Daily Times of Nigeria Newspaper

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.50

APC: NIMASA behind

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INSIDE

Life&

TIMES

Buchi,

Friday February 20, 2015

his newly found love

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Yvonne Okoro

plans wedding

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The truth about eggs

ETIM backs X3 KESHI to succeed

Meet Denrele Edun’s girlfriend

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Poster!

SVETLANA KHORKINA X4,5 Friday, February 20, 2015

INTERVIEW

APFON:

Nwanna unhappy over players plight

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FANTASTIC

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M ƌ ƏƆ Fuel subsidy scam: ƈƇƐ ƈ 6 ƍ ƋƋ è ƕ C Ɛ

ICAN asks public to send petitions against members

YCE meets Jonathan, Adebanjo, others reaffirm support

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RETURNS

NBF

TARGETS WORLD JUNIOR TOURNEY X7

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ÏÏÏThe Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has said that allegations of complicity in the petroleum subsidy scam against its members

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

MAN, LCCI urge FG to stem inflation

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Politics Page Three

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Editorial

Policing Nigeria’s borders

N

ot long ago, the Adamawa Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the arrest of 280 illegal aliens in the state. Speaking in Yola, the state Comptroller, Mr. Ubi Ikpi claimed it was part of renewed efforts to rid Adamawa of undocumented immigrants. Also, the Lagos arm of the agency announced that it had interdicted 82 illegal immigrants with temporary voters’ cards in various parts of the state.

These revelations call for serious concern, especially as they are coming after accusations by a major political party that the Immigration service was deliberately allowing illegal aliens into Nigeria to influence votes in the elections.

Although the Immigration Service has since debunked the insinuation, there is no denying the fact that Nigeria’s borders are porous and most times lightly policed.

No month passes without news of citizens from neighbouring countries entering illegally into Nigeria.

Before now, Adamawa and other border states in the north and south of the country have become known as safe routes for illegal immigrants coming into Nigeria.

Matters are made worse by allegations of connivance between immigration officials and illegal aliens who are allowed into Nigeria on payment of bribes. With the forthcoming general election in March and April, there is the tendency for

some unscrupulous politicians to recruit foreigners as thugs and even as voters.

For example, some of those arrested in Lagos admitted, that they posed as Northerners to get the temporary voter’s cards, since their names and those of their Nigerian neighbours sound alike.

It is pertinent to warn that no illegal alien should be allowed under any guise to vote in the general election, which is strictly for bonafide Nigerians. Increasingly, illegal migrants are taking advantage of the porous borders to arrive in the country in large numbers without being detected or arrested for immigration laws violation.

Evidence abounds that the five-year Boko Haram insurgency is being sustained by a wave of recruits from neighbouring countries. This is why these religious zealots are able to strike into Nigeria and other contiguous countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroun at will.

The ease and speed with which Boko Haram fighters move across the borders are a testimony of their multinational composition.

We therefore call on all agencies of government charged with policing our borders to put enough infrastructure in place to check the cross border flows of undocumented aliens. It only through this way that Nigeria can keep tab on the movement of illegal aliens trying to enter the country either to vote or cause mayhem during elections.

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President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr. Chidi Onyeukwu Ajaegbu (2nd left); Registrar & CEO, (ICAN), Mr. Rotimi Omotoso (left); Group Managing Editor, Daily Times Newspaper, Mrs. Gabriella Osamor; and the editor, Mr. Yinka Olujimi, during a courtesy visit of the Daily Times to the institute in Lagos... on Thursday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Lessons in patriotism from Niamey Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏOne thing that the anti-

Boko Haram protest by thousands of Nigeriens in their country’s capital, Niamey on Tuesday, has thrown up is the need for Nigerians, irrespective of political and religious leanings, to support security forces fighting the terrorists.

Recall that during the protest led by the Prime Minister of the Niger Republic, Brigi Rafini, which ended outside the parliament building in Niamey, the demonstrators

pledged total support to their country’s military in fighting the insurgents as well as preventing the violent sect from having a foothold in their country.

Sadly, this is not the case with Nigerians. Since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009, hardly does a week go by without people lampooning the military and other security forces. When the insurgents strike, kill, maim and take territories, instead of many condemning the terrorists, they look for loopholes to flay the troops, call them all sorts of names with some lecturing the troops about operational tactics.

This shouldn’t continue.

Words On Marble :

dailytimesng

Rather than picking holes in the actions of our troops in the ongoing fight against insurgents, we all should rise in unison to support them.

We should embrace the example shown by Nigeriens in rallying support for their troops engaged in fighting against Boko Haram.

It is time individuals, civil society groups, political parties, ethnic and religious groups stood up to be counted in the fight against those who want to divide us, disrupt our way of lives and destroy our common heritage.

It is time Nigerians lined up behind security forces who daily put themselves in harm’s way in defence of Nigeria and Nigerians.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

Chief Commercial Officer

Deputy Editors

Noel Anosike

Doyin Awomosu

Group Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Tunji Okegbola

Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Bureau Chief, Northern Operations Celestine Okafor

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Sports Editor

Head ICT (Shared Services)

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba

Head of Operations Innocent Nwankwo

Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

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

Olisa Agbakoba

Gov Amosun

Jega

I don’t think you (Nigerians) know what you are playing with.

You can call each other names and laugh about it now but when you end up inciting hate and war starts in your country you will regret…

Let me tell you, somebody somewhere, I don’t know who, doesn’t want us to vote in Ogun State. They want to make sure that at least about 40 or more don’t vote

We have been working closely with the security agents and looking at other alternatives.

We can’t send thousands of ad hoc staff to conduct elections without security

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Ogun SDP Reps candidate promises better representation

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) commissioning NNS OKPABANA and NNS PROSPERITY at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos ...Thursday. With him are, Senator Chris Anyanwu (left); Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (2nd left); PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu (4th right);Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd) and others.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Jonathan still the best man to rule Nigeria – Ex-Gov Obi Ngozi Okafor London

ÏÏÏNigerians have been urged

to give another four years to President Goodluck Jonathan because he is head and shoulder above his All Progressives Congress, (APC) rival, Major General Muhammadu Buhari.

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, made the appeal while fielding questions from about 100 Nigerians, during an interactive session at the Holiday Inn, Russell Square, London, on Sunday evening.

He told the gathering that Jonathan had rocked the boat of those

who used to feed off the nation’s oil wealth, through the various loopholes in the system, and, as such, they didn’t want him back in government.

Citing the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, (SWF), as one notable example, Obi said that when the country had the Excess Crude Account, there were always agitations from everyone, including governors, that the money should be shared.

But, “Jonathan’s government had moved from Excess Crude Account to Sovereign Wealth Fund.

With the former, governors, and everybody, all of us would go to Abuja and say, ‘let’s share it’, but you can’t share the Sovereign Wealth Fund. It is managed internationally. It’s there for everybody

and everybody can see it”.

Continuing, he said, “ to give you an example, after so much fight, everybody agreed that ‘let’s just save $1billion’ and as at last year, that money had yielded a profit of $100 million.”

Obi, who spoke for less than 15 minutes, opting to field questions and urging the audience to show their agitations and feelings when asking their questions, also cited the case of other sectors of the economy where the Jonathan administration had not, only brought changes, but, blocked the holes, through which the country’s wealth was being looted. “Look at fertiliser, fertiliser used to be a roll for everybody. As we speak today, government is longer involved in the procurement of fertiliser.”

ÏÏÏThe Social Democratic Par-

to continue to represent them in the House of Representatives.

Speaking on what qualified him for re-election, Ogunola explained that he was adequately prepared to join other people of like minds to continue to make laws that would address the socio-economic problems of his people and the need to keep Nigeria united.

The SDP candidate, who promised to enhance the lot of the people, if re-elected, called on the peace-loving members of the SDP in the federal constituency, in particular, and Ogun State, in general, to remain united in order to make their dream a reality.

Omon Esene

Community threatens to shut Shell, demands recognition

ty (SDP) candidate for the AdoOdo/Ota Federal Constituency in the March 28, 2015 election, Hon. Babatunde Ogunola (a.k.a Tomo) has assured his constituents that he would give them a better representation if re-elected.

Ogunola, who made this declaration recently in a chat with newsmen at Ota, Ogun State, said he decided to contest the seat based on the advice of community leaders, opinion leaders, sociocultural associations and political leaders in the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency, who urged him

Warri

ÏÏÏThe people of Kemefeghabo-

mo in Letugbene, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Thursday, threatened to shut down the operations of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), over its failure to obey a court judgement which recognised them as the company’s host community.

The protesters, under the Letugbene Federated Communities, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the oil giant to recognise them as the host community or stop its activities at the Tunu Flow Station.

Representatives of the community, who handed down the ultimatum, during the peaceful protest that lasted several hours, in Tunu Flow Station, outside the border between Bayelsa and

Defection: Tambuwal asks court to dismiss PDP’s suit Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Speaker of

the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has asked a Federal Court, in Abuja, to dismiss the suit seeking to compel him to declare Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency seat vacant.

Tambuwal is the occupant of the seat, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under whose ticket he won the seat, in 2011, wants him to vacate it since he had decamped to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an application filed on February 19, 2015, Tambuwal said the PDP’s suit should be dismissed on the ground that it was incompetent and had no reasonable cause of action.

5 News

His suit could not be taken yesterday, as the Chairman of Tambuwal Local Government Area, in Sokoto State, Alhaji Sambo Tambuwal, brought an application to be joined in the suit, as an interested party.

The trial judge, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, adjourned further hearing of the suit till March 3, 2015, to enable the parties respond to Tambuwal’s application, as well as the joinder application.

In the substantive suit, the PDP, through its counsel, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), said Tambuwal had lost his seat by reason of his defection, according to the provisions of Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution.

It urged the court to order Tambuwal to give effect to the provi-

sions of Section 68(1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), to declare his seat in the House of Representatives vacant.

The PDP also prayed the court for an alternative order directing the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (Hon. Emeka Ihedioha) to declare the Kebbe/ Tambuwal seat vacant by an order of mandamus.

The ruling party had also, in an ex parte motion, asked the court to stop Tambuwal from performing or continuing to perform the function of the Speaker in the House of Representatives or sitting or continuing to sit in the House as a member.

A 16-paragraph affidavit, in support of the ex parte motion, averred that Tambuwal, who was

Delta State, alleged that Shell had neglected them for over 25 years.

They expressed disaffection with the continued violation of the court judgment, which accorded them ownership status of the flow station.

A Bayelsa State High Court, sitting in Yenagoa and presided over by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, had entered judgment in favour of the Letugbene community against SPDC and others in suit No; YHC/31/1994.

Delta Police recover 7, 000 PVCs Monday Osayande Asaba

ÏÏÏThe Delta State Police Com-

Tambuwal

sponsored in the 2011 general election by the PDP had left the party to join the APC, as he announced on October 28, 2014, thereby informing the House of Representatives of his present status as required by law.

mand has said that it has recovered over 7,000 Permanent Voter’s Cards allegedly stolen by unknown gunmen from INEC office at Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Celestina Kalu told newsmen in Asaba on Thursday that the guard attached to the affected INEC office had been arrested for interrogation.

Kalu added that detectives from the command swung into action following reports by one official of INEC that suspected armed robbers broke into the office and made away with some PVCs.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

APC, NIMASA in war of words over Buhari Segun Adio Group News Editor

ÏÏÏA

fresh chapter in the series of political accusations and counter-accusations was opened on Thursday with the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) accusing the Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA) of masterminding hate campaigns against its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The body made particular mention of a recent documen-

tary by two national television stations which it said targetted Buhari and his family.

NIMASA has however dismissed the allegation as another attempt to discredit the agency after previous failed attempts.

The APCPCO’s Director of Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the campaign office had confirmed that NIMASA was indeed the sponsor of all the hate campaigns against Buhari on the two stations and several other media platforms.

This, according to Shehu, contravenes the NIMASA Act, the Public Service Regulations, and

the INEC Act 2010 as amended, among others.

A situation where a government agency uses public funds to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the opposition is not only illegal, but should also be condemned and investigated by the Joint Committees of the National Assembly on Marine Transportation, Shehu declared.

“If these claims were to be found to be true by the Joint Committee, the statement said, disciplinary action should be taken against the agency and its leadership.

“It is a well-known fact that the

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Director General of the Agency, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, was President Goodluck Jonathan’s and a well-known exmilitant’s errand boy. He was appointed there for the sole aim of satisfying an ex-militant’s camp, an assignment he has carried out well to the satisfaction of those who put him there through the award of a concessionaire phantom PPP project. Under this contract, a certain company, (Global West Vessels Specialists Ltd) was handed the legal responsibility of the Nigerian Navy (NN) of protecting the nation’s waterways and NIMASA’s Maritime Security function to the surprise of all industry observers and yet fail woefully in offering the necessary protection for the theft of Nigerian crude oil, which has only increased since then among other sea- related crimes,” APCPCO said.

The organisation decried the alleged increasing helplessness of regulatory agencies charged with the certification of commercial advertising in the face of blatant violations by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the statement, President Jonathan should prove to Nigerians that he is sincerely committed to the rule of law by taking immediate action against the NIMASA boss.

“It is not enough for President Jonathan to claim he doesn’t know the sponsors of smear adverts if he lacks the courage to Continued on page 8

C Ɛ ƌƆƆƐ YCE as Adebanjo, Ɛ ƆƏ Ɔ Ɨ Ə Ɔ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Egena Egena, Abuja, Tosin Ajuwonè ƊƑƏƆ

ÏÏÏPresident

Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday urged Nigerian politicians to put the country’s unity and stability above their political ambitions just as South West leaders formally endorsed his reelection bid.

The President who gave this charge at a meeting with Yoruba Elders Council, (YCE), at the State House, Marina, Lagos reminded the nation’s political office seekers that before anyone could be president, vice President or governor, there must be a country first.

The president’s charge came as south west leaders met in Akure, Ondo State to reiterate their support for Jonathan based on his pledge to implement the report of the National Conference held in Abuja last year.

According to Jonathan: “No matter what we want to do, those of us who are aspiring to run this country or even at the state levels, first and foremost you must have a country.

“If we don’t have a country there will be no office to hold; whether it is the office of the President or office of the Vice President or office of the minister or whatever office, there must be Nigeria first.

“My position is that let us all collectively defend and protect this country and that is why I always feel bad when people make statements that expose Nigeria as if it is the worst country on earth. We are not that bad.

Jonathan assures of victory over B/Haram Send petitions against our Ï ƌƌƈ ƈ Ɠ Ə ƈƍ Ï ƈƏ 0 ƏƅƆ ƍƋ Ɔ ƍ Ƒ Ɨ ƈ ƑƏ Ɔ Ɛ Ï M ƌ ƏƆ ƈƇƐ ƈ ƍ ƋƋ è ƕ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Segun Adio Group News Editor

ÏÏÏFears of

another shift of the new election dates of March 28 and April 11, 2015 were allayed on Thursday when President Goodluck Jonathan reaffirmed that those dates were irreversible.

The President, while commissioning four newly acquired warships for the Nigerian Navy at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, maintained that the Nigerian military were well equipped now to root out the insurgents from the country.

President Jonathan also assured Nigerians and the international

community that the rescheduled elections would go on as planned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Jonathan also commended officers and men of the Nigerian Army fighting the terrorists in the Northeast, saying he was very impressed by the reports of successes coming from the zone.

His administration, he said, had made it a deliberate policy to properly equip and improve the security architecture available for officers and men of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Airforce, saying that is why a lot of positive stories are coming out of the trouble zone recently.

“Let me also use this platform to promise my good countrymen and women that we will rout Boko Haram. Our capacity to achieve results in the Northeast has increased sufficiency. Our men and officers are doing well in the Northeast and we must conduct the elections as scheduled by INEC. We will return the North to safety,” the President declared.

Speaking on the Navy, President Jonathan said the investment of his administration in providing crucial equipment and facilities for maritime operations was responsible for the significant reduction in cases of Continued on page 8

members, says ICAN Continued from page 1 will only be entertained on the strength of written petitions.

ICAN president, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, disclosed this on Thursday when he received the management team of the Daily Times in the institute’s office in Lagos, explaining that lack of information and awareness of ICAN’s processes by the publicwas probably, responsible for the situation.

He said: “We read of the alleged complicity of some of our members in the scam, but our laws do not allow us to initiate investigations against our members. We can only act if we receive petitions from the public on the con-

duct of any of our members.”

The institute’s professional code of conduct and guide for members enforcement procedures 21.2.1 states: “Where a complaint is received by the Institute alleging a case of misconduct against a member, such a member shall be requested by the Investigating Panel to furnish his defence or reaction to the complaint within 14 days of the receipt of the request to do so.”

Ajaegbu said that ICAN had not received any petition against any member over the subsidy scam and that the institute was challenging anyone to send a petition on the matter and see the Continued on page 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

7 News

PDP insists on use of soldiers for elections Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Igbere traditional rulers during their solidarity visit to Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji in Umuahia… on Wednesday

Oct. bombing: I’m now fit to face trial- Okah Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe alleged mastermind of

the October 1, 2010, bombing in Abuja, Charles Okah has told the court that he was now fit to stand trial and to defend the treason charges against him.

Trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, had last year, adjourned the matter to Thursday, to allow the Nigerian Legal Aid Council some time to assign him a new counsel.

Okah’s lawyer, Festus Keyamo had, earlier, been stopped from representing him, which stalled the trial for a while.

At the resumed trial on Thursday, an elated Okah, who had, at previous sittings, claimed unfit for trial, told the court he was mentally sound to stand for trial.

He explained that the improved treatment he was receiving in Kuje

Prisons aided his health adding that this was made possible by the Red Cross and the British Council.

Earlier, during the court session, Mr. S.A. Abula from the Nigerian Legal Aid Council, had announced appearance for Okah. He, however, said that he needed some time to study the case file so that the council could assign a lawyer for the accused.

The trial of Okah and Obi Nwabueze had not progressed since 2010. They were charged with two other accomplices for the offence. While one of them is serving a life jail term, having confessed to the offence and convicted accordingly, the other died in prison custody.

The Prosecution team, led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), though, was ready to open its case against the two accused persons, could not do otherwise, in the absence of defence counsel.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) in respect of landed property situated at Adebowale Street, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, belonging to Mr. Samson Adewale Abodunrin and Mrs. Adejoke Abodunrin is missing.

The said document was issued to them by the Federal Government of Nigeria. General Public should please note. If found, please contact 08033202569

Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), has insisted that the Federal Government must deploy soldiers for the conduct of the forthcoming general election to ensure peace, stability and security during and after the polls.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, while upholding the judgement of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which affirmed Governor Ayodele Fayose ,of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the June 21, 2014 poll, had reiterated that the use of Armed Forces in the conduct of elections, was in violation of section 217(2)(c) of the Constitution and section 1 of the Armed Forces Act. But, the PDPPCO stated that the attempt by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)

to discredit the use of soldiers, by promoting some misleading audio footage of the so-called rigging, during the Ekiti governorship election, in which one Captain Sagir Koli was the dramatis personae, was childish and absurd.

Director of Media and Publicity of the PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, stated this while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Fani-Kayode recalled that the Federal Government deployed soldiers in the Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections and that they were devoid of violence, adding that, “remarkably, the APC won in Edo and Osun; APGA won in Anambra, Labour Party won in Ondo while PDP won only in Ekiti State”.

He also said that the basis on which the APC is agitating for the exclusion of soldiers from the election by sponsoring court cases is patently dubious.

Reps demand $20b NNPC audit report from FG Henry Omunu and Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe House of

Okah

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general that original right of occupancy and other document related to Plot A04 Cadestral zone 3062 , Asokoro Abuja belonging to Premier Seed Nigeria Ltd are missing and all effort to trace it has proved abortive.

KUKU RISIKATU OLUFUNMILAYO I, formerly known and addressed as Oseni Risikatu Olasimibo now wishes to be known as Kuku Risikatu Olufunmilayo. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHIKERE IJEOMA ANTHONIA I formerly known and addressed as Ubah Ijeoma Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chikere Ijeoma Anthonia. All former documents remain valid, Abia state University and General Public please take note.

Representatives has ordered the Federal Government to furnish it with the detailed report of the forensic audit of accounts and transactions of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC.) Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in a motion under Urgent Public Importance, on Thursday, said following the allegation by former Governor of the Central Bank, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, that about $20 billion was unremitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC, nobody had been briefed about the outcome of the report.

Gbajabiamila maintained that in view of the Freedom of Information Act, the House should call on the Federal Government to make available the report of the audit firm to the House.

Following the revelation by Sanusi, the Federal Government had set up an audit into the account of the cooperation.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, after the motion was passed by majority of members, urged the Federal Government to make public the audit report and make it available to the House.

Daily Times recalled that NNPC and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company were indicted by the investigative forensic audit done by PriceWaterHouseCoopers into the allegations of unremitted funds to the Federation Account.

The highlight of the report was released by the Auditor General for the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura, in Abuja recently.

In the report, the accounting firm asked both organisations to refund to the Federation Account “a minimum of $1.48bn.”

PriceWaterHouseCoopers, was last year hired to carry out the exercise, following an allegation by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi, that $20bn was not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC. Sanusi, who is now the Emir of Kano, had written a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan that $49bn was not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC. But following the controversy which the letter generated, a committee was set up to reconcile the account.

Sanusi later recanted and said the unremitted fund was $12bn which he later changed to $20 billion.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Jonathan assures of victory over B/Haram Continued from page 6 oil theft and other maritime crimes.

According to him, the four commissioned ships, were part of the transformation agenda of his administration in the security sector, adding that it will further boost the capacity of the Navy to fight maritime crimes.

The four ships were NNS OKPABANA, NNS SAGBAMA, NNS PROSPERITY and NNS CENTENARY. The President also announced that the ships are part of six which will be commissioned for the Navy this year, adding that one of the ships which came from the United States was the 6th from that coun-

try since 2002.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to women empowerment, President Jonathan expressed delight with the fact that female officers of the Nigerian Navy are now participating in some offshore activities.

He continued: “The Chief of Naval Staff just told me that in developed countries, women are commanding some sensitive Navy platforms. Going forward, our women can also do it. It will happen here too. “ He noted that this was the first time any Nigerian government would commission four Naval ships at the same time.

The President also used the occasion to confirm that crude oil theft

in the country has dropped drastically due to the efforts of the Nigerian Navy. He, however, lamented that vandalism of pipelines is still on in the swamps.

He continued, “In their (Nigerian Navy) operations, I have watched and seen significant improvement in their works and trainings. It is now coming out clearly that the volume of crude oil being stolen is reducing drastically even though wilful vandalism of gas pipeline meant for power generation is increasing vandalism in the swamps.

But in terms of the stealing of our crude in the waters (it) is reducing.”

On his part, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, commended the present admin-

istration for committing huge resources to the advancement of Naval operations, adding that yesterday’s ceremony was a milestone in the history of the Navy.

He noted that the four Naval ships would be deployed into the effective patrol of the country’s territorial waters.

The Naval Chief also handed the four ships to their respective commanding officers in the presence of the President.

Meanwhile, in a move to add momentum to ongoing operations against the Boko Haram sect, Nigerian Air Force planes on Thursday bombed training camps and equipment belonging to the sect in Sambisa forest, Borno State.

This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major-General Chris Olukolade, noting that “the death of a large number of terrorists has been recorded while many others are also scampering all over the forest.

Gen. Olukolade further disclosed that an attack was underway as at last night on parts of Gwoza, a town

that has been under the control of Boko Haram sect since last year.

After a year in which the sect seemed to be gaining ground, seizing territories, killing thousands of people and kidnapping hundreds of mostly women and children, the tide has now turned against them, as neighbouring countries affected by cross-border attacks by the sect have joined the fight.

The countries, Niger, Chad and Cameroon are seeking to pin down Boko Haram within Nigeria’s borders ahead of a ground-and-air offensive by a regional task-force due to start from the end of next month, a senior Niger military official said.

Military chiefs will meet in Chad’s capital N’Djamena next week to finalise plans for an 8,700-strong task-force of troops from Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin and Niger to fight the insurgents.

Daily Times recalls that the military on Wednesday said it killed about 300 Boko Haram fighters in an operation that resulted in the recapture of 11 towns and villages.

Send petitions against our members, says ICAN Continued from page 6

L-R: Member, Civil Society, Mr. Henry Balogun; Governorship Candidate Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr. Bolaji Ogunseye, his counterpart in National Conscience Party (NCP), Comrade Ayodele Akele; Chief Moderator, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti and Governorship Candidate, KOWA Party, Oloye Victor Adeniyi, during a town hall meeting with candidates in Lagos…on Thursday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

‘NIMASA behind anti-Buhari adverts’ Continued from page 6 punish them once they are exposed,” Shehu declared.

However, in a swift response, NIMASA said neither the agency nor its director general, Dr Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, had ever been involved in any form of campaign against any politician, nor sponsored same.

A statement by the agency declared: “It is unfortunate that the authors of that statement and their agents are only attempting

yet again without success to discredit the agency, having failed in doing so through the malicious lies on the purchase of the operational vessels, and attempt to discredit NIMASA success story which is currently training over 2,500 young Nigerians as seafarers.

It added: “We are only a government agency doing our normal statutory duties as a Maritime regulatory agency and proud of our achievements which have been globally acclaimed.”

Buhari

response of the body.

“The enabling Act of the institute clearly states its disciplinary processes. Being that, you are to send in a petition under oath, because we don’t want to be wasting our time with frivolities, so you have to send the petition under oath to the Registrar, who then sends it to one of the six investigative panels,” he said.

Ajaegbu explained that the panel would “investigate any allegation, conclude whether there is a case to answer by the member or not. If they decide that there is a case to answer, the case will be taken to a tribunal.”

He continued: “I am the chairman of the tribunal and its equivalent in the judicial hierarchy is that of the high court. When tribunal decides, you can only appeal at the Court of Appeal. And it will be wrong for you to conclude that we will just jump into an investigation because a newspaper ran a publication, listing some allegations.

“For example, on the question of the subsidy scam, if we get a written petition of just one sheet of paper, addressed to me, we will

investigate, but it is not in tandem with our processes, for us to hear that somebody has embezzled or stolen money on the pages of the newspaper and then we start inviting them, we don’t do that”.

Ajaegbu disclosed that ICAN had established a whistle-blower fund with a seed fund of N50 million due to the institute’s frustrations in trying to push the bill to create a whistle-blowing Act in the National Assembly.

“We created that fund and set it aside and the idea is to encourage people to, actually, whistleblow when they see infractions.

However, if we don’t get people reporting infractions to us, there is nothing we can do,” he said.

“It is only when you test a system that you are now able to find out, whether the system is efficient and functioning well or not.

It will be wrong for you to stay outside and imagine what ICAN is doing to fight corruption.

“The tribunal sits every month, and, just last month, we sanctioned a couple of our members.

