials, have been charged with corruption-related offences in the United States. The US-led investigation is far from over and FIFA also faces a parallel Swiss probe.

Blatter’s bonuses have been stopped because he was not carrying out his duties of supervising the organisation, including its general secretary.

Only last week, FIFA announced that Jerome Valcke was fired from his position as general secretary. It gave no reason but an investigation had followed allegations of corruption related to World Cup ticket sales.

REVEALED!

r e t t Blla s ’ A F I F n o stil payroll

Blatter

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

BVN: CBN warns customers against change of names Page B3

NATCOM invests $1b in NITEL, begins operations Page B2 in March

Boosting FG’s non -oil revenue: CBN reduces stamp duty charges to N50

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Joy Ekeke

L-R: Divisional Head, Managed SMEs, Ken Opara; Executive Director, Shared Services & Products, Chijioke Ugochukwu; Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane and Founder, Leadership Effectiveness Accountability Professionalism Africa (LEAP), Ndidi Nwuneli at the Fidelity Bank SME Forum where Rewane shared valuable insights on the “Opportunities and Implications for the SMEs in the current state of the Nigerian economy”…on Tuesday.

Foreign transactions drop by 33% in 2015 Friday Atufe

Corruption at its peak in Nigerian Ports Page B4 - Aniebonam

NLC directs workers to ignore sack order by Imo State Government

Motolani Oseni In a bid to boost Federal Government revenue base in the nonoil sectors of the economy against of falling revenue in the from oil sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks operating in the country to reduce stamp duty charges to N50 per eligible transaction in accordance with provisions of the Stamp Duties Act. CBN in circular issued yester-

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has said that total foreign transactions decreased by 33.39 percent from N1, 538.92 billion recorded at the end of 2014 to N1, 025.07 billion at the end of 2015, while total domestic transactions decreased by 22.53 percent from N1,136.63 billion recorded at the end of 2014 to N880.56 billion recorded at the end of 2015.

The NSE stated this yesterday

in a data on its website, remarking that “on a monthly basis, the Nigerian Stock Exchange polls trading figures from major custodians and market operators on their foreign portfolio investments (FPI).

The NSE said the total domestic transactions increased by 7.26 percent from N55.2 billion in November to N59.21billion in December 2015, as against December 2014, total domestic transactions which decreased from N133.6 bil-

Soper

Scottish oil, gas trade delegation storms Nigeria

lion to N59.21 billion.

It also noted that the institutional composition of the domestic market which was about 47.17 percent in November increased to 67.86 percent at the end of December, whilst the retail composition decreased from 52.83 percent to 32.14 percent in the same period.

In comparison to December 2014, institutional composition decreased from 72.99 percent to 67.86 percent, whilst the retail composition increased from 27.01 percent

to 32.14 percent at end of the same period.

Comparing the performance of domestic investors vis a vis foreign investors in 2015, the NSE said total transactions at the nation’s bourse decreased by 41.72 percent from N189.72 billion recorded in January to N110.56 billion (about $0.56 billion) in December 2015, representing a decrease of 13.49 percent from N127.8 billion recorded in November.

Charles Okonji

by linking up with a Scotlandbased company.

According to the statement, the group will also be participating in the Offshore West Africa conference and exhibition holding at the Eko Hotel and Suites from 26-28 January, 2015 and promoting the strengths of the country’s very large oil and gas supply chain via a Scotland Pavilion.

Gary Soper, Regional Manager for Africa for Scottish Development International, who will be leading the delegation for this visit, said, “I am delighted

Arrangement has been concluded for Scottish oil and gas trade delegation to visit the country between 25th to 28th of January 2016.

This was contained in a press statement issued to the press by the British High Commission, on Tuesday 19th, January 2016.

The visiting trade team is coming with the intention of understanding the local market conditions and to hunt for potential local partners interested in enhancing their own offer

Workers in Imo state recently disengaged by the state government in a radio announcement have been directed by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to ignore the order and report at their duty posts as usual.

Three days after the Imo State Government suspended and stopped salaries of workers in 19 state-owned parastatals, agencies and departments through radio announcements, state Chairman of NLC, Mr. Austin Chilapku, has faulted the action stressing that it negates the principle of due process.

The state government had, in several radio announcements signed by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Jude Ejiogu, suspended the workers beginning from January 14, 2016, adding that they would be informed of any further re-engagement plans.

They were also directed to submit any government property in their possession within 48 hours, while the civil servants on secondment in the affected areas will be redeployed to their parent ministries. The statement said the parastatals were not yielding revenue, but had incurred huge expenditure for government. Governor Rochas Okorocha stressed that concessioning the affected agencies could open CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

to be bringing such a large trade delegation from Scotland and participating in the 20th edition of Offshore West Africa.”

“Our presence is aimed at promoting the strengths of the Scottish industry and developing ties with Nigerian businesses. Sub sectors represented include education and training; subsea engineering; winches; electrical product distribution; well construction and engineering services; and remote communications systems to name but a few.’’

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Boosting FG’s non-oil revenue: CBN reduces stamp duty charges to N50

Scottish oil, gas trade delegation storms Nigeria CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

day explained that it was in recognition of this fact that banks and other financial institutions were enjoined to support governments’ revenue generation drive through compliance with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act, LFN 2004 as reinforced by the court judgment in Suit No FHC/L/CS/1710/2013.

The apex banking regulating body noted that with immediate effect, all Deposit Money Banks (DBMs) and other financial intuitions should commence the charging of N50 per eligible transactions in accordance with provisions of the Stamp Duties Act and Federal Government Financial Regulations 2009, that is, all receipts given by any bank or other financial institution in acknowledgement of service rendered in respect of electronic transfer and teller deposits from N1, 000 and above.

The circular expressed that for the avoidance of doubt the following receipts are however exempted from imposition of Stamp Duties: Payments deposit or transfer by self to self-weather inter or intra bank and any form of withdrawal/ transfers from saving accounts.

The circular noted that, “each DMB shall open an account designated as NIPOST Stamp Duties Account into which all charges collected shall be paid.

“Other Financial Institution shall remit their Stamp Duty collections to any DMB of their choice,” the circular explained.

