DTN 22-4-15 by Daily Times of Nigeria

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210.3336

210.8688

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1.35

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.91

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The many ‘sins’ of ex-IGP Abba Ï 6Ɔ ƍƏ ƒƈƗƆƗ ^ ƋƈƅƆ ƅ ƒƆƏ Ƈ Ə Ɛƈé0 ƕ Ɔ Ƌ Ɠƌ ƊƆƏ Ï 6Ɔ ƋƆƗ #91 Ɛ ƋƑƐƆ Ƒ Əƈ Ɛ ƈƏƍ ƏƐ Ï 6Ɔ ƐƐƆ ƗƆƗ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ ƐéƆƋƆƅƐô éRé` ƅƆƏƆƌ ƕ 6 Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru; and Deputy Managing Director, FBN Capital, Mr. Taiwo Okeowo, at the signing ceremony of the US$700m Secured Seven Year Term Loan and an up to US$700M Accordion Facility for Seplat Plc, facilitated by UBA Plc and four other Banks in Lagos... on Tuesday

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New IGP, Arase

Outgone IGP, Abba

At last, Keshi signs NFF contract X3 Gunmen kill el-Rufai’s campaign manager 7

Bamaiyi: Court registrar, Ajudua duped me of $330,000 6

NCAA lifts ban on 31 Discovery Airlines

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Politics Page Three

Editorial Ending the Mediterranean boat tragedy

o day passes now without the sad news of African migrants drowning in the Mediterranean while trying to cross to Europe in search of elusive fortunes. The growing number of young people risking their lives sailing on unseaworthy vessels to Europe is one of the most harrowing recent tragedies of Africa. Definitely, the scale of this ongoing tragedy has not only shocked the world, it is assuming a disaster of epic proportion. Three days ago, a crowded fishing boat with 700 persons capsized north of Libya with only a few dozen rescued, making it the highest death toll in modern times among migrants. Last week, more than 400 migrants were reported drowned in a boat while attempting to reach Italy from Libya. Official figures show that, as many as 1,800 migrants have so far died trying to cross the Mediterranean since the start of this year. It is a pity that despite such tragic accidents, many more are still determined to make the journey. This is an indictment of the leadership of the countries from which these throngs of people come. It is the best manifestation of the hopelessness of youth in Africa. It is unfortunate that many Africans are willing to risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean than engage in other meaningful pursuits in their home countries. Reasons for these exoduses stem from war, poverty and persecution across the continent, even as there is likelihood the growing humanitarian crisis will worsen this spring as the weather improves. Sadly, the chaos and violence in Libya where rival mi-

litias, tribal factions and other political forces are fighting each other has turned the country into a beachhead for human traffickers. Shamefully, African countries are sitting on their hands and refusing to lead the fight against this ignoble flow of human cargoes across the Mediterranean. Rather, they have abdicated this responsibility to Europe and other international humanitarian agencies. That should not be. It is therefore time the African Union (AU) and other stakeholders confront this malady head-on. Individual states should be made to arrest and punish traffickers that lure migrants with the promise of easy passage to Europe. They should do this in tandem with European leaders through information sharing on the movement of migrants from Africa. On its part, Europe must take robust steps in stemming the tide of these human cargoes by interdicting and arresting migrant boats and their occupants wherever found in the Mediterranean. Moreover, Italy and other European governments must end the offer of temporary asylums to migrants who should immediately be deported to their home countries. We believe the offer of asylums is responsible for the desperation and risk averseness of these migrants. In all, African governments must identify why their citizens are leaving the continent in droves rather that become partners in development. We believe the suicidal attempts to reach Europe can only be reversed by investing substantially in job creation and equipping young people with skills to enable them to earn a decent living at home.

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Recanting, way of life for Nigerian politicians? Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏQuite often in Nigeria, politicians make all manner of promises during electioneering campaigns and when elected into office and are faced with reality of governance, recant. Though this disposition may be restricted to Nigerian politicians, their notoriety in abandoning campaign promises when they get into office, has made many not only to question their integrity but also conclude that recanting is politics Nigeriana. This played out again at the weekend when the President-elect, General

Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) admonished Nigerians not to expect miracles from him when he takes over government on May 29, 2015. Buhari made the statement while receiving the Bauchi State governor-elect, Mohammed Abubakar and other elected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who came to felicitate with him on his electoral victory. He reportedly said: “We are trying to dampen the high expectations, there is no way we can perform miracles because the damage took 16 years, especially on the economy and unemployment”. While the reasons adduced by the President-elect for asking Nigerians not to expect miracles from him may be tenable, not a few

Words On Marble :

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wonder if he would have said so before the elections. Ditto other newly elected candidates who are now attaching conditions to the promises they made before the polls. So, the President-elect and all other newly elected candidates must be told in unmistakable terms that they will be held accountable for the legion of promises they made to the electorate. They must realise that they cannot take the citizens for a ride this time round. The earlier they put in place strategies to make good their promises, the better. Having been given the mandate, the President-elect and others are expected to roll up their sleeves and get cracking, once they take office come May 29, 2015.

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

Jarod Kintz

Barack Obama

Niccolo Machiavelli

“Instead of breaking people down, try building them up. Every person is a brick, and if you are a successful builder, you’ll have a formidable wall, and few people willing to oppose you.”

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

5 News

APC may favour Bauchi, Gombe for Deputy Senate President Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏAs

leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) embark on crucial meetings from today till the weekend, to take final decision on power sharing, there are indications that the race for the position of Deputy Senate President ceded to the Northeast zone may be between Bauchi and Gombe State. There are six states in the zone, which, in 2011, lost its chance to produce the Deputy Speaker

of the House of Representatives due to rebellion within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that controlled the majority of seats in the House. The PDP had ceded the Speakership to the Southwest zone while the Deputy Speakership was ceded to the Northeast zone, but through subterfuge, members countermanded the zoning arrangement and voted for Aminu Tambuwal from Sokoto (Northwest zone) and Emeka Ihedioha from Imo (Southeast zone) as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

Senate President, David Mark (right) during the condolence visit to Chukwumerije’s widow, Gloria in Abuja.... on Tuesday PHOTO: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Buhari lobbies for Adesina as AfDB President

ÏÏÏThe

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has requested the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to support the candidacy of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina as the next President of the African Development Bank (ADB). Buhari communicated his backing of Adesina’s candidacy to the Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, Chairman of the ECOWAS. In a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity,

ÏÏÏThe

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun, has written a letter to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Dr. Attahiru Jega, to express the party’s position concerning the supplementary elections in Imo State. In the letter, dated April 20, 2015, APC said it had observed with interest the development in Imo State’s governorship election, held on April 11, which

Shell blames vandals for Bayelsa oil spill

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

was declared inconclusive by the commission. The letter read in part: “Our position is based on the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State, erroneously and, perhaps, mischievously, included areas where elections took place and results were collated, announced, declared and results sheets (Forms EC and A) issued to party agents, including agents of the PDP, who signed the result sheets) see attached.” It therefore called on INEC to remove the polling units where elections were held and results

declared by the presiding officers and signed by the party agents. APC added that since elections were held in Oru East, Isu, Mbaitoli and Ezihite Mbaise and were certified by the presiding officers and acknowledged by all party agents, INEC did not have the power to cancel the elections. The party therefore urged INEC to exclude the listed areas from the proposed elections of April 25 and restrict itself to areas where elections did not take place, which had a total registered voter population of 98,447.

Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) National Working Committee, (NWC), governors and senators-elect have risen from a crucial meeting in Abuja with a call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), to be forthright and impartial in the handling of the elections pending in Abia, Imo and Taraba states The meeting was the first the NWC of the PDP would hold with the party’s elected governors and senators. The meeting, according to a communique read by Senator George Thompson Sekibo, commended the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for his statesmanlike disposition in the sustenance of democracy and peace in the country. The meeting frowned at what it called the unprecedented level of intimidation, harassment and undue persecution of PDP members since the INEC’s declaration of the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari as winner. PDP stated further that “The meeting, vehemently, frowns at the shameless undemocratic ways and means being displayed by the outgoing APC lawmakers in Ekiti State towards effecting an unconstitutional change in government. “That the meeting warns that the APC is planning to use the tribunals and Salamic arrangements to truncate and subvert

ÏÏÏShell

In a statement on Tuesday by Shell spokesperson, Joseph Obari, the company said the report of the Joint Investigation Visit to the Kolo Creek Manifold spill had attributed the leak to sabotage. Obari said the investigation team, which visited the site on April 16, found that unknown

persons had cut a section of the metal protection to the manifold, removed components of the pressure control system and opened the isolation valves, resulting in a spill. He said the volume of spilled oil was estimated at 27 barrels, affecting mainly the manifold grounds and part of the sur-

Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday, Buhari said that his support for Adesina’s candidacy was not just because he was Nigerian, “Dr. Adesina has a proven track record in a career that predates his position as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development”, Buhari said. He added that Adesina had years of experience of working in Francophone and Anglophone countries, and a passion to help eradicate poverty in Africa by reducing unemployment and

inequality among the African youth. Adesina is also an agricultural development expert with 24 years of experience in developing and managing successful agricultural programmes across Africa, Buhari said. Until his appointment as a minister in 2011, he was the Vice President, Policy and Partnerships Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Additionally, he had held senior leadership positions in some of agricultural institutions in the world.

Imo: APC writes INEC over supplementary polls Lateef Ibrahim & Augustine Aminu

Lateef Ibrahim

Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC) has alleged sabotage as the cause for the Kolo Creek oil spill in Bayelsa State. The leak discharged an unquantified volume of Shell’s crude into the environment on April 15, 2015.

PDP Govs, Senators-elect task INEC on pending polls the freely given mandate by the people in the states and constituencies. “The meeting expresses deep concerns at the plans by the APC to make the country a one-party state using crude and underhand, undemocratic practices and, thus, reverse the gains of the PDP-led administration. “The meeting congratulates all the winners on the platform of the PDP in the elections and urge them to discharge their duties and form a formidable opposition that can redirect the fortunes of the country and sustain the gains of the present democratic era led by President Goodluck Jonathan. “The meeting stresses the importance of unity, peace and harmony in the party for effectiveness in its new role and warned that it will not condone agents of APC working as fifth columnists to destabilise the leadership of the party. “The meeting commends all members of the party for their unflinching support and belief in the party even in the face of intimidation, pernicious violence and untold harassment. rounding vegetation. The spokesman said, “The investigation was led by the regulators, National Oil Spill Detection Regulatory Agency and Department of Petroleum Resources as well as the representatives of Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, host communities and SPDC.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Ex-IGP Abba’s banana peels Segun Adio & Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏWhen

the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gunning for the impeachment of Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose, arrived in the state capital, Ado Ekiti, recently to carry out their plan, they were backed to the hilt by Policemen. Their confidence was apparently buoyed by the victory of their presidential candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, a little earlier at the polls. With Buhari’s victory, loyalties began to shift by many an erstwhile ally of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The support of the Police for the APC lawmakers was seen by Aso Rock as the shifting of loyalty from the incumbent to the incoming administration. It was a slight that could not be forgiven -- or forgotten. Just about one month to his exit from power, President Goodluck Jonathan gave Abba the boot. Fayose won the seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party that from which the APC has now wrested federal power. Fayose is not just a member of the party, he is seen as a most loyal ally of the President. The provision of Police security for APC lawmakers to remove

him from office was seen as a direct affront on President Jonathan. As one of his actions in the dying days of his administration, President Jonathan removed the acting Inspector General and replaced him with Solomon Arase, who was until the appointment a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCID). The removal was announced via a tweet by presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati. A Presidency source revealed to Daily Times that Abba’s sack was not unconnected with the lingering crisis rocking the Ekiti

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) and his Ghanaian counterpart, John Mahama during a courtesy visit to Jonathan at the State House, Abuja… on Tuesday Photo: STATE HOUSE

State House of Assembly. On the eve of the day that the former police boss would be sacked, it was also revealed that Governor Fayose was in Abuja. According to the source, the former IGP allowed some politicians to drag him into the Ekiti Assembly crisis, allowing them to use him to make the crisis to fester. The sources alleged that “the former IGP had been working in secret with some chieftains of the APC to fuel the crisis in Ekiti State against the wish of President Jonathan that peace must be maintained in all parts of the country after the elections. “The removed Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, had gone to court to challenge his removal and the matter is still in court. When a matter is pending in court, the normal thing is for parties to get the matter sorted out there first before further actions are taken. But Omirin and his colleagues haven’t allowed this to happen in this case.” According to the sources, “this Ekiti Assembly crisis started anew and with sustained vigour after the result of the presidential election was announced, and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the president-elect.” The source claimed that President Jonathan had insisted that the rule of law must prevail in the matter but alleged that “It got clear that the former IGP had agreed to provide cover for the APC lawmakers to enter Ekiti State and go ahead with their imContinued on page 12

Philips Consulting boss to deliver lecture ÏÏÏThe

Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and Chief Executive Officer of Philips Consulting Group, Mr. Foluso Philips will this Thursday 23/04/15 deliver a Lecture on “SME Development – Fast Tracking Growth with ICT” at Anchor Events Centre, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. The Lecture scheduled to start at 12.00noon is to commemorate the 70th Birthday ceremony of the Executive Chairman of Azemor Agribiz Limited, Alhaji Azeez Bello who clocks seventy years on April 23rd, 2015. The event would also mark the 43rd wedding anniversary of Alhaji Bello to his wife, Alhaja Moriam Olayinka Bello. Alhaji Bello is also the Chairman of Centrespread Advertising as well as a Director of Vigeo Holdings among other blue chip holdings.