We do not spare people when we find them culpable and not by becoming irresponsible and start investigating allegations through the pages of newspapers.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

L-R: Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr. Micah Jiba; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ASO Savings and Loans Plc, Mr. Hassan Usman and member, House of Representatives, Mr. Zephaniah Jisalo, during the inauguration of AMAC Lugbe, relocation market in Abuja... on Thursday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

9 News

Nasarawa govt warns school heads over illegal fees collection Samson Osuo Lafia

ÏÏÏNasarawa

State Government, has warned heads of primary and secondary schools to desist from acts capable of scuttling the current free education policy in the area.

The state Commissioner for Education, Hussaini Abubakar, who dropped the warning in a chat with newsmen, said his ministry had received information about sharp practices embarked upon by some head teachers, stressing that no head of school

would be allowed to collect money from any student in the name of levies.

According to him, the free education policy of the state government, declared last year by the governor, Umar Tanko Al-makura remained in force and it’s for the benefit of the state.

He said strategies had already been put in place to monitor the activities of the various schools to ensure that heads of schools operate within the guidelines of the free education policy in the state, warning that anyone found wanting will be sanctioned.

Jigawa complaints body treats 372 cases Dutse Mohammed Dutse

ÏÏÏOffices

of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Jigawa State chapter, have registered 549 various complaints from private individuals, retired civil servants, among others out of which it treated 372, from January-December last year.

Speaking to the Daily Times,

Imo Varsity expels 700 students Val Okara

Owerri Authorities of the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, have rusticated over 700 students in the last 12 months for alleged examination misconduct.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, who discloed this in Owerri, while addressing some selected journalists in the state on his one year in office, said his administration has zero tolerance for examination malpractices.

Professor Awuzie however stated that some staff of the university, who were found guilty by disciplinary panels, have either

ÏÏÏ

Alao-Akala’s campaign office attacked

the state Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Dabi, who gave this hint in his office, said the remaining balance of 177 public complaints, will soon be resolved by the commission.

Dabi stated that from January this year to date, the commission had treated 40 out of 46 complains it has so far received, adding that all the 40 cases were resolved amicably.

Least among complaints en-

tertained by the commission were; delay in payment for workers gratuity, land compensation, non-payment of goods bought or services rendered to either government department or corporate bodies.

Others include wrong termination of appointment or dismissal, difficulties in getting one’s personal benefits after retirement and delay in judgment by a court of law, among other

being sacked or demoted.

According to him, the university has graduated about 150 medical doctors from the College of Medicine of the university.

The former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), disclosed that in the year under review, the university, in collaboration with the TETFUND research, has sponsored over 25 staff of the university to pursue their Master’s degrees and Ph.D. programmes.

He regretted that most of the courses offered by the university for accreditation, failed to meet the criteria for full accreditation by relevant bodies.

He further disclosed that the university authorities spent part of last year carrying out an audit on the affected courses as well as documenting the requirements in order to ensure that accreditation could be accorded them.

Owners of unoccupied buildings in FCT to pay more

Remi Oladoye Ibadan

ÏÏÏThe

campaign office of the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Otunba Alao

Idu Jude

genuine complaints that have to do with one’s personal rights.

The PCC, is an independent organisation, established by the Federal Government, and empowered to inquire into complaints lodged before it by citizens on administrative actions taken by either local, state or federal governments, companies, whether public or private sector or any official of the afore-mentioned bodies.

Lamido

of about 8,000 unoccupied mansions in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, will soon be made to pay heavy taxes to retain such properties or forfeit them to the Federal Government.

This is a new property policy of the FCTA administration awaiting full implementation as soon as the National Assembly is through with the bills before them.

Revealing this to newsmen, during his “Meet the People” tour in Abuja recently, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator

Bala Mohammed, said that the bill, which is with the Senate Committee on FCT, with its Chairman, Senator Smart Adeyemi, is currently working tirelessly to ensure that this policy is put in place.

Senator Mohammed said gone were the days when individuals owned properties in Nigeria without paying taxes to protect such properties while adding that this latest move would ensure that those who own housing properties, are those who sincerely needs it.

“This practice is in vogue all over the world, why not Nigeria?

People own properties and leave it for rats and lizards while the

common man sees no where to put their heads. The bigger the property you own, the more tax you pay, that is what is obtainable elsewhere in the world, why not Nigeria”, the Minister added.

Senator Mohammed added: “You see, I know as much as you did, that the common men are not happy the way things are going and the way public properties are being handled in Nigeria, more especially in the capital city of Nigeria, the fastest-growing city in the entire Africa. If one takes a walk across the FCT, there is the need to end this spate of unwarranted dump of unoccupied properties around the city”.

Akala, was on Wednesday night attacked by hoodlums believed to be sponsored by political opponent of the former governor.

The office, which was located at Mokola Area, was said to have

been stormed by scores of people with dangerous weapon, chanting anti-Akala song and trying to gain entry into the office.

The security man who raised the alarm, was pursued as they

allegedly fire several gunshot into the air to scare residents or anybody who may want to resist them.

Though, they were unable to gain entrance into the office, the glass at the main entrance was damaged.

Abuja

ÏÏÏOwners

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, Feburary 20, 2015

HIV/AIDS patients may suffer as donors withdraw funding Ifeanyi Onwuneme Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

Idoko

likely withdrawal of sponsorship by international donors from the HIV/AIDS programme, may force the Federal and state governments to take over its management and sponsorship.

At the end of a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on NACA/ SURE-P and HIV/AIDS project

implementation, Director-General, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), Professor John Idoko, said the agency was pleased with the performance index on the implementation and response level of the HIV/AIDS programme. Idoko, represented by the Deputy Director-General, Dr. Priscilla Ibekwe, added that the stakeholders’ meeting was to adopt an effective approach that would further reduce the preva-

lence rate, strengthen treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS and address the issue of motherto-child transmission.

He explained that federal and state agencies should evaluate their capabilities to take over the management of the programme, “so that it does not collapse, even as international partners and donor agencies make their exit”.

The Country Representative, Family Health International

(FHI360NIG), Philip Jones Changa, represented by the Director, Programme Management, Oluyinka Ajayi, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to the implementation of the HIV programme, through NACA, saying that the essence of the stakeholders’ meeting was to ensure that the transition from the international donor agencies to the federal and state agencies continued unhindered.

Stakeholders Workers urged blame importers, to block revenue fake dealers for leaks Dilionye Dilibe adulterated oil Onitsha Eberechi Obinagwam

ÏÏÏStakeholders in the automo-

Staff of Bauchi State Teachers Service Commission checking applicants’ results during the commission’s interview for teachers in Bauchi... on wednesday

Jonathan’s campaign team decries Amosun’s visit to INEC Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ Following the visit of

the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, the Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO), has condemned the visit, saying that it is an attempt to compromise the commission.

The organisation, in a release, signed by Steve Oliyide, State Director, Media and Publicity, described the visit as a gross violation of the ‘independence’ of the commission and a subtle way to blackmail and compromise the electoral body.

The release said “Governor

Amosun, being a candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC), who is also contesting in the April 11, 2015 governorship election, just like every other candidate, has no legal and moral right to visit the INEC office to complain about the distribution of the Permanent Voter’s Cards in the state”.

“This is crass opportunism and open blackmail, aimed, principally, to compromise the integrity, neutrality and independence of the election umpire. We condemn this in its totality”.

It said “There are other windows available to vent any perceived, assumed or imagined ‘irregularities’ in the conduct and operations of any independent commission and or agency”.

“For instance, Governor Amo-

sun could issue a press statement, grant press interview or even write an open letter to the commission to register his protest, especially, since he feels strongly about the unpopularity and dwindling political fortunes of his party”, he added.

“It is only under President Goodluck Jonathan that the neutrality, independence and autonomy of the commission had been, absolutely, protected and guaranteed, and no governor should be allowed to use his office to remove this. “The hallmark of Jonathan’s administration is the strict compliance to the rule of law, and this, many Nigerians have come to appreciate and respect, with a resolve to vote for him in the March 28, 2015 election”.

tive industry have blamed importers and fake dealers, for the adulteration of engine oil in Nigeria.

Speaking during a one-day interactive forum, organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, (SON), and Consumer Rights Awareness Advancement Advocacy Initiative {CRAAAI}, on Wednesday, Manager, Lubes Production, Forte Oil, Tunde Taiwo, said, that importers and dealers in fake products should be held responsible for adulterated engine oil in Nigeria.

Speaking further, he said the relevant authorities were not doing a proper checking of engine oils that come into the country, while dubious dealers adulterate well-known products.

He also stated that the enabling factors for increased usage of adulterated engine oils are the low prices, ignorance of the end users and the elegant packaging.

Pointing out the way forward, Taiwo, said, the government should enact enabling laws to arrest and prosecute those who adulterate the products in the country, and educate Nigerians on the dangers of using adulterated oils.

Director-General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria {SON}, and President African Organisation for Standardisation {ARSO}, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, represented

by Gabriel Abah, said that the reason why it seemed the authorities involved were not doing anything, was because there was no legal frame empowering the stakeholders to arrest and persecute importers and dealers of adulterated engine oil.

ÏÏÏThe

Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Anambra State chapter, has called on workers in the state to close all revenue leakages to realise the state government’s plan of increasing workers’ salaries, having increased the state monthly internally generated revenue to N2.5 billion.

It also urged the Board of Internal Revenue and allied agencies to align with Governor Willie Obiano’s vision of making the state one of the highest revenue generating states in Nigeria.

Chairman of the association, Comrade Ifeanyi Okechukwu, made the observations at the association’s maiden meeting.

Agents seek 5% commission from Customs revenue Funmi Coker

ÏÏÏThe

Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has asked the Federal Government to pay five per cent commission to its members on revenues generated through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

National President of the association, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said that the demand from government was to enable customs brokers perform better as revenue generators.

He explained that customs brokers made about N800billion for NCS in 2014 adding that “If government gives customs brokers, not less than five percent of revenue generated as an incentive, we can get up to N2trillion annually.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Abia gov increases monarchs’ entitlements Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has increased the welfare package of traditional rulers in the state.

Orji said this in Umuahia, when traditional rulers from Igbere, the home town of former

Orji

governor of the state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, came to Umuahia in with solidarity Orji.

He said he had signed into law a moderate raise in the welfare package for august his visitors, in response to an earlier approval given by the state House of Assembly earlier.

The traditional rulers pledged their unalloyed support for the Orji administration.

They thanked the Orji for his immense contribution towards the socio-economic development of the state.

The spokesperson of the Council of Igbere Traditional Rulers, Eze Eme Ogbumba Chike, said the visit was to dispel speculations that the Igbere clan was far from happy the Orji administration, pointing out that they were his citizens, loyalists and sup-

porters.

Eze Chike lauded Orji, for his untiring efforts, in lifting the image of state, in diverse ways – including fostering of unity among the political class, empowering youths, improving upon infrastructural development and the provision of 16 vehicles for the Igbere clan, as a part of the empowerment programme for Bende Local Government Area.

The Igbere tradigtional rulers thanked Orji for including their sons in his cabinet, and for keeping his promise to supply Igbere secondary school with science equipment.

They assured him of their commitment towards ensuring a landslide success for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Igbere in the forthcoming elections.

They pleaded with the Gover-

nor to address the rehabilitation of the Onuibina Roundabout erosion problem, calling on him to grant Igbere clan total and unconditional reintegration into his administration.

Governor Orji assured them that he had nothing against Igbere community, stressing that the visit had cleared any doubt and proved that his doors were open for all.

According to him, there is nothing amiss between him and Igbere community, adding that he had proved that by appointing many Igbere sons into his government.

The Governor promised to address the dilapidated classroom block at Igbere secondary school and the erosion problem in the community, maintaining that he cannot see his people suffer.

Lent: Aregbesola canvasses prayer for national unity Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

L-R: Outgoing Director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), Mr. Mike Purves; President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Prince Adeyemi Adefulu and New Director of UKTI, Mr. Chris Maskell during a send forth luncheon organized by NigerianBritish Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in honour of Purves In Lagos...on Wednesday

Election-related violence: Enugu REC indicts parties Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏThe Resident Electoral Com-

missioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu State, Prof.

Chukwuemeka Onukogu has attributed the level of violence over the 2015 polls to the primaries conducted by political parties, just as he announced the readiness of the commission to conduct violence-free elections in the state.

He stated, while speaking with reporters, that political party primaries that robbed some politicians, especially those who had to

resign from their offices to contest primaries and lost to favoured aspirants, were responsible for the level of most of the violence.

He also said lack on internal democracy and indiscipline in some political parties had bred violence and appealed to political parties to make peace with their aggrieved members.

Said he: “No INEC staff can condone or promote violence at his or her place of work. This has had a positive spin off on the adhoc staff who today are very electorate friendly. In the coming election, we are convinced that no INEC staff both permanent and

adhoc can be the source of violence. We will surely on our part deliver a violence- free election.”

He stated that the commission had, as much as possible, tried to minimise violence in Enugu State by being fair to all political parties and candidates, assuring that the feat would be maintained. “I have not changed and nobody can change me. When you vote, yourvote will be counted. Let the political parties not be afraid. We are on course. We are at every polling unit in the state and we will continue to ensure the distribution of permanent voters card (PVC) to all those who need it”, he said.

Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Christians and other Nigerians to use the Lenten period to pray to God for peace and the unity of the country, in the run-up to the general elections.

In a message by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola appealed to Christians to use the occasion to supplicate to God for the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.

He held that all hands must

ÏÏÏThe Nigerian Navy and Nige-

rian Ports Authority (NPA) are to enter into partnership in the area of training, following a request by the navy to train its tug masters.

Also, the authority has assured the navy of its maximum cooperation and support to curtail piracy and other maritime crimes in the nation’s waterways.

The Managing Director of the authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, gave this assurance while receiving the new Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral JKZ Ango, who paid him a courtesy visit in his of-

11 News Aviation minister boosts workers’ welfare Takor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏMinister of Aviation, Chief

Osita Chidoka, yesterday, in Abuja, commissioned staff welfare buses with a charge on the staff for the effective utilisation of the buses.

He said the buses were a staff welfare initiative and another landmark of the Goodluck Jonanthan effort to be worker-friendly, in support of the Nigerian workers, as well as local industries.

Osita added that by providing the buses, that Jonathan had created jobs for Nigerians in Nigeria and mobility for the staff of the Ministry of Aviation in a safe and secured manner.

He said the idea of creating jobs is embedded in building local industries and creating jobs for Nigerians in Nigeria.

Osita admonished the workers to use the buses effectively, safely and sustainably.

be on deck to ensure that the 40 days of the Lenten period was used by the brethren to pray, so that the country would have credible, fair and violence-free elections.

He said: “What our nation needs at this time is love, sacrifice and forgiveness, we must all pray and join hands with our security agencies so that God can, in His limitless mercies, on the occasion of Lent help the country conquer insurgency that is ravaging part of the country.”

Aregbesola

NPA, Navy partner on tug masters training fice in Lagos.

Abdullahi said that NPA was not the designated authority responsible for security at the nation’s ports, but he declared that the authourity had the responsibility of collaborating with the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police and other security agencies in order to ensure the safety of the channels for smooth navigation in compliance with International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) Code.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Malawian parliament under fire over Marriage Bill

Malawian young girls at a basketball court in Blantyre

ÏÏÏMalawi’s

parliament has passed a revised marriage bill, raising the legal age of marriage for girls from 15 to 18. The revision comes after years of controversy, and the issue is still far from settled.

The Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations bill, which was passed last week, seeks to replace a widely criticized old law which allowed 15-year-old girls to marry with parental consent.

First drafted in 2006, the bill has undergone several changes to differentiate it from the old law, which rights campaigners said contributed to a high number of

school dropouts and early marriages among girls.

Lawmaker Jessie Kabwila. a spokesperson for the leading opposition party in parliament, the Malawi Congress Party, said the bill will have a positive impact.

“This bill illustrates, aims to fight the problem that is the root of high rates of school drop-outs, fistula, high mortality rates, poverty, HIV and AIDS and other forms of abusive and oppressive conduct that lead to girls getting married early,” said Kabwila.

Under the new law, anyone marrying a girl younger than 18 will serve a minimum jail term

of 10 years.

Young girls like these will now have legal protection from early marriages. (Lameck Masina for VOA News)Young girls like these will now have legal protection from early marriages. (Lameck Masina for VOA News) Traditional leaders are unhappy with the new law - they say the legal age for marriage should be higher. Many have established laws in their own districts setting the minimum marriage age for a girl at 21.

Traditional Authority Kachindamoto told VOA that 18 is still too early for a Malawian

SADC election observers arrive Lesotho

Basotho for choosing a peaceful route to their political challenges. Watch the video below as she speaks. The elections are being held more than two years early in a bid to restore stability following a coup attempt last August in the country of two million which is surrounded by South Africa.

The failed 30 August putsch exposed friction between the Lesotho military and the police and tensions remain.

In October 2014, South Africa’s deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa helped broker a political agreement that pushed the polls forward. Meanwhile, the SADC troika heads of state are expected to meet on Friday to iron out the remaining disagreements in the country’s coalition, the report said.

Morocco arrests three seeking to join ISIS in Libya

ÏÏÏThe Southern African De-

velopment Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission has reportedly started its work in Lesotho ahead of the 28 February elections.

According to an SABC report, at least 74 observers had already deployed in the country’s 10 election districts, observing among other things, freedom of association, political tolerance and equal access to state media.

South Africa’s international relations minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane who is heading the mission congratulated the

ÏÏÏMorocco has announced the

arrest of three men suspected of seeking to join ISIS’s Libyan branch.

The statement on Thursday by the Interior Ministry said the men were arrested in the coastal city of Casablanca and Oujda, which is on the Algerian border.

All three came from the town of Sidi Bennour.

The statement described Libya as a “magnet” for extremists in the region. A number of extremist groups in Libya have recently pledged allegiance to ISIS and

girl to marry because at this age she is still in secondary school.

She said the chiefs will push for further amendments to the law.

Traditional Authority Chowe, of Malawi’s southern district of Mangochi, agrees.

“In fact, as chiefs we are advocating for 21 years because we thought 21 years will be more ideal. The girl child would have grown well and by the time she is 21, she should have finished her form 4 [secondary education] so we were looking along those lines,” said Chowe.

Girls themselves are also divided on the bill.

Shareefa Sayini told VOA that 18 is an appropriate year for a girl to get married because “this is the time a girl can fully enjoy marriage and also a way of avoiding all sorts of temptations that befall adolescents.”

But Wyness Kibokoyo, a journalism student at Malawi Institute for Journalism, disagrees.

“I am not in support of that because at the age of 18, most of the girls are young and they can’t be able to make independent decisions. I think if they can put the age of 21 as the chiefs are advocating for, it can be much better because they (girls) can be able to decide and think what they can do in life,” said Kibokoyo.

Legal experts say the parliament rushed in passing the amended bill before changing a constitutional provision that stipulates young people between 15 and 18 may marry upon parental consent.

Libya to UN: Lift arms embargo to fight ISIS ÏÏÏLibya’s foreign minister on

Wednesday demanded that the UN Security Council lift an arms embargo so his country can fight the Islamic State group as it establishes a presence in north Africa and moves closer to Europe.

Foreign Minister Mohammed al Dairi spoke to an emergency session of the council amid regional alarm after the Islamic State group over the weekend posted a video of the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya.

Al Dairi stressed that Libya is not asking for international intervention. But he said the international community has a “legal and moral responsibility to lend urgent support” and that the region, including the Mediterranean, is in danger.

“If we fail to have arms provided to us, this can only play into the hands of extremists,” he said. He told reporters he wanted to see the same attention paid the danger in Libya as has been paid to Iraq and Syria, where a US-led coalition is battling the Islamic State group.

The foreign minister of neighbouring Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, called for a naval blockade on arms heading to areas of Libya outside the control of “legitimate authorities”. He did not rule out troops on the ground in Libya and said his country was seeking international support “by all means”.

Burundians celebrate as journalist is freed ÏÏÏThousands marched in cele-

are battling local militias.

More than a thousand Moroccans have left to join extremist groups, usually fighting in Syria.

The Moroccan statement said those arrested had links with three others arrested on 31 December, also from Sidi Bennour and seeking to go fight in Libya.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI

bration through the Burundi capital on Thursday after the release of a journalist from jail, in one of the largest demonstrations in recent years, an AFP reporter said.

Vast crowds singing and dancing peacefully filled the streets of Bujumbura a day after Bob Rugurika, director of the popular independent African Public Radio (RPA), was released from prison on bail.

The arrest of Rugurika for “complicity” in the murder of three Italian nuns sparked protests by civil rights activists and fellow journalists, who have accused the government of doing all it can to sideline political challengers ahead of elections in May and June, including arrests, harassment and a clampdown on free speech.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Ex- Thai PM indicted in failed rice subsidy scam ÏÏÏThai authorities Thursday

indicted former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra over a bungled rice buying scheme during her time in office. Yingluck failed to appear at the indictment hearing in Bangkok, but her lawyer says she was not obliged to appear and has no intention to flee the kingdom.

Her supporters say the charges against her are politically motivated.

The indictment of the last elected prime minister of Thailand had been widely expected.

After delivering boxes of documents to the Supreme Court, the attorney general’s office announced that Yingluck Shinawatra had been indicted for “dereliction of duty.”

If convicted of criminal negligence and failure to prevent corruption, she could be sent to prison for a decade. The government, now under military control, is also considering a civil suit against the ex-prime minister to seek $18 billion in damages.

The charges stem from a bungled government scheme in which rice farmers pledged crops in exchange for being paid above the market rate. The subsidies resulted in massive stockpiles of rice, some of it rotting in warehouses and accusations

Thailand’s Attorney Director General, Department of Special Litigation, Chutichai Sakhakorn (R) holds filed charge papers as Director General, Department of Investigation, Surasak Threerattrakul looks on at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, on Thursday.

that billions of dollars had been wasted. But the former prime minister has repeatedly emphasized that she did nothing wrong.

The director general of the investigation department of the attorney general’s office, Surasak Threerattrakul, said the Supreme Court will decide March

19 whether to pursue the case.

Surasak said Yingluck would be required to appear at an initial court hearing. The judges at that time would decide whether to grant bail or detain the defendant. Yingluck’s attorney, Pichit Chuenban, said his client will fight any criminal charges.

The lawyer said Yingluck has

US withholding nuclear details from Israel ÏÏÏThe

Obama administration said on Wednesday it is withholding from Israel some sensitive details of its nuclear negotiations with Iran because it is worried that Israeli government officials have leaked information to try to scuttle the talks, and will continue to do so.

In extraordinary admissions that reflect increasingly strained ties between the US and Israel, the White House and state department said they were not sharing everything from the negotiations with the Israelis and complained that Israeli officials had misrepresented what they had been told in the past.

Meanwhile, senior US officials privately blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself for “changing the dynamic” of previously robust information-sharing by politi-

cising it.

The comments came as a late March deadline to forge the outline of an Iran nuclear deal looms and US and Iranian negotiators prepare for a new round of talks later this week in Geneva, Switzerland.

Netanyahu has angered the White House with his open opposition to a deal he believes threatens Israel’s existence, and by accepting a Republican invitation to address Congress about Iran in early March without consulting the White House, a breach of diplomatic protocol.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters that sharing all details of the negotiations with governments that are not at the table would complicate efforts to get a deal that would prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon in ex-

change for sanctions relief.

The talks are being held among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States along with Germany and Iran.

Obama

reaffirmed “that when she gets the copy in detail of the indictment and the first hearing is set, she will be present at the court for the process of justice.”

The junta last month denied the former prime minister permission to travel to Hong Kong to ensure she was in Thailand to face charges.

Qatar recalls Egypt envoy in airstrike dispute ÏÏÏQatar recalled its ambassa-

dor to Egypt for “consultations” on Thursday in a widening rift over Egypt’s air force carrying out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Libya earlier this week.

Egypt conducted the bombings Monday hours after a video emerged showing militants beheading 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians.

But Qatar expressed concern about the Egypt’s decision to respond with unilateral action in Libya.

In turn, Egypt’s delegate to the Arab League, Tarek Adel, was quoted by the state-run MENA news agency as saying that Qatar’s objection showed that it is “supportive of terrorism.”

13 World Germany rejects Greek loan request ÏÏÏGermany

has rejected a Greek request for a six-month extension to its eurozone loan programme, after earlier signs that a compromise was possible.

Greece had sought a six-month assistance package, rather than a renewal of the existing deal that comes with tough austerity conditions.

However, a German finance ministry spokesman said it was “not a substantial proposal for a solution”.

The European Commission had earlier called the Greek request “positive”. “[European Commission] President Juncker sees this letter as a positive sign, which, in his assessment, could pave the way for a reasonable compromise in the interest of the financial stability in the euro area as a whole,” Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said.

Fighting spreads in Ukraine despite ceasefire ÏÏÏShelling

is reported from several places in eastern Ukraine, despite the official ceasefire between government forces and pro-Russia rebels.

Artillery fire could be heard in the region’s biggest city, Donetsk, where the truce had been observed so far.

Ukrainian military sources also accused rebels of shelling positions near the port city of Mariupol.

The fighting comes as Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany held further talks over the phone.

Most of the renewed fighting in rebel-held Donetsk appears to be in the north of the city towards the airport.

The BBC’s Ian Pannell, who is in Donetsk, says it sounds like shells are being fired in both directions, although that cannot be verified.

Further south, a spokesman for the Ukrainian government forces said rebel units had attacked the village of Shirokyne, killing one soldier, with shells also fired towards Mariupol.

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) - which is charged with monitoring the ceasefire - also reported more shelling near the embattled town of Debaltseve which observers have not been able to reach.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

2015: Has Nigeria crossed the Rubicon?

T

Anayo Unachukwu

he embryos of growths that initially attended Nigeria’s fourth republic and its accompanying orchard of hope withered and mottled prior to maturity. In the aftermath of this blight, it gave rise to a mutant that neither cohere with nor conform to the spirit and the letter of democracy. Notwithstanding this fundamental flaw, the overly optimistic and forever hopeful Nigerians chose to keep faith.

Are all these about to change, given the recent postponement of its election. Is faith in this form of government a miscast judgment?

The current cognitive dissonance confronting the average Nigerian electorate--who have a choice to make between a present that is not too dissimilar from a distant past--may drive them to misremember and hanker after yesterday. Some have gone a step further--beyond the competing charms of different types of government--as they hanker for a complete dismembering of the country. Who could blame them?

Nigerian political elite, over the years, has transformed the country

and its society into a Byzantine edifice of corruption where everyday hope and honest aspiration have become something to sniff at and ridicule. To further compound the lot of its teeming population--who are economically disenfranchised-the elite stir and stoke up their contrived ethnic and religious differences; without taking time to learn from history about the lethality and the irredeemable end-point of such irresponsible goading.

History, Cicero said is the great instructor of public life. But history is not the strongest suit of Nigerian political elite (only last year, the current leadership, in its inimitable style and wisdom championed the removal of history from the school curriculum based on the most absurd and bizarre logic.)

History, as an eccentric educator tends not to make available its wisdom to us pre-packaged.