Emefiele

Ayeni

NATCOM invests $1b in NITEL, begins operations in March Tony Nwakaegho

NATCOM Development and Investment Limited, new owners of Nigerian Telecommunication Limited (NITEL) and its sister company, Mobile Telecommunication Limited (Mtel), has said it has spent about $1 billion to revive the moribund national carrier.

Mr. Olatunde Ayeni, chairman of NATCOM, said that the funds and other efforts would see the company roll out its mobile lines, and 4G/LTE services for broadband users and engage 4,000 employees across the country by March.

Ayeni told House of Representatives Joint Committees on Communication and Privatisation…, that his company would begin a phased rollout from Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt before expanding to other parts of the country.

He disclosed that the initial financial bid was increased to $252.251 million from $221 million when juxtaposed with the liquidator’s reserved price of $256 million.

NATCOM acquired assets and licences of NITEL and MTEL, percentage interest held in South-Atlantic 3 (SAT3) consortium, and identifiable

assets capable of generating viable business units.

“NATCOM’s full submission was duly made to NITEL/ MTEL’s liquidator and Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Enterprises on November 7, 2014.

NATCOM’s submission was accompanied by a bid bond in the amount of $10 million as stipulated in the liquidator’s Request for Proposal (RFP),” he said.

He disclosed that $10 million had been spent on SAT-3 system, quarterly dues to the consortium, system expansion and upgrade since the acquisition, adding that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had assigned another set of microwave frequency ranges to NATCOM upon request for N176.8 million, computed on the basis of 800 bases station network in the first instance.

NATCOM, he said was requested to pay an additional N6.6 billion to bridge the shortfall of the value of the Naira to the Dollar from N168 to N197, after the payment of the first installment of 30 per cent of the bid price within 14 days of approval by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and balance within the 90 days, Ayeni said.

The delegation has taken into consideration, the need to address local content as local participation issues has also been duly considered.

According to the statement, Scotland is a true global hub for oil and gas, as the oil and gas cluster makes a huge contribution to the Scottish economy and Scotland has grown many creative and innovative companies already operating in over 100 countries worldwide.

“Some Scotland-based companies are already operating in Nigeria, there is scope for more to be active here through developing partnerships and transferring some of the technologies and skills that have been built up over the 50 years of operating in the North Sea.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

opportunities for re-engaging the affected workers.

But Chilapku said: “We have asked our members in the mentioned parastatals to go for their normal duties; if they are molested, then labour will know what next to do.”

He insisted that the laid down procedures of downsizing must be followed through.

The parastatals, agencies and departments affected are Hospital Management Board, Headquarters, Imo Water Corporation, Imo Cattle Markets, Imo Sports Council, Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), Imo Marketing Company, Imo Consumer Protection Agency, Imo Tourism Board, Imo Blue Lake of Treasure and Imo State Agency.

Others are the Imo Job Centre, Imo Water Board Development Agency (IWADA), Imo Library Board, Imo Agric Loans Board, Okorocha

Scottish Development International (SDI) is the international economic development arm of Government in Scotland, which provides a broad range of services to support companies and institutions to help them develop their overseas business.

However, SDI also helps overseas businesses tap into Scotland’s key strengths in innovation, knowledge, high levels skills and technology, Operating in 29 countries around the world, SDI opened its first office in Africa in the British High Commission in Accra in June 2014. Whilst regional in its geographic focus, sectorally the focus of activity in Africa is exclusively oil and gas and education and training related to oil and gas.

NLC directs workers to ignore sack order

by Imo State Government Imo Lives-stock, Imo Poverty Alleviation, Imo Agricultural Programme, Imo Pensions Board and Imo Transport Corporation.

Some health centres were also affected by the action.

Ironically, Governor Okorocha, had before traveling out of the country, assured the national leadership of the NLC, led by their President, Ayuba Wabba, in a meeting in Owerri, that he would not ‘sack, retire prematurely or cut salaries indiscriminately. He also denied planning to implement alleged anti-labour policies.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

B3 Money Market

BVN: CBN warns customers against change of names Stories by Motolani Oseni There may not be respite yet for bank customers who have done change of names to redeem their money in various multiple accounts opened in different names because of the implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday directed banks to report such customers trying to link all accounts with the BVN to the regulatory authority.

Of recent, many bank customers, who had various accounts with various banks under different names, have not been able to link their accounts or access funds and have resorted to changing of names so as to link all their accounts to a single BVN. Speaking in Lagos at a CBN/ International Finance Corporation, IFC’s media workshop, CBN Deputy Director, Banking Supervision, Mr. Steve Nwadiuko, explained that when someone bears John in a bank and had obtained BVN using that name and he has another account where he bears Joseph; when he wants to link the accounts, a suspicious activity has already occurred.

L – R: Mr. Abboukarim Soumaila, Secretary General, African Telecommunications Union; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of Nigerian Communications Commission; Mr. Otis Anyaeji, President, Nigeria Society of Engineers; Mr. Austin Nwaulune, Director, Spectrum Administration NCC and Mr. Usman Malah, Chief of Staff, to the EVC of NCC during a visit of ATU Secretary General to the NCC Headquarters in Abuja... recently.

“That bank is supposed to raise a suspicious activity report to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU. He has some explanation to do because of the mere fact that he bears various names with various accounts. “The bank also

has to notify the bank where they adopted the BVN from so that the bank that gave the BVN also issues a suspicious activity report and the account is closed until the issues are cleared.”

According to him, the CBN

will issue a circular soon, adding, “For the people doing change of name, the CBN is working on that.

It is going to issue a circular on what banks should do because that is the essence of the BVN

and we are happy with what is going on.” The BVN was launched in 2014 as a means to curb fraud, identity theft and engender loan growth by issuing bank customers with unique identification numbers.

Contempt proceedings: Ecobank wins round one over Honeywell A Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out a contempt charge filed against Ecobank Nigeria Limited by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. Justice Mohammed Idris held that the Form 48 and Form 49 (with which contempt proceedings are initiated) were not properly served on the alleged contemNIBOR as @ Jan. 19, 2016 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

O/N

2.375

1.33 ?

1M

7.6786

-0.14 ?

3M

9.7721

0.29 ?

6M

10.929

0.22 ?

nors.