Alhaji Azeez Bello and Alhaja Moriam Olayinka Bello

Court registrar, Ajudua duped me – Bamaiyi Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏA retired Army General and

the Chief of Staff under the late Sani Abacha, General Ishaya Bamaiyi, told an Ikeja high Court on Tuesday how a court registrar, Ms. Rosulu Idowu Oluronke, collaborated with a Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, in defrauding him of $330,000. The sum was meant for the part payment for professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case, he added. Bamaiyi made this known while testifying before the presiding judge, Justice Lateef Lawal. He explained that he met Ajudua and Alumile Adedeji a.k.a. Ade

Bendel at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, during his remand for alleged attempted murder of the publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru and two others. It will be recalled that Justice Joseph Oyewole, issued a judgment that Bamaiyi, who had been standing trial since 1999 on a fourcount charge which include conspiracy and attempted murder of Mr Ibru, ex-Director of Sports in Delta State, Isaac Porbeni and former presidential candidate in the year’s election, Prof. Pat Utomi, should be freed, since the prosecution was unable to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he was liable in the offence. According to evidence before the prosecutor, Mr. Seidu Alteh,

Bamaiyi also told the court that Rosulu (defendant), who was Justice Oyewole’s registrar, visited him three times at Kirikiri maximum prison in respect of the payment for Chief Babalola’s professional fees. “I was at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, first floor, Cell 5 on 23rd of November, 1999 before Ajudual and Ade Bendel were brought in at the same block. Ajudua and I were in the same cell, so we became friends. Ajudua discussed my case with me and he told me that he is a lawyer and that he has studied my case, and found out it is purely a political one. He also told me that he was interested in the case and has sent his wife to see the Lagos Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Ade

Alabi (retired) and the state Attorney General (AG), Professor Yemi Osinbajo, over the matter. I was told that the CJ was the one in contact with Chief Babalola,” Bamaiyi said. According to the former army general, Ajudua later told him that based on the advice of the CJ and AG, (Justice Alabi and Prof. Osinbajo) there was need for the case to be handled by Chief Babalola who would help facilitate his release from prison custody. He said: “I was told that Chief Babalola charged $18million as professional fees. I was then told that the money was to be paid through Justice Oyewole. Ajudua told me that Justice Oyewole was going to send his registrar (Ro-

sulu). “Rosulu and the defendant visited me for the first time at the prison on October 23, 2004. The defendant came with Ajudua at the prison and confirmed to me that she was sent by Justice Oyewole. She came with Ajudua to the visiting room, alongside a prison officer, ACP Abdullahi Garuba. “On November 6, 2004 at 10am, the defendant, Rosulu, also came with Ajudua at the prison, alongside ACP Garuba and Rosulu also came with her daughter whom she said was from the university. The defendant assured me that any money released through Justice Oyewole would get to Chief BabaContinued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Senate suspends plenary to honour late Chukwumerije Ï ƑƏƈ Ƌ Ɛ ƊƆ ƍƋ ƅƆ L ƕ ƾƾ Ɨ Sunday Isuwa Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, adjourned plenary as a mark of honour for the late Chairman of the Committee on Education, Uche Chukwumerije, who died at the weekend. Chukwumerije died after a long battle against lungs cancer. Senate President, Mr. David Mark, described late Senator Chukwumerije as a national hero, who was pan-Nigerian in all ramifications. Mark, who said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at his house, in Abuja, said the late Senator was a nationalist and an unrepentant crusader for the respect for human rights and rule of law. He pointed out that late Chukwumerije was astute, firm, fearless and a voice for the voiceless, adding that he was an advocate of the masses, who stood for justice, equity and fairness to all. He also announced that the Senate had set up a burial committee to liaise with the family, in order to give him a befitting burial.

Ondo Dep Gov served impeachment notice Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏThe

Ondo State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, served a notice of impeachment on the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, following allegations of gross misconduct. A seven-count charged levelled against Olanusi was signed by 20 lawmakers out of the 26 in the House. At the plenary, the motion for the notice of impeachment was moved by the House Majority leader, Hon. Ifedayo Akinsoyinu,

and seconded by Hon. Yinka Banso, representing Akoko North West Constituency I, who also doubles as the House Committee Chairman on Education, Science and Technology. The lawmakers claimed that their action was in keeping with the provisions of Section 188 of Nigeria Constitution and appealed that Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Jumoke Akindele, to start the impeachment process. “We the under-signed members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, pursuant to our enabling powers under Section 188 (2) of

the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, hereby present to the Speaker the following allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi.” They, in their allegations of gross misconduct against Olanusi, accused him of perpetrating fraudulent activities with his younger brother, Alhaji Bola Olanusi, who is also his Special Assistant to procure false local purchase order (LPO) with the knowledge of Olanusi for a shoddy deal with Ehiso Resources International Limited.

Emir of Kano, His Highness, LƑ ƌƌ Ɨ Sanusi II (left) and President-elect, 1Ɔ ê LƑ ƌƌ ƗƑ Ƒ Əƈ æƏƐƗç ƗƑƏƈ a courtesy visit to Ƒ Əƈ ƈ E ƗƑ Č L Ɨ ƕ

7 News

Gunmen kill el-Rufai’s campaign coordinator Sunday Isuwa

ÏÏÏGunmen, on Tuesday, killed

a local campaign co-ordinator of Kaduna State Governor-elect, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. Mr. Markus Ishaya, it was gathered, was trailed to his village located in Atuku Kasa, Atuku Ward of Jema’a Local Government Area and was shot dead. “He was instrumental in the massive votes the APC candidates got in our area. He did very well in mobilising support for el-Rufai. I called his line, but it was not going through. Later on, his family informed me that he had been killed by gunmen,” a resident, Mock Kure told Daily Times. One symapathiser said: “May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear this painful loss.” It was gathered that the killing of Ishaya brings to ten, the number of members of APC that have been killed in the state during the election campaign and its immediate aftermath.

Traders warn S’Africa over xenophobic A’Ibom PDP stakeholders call for Mu’azu’s resignation attacks

ÏÏÏFollowing the defeat of

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level, some stakeholders of the party in Akwa Ibom State have called for the resignation of the party’s national chairman, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu. Speaking to journalists in Uyo, on Tuesday, Mr. Titus John, from Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, said the party had lost at the centre for the first time in the past 16 years, and, as such, the party structure needed to be re-

examined. John said even though the party had failed, it did not mean the structure should crumble, adding that all outgoing governors were busy trying to tidy up to leave government house than what was happening in the party. According to him, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as the President of Nigeria and national leader of the party should convene a National Executive Council meeting of the party, where issues of the party

would be critically deliberated upon and major decisions taken in line with party’s misfortune. He said as the in-coming president was from the north, naturally, the whole of the strength of the north would be for him, and so the national chairman of the party should go where the strength of the party still laid, which was the South-South. “For post-election analysis, we are doing a self-reexamination of ourselves. Yes, we have failed, but

must we crumble? No, we must not crumble,” he said. John, who is the initiator of the ‘Udom Is Right’ campaign group of the Governor-elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, said Jonathan as the party leader should make arrangement with the NEC of the party and hold a congress where Mu’azu should step down, an interim chairman be appointed, and the next national chairman of the party should be zoned to the South-South.

APC drags Fayose to Rights Commission, ICC Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe

Fayose

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has urged the National Human Rights Commission and International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, to prosecute Governor Ayodele Fayose over an inciting broadcast that threatened the

peace of the state, recently. Its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said the move became compelling in the face of one death recorded in Efon Alaaye and near collapse of peace after the governor made a live broadcast on the state radio and television urging his supporters into an act of rage and violence to attack the 19 APC

lawmakers and prevent them from performing their constitutional duties. “Governor Fayose, a few weeks ago, mobi lised his supporters to confront the APC lawmakers who were coming to perform their legal duties in Ekiti State. He had earlier urged his supporters to defend his election with last the drop of their blood.

Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏNational Association of Nige-

rian Traders (NANTS) has warned South Africa against further xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in their country. The traders said they had information on further attacks to target designated markets in Johannesburg, Durban and other cities in South Africa, where Nigerian traders were predominantly located and doing their legitimate businesses. But, the traders, in a statement signed by their president, Mr. Ken Ukaoha, recalled that only a few days ago, such attacks on non-South African citizens resulted in the looting of goods and property and in the burning of shops belonging to Nigerian traders. The statement described the series of attacks as an ugly reminder of violence against foreigners, which is not unprecedented in South Africa.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Politics El-Rufai

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

EL-RUFAI: How we will deliver our election promises

Victor Jibrin, Kaduna The dreaded 2015 general election has come and gone. Never in the history of Nigeria has election been fought with such intensity: the country was, literally, in a state of war. Given Nigeria’s position in global affairs, particularly as it affects African countries, the attention of nations was shifted to Nigeria. About five years ago, it was predicted that Nigeria would break up after the polls, hence the heightened fears that the

election generated. But perhaps, because God is a Nigerian, the election was remarkably peaceful. With this development, political analysts believe that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria and that the threatened disintegration of the country, even if it will come, may not be in the nearest future. In every contest, there must be a loser and a winner. While the losers are licking their wounds and counting their losses, the winners who have been celebrat-

ing their victories are now being occupied by the thinking of how to deliver election promises, as they prepare to step into the saddle. Kaduna, one of the oldest states in Nigeria and the political/administrative headquarters of the northern region, is one of the states in which governorship election was conducted. No fewer than four candidates came out contesting against the incumbent governor, Dr. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Buhari: Time of reckoning is here – Ogiemwonyi Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi was the Group Executive Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a former Minister of State for Works between 2010 and 2011 in the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. In this interview with TITUS AKHIGBE, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) chieftain speaks on what to expect under a Muhammadu Buhari presidency and other issues affecting the polity. Excerpts: Now, the presidential election result has been announced and General Muhammadu Buhari is President-elect. The expectations of Nigerians that he would perform are very high. Do you think he will not let us down?

I have 99 percent confidence that the man elected president by Nigerians will perform. In a simple language I see him as the messiah that we have all been waiting for. I see hope and a new dawn in Nigeria. I see the locust days gone forever in Nigeria. It is definitely the Lord’s doing that this man emerged to take Nigerians to the Promised Land. It’s something that we must celebrate. There is so much corruption in Nigeria. You must have seen some of it while in the public service. How will you advise General Buhari to tackle corruption? We have laws in Nigeria. We have institutions to check corruption. But the truth is that these institutions were not allowed to work. First, we must strengthen these institutions – ICPC (Independent Corrupt

Wind of Change indeed Odigie-Oyegun

Practices and other Related Offences Commission); EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission); the Police Force etc. So, by the time we strengthen these institutions such that there will be no sacred cow, the rule of law will prevail. I see the President-elect as a man who believes purely in the rule of law. It is for Nigerians to support him because in the process, we might get to some areas where people will want to be spared but we’ll encourage Mr. President-elect that there should be no sacred cow. Whoever is corrupt should face the music because this country is blessed but it got to a point where about three percent of Nigerians were sucking this country dry. So the time has come for reckoning and whoCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Indeed, from all indications, a wind of change has started blowing across the country for real. When the All Progressives Congress (APC) proclaimed Change as its focus and slogan, not a few people were of the view that it was the usual

Ogiemwonyi

sloganeering by politicians without any commitment to its real essence. On not a few occasions, spokespersons of the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rubbished the party over the slogan, claiming that there was nothing to be

changed but the personalities in the APC themselves. However, since the historic Presidential election of March 28, it is no longer in doubt that the change being clamoured for has been ushered into the CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The task of rebuilding Kaduna is for us all – El-Rufai CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of the Peoples Democratic Part (PDP) who wanted a second term. Like in many states, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP were the major contenders. But the election was decided in favour of the APC’s candidate and a household name in Nigeria, Mallam Nasir El’Rufai, a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Courtesy of the electorate, the game changer, ElRufai, humbled Governor Yero by polling 1,117,635 votes against 485,833 votes scored by incumbent Yero, to emerge winner. As the results trickled in, Governor Yero sensed failure and decided, in a sportsmanly manner, to call and congratulate his arch rival, El-Rufai even before the final results were released and winner publicly declared by the INEC. The outgoing Governor did not only concede defeat, but also pledged to work with his successor in the overall interest of the state. With the outcome of the election, the 16-year government of PDP has been uprooted in the state. Consequently, Yero has transferred the burden of leadership to El-Rufai, a disciple of “change” which debuted on March 28 at the federal level, and berthed in Kaduna on April 11, 2015. Reacting to the political development, 16 years after the birth of this Republic, El-Rufai noted that the pattern of voting during the election in Kaduna signified unity, the desire for development and growth. Therefore, he dedi-

cated his electoral victory to the people of the state as according to him: “the outstanding victory we achieved at the polls on April 11 happened only because you came out in numbers to cast your votes and waited patiently to protect your votes until the results were announced. Dear compatriots, you have spoken with a loud voice for change. “On behalf of the APC, we express our profound gratitude to you for investing in us, your hopes for the future. You voted massively to elect General Muhammadu Buhari as president of Nigeria, and you saw fit to send two APC senators and 11 representatives to the National Assembly. On Saturday, you completed the job by electing me, an APC governor, and a more than two-thirds majority of the state House of Assembly members. We thank you for this vote of confidence and promise to be responsible custodians of your mandate”, he vowed. It appears El-Rufai is not oblivious of the fact that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. Therefore, in accepting his victory as governor of Kaduna State, he pledged to do all that is humanly possible to move the state forward. He said: “As soon as I am sworn into office and constitute a state executive council, we shall begin work to meet your expectations of positive change. “In undertaking our campaign, we stuck to the issues doggedly, exposing what is wrong and outlining our plans to change them. We engaged in competitive campaigning and banter but never insulted or abused any person or

El-Rufai

I assure you that we shall do our best to restore Kaduna State to a state that works for you” but “we shall be doing so under serious constraints”

official. For us, it was a grueling campaign as we engaged with ordinary people across the vast swathes and divides of our state. “The campaign period is now over. We have no time to exult in our victory. There is so much to do to make Kaduna great again. We need to begin the hard work of change. As leader of the APC Kaduna Change Team, I assure you that we shall do our best to restore Kaduna State to a state that works for you” but “we shall be doing so under serious constraints”, apparently lamenting the financial state of the state as according to him, “our state is heavily indebted at a time when oil prices are low”. Consequently, the Governorelect regretted that “our state has not seen significant development