Christopher Clark put it succinctly: lessons are “oracles whose relevance to our predicament has to be puzzled over”. Is the current leadership pondering and paying significant attention to historical lesions?

Given the development that presaged the Nigerian civil war-concatenation of events in the

political process and its wider ramifications on the civil society-it is perilously possible to safely assume that politics of immediacy has not changed in the country. In fact, it has intensified. Primordial political interests hold sway over enlightened collective interest of common good.

Taken together, the pessimistic proposition that Nigeria has eventually crossed the Rubicon may be a safe assumption by the political punditry community. By gauging the mood music and the recent postponement of the presidential election from 14 February 2015 to 28 March, such a pronouncement may not be completely out of kilter.

My analysis and writing on Nigeria, although somewhat odd and peculiar, given that the intertwined theme is an admixture of paranoia and optimism. Paranoia because Nigeria as an entity is facing an existential threat--from Boko Haram, the Islamist terrorist group--which has largely gone unrecognised and unacknowledged by the current leadership. Besides, the declines in oil prices as a result of supply shock and its wider ramifications-extreme hardship and a bleak future in an already economically challenged population--are real

source of concern in a country with a significant proportion of youth with a record number of unemployment.

All things considered, the entity, Nigeria, is needed more than ever, notwithstanding the popular saying about Nigerian dividing the world into two camps.

The next few weeks to the elections will be one of the most difficult periods since this republic. In Nigeria, when psephologists talk about the power of incumbency, it invariably means a sub-audition for manipulating state institutions to perpetuate the government in power.

In order to forestall further declension and potential descent to chaos and confusion, the military and the police must restore its tarnished image by steering clear from the murky waters of politics.

The two national parties and their supporters must refrain from activities and pronouncements that would worsen the already fragile state of the nation. Further, the leadership at the centre and its party ought to reciprocate the confidence reposed on it by Nigerians-for the past 15 years--by desisting from the use of federal institutions to legitimise its hold on power.

Soyinka’s earthquake shift: Be alert!

R

Hakeem Babalola

eading Professor Wole Soyinka’s ‘The Challenge of Change-A Burden of Choice’, at first I sympathised with him over the agony of change and choice; then I felt deeply offended, but mostly saddened. The way he tried as much to justify his new found “cautious” affection for Buhari is too much a drama, and in deed, a bitter pill to swallow.

There is no doubt that the professor is in a difficult situation and one can feel it. He tacitly admits in the said article where, according to him, he has to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea. But is there any need for that? Especially when there are many other “lesser devils”.

Or does it mean - in the professor’s eyes - that other presidential candidates are devils and, or worthless?

That alone can be pointed at - to show how far we have gone as a people.

So the Noble Laureate chose the devil, which is the personification of Buhari. In his analogy he could deal with the devil. The deep blue sea, he implies, is too risky for a septuagenarian. Not his words exactly but you

know the professor too well now. Let me tell our eminent professor here in plain language. Professor sir, you can no longer successfully dialogue/ dine/deal with the devil, even with the proverbial long spoon. Be careful and be at alert!

How am I certain of this? If your friends or associates in All Progressives Congress (APC) could invoke their enthusiasm for a new Buhari, and you who should know better or expected to know better, succumbed to their magic spell, then the “devil” has triumphed and defeated that cherished principle - of yours. Of course there is always a price to pay for such seismic turn. Oh my dear professor, at this point in your life, you can’t afford to throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Talking about the devil, I have since known there is no spiritual height or intellectual height that the devil cannot bring down. Hence, I will continue to pray for you, so as not to rubbish the good reputation you have built for yourself over the years. Politicians, one of the clerics says, are liars, and they hardly fulfill their promises.

By choosing the devil over the deep

blue sea, Soyinka seems to have tried to make this election more serious, more important or more exciting than it really is! What am I saying?

A while ago, who could have thought the eminent professor would have a sentimental affection for Buhari. In fact, Buhari and Soyinka could be best described as two parallel lines that could never meet.

But why the sudden and untimely change, especially at his age! Even if it is mellowing down as a result of age, which is understandable, there are other ways to go about it. Somebody said that he could have kept his silence, assuming he did not want to offend his buddies in APC by not dancing to their magical drum. Remember, the book of wisdom teaches “There is a time for every season: A time to be silent and a time to speak.

The ability to practice this is the hallmark of a discerning mind. But it seems the professor can’t humble himself to do the obvious.

It is an assault not only on the nation and Buhari’s victims, but on the professor’s integrity as well. This earthquake shift is simply unacceptable. It is not only a slap to himself, but also on those who cherish what he professes to stand for. Trust the PDP (People Democratic Party) for

any opportunity to get at its rival. Its media representatives had started quoting professor’s rebuke on Buhari.

If Soyinka is now compelled to choose the same Buhari, then something must have gone amiss. What could have been the offense of other presidential candidates that forced the professor to endorse Buhari, a “slave master” who not only turned their nation into a slave plantation, but forbade them any discussion of their condition?”

Professor sir and with due respect, I say that your earthquake shift has nothing to do with Buhari himself, but has something to do with your friends and associates in APC who have cast spell on you. Hence I cannot but wonder with whom you had the last meal. And was it breakfast, lunch or dinner? Who put juju in your wine? Who are you recently listening to? And since when have you started listening to others than yourself regarding challenges of this magnitude? Who else cast spells on you? The spell of the wicked shall be broken. Whether the professor realizes it or not, his earthquake shift is a spell cast on him. I hope he will humble himself to admit and deal with it by going for deliverance.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

15 Opinion

Nigeria: State without statesmen

I

Young Kigbara

n all countries of the world, there are men and women who have distinguished themselves, worked and earned national and international reputation.

They are sometimes politicians, diplomats, or other notable public figures that have had long and respected career in not national but also at international level. These persons are giving respect beyond the ordinary measure in their immediate milieu. They are called statesmen.

According to the immediate past United States Secretary of State, Mrs. Hilary Clinton, there is a subtle difference between a politician and a statesman. The difference is that a politician consistently ponders about the society only in terms of election but the statesman, a generation of people in the society. In a similar vein, the World Book dictionary, defines on the one hand a politician as “a person who gives much to political affairs; a person who is experienced in politics”, a statesman on the other hand, as “a person who is skilled in the management of public and national affairs”.

Embedded in the character of a statesman is bedrock of principles, which he is endeared to. He builds his platform on a foundation of firm, unchanging fundamental truths, strengthened by his moral compass, which are rooted in his sense of absolute right and absolute wrong. The politician gauges public opinions with his antennae. Once he is able to determine where the wind is blowing, he then shapes his body language to suit the situation. Statesmen are people of vision and the ability to build a consensus to achieving that vision.

While politicians follow crowd, statesmen lead and do not bow to the screeching and wailing that often passes for opposition. Statesmen follow the path blazed by John Adams, who said “Always stand on principle even if you stand alone”, and by the United State congressman, David Crockett, who lived by one rule: “Be sure you are right and then go ahead,” That rule eventually cost Crockett his life.

The question of who is a statesman in Nigeria still begs. A whole lot of politicians claim to be statesmen, yet lack the basic character of statesmen. Nigeria is indeed, suffering from a drought of states-

men and a flood of politicians.

Most Nigeria politicians truly think that by their ascendancy to political offices they are automatically statesmen. This is an erroneous thought as they are only concerned about whom, how contracts are awarded and what benefits will come to them.

Our politicians can hardly be called leaders. They are unique in their quest for and uses of power.

Their expedition for power is wholly driven by very selfish motives of looting the treasury aqnd reveling in misgovernance. They are perceived to be prejudiced in their position on every national issue.

This is what tells apart politicians in Nigeria and that of developed democracies like the US, Great Britain, Canada, South Africa and even Ghana. While in those countries, their political leaders seemingly appreciate to some reasonable degree the principles of good governance and democracy; their Nigerian counterparts still revel in election rigging.

Customarily, with the present situation of security challenge in Nigeria, there would have been serious efforts coordinated by statesmen towards building con-

sensus and resolving the conflict in the interest of the nation. Sadly, what we see and hear our leaders and even past presidents say are speeches that spite the present government. That is what leaders and statesmen in other climes eschew.

Notwithstanding, it is true that some statesmen were founders of nations. Yet, they were not politicians. Many like John Adams and James Madison had almost no political experience when they were elected to Congress. But they had education, ideas and conviction. Madison’s silent labour and Adam’s brilliant oratory did what all of the experience in the world could not.

Nigerians should know that it takes far more than becoming a senator and Minister to be called statesman. It takes one to be noble, though not perfect, but men and women who plausibly uphold principle and ideology in such great esteem that no threat of pain or death could deter them from their dreams of a constitutional republic guaranteeing liberty and justice for all. Governments often consult statesmen and they give their noble advice in private to leaders.

Season of curious endorsements

W

Tunde Asaju

elcome to the season of endorsements.

According to the bard, President Jonathan was close to making history as the first president to make a promise on terms and keep to it.

The president was on tape (and video) saying if he could not deliver on power generation (and distribution) after four years, he would have lost the moral right to seek re-election. Now, don’t get me wrong, he reserves the right to change his mind and I’ll defend that right to the death.

But his friends are quick to tell us that he was looking forward to a life of fishing and shuttle diplomacy in Otuoke when TAN goaded him into re-contesting. If that were so, blame his ultimate defeat on TAN when it happens.

In this game, there’s always someone or something else to blame. Endorsements have become the torn umbrella on which to hide ineptitude, squandermania and failure across streams of political divides.

Religious groups, socio-polit-

ical and cultural associations have been making curious endorsements of both frontrunners in the hopefully upcoming polls.

The untrained eye may wonder why the hoopla about endorsements to candidates seeking popular and not electoral college votes. Barack Obama did not have to mobilise the Masai, Luo and Kalenjin in the diaspora to threaten Mau Mau-style war on American territory to be electable for a second term. Angela Merkel did not have to threaten to unleash modern day Nazis to win again and again in Germany.

Until recently, Stephen Harper’s conservatives do not have to look over their shoulders to renew the mandate he first received in 2006. In Russia, it is unlikely that the coalition of Europe, America and Ukraine would diminish the popularity of Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

On the other hand, not even the proximity of the Holy See or Papal anointing could save Italian maverick, Silvio Berlusconi when his time came. In civilised societies performance is a winner any day. In Nigeria, the ruling party believes it is popular and its best test of that popular-

“Counting your votes based on clannish, ethnic or religious endorsements is like hoping to win a football match because you have invoked the spirit of Maradonna, Pele or Yaya Toure” ity is to postpone elections. In the absence of a true gauge of your popularity, you may induce parochial endorsements. Seeking endorsements from nonpolitical actors is the worst sign of trouble for an incumbent.

Signatures can be procured with the same ease with which anyone with the cash can hire a mason along Berger Junction on Monday morning. An association can endorse a candidate, but the ultimate decision of who gets the votes cannot be wished on anyone. I would defer to my pastor on spiritual matters if they

do not contradict the Bible, but never on the colour or make of my car. Endorsements do not win elections any more than mammoth crowds at rallies is a true test of the popularity of candidates. At rallies, parties that have the means could hire thugs, students, the curious bystander and the army of the jobless to come and hail and chant. This is why we see rallies in which protesters turn their placards upside down.

People with nothing to do would always do it at the right or wrong places. On Election Day, only a handful shows up to perform their electoral duty and any enlightened person who shows up votes based on conviction.

Yes, there are those who vote as a result of ethnic pressure or religious inducement, but those who really want the people’s votes sometimes go from door to door and at other times at town hall meetings to sell their plans and candidates. This is why I believe that counting your votes based on clannish, ethnic or religious endorsements is like hoping to win a football match because you have invoked the spirit of Maradonna, Pele or Yaya Toure.

PUBLIC NOTICE 16 WEALTH CREATION INVESTMENT LTD (RC NO. 693067)

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

FIRST WHIZKIDZ EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR TAKE NOTICE that I, Mr. Deyo Bukoye, Chartered Accountants of Moradeyo Bukoye & Co., No. 18, Old Jebba Road, opposite UNICEF Workshop, Ilorin, has been appointed PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR by the FEDERAL HIGH COURT, ILORIN over the entire assets of WEALTH CREATION INVESTMENT (RC NO. 693067) pursuant to A petition for winding up presented by Corporate Affairs Commission dated and filed on 4/5/2012. Notice of the Appointment of the Provisional Liquidator dated 9/12/2014 has been duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above-mentioned Foundation located in Lagos State, has applied to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

DEBTORS AND CREDITORS All Debtors of the company are to pay directly to the Provisional Liquidator. Also, all Creditors (if any) are to send their proof of claims to the Provisional Liquidator within fourteen (14) days from the date of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To empower the less privileged youths and children in the Nigerian society in skill acquisition.

2. To assist the less privileged youths and children in the Nigerian society in their academic pursuits, values and careers.

BANKS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, COMPANIES AND REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN NIGERIA All deposits, cash, shares and others currently held by Banks, Financial Institutions, Companies and Regulatory Authorities in Nigeria should be held until the issuance of further instructions by the Provisional Liquidator. All holders of such deposits and current accounts should contact the Provisional Liquidator stating the balances and where secured facilities are granted, the type of security should be disclosed.

Dated this 18th day of February 2015.

Mr. Deyo Bukoye, (Provisional Liquidator for Wealth Creation Investment Ltd RC No. 693067), PP: Moradeyo Bukoye & Co., Chartered Accountants, No. 18, Old Jebba Road, Opposite UNICEF Workshop, Ilorin

DANIEL BASSEY UMOH I, formerly known and addressed as Umoh Bassey Umoh now wishes to be known as Daniel Bassey Umoh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

KAREEM SULYMAN AKANNI I, formerly known as Mr. Kareem Sulyman Babatunde, now wishes to be addressed as Mr. Kareem Sulyman Akanni.

General public take note.

SETH BUACHIE WORLD EVANGELISM

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Chris Ikechukwu Nkwocha 2. Mrs Eugenia Irobiegbunam 3. Mrs Beatrice Chibuzo Nwali 4. Mrs Gbekeleoluwa Omotola Oni 5. Mrs Feyikemi Ajoke Oyaleke 6. Mrs Abigail Anaba 7. Mr Irobiegbunam Kingsley Eziuche 8. Dr Pauline Abimbola Olabosipo Odusote 9. Mrs Bamidele Chinedu 10. Mrs Olubunmi Esther Adefolu

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

J N ENAJEDU Esq J N ENAJEDU & CO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS TEL 08023132360

FLOURISHING IN CHRIST CHURCH

Signed: Anayo Ejiofor, Esq 29/31, Osunba Street Igando, Lagos

YUSRU - LLAHI LATEEF ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF NIGERIA

Trustees.

1. Oladokun Mikaheel Olasupo 2. Muritala Dawodu Ayinde 3. Ahmed Adewale Akeem 4. Fowotade Abiodun Lookman 5. Awosusi Ibrahim Ojo 6. Raheem Alade Khalid 7. Okeowo Risikat Omotunde (Mrs)

Aim and objective.

To preach and teach the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Aim and objective.

To preach Islamic all over the world.

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

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

Signed: Secretary

FOUNDATION FOR VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN INT’L

TRUSTEES: 1. Evang. Blessing Dorothy Ugbor. - President 2. Engr. Uwa Uzoma - Vice President.

3. Dr. Madudonu Simpson Uche - Gen. Secretary 4. Bar. Anthony Onyenowu - Financial Secretary 5. Engr. Nebo Onwukaike - Treasurer.

Aim and objective.

To reach out to the common man. To touch the lives of the unreached and less privileged Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication

Signed: Secretary

HEALING BALM GOSPEL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

“ To receive the account of the appointed Liquidator of winding up of AZIMPEX INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, showing how the winding up has been conducted and the property of the company has been disposed of and to receive explanation thereof ”

Trustees.

1. Pastor Titus Ademola Adetiloye - Senior Pastor 2. Evangelist Christianah Adetiloye 3. Bro. Daniel Adebayo Adetiloye - Secretary 4. Rev. Abayomi Mordekai Okesanya 5. Pastor David Adeyemi Adetiloye 6. Deaconess Esther Ndidi Okesanya

Trustee; 1. Francis Isibor.

3. Phillip Okpoko.

5. Douglas Arukwe.

7. Jide Ademikanlu.

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the final meeting of AZIMPEX INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Will be held at 175, Abeokuta Expressway, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos on Friday the 20th day of March 2015 at 11:00 am to transact the following business:

The general public is hereby notified that the above named society has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, No. 1 of 1990.

Aim and objective To propagate the gospel of Christ through missionary work and planting of church and Para church.

NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING

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 general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, No. 1 of 1990.

2. Chinyere. Isibor.

4. Daniel Ikechukwu.

6. Jacob Adeyemi.

8. Mose Ovie- George.

AZIMPEX INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (RC. 190398) MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP

Signed: PRESIDENT

Signed: Secretary

EMMANUEL’S OWN HOLY SABBATH MISSION The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, o. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ideh Gideon - Chairman 2. Ejams Maurice Osinachi - Secretary 3. Okeke Ifechukwu Chidinma (Mrs) - Treasurer AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication Signed: BARR. NWACHUKWU N. EZE 07033743576

INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND CHILD SURVIVAL

ALL CHRISTIAN INTERDENOMINATIONAL ASSOCIATION

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.

This is to inform the general public that the above named initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part c of the Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part c of the Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990

Trustees.

1. Pastor Joseph Newman. - President.

2. Chigozie Nnaemeka. - General Secretary.

3. Abo Pius Adone. - Treasurer.

4. Felicia Abiose. - Fin- Secretary.

5. Praise Okoro. - Member.

Trustees; 1. Ja’afaru Iya. 2. Fatai Abubakar Girel.

3. Zahra Dahiru Mikaila.

4. Bashiru Dahiru.

Trustees: 1. Uchie-Okoro, Kenny Chigozie 2. Amagwula, Julius Ogochukwu 3. Obioha, Cyril Chinweike 4. Ogbonna, Cosmas Ezelagu 5. Uzoma, Anthony Ifeanyi 6. Ihenyinwa, Albert Nwadike

Aim and objective To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.

Aim and objective.

To cater for the less privileged.

Aim To promote unity among all Christian

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

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

Signed: Secretary

Signed: Secretary

Signed: Pastor Joseph Newman.

President Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Politics

s

Tension in Anambra over March polls

OBIANO

17

Okey Chris, Awka According to the new dates given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Presidential and National Assembly election shall hold all over the country on March 28, while that of the state governors and houses of assembly polls will hold on April 11.

However, Anambra State is one of such states in the federation where gubernatorial election would not hold because the

tenure of the incumbent governor, Chief Willie Maduabuchukwu Obiano, who was sworn-in on March 17, 2014, will terminate in 2018.

Sequel to this, political gladiators and political parties in the state are focused on possible means of acquiring seats in the state house of assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

The state’s three Senatorial zones - Anambra North, Anambra South and Anambra Central

- and 30 state assembly constituencies are currently bubbling over the electioneering campaigns of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), the three notable political parties fighting to outsmart one another in the forthcoming elections through diverse means.

At the senatorial level, incumbent senator representing Anambra Central, Dr. Chris CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

My plans to better Ogun, by Gboyega Nasir Isiaka Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State. He speaks to journalists in Abeokuta on his agenda to develop the economy of the state and make life more abundant for the people.

What stands you out that will make ordinary people vote for you?

The ordinary person in Ogun State knows me. They know that I am the alternative; they know I will do better. I am talking of parents whose children could not write first-term and second-term examinations because the government could not provide examination sheets.

I am talking of thousands of teachers and civil servants who

Magaji

are being maltreated. I am talking of students who have not received bursary awards in the last three years, and who the government promised 50 per cent reduction in school fees, only to effect 10 per cent reduction just last year when they demonstrated. I am talking of thousands of people whose property and means of livelihood were demolished without compensation, ostensibly for a self aggrandising road expansion.

What about those who know that each kilometer of road expansion here costs N1.4 billion, whereas this government is telling them it costs not more than N500 million. What about those he promised free health, free anti- and post natal health services. They go to hospitals

‘Political violence, threat to nation’s existence’

and they know how much they pay. Instead of the free education it promised, it introduced PTA levy, Insurance levy and other exorbitant fees that sent many children out of schools.

All the victims of his elitist and contract-driven government see me as the alternative.

We are confident of winning this election. Forget the propaganda and massive use of the media by the All Progressives Congress (APC), nothing is working in Ogun State apart from building of bridges on dry lands, where a big roundabout could solve the problem.

But with the facts available to us, we know how much it costs them to build a bridge and a kilometer of road expansion.

In fact, we know how much it CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

VICTOR JIBRIN, Kaduna Kaduna State Deputy Governor in the aborted 3rd Republic and now governorship candidate on the platform of Labour Party (LP), Mr. James Bawa Magaji, has blamed the tension being generated by the 2015 gen-

Isiaka

eral election, with threats to the unity of Nigeria, on inexperience and lack of faith of present day politicians.

While counselling candidates for election at various levels to learn to play politics according to the rule of the game and believe that power comes from

God, Magaji enjoined INEC and security agencies to live above board, with a view to ensuring fairness, peace, unity and credibility of the country.

The Labour Party flag bearer stated this in reaction to the peace meeting held in the state CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Cloud over general elections in Anambra CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Ngige, is seeking re-election under the platform of APC against Chief Victor Umeh, National Chairman of APGA and standard bearer of the party, and Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, a two tenure member of the House of Representative and PDP candidate.

In Anambra South, Senator Andy Uba of PDP, currently representing the zone, is slugging it out with the Former Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Engr.

Ernest Ndukwe of APGA and Ethel Obiakor of APC; while the top contenders in Anambra North include the erstwhile state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Chief Dubem Obaze for APGA; Hon. Ralf Okereke of APC, even as Chief Mrs. Stella Odua, the immediate past Minister of Aviation is flying the flag of PDP. With these men and women of timber and calibre in the race to rescue Anambra at the national and state legislative chambers, the political terrain of the state is charged. As tenable in other states of the federation, the streets of Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, among others, have been defaced with brainwashing posters, handbills and billboards of the contestants, even as their ongoing advertorials and commercial jingles on print, broadcast and new media set ears ablaze.

Likewise squabbling and controversies dominate the discussions of diehard fans of politicians on who must win or lose, as political parties hold rallies at every point in the state, and at newsstands, churches, schools,

market places, motor parks and premises of government ministries and parastatals.

However, the most outstanding political déjà vu ever witnessed in the state in recent times happened on January 20, when Governor Obiano sent a controversial executive bill to the state house of assembly and it amazingly scaled through the first and third reading same day, and was subsequently passed into law and assented to by him.

Entitled: ‘A Law to Prohibit the Engagement in Unlawful Assembly and Campaign in such a manner as to cause Public Disorder and Breach of Peace’, the law was viewed by many as a deliberate attempt to restrain the so-called PDP candidates whose names were unpublished

by INEC, sequel to court order, from campaigning for votes via any form or means.

In a swift reaction to the law, PDP’s National Secretary, Professor Olawale Oladipo, issued a statement contending that it was sole responsibility of a political party to submit names of its candidates to contest the elections.

The statement read: “The attention of the leadership of the PDP has been drawn to a law recently enacted by the Anambra State Government banning people who had been screened out by INEC from campaigning as candidates in the forthcoming elections. It is clear that this law is targeted at the members of our great party who have challenged the list of candidates published by INEC in courts of competent jurisdiction.

“In accordance with the Con-

Obiano

“Entitled: ‘A Law to Prohibit the Engagement in Unlawful Assembly and Campaign in such a manner as to cause Public Disorder and Breach of Peace’, the law was viewed by many as a deliberate attempt to restrain the so-called PDP candidates whose names were unpublished

by INEC, sequel to court order, from campaigning for votes via any form or means.”

stitution of our country and the extant electoral laws, our great party conducted primary election for the selection of candidates to represent the party during the elections. Following the conclusion of the exercise, our party submitted the names of the duly nominated candidates to INEC as the candidates of the party.

“However, in deference to a court order, INEC published a different set of names as the candidates of our party. We view with grave concern the action of the Anambra State Government in legislating on a matter that is beyond its competence and indeed subjudice. The attempt to prevent our duly nominated and very popular candidates from campaigning goes against the core tenets of democratic freedoms and a denial of the fundamental human rights of the affected candidates.

“This cannot be allowed to happen in a free society as ours.

Consequently we wish to direct our candidates to go on with their campaigns pending the determination of the suits regarding the authentic candidates of our party in Anambra State,” it concluded.

Relatively, a group identified as Anambra State Concerned Citizen’s Forum through its spokesman, Barr Emeka Okafor, posited that hurriedly passing the bill into Law and its endorsement same day by the executive “officially marked the beginning of a descent into totalitarian rule reminiscent of the administration of General Sani Abacha,” adding that it was “presented to a rubber stamped legislature, whose Speaker is contesting for a seat in Ogbaru Federal Constituency…and signed by Chief Obiano into law

ing afterward was least expected from politicians.

“I think what is responsible for what is happening now, is political inexperience and lack of faith. Power comes from God and he gives it to who he wills and when he will, and so there

is nobody that can stand in the way of anybody. To feel and say that somebody is responsible for you not getting to power is inexperience in politics and lack of faith”, he said.

“I have taken 25 years to build

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

How to avoid political violence, by Magaji CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

between representatives of security agencies and politicians, under the chairmanship of AIG Patrick Dokumo, at the instance of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, for

peace before, during and after the March/April 2015 election.

Apparently recalling their earlier meeting with Kaduna State Police Commissioner without success, Mr. Magaji opined that what is happening in the country today politically, is an act

of immaturity and lack of understanding of how God works, arising from desperation.

According to him, “when we had a meeting with the CP earlier to discuss peace, we talked and rubbed minds very well but unfortunately, what was happen-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

19 Politics

Amosun’s government full of contradictions, lies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

costs them to build a pedestrian bridge with air conditioner that nobody is using. Our people know the truth and they shall speak with their PVC on April 11.

With the seemingly intractable internal crisis in Ogun State PDP, what gives you the conviction that you will win this election, even if Amosun is rejected, considering the strength of the Social Democratic Party (SDP)?

The truth is that there is no party that is devoid of internal politics, so I won’t call it crisis.

But we in the PDP are in the same family and we are on the same page to win this election for President Goodluck Jonathan and all other candidates of the party. The politics of primaries is over and we are already moving forward to get back what we gave APC in 2011.

Be as it may, the personality of the candidates also play a vital role in this election. I think Nigerians are getting less sacrosanct about parties. They look at individuals.

Without being immodest, I am in the PDP, but I still have my track records. I am very consistent about how I think our state can go and I have demonstrated more knowledge about it. I have been there; I know

the workings of government. I interface with almost all ministries and government agencies for seven and half years.

What people had against me in 2011 was that they fell into the propaganda that OGD used me to syphon money or to buy all the property of the state, but Amosun’s government has sent all manners of forensic auditors to the place and I am yet to hear from them that a dime got missing.