The charge had been filed by Honeywell Group, which urged the court to jail the Ecobank MD for allegedly violating an August 10, 2015 court order, which barred Ecobank from publishing the name of Honeywell Group among chronic debtors last year.

The company, through its counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), alleged that Ecobank, through its lawyer, Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), had taken steps contrary to the court’s order by filing other suits in a bid to recover the alleged debt from Honeywell.

In his ruling, however, the pre-

CBN Exchange Rates Date

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

1/18/16

US DOLLAR

196

196.5

197

POUNDS STERLING

280.28

280.995

281.71

EURO

213.5028

214.0475

214.5921

SWISS FRANC

194.9667

195.464

195.9614

YEN

1.6692

1.6735

1.6777

CFA

0.3069

0.3169

0.3269

WAUA

270.4876

271.1776

271.8676

YUAN/RENMINBI

29.7891

29.8655

29.9419

RIYAL

52.243

52.3763

52.5095

DANISH KRONA

28.6002

28.6732

28.7461

SDR

271.166

271.8578

272.5495

siding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that a party seeking to jail another for disobeying a court order was duty bound to ensure that processes in contempt proceedings were duly served.

Breach of such proper service, he said, “will wrought consequences on the proceedings.”

Declining jurisdiction, Justice Idris said: “What I can see from a close examination of form 48 is that the form is stamped; the wordings are however illegible.

I can see that the stamp has the date of 19th November 2015. The same applies to Form 49.

“A valid proof of service of the same forms must have endorsed therein the following, as stated by the Court of Appeal: (1) particulars of the person serving; (2) date of service; (3) time and place of service and (4) the person that accepted the service.

“I’m afraid that it appears that the Form 48 and 49 were not properly endorsed with the particulars of service. In effect, there is no reliable or authentic information before the court as to the service of the Form 48 and 49 on the defendants herein.

“This issue goes to the issue of the jurisdiction of the court. This

court must act with caution. I decline jurisdiction. I hold that the jurisdiction of this court has not been properly invoked in respect of the contempt proceedings and same is hereby struck out”.

He further warned parties against taking any action that could incur the court’s wrath.

“Let me warn that orders of court are binding and enforceable until set aside by an order of court of competent jurisdiction. The order of this court that the parties maintain status quo ante bellum remains valid and binding on all the parties until set aside.

“Whenever the disciplinary jurisdiction of this court is properly invoked, this court will descend heavily without any fear on whichever party is found guilty of contempt of this court.

This court barks and it bites”.

The Judge then adjourned till February 26 for hearing of Ecobank’s motion for stay of proceedings.

Justice Idris had last August 10 made an order of interim injunction restraining the bank from publishing the plaintiffs’ name as debtors.

The judge also ordered parties

kie

to maintain status quo pending hearing of the plaintiffs’ suit against Ecobank.

But while the suit was pending, Ecobank filed other suits before other judges in a bid to recover its debt from Honeywell Group and its chairman, Oba Otudeko.

Honeywell, through its lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), thereafter filed the Form 48 and Form 49, urging the High Court to hold the bank in contempt.

Maritime B4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Corruption at its peak in Nigerian Ports - Aniebonam

Stories by Babajide Okeowo Further searchlight has been beamed on the high level rot in the Nigerian ports by the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam by declaring that corruption in the Ports is higher now than it was before.

Speaking at a breakfast media parley with Maritime Correspondents, Dr. Aniebonam said “The

corruption at the port is more now than before, if you know the enormity of corrupt behaviors that goes on Nigerian ports then you will appreciate the fact that things are not going well as expected, it is sad when you see the agencies of government no longer respecting the rules of engagement in terms of their oath of office.

In the matter of corruption in Nigeria the giver and the taker are culpable and this is one major reason why we have not won

the war, it’s because both parties are involved. But my own opinion about the whole thing is that somebody should be held responsible, the agencies of government are under oath to serve the constitution of Nigeria and if they should not connive with the port users whose intention is to maximize profit, there is need to hold somebody responsible so that we can begin to see whether we can make any headway or not, what I am saying is that we are not adding value because the cost of do-

Western Ports GM seeks stakeholders’ support in ending Apapa gridlock General Manager, Western Ports, Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] Chief M.K Ajayi has sought the support of Jetty operators in the Tin can Island axis in solving the perennial Apapa gridlock that seems to have defied all solutions.

Speaking during a familiarization tour of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal [KLT], he reiterated that it was necessary for the Jetty operators to support the government efforts because it would be to their advantage to have a permanent solution to the problem, considering how it affects their operations.

During the tour, which was his first to the KLT, Phase 1, Chief

Ajayi toured MRS, Ibru Atlantic Shrimpers Ltd, Royal Salt and LADOL Jetties as well as the popular Abuja trailers park.

In all the places visited, the General Manager who inspected their facilities, seized the opportunity of the tour to impress on the operators to place premium on safety standards in their daily operations.

At the MRS, Chief Ajayi enjoined the Management to assist in clearing the trucks along the inner route leading to the Tin can Port main gate and that the Management should consider repairing some portions of the road leading to the entrance of the Jetty.

Dr Jibril Otunba of the MRS who conducted the General Manager round the facility assured that the company would support government efforts to have a permanent solution to the traffic congestion within their end.

In his response, the Vice Chairman Ibru Atlantic Shrimpers Ltd, Chief Oscar Ibru expresses the willingness of his company to always key into whatever measures the Federal Government takes to find a lasting solution to the Apapa traffic problem.

He said the company had in the last four years collaborated with the appropriate government agencies to find solution to the problem.

ing business is higher, and this is as a result of high level of corruption,” he said.

Speaking on the concessioning of the port, Aniebonam said the purpose for the concessioning has been defeated.

“What was the essence of port concession? The intention was to have a competitive port system; the intention was to reduce cost of doing business on the port; the intention was to benefit from continuity of service by professionals.

“Can we say the cost of doing business in the port has been reduced? The answer is no! It is even up to 500 times higher now. So, based on cost alone, one should even be asking, why did we go into port concession in the first place at all? If you take a look at the companies that won the concession. Are they not the same people who have worked within the system? They were either in NPA or somewhere. But they are the same people! So what improvement do you think we would get?