Politics in the last eight years” and therefore stressed the need for his government to “work twice as hard with half the resources of the last eight years just to catch up with our neighbours”. Thus, “we must be disciplined, focused and prudent to do so”, he charged. He spoke further: “We are aware of your justifiably high expectations of our government” and affirmed “we will do our utmost best to meet them. But we shall need your patience, sacrifice and support”. According to him, the administration will embark on reforming the state institutions, “to instill culture of probity that insists on value for money, that ensures that government procurement occurs at the most cost effective level and encourages personal responsibility. “We will do whatever is humanly possible to fulfill the promises in our manifesto, the Kaduna Restoration Programme that we have published, circulated and discussed with diverse constituencies of the state. Our commitment to transparency will manifest as we reform the public sector to be an efficient deliverer of services. “The APC takes seriously its responsibility to build a harmonious society in Kaduna State. We are committed to fostering a secure, peaceful environment that gives the confidence to all the residents of the state to make the most of their talents. We will uphold the rule of law and the equality of concern for all citizens. We intend to work with all communities in Kaduna state without fear or favor”. In the belief that “we are all equal partners and stakeholders in this state”, he said as the new administration is set to take off, “there will be no discrimination in Kaduna State on the basis of gender, ethnicity or religion. Appointments and nominations into the incoming cabinet and government will be primarily on the basis of integrity and determined strictly by competence, capacity and capability. “We shall be a listening government, and we shall be decisive in implementing our agreed agenda for change. We shall lose no time in reforming education and healthcare, local governCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

“As the results trickled in, Governor Yero sensed failure and decided, in a sportsmanly manner, to call and congratulate his arch rival, El-Rufai even before the final results were released and winner publicly declared by the INEC. The outgoing Governor did not only concede defeat, but also pledged to work with his successor in the overall interest of the state”. Yero

Politics 10 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

ever is found corrupt should not be spared. Personalities all over the world have been giving kudos to President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in the presidential polls ahead of the announcement of the final results. What is your opinion about this?

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

With Buhari, there is a new dawn – Ogiemwonyi

What was his option? What option had he? It was so obvious that he had lost the election. I think by the time he called the President-elect, we had probably heard 90 percent of the poll result so there was no option for him than to concede defeat. People said he conceded defeat in magnanimity but what was his option? He had no option than to throw in the towel. The results of the presidential and national assembly elections held in Edo State on March 28 was, surprisingly, in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But the situation was reversed in the house of assembly polls held two weeks later. What was the reason for this? Many Nigerians were not too sure that Jonathan could be defeated. They were so concerned about the incumbency factor. But I tell you that what happened was that Nigerians were fed up in view of the various ills that bedevilled the country – corruption (the highest we have seen so far), insecurity, poor economy, bad power situation etc. Everything was going downwards. So, Nigerians voted for change. That is the truth. Then for the April 11 elections why a reversal? Many of us came out to speak publicly. You’ll recall that we held a press conference on the 6th of April telling people the

Buhari

“Many Nigerians were not too sure that Jonathan could be defeated. They were so concerned about the incumbency factor.”

need to align properly; that Edo State would never again be in opposition. The Edo people listened and many other groups came out with that same slogan “we’ll never be in opposition” and people realised the benefit of having a government at the centre in their states. Edo people wanted to be in the scheme of things. Definitely, once we are properly now aligned with the centre, the benefits are enormous. I am very happy that

Edo State did. The Middle Belt did; the Yoruba with their high level of literacy saw the need. I am happy that the Edo people did too. President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun have said that they will not welcome defectors to the party. What is your opinion about this?

Again, the issue of the defectors, people are probably looking at the area of integrity, people should be firm, people should be principled. Having said that, I should say we should open our doors to those who are coming. We should welcome them. But they should realise that they are coming after the rain has fallen. Like the Benins would say: “if you want to fetch water, you should fetch CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

The task before us is enormous – El-Rufai CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

ment, the public service and leading the processes that will create jobs and economic opportunities for our people”, El-Rufai assured. Recalling events in the build up to the elections, he praised all the leaders and supporters of both APC and PDP who ensured that the peace accord we signed before the elections was observed in most of the state. “That is a reflection of the new Kaduna

we want to build – a place where whatever differences of opinion that we may have are resolved peacefully, with mutual respect and dignity. It also reinforces my conviction that human life is too valuable to waste simply because of political differences or ideological affiliations”, he noted. No change is possible without necessary sacrifice. Thus, while paying tribute to citizens of Kaduna State for giving their time, money and even lives to make the political change that took place

possible, El-Rufai prayed for the souls of those that lost their lives to thuggery to rest in perfect peace. Of specific appreciation to the Governor-elect, was the democratic understanding and political actions of Governor Mukhtar Yero and Vice president Namadi Sambo. According to him, at exactly 3pm on Sunday, April 12, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero phoned to “congratulate the APC for its victory in the elections, and pledge to work with

us to make Kaduna great again. This was followed by a congratulatory letter later in the day. Vice President Namadi Sambo also called in the evening to convey his best wishes. I thank them for these acts which have put the interest of the state above partisan politics”. Already, consultations between El-Rufai and Governor Yero on the transition process to ensure that the machinery of government does not suffer between now and when the new government

takes office, is in progress. And as the people of Kaduna state are anxiously waiting for the promised dividends of democracy, the governor-elect strongly declare: “we will hit the ground running. Change has come. The work of rebuilding Kaduna State begins immediately”, adding: “everyone of you has a role to play. We must work together to make the change real and lasting, so that together we can make Kaduna great again”.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Politics

‘Buhari should not have any sacred cow’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

“I’m looking at the future with certainty but when it comes to making the decision that who and who will go for elective position like the governorship, the people will decide.”

it when the rain is falling.” You should not fetch water when the rain has stopped falling. The time people could have joined the party was when the struggle was on with high level of uncertainty. Which of the serving ministers would you recommend to be retained by the in-coming administration? They say that when the head is bad then everything will be bad. The government of President Jonathan was sick so probably only two or three people in his cabinet can be said to have performed. But I cannot judge some of them because I am not an expert in the area they served. For instance, I understand the Agriculture Minister performed well. In the oil and gas sector where I have my experience, Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, performed dismally. She encouraged high level of corruption with impunity. Despite the high caliber of staff in NNPC, (Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation), she never allowed them to perform. She was madly in-charge.

She should be held accountable for the lapses in the oil sector. I am supporting that NNPC’s accounts should be audited. Let her face the music. Since you joined the APC you have been instrumental in stabilising the party in Edo State. In a year’s time the state governorship election would be held. A lot of people are now asking that what role will Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi play when the chips are down? You’ll recall when I joined the

Ogiemwonyi

party in November last year, there was a high level of uncertainty of the future. I told them I was coming to support the party to win elections. Thank God, today, the future is clearer. Talking about the future, in democracy the people’s wish will always be done. So, I am looking at the future with certainty but when it comes to making the decision that who and who will go for elective position like the governorship, the people will decide. There are many competent people. It is people’s decision. That is democracy. Tactically, the governorship position of the APC has been zoned to Edo South and the two visible candidates are you and the deputy governor, Pius Odubu, and both of you are from Orhionmwon, how will both of you work together? I don’t like politics of exclusion. Nobody has told me that only myself and the deputy governor are in contention. What I heard from the party is that the governorship has been zoned to Edo South and the zone has eminent people. It is made up of seven local government areas and there are competent people from these areas. When we get there, the people’s will will prevail.