And on the issue of concession, which the opposition latched onto, the governor has retraced his step and agreed that it is the best way to go.

Then he was talking about the number of years, I told him number of years granted the concessioners are determined by many factors. If X plus Y is equal to Z, you cannot be talking of Z without considering X and Y. Now there is nothing left, to the best of my knowledge, to run me down. And on the issue of SDP you mentioned, we don’t have any problem with them, we are in the PDP. Let the electorate decide.

You are from Ogun West Senatorial District and the governorship candidate of the SDP is also from that district, don’t you see a repeat of what happened in 2011?

We have gone beyond that.

2011 scenario cannot play out

“A lot of economic and welfare programmes have been killed because you want to have 10-lane road, where four can do.”

Amosun

again. I am seeking to become the governor of Ogun State, not a rep of the Yewa/Awori. We have structures in all the wards and polling units in this state, and we need votes of Ogun East and Ogun Central because we shall all run the government together. But it is clear to people here who is the serious candidate and who is better. Wait for the outcome of the election. I am not too bordered about that because Senator Kola Odunsi is our uncle. We would have loved him to continue in his mentoring position but, now that he is in the race, we are not losing a

sleep over that.

What is this government doing right?

We can all see some road expansion work and bridges, but at what cost? Not only in terms of naira and kobo but in terms of other sectors left unattended to. A lot of economic and welfare programmes have been killed because you want to have 10-lane road, where four can do.

It is good on the surface that you have the longest surface bridge in Abeokuta, but let’s come down to the costs and the alternative use of those funds.

How much is Ogun State

owing now?

From the totality of what we are hearing, though government comes out with different manners of figures, but in terms of amounts owed banks, liability and contracts that have been signed, it is over N200 billion. And this is embarrassing considering the IGR of the state, which is in the average of N3 billion, as against the N6 billion being fed the public. Even that N3 billion was achieved only once, and that was in December 2012, when it did the home charter of a thing.

Protest over law banning campaigns in Anambra CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Andy Uba

same day without going through the usual legislative process of law making.

“In Nigeria’s political history, there have been two administrations that were known for enactment of such laws, viz: Generals Buhari and Abacha regimes, while in the international arena, one is reminded of General Pinochet, Bapa and Baby Doc Duvalier, General Idi Amin etc.

We are at a loss on why Gov Obi-

ano will choose these despicable historic regimes as his role models. But that is a personal choice for him to make but the good people of Anambra State will resist him by all available lawful means to restrain him from dragging our state through such road of infamy.”

But in a counter reaction, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), in a statement issued at its office in Onitsha and signed

by Chief Bartho Igwedibia and Chief Peter Okala, who are the

Anambra State chapter’s chairman and publicity secretary of the group, respectively, commended both Anambra House of Assembly for making the law, and the executive for signing it into law, noting that it was a criminal offence for those not shortlisted by political parties to parade themselves as candidates.

In the statement IPAC, however, said it totally aligned with the position of the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP on who becomes their candidate(s)

in the Anambra State upcoming 2015 General Elections.

On the allegation of multiple candidates cited as one chief reason of initiating the law, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Edwin Nwatalari, explained to reporters that there was nothing like multiple candidates, as the electoral umpire could only accept or withdraw a candidate been sent to it by any political party in accordance to the political party’s discretion or court order.

Politics 20 Michael Bamigbola, Osogbo The Presidential candidate of KOWA Party, Professor Remi Sonaiya, has urged Nigerians not to vote for candidates who go about influencing people with money, but candidates who have genuine desires to serve the country.

She noted that the country’s political space is occupied by moneybags and candidates being backed by them, saying that Nigerians have another opportunity to vote credible leaders in order to break away from the inglorious past.

Sonaiya, who was a guest at a political public forum organised by the Association of Veteran Journalists, Osun State chapter in Osogbo, said what Nigeria needed presently are leaders capable of inspiring citizens and taking the country to the next level.

She stated: ‘’Nigeria is on the threshold again. As a nation, we have a good opportunity now to make good choices. We should be careful about the choices we are going to make during the election, among the alternatives being presented by parties. Our choice of candidates for various positions should not be based on material things and how deep the pockets of candidates are, but should be influenced essentially by seriousness and commitment of candidates to serve the society.”

The KOWA Party standard bearer said she was in the race to do things differently from what has been offered the nation by present and past leaders saying this is what the country needed for her to move forward. ‘’Nigeria needs to reclaim its political space which has been misused due to deceit and insincerity by leaders. For us to raise the stake in the country, we should be prepared to make a clean break from the past. I offer myself for service simply because of genuine desire to provide service in the most efficient and effective way,’’ she said.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Sonaiya wants genuine leaders in power ‘’Nigeria needs to reclaim its political space which has been misused due to deceit and insincerity by leaders. For us to raise the stake in the country, we should be prepared to make a clean break from the past.”

Prof Remi Sonaiya

Sonaiya, who deplored money politics asked the citizens to have a rethink and refuse the temptation by some candidates to mortgage the future of the country by influencing citizens with money in order to earn their votes.

She observed that corruption is endemic in the society because of wrong orientation by leaders who occupy public offices.

Her words: ‘’Making the issue

of money a pre-condition before voting for candidates in election is dangerous to our collective desire to bail the country out of retrogression and backwardness. Those who offer money for you to vote for them do it for specific reason, and you should be careful whenever they approach you to deceive you again.”

She said Nigerians should be careful with candidates and par-

ties who fight one another in the process of seeking public office stressing that the choice of candidates should not be essentially based on party popularity but seriousness of candidates about the Nigeria political project.

The only female candidate among 14 others seeking to lead the country said she has what it takes to take Nigeria out of the woods.

‘Why political crises is on the rise’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Magaji

experience in this game and putting it into practice, we are reaching out to the people and doing our work quietly in the 23 local government areas of the state without rancor because we don’t envisage anybody as a threat. Consequently, there is no need to talk about anybody, quarrel with anybody and gos-

sip anybody,” he added.

He condemned the struggle for elective positions across the country with threats to tear the nation apart and reminded his colleagues that “Nigeria is greater than anybody. There must continue to be Nigeria whether we like it or not”, he stressed.

“We will not allow any individual to pull down this country because it amounts to act

of selfishness. We all grew up and found Nigeria. We must bequeath Nigeria to the next generations. Politic is a game. Let us play our game well and if you play well, you will win well”, he admonished.

According to him, as we are looking for a permanent solution to our political problem, he advised that from experience, “let us not always hold ordinary

people responsible, sometimes statutory organizations also should be challenged,” adding, “INEC should ensure that it does the right thing. If people queue up from 8 am and you don’t take voter’s materials there until 5 pm, a hungry man is an angry man. I tell you, there is no amount of security that will stop people from venting their anger.

So INEC must do their part.

Features ‘Mama Put’ eateries: How hygienic are they?

Mama Put, the popular quick-fix stomach care joint has come up for evaluation on the scale of hygiene in Lagos area. JOY EKEKE reports that the choice of Mama Put may be a difficult one for individuals.

The word ‘Mama Put’ is thought to have evolved from the good old ‘Buka’ that used to be (and still may be) the last resort to stomach care matters for those who prefer good home-

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

s cooking to fast foods.

Buka was the place to go for varieties of locally-made foods at a price convenient for the less visible salary earner, for two important reasons: the cooking was done the way we grew up to know; that is, with quality fire wood and seasoned with traditional condiments that make you thank God for it.

Buka was the joint that cared for your stomach all day long.

Unlike today, you wouldn’t ask for food in a Buka at any time of

the day or night and be told: “it is finished.”

The typical Buka of the ’70s were not run by young people; they were managed by old women, who had girls, many with tribal marks, who pounded the yam (inyan), cooked the efo, ewedu, and ila (okro) soups and also served the food without any formal dress code.

In the good old Lagos, picture of the typical Buka was a not-too-clean environment with three long benches (the higher

21

one in the middle). Many used lace white curtains for doors and you could see through to the people inside. After a very long period, the curtains will turn black with dirt, because they were rarely washed. You would be eating with one hand and expect to be driving flies away with your left, and the old lady had no apology to customers: you were not expected to complain because you chose to eat in a Buka.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Nigerians have no business at all with poverty or lack – Sofola Odutola

Sofola

Septuagenarian Mrs. Folasade Sofola (nee Odutola) is a product of the early pre and post Independent finishing schools in Nigeria and in England. Her articulate Queen’s English, on the intellectual scale, will make today’s graduates of English look like cheap Chinese products.

She holds corrupt politicians in disdain and blames successive governments for the collapse of education. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR had

a chat with the charismatic woman.

She is one of few surviving first generation seeds of the late pre-independence mega business mogul, Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola of the famed Odutola business empire. The empire included Odutola Tyre Industries, educational institutions, Glass Industry, Breweries (Brewers of 33 lager beer), and a host of investments unpublicised.

Chief Odutola was the first

early Ijebu business icon who not only had contact with expatriates in his time, but invited them to his massive conference auditorium in his home town Ijebu Ode, where he discussed business with them over fresh unadulterated mugs of palm wine!

His demise resulted in the closure of many of his establishments which his children attribute to wrong government policies and especially, lack of electricity to power machines in the industries.

Mrs Sofola said of her late father’s dwindled business empire: “Well, some of the companies are there, but because of power failure, with no solution to it all these years, a lot of things are not just happening. Odutola Tyre Industry is not functioning; you see that Dunlop has left Nigeria, so also Michelin because power is a challenge.

“The factories are not working because by the time they use generators to run their plants, their products come out more expen-

sive; as a result they produce but can’t sell because cheap tyres are coming from abroad; so that is the challenge the industries face.

Then in the end, they close down; all the small scale industries have closed down. For anything to grow, there must be power.”

Visibly angry, Sofola points to the ridiculous invasion of Nigerian homes with cheap, substandard materials as a result of the power problem.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

‘Many politicians have no right to be there’ ‘‘Who knows the Japanese where they came from? It is education that made them what they are today - and that’s what we lack.”

Sofola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

“Now Nigerians buy recharchable lamps; I don’t know how much our people buy them, but when the Chinese are exporting them to Nigeria, they bring those bad products in container loads, and while their own people are working and their economy growing, our economy is diminishing while our people are just using their products to make ourselves a little comfortable.”

Unimpressed with our growth since the Second Republic, Sofola blames corrupt leadership of past and present governments for our economic woes.

“We have ruined ourselves since post-independence because people are more interested in ready money they have in hand, which is not all that matters really: it is what you do with the money that counts. If we have good roads and there’s power, everybody can have access to water, so that if you don’t work, you know you’re the lazy one.”

Describing the operators of our democracy as a disgrace, So-

fola berated politicians for their lack of commitment to a national course.

“If you look at some of our politicians and you go by what you see in Google, you’re making a big mistake. Many of them have no right to be there.”

Reflecting on her late father’s estate, the old lady acknowledged his passion for quality education: “My father so believed in education that he had a school in his name. Even when we were small, he engaged teachers to teach us at home; then we went to other schools as well.

“But my father had some problems with schools in those days; he knew that schools weren’t as they should be because, at that time in Ijebu Ode, there was only Ijebu Ode Grammar School, so he started a secondary school but he started it first as Olu-Iwa Commercial School, then it became Olu-Iwa Secondary School and afterwards they merged the commercial school with the secondary and it became Adeola Odutola Comprehensive High School; but one thing is, we need good

education, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.”

Sofola drew a line between schools then and now.

“We have so many expensive schools now that are not meeting the needs of Nigerians; as a result, only the people who have acquired other people’s money that can send their children to such schools. If our schools are run properly and we have money allocated to education, we’ll have well educated people. Who knows the Japanese where they came from? It is education that made them what they are today - and that’s what we lack.”

She lamented the takeover of good schools by the government and the disaster it brought to education: “At one time the government, for whatever reason, took over all private and missionary schools.

Now Government took over Adeola Odutola Comprehensive High School, and for 25 years, they did not add one class room. In that school, in fact, we have been spending money on it because it bore our father’s name.

“While we spend our money, government make policies and direct intake of students; but when they said the exam hall where they were taking their exam was too small, and because my father CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

‘I don’t eat there even if I am tempted to’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Though the Mama Put market is pitched at the lower end of the socio-economic ladder, it has been hijacked by middle class professionals in major cities, but most people still prefer eating locally- made foods at Mama Put joints.

Speaking with Daily Times, Mrs. Victoria Lanus, branded as ‘Mama Calabar’ at Orile joint said, “I wake up as early as 4 a.m., make varieties of foods and before 8 a.m., I am through with my cooking. My sales girls will clean the chairs, wash plates and before 9 a.m., we are ready for customers. I have used this little business to train my children in school,” she confided.

Customers do not care if the shop or shed is neat or safe for their health. The only thing they care about is to fill their tummies with food they can afford; the cheaper, the better.

Mr. Emeka Oke , a working class man, says he leaves for work about 6 a.m. daily because of Lagos traffic. “I don’t really have the time to eat at home, so I go to a joint near my working place.”

Emeka added that the food is neatly packed, and comes in assorted varieties like jollof or white rice, fried plantain (dodo), beef stew, amala, pounded yam and fufu neatly wrapped in foil and cellophane. “I am comfortable with the hygienic environment and that matters a lot to me.”

The difference between Mama Put and fast food restaurants is that you can get a meal for as low

Mama Put worker at Suru-Alaba

as N150, depending on your eating capacity.

Babatunde Yinka is an okada rider. He told Daily Times he doesn’t really eat at home; most times, he eats at a local amala joint at Ajegunle.

The queue at some amala joints are can be amazing. The foods normally served fresh and straight from the pot while still cooking on the fire boosts the confidence of customers. “I prefer that,” Yinka said, and added: “It is always very cheap, classic and homely, because they serve all types of food like amala plus ewedu, eba with pounded yam with egusi soup, edikan ikong, ewa agoyin with bread, and rice and dodo. Besides, I can’t go to those big restaurants because their foods are very costly.”

Housewife, Mrs. Blessing Omosor, told Daily Times she cooks at home. “I have kids and I love cooking, so I don’t eat outside.

Even if I am tempted to, I won’t because I don’t know the kind of water they use in their cooking.

Some even use untreated well water, and you can see how they leave the food open in public. I can’t risk that.”

Daily Times investigation revealed that a majority do not care about the hygienic aspect of eating in Mama Put joints, so long as the food is cheap and they can point out the kind of meat they want, with the pot of stew open to everyone’s glare.

It is vital that good standard of personal hygiene is maintained by food sellers; contamiCONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Mama Put wokers at CMS, Lagos.

23 Features

Mama Put by the canal at Ajegunle

Profit-driven nature of Mama Put makes it unhygienic

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

nated hands will spread bacteria around the kitchen very quickly.

But most Mama Put operators don’t really care about their personal hygiene.

A medical doctor at St Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Jim Ebhomien, said a roadside food hawker or Mama Put is really not good spots for daily meals for hygiene reasons.

This is paramount because of the high spate of food related illnesses, such as cholera from the poorly stored and ill purified water which can ultimately lead to gastroenteritis.

The profit-driven nature of

these food vendors is the reason their foods are poorly cooked, leaving some microbes, especially tapeworms that are heatresistant, to dwell in supposedly cooked foods.

Ebhomien emphasized stated that personal hygiene is important, “Do they wash their hands before cooking, after cooking, during packaging and serving?

Do they rinse hands under running clean water and dry thoroughly on clean towel? Storage of food may be poor, so leftovers are re-sold the following day without proper preservation, leading to food poising.”

The doctor advised food work-

ers to avoid coughing, sneezing or spitting, while serving the public and that cuts, wounds and sores should be covered with a waterproof dressing; over-clothing should be clean and present no risk of contamination to foods, and hair should be well covered to prevent the risk of strands falling into foods.

Daily Times recalls that Lagos State had a health tradition back in the 1970s, in which the government prided itself as a clean, healthy city. “Oh, good old Lagos,” Mr. Fashakin, a retired council worker, recalled with nostalgia; “We had health inspectors we called wole wole, because they

The Bukas may be ready for business, but they must wait for the inspectors to sample what they have prepared before they are allowed to sell to the public.”

inspected the gutters and compounds. If any environment was dirty, the people living there risk arrest.

“Then the health ministry had a detachment of inspectors, who visited Bukas at major market areas like Sabo, Oke-Arin, Oyingbo, etc early in the morning. The Bukas may be ready for business, but they must wait for the inspectors to sample what they have prepared before they are allowed to sell to the public.”

The tradition, Fashakin said, was that the Buka owner would serve the inspector the food with a piece each of all kinds or parts CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Lawmaking has been in the wrong hands for too long CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

purchased a very big land for the school, the architects among the old students designed and built a new place, and we the Odutola’s children spent over N12 million of our own to join the efforts of the old students to build a bigger hall for the students; yet this is a school taken over by government.

Now, education is worse than we had before the independence.

“In Gbenga Daniel’s eight year period in Ogun State, it came to a

point that they said proprietors of those schools that the government took over some 25 years ago should come and take them back; and some of them rose up, took back the schools and have been spending money because like Adeola Odutola school, the intake of students in a year is so much that one stream in a class has about 200 students, so how can a teacher go round that number of students in a day?”

Daily Times inquired after the

North and South amalgamation and the crisis in the country, and the old lady reminded Nigerians that God owns the country, not politicians or terrorists.

“It is not an accident that the North and South came together as a nation, God has a hand in it; and if we are together, we are a nation as a people not necessarily as a North and South dichotomy.

Unfortunately there are so many people who are playing on that.

It is the British who think it was

their scheme, but no; God knows everything, He declares the end from the beginning.

“If He allowed us to be put together, then something good must come out from the union, but we’re not allowing it because we’re playing the politics of North and South dichotomy, and the British who put us together expected the union to break anyway, that’s why America said by 2015 Nigeria will be a failed state, that’s their expectation but it’s

not going to happen even though a lot of people have foul expectations and Nigerians play themselves into it.”

While she agrees law making has been in the wrong hands for too long, she believes they can’t keep it much longer.

“They can’t keep it for so long because it will come to a point that even the people who are flouting the law will come to see how they’re small compared to CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

‘Put food and health side by side, stomach will always come first’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

of meat and fish in the stew or soup. There was also dried meat or bush meat and so on, even panla or stock fish.

“The officer would eat and eat and eat and, if he is satisfied, he would certify the foods fit for public consumption; and if not, he would call for the council van and they will cart everything away and dispose them.”

So why did the government stop the tradition?

“I believe it was corruption that made the government to scrap it.

It got so bad that the inspectors were demanding money that they were not hungry, and even after

Mama Put sweating over the food

eating they will still demand money. This resulted in open quarrels and the Buka owners protested to the health office. That was how the practice was stopped.

“They should not have stopped it; it served a good purpose, because besides the food, the Bukas were clean. You wouldn’t see a fly and no used plates littering the place.”

The battle for a healthy Mama Put environment and personal hygiene are ongoing and the umpire appears to be the economy.

When the chips are down, where would the average Nigerian worker be without Mama Put? Put food and health side by side, the stom-

‘It is not people from outside that have come to ruin Nigeria’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

their mates in other parts of the world.

“Also, Nigerians have no business with poverty at all they have no business with lack at all. This time, I went to London and I saw a girl, Camilla who does been keeping; she has some hives in Greenwich Park. She just went to see the authorities and explained to them the value that bees add to life. They allowed her to put some hives in a church compound and some in a place where they bury naval officers. All she does is inspect her bee hives, harvest and pack her honey and sells them to hotels and supermarkets.

‘Some people took seedling of our palm oil to Malaysia; now Malaysia produces so much palm oil, and they bleach it and sell it as vegetable oil. When they’ve fin-

ished selling what they’re selling, the balance that is excess, they convert to bio-fuel to run their generators that provide them with power. It is from our own National Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR Delta State they took the seedlings. Is that not sad?

Talk about wrong people in governance; and so long as we continue to have square pegs in round holes there will be no change.

It is not people from outside that have come to ruin Nigeria, it’speople here that are ruining the system and the people.’

Born in 1936 in Ijebu-Ode, Mrs Sofola, as a child attended her father’s school at Ijebu Ode for one year, but because it was not then a mixed school, she left and went to Remo Secondary School but she found the school very hard; she

explains: ‘Remo Secondary School was very hard because there was no water; we had to go to the brook to fetch water and it was a long distance; though I didn’t mind it but others did mind it. I had a sister who was there and she was always sick, so because of her we went away from there and I went to Reagan Memorial Baptist High School in Lagos in 1956. I finished in 1958’ of Lagos in 1956 she said: ‘Lagos wasn’t bad; it was peaceful, organised. Young girls faced their studies; they were not at parties as they do now, they want to grow up to become somebody, so we didn’t see the sort of things you see today; and what we see today is because there is no proper teaching; education is not taken seriously. Until we take education seriously and let the children grow into it properly, the situation is not likely to change’.

Sofola

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Chronicle

25

s

Today in History Cartoon from our Archives

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

1942

Daily Times February 20, 1961 1919 Amir of Afghanistan is assassinated Habibullah Khan, the leader of Afghanistan who struggled to keep his country neutral in World War I in the face of strong internal support for Turkey and the Central Powers, was shot and killed while on a hunting trip on this day in 1919.

Habibullah had succeeded his father, Abd-ar-Rahman, as amir in 1901 and immediately began to bring much-needed reforms and modernization to his country, including electricity, automobiles and medicine. Located between British-held India and Russia, Afghanistan had in the past clashed repeatedly with its neighbours, including two Afghan Wars against Anglo-Indian forces in 1838—42 and 1878-79. Many within Afghanistan saw these conflicts as part of the fundamental and necessary defence of Muslims against the encroachments of Christians. Though the British and Russian governments signed a convention in 1907 pledging respect for the territorial integrity of Afghanistan, many Afghans—

including Habibullah—felt insecure between such powerful neighbours and resented the lack of Afghan representation at the creation of the convention and the effective control Britain still exercised over the country’s foreign affairs due to its active involvement in the region.

Convinced, however, that the continued improvement and modernization of Afghanistan depended on economic assistance from powerful Western countries like Britain, Habibullah maintained his country’s neutrality after the outbreak of World War I, despite pressure from Turkish and other Islamic leaders urging Afghanistan to enter the war against the Allies. By maintaining his country’s neutrality and Afghanistan’s anti-war policy, Habibullah enraged many of his young anti-British countrymen who viewed World War I as a holy war. Many Afghans felt particularly strongly that Habibullah failed to capitalize on the weakness of Russia, which was overtaken by the Bolsheviks in November 1917, by uniting the

Muslim peoples of Central Asia and liberating them from nonMuslim rule.

Barely a year after Turkey’s defeat at the hands of the Allies and the end of the war in November 1918, Habibullah’s opponents, angry at what they saw as his betrayal of Muslim interests in favour of pandering to Britain, plotted and carried out his assassination.

Habibullah had not declared a successor and after his death, his brother, Nasrullah Khan, held the throne for six days before being deposed by the Afghan nobility in favour of Habibullah’s third son, Amanullah Khan. Determined to extract Afghanistan completely from Britain’s influence, Amanullah declared war on Great Britain in May 1919, beginning what became known as the Third Afghan War. The British, preoccupied by India’s burgeoning independence movement, negotiated a peace treaty with Afghanistan the following August at Rawalpindi, recognizing Afghanistan’s status as a sovereign and independent state.

1942 Pilot O’Hare becomes first American WWII flying ace On this day, Lt. Edward O’Hare took off from the aircraft carrier Lexington in a raid against the Japanese position at Rabaul-and minutes later becomes America’s first flying ace.

In mid-February 1942, the Lexington sailed into the Coral Sea. Rabaul, a town at the very tip of New Britain, one of the islands that comprised the Bismarck Archipelago, had been invaded in January by the Japanese and transformed into a stronghold-in fact, one huge airbase. The Japanese were now in prime striking position for the Solomon Islands, next on the agenda for expanding their ever-growing Pacific empire. The Lexington’s mission was to destabilize the Japanese position on Rabaul with a bombing raid.

Aboard the Lexington was U.S. Navy fighter pilot Lt. Ed-

1965

1965 An American orbits earth From Cape Canaveral, Florida, John Hershel Glenn Jr. was successfully launched into space aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft on the first orbital flight by an American astronaut.

Glenn, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, was among the seven men chosen by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1959 to become America’s first astronauts. A decorated pilot, he flew nearly 150 combat missions during World War II and the Korean War. In 1957, he made the first nonstop supersonic flight across the United States, flying from Los Angeles to New York in

Pilot O’Hare becomes first American WWII flying ace ward O’Hare, attached to Fighting Squadron 3 when the United States entered the war. As the Lexington left Bougainville, the largest of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific (and still free from Japanese control), for Rabaul, ship radar picked up Japanese bombers headed straight for the carrier. O’Hare and his team went into action, piloting F4F Wildcats. In a mere four minutes, O’Hare shot down five Japanese G4M1 Betty bombers--bringing a swift end to the Japanese attack and earning O’Hare the designation “ace” (given to any pilot who had five or more downed enemy planes to his credit).

Although the Lexington blew back the Japanese bombers, the element of surprise was gone, and the attempt to raid Rabaul was aborted for the time being.

O’Hare was awarded the Medal of Honour for his bravery--and excellent aim.

An American orbits Earth three hours and 23 minutes.

Glenn was preceded in space by two Americans, Alan B. Shepard Jr. and Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, and two Soviets, Yuri A. Gagarin and Gherman S. Titov. In April 1961, Gagarin was the first man in space, and his spacecraft Vostok 1 made a full orbit before returning to Earth. Less than one month later, Shepard was launched into space aboard Freedom 7 on a suborbital flight. In July, Grissom made another brief suborbital flight aboard Liberty Bell 7. In August, with the Americans still having failed to make an orbital flight, the Russians sprinted further ahead in the space race when Titov spent more than 25 hours in space aboard Vostok 2, making 17 orbits.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Tourism Governments recognise benefits of visa facilitation

s

Visa facilitation has experienced a strong progress in recent years, particularly, through the implementation of visa-on-arrival policies, according to United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) latest Visa Openness Report.

This largely reflects an increased awareness among policymakers of the positive impacts of visa facilitation on tourism and

economic growth.

According to the Report, 62% of the world’s population required a traditional visa, prior to departure in 2014, down from 77% in 2008. In the same year, 19% of the world’s population was able to enter a destination without a visa, while 16% could receive a visa on arrival, as compared to 17% and 6% in 2008.

The Report also shows that the

most prevalent facilitation measure implemented has been “visa on arrival”. Over half of all improvements made in the last four years were from “visa required” to “visa on arrival”.

“Visa facilitation is central to stimulating economic growth and job creation through tourism.

Although there is much room for improvement, we are pleased to CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General

Ogbunike Caves: Tourism site crying for attention

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and others at Ogbunike cave...recently

Tayo Adelaja Ogbunike Caves, a UNESCO Heritage Site in Southeastern Nigeria is set amidst the Ogba Hills around Ogbunike. Inhabited by colonies of bats, the caves consist of 10 tunnels and a main chamber, which snake their way underneath the hillside. The tunnels are filled with streams and small pools.