Concerned Accredited Freight Forwarders Association (CAFFA), the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) and The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and some others recently held a one day training session on Professional on-line Services/Operational Tracking and Administrative Training workshop at the NAGAFF headquarters, Apapa Lagos.

The training Powered by CAFFA and IMAN, in collaboration with VESTRACKER, a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform based in Sweden was endorsed

by CRFFN and Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) had members of four freight forwarding associations NAGAFF, NAFFAC, AREFFN and NCMDLCA in attendance.

Resource persons from VESTRACKER Sweden drilled

VESTRACKER trains maritime workers the participants on the rudiments of Online and Cloud Computing.

Vestracker, Inc. provides a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform for the freight forwarding industry. Its platform allows freight forwarders to track consignments, as well as provides real time SMS or email notifications on cargo status changes.

The company’s platform also facilitates collaboration between agencies; and allows freight forwarders to provide their clients a window of access into the application for updates on the status changes and reports on their consignments.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho MTN Nigeria has said the on-going Subscribers Identification Model (SIM) re-registration/re-validation exercise was scheduled for all the over 60 million users on its network in Nigeria.

The telecom operator noted that due to the exercise it has invested on new set of equipment to continue the re-registration exercise in compliance with the required international standard set by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to MTN, this implies that all customers on the subscriber log of its network in Nigeria will be re-registered or invited for data verification and re-validation for profile authenticity.

MTN disclosed that the reregistration exercise was designed in batches, adding that another sets of subscribers will soon be invited for the exercise.

The company said that over 10,000 Nigerians were recruited and thoroughly trained for the period of six months in the bid to achieve the CIA indicator cum FBI standard sets by the NCC for the SIM registration exercise.

Executives of MTN said that

B5 ICT

MTN to revalidate over 60m subscribers SIM registration more than 25 percent of its Nigeria subscribers have been captured in the first batch of the exercise with 100 percent success recorded.

Even though subscribers had expected a more seamless arrangement with less stress on attendance and removal of registration bottlenecks, but the telco went on enticing them with recharge credit that are redeemed after registration while pleading for their understanding to serve them better.

Ferdi Moolman, the newlyappointed MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer and Aminat Oyagbola, corporate service executive, at joint media recent briefing in Lagos said, new set of equipment have been invested on to continue the re-registration exercise in compliance with the required international standard set by NCC. According to Moolman, MTN was particular about resolving the N1.4 trillion fine issue with the NCC to enable the telecommunication firm move forward

Moolman

in its commitment to serving the Nigeria network coverage better and that the SIM re-registration has to be concluded first.

“It is really disturbing and it has become more difficult to import equipment from abroad.

These two issues of falling oil prices and fluctuating foreign exchange regime are serious issues, but we have confidence in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to resolve the matter,” Moolman said.

Commenting on SIM registration, Moolman said that a solid database of MTN’s subscribers was key to the next phase of the telecommunications revolution, especially in the area of broadband provisions.

The operator expressed full readiness to restore relationship with the telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) who it is presently battling in court over N1.4 trillion fine imposed on the company for customers registration infractions.

NITDA, ONC to implement Experts worried over low patronage of compulsory hosting of indigenous software gov’t data locally National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) through the Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT (ONC), has said it would implement the compulsory hosting of government data in the country.

This was contained in an invitation to stakeholders to attend the First Annual Summit on Data Hosting in Nigeria by ONC on Tuesday January 26th at Kano Hall, Transcorp Hillton.

ONC is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established as a sustainable institutional framework to enforce compliance with the regulatory Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT under the NITDA Act of 2007.

The strategic role of the ONC is to help develop a truly indigenous ICT industry for wealth creation in the Local Economy through the implementation of the Guidelines.

According to ONC’s letter en-

Kemabonta

dorsed by Mr. Inye Kemabonta, the national coordinator of the summit, and sent to expected attendees to the Summit, the purpose of the summit is to specifically ensure compliance with Section 14.1.2 of the Guidelines, which addresses data and information management and mandates data and information management firms to Host government data locally.

“A breach of the Guidelines is a crime under sections 17 (4) and 18 of the NITDA Act of 2007,” Kemabonta said.

Some software experts in country have expressed their worriedness on the emphasis being laid by organisations in the country on certification rather than tailoring the ability of such programmes into performing the task to tackle what has led to low patronage of indigenous software.

The present scenario is as a result of big organisations and government agencies who have developed growing preference for foreign made software over indigenous developed ones on the basis that they have not attend certain foreign certification.

James Agada, CEO, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, commenting on the issue stated that even though there was the need to emphasis on competence, but certification is not meant for software product but the company that develops the software, because it is difficult to certify software.

“What software requires is quality, ‘can it do the work’, and user interface,” Agada said.

He cited the case of Microsoft word, mobile phone software among others that were not certified but were working for their purposes.

He emphasized that software required general recommendation such as Cobit for control objective, stressing that certification issue apply in an environment such as in India, where companies are doing contract software development to serve as proof that they can do it.

Mr. Yele Okeremi, Managing Director, Precise Financial Systems, who agreed with Agada’s submission, said that it is acknowledged that certification is a very good thing to have, particularly, those that have to do with assurance of quality. Okeremi, however added that software houses all over the world should strive to obtain necessary certifications in order to guarantee

Agada

a continuous improvement of their products and services.

“I will however like to state that just like the possession of a University certificate does not guarantee competence in the field, so does the possession of myriad of certifications by an organisation not guarantee its competence and capacity.

Remember, we have several examples of terribly failed project handled by companies with a bag full of certifications. In all, I will say that certification is one of those things a good software company should possess.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Stock Market Report

Stock market index drops by 0.42% The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSE ASI) and the market capitalization decreased by 0.42 percent while the Year-to-Date return stood at -21.60 percent. The All Share Index closed at 22,456.32 against the previous day’s close of 22,550.83 while market capitalization closed at N7.723 trillion against previous day’s close of N7.756 trillion.

Volume of shares traded increased by 30.66 percent from 196.258 million to 256.439 million while the total value of stocks traded increased by 17.86 percent from N1.674 billion to N1.974 billion in 4,731 deals.

The Financial Services

sector led the activity chart with 204.425 million shares exchanged for N1.093 billion.