It’s real wind of change CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

country. With the victory, by a large margin of the APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the wind of change started to blow when in a rare show of statesmanship, incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan conceded victory even before the final results were announced. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, a sitting president lost election and called the President-elect to congratulate him over his victory. That singular action by President Jonathan brought Nigeria back from the precipice thus ensuring the achievement of change. As if that is not enough, in Oyo State, the APC made another history when the incumbent governor, Senator

Isiaka Ajimobi broke the jinx of a second term in the state. In the political history of the state, no elected leader has ever won an election for the second term in office. Even heavyweights like late Chief Bola Ige, Lam Adesina, Adebayo Alao-Akalaall lost in their second term bid. Another area where the wind of change came is in Kaduna State where former FCT Minister, Mallam Nasir ElRufai won election and defeated the incumbent governor, Ramalan Yero. This is the first time since the 23 June 1981 impeachment of a progressive governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa that another progressive governor is coming into government. Besides, Yero, who is the PDP candidate conceded defeat and congratulated El-Rufai, an APC candidate over his victory, even

before the final results were announced. Besides Kaduna, in relatively conservative states in the north, like Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, etc, the wind of change has swept the progressive force into power for the first time in the history of the north regarded as the home of conservatives. With this hopeful start, the APC cannot but ensure the continuation of good things into the country with the wind of change as to do otherwise may be interpreted as a false start and would be disastrous for the country if it reverts back to the old order of doing things. Let the wind of change blow in every area of Nigeria especially corruption. This will usher in a new lease of life into the country. There is however a glimmer

of hope that this wind of change will not lead to oneparty dictatorship especially with the mass defections of the leading party’s chieftains to the rave of the moment, the APC. Obviously, if this happens, it might be threat to

real democratic tenets. The wind of change must allow and tolerate a virile opposition, which will enable our democracy to thrive and be strengthened against any undemocratic elements.

Jonathan

Buhari

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

North wants Kwankwaso as FCT minister – Aide Ï 1 ƕ dƆ ƐƆ GƆ ƗƆƏ Yakubu Salisu Kano

ÏÏÏSome

internal wrangling may be brewing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the sharing formula for the incoming administration. An aide to Kano State governor on Political Affairs, Alhaji Mujahid Zetawa, who spoke to Daily Times on Tuesday disclosed that alleged plans to instal a female

APC member as Senate Leader is in the bad taste, and would be resisted by northern elements within the party. Alh. Zetawa also maintained that an experienced politician like Sen. Kabiru Gaya deserves a key position in the new dispensation and not as an appendage of some political godfathers. The aide believes that Sen. Gaya will make a good Senate Leader while his principal, Governor Kwank-

waso would be fit for FCT minister. His words: “The Yoruba are trying to take over key positions in the country from the house of Reps to the senate without giving any serious seat to the North. “People like Senator Kabiru Gaya who has played a significant role in the senate and an old senator should be given key position in the senate “not bringing someone from the North Central Zone

who we know will dance to the tune of the Yoruba people”. Zetawa also recalled that Sen. Gaya exposed the fraud allegedly perpetrated by the chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina to the tune of N32 billion meant for pensioners. The governor’s aide, who frowned at the manner in which the South West members of the APC were allegedly trying to take all juicy appointments in the new dispensation, said: “The development obviously shows that the Yoruba people had a hidden agenda right from the beginning unlike the Northern people whose

interest is to bring about changes in the country’s democracy but the current trend of events is really disappointing.”

Kwankwaso

Ex-IGP Abba’s banana peels Continued from page 6

L-R: Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Segun Awolowo; Chairman, House Committee on Industries, Hon. Mohammed Onawo; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga and Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, during the commissioning of SON Food Technology Labs in Lekki, Lagos…yesterday. Photo: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

peachment plan.” Apart from the above, another source also said that some of the remote causes of Abba’s sack was his recent romance with the leadership of the APC. It was learnt that the Presidency was embarrassed that the IGP was at the presentation of the Certificate of Return (C-O-R) to the President-elect, Major General Muhammadu Buhari by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega. The former police boss was also alleged to have led some top officials of the Force to salute incoming President Buhari at the airport. The action was viewed by the president as an attempt to worm himself into the heart of the incoming administration even while the Commander-inChief who appointed him is still in office. Abba, from Jigawa State, hails from the North-West geopolitical zone, as General Buhari.

How court registrar, Ajudua duped me – Bamaiyi Continued from page 6 lola. “A friend of mine arranged $330,000 for me before the defendant’s 3rd visit on November 20, 2004, and money was brought in a ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ to the prison. I showed Ajudua the money and he said he would call one Jonathan who happens to be Ajudua’s boy to join us in counting the money. The money was counted in the presence of the defendant (Rosulu), the prison officer (ACP Garuba).” Bamaiyi maintained that Rosulu carried the bag containing the money after it was counted and Ajudua saw them off to the gate. “That evening, Ajudua told me

that the defendant (Rosulu) called and confirmed delivering the said money to Justice Oyewole and same had also been taken to Chief Babalola. I have never met her again until December 19, 2013 at the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). When I did not hear from Chief Babalola after a while, and then Ajudua had travelled to India, I suspected that something was wrong. “Again, I called Ajudua’s line in India to tell him that Justice Oyewole said he never received any money and that Chief Babalola did not handle my case. Ajudua asked me how I got Justice Oyewole’s number and since then he

stopped using that line to receive calls again,” Bamaiyi said. The retired army general also noted that the defendant (Rosulu) never introduced herself to him as an officer or staff in the office of Chief Babalola during the crossexamination by Mr. Bamidele Ogundele, the defence counsel. Bamaiyi stressed that the defendant did not sign any document and could not have signed any document on receiving the $330,000 as part payment for Chief Babalola’s professional fees. Court filings also reveal that, between November 2004 and June 2005, Ajudua funnelled the sum of $330,000 through Rosulu and others. Ajudua was at the Kirikiri

maximum-security prison during the period. EFCC alleged that Ajudua was able to perform the fraudulent act by claiming to Bamaiyi that he had close relationship with Justice Oyewole, before whom Bamaiyi was standing trial. On the other hand, Rosulu is facing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences and obtaining money by false pretences. One of the charges read: “Rosulu Idowu Oluronke, Fred Chijindu Ajudua, Alumile Adedeji a.k.a. Ade Bendel (still at large), one Mr. Jonathan (still at large), one Mr. Kenneth (still at large), Princess Hamabon William (still at large)

and others still at large, on November 20, 2004 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $330,000 from retired Lieutenant General Ishaya Rizi Bamaiyi by falsely represented to General Bamaiyi that the $330,000 was part payment for professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle General Bamaiyi’s case in court and to facilitate his release from prison custody.” Again, EFCC informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 13 of 1995 as amended by Act No. 62 of 1999.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

S’Africa deploys military to quell anti-immigrant violence

13 Africa Bomb explodes outside Libya Spanish Embassy

ÏÏÏ A bomb exploded outside

Demonstrators hold placards outside a court in Johannesburg's Alexandra township as four men appeared in court for the killing of a Mozambican man ... on Tuesday