The caves have retained the

same biodiversity for hundreds of years, and are like a glimpse into another world.

The rainforest surrounding the cave is home to alligators, snakes, antelopes, deer and porcupines. There is an impressive waterfall at the northwest end of the caves. During the years of slave trade, people escaped slaveraiding activity by running into Ogbunike Caves.

The people of UgwuOgba fond-

ly refer to it as ‘OgbaOgbunike’.

Ogbunike town is located in Oyi Local Government Area, about 10km from Onitsha the ever-bubbling commercial city in Eastern Nigeria.

The cave is segmented into sections and there are different stories about each section.

Leading into the cave is a track comprising 60 steps which leads into a number of other mazes, a complex and baffling network of

paths.

The entrance to the five tunnels of the cave is a wide, tapering vault of solid rock with all season cool spring water dripping from the top and the corners. Once inside the vault, you feel quite at peace as though you have come to a wonderland.

The naturally-carved networks of chambers and tunnels have two levels. The lower level is about 100m long and leads to an

underground river. The upper level is about twice as long and dry, with a bat colony and a waterfall at the north-western end.

Visitors to the cave are advised to go with torch lights, wear trousers and prepare to do some crawling. Within the vicinity of the cave is Mbida Ogba stream.

The bat colony produces a large deposit of guano which supports CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Report lists benefits of visa facilitation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

see that a growing number of governments around the world is taking decisive steps in this regard”, said UNWTO SecretaryGeneral, Taleb Rifai.

Countries in the Americas and in Asia and the Pacific have been at the forefront of visa facilitation, while Europe and Middle East have more restrictive visa policies. Overall, emerging economies tend to be more open than advanced ones, with South-East Asia, East Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania among the most open sub-regions.

“UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, and easier visa procedures will be crucial to attract these travellers, especially tourists from emerging source markets like China, Russia, India and Brazil”, added Rifai.

Research by UNWTO and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that the G20 economies could boost their international tourist numbers by an additional 122 million, generate an extra US$ 206 billion in tourism exports and create over five million additional jobs by improving visa processes and entry formalities.

27 Tourism

Opara lauds philanthropist for sponsoring Christians on pilgrimage Tunde Atobatele The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr. John Kennedy Opara, has commended the Chief Executive Officer of A-Z Petroleum Products, Chief Alexander Chika Okafor for sponsoring Christians on holy pilgrimage to Israel during the 2014 pilgrimage exercise.

He gave the commendation during a recent thank-you meeting with Okafor in Abuja.

Opara, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Sensitisation and Enlightenment Department, Mr. Christian Udegbunam, commended Okafor for his generosity.

According to him, “your philanthropic gesture has touched the lives of many Nigerians”.

He prayed that God would, continually, bless him so that he could extend the blessing to others.

Opara said that by March 1, 2015, the commission would be flagging off its Easter pilgrimage, mainly for self-sponsored pilgrims, who could not travel during the 2014 pilgrimage.

He also said that the commission was planning to introduce a three-day leadership training programme during the Easter pilgrimage exercise.

The NCPC helmsman reaffirmed that the Commission “is

Assistant Director, Sensitisation and Enlightenment Department of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Mr. Christian Udegbunam (left) presenting a gift on behalf of the Executive Secretary, NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara to the Chief Executive Officer of A-Z Petroleum Products, Chief Alexander Chika Okafor, during NCPC sensitisation visit to the latter’s office in Abuja recently.

using pilgrimage as a tool for moral and spiritual transformation” adding that pilgrimage is for those who are spiritually rich, but materially poor, while he encouraged Okafor not to relent in sponsoring more pilgrims to the Holy Land.

He appealed to him to encourage his wealthy friends, colleagues and business partners,

to also sponsor Christians on pilgrimage.

In his response, Okafor thanked the NCPC boss for his visit, adding “I am very happy that you acknowledged what I have done” and promised that he would continue to support the cause of pilgrimage in Nigeria.

Okafor encouraged other

“wealthy Christians to sponsor those who cannot afford the money, no matter the level of wealth one acquires in life, if you cannot touch lives, then you have not achieved anything in life”.

The meeting was witnessed by the Chief Executive of Home Africa Humanitarian Foundation, Rev Austin Epunam.

Ogbunike Caves can fare much better CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Ogbunike Cave Logbaby

a rich and diverse invertebrate fauna, but also the reason for histoplasmosis infections.

According to oral tradition passed down the line, it is said that there was a spirit called Ogba who lived inside the cave in the middle of a large rock.

Despite the opaque nature of the rock, the people believed that it is an all-seeing spirit who could detect crimes, especially, theft.

When someone was accused of some sort of crime, he could prove his innocence by entering the cave. The guilty ones never returned alive. Hence the locals call the cave ‘Ogba’ after the god. Due to this religious belief, visitors to the cave are mandatedto enter it with their feet bare.

At the entrance to the cave, rules for visitors are clearly displayed on a sign at the entrance.

The warning reads, “Ifite Youth Movement warning; no entry except by permission. Remove your shoes before entering into the cave. Ladies under period banned. Receive receipt after payment. Herbalist or spiritual ceremony in the cave is banned.

Deforestation of cave will be prosecuted. Defaulters will be prosecuted.”

Unfortunately painting graffiti on the walls is not forbidden, so the walls are full of graffiti. The site still retains its historical and spiritual significance. There is an annual festival in commemoration of the discovery of the caves.

The biodiversity of the site has remained almost intact. The in-

tegrity of the site can be attested to by the presence of the primary forests around the caves. The entire site is within a range of undulating hills and valleys which stretch across other communities and farmlands. The site has sufficient boundaries (20 hectares) to protect its values from direct effects of human encroachment.

Nduka Nwosu lamented that despite UNESCO approval of the cave as one of its heritage sites, there is no tangible development on the site.

“We are disappointed that despite our contributions, we gave land and made other offers, people even volunteered, but we are hopeful that someday, a government that is tourism-friendly will become our governor in the state.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Business Times

s Nigeria, China trade volume hits N38.01trn

MAN, LCCI urges FG to stem inflation Charles Okonji The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to embrace corrective measures that would lower the country’s inflation rate.

This call was made by Mr. Wale Adegbite, president, MAN, Ogun State chapter, on Tuesday, in a chat with newsmen on the state of economy.

The National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) on Monday stated

that the country’s inflation rate rose from 8.0 per cent in December, 2014 to 8.2 per cent in January, 2015.

“Unless the Federal Government takes practical steps to maintain the inflation rate at a single digit, it is likely for the inflation rate to get to double digit level.” Adegbite noted.

According to him, no country can achieve sustainable economic development with high inflation rate, which translates to double digit inflation rate.

Ugochukwu Onyeocha

Bello, president, LCCI

He stated that “double digit inflation rate constitutes impediment to the development of any nation.”

The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr. Liu Kan, has revealed that the volume of trade between Nigeria and China in 2014 was about N38.01 trillion ($18.1 billion).

Liu, who made this known in a chat with newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos, said that there was relative increase in the exchange of goods and services in the year over the 2013 transactions.

``Today, Nigeria is China’s third major export destination in Africa after South Africa and Angola, while China is Nigeria’s largest source of imports and third major trade partner. ``According to China Customs, the trade volume between China and Nigeria in 2014 rose to about 18.1 billion dollars which is an increase over our 2013 transaction ``We should say that our bilateral relations in 2014 rose to a new level that we all expected,’’ he said.

Nigeria, best positioned to drive regional integration - AfDB Ugochukwu Onyeocha The African Development Bank (AfDB) has rated Nigeria as the largest market in West Africa with great potentials to become the leading driver of regional integration considering the huge population of the country.

AfDB made its position known in the West African Mid-Term Review and Regional Portfolio Performance Review Paper 2011 – 2015, presented to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the report, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing, Nigeria now has the largest economy in Africa and a great potential for its services and manufacturing sectors.

It said the country also attracted half of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) coming into the region with about 45 per cent in 2012.

“Nevertheless its intra-region-

al trade has been steadily decreasing, now constituting less than one per cent of the country’s total imports and three per cent of its export.

“Informal trade networks however are significantly larger, most notably for agricultural goods, petroleum products, and re-export trade.

“On the investment side, the role of Nigeria is certainly more prominent, with various Nigerian companies having significant impact in the regional market particularly banking services,” it said.

The report stated that goods such as cement, cassava flour and other goods from Nigerian companies served the needs of their client across West Africa.

It said that closer integration with the region would require Nigeria to open its markets to regional exports, adding there was need for a change of perspective on the neighboring countries.

According to the report, it is

Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank.

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 17th February 2015

Market Capitalisation and All Shares Index Trend for Equities

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

Selling(NGN)

Day

Market Capitalisation (N)

Index value

US DOLLAR

167

167.5

168

Thursday 12/02/2015

9,321,157,313,972.05

27,935.77

POUNDS STERLING

256.9128

257.682

258.4512

Friday 13/02/2015

9,204,202,190,258.88

27,585.26

EURO

190.8643

191.4358

192.0072

Monday 16/02/2015

9,252,040,883,990.79

27,728.63

SWISS FRANC

179.4348

179.9721

180.5093

YEN

1.4056

1.4098

1.414

Tuesday 17/02/2015

9,493,603,556,615.24

28,452.60

CFA

0.2715

0.2815

0.2915

Wednesday 18/02/2015

9,735,504,388,691.32

29,177.58

more crucial for the country to treat its regional neighbours more as partners rather than merely clients.

“Regional value chains have a real potential, particularly given the developments in regional transport and connectivity infrastructure.

“Increasing trade volumes will require improvements in regional corridors reducing frictions related to non-tariff barriers, as well as accountability and transparency in regulations, both on the national and on the regional level,” it said.

According to the report, illegal checkpoints, long and non-harmonised customs procedures, smuggling and corruption are important obstacles to the free movement of goods and people.

“Improving trade facilitation in ECOWAS is vital to boosting the region’s trade performance, both with regards to intra-regional trade as well as exports globally.

“New waves of FDIs and the emergence of a middle class in the region are leading to the emergence of a vibrant private sector operating across countries.

“The first steps in undoing this disadvantage are to promote policies within the broader development framework, attracting FDI, building productive capacities in local firms and encouraging manufacturing,” it said.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

29 Insurance LASACO appoints four new general managers, promotes 36 others

L-R: Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Fatai Adegbenro; NCRIB President, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu, and Group Managing Director, Industrial and General Insurance Plc (IGI), Mr. Rotimi Fashola, at the February edition of NCRIB Members’ Evening held at Brokers House, Lagos on Tuesday.

Low insurance patronage attributed to lack of trust Stories By Kayode Adelowokan The Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, has said that the biggest challenge facing Nigeria’s insurance industry currently remains lack of trust and awareness by prospective buyers.

The Commissioner stated this while speaking to Daily Times in Benin, Edo State recently, noting that despite the interest of the Federal Government in ensuring an improved insurance culture in the country, apathy towards the industry will continue until people’s negative perception is changed.

The Insurance boss said: “If the public did not trust the insurance institutions, the people will be reluctant to buy whatever they offer them and this is a serious problem.

“The biggest challenges to the

IGI pays N3.5bn as claims

insurance industry today remains two things, they are; Trust – if the public did not trust the insurance institutions, the people will be reluctant to buy whatever they offer them and this is a serious problem.

“Another problem is that of awareness; I was told by a colleague that when they got to Ibadan, when we were going round for the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI) project, they went to a particular factory owned by a Lebanese or Indian, they wanted him to show evidence of taking insurance, he went into a whole lot of argument but by the time they calmed him down and explained the benefits to him, he was instantly ready to buy the policy. Basically, the problem is awareness; if he was aware, there will not to have been any argument because the Indians like to

Nigeria’s leading insurance company, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) said it paid a total of N3.5 billion claims in 2014.

Mr. Rotimi Fashola, Group Managing Director of the IGI disclosed this when his company hosted the February edition of Brokers’ Members Evening held at the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) secretariat on Tuesday,

protect their property, if you don’t know, the Indians are capitalists.

“So, awareness and lack of trust still remain the biggest challenges facing insurance industry today. Meanwhile, NAICOM is still stepping up efforts to address those challenges.”

In the same vein, the Secretary General of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO), Mrs. …….., blamed the poor performance of the African Insurance companies to lack of awareness among the insurance public.

She said that the total contribution of Africa insurance premium is not up to one per cent premium collected from other continents.

“Many insurance companies do not have good image and it is time they start to clean up their hands because we sell intangible thing (promise) and they must deliver on the promise when the time comes and I believe if we

Fashola, IGI boss

that it’s marketing team has been strengthened and streamlined to serve the brokers more expedi-

deliver on that promise, the insuring public will begin to have better understanding about the industry.

“The vast majority of the insuring public are not earning well, they don’t have such disposable income because before taking insurance, you will want to think of how to cater for yourself and your family and by the time they deduct all that, they will not have much in their pocket.”

Very importantly, the Secretary General said that the insurance industry needs to develop products that are tailored to meet the need of the insuring public “and I believe with that, we are going to penetrate the insuring publics”, she added.

Similarly, the Secretary General compared the culture of insurance in India to the country’s embrace of micro insurance.

tiously and stand up to its responsibilities whenever occasion calls for it especially in the area of claims settlement.

While speaking on the delay submission of its company’s account to NAICOM, Fashola, said that it is due to its international subsidiaries with different accounting standards which has now been addressed.

He assured that there has been appreciable improvement year

Sticking to the company’s mandate to deliver qualitative services through highly motivated professionals, LASACO Assurance Plc, has announced the promotion of four general managers and elevation of 36 others to different cadres.

The new general managers are Mr. Akinwale Sofile, Finance & Accounts; Mr. Shobo Ademoye, Marketing; Mr. Oluyemi Samson, Technical, and Mr. Olona Oladimeji, LASACO Life.

Speaking on the promotion, the Group Managing Director of LASACO Assurance Plc, Mr. Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, explained that the company believes a well-motivated staff is a sine que non to delivering on the brand promises, pointing out that human assets remain the greatest asset of the company in the accomplishment of its corporate goals.

Ajayi stated that it was in realization of this truth that made the management to set out a robust motivation strategy as a means to encourage staff to continue delivering on cutting edge expertise.

The Group Managing Director disclosed that the promotion was carried out early in the year to motivate staff members in order to consolidate on the giant strides LASACO Assurance recorded in year 2014, particularly in reversing negative performances the company had witnessed hitherto and assured that the management would continue to give staff the attention they deserves.

Daniel, Commissioner of Insurance

on year and things will continue to get better, as “we are committed to NAICOM’s directive that accounts should be presented by April.

He further said: “We are positive that our ongoing reform in IGI will engender a more vibrant company that will take its rightful place in the Nigerian insurance market and pursue the vision of a world class insurance company.

Maritime 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Lawyer slams Nigerian Shippers’ Council over ‘misleading’ publication

Smuggled goods intercepted by Customs

Customs pledges to reduce smuggling activities Stories by Funmi Coker Deputy Comptroller General, Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tahir Musa, has restated the determination of the service to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum.

Tahir said this in an interview in Abuja, adding that NCS was not unconscious of the negative impact of the activities of smugglers on the economy.

He, however, acknowledged that the task of drastically reducing the activities of smugglers would not be an easy one.

Tahir said that it was on record that no country had eliminated smuggling in spite of their efforts.

He said:” Smuggling is a worldwide phenomenon because even the most developed countries of the world are still fighting smuggling up till today and they have not succeeded in eliminating smuggling.

“The best any Customs administration or any Customs Service can do is to minimise it to the barest minimum.

“The U.S., which is the greatest

country in the world today, is always complaining about the Mexican border and along the Mexican border, they have deployed all kinds of thing.

“They have fences, they have wired fences, they have snooping devices, they have devices buried underground, they have aircraft, they have everything, yet the Mexican border still remains porous.”

Musa said that the Federal Government had provided increased support for NCS to fight smuggling but that the agency was still faced with challenges.

He, however, said that in spite of the challenges, NCS had been able to achieve much in checking the activities of smugglers, in addition to performing other security functions.

“We have arrested illegal aliens that we handed over to the immigration. We have seized drugs that were handed over to NDLEA. “We are in the JTF (Joint Military Task Force) working hand in hand with the military even though in non-combatant role fighting the Boko Haram in different parts of the nation,” he added.

He said the NCS was determined to intensify its war against smuggling during the year and had acquired 200 Hilux trucks to boost anti-smuggling operations.

He said although checkpoints had been abolished by NCS, the personnel could carry out patrols based on reasonable suspicion.

“We are adequately covered by our legal provision that the Custom is free to go to any place where there is reasonable suspicion or there are credible information.

“The law covers us to enter any premises to carry out raids and recover or remove or intercept whatever that is smuggled or unregistered goods and arrest whosoever that is responsible.

“Anti- smuggling activity is a total war but the only thing we will not do is to engage in the establishment of checkpoints in the hinterland because that has been banned,” he said.

Tahir said the service recorded tremendous success in its anti-smuggling activities in 2014 which resulted in 7,519 seizures valued at N8.78 billion and 246 arrests out of which 26 convictions were secured.

Counsel to the Seaport Terminal Operators’ Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Mr. Femi Atoyebi (SAN), has taken a swipe at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) over a “misleading publication wherein the NSC itemised about nine issues purportedly decided in its “favour” in the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Ibrahim Buba.

In a statement he issued recently, Atoyebi said that contrary to its claim in the said publication, NSC did not file any counter-claim in the matter relating to STOAN in suit number FHC/L/CS/1704/2014 and so the court could not have upheld same as claimed by NSC in the said publication.

“Secondly, the publication deliberately concealed the fact that the said judgment is subject of a pending appeal and that our clients also filed an application for a stay of execution of the judgment/injunction pending the determination of the appeal,” Atoyebi stated.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that his firm had cause in the past to write to the NSC “when it was apparent that they were making frantic efforts to ride rough shod of the judicial process” and threatening his clients to comply with their directives as from December 22, 2014.

The action of the NSC, he said, is not only illegal but unacceptable and a cloaked attempt to foist upon the Court of Appeal a situation of complete

Atoyebi, Counsel to STOAN

helplessness “so that if our clients’ appeal succeeds, their lordships’ decision would have been rendered nugatory.”

Atoyebi stated that the law in Nigeria is that where, as in the STOAN vs NSC case, there is an appeal against a court decision and a motion for stay of execution or injunction is filed, none of the parties must do anything to frustrate the hearing of the appeal until the application has been heard and determined, one way or the other.

Citing several cases to support his argument, the highly respected senior lawyer said: “It is also trite that both the court from which an appeal lies and the court to which an appeal lies have a duty to preserve the ‘res’ so that the appeal, if successful, is not rendered nugatory.

Newbuilding activity records insignificant progress With the dry bulk market facing its worst crisis in decades, Newbuilding activity remains on “slow motion mode”, as shipbrokers are reporting limited activity. According to the latest weekly report from Allied Shipbroking, it was” a very slow week, with minimal reported activity in terms of concluded

new orders.

Tankers are still in the spot light taking up more capacity as potential buyers hold a more optimistic view thanks to their bullish freight rates. There have even been further swapping of dry bulk orders over to tanker orders, as owners try to take advantage of the lower prices currently.

Baltic dry index report Thursday, February 19 2015, the Baltic Dry Index falls climbed 2 points to 511 points.

Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is a measure of the cost of shipping all over the world for dry bulk cargo. It is calculated daily by the London-based Baltic Exchange, based on the current freight rates.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

31 Capital market

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 17th February 2015 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR

167

167.5

168

POUNDS STERLING

256.9128

257.682

258.4512

EURO

190.8643

191.4358

192.0072

SWISS FRANC

179.4348

179.9721

180.5093

YEN

1.4056

1.4098

1.414

CFA

0.2715

0.2815

0.2915

Market Capitalisation and All Shares Index Trend for Equities Day

Market Capitalisation (N)

Index value

Thursday 12/02/2015

9,321,157,313,972.05

27,935.77

Friday 13/02/2015

9,204,202,190,258.88

27,585.26

Monday 16/02/2015

9,252,040,883,990.79

27,728.63

Tuesday 17/02/2015

9,493,603,556,615.24

28,452.60

Wednesday 18/02/2015

9,735,504,388,691.32

29,177.58

NSE Market Indices retains bullish run, ASI up by 2.55 per cent Adesola Akindele Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday recorded another gain of N241.9 billion from value of their investments.

The market value which opened at N9.5 trillion closed at N9.7 trillion. Similarly the All-Share Index which opened at 28,452.60 points gained 725 basis points to close 29,177.58 points.

Market price movement chart showed 41 equities par-

ticipated in the day’s trading with Thirty (30) gainers against Eleven (11) losers.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. topped the gainers chart with N1.93 or 10.23 per cent to close at N20.80 per share.

It was followed by Transcorp Plc., which gained N0.23 or 9.02 per cent to close at N2.78 per share, followed by Access Bank Plc., with N0.32 or 6.13 per cent to close at N5.54 per share.

UBA Plc. and Glaxosmith Plc. gained 16k and N2 respec-

tively to close at N3.17 and N42 each.

Eleven equity losers were recorded with Intbrew and Rtbriscoe Plc. leading the losers in a loss of 5 per cent or 97 kobo and 4 kobo each to close at N18.44 and 76 kobo respectively.

They were trailed by Julius Berger with N2.07 or 4.91 per cent loss to close at N40.11 per share, while Flourmill Plc was down by N1.9 or 3.59 per cent to close at N29.30 per share.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Politics

Features

Business OBIANO

17

s

News

Tension in Anambra overPM Ex- Thai March indicted in failed polls Lawyer slams Nigerian Shippers’

Politics

tenure of the incumbent goverOkey Chris, Awka nor, Chief Willie MaduabuchukAccording to the new wu Obiano, who was sworn-in dates given by the Independent on March 17, 2014, will termiNational Electoral Commission nate in 2018.

Sequel to this, political gladia(INEC), Presidential and National Assembly election shall hold tors and political parties in the all over the country on March 28, state are focused on possible while that of the state governors means of acquiring seats in the and houses of assembly polls state house of assembly, House of Representatives and the Senwill hold on April 11. Daily Times Nigeria However, Anambra State is20, ate.

Friday, February 2015 The state’s three Senatorial one of such states in the federation where gubernatorial elec- zones - Anambra North, Anamtion would not hold because the bra South and Anambra Central

- and 30 state assembly constituencies are currently bubbling over the electioneering campaigns of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), the three notable political parties fighting to outsmart one another in the forthcoming elections through diverse means.

At the senatorial level, incumbent senator representing Anambra Central, Dr. Chris

Maritime 30Customs pledges My plans to Profit-driven 13 World better Ogun, by nature of Mama to reduce Gboyega Nasir smuggling riceover subsidy Council ‘misleading’ publication Put makes it ExThai PM indicted in activities scam 30 23 Features P13 Isiaka unhygienic P23 failed rice subsidy scam P 17 Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, February 20, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.50

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Price: N150

dailytimesng Mama Put wokers at CMS, Lagos.

Smuggled goods intercepted by Customs

Counsel to the Seaport Terminal Operators’ Association of ÏÏÏGermany has rejected a Nigeria (STOAN), Mr. Femi Greek request for a six-month extension to its eurozone loan Atoyebi (SAN), has taken a programme, after earlier signs swipe at the Nigerian Shippers’ that a compromise was possible. ÏÏÏThai authorities Thursday Greece had sought a six-month indicted former prime minisCouncil (NSC) over a “misleadassistance package, rather than ter Yingluck Shinawatra over ing publication wherein the a renewal of the existing deal a bungled rice buying scheme that comes with tough austerity NSC itemised about nine issues during her time in office. Yinconditions. gluck failed to appear at the inpurportedly decided in its “faHowever, a German finance dictment hearing in Bangkok, ministry spokesman said it was vour” in the judgment of the but her lawyer says she was not “not a substantial proposal for a obliged to appear and has no Federal High Court delivered by solution”. intention to flee the kingdom.

The European Commission Justice Ibrahim Buba.

Her supporters say the charges had earlier called the Greek reagainst her are politically motiIn a statement he issued request “positive”. vated. “[European Commission] cently, Atoyebi said that conThe indictment of the last President Juncker sees this letelected prime minister of Thaitrary toareits claim in the said Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiabeing maltreated.

I am talkand they know how much they ter as a positive sign, which, in land had been widely expected. publication, did his assessment, could pave the is the governorship can- ing of NSC students whonot havefile not pay. Instead of the free educaAfter delivering ka boxes of docway for a reasonable compromise didateCourt, of the Peoples Demreceived bursary awards in the tion it promised, it introduced uments to the Supreme any counter-claim in the matter in the interest of the financial stathe attorney general’s ocratic office Partyan-(PDP) in Ogun last three years, and who the PTA levy, Insurance levy and relating to STOAN in suit numbility in the euro area as a whole,” nounced that Yingluck ShinawaState. He speaks to journalists government promised 50 per other exorbitant fees that sent Commission spokesman Martra had been in indicted for “derber FHC/L/CS/1704/2014 andfees, so many Abeokuta on his agenda to cent reduction in school children of schools.

Atoyebi, Counselout to STOAN garitis Schinas said. eliction of duty .” develop the economy the of the only to effect per cent reduc- All the victims of his elitist court could not10have upheld If convicted of criminal negstate and make life more abun- tion just last year when they and contract-driven governhelplessness “so that if our cliligence and failure to prevent same as claimed by NSC in the dant for the people. demonstrated. I am talking ment see me as the alternative. corruption, she could be sent to ents’ appeal succeeds, their lordsaid publication. of thousands of people whose We are confident of winning prison for a decade. The governFighting spreads What stands out that property and means of livelithis election.

Forget the proships’ decision would have been “Secondly, the publication ment, now under military con- you Thailand’s Attorney Director General, Department of Special Litigation, Chutichai Sakhakorn (R) holds filed charge papers as Director will make ordinary wereSurasak demolished paganda andnugatory massive use of General,people Department ofhood Investigation, Threerattrakul looks on at the Supreme Court in Bangkok, on Thursday. trol, is also considering a civil in Ukraine despite rendered .” deliberately concealed thewithout fact suit against the ex-prime minvote for you? compensation, ostensibly for a the media by the All ProgresAtoyebi stated that theshe law that the saidaggrandising judgment is subject ister to seek $18The billion in dam-person ordinary in Ogun that billions of dollars had been 19 whether to pursue the case. self road expanreaffirmed when getsin ceasefire sives Congress (APC),“that nothing ages.

But the sion. formerappeal prime and Surasak Yingluck would is theOgun copy in detail of as the in indictNigeria that where, the State knows me. wasted.