Conglomerates came next with 18.732 million shares traded for N0.06 billion, Consumer Goods, Oil And Gas, Industrial Goods sectors followed in that order on the activity chart.

Zenith Bank, Diamond Bank, Guaranty, Transcorp and Fidelity Bank were the most active stocks by volume. Intbrew, NEM, Unity Bank, UCAP and Zenith Bank emerged the highest price gainers on the chart, while Okomu Oil, Guinness, Champion, Oando and Diamond Bank topped the losers chart.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI

22,456.32

DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

4,731.00 256,439,035.00 1,973,545,527.37 7,723,148,274,291.62

Unity Bank relocates head office

In a letter dated January 11, 2016, the Bank stated that its Board of Directors “has approved the relocation of the Bank’s Head Office from Plot 785, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District , Abuja, to Plot 42, Ahmed Onibudo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It added that the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) had granted it an approval for the relocation on December 21, 2015.

L-R: Public Affairs Manager, Lagos and West, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Ifeoma Okoye; Convener of the Women on the Winning Edge, Mrs. Funke Felix-Adejumo; former First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola and Corporate Communications Manager, NBC Limited, Akomen Omijeh at this year’s Women on the Winning Edge Conference co-sponsored by NBC Limited in Lagos… on Monday.

Forte Oil to issue bonus shares before end of Q1 Stories by Azubike Nnadozie Forte Oil Nigeria Plc has presented an update on the issuance of bonus issue to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

In a letter dated January 13, 2016, the company stated that it had been working with the Securities and Exchange Com-

mission (SEC) on resolving the outstanding issues raised in its application for approval and have assured the SEC that this would be resolved before the end of the first quarter of 2016.

To this effect, SEC has also given the company a deadline of the end of the first quarter 2016 to apply the bonus issue.

“The company would like to

assure its shareholders that the bonus issue will be applied in March 2016 and apologise for the delay in applying same,” it added.

In another development, Unity Bank Plc has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Abuja (FCT) to Lagos.

CIBN approves Sterling bank training academy Motolani Oseni Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has granted a full accreditation status to the Sterling Bank Training Academy in Lagos.

Mr ‘Seye Awojobi, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the institute said the Certificate of Accreditation and the Technical Report of the Accreditation Exercise which had a validity of three years would be formally presented to the bank during an official ceremony that would be duly communicated.

The Sterling Training Academy is the arm of the Human Performance Management Group responsible for the foundation school training of the

bank’s new intakes as well as ensuring the continuing professional development of the institution’s workforce.

The CIBN is the sole Accreditation Agency under the Competency Framework for the Banking and Finance Industry in the country. In the letter communicating the development to the Bank signed by its Registrar, Mr. Awojobi, the Institute congratulated the Bank and indicated that the accreditation was coming on the back of a commendable performance during the formal evaluation exercise that entailed various processes.

Speaking on development, Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman noted that, “Sterling

Bank is an organization that values the immense importance of learning and innovation and we are excited to receive the news of this accreditation. This further validates other recognitions we have received recently for our relentless commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Suleiman said that the Bank has a wide range of initiatives aimed at encouraging its people to continue to develop themselves as well as other welfare packages.

His words: “We believe strongly in the need for continuous learning and self-improvement.

Providing top-notch training is one way we groom and build our people to be a distinctive crop of Bankers and leading

professionals that will lead not just the industry but the economy at large.

“This is why we have in place such talent development initiatives such as the Sterling Graduate and Management Associate programmes aimed at building both the technical and leadership competence of various categories of our people, our most valuable resource.”

He explained that one of the benefits from the accreditation was that graduates of the Bank’s Foundation school would enjoy exemptions from the Institute’s Banking Professional Examinations leading to the award of the ACIB (Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers).

Adeola

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

B7 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 19-01-2016

Aviation B8 AVSEC aided Nigeria’s ICAO positive performance Airport Chief of Security, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Adeboye Olayinka, has stated that Aviation Security

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, January 20, 2016

(AVSEC) contributed greatly to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) security audit of Nigeria’s airports, where the country scored 93.02 percent.

Recalled that a team from ICAO conducted a security audit on nation’s aviation security system from June 1-9, 2015, after which the team of auditors revealed that Nigeria performed excellently in the 9 – day audit.

This is just as he also said that AVSEC performed credibly well when the United States, Transpor-

tation Security Administration (TSA) visited the country, adding that the body now visits Nigeria almost every two months.

He said this while speaking as the chief host at Aviation Security Department, Murtala Muhammed Airport(MMA),Lagos ,2015 Annual Department Seminar and Lecture with the theme, “Sustaining A Secure and Vibrant Aviation Sector” at the conference Hall international wing of MMA recently.

He disclosed that the last time the body visited Nigeria; it con-

cluded that the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) has secured and safe environment and that it would recommend the airport to Americans.

The Airport Chief of Security commended AVSEC personnel for performing their duties excellently despite the dearth of manpower, adding that while others were always with their families, AVSEC personnel and other security agents left their families at home to ensure that airports across the country are safe and secured.

effective detection by Radar or ADS-B systems.

The seminar which was in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and in conjunction with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Airport Council International (ACI) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) was aimed at improving safety of air navigation within the runway and associated airside facilities at the airport.

This is coming as the agency has also issued an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) for the commencement of 24 hours daily En-route Radar Control

Service at Lagos and Kano Area Control Centres with effect from February 4th 2016.

The NAMA boss noted that this effort was in addition to the implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication systems that were implemented in Lagos and Kano in November 2015.

His words, “Runway safety remains the most critical aspect of air safety, not only because the most critical phases of flight operations occur within the Runway strip, but because of the multiplicity of sensitive activities that takes place within the airside.”

He further noted that it was in view of the multiplicity of operations associated with the runway

that International Civil Aviaion Organisation (ICAO) initiated a multidisciplinary runway safety programme that requires collaboration amongst aviation stakeholders such as the regulatory authority, air navigation service providers, aerodrome operators, airline operators, meteorological service providers, among others.