ÏÏÏ

South Africa deployed the army on Tuesday in “volatile areas” to curb a wave of anti-immigrant violence that has killed at least seven people this month, the defence minister said. The latest wave of anti-immigrant attacks began almost three weeks ago in parts of the coastal city of Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal and quickly spread to Johannesburg, South Africa's commercial

Five die in Mogadishu restaurant blast ÏÏÏAt

least five people were killed Tuesday when a car bomb exploded outside a busy restaurant in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. A VOA reporter on the scene says two women were among those who died in the blast. A doctor with the city's ambulance service, Dr. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Aden, tells VOA's Somali Service that another six people were wounded in the explosion, and says the death toll could rise. The targeted restaurant, located near the Hotel Central, is popular with employees at Somalia's presidential palace. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but suspicion fell on militant group al-Shabab, which has carried out numerous

capital. Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said soldiers were being sent to “volatile areas”, which included the rundown Johannesburg district of Alexandra and parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal. “There will be those who will be critical of this decision but the vulnerable will appreciate it,” Mapisa-Nqakula told reporters in Alexandra.

suicide attacks in the city. On Monday al-Shabab claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed at least seven people and wounded eight others in northern Somalia. The attacker Monday targeted a minibus carrying staffers of the U.N. Children's Fund in the town of Garowe, as they traveled from their guest houses to their office. A source close to the U.N. in Garowe told VOA that a man climbed on the bus and detonated explosives strapped to his waist. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the attack shows al-Shabab is not interested in the future of Somalia. He said that as the Somali National Army and the country's international partners help bring Somalia back under control, al-Shabab is "lashing out, thrashing in its death throes." Local police said the dead in Monday's attack included four foreigners, two Somalis and the bomber. A reporter for VOA in Garowe says the foreigners included two Kenyans, a Ugandan and one Afghan, all of whom worked for UNICEF.

South Africa has been criticized by foreign governments, including China, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, for failing to protect foreigners as TV stations broadcast images around the world of armed mobs looting immigrant-owned shops. President Jacob Zuma's government was put under further pressure when disturbing images appeared in local media on Sunday of men beating and stabbing Mo-

Egypt's Morsi gets 20 years jail term

ÏÏÏAn

Egyptian court sentenced former President Mohamed Morsi to 20 years in prison Tuesday in connection with the killing of protesters in 2012. He escaped the death penalty with the court ruling that he and 12 other Muslim Brotherhood leaders and supporters were guilty of intimidation and violence, but not murder. The charges are related to

Morsi

zambican man Emmanuel Sithole to death in broad daylight. Mapisa-Nqakula said a Zimbabwean couple was also shot at in the Alexandra on Monday night but they survived. In 2008, more than 60 foreigners were killed in similar unrest as locals vented frustrations over various issues, particularly a lack of jobs in the continent's most advanced economy.

clashes outside the presidential palace that started with Morsi's Islamist supporters attacking protesters who were rallying against a decree declaring his decisions could not be challenged by the courts. Morsi, the country's first democratically elected president, came to power nearly four years ago promising a brighter future for Egypt after the popular uprising that ended the longtime rule of Hosni Mubarak. But his policies brought on massive protests that led thenmilitary chief Abdel-Fattah elSissi to oust him. A military-led transition that ended with Sissi himself becoming president also included a crackdown on Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood. The group was once banned under Mubarak, and after a resurgence under Morsi's rule, was declared a terrorist organization under the current government with most of its leaders arrested. The Brotherhood has continued to insist that Morsi is Egypt's legitimate leader and that Sissi led a coup against him.

Spain's embassy in the Libyan capital on Monday night without causing injuries, a security source told AFP, an attack later claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS) group. "Islamic State extremists concealed an explosive device near an exterior wall of the Spanish embassy building in Tripoli, which caused some material damage to it and to neighbouring buildings," local official Issam Naas told AFP. Several accounts linked to the Libyan branch of ISIS claimed the attack on Twitter. The Islamic State, which has seized chunks of Syria and Iraq, has won the support of jihadist groups across Middle East and north Africa. Several militant groups in conflict-wracked Libya have pledged allegiance to the militants. Libya has been awash with weapons since an uprising in 2011, has rival governments and parliaments and is on the edge of all-out war as armed groups battle to control its cities and oil wealth.

UN mourns staff killed in Somalia bomb attack ÏÏÏ The UN children's agency

mourned on Tuesday four staff members killed in what UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned as a "barbaric attack" in Somalia. Two of those killed in Monday's bombing in the north-eastern town of Garowe came from Kenya, the other two from Afghanistan and Uganda. Unicef named the two Kenyans as Woki Munyui, who worked in education, and administrative officer Stephen Oduor. Payenda Gul Abed, from Afghanistan, had been working to vaccinate children against polio, along with Ugandan citizen Brenda Kyeyune. Two Somali guards also died, as well as the suspected suicide bomber, who destroyed the UN bus as it drove the staff members to work. "Our thoughts are with the families of all who died, with those who were injured, and with all our staff who continue to work tirelessly in Somalia," Unicef said in a statement. "These heroes were dedicated to building a better world for children - today, all of us at Unicef honour their sacrifice."

World 14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

China, Pakistan discuss regional security

Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Pakistan's Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, addressing reporters at the prime minister's house in Islamabad... on Monday

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curity as it’s own security," but acknowledged there was still work to be done. “Our joint efforts in this regard have succeeded, but we need to intensify these efforts to accomplish our objectives.” Xi, who arrived in Islamabad Monday, told Pakistani lawmakers that “China will assist Pakistan in strengthening its capacity for fighting terrorism and ensuring security. And we will work with Pakistan to tackle rising non-traditional security threats so as to provide a reliable security guarantee for bilateral economic cooperation and common development.” China has long been concerned that Muslim militants in its western Xinjiang region may be getting training and support from fighters in Pakistan's lawless tribal areas. In addition to security talks, the visit saw the two sides launch a projected $46 billion in energy and infrastructure projects. The projects focused on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a collection of roads, rail links, and gas and oil pipelines going from Pakistan’s southern seaport of Gwadar to southwestern China. It is part of China’s wider vision to revive the ancient Silk Road, and join Asia to Europe via road and sea links.

Pakistan sought to alleviate China's concerns on terrorism as President Xi Jinping wrapped up his two-day trip to the South Asian country. While the two countries focused on China’s projected $46 billion of investment and loans to develop an economic corridor through Pakistan, terrorism and militancy also featured heavily in their dis-

cussions. Addressing the Pakistani parliament, Xi hailed the "profound friendship" between Pakistan and China and praised Islamabad's anti-terror efforts, saying the two countries "share a common stake in security." "Over the years Pakistan has overcome all kinds of difficulties and contributed greatly to the

security and stability of China's western border areas, and this is something that we shall never forget," Xi said. In his own address to lawmakers, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Islamabad and Beijing "will fight together to eliminate the menace of terrorism." Sharif also assured Xi that “Pakistan considers China’s se-

Iran calls for Yemen cease-fire

Seven dead, 17 trapped in flooded China coal mine

S. Korea PM offers to resign amid bribery scandal

ÏÏÏIran is calling for an imme-

diate cease-fire in Yemen, where Houthi rebels have seized territory and drawn in a Saudi-led campaign of airstrikes backing President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday the proposal for a halt in fighting, talks among the Yemeni parties and the formation of an inclusive government is the way to solve the country's crisis. The four-week-old bombing campaign continued Tuesday with more airstrikes on the capital, Sana'a, which the Iranian-backed Houthis seized last September. An airstrike on a missile depot near the city on Monday set off a massive explosion, killing at least 25 people and wounding hundreds more. Meanwhile, the United States is deploying an aircraft carrier to join other American warships in the waters near Yemen in what the Pentagon said is a move to ensure vital Gulf shipping lanes remain open.