Theyofknow is working in State apart a pending thatsaid our The charges stem from a minister has repeatedly em- be required to appear at an ini- ment and the first hearing is set, ÏÏÏShelling is reported from that I am the alternative; they also What about who know from building of bridges on STOAN vs NSC case, there is an clients anthose application bungled government scheme phasized that she did filed nothing tial courtof hearing. judges at where she willabebig present at the court several places in eastern know I will do better. I am talkthat each kilometer road Thedry lands, roundin which rice farmers pledged wrong. that time would decide whether against for the process of justice.” appeal a court decision Ukraine, despite the official for a stay of execution ing of parents children expansion here costs of N1.4the bil- about could solve the problem. crops in exchange for being paidwhose The director general of the to grant bail or detain the defenThe junta last month denied ceasefire between government andwith a motion stay to of execujudgment/injunction pending But could not write and lion, whereas this government the factsfor available above the market rate.

The sub- first-term investigation department of the dant. Yingluck’s attorney, Pichit the former prime minister per- forces and pro-Russia rebels. examinations beis telling them it costs not more us, we know how much it costs sidies resultedsecond-term in massive stocktion will or injunction is tofiled, none Artillery fire could be heard attorney office, Sura- Chuenban, mission to travel Hong Kong thegeneral’s determination of the said ap-his client the not than million. about charges. them to build a bridge and a piles of rice, cause some of it government rotting sak could Threerattrakul, saidN500 the Sufight What any criminal to ensure she was in Thailand to in the region’s biggest city, Doof the parties must do anything peal,” Atoyebi stated. in warehouses and accusations provide examination promised health, kilometer expansion. preme sheets.

Court willthose decidehe March Thefree lawyer said Yingluck has of faceroad charges. netsk, where the truce had been to fact, frustrate The Advocate of NigeI am talking of thousands of Senior free antiand post natal health In we knowthe howhearing much it of the observed so far. teachers and civil servants to hospitals until theON application has Ukrainian military sources riawho said services. that hisThey firmgohad cause appeal CONTINUED Isiaka PAGE 19 inspected the gutters and comalso accused rebels of shelling pounds. If any environment was in the past to write to the NSC been heard and determined, one positions near the port city of Qatar recalls dirty, the people living there risk Mariupol. “when it was apparent that they way or the other. arrest.

The fighting comes as RusEgypt envoy in Citing eralsupelection, threats to the God, Magaji enjoined INEC and JIBRIN,several Kaduna cases to were making frantic efforts to VICTOR “Then the health ministry had sia, with Ukraine, France and GerÏÏÏ The Obama administra- cising it. change for sanctions relief. of many Nigeria, inexperiagencies to live above a detachment of inspectors, who held on further talks oversecurity the portheld his airstrike argument,dispute the unity highly rough tion said on Wednesday it is Theride comments cameshod as a lateof the The judicial talks are being visited Bukas at major market arof faith of present board, with a view to ensuring phone.

Kaduna State Deputy ence and lack withholding from Israel some March deadline to forge the among the five permanent memrespected senior lawyer said: “It Most of the renewed fighting process” and threatening his cli- Governor eas like Sabo, Oke-Arin, Oyingbo, ÏÏÏ Qatar recalled day politicians. fairness, peace, unity and credaborted 3rd Re-its ambassasensitive details of its nuclear outline of an Iran nuclear deal bers of the UN Security Coun-in the etc early in the morning. The Buin rebel-heldcandidates Donetsk appears dor tothat Egypt both for “consultations” While counselling ibility of the country. comply withcil, their direcpublic and trite now governorship negotiations with Iran because loomsents and USto and Iranian negoBritain, China, France, Rusis also the court kas may be ready for business, the north of the on Thursday widening rift to be for election at in various levels to city toThe Labour Party flag bearer it is worried that Israeli govern- tiatorstives prepare a newDecember round sia and the2014.

United States alongon the candidate platform in of aLaasforfrom 22, but they must wait for the inspecwards the airport. over Egypt’s air forcelies carrying from which an appeal and ment officials have leaked infor- of talks later this week in Ge- with Germany and Iran. bour Party (LP), Mr. James Bawa learn to play politics accord- stated this in reaction to the tors to sample what they have The BBC’s Ian Pannell, who is out airstrikes against Islamic The action of the NSC, he Magaji, has blamed mation to try to scuttle the talks, neva, Switzerland. ing to the rule of the game and peace meeting held in the state the tension the courtState to which lies prepared before they are allowed in Donetsk, says it sounds like militantsan in appeal Libya earlier and will continue to do so.

Netanyahu angered said, ishas not only the illegal but unac- being generated the 2015 gen- believe that power comes from CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 to sell to the public.” thisby week.

Magajiwith his open opIn extraordinary admis- White House to preserve the ‘res’ shells are being fired in both diThe Fashakin He tradition, said NCSsaid, was deterEgypt conducted the bomb- rections, although that cannot ceptable a cloaked attempt have a duty sions the that reflect increasingly position to a dealand he believes was that the Buka owner would ingsappeal, Monday hours after a vid- be verified. if successful, strained ties between US threatens Israel’s existence, mined to intensify its warthe against to foist upon the Court of Ap- so that the serve the inspector the food with Further south, a spokesman eo emerged showing militants and Israel, the White House and and by accepting a Republican is not rendered . Coptic for the Ukrainian government a piece each of all kinds or parts smuggling during the year and pealto address a situation beheadingnugatory 21 Egyptian state department said they were invitation Congress of complete CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 from forces said rebel units had atChristians. not sharing everything the to had acquired 200 Hilux trucks about Iran in early March withBut Qatar expressed concern tacked the village of Shirokyne, negotiations with the Israelis out consulting the White House, boost anti-smuggling operations. about the Egypt’s decision to re- killing one soldier, with shells and complained that Israeli of- a breach of diplomatic protocol. spond with unilateral action in also fired towards Mariupol.

He said checkpoints ficialsalthough had misrepresented what White House press secretary The Organisation for SecuLibya. they had been told in the past.

Josh Earnest told reporters that had been abolished by NCS, the rity and Co-operation in Europe In turn, Egypt’s delegate to Meanwhile, senior US offi- sharing all details of the negothe Arab League, Tarek Adel, (OSCE) - which is charged with personnel carry outPrime patrols cialscould privately blamed tiations with governments that was quoted by the state-run monitoring the ceasefire - also Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are not at the table would combased on reasonable suspicion.

MENA news agency as saying reported more shelling near the not going himself to happenfor even though the dy- plicate efforts to get a deal that “changing that Qatar’s objection showed embattled town of Debaltseve “We arehave adequately covered a lot of people expectanamic” offoulpreviously robust would prevent Iran from develthe dry bulk market fac- new orders. that it is “supportive of terror- which observers have not been tions and information-sharing play them-by politi- opingWith a nuclear weapon in ex- Obama by our Nigerians legal provision that the ism.” selves into it.” ing its worst crisis in deTankers are still in the spot able to reach.

Custom freelaw to making go to any place While sheisagrees cades, Newbuilding activ- light taking up more capacity as has been there in the wrong hands for where is reasonable suspitoo long, she believes they can’t ity remains on “slow motion potential buyers hold a more opcion or there are credible inforkeep it much longer. mode”, as shipbrokers are report- timistic view thanks to their bull“They can’t keep it for so long mation. because it will come to a point ing limited activity. According to ish freight rates. There have even “The covers usare to enter any that even law the people who the latest weekly report from Al- been further swapping of dry flouting the law come to see raids and premises towill carry out how they’re small compared to lied Shipbroking, it was” a very bulk orders over to tanker orders, recoverCONTINUED or remove or intercept ON PAGE 24 slow week, with minimal report- as owners try to take advantage whatever that is smuggled or uned activity in terms of concluded of the lower prices currently. registered goods and arrest whosoever that is responsible.

“Anti- smuggling activity is a total war but the only thing we will not do is to engage in the establishment of checkpoints in the Thursday, February 19 2015, hinterland because that has been the Baltic Dry Index falls banned,” he said. climbed 2 points to 511 points.

Tahir said the service recordBaltic Dry Index (BDI) is a ed tremendous success in its measure of the cost of shipping anti-smuggling activities in 2014 all over the world for dry bulk which resulted in 7,519 seizures cargo. It is calculated daily by valued at N8.78 billion and 246 arthe London-based Baltic Exrests out of which 26 convictions change, based on the current were secured. freight rates.

My plans to better Ogun, by Gboyega Nasir Isiaka

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Germany rejects Greek loan request

Mama Put by the canal at Ajegunle

Profit-driven nature of Mama Customs pledges to Put makes it unhygienic

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Adekoya Boladale

these food vendors is the reason ers to avoid coughing, sneezing or their foods are poorly cooked, spitting, while serving the public leaving some microbes, espe- and that cuts, wounds and sores cially tapeworms that are heat- should be covered with a waterresistant, to dwell in supposedly proof dressing; over-clothing cooked foods. should be clean and present no Ebhomien emphasized stated risk of contamination to foods, that personal hygiene is impor- and hair should be well covered tant, “Do they wash their hands to prevent the risk of strands fallbefore cooking, after cooking, ing into foods. during packaging and serving?

Daily Times recalls that LaDo they rinse hands under run- gos State had a health tradition ning clean water and dry thor- back in the 1970s, in which the oughly on clean towel? Storage of government prided itself as a in the world today, is alfood may be poor, so leftovers are clean, healthy city.country “Oh, good old re-sold the following day without Lagos,” Mr. Fashakin, a retired ways complaining about the Mexproper preservation, leading to council worker, recalled with nosican border and along the MexiDeputy Comptroller Genfood poising.” talgia; “We had health inspectors The doctor food work- Investigawe called wole wole, because they they have deployed all can border, eral,advised Enforcement,

Stories by Funmi Coker

The Bukas may be ready for business, but they must wait for the inspectors to sample what they have prepared before they are allowed to sell to the public.”

tion and Inspection, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tahir Musa,

kinds of thing.

“They have fences, they have

to the barest minimum.

underground, they have aircraft,

Tahir said that it was on record that no country had eliminated smuggling in spite of their efforts.

He said:” Smuggling is a worldwide phenomenon because even the most developed countries of the world are still fighting smuggling up till today and they have not succeeded in eliminating smuggling.

“The best any Customs administration or any Customs Service can do is to minimise it to the barest minimum.

“The U.S., which is the greatest

of the challenges, NCS had been able to achieve much in checking the activities of smugglers, in addition to performing other security functions.

“We have arrested illegal aliens that we handed over to the immigration. We have seized drugs that were handed over to NDLEA. “We are in the JTF (Joint Military Task Force) working hand in hand with the military even though in non-combatant role fighting the Boko Haram in different parts of the nation,” he added.

wired fences, they have snooping has restated the determination of Lawmaking has been in the wrong hands for too long the service to reduce smuggling devices, they have devices buried CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

purchased a very big land for the school, the architects among the old students designed and built a new place, and we the Odutola’s children spent over N12 million of our own to join the efforts of the old students to build a bigger hall for the students; yet this is a school taken over by government.

Now, education is worse than we had before the independence.

“In Gbenga Daniel’s eight year period in Ogun State, it came to a

ÎÎÎFor those of

reduce smuggling activities

Olusegun Obasanjo – A gift that keeps giving nated hands will spread bacteria around the kitchen very quickly.

But most Mama Put operators don’t really care about their personal hygiene.

A medical doctor at St Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Jim Ebhomien, said a roadside food hawker or Mama Put is really not good spots for daily meals for hygiene reasons.

This is paramount because of the high spate of food related illnesses, such as cholera from the poorly stored and ill purified water which can ultimately lead to gastroenteritis.

The profit-driven nature of

us not privileged to have been born in the 60’s, the heroic and bravery of Retired General Olusegun Obasanjo was taught to us in the four walls of elementary and secondary schools. ‘…the civil war lasted for years’ my primary school teacher, Mr. Bayo began in one of his numerous recounts of how the Nigerian civil war of 1967 ended. ‘So many people were killed but the war was brought to an end when the commander of the 3rd Marine Commando Division led by, Olusegun Obasanjo took over Owerri. This single act ended the civil war’ Like every patriot who had served before and after him, he bled to protect fellow countrymen and women but above all he stood his ground in ensuring the sovereignty of our dear country was never jeopardized.

Unlike many of his colleagues in the military, who lusted for power thereby forcefully getting one through coup, Obasanjo showed exemplary leadership, discipline and great respect for the democratic institution by not participating in any of the military coups and even supervised the return to civilian rule in 1979.

These Obasanjo should be praised for.

But as story becomes history and history be-

comes legend and legend becomes myth, Obasanjo became the president of Nigeria in 1999 after years of military rule. Many have argued that this single act rubbished whatever goodwill Obasanjo had and he could have simply rejected the offer and preserve the illusion of his heroism. Others believe that Obasanjo became the president of Nigeria at a time his patriotism was most needed and he could have written his name in gold if only he didn’t let greed take over his soul.

Far different from the Obasanjo of old who served with the late Murtala Mohammed, the Obasanjo of 1999 was a man changed by the iron bars of the prison. If there was any goodwill Obasanjo worked hard to achieve before 1999, he forfeited it thereafter.

Under his watch; corruption, graft and nepotism were knighted into the nucleus of democratic institutions and Nigeria, a nation with every needed element to grow and develop, was dragged back to the primordial days. He corrupted key institutions and processes – INEC, Police, Civil Service, Legislature, among others.

To say that the Obasanjo administration didn’t have some pluses will be unfair. The privatization of the telecom industry and bank recapitalization were strong and needed policies his government implemented but his bad

over-weighed his good.

-In the report of the infamous Halliburton fraud, President (as he then was) Obasanjo was accused of supervising the sharing of the $74 million bribe by Halliburton to influence the award of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) contract in Nigeria. He was reported to have given his aide, Bodunde Adeyanju, a whopping $21 million of the bribe. This is less than the Siemens and Wilbros oil scams.

– At the twilight of his administration, President Olusegun Obasanjo awarded some contracts totaling N850 billion in the following tranches: N70 billion to revive the textile industry, N58.6 billion for the second Niger Bridge and maintenance of same for N42 billion, N16.53 billion for the reconstruction of the Lagos port harbours, N20 billion for the expansion of the Lagos airport, N4.8 billion for the building of permanent accommodation for the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), N1.39 billion for the construction of the Ministry of Defence’s permanent residence, N1.4 billion for the conversion of steam and head for power plant, N47.4 billion for the conversion of the Alaoji power plant to double circuit, N3.5 billion for the procurement and repair of two boilers at the Egbin power station and N233 million to fix the Agege-Lagos road.

point that they said proprietors North and South amalgamation their scheme, but no; God knows they have everything, yet the the of those schools thatthis the governand the crisis in the country , and everything, He declares end Tahir said in an interview ment took over some 25 years ago the old lady reminded Nigerians from the beginning. still remains poin Abuja, adding that NCS was Mexican border should come and take them back; that God owns the country, not “If He allowed us to be put rous.” not unconscious thepoliticians negative and some of them rose up,of took or terrorists. together, then something good back the schools and have been “It is not an accident that the from the union, Musa saidmust thatcome the out Federal Govimpact of the activities of smugspending money because like Ad- North and South came together but we’re not allowing it because ernment provided increased glers onschool, the economy eola Odutola the intake of. as a nation, God has a hand in it;had we’re playing the politics of students year is so much that and if we are together, we are for a North dichotomy , and support NCSandtoSouth fight smugHe,in a however, acknowledged one stream in a class has about nation as a people not necessarily the British who put us together gling but that the agency still that thesotask of adrastically reduc200 students, how can teacher as a North and South dichotomy . expected the unionwas to break anygoing roundthe that number of students Unfortunately there are so many way , that’s why America said by activities of smugglers faced with challenges. in a day?” people who are playing on that. 2015 Nigeria will be a failed state, He, ithowever, in spite would notinquired be anafter easy Daily Times theone.

It is the British who think was that’ssaid their that expectation but it’s

What happened to all these funds?

Today, the same Obasanjo now parades himself as a nationalist and statesman. In his recent book titled ‘My Watch’, Obasanjo amplified himself as a saint who was surrounded by criminals but he was above all a saint. The book illustrates the fiction of what Obasanjo would have loved to be and represent.

Just like he demonstrated in ‘My Command’, his personal memoir on the civil war, he centers himself as a Marvel super hero against every other.

Today, he stands up tall to blast the administration of Goodluck Jonathan as he did against the late Umaru Yar’Adua and Gbenga Daniel. The sin of the trio was that they didn’t give him the privilege to run via proxy.

Most of the attacks on the Jonathan administration were based on the flaws and frauds of the Obasanjo’s administration.

US withholding nuclear details from Israel ‘Political violence, threat to nation’s existence’

Newbuilding activity records insignificant progress

Baltic dry index report

A renowned political satirist, Elnathan John, said recently, “Nigeria is great. You can try to elongate your tenure, fail, leave office, then write sermons to the incumbent on good governance and shit.”

The new Obasanjo has shown himself to be a man whose engine runs on consistent publicity.

He places himself as a center of attraction and loves to be in control of everyone and everything around him. A friend recently described the new Obasanjo as ‘a selfish, vindictive, narcissistic Fox’.

During an interview recently with Fox TV and reproduced by ‘Washington Times’ on why he has refused to critique the Obama’s administration, George W. Bush replied “I don’t think it’s good for the country to have a former president undermine a current president; I think it’s bad for the presidency for that mat-

ter,” speaking further he said “Secondly, I really have had all the fame I want,” he continued. “I really don’t long for publicity. And the truth of the matter is in order for me to generate publicity I’d have to either attack the Republican Party, which I don’t want to do, or attack the president, which I don’t want to do. And so I’m perfectly content to be out of the limelight.”

The new Obasanjo needs to understand that to truly seek equity, one must come with clean hands. The backwardness, dilapidation and putrefaction of Nigeria is majorly the result of eight years of grand corruption, greed and graft supervised, presided and executed by him.

Adekoya Boladale wrote via adekoyaboladale@gmail.com.

Please engage on twitter @adekoyabee and Facebook www.facebook. com/adekoyabee

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

My experience during Biafra -Buchi Cap-wearing reggae gospel act, Buchi isn’t a stranger when it comes to what he does- music. He’s one of the most respected gospel artistes, and that’s because he sure knows his onions.

In this chat with Opeoluwani Akintayo, Buchi opens up like never before, about his experience during the Biafra War, his adventure into cultism, his return to his first love-writing, and many more. Excerpt:

What was growing up in Kaduna like for you?

Yes Kaduna. I didn’t really stay too long there. I left there at the age of two when the Civil War broke out. So essentially, my growing up in the east, Abia State.

You may have heard me say I was born in Kaduna to parents of Abia origin.

So when the war broke out in the North, they fled with their then four children to the village in Abia State. I found myself talking to somebody a few weeks ago, and I realized that was the first time I would think deeply and realize the root of my music and my passion. It dawned on me that one of my earliest exposure to music was among soldiers as they marched to the war. In my village, there was a camp where some battalions were camped and every morning, they’d do their road walk and sing while marching to the war front.

That was Biafra right?

Yes Biafra. I found it quite interesting the idea of singing because was a grim thing. It was ugly so what was music doing at the what front. That tells you that music can be put to multiple uses like worship, celebration, war and songs that people sang and got themselves worked up and emboldened to go and face the bullets and look death in the face. I remember some of those songs I heard them sing as they marched to war. The sounds of their boots on the ground provided some kin fog rhythm which they marched to to war. That was quite interesting.

What did your parents go to do in the north in the first place?

They were civil servants. My mom was a school teacher while my dad was in the civil service So what were they doing after they ran back to Abia State?

I really didn’t know what my father was doing as long as there was food on the table. I remember seeing him shoot down some wild big birds with his Dane gun but for work and daily upkeep, I really didn’t know. I think for a time, he relocated to the Biafran Civil Service because the Civil Service continued even during the war so, he went working in Enugu while we were in the village. I began my primary school there in the village. I remember vividly, walking back from school during Christmas 1969, where were you then? (General laughter).

I hadn’t even dreamt of coming to this world cos I was still chilling in heaven So Christmas 1969, we had been thought what to do if we heard an airplane flying past while coming back from school. We were thought what to do whenever we sensed danger. We were told to take off our white shirts and hide them under our arms, stand still by the bush, away from the road if we heard the sound of an aircraft flying low- that way, the person in the aircraft wouldn’t be able to detect movements.

That must be terrible for you as a child. How old were you then?

I was five.

So how did you survive the war?

It wasn’t terrible for me. War was exciting for me. Danger excites because it doesn’t dawn on you until you come face to face with the evil of it and that happened to me Christmas 1969 as I walked back from school. I saw dead bodies on the road and bullet shells n the road, picked up unexpended bullets and bullet shells, live ammunitions.

Then I saw my uncle whose chest had been shattered apparently by a mortar because no bullet would do that. Then I walked some more and saw another woman that I recognized, dead on the road. I saw about three corpses between the school and my house.

When I got to the house, there was nobody in the house and the kitchen was on fire. It dawned on me that the war had arrived my village and the inhabitants had taken off, people had been taken captive and the survivals had escaped. So I arrived my house in the village, walked a lonely road finding corpses and ammunitions You walked alone? Didn’t other kids

walk with you?

I usually went to school with my immediate elder brother but he left earlier because I was playful. When I got into my compound, I remembered that someone ran out from the bush, picked me up, put me on his shoulder and ran back into the bush. He must have ran for like one hour in the tick bush before arriving at a clearing where I found the rest of my family. I was relieved to see my family in the bush and we spent that Christmas in the bush You went to school on Christmas?

It wasn’t Christmas day but about the time when schools close for Christmas holiday. So Christmas was in the bush What did you eat?

All manner of things. Late in the night, some of the young men would steal back into the village to get some things, and run back into the bush. They brought back news of people who had been killed, of areas where the soldiers had occupied but, we did find something to eat. They uprooted cassava and made quick food from it. We ate grasshoppers too and all manner of things but, I was young and it was all exciting for me.

Why I’m I telling all these? I think that that early exposure to violence, shaped my life.

Positively or negatively?

Ehm, judge for yourself because

violence caught my fancy. I loved war films. I wanted to see what my uncles went to do at the war front. I loved Rambo in the movies, I loved Robbin Hood and people who did daring things.

Maybe that contributed in my finding fun in campus confraternity because I wanted some action and adventure. In primary school, there wasn’t much of it but I found my clique in primary school and gave myself some action, and of course, I was expelled.

What did you do that got you expelled?

If you go into my car right now, you’d find my catapult there. I still carry them.

I always have them. Primary school was filled with my catapulting experiences and escapades and then I secondary school and all that. I’m not proud of all that but what I mean is that, violence caught my fancy until I got into the university and I quickly looked for a cult to join.

Today, I can authoritatively tell you that war is ugly. Violence is for the weak.

Violence is itself an admission of failure.

When you can’t reason things out, you reach for a gun because you think it settles arguments easily.

So how did you eventually get out of the confraternity?

I got born again In school or after school?

I was always in school because I continued with my Masters and P.hd and lectured in the university so, I was a school person So you grew to be their patron No I’m not talking about those. You could read ‘Cease Fire’ to find out. But I got born again that’s why I left And they didn’t harass you?

The Lord protects His own. He did it before and is still doing it. In any case, if you got killed for leaving the cult, you had nothing to lose because death is not an ugly experience to the dead. It weighs heavily on the people around him or her like family and friends because they’re the ones who suffer the pains of death.

The person involved simply transit to another life

So you were prepared to die if it got to that?

I actually said go them “when you You must have some terrible things come and able to kill me, at least, I was while you were in the cult sure to go to a nicer place. But in case I don’t like talking about the details they were not able to get me, that of my activities in the confraternity but, should say to them that I had ran to a maybe that’s why I went ahead to write God who is able to protect his own” the book, ‘Cease Fire’.

How Pastor Chris Oyakhilome changed my life Who preached to you?

I met Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. I sat across his table inside his office.

I asked him some questions and he answered everything from the Bible.

He didn’t answer from his experience and that made me realize that the Bible holds answers to all of life’s questions. I thought I was smart.

I was a 24 year old Lecturer. I was doing a Ph.D. research and thought I was an intellectual of some sort and that my Philosophy classes had equipped me enough of the nonexistence of God as understood by Christians

No. I thought English Language.

So I asked him questions about my life and Christianity and he replied me. So I got born again right inside his office. From that day, I lost every appetite for violence and understood that violence was for the week

Were you a Philosophy lecturer?

Continues on page 3

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

L3 Interview & Gist

My Biafra experience Continued from page 2

So how did you come about music?

Music is jealous. That’s how music won me over. I was in school teaching English Language but of course, I was a member of a reggae club in school. I loved music from the beginning and think reggae is raw poetry. I even studied the writings of musicians- Muta Baroka. I was also a DJ at a night club at Marina courtesy of Raskimono who invited me over in 1987 to join him as a residence DJ in the Floating Buka at Marina. That was my first exposure to professional music bur when I got born again in 1992, I transited from the club to the choir. I went to a denomination that didn’t find anything wrong with a cap-wearing fellow singing reggae in church. I know that many other Christian organisations would have frowned at that. They said as much. Some said I was being worldly and that if I wanted to sing reggae, I should leave gospel alone. They didn’t think there were forms that could mingle with gospel. The gospel isn’t a style of music but a message so, you can play your reggae to express anything.

So how did you get people to accept you?

I wasn’t looking for acceptance.

I was looking for self expression. I had found a new life and wanted to express it. I wanted to sing to God who saved me in spite of my wrongs.

If you looked at my past and early life, I imagined that you could call me unlovable but, he loved me without holding my wrongs. So after singing to God for a while, I looked up and found that people had accepted me, not everybody though because there were still moments when I was into conflict with people who didn’t agree that my Christianity were genuine.

I can imagine they were Christian freaks?

Yes. Where?

It was outside my church.

Pentecostal church I can imagine Yes. I was shooed off the stage one day in the presence of thousands of people by programme organisers who didn’t think I could express the gospel message in a reggae style. I heard the organisers says “I asked you to bring me a gospel singer and you people brought a raster. Get off and shut him down!” And they turned off the sound while I was yet on stage. They asked me to leave the stage. Apparently they didn’t listen to what I was saying. I was saying “Jesus must be honoured in my life

everyday…what a mighty God we serve…” However, it’s interesting that the same people who shooed me off the stage that same day, have had to invite me several times to their churches afterwards to sing the same church. Of course, I went and didn’t take offense and I sang the same songs.

So were you romantic towards her?

That would be that somehow, whatever they do, get their spouses to see things from their own view and identify with them and stay with them. So women love all manner of men

So she stayed despite your hardness. Were you a hard person?

So was it in Christ Embassy you met I don’t think so. I think I’ve always your wife? been a very gentle kind spirited She doesn’t like being talked person about. I met her long before I became a Christian Now, that is in contrast with the kind of person you said you were She must have endured a lot of I don’t know. I really do not know. things then I was gentle while I was in cult.

You can say that again People who observed me or who I don’t want to imagine came in conflict with me may think otherwise but, in my own mind, What do you mean. I’m I a terrible I’ve always been a gentle and kind guy? person.

I didn’t say that. It’s just all of your experience which may have had So at what point did writing start impact on your person for you?

I’m first a writer before a singer.

So why didn’t she run away?

I have a responsibility to write. The So where you romantic and soft songs that I sing today were poems with her despite all your past?