He recalled the Abuja Declaration that emanated from the resolutions of the Ministerial Conference of African Ministers of Transportation that was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from July 16th-20th 2012, recommended the implementation of appropriate measures to reduce the rate of fatal accidents within the African continent by not less than 50 per cent in order to bring it down to the global rate.

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has said it is not recruiting, warning the general public to beware of swindlers who advertise such on websites and social media.

Yakubu Dati, FAAN spokesperson said the only authentic website that belongs to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria iswww.faan.gov.ng, adding that the last recruitment exercise in the Authority took place between March and May, 2015 to recruit officers into the Airport Rescue and

Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS), Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Information Communication Technology departments which had shortage of professional staff.

He said the exercise was concluded in May, 2015.

“FAAN wishes to again, inform the general public that recent reports of recruitment exercise in the Authority, published in some sections of both the traditional and social media, are false and misleading. They should therefore be disregarded.

“At the appropriate time, the Authority will invite successful candidates during that exercise, for mandatory training before deployment to various airports across the country.

“We wish to emphasise that no recruitment exercise is taking place in FAAN at the moment.

This is more so because it has come to our notice that fraudulent recruitment agents and questionable recruitment websites are deceiving and in some cases, duping unsuspecting applicants by giv-

FG to install surveillance movement radar in Lagos, Abuja airports Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has concluded plans to install surface movement radar systems in Lagos and Abuja airports for the effective surveillance and control of aircraft, vehicle and personnel on ground at these airports.

The disclosure was made by the Managing Director of the NAMA, Ibrahim Abdulsalam at a two-day seminar, titled, “Runway Safety Go Team-Runway incursion, Excursion and Confusion,” held in Lagos, adding that the system will ensure that aircraft and vehicles operating within the airside are equipped with transponders for

Again, FAAN alerts on fake recruitment exercise

NiMet/ NIHSA poised to strengthen synergy The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) are poised to strengthen and deepen the already existing relationship between the two government organisations.

This decision was reached during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NIHSA, Mr. Moses Beckley to the Director-General/ CEO, NiMet, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, at NiMet’s corporate headquarters, Abuja.

Beckley who thanked the DG, NiMet for the opportunity granted NIHSA, highlighted the ”twinlike” relationship that exists between the two agencies, stressing the need to deepen the existing synergy, which is geared towards delivering better services to Nigerians in the aspects of weather and hydrology.

In welcoming the NIHSA delegation led by the DG, NIHSA, the DG/CEO, NiMet, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, while reiterating the importance of the synergy, noted that hydrological services is susceptible to weather and expressed the desire for a more ”structured and formalised” relationship unlike the previous collaborations between the two agencies, which were always in ad-hoc capacities.

Anuforom therefore called for the resuscitation of last year’s Federal Government’s tripartite committee on Flood Monitoring and Management and the drafting of a formal MoU by the two agencies aimed at fashioning out possible areas of collaborations between NiMet and NIHSA. It will be recalled that last year following a directive from the National Intelligence Agency, NiMet inaugurated the tripartite committee comprising NiMet, NiHSA and NEMA.

Dati

ing out misleading information about an ongoing recruitment exercise in FAAN,” he said.

Life& TIMES Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Korede

Bello

An artiste on a mission

L2 P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

My fans make me feel

glamourous – Korede

Bello

Korede Bello is a young Nigerian artiste signed into Mavin record.

He has released singles like African Princess, Cold Outside amongst others. He is a talented young man who should be looked out for in the industry. In this celebrity style, he speaks with ABIMBOLA OBATAYO on his style.

What makes you feel glamorous?

For the fact that I know that people out there look out for me, people that love me genuinely (My fans).

They are the ones that make me feel glamourous and the fact that I know that God loves me.

Do you have a signature scent?

I like different scents, I try different stuffs.

How do you keep fit?

I jog sometimes. I do pushups early in the morning. I walk (taking a stroll) and I try to eat healthy all the time.

Do you have a tip for body confidence?

Looking good, dressing well. Whenever you dress good, you feel good about yourself. Wear clean underwear as well so you don’t ooze out in public.

Feel comfortable internally. The reason people don’t look good is because they have problems to solve, bills to pay, etc.

What kind of diet suits you?

Plantain with anything. I try to eat light, I take fruits.

Tea or Coffee?

It depends on my mood.

Do you take vitamins?

Yes of course.

How do you relax?

I sleep, I interact with my friends, and playing soccer with Jazzy and Reakado Banks.

What self-help books have inspired you?

The Holy book.

Life&

T E A M

Designers outfit you love to wear?

I wear what looks good, what fits me. I have

Movie and Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

personal designers like Rotimi Jegede and some others.

Favourite colour?

Purple and blue.

Best fashion accessories?

I love to wear rings.

What is casual dressing to you?

Feeling comfortable in what you are wearing, feeling relaxed without anybody checking if you are properly dressed or not.

What would you consider as your powerlook?

My smile.

Which male figure would you love to raid his wardrobe?

A lot of people, even if it’s not my size. Chris Brown, Justin Bierber. I just want to see what’s in his wardrobe not that I want to wear it. Jazzy is my boss but I’ll like to raid his wardrobe as well as his staff.

Would you like to have a tatoo?

No.

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Adebambo Segun

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

L3 Global Fashion

Mutiat Alli

Men’s trend Afrik Abaya unveils new collection

Glam up with

fedora hats

Afrik Abaya has unveiled her latest collection titled ‘Arik Invasion’. The brand who was Winasbet NSFDW 2015 most creative designer took on modern traditional looks for the pieces in the debut collection.

‘Afrik Invasion’ is driven by the richness of two cultures. The Collection displays an Afrocentric modest stylish trend inspired by the way floral patterns are beautifully combined with geometric elements in the Vlisco fabric and the quest to merge two fashion trends (African and Arabian)”. Hauwa Liman, creative director of the brand revealed the inspiration behind the collection.

Toni Tones goes edgy chic for ZAZAII’s #InfluencerSeries

Singer, songwriter cum celebrity photographer, Toni Tones unleashed her swag for ZAZII’s latest work #InfluencerSeries as she was clad in three different work chic looks for the style series for the fashion retail store.

Choosing a form fitting dress with collar details styled with chunky necklace with her hair down while wearing dewy makeup look and red lips, the artiste posed up a storm in a first look.

In another, she chose white blouse over teal skirt with slit details paired with teal ankle strap heels wearing a fringe haircut as she’s perched on a red sofa. In another she was styled in a black look with matching ankle strap heels wearing fierce blue hair, sitting like a boss!

Fedora hats which are trending for guys this season will complement your look stylishly. The term, fedora, was in use as early as 1891, and its popularity essentially soared, taking over the homburg, a formal felt hat. The fedora represents the sheer elegance of class, style and sophistication.

It is important to know some of the basic rules when complementing your outfit with the fedora hat.

You also need to plan when you will wear it, either for a formal or casual occasion.

The same fedora hats may work for both looks, so keep that in mind when you go shopping.

It is also important to pick a colour and material that will complement your outfit and remember the right-size matters. Make sure it fits snugly, but not too snugly.

For evening or colder settings, a dark felt or twill fedora would best suit your needs.

If you are wearing a suit, the fedora hat should be the same colour with the suit or blazer.

If you are looking for something to freshen up your wardrobe, a fedora hat might just be the thing to go for.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

L5

Beauty L6

8

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Mutiat Alli

ways to make your

pedicure last

It’s not uncommon to leave the salon and discover you have chipped nail polish. You can stub your toe, trip and scrape your new polish or smudge the colour as you’re putting sandals on to leave. One sure way to damage your newly polished toes is to put on shoes. Even when you think your polish is dry, the material can stick to newly-polished nails. Wearing shoes that are too tight increases your chances of a ruined pedicure. Besides, one may not have the luxury of time to get a nail salon appointment on a regular basis. Rather than leave out this beauty indulgence, learn how to get more mileage out of your polish.

Smooth it out: Having a nice polish on your toe nails can make your feet look more presentable but not if you have dry, callused skin. Use a pumice stone to regularly slough off dead skin from your feet to keep them soft, smooth and sandal worthy Moisturize: If you’re not already moisturizing on a regular basis, it’s a must that you start. Moisturizing your feet not only helps your pedicure look better by keeping your skin and cuticles soft and hydrated, but it also helps your feet stay smooth and look great in between trips to the salon.

Carry cuticle oil: Another way to make your pedicure last is to carry a cuticle oil and keep your feet soft, moisturized and prevent the polish from chipping. Having rough or dry cuticles can mean painful hangnails and unsightly rough skin. Keep a small bottle of cuticle oil in your bag or at your desk to apply on your cuticles and nails one to two times a day to prolong the life of your pedicure Top your topcoat: The top coat that the

manicurist applied in the salon typically wears off in a couple of days, so prevent your polish from chipping and keep your toes looking fresh with a touch-up. It helps the toes to maintain its high shine and luster.

Keep them covered: This tip might go against the whole point of getting a pedicure but it’s one to think about. Although we get pedicures in order to show off our wellgroomed feet, constantly exposing them to the elements can lead to chipped or faded polish, or dry and rough skin. Of course it’s okay to wear open toed shoes and sandals, but make sure you protect your feet and keep them covered on days you can.

Avoid heat: You might think that once you get fast-dry top coat on your nails, you are pretty much good to go, but not quite. Nail polish takes about 12 hours to harden so if you get your pedicure and run to the sauna or jump in a hot tub, you’re running the risk of ruining your pedicure!

Bring your own polish: If you’re unsure whether your nail salon carries new bottles of polish, why not bring your own? Many salons use nail polish thinners to prolong the shelf life of nail polish, so if you want to ensure you’re really getting a fresh coat, bring your own nail colour. This way, you can do your own touchups if you accidentally smudge a toe nail.

Dodge fragrances: If you like to use scented body lotions, the fragrance in the lotion might not be great for your pedicure. Synthetic fragrances have been known to make nail polish crack, so when you’re moisturizing your feet, go for unscented lotions or use essential oils to keep your skin soft.

Experience the Black soap wonder

African Black soap commonly referred to as Ose Dudu by the Yoruba has unique, natural, healthful properties that enrich the soap in so many ways. The natural soap contains cocoa pod ash, plantain peel ash, palm oil, shea butter, certified organic, extra virgin olive oil, and spring water.

The natural product decreases aging of the skin. This ancient formula gives you firm blemish free skin that looks fresher and younger. It also gives you a toned glowing skin.

Black soap has been used to produce different kinds of beauty soaps.

It has a long history, from the Yoruba tribe down to the Ghana, the native the soap contains Vitamin A & E, and iron. Because the soap has the highest Shea butter content of any soap, it also offers UV protection. The soap is also good for sensitive skin, meaning it’s a good option for babies or the elderly ones. One unique advantage

is that is very affordable and effective.

Benefits you derive from using black soap • Black soap is 100 percent natural.

It is not made with different chemical that would damage the beauty of the skin.

• It also has micro-dermabrasion benefits. That is, it can remove the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells and reveal younger, healthier-looking skin with no side effect attached to it.

• Black soap gives you an oily skin, clears blemishes, eczema, and body odor and soothes the skin.

• Neat and beautiful skin scarps can been achieved by using black soap to wash hair.

• Black soap is an ancient herbal formula that can work for any skin type.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Mutiat Alli

The kids

Celebrity fashionable children

Reynold Nkembuchim Ezuruonye

Meraiah Ekeinde

Their parents are some of Nigeria’s most fashionable stars and it seems like celebrity kids are also walking in their fashionable parents steads.

These mini fashionistas have taken full advantage of the limelight and are gradually becoming fashion influencers themselves. In no particular other, here are some of them:

When her mother storms red carpet events, she definitely calls attention, much ado is same for Meraiah daughter to Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.

With over 12,000 followers on Instagram, little Ekeinde has got fashion styles to watch for in 2016.

The grown-up

Rotimi Anjorin Daughter to actress, Lizzy Anjorin and Kofo Tinubu star, Rotimi like her mother sure knows how to combine her piece as she is one of the few celebrity daughters whose wardrobe will amaze you. Ride on girl!!!Mummy got your backs

Michelle Gentry

Reynold is the son of Nollywood actor, Mike Ezuruonye and he takes after his dad’s great looks.

Emmanuella Odom Emmanuela is the beautiful daughter of dancehall artiste, Timaya and sure depicts some fashion sense.