I’d written in the past. I wrote the You should tell me because when poems but when I couldn’t find you look around, you’ll see that even readership, I turned them into the worst men had wives around songs by the leading of God’s them. Osama Bin Laden had wives spirit. We are all here for who lived with him and adored him. a purpose and the easiest way is to ask

Book review

Cease Fire

By Buchi

Cease Fire is about a boy, Maha who came from a Christian home but, because of his early exposure to violence, finds himself enmeshed in campus cultism.

Chapter One x-rays Maha and his initiation into the confraternity Chapter Two - Three reveal his experience during the initiation In Chapter Four, Maha meets and becomes close with the leader of his group, the Red Dragon, Baku Chapter Five – Six portray Maha’s arrest after an unsuccessful operation, his release from the police net, after which he was at the mercy of the University Senate who would determine whether or not he should continue his education In Chapter Seven and Eight, Maha was asked to get rid of Tony who also happens to be the younger brother to his friend. He refuses and becomes a target of other cult members on campus Chapter Nine --Ten, Baku sees leadership potential in Maha and tries to prepare him to take up leadership mantle of the Red Dragon. Baku and Maha also plans to hit on a rival group, Night Hawks Chapter Eleven --Twelve, after the hit, the cult members go into hiding as the university authority

begins a hunt for them, while Maha and Baku plan to re-launch the group on campus In Chapter T h i r t e e n --Thirty, the cult members succeed in making cultism a force to be reckoned with on campus, by initiating a Student U n i o n presidential candidate, Jimmy, i n t o the RD. Jimmy wins the election, and cult g r o u p s return to campus… eventually, Maha was graduating…on his graduation day, events unfold into what one can describe as “the unexpected”.

God who made us. And that’s what I did. I really didn’t think I was going to be a writer but when I asked God, he told me and I took it that way.

My first publication is an anthology titled, ‘Behind The Songs’. It’s a little compendium about inspirations and experiences behind the songs.

Why did I sing ‘It Is Well’, ‘What A Mighty God’, ‘Mma Mma’ and the rest. So I put them together in prose and poetry in that little book titled ‘’Behind The Songs. ‘Cease Fire’ is actually my second publication and I’m following up with a sequel soon to be published. So what’s going on is that I’m getting more active with my first love.

So ‘Cease Fire’ is all your experience while in the cult?

Not all. No book could really contain all of those experiences but it’s based on a true life story.

So give a summary ‘Cease Fire’ is the story of a young boy, Maha from a good home who got into the university and got enmeshed in cultism.

The change of personality and the things that followed.

Buzz Byte L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Empress Njamah takes charity to hospital Mutiat Alli

This may come as a rude shock to many yet, it may be true!

As you read this, gist making the rounds says popular OAP, Denrele now has a girlfriend.

Let’s not forget, a lot of people think Denrele is gay. We heard the duo met during their university days and have been dating for 2 years.

Her name is May Shua, a graduate of Accounting from Leeds University. She’s a hiphop rap artiste from Edo State.

If truly she’s his girlfriend, what we don’t understand is why he kept it secret despite backlashes from every corner, questioning his sexuality.

Yvonne Okoro

Ooni recognises Prince Adeyinka Adegbaju as Sooko Luusi

to wed soon Happy times are here for Ghanaian actress and TV personality, Yvonne Okoro.

If news reaching us is anything to go by, it means the beauty will soon bid farewell to spinsterhood and fully embrace the life of a married woman.

Life & Times scooped that Yvonne is about to marry her boo, a Nigerian businessman from Abia State.

has a girlfriend?

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Nollywood actress Empress Njamah who has missing in action lately in the movie scene as she used to be some years ago have resurfaced with her visit to the Garki Hospital, Abuja on Valentine’s day.

Over a period of time, Empress has devoted herself to charity through her House of Empress Foundation where she visit orphanage and displaced homes and show some love to them. The star actress received prayers from the children visited.

However, when the actress was the star of the moment, Empress was trailed with some controversies and many will not easily forget her sweet affair with Timaya that later turned sour.

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Denrele

Although Yvonne has continuously denied having such plan up her sleeves, we heard plans to walk down the aisle are in full gear- this year hopefully.

We gathered that the man whose identity remains unknown to most people, has been frequenting Ghana, spoils her with gifts and has even met her family.

Sooko Adeyinka Adegbaju (middle) with wife, Yeye Ronke and family members after his installation at Ooni’s palace in IleIfe, Osun State.

Nduka Uzuakpundu

NewMUSI alert!

Tonye

drops new single “Ari Belema” Your girl Tonye drops a new Single titled “Ari Belema”.

Ari Belema means “I Love You” in Kalabari language, which is in Rivers State- South South Nigeria.

This melodic and dance tune was written by Tonye and Ada Edolo, while the guitar instrumentals were provided

by Phillip Uzo. Ari Belema was produced by Orbeat.

Tonye had previously released an accapella titled ‘What About Us’, and Singles ‘Were Ni Yen’, ‘Wait For Me’ (a Cover of the classic Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu hit song), ‘Criminal’ with a remix of the song with music maestro Timaya and Christmas themed song ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ featuring Shaydee, Geoffrey Oji & Magnito.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has filled the stool of Sooko Luusi, after nearly five decades of vacancy.

The occupant of the stool is Prince Adeyinka Adegbaju of the Akui Ojigidiri royal family.

By this royal move, the Akui Ojigidiri royal family could heave a sigh of relief, just as Oba Sijuwade has been applauded for validating the resolution of the Ife Traditional Council of Sooko.

Prince Adegbaju was unanimously picked in 2012 for the vacant stool by the royal family, following a recommendation by elders and youth leaders from Akui Oshinkola royal family, led by Mogaji Buremoh Balogun.

Those who signed the document in affirmation of Prince Adegbaju’s installation for the traditional title of Sooko Ojigidiri included Alhaji (Prince) Hassan Balogun, Moliki Adefioye, Alhaji Yekini Adewole and Azeez Balogun. Others were Musa Balogun,

Dauda Balogun, Prince Mudashiru Adewole and Rasaq Adetayo Balogun.

In a remark at the meeting held last weekend, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Alhaji Yekini Adewole expressed great joy at the installation of Prince Adegbaju as Sooko Luusi and thanked Oba Okunade Sijuwade for his steadfastness and royal support, which made the event a great success.

He also called on sons and daughters of Akui Ojigidiri to contribute their quota and eschew bitterness, to promote peace and unity, as prerequisites for progress and economic development in Ile Ife. “We must support Sooko Adeyinka Adegbaju by backing the various projects lined up to give the Akui royal house a new face, as part of efforts aimed at building an enduring platform towards peace, security and development in Ile Ife, Prince Adewole said.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

L5 Extra

Nick Gordon

banned from house he shared with Bobbi Kristina Brown The self-proclaimed ‘husband’ of Bobbi, 21, has been banned from visiting the TV star -- the daughter of the late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown -- in the Atlanta hospital, where she’s attached to a life support machine, and had also been kicked out of the townhouse, he once shared with her, Times Live says.

An insider revealed: ‘’Nick has been told the townhouse is no longer available for him to live in and to find other living accommodations.’’

What’s more, precautions have been taken in the event Gordon tries to re-enter the property. The source told RadarOnline.com: ‘’The locks have been changed, and since it’s a gated community, security has been notified to not let Nick anywhere on the premises. ‘’If Nick is spotted anywhere in the complex or near the residence, there have been strict instructions to call the police immediately, so he can be cited for trespassing.’’

Meanwhile, Nick Gordon said recently that he’s had Bobbi’s name tattooed on his arm. The 25-year-old has asked people to pray for Bobbi’s health and had revealed he got her moniker etched up the inside his forearm.

Last night, he tweeted: ‘’Thank you for all your prayers. She is a strong person and will pull through this. Continue to pray for her.’’

Kanye West condemns racism

Kanye West is at it again and this time, his view is on racism.

He insists the world’s focus on racism is a ‘’distraction to humanity’’ and has called on people to help each other ‘’clean-up’’ the world, rather than destroy it.

The 37-year-old rapper can’t understand why people feel so strongly about others from a different race and while he admits it can make his life ‘’interesting’’ hearing about people’s differing views, he has called for people to help each other to ‘’clean-up’’ the world rather than destroying it. He said: ‘’Racism and the focus on racism is a distraction to humanity.

It would be like focusing on the cousin from your mom’s side versus the cousin on your dad’s side.

We’re all cousins. We’re all the same race. To even focus on the concept of race, it’s like, perhaps, people give me an extra cookie for the fact that my colour palette is so controlled and I’m black. ‘’When someone that’s like, racist, comes up to me at A.P.C. and says, ‘I thought it would be a bunch of animals on your shirts,’ because they

heard that I rapped.

But it just makes the journey interesting. ‘’We came into a broken world. And we’re the cleanup crew. And we’re only cleaning up by helping each other.’’

Kanye, who has a 19-month old daughter, North, with wife, Kim Kardashian-West, had also turned his attention to fashion designing and admitted one of his main influences for creating clothing collections was the 2011 London riots, which saw thousands of people causing chaos in several boroughs in the capital, resulting in looting.

Tyga denies dating Kylie Jenner

Tyga,really, wants everyone to know that he’s not dating Kylie Jenner, E! reports.

During a Power 105 Breakfast Clubinterview,the rapper repeatedly denied the dating rumoursand addressed his so-called feud with Drake.

“I’m not dating Kylie, I just want to get that out of the way,” the 25-year-old proclaimed. “I want to be clear to everybody that I didn’t leave my family to be with Kylie. That’s ridiculous. Me and [Blac] Chyna, we broke up almost close to a year [ago] now, because of the decision we made, and things in our relationship that weren’t going right, [so we] decided to split to raise an emotionally stable kid.”

He added that the media “didn’t really care about me until they figured out that I live next door to Kim [Kardashian] and Kanye [West]…But I’ve been friends with them before I even met Chyna. I was friends with Scott [Disick], her family for years, so me hanging out with them was nothing new. People just want to make a story out of it.”

Tyga also went on the record to say that the 17-yearold is a “beautiful young woman” whose “maturity and mentality is different than a lot of people.”

And when asked about his latest drama with Drake, who slammed him and his reported relationship on his just-released album, Tyga says he had good reason for starting the shade-throwing.

“It’s not really a beef. It’s just experiences that I’ve had with him, phone calls and stuff,” he explained.

“I feel like he’s a nice guy on the outside, but, he’s not genuine. He plays people left and right. That’s just my opinion and I’m entitled to have my own opinion. At the end of the day, what I said in the interview was how I felt at that moment.”

Lady Gaga:

Things you should know about her new man!

Her G.U.Y! As it was announced Monday, Feb. 16, Lady Gaga said yes to Taylor Kinney -- but who exactly is he? Us Weeklyrounds up five essential facts about Gaga’s new fiancé, who, himself, confirmed the news with an Instagram picture of his love taken moments after he proposed on Valentine’s Day. 1. He looks familiar... because he’s an Actor!

Gaga’s new fiancé, 33, currently headlines his own NBC hit series, Chicago Fire, which he’s starred in since 2012. Kinney had also appeared on shows like Trauma, The Vampire Diaries, and Shameless.

2. He and Gaga first met on the set of a music video Naturally, acting is how he first met Gaga. Kinney and the superstar first set eyes on each other on the 2011 set of her “You & I” music video.

3. He’s a Pennsylvania boy Kinney grew up with three other brothers (one of whom passed away in 2008) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where his family still lives. The actor told Glamour last spring that he likes to go home often, and when he does, he has a routine.

4. He was born to run This man does more than just dance! Kinney revealed to Us Weeklylast spring the simple way he maintains that hot body. “I run,” he told Us. “I love it. I just do it. It’s good for your head more so than anything else. I think it’s good to you know get your blood flowing.”

5. His perfect date night is the movies

Kinney toldUs Weeklyat The Other Woman premiere in L.A. last April that his ideal date night with one of the world’s biggest singers was surprisingly basic. “I’m a movie guy,” he told Us. “I love movies.” He further elaborated at a Bacardi celebration in NYC the following month that a perfect date was one “without pressure.”

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

e r e h W ’ ‘N hen W

College Acquaintance Rape Education (C.A.R.E)@ AdeyemiBero Hall, Lagos State. Secretariat AlausaIkeja by 10a.m, March 10th, 2015 (Pixs: CARE )

Celebrity Quotes

Don’t sit around and wait to find out what others are doing, get up and create yours…

Stella Damascus

Never explain yourself. Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it…

Olamide

Some ideas seem silly, until you put them to play…

Aphrodija

Nigerian Entertainment Confenrence @Eko hotels and Suites, April 22nd, 2015 (pics NEC)

When you realise that nothing is permanent in this life, you will become more tolerant…

Freedom concert 2015 @Baba Yara Sports Stadium , Kumasi Ghana March, 6th, 2015 (pics freedom)

Poem

In your darkest hour

During the time in life when it’s your darkest hour Put your trust in God because He is the almighty power Lift your head up for there will soon be a brighter day Joy is sure to come and chase the gloomy clouds away.

Believe in Him, He will bring you through the storm Keep the faith, trust in God, that is how hope is born Let the Father into your heart, take it all to Him in prayer He will never leave you, day or night, He is always there.

During the time in life when troubles seem hard to face Put your trust in God and be saved by His amazing grace Know that even in your darkest hour there is forever light The light from our Heavenly Father shines with His might.

Angela Sellers

Susan Peters

Lyrics Artiste Name: Timi Dakolo Song Title: Iyawomi Verse 1: Like an angel in the morning Shooting star across the night The most beautiful girl I’ve seen in all my life Every second spent with you is like a day that starts brand new Girl I’m so amazed at all the things you do Yes I wanna build my whole world around you So I promise you forever and for always Girl you are my sunshine baby don’t you go away Chorus: Iyawo mi Ololufe mi Ore mi Alayo mi I will love you forever Iyawo mi Ololufe mi Ore mi Alayo mi I will love you forever Verse 2: I hear music in your words And in the way you call my name When you’re by my side I can’t do anything You’re my best friend You’re my lover Without you no one else will do Through thick and thin I know we’ll make it through Yes I wanna build my whole world around you So I promise you forever and for always Girl you are my sunshine baby don’t you go away Chorus: Iyawo mi Ololufe mi Ore mi Alayo mi Say I will love you forever Iyawo mi Ololufe mi Ore mi Alayo mi I will love you forever Verse 3: My baby my baby You are my sunshine My lover my essence There’s no one like you My baby my baby You are my sunshine My lover my essence There’s no one like you Chorus: Iyawo mi Ololufe mi Ore mi Alayo mi Say I will love you forever Iyawo mi Ololufe mi Ore mi Alayo mi Say I will love you forever My sugar, my honey, my lover I will love you forever My baby, my lover and my best friend I will love you forever I place no woman above you I will love you forever I promise to always love you baby I will love you forever

And there’s no one that comes close I will love you forever more And ever and ever and ever more I will love you forever Cause you are my baby, my sunshine, my …..

I will love you forever And when there’s nothing more to say I will love you forever Forever and ever and ever and ever

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

L7 Nutrition

Judith Frank-Edet

The truth about

eggs

To eat an egg or not could be very confusing. Especially, because, sometimes, breakfast wouldn’t be complete without the egg. For a long time, we have lived under the myth that egg and its yolk are not healthy and could either make you fat or increase your cholesterol intake.

The fear of the egg started back in the 1960s, when doctors and scientists saw it as a food full of dietary cholesterol that could raise blood cholesterol levels -- one of the main causes of heart disease. The yolk in a single large egg contains five grams of fat, so it was only natural for nutritionists to assume that eggs clogged up people’s arteries. Therefore, it was recommended to avoid eggs.

But just before you think eggs are risky to touch ever again, there’s a new study that may make you think twice. Latest studies have found that an egg yolk a day has no effect on cholesterol levels -- even for elderly people. A study, published in January, 2013, by the British Journal of Medicine, examined the relationship between egg consumption and coronary disease from 17 studies, over 30 years and concluded, “Higher consumption of eggs (up to one egg per day) is not associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke.”

Health benefits of eggs Eggs have always been an excellent source of high-quality protein and other key nutrients. For instance, eggs are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D. They also deliver many of the B vitamins — B6, B12, riboflavin, folate, and choline — nutrients that ironically are believed to help prevent heart disease. A recent study by researchers in Canada found that eggs may also be a better source of antioxidants than previously thought. Antioxidants help control inflammation, which aids in the prevention of heart disease. University of Alberta scientists found that egg yolks have as many antioxidant properties as an

apple.

Eggs are also a rich supply of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. These are, predominantly, in the form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which helps with the maintenance of brain function and normal vision. These fatty acids are most commonly found in oily fish and so eggs provide an alternative source for people that are unable to eat fish.

One egg or two, how many can be safely eaten?

According to the American Heart Association, even if you’re in excellent health, you still have to limit your daily cholesterol intake to 300 mg, and people with high cholesterol should have no more than 200 mg.

This means that, for most healthy people, there’s room in a heart-healthy diet for one egg a day, depending on the other sources of cholesterol in their diets. However, if you have diabetes or heart disease, the recommendation drops to no more than three egg per week.

What’s the healthy way to cook eggs?

It doesn’t matter whether your egg is boiled, scrambled, or fried, as long as it’s not cooked with butter. If you need some fat to prepare your eggs, use a few drops of heart-healthy olive oil. It’s a healthy alternative to the bleached groundnut oil in the market.

Better still, because all the cholesterol in eggs — and nearly all the calories — is in the yolk, focus on the whites in your cooking. Try an omelet made of egg whites only or use one egg yolk and two or three egg whites.

Also pay attention to what you eat with your eggs. An omelet with a whole-wheat bread, which is full of whole grains and fibre, is a much better choice for your heart than an omelet with white bread made from refined flour.

Enjoy the tasty benefits of eggs. Eggs are indeed “incredibly edible” when it

comes to heart-healthy foods. Below is a list of nutrients that can be found in eggs, along with a brief summary of what they are useful for: Ï yƆƎ ƊƆ ë Ɗ Ɔ Ǝ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ ƈƆ è immune system and normal vision. Ï yƆƎ ƊƆ Ƽ æƍƆƂ ƅƉ ƐƆ çë Ɔƕ Ƅ ergy metabolism, red blood cells, vision and the nervous system. Ï yƆƎ ƊƆ ƟƼë Ɔƕ Ƅ Ƅƍ Ɠ ƊƄtabolism, red blood cells, the immune system and the nervous system. Ï yƆƎ ƊƆ ƾ æƋ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ Ɔƃ ƃƆƕçë aids energy metabolism and mental functioning. Ï yƆƎ ƊƆ #ë ƈƄƄƋ Ƃ Ƅ ƕ

teeth healthy and aids absorption of calcium. Ï yƆƎ ƊƆ &ë ƈƄƄƋ Ǝ Ƅ ƍƄƋƍ ƕƏƃtive system, nervous system and muscles healthy. Ï Ɔ ƎƆ ë Ɔƕ Ƅ Ƅƍ Ɠ ƊƄƎ Ƃ ƉƆ Ɗè maintains skin, hair and the immune system. Ï ƉƆ Ƅë Ɔƕ ƅ Ǝ ƊƄƎ Ƃ ƉƆ Ɗ ƕ liver function. Ï 0 ƉƆƃ ƃƆƕë Ɔƕ ƂƉ ƕ ƅ ƍƊ ƎƆ and tissue growth during pregnancy. Ï 9 ƕƆ Ƅë Ɔƕ Ǝ Ɠƍ Ɔƕ Ɖ ƕ ƅƏ ƃtion, maintains the skin and nervous system. Ï 9ƍ ë Ɔ Ǝ ƍƄƕ ƂƉ ƕ Ƌƍ ƕƏƃ-

tion and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Ï GƏƎƄƆ ƕ ƔƄ ƒ Ǝ Ɔ ë Ɗ Ɔ tain normal vision and protect from agerelated eye disease. Ï ^ Ƌ ƍƏ ë Ɗ Ɔ Ǝ Ɔ Ƃ Ƅ and teeth and aids energy metabolism. Ï ^ƍ ƎƄƆ ë ƄƄƕƄƕ ƅ ƍ ƂƏƆƉƕƆ ƕ maintaining muscle, organs, skin and tis ƏƄè ƕ Ƌƍ ƕƏƃƆ ƎƆƂ ƕƆƄ è Ƅ ƔƓƊƄ and hormones. Ï dƄƉƄ ƆƏƊë Ƌƍ ƎƄƃƎ ƃƄƉƉ ƅƍ Ɗ oxidative damage, maintains the immune system and aids thyroid gland function.

5 Things you should never blend While I may agree that there are some very sharp blenders that can resist some of the aforementioned foods, most of them can’t and it’s best to be on the side of caution.

1. Boiling-hot liquid whatever it is that you want to blend, if it’s hot, please let it cool down for at least five minutes before transferring it to your blender, filling it no more than halfway. Remove the stopper from the lid to let some heat escape, cover with a clean kitchen towel and start at the lowest setting to steer clear of any dangerous splashes.

2. Black pepper (Cameron pepper) Don’t try to play smart with your blender when it comes to black pepper or your eyes would pay for it. It is advisable to stick to mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. The height of the blender pitcher causes all that pepper dust to settle more slowly than you’d expect.

3. Mashed Potatoes The blades in a blender are too aggressive to process cooked potatoes, a potato masher is your best bet.

4. Anything frozen solid Unless you have a high-powered, commercial-grade blender that’s up to the task, avoid sticking rock-hard ice ƃƏƂƄ ƍ ƅƍ ƔƄ ƅ ƕ Ɔ Ǝ Ɠ Əƍ ƂƉƄ ƕƄƍê

It’ll wear the blade out quickly.

5. Utensils lots of people are guilty of this. When your blender is at full speed avoid sticking a spoon or rubber to probably make an adjustment, it can damage your blender blade. Better still detach the blender from the plug or turn the blender on to stir before running the blender again.

L8 Television

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 20, 2015

Showing on 115 M Series Zone

Showing on 104 Movies Comedy

06:10

05:00

Fri, 20 Feb| PG

Fri, 20 Feb| PG 13

Two generations get to know each other better in this wholesome family adventure that sees a grandfather bond with his teenaged, computer-whiz grandson.

Kris Kristofferson, Peter Fonda. (2001) LeszekBurzynski.

‘S7/E65’- New For Body Rashes, Body Fat, Body Fatigue And Body Rot’. Five medical experts weigh in on compelling issues and dispense valuable information about health topics. (2014)

101 M-Net West

00:00 Gotham 00:30 CSI 01:25 Jack Taylor: The Pikemen 03:00 Suits 04:00 The Double 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 MasterChef Australia 08:00 2 Broke Girls 08:30 The Lottery 09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 The Amazing Spiderman 2 12:45 Modern Family 13:10 MasterChef Australia 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Blue Bloods 16:00 The Fixer 17:00 Marvel's Agent Carter 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 MasterChef Australia 20:30 Marvel's Agent Carter 21:30 Mind Games

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

00:00 The Queen Of The South 00:30 Aurora 01:20 Fearless Heart 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 Labour Of Love 03:50 Broken Angel 05:20 Where Is Elisa?

06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 Labour Of Love 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa?

10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 Labour Of Love 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa?

14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 Labour Of Love 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Where Is Elisa?

18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart

128 SONY MAX

00:00 Cheaters 00:20 Unbeatable Banzuke 00:45 Unbeatable Banzuke 00:00 The Cube

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

00:25 Top Gear

08:00 The Weakest Link

01:15 Scott And Bailey

08:50 QI

02:05 Come Dine With Me

09:20 Would I Lie To You?

02:55 EastEnders

09:55 Hell's Kitchen USA

03:25 The Weakest Link

10:45 Deal Or No Deal

04:10 Top Gear

11:20 My Family

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

11:55 My Family

05:25 QI

12:25 Top Gear

06:00 Hebburn

13:25 Come Dine With Me

06:30 EastEnders

14:15 The Cube

253 AIT

15:00 Matters Arising

Pix- ait

15:30 State Of The Nation

00:00 AIT Midnight News

16:00 World News

00:30 Movie:

16:30 Nickelodeon

02:30 Nowhere To Be Found

17:30 NAFDAC & Your Health

03:00 Focus Nigeria

18:00 Sports Today

04:00 What Life Took From Me

18:30 Shakatawa

05:00 Oremus

19:00 Amazon

06:00 Kaakaki

20:00 AIT News Hour

09:00 Giant Strides

21:00 Primetime Africa 22:00 What Life Took From Me

00:00 Health Monitor

07:30 Today On Stv

00:30 Boom Town

09:30 De Market Place

01:00 Music Africa

10:30 STV Sports Café

09:30 Making Of A Chef

02:00 Boom Town

11:00 Triple M Show

10:00 Focus Nigeria

21:00 Comics Unleashed

02:30 STV Sports Café

11:30 Nowhere To Be Found

03:00 Local Movie

12:05 Music Africa

11:00 The Money Show

21:30

05:00 Gospel Rhythms

14:05 Tales Of Eve

05:30 Dig Your Well

12:00 AIT Reports

Real Husbands Of Hollywood

14:30 Footprints

13:00 Sports Extra

22:00

06:00 Symphony

15:00 Excite On TV

13:30 Dateline Abuja

Show

06:30 Insights For Living

15:30 Brights

14:00 GbeduOn The Move

21:00 Jara

07:00 STV AM News

The Wendy Williams

01:35 Poorman's Bikini Beach 02:00 Bad Ass 03:15 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

04:05 Unbeatable Banzuke 04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:00 Ninja Warrior 05:25 Ninja Warrior 05:50 Cheaters

135 BET 252 Silverbird

01:10 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago

21:30 Tinsel 22:00 The Dzigbordi Show

06:40 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

07:30 World's Wildest Police Videos

ETIM backs X3 KESHI to succeed

Poster!

SVETLANA KHORKINA X4,5 Friday, February 20, 2015

INTERVIEW

APFON:

Nwanna unhappy over players plight

X6

FANTASTIC

O R E U AG

!

RETURNS

X2

NBF

TARGETS WORLD JUNIOR TOURNEY X7

X2

Friday, February 20, 2015

EXTRATIME

NPFL

s e v l o W , s Gabro battle in NPFL opener Warri Wolves FC.

Stories by Mike Otanwa

G

abros Int’l, who are known as the Anaedo Boys, will host Warri Wolves in the 2015 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) opener. The fixtures for the new season were revealed in a draw conducted by the League Management

Company (LMC) on Wednesday night in Abuja.

The NPFL, which is expected to start on March 7, looked interesting with newly promoted sides, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi to host 3SC at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, while the star match of the week is between Heartland and Kano Pillars in

Owerri.

Two debutants from last season, Giwa and Abia Warriors will do battle at the Rwang Pam stadium, Jos, while Enyimba’s forward, Ezekiel Bassey will face his old team, Akwa United in Aba. Both Sharks FC and Dolphins FC who are based in Port Harcourt will host Sunshine

I

in the pre-season trial conducted by the club,” Mr. Mai-Mele said.