Juwon Gentry

Naomi Odueke Not so many know that Actress Tayo Odueke (Sindodo) has a grown up daughter, 18-year-old Naomi with over 4, 236 followers on Instagram is sure stepping on her mother’s fashion mood.

The babies Daughter of Yoruba actress, Mercy Aigbe, Michelle Gentry just had to make our list as one of the most dressed celebrity teens. Michelle is a young Fashionista with over 31, 000 followers on Instagram and was recently unveiled as the new face of eponymous fashion label, Abbyke Domina‘s new teen line.

L7 Fashion

Juwon Gentry is son to delectable actress, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry. Just like his mother, Juwon has swag and wardrobe to fall in love with.

Andre Okoye Andre is the son of Paul Okoye of the P-square group, and like Cameron his elder brother, he’s always rocking something stylish each time we get to see a photo of him, he sure nailed it.

Micheal and Daniel Flora TY Bello twins

Tiwa Savage’s Jamal

When it comes to world class glam look, they have got it all; the duo of Mike and Daniel Flora are the grandson of Nigerian entertainment veteran, Charly Boy.

L8 TV guide

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Romance Channel 107

Movies Stars Channel 111

17:02

11:50

Wed, 20 Jan| PG

Wed,20 Jan| PG 13

I n this heart-warming sequel to hit musical comedy, the sisters call on singer Deloris (Whoopi Goldberg) to help teach music to a group of students whose school is doomed to close.

101 M-Net West

23:30 Agent X 00:36 Zoo 01:30 Whiplash 03:13 Behind The Scenes: Mandela: Long...

05:30 Hollywood's 10 Best 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 MasterChef Australia 08:00 The Goldbergs 08:30 Chicago PD 09:16 Behind The Scenes: Lw Week-End

09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 McFarland, USA 12:35 Kevin From Work 13:00 MasterChef Australia 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:47 Behind The Scenes: Walking On Sunshine 15:00 Astronaut Wives Club 16:00 Caught On Camera 17:00 Shades Of Blue 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 The Middle 19:30 MasterChef Australia

152 Africa Magic Epic 00:25 Healthy Snacking 00:35 Rings Of Fire 01:59 The Burning Ring 03:45 Okoro The Prince 05:33 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room 06:01 Market Sellers 08:30 Mama Bomboi: Holy Watch 08:38 Princess Throne 10:06 End Of The Princess Throne 11:15 Seed Of Wealth 13:02 Seed Of Wealth 14:25 Africa Rising: Behind The Scenes 15:17 Behind The Scenes: Broken 15:35 The Mastermind 17:25 Africa Rising: Behind The Scenes 18:20 Mama Bomboi: Serious Matter

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

118 Telemundo

23:40 The Face Of Destiny 00:30 Elena's Ghost 01:20 Cruel Love 02:10 For Love And Justice 03:00 The Face Of Destiny 03:50 Fearless Heart 05:20 Elena's Ghost 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 The Face Of Destiny 07:50 Fearless Heart 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 The Face Of Destiny 12:00 Fearless Heart 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 The Face Of Destiny 16:10 Fearless Heart 17:00 For Love And Justice 17:50 Cruel Love 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 The Face Of Destiny 20:20 Fearless Heart 21:10 For Love And Justice 22:00 Cruel Love 22:50 Husband For Hire

18:30 Days Of Sorrow 20:23 My Brother's Wealth 22:20 The Great Servant

L A high- school student takes dance classes to improve his timing when playing soccer. When he starts classes, he falls in love with a girl despite their different backgrounds. Keri Russell, William Ash.(2000)John Forte.

128 SONY MAX

23:00 Most Shocking 23:45 World's Wildest Police Videos 00:35 World's Wildest Police Videos 01:25 Freakshow 23:19 Travel Man

10:15 Ducks Quacks Don't Echo

23:48 The Gadget Man

11:05 Would I Lie To You?

00:15 An Idiot Abroad

11:35 QI

01:02 The Cube

12:10 The Cube

01:49 Police Interceptors

13:00 Top Gear

02:36 The Notorious

14:10 Police Interceptors

03:01 The Notorious

15:00 Undercover Boss USA

03:29 Undercover Boss USA

15:50 Would I Lie To You?

04:12 Pointless

16:25 QI

05:00 The Cube

17:00 Pointless

06:35 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

05:45 Would I Lie To You?

17:50 TOP Gear

07:25 Video Zonkers

06:15 QI

19:00 Top Gear: The Races

07:50 South Beach Tow

06:50 Police Interceptors

08:15 South Beach Tow

07:40 Top Gear

20:00 Top Gear's Ambitious But Rubbish

08:45 Pointless

21:00 Top Gear

09:35 Undercover Boss USA

22:20 Youngers

155 AfricaMagic World 23:17 Behind The Scenes: Enitan 23:30 Music On Africa Magic 00:35 Star Gist 01:02 Good Morning Africa 02:05 53 Extra 02:45 Star Gist 03:15 Star Gist 03:45 Jara 04:25 Jara 05:00 Goodmorning Africa 06:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 07:00 53 Extra 07:30 Star Gist 08:00 Jara 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:05 Doctors' Quarters 11:00 Doctors' Quarters 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

01:55 Extreme Reality Clips 02:20 Rude Tube 02:45 Sexy Car Wash 03:15 Sexy Car Wash 03:45 Video Zonkers 04:10 South Beach Tow 04:35 South Beach Tow 05:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 05:45 World's Wildest Police Videos

08:40 Most Shocking 09:35 World's Wildest Police Videos 10:30 World's Wildest Police Videos 11:30 Baywatch 12:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 13:30 South Beach Tow 14:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 15:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 16:00 Most Shocking

13:00 Music On Africa Magic 13:59 Music On Africa Magic16:00 Star Gist 16:35 Deal Or No Deal Sa 17:25 53 Extra 18:00 Jara 18:30 Tinsel 19:00 Lies That Bind 19:30 Lies That Bind 20:00 Three Some 22:40 Music On Africa Magic

17:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 18:00 South Beach Tow 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Baywatch 20:00 Extreme Reality Clips 20:30 Rude Tube 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Freakshow 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 Sexy Car Wash