“The essence of the recruitment was to beef up all departments of the game, especially areas where we noticed some deficiencies.

“The players came from clubs like Taraba United, Abia Warriors, Gombe United, Prime, among others,” he added.

Mai-Mele said two goalkeepers were among those recruited due to an urgent need to enhance the quality of goalkeeping in the squad.

The commissioner assured that the state government would provide all necessary support for the club to excel this season.

N

igeria Premier League Club Owners have charged the incoming leadership of the League Management Company (LMC) led by Mallam Shehu Dikko to work briskly to make the league an attractive brand that will cause investors to compete for sponsorship.

Dikko heads the newly constituted 7-man board of the LMC whose assignment kick starts with the 2014/2015 Glo Nigeria Premier League commencing on March 7 across the country.

The Club Owners have therefore charged the new board to be proactive in their quest to better the League and bring back Nigeria football fans to embrace the league, as well as bring more commercial values to the league system.

Speaking with reporters at the Glo Premier League draws held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja Wednesday, Acting Secretary of the Club Owners, Alloy Chukwuemeka, commended the out-going chairman Hon Nduka Irabor for the improvements and relative stability which the League has witnessed in the past two seasons under his care and charged the new board to consolidate on it.

He said a lot still need to be done to make the NPFL compete favorably with other organized leagues of the world even as he added that it is the sole responsibility of the League organizers everywhere in the world to give direction and improve its standard with the cooperation of other relevant stakeholders.

Kwara Utd get new kit sponsor

N El Kanemi players’ line-up before a match.

igeria’s leading sportswear producer, OWU Sportswear, has, through its PR Agency, MatchRoom Sports & Media, announced a kit deal with newly promoted Glo Premier League side, Kwara United.

MatchRoom announced the deal on its Twitter feed after both parties signed the contract papers, in the Kwara State capital, Ilorin, on Monday.

“We’re a proud to be associated

Wikki Vs 3SC Enyimba Vs Akwa Utd El-Kanemi Vs Nasarawa Sharks Vs Sunshine Dolphins Vs Kwara Utd

Stars, who debuted on the continent in both CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup in 2011/2012, and newly promoted side, Kwara United respectively.

Debutants from last season, Taraba kept their NPFL status intact, and the Jalingobased team will start their 2015 campaign with a home game against Enugu Rangers.

LMC tasks Dikko to EL KANEMI boost squad with new players improve NPFL brand n preparation ahead of the kick-off of the 2014/15 Nigeria Premier League season, El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri has recruited 12 new players to beef up the team.

The Commissioner for Sports, Sungun Mai-Mele, stated this in Maiduguri.

Mai-Mele said the injection of the new players was to solidify the team for a successful campaign in the league.

“We have recruited 12 new players for the El Kanemi Warriors to prepare ground for the league season.

“The players were actually selected out of those who took part

NPFL WEEK 1 FIXTURES

with Kwara United, which is one of Nigeria’s most historic teams.

“Although the deal takes effect from the new season, OWU will kit Kwara United during the Nigeria National League Super 4 play-off.

“We strongly believe that our highperformance product line of apparel and accessories fit perfectly with the club’s aspirations to be the best in Nigeria and return to continental football,” CEO of OWU Sportswear, Tunji Brown, told supersport.com.

Giwa Vs Abia Warriors Heartland Vs Pillars Bayelsa Utd Vs Lobi Stars Gabros Int’l Vs Wolves Taraba Vs Rangers

Nasarawa ready for title challenge, says GANARU

Baba Ganaru, Nasarawa United Football Club technical adviser.

I

n readiness for the commencement of the 2014/15 Nigeria Premier League season which kicks off next month, Nasarawa United Football Club are already in camp preparing to ensure that newly recruited 13 players blend with the old ones.

The club’s Technical Adviser, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, revealed that his team is ready to challenge for the top spot this season. He added that the 13 newly recruited players have been given the nod to join the club in its campaign for honours in the coming soccer season.

Ganaru said the recruited players who are already in camp with the older players, will be tested in some of the friendly matches lined up by the club in the state capital.

Friday, February 20, 2015

EXTRATIME

ETIM

GOLF

Odoh, Willy return to S/Africa for points

makes case for

Mike Otanwa

T

KESHI Ojieva Ehiosun

E

x-Super Eagles midfielder Etim Esin has appealed to Nigeria football fans to put the past behind them and join hands to help Stephen Keshi move the national team forward.

Etim, former player of Calabar Rovers Football Club of Calabar, revealed that Keshi has learnt his lessons, adding that he would be more careful this time round in handling the affairs of the Super Eagles.

“I’m happy that the NFF will soon seal the new contract deal with Stephen Keshi. It is a welcome development and will help our football. I would have objected to the idea of hiring a foreign technical adviser because that would have taken our football 10 steps backwards.

“I want to say also that Stephen Keshi has indeed learnt his lessons in a bitter way, because during that crisis, he received bashing from many stakeholders in Nigerian football. So I’m very convinced that he would be more careful in handling the affairs of the team now, having passed through tough times,” he said.

Etim also advised the leadership of the NFF to shelve the idea of going for a foreign technical adviser, stressing that the NFF does not have the financial muscle to hire such persons.

“I do not subscribe to the idea of hiring a foreigner for Eagles job; we have our indigenous coaches that have the ability to do it. So I want to call on all stakeholders in this game to rally round Keshi to enable him complete the good job he has started,” he said.

Keshi

Confed Cup: Zikiye accepts blame for Dolphins’ loss Mike Otanwa

D

olphins left full back Jonathan Zikiye has admitted he must take the blame for the goal in Malabo that cost his side a 1-0 defeat to Leones Vegetarianos in the CAF Confederation Cup. Dolphins lost through a 57th minute goal conceded when the defence went to sleep and Zikiye says it all started from his position.

“It’s true. That goal was scored after a little slip from our part as defenders, and it started from my side,” Zikiye stated.

Interestingly, Dolphins attacking midfielder, Isiaka Olawale, has said his side were primed to book their passage to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Olawale said they could have comfortably won the first leg of the fixture in Malabo, if not for the unconverted chances by his side.

GYMNASTS groan over poor training

facilities Ojieva Ehiosun

A

Zikiye

X3

head of the forthcoming International Gymnastics Games in Canada later in the year, athletes of Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) have cried out over the poor quality of training facilities made available to them.

The Gymnasts, who are currently at the National Stadium, Lagos, training for the international event as well as the All Africa Games, said they were not comfortable with the kind of training facilities on ground.

According to Stanley Ajukwu: “We are really not happy with what we are experiencing here. As we are currently preparing for an

international championship coming up in Canada later this year, we need high quality training equipment and facilities to train with. Nobody is saying anything about it.

“We appeal to the National Sports Commission and those in authority to help us, because our dream is to go to the championship and win gold medals for Nigeria. But before that can happen, we need to be motivated because there is no way we can excel without incentives,” he declared.

Nigerian gymnasts did the country proud at the last championship held in South Africa, and so there is every need for the NSC to give them all the necessary requirements that will ginger them to victory.

wo of Nigeria’s leading professional golfers, Oche Odoh and Gift Willy, have been drawn to feature in South Africa’s elite professional tour, Sunshine Tour, in the month of March.

Odoh, who had left the country early in February, said he had also entered to feature in Johannesburg Open billed for February 26 to March 1 at the Royal JHB and Kesington Golf Club.

“I want to take all the chances. I will be arriving South Africa before Jo’Burg Open gets underway and the plan is to be able to play there.

I will be alone here for a while but I am okay with it,” the IBB Golf Club Abuja-based player said.

Willy, who is being held back by the renewal process of his travelling documents, says he has set his eyes on the qualifiers for the Africa Open, which is set for the Fish River Sun Country Club.

According to him: “I am swinging fine and I am in a very good frame. The African Open is my target and, once that is done, I will be entering several other events on the Sunshine Tour. I am very positive and look forward to good outcomes.”

The two players will also be featuring in the Tshwane Open billed for March 12-15 at the Pretoria Country Club before heading for Milvane and Lost City for the Investec Cup the week after.

Willy hinted that his plans after the Investec Cup on March 22 is to head for Gabon in Central Africa where he hopes to feature in the 20th edition of the Moanda Open, a title that has eluded him in the last three years.

“I will be in Gabon to feature in Moanda Open; I believe the story will be different this time,” he said, referring to the runner-up position he had in the last three editions. “I am well prepared,” he added.

The Director of the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN), Festus Makelemi says the development is a good one and any effort by the player to keep his form and feature in other challenging tour is a welcome development.

Odoh

X4

Friday, February 20, 2015

EXTRATIME

SVETLAN

KHOR

RKINA

NA “I’d like to work fo r the 9 ƐƆƏ Ɛƈ Ƌ 1ƕƌ Ɛƈƅ Federation. Thes e ƅ ƌƍƆƐƈƐƈ ƒ Ɔ Ɠ Ɛ Ɔ ƍ ƏƐ ƆƆƗ Ƌ Ɛ Ƈ changes. It should be ƉƑƗ ƆƗ ƍƏƈƌ ƏƈƋƕ Ə ƅƆè elegance and beau ty rather Ɛ ƈƌƍƋƕ ƌ Ɔƅ ƈƅ tumbling.”

–Svetlana Khorki na

ÏE ƏƊƈ 9 æƒ ƑƋƐç Ə Ƒ Ɨé ƇƇè Ƅ ƅƊé Ɨ ƍƏƈ ƓƈƐ ơƾ ƥ ƐƑƏ è ơƾ ƥ ƐƑƏ ƈ Ɛ Ƅ ƅƊ ƍƈƊƆ ƇƇ ÏE ƏƊƈ 99 æƒ ƑƋƐç Ə Ƒ Ɨé ƇƇè Ƅ ƅƊé Ɨ ƍƏƈ ƓƈƐ ơƾ ƥ ƐƑƏ è ơ ơƾ ƥ ƐƓƈ Ɛƈ ƇƏ Ɛ tuck off ÏE ƏƊƈ 9 æƑ ƆƒƆ Ƅ Ə ç ƅƊ ƑƍƏƈ Ɔ Ɨ straddle flight over high bar with 12 ⁄ turn to hang ÏE ƏƊƈ 99 æƑ ƆƒƆ Ƅ Ə ç ƈ ƆƏ ƇƏ Ɛ Ƒƍƍ ƏƐ Ƌ Ɠ Ƅ Əè ƅƋƆ Ə ƈƍ ƅƈƏƅƋƆ Ɛ Ə Ƒ Ɨ Ɛ Ɨ with 12 ⁄ turn in flight to hang on high bar ÏE ƏƊƈ ƃ Ɠ æƑ ƆƒƆ Ƅ Ə ç dƐ ƋƗƆƏ ơ ơƾ ƥ ƍƈƏ ƑƆƐƐƆ ÏE ƏƊƈ 9 æƄ Ƌ ƅƆ ƄƆ ƌç 1 ƈ ƆƏ Ƅ ƅƊé Ɨ ƍƏƈ ƓƈƐ ƇƑƋƋ ƐƓƈ Ɛ ƄƆƇ ƏƆ Ɨ Ƒƍƍ ƏƐ ÏE ƏƊƈ 99 æƄ Ƌ ƅƆ ƄƆ ƌç 1 ƈ ƆƏ ƾ ơƾ ƥ ƐƓƈ Ɛing back layout dismount to side or at the end of beam ÏE ƏƊƈ æƇƋ Əç ơ ơƾ ƥ ƐƑƏ ƈ ƏƈƖ Ɛ Ƌ ƍƋ Ɛ Ƌ Ɨ ƈ ƇƏ Ɛ Ƒƍƍ ƏƐ

EPONYMOUS SKILLS

Full name: Svetlana Khorkina Nickname: Sveta Born: January 19, 1979 (age 36) Place of birth: Belgorod, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union Height: 165 centimetres (5 ft 5 in) Weight: 47 kg (104 lb) Discipline: Women’s artistic gymnastics Years on national team: 1994-2004 Retired: 2004

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Uneven Bars Uneven Bars All-Around Uneven Bars Uneven Bars Vault All-Around Uneven Bars All-Around Vault Uneven Bars All-Around Team Balance Beam Floor Exercise Team Team Team Floor Exercise Floor Exercise Uneven Bars

World Championships Gold 1995 Sabae Gold 1996 San Juan Gold 1997 Lausanne Gold 1997 Lausanne Gold 1999 Tianjin Gold 2001 Ghent Gold 2001 Ghent Gold 2001 Ghent Gold 2003 Anaheim Silver 1994 Brisbane Silver 1994 Brisbane Silver 1995 Sabae Silver 1997 Lausanne Silver 1997 Lausanne Silver 1997 Lausanne Silver 1999 Tianjin Silver 2001 Ghent Bronze 1994 Dortmund Bronze 1999 Tianjin Bronze 2001 Ghent World Cup Final Silver 1998 Sabae

European Championships Gold 1994 Stockholm Uneven Bars Gold 1996 Birmingham Uneven Bars Gold 1998 St. Petersburg All-Around Gold 1998 St. Petersburg Uneven Bars Gold 1998 St. Petersburg Floor Exercise Gold 2000 Paris Team Gold 2000 Paris All-Around Gold 2000 Paris Uneven Bars Gold 2000 Paris Balance Beam Gold 2002 Patras Team Gold 2002 Patras All-Around Gold 2002 Patras Uneven Bars Gold 2004 Amsterdam Uneven Bars Silver 1994 Stockholm Team Silver 1994 Stockholm All-Around Silver 1996 Birmingham Team Silver 1998 St. Petersburg Team Silver 2002 Patras Balance Beam Bronze 2004 Amsterdam Team Bronze 2004 Amsterdam Balance Beam

Uneven Bars Uneven Bars Team Team Floor Exercise All-Around Team

Olympic Games Gold 1996 Atlanta Gold 2000 Sydney Silver 1996 Atlanta Silver 2000 Sydney Silver 2000 Sydney Silver 2004 Athens Bronze 2004 Athens

MEDAL RECORD

Friday, February 20, 2015

EXTRATIME

X5

X6

Friday, February 20, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW

NWANNA:

APFON, NOT FOR PLAYERS’ INTEREST

Emeka Nwanna (aka Ayaya) is the first footballer in Nigeria to earn one million naira as sign-on fee in the country’s domestic league. He was a player of Rangers International FC of Enugu, and as a versatile striker whose goal scoring prowess was second to none then, his services were badly needed by Enyimba International FC whose financier was former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu. Kalu wanted to build the biggest club in Africa and Nwanna’s club, Rangers, put one million naira price tag on him. While other clubs that needed his services shied away, Enyimba met the requirement and Nwanna began a journey that brought fame and money to him as he won CAF Champions League back-to-back with Enyimba, among several trophies.

Today, Ayaya is still kicking the round leather game in the Nigeria Professional Football League. In this interview with our correspondent, BEN NWACHUKWU, in Abuja, he speaks on his career rise, secret of his success and other sundry matters.

Excerpts: The history of Nigerian league cannot be complete without the mention of Emeka ‘Ayaya’ Nwanna. What’s the motivation behind your continued stay in the Nigerian League?

Well, first and foremost I have to thank God and give God the praise because it is not by my power. The only thing I have to say on this is that hard work, dedication and commitment, coupled with how I normally live my life, have been my backbone.

A lot of upcoming players would want to know how you broke the jinx of becoming the first player to cost a Nigerian club one million naira some years back?

In this profession, a player needs to abide by the rules and avoid certain things such as womanizing, smoking and drinking alcohol, if he wants to go far in his career. To make it in life, a player has to separate himself from these things and again believe in God by being prayerful. And in addition to hard work, God will always see one through in a situation of this magnitude. That was how I became the first player to cost a Nigerian club one million naira.

You have really seen it all in the Nigerian league. Do you think the Nigeria Football Federation appreciates you with all the contributions you have made in the league?

Well, I cannot say they appreciated my contribution because, till now, I have not gotten anything from the Federation, as in

the form of appreciation for my efforts. It is not all about money! The football house can write letters of commendation, present gift items to the players who have really contributed to the development of the game during the annual Federation Cup final or their AGM, where they organise Charity Cup games.

It is not a minor contribution that a player played for 10 years or more in a particular league. However, that one will not make me to lose focus.

Another thing we want to find out is that you have been in the league, played for top clubs in Nigeria. How would you describe the Nigerian league at present, compared to those years when Emeka Nwanna was sold for one million naira?

Maybe in those days we were playing for the fun and joy that accompany the game of football. I could say there was not much money in football till that time when football-loving former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu and the Chairman of Enyimba FC, Felix Anyansi, turned the club around to become the biggest club in the country and I became the first player to cost one million naira.

You witnessed what the club achieved.

We won the CAF Champions League in 2003 and became the first club from Nigeria to win it. We defended it in 2004 becoming the first club in the continent to win it backto-back. We also won several trophies like champion of champions, Premier League and Federation Cup. Those days, all you get is unfulfilled promises of bogus allowance and signon fees from most clubs, but now with the introduction of big salary, if the clubs will make it work, I will say the league will be better and it will end the era of players turning to beggars when they retire from the round leather game.

Are you saying there are former players who are living like beggars?

Go to the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos and other cities in Nigeria, you will be amazed by what you will see.

Some people who were great players during their active days are now beggars and the reason is simply because they never got their money for playing for their clubs. All they got were mere promises and the worst is that when they left for another club, their former club officials will pocket the money.

These players played out their hearts, but could not achieve anything because of this issue of promising players big sign-on

Nwanna

fees that were never paid. Sometimes clubs will tell a player they will pay him five million naira, four million naira, but at the end they will pay the player five hundred thousand naira or two hundred thousand naira and the balance will become history.

Did you ever make efforts to play abroad…and what happened?

The future of any Nigerian player lies in playing in Europe; that is why the desire of every player is to play professional football abroad especially in Europe so as to make ends meet.

I played abroad briefly, but what happened was that the contract I signed was terrible. It was as bad as if I did not sign at all. So when I got there and saw that it was not what I bargained for, I felt it was better I returned to Nigeria and continued with my career in the local league.

You know the people will be seeing me as someone playing professional football overseas, but not knowing that I had nothing to show for it, so I decided to come home.

In which countries did you have these experiences?

I played in Tunisia and Qatar.

What is your advice to the upcoming players whose desire is to ply their trade abroad?

My advice to them is that anytime they want

to travel out, they watch it, think carefully before jumping at any offer. They should not be carried away by an offer to play abroad and make dollars.

Most of these offers are fake because when a player gets involved in such move without watching very well, when he gets there and finds himself in such a mess like I found myself, he may not be able to come home again.

And you see, that is why most Nigerian players ate stranded out there. Some have gone into doing menial jobs, while others are into crime to survive.

But most of them were great players before they left the country.

Let’s look at the issue of players being owed by clubs. Have you heard of player’s association like APFON and how does it take care of players’ problems?

I have heard of that association on many occasions. I mean APFON but what I will say is that the association is not doing anything for the players. I have a case I took to them, till now they have not done anything and nothing good has come out of it.

I played for Heartland Football Club of Owerri and they were owing me more than four million naira. I reported the case to them and as I am talking to you they have not done anything. That’s why I don’t see them as a serious association.

Friday, February 20, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEDERATION WATCH

X7

With Osaretin Emuze

Stop impersonating

NTF, ASHIRU tells detractors TAEKWONDO

P

resident of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) George Ashiru has warned those impersonating as athletes of his Federation to desist, because the game is up.

He said it was no longer business as usual as NTF has put in place several measures to curb visa racketeering in the Federation. The NTF boss, however, blamed the recent

impersonation by some Nigerians to secure visas to Qatar to desperation to leave the country for greener pastures overseas.

Last week 16 persons who were not associated with NTF applied for travelling documents to participate at the 1st Qatar International Taekwondo Open scheduled to hold from March 6 to 9.

Ashiru sounded a note of warning to

YSFON begs JONATHAN FOOTBALL

for sponsorship

Jonathan

Y

outh Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has gone capin-hand begging the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to save the Federation from extinction by sponsoring its competitions.

Secretary of the federation, Patrick Okpavuerhe, told Extra Time that lack

of sponsorship is gradually affecting their activities.

“We have appealed to individuals, corporate bodies, banks and oil companies, but to no avail.

“YSFON is in dire need of sponsorship. We have gone round the country to appeal for assistance without luck,” he confessed with a tinge of regret.

He, therefore, beckoned that the engine room of football development in Nigeria should not be allowed to die.

“We have decided to turn to our amiable President because he is our Grand Patron. He is a sports-loving President who has contributed immensely to development of sports particularly football in Nigeria,” he enthused.

The Urhobo-born secretary said President Jonathan has sponsored YSFON Programmes in the past as Governor of Bayelsa State.

all those trying to tarnish the image of the Federation that impersonation will not work because each eligible athletes of the Federation has a licence issued by the World Taekwondo Federation.

In another development, the NTF boss said very soon athletes would be invited to the national camp in preparation for the All Africa Games billed to hold in Congo Brazzaville in September.

BOXING

T

he Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) is set for the 2015 AIBA Women’s Junior and Youth World Boxing Championships holding from May 14 to 24 in Taipei.

The Secretary of the Federation, Olusola Luke, told Extra Time that NBF will open camp for junior boxers who will represent the country in the World Championship in Ibadan next month. He said the athletes will be in camp for two months before the championship.

Luke stressed that the Federation is making adequate preparations for the boxers that will represent the country at the All Africa Games.

“The postponement of the presidential election has taken its toll on our preparations for the Congo Brazzaville Games,” he said.

The secretary, however, is optimistic that NBF will execute all its programmes of activities planned for the year.

Ashiru

NBF set for

World

Junior tourney

Edith Ogoke, top Nigerian female boxer who competed in the first ever women’s boxing tourney at the Olympic Games.

NAFED RELEASES PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES

N

igeria Archery Federation (NAFED) has released its programmes of activities for this year, and its Protem President, Felix Okugbe, has vowed to carry them out to the latter.

According to him January to March will be used for registration of members, coaches, clubs and archers in Lagos. He revealed that the first National Coaches Seminar/

Workshop for all Archery members, coaches, and athletes will hold in Lagos, Warri or Abuja.

He added that the National Open Archery Championship will hold in May in Lagos and it will be followed by a workshop to be conducted by the West Africa Zonal Training Director for World Archery, Paul Zinsou, from Benin Republic.

The workshop will hold in Lagos or

Abeokuta.

Okugbe also revealed that the National Open Archery trials for Senior Male and Female Archers will come up in June.

“It is to select archers for the World Archery Championship and coaches training workshop to be conducted by the Technical Training Director of World Archery, Pascal Colmaire from Switzerland.”

X8

Friday, February 20, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

MAN CITY

AGUERO

!

BANG BACK WITH A S

ergio Aguero is back to his ‘razorsharp best’ as the Argentine proved in the recent 4-1 win at Stoke saying he believes the Premier League remains a seven-horse race, but he is determined to help City retain the Premier League title.

The City striker’s brace ended a run of five games without a goal since returning from injury and took his season’s tally to 21, and if selected, he is hoping to add to that total against Newcastle on Saturday.

Kun had been in the form of his life

going into December, but he tweaked knee ligaments as he stretched for a ball just minutes into the home game with Everton, collapsing in agony before leaving the pitch in tears.

Explaining why he felt so emotional at that moment, Aguero said: “I just wanted to keep on playing and I couldn’t. I felt powerless. The match had barely started and I just wanted to keep going and helping my team so realising I’d injured my knee and would probably face a spell on the side-lines really hit me.”

Aguero

NAVAS to retire at boyhood club BONY KEEN

M

anchester City star Jesus Navas has said he would like to return to La Liga in the future in order to hang his boots at his boyhood side Sevilla.

The 29-year-old winger moved to the Etihad Stadium in summer 2013 alongside his then Sevilla teammate Alvaro Negredo after Manuel Pellegrini’s side paid around £20m to secure his services.

Navas has since enjoyed his experience at the Etihad Stadium, helping them to win both the Premier League and the Capital One Cup in his debut season in England.

The Spaniard has now insisted he is happy at the Premier League giants, but admitted that in the future he would more than welcome to return to his former side.

“It would be really nice to finish at Sevilla.

It’s the club that gave me everything and that would be a nice way to end,” he said.

When questioned what he missed from Spain, he said: “Above all the weather.”

Nevertheless, Navas is understood to have a contract at the Etihad Stadium until summer 2017 - and until then, when he will be 31, he still has many challenges to face, starting with the Champions League tie against Barcelona.

TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

W

Navas

City ready to overhaul Blues City target BENFICA’S M Gaitan anchester City will be relying on two faces - one familiar and one new - to lead a final push as they try to overhaul Chelsea at the top of the Premier League, starting this weekend.

The return of Yaya Toure from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations is a massive boost to a City side who won just once in six games without him.

That win came last time out, though, and City hope the addition of striker Wilfried Bony will be another boost as they try to win the title for a second successive year.

Seven points behind Chelsea with 13 games to go is a huge task, but Bony, who signed in January and who has also been on international duty alongside Toure, is raring to go as City host Newcastle this weekend.

M

Toure

anchester City is interested in the goalscoring Benfica winger Nico Gaitan’s and have scouted him regularly this season.

Gaitan’s future is again up for debate in Portugal.

Report says Gaitan’s new contract has seen his buyout clause reduced from €45 million to €35 million. The decision is being viewed as an invitation for interested clubs to bid for Gaitan this summer.

Gaitan, after overcoming longterm injury last year, has returned to his best form for Benfica since the turn of the year.

ilfried Bony admits he is happy he has finally been able to meet and train with his new team-mates.

The Ivory Coast star joined the champions in early January but then jetted off to play in the Africa Cup of Nations for six weeks, so it’s been a long wait for the former Swansea striker.

After finally arriving in Manchester on Monday, he’s now keen to hit the ground running and is hoping he may be available for selection against Newcastle at the weekend.

“It feels like a while since I signed the contract but finally I’m here, I’m really happy about that and now I’m just focusing on this Saturday’s game,” said Bony.

“For me, it was really important to make this decision for my career and my life and I’m very happy to be a City player. I have spoken to my new team-mates and they have welcomed me to the club and I’m already feeling at home.”

Whether the game against the Magpies comes too soon or not, the 26-year-old powerhouse is already in tune with the task ahead in the remaining months of the campaign.

Bony

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE TEAM

P

GD

Pts

Chelsea

25

34

59

Man City

25

26

52

Man United

25

19

47

Southampton

25

21

46

Arsenal

25

19

45

Tottenham

25

5

43

Liverpool

25

7

42

West Ham

25

8

38

Swansea City

25

-5

34

Stoke City

25

-5

33

Newcastle

25

-6

32

Everton

25

-4

27

Crystal Palace

25

-8

27

West Brom

25

-10

26

Sunderland

25

-14

24

Hull City

25

-11

23

QPR

25

-17

22

Aston Villa

25

-22

22

Burnley

25

-19

21

Leicester City

25

-18

17