ÏÏÏ Seven coal miners have died

and 17 are trapped after a shaft flooded at a mine in northern China. State radio said on its website that more than 600 rescue workers were pumping water on Tuesday and drilling holes from the surface in hopes of reaching those still inside the Jiangjiawan mine near the city of Datong. It said the bodies of those who died were retrieved on Monday evening. A total of 247 miners were underground when water rushed into the shaft on Sunday evening. Of those, 223 people made it safely to the surface. Such accidents are usually caused by breaches of abandoned shafts where water has collected over time. China's notoriously dangerous mines have seen declining deaths in recent years because of safety improvements and a decreasing demand for coal.

ÏÏÏSouth

Korean Prime Minister, Lee Wan-koo has offered to resign Tuesday after becoming caught up in a bribery scandal. Prime Minister Lee has faced allegations he accepted illegal funds from a businessman who committed suicide earlier this month. Just before his death, the businessman, Sung Wan-jong, told local media he had bribed several top government officials, including Lee. Sung was found hanging from a tree in Seoul. In his pocket was a list containing the names of eight officials who allegedly received the illegal funds. Most of the officials, including Lee, are thought to be close allies of President Park Geun-hye. The prime minister has repeatedly denied accepting the $27,000 in bribes, even telling reporters if this were the case he would "lay down" his life. Park, who is on a trip to Latin America, has yet to decide whether to accept the resignation of the

prime minister. "I find it regrettable. I also feel sympathy for the agony of the prime minister," she said in a statement, adding a thorough investigation should be conducted. The president has had repeated difficulties with her picks for prime minister, which is a largely ceremonial position in South Korea. Several of her prime ministerial nominees and other cabinet member picks have had to withdraw after questions were raised about their past behavior.

Wan-Koo

New York Governor visits Cuba

ÏÏÏAndrew Cuomo has become

the first US state governor to visit Cuba since a thaw in relations began last year. Mr Cuomo led a delegation of business executives from New York state to the island where he held talks with the Cuban minister for external trade. He said that the isolation of Cuba had not worked. Relations between the US and Cuba have improved since the announcement in December that the two countries would work towards restoring diplomatic ties. US President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, met earlier this month at a regional summit in Panama. Days after the meeting, President Obama recommended that Cuba should be removed from the list of states the US government considers to be sponsors of terrorism.A number of US officials and politicians have visited the Communist-run island since the thaw in relations was announced on 17 December, but Mr Cuomo is the first state governor to do so.

Explosion kills three in southern Afghanistan ÏÏÏAfghan officials say an ex-

plosion near a southern police station has killed three people and wounded 17. Samim Khpalwak, spokesperson for the provincial governor, said the explosion on Tuesday morning struck the city of Kandahar, the capital of Kandahar province. Authorities initially believed a car bomb caused the explosion, but later said they were unsure what happened. Qayyum Pokhla, the head of Kandahar's regional hospital, says the blast killed three people, including two police officers and one woman. He said the explosion wounded 17. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Kandahar is the heartland of Taliban insurgents and the city was the capital of the extremists' government from 1996-2001. Attacks on Afghan security forces have intensified in recent weeks as the insurgents mount their annual summer offensive.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

15 Opinion

Xenophobia of Afrophobia

U Denja Yaqub

ntil 1994, for over a century South Africa was locked against the rest of Africa and indeed the country and her people were not easily accessible to the rest of the world as the white minority used their might to impose racial segregation, which denied the majority black of everything, including quality life and the rest of the world rose in support of the majority black in popular agitation for the liberation of the country. The “support” given by the rest of the world was not because it was South Africa. It was because a part of humanity with legitimate rights to their land have been deprived and decimated only because they have resources of global economic values, and not just because of the colour of their skin. Everyone saw the anti apartheid struggle as a liberation struggle, an integral part of the global struggle against oppression, all forms of oppression. South Africa and her exceptional experiences in severe oppression and exploitation, even before the advent of apartheid, is one country whose people got the best global solidarity during the years of the struggle against apartheid. No one saw that struggle as “his or

her” struggle. It was our collective struggle. The leading anti apartheid organisation, the African National Congress, ANC, maintained offices in several countries abroad, including Nigeria. Not a few South African citizens attended public schools, including universities in Nigeria, with full scholarships/ fellowship paid for by the Nigerian government. There were several organisations involved in mobilising people and resources, organised by Nigerians, in our voluntary quest to be part of the liberation struggle. Indeed, there was the Nigeria-African National Congress Friendship and Cultural Association, NAFCA. There was the Youth Solidarity on Southern Africa and Nigeria, YUSSAN. YUSSAN was in most campuses of Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions, mobilising students across the country against apartheid South Africa. Other organisations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, National Association of Nigerian Students, and Women in Nigeria as well as the Government of Nigeria were actively involved in mobilising people, opinions and resources against apartheid. Nigeria was certainly not the only country whose citizens and governments actively partici-

pated in the international struggle against apartheid. Many African countries indeed provided cover for leading South African activists in exile. That some South Africans have decided to unleash deadly violence on immigrants, especially of African extraction is nothing but a failure of post apartheid leadership that have done very little to reorientate, rehabilitate and effectively empower the people in a way that reconnects them with the reality of their history and culture as Africans and position them for the socio economic and political challenges of post apartheid situations. Most South Africans have been made to think or believe they are not part of Africa. References to other African countries are often derogatory. In fact, President Jacob Zuma sometime in October 2013, while defending his government’s introduction of e-tolls on roads in the Gauteng Province during the ANC Gauteng Province Manifesto Forum held at the famous University of Wittswaterstrand in Johannesburg said, “we can’t think like Africans in Africa. Its not some national road in Malawi.” Though his spokesman, Mac Maharaj struggled to moderate that statement after some diplomatic skirmishes with the government

of Malawi, it however captured the impression of most South Africans. This is why, in the so called xenophobic attacks, which first occurred in 2008 and left about 60 people dead, the targets were Africans, from Nigeria, Mozambique, Somalia, and Congo. Most businesses in the informal sector are operated by immigrants from these countries, especially Nigerians. There are immigrants also from India, Pakistan and even Britain. In fact, British citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa. These categories of immigrants are carefully exempted from the attacks. This gives clear indication that it is an extension of afrophobic beliefs of the leadership. The country’s political leadership seems to have ignored majority of the citizens in economic empowerment as the citizens still see imbalance in the socio economic life of the country. They are yet to see the dividends of the liberation struggle as the minority white either as citizens or immigrants get the priority in blue chip businesses except in few cases where those who were in key leadership positions during the apartheid era, like Cyril Ramaphosa are involved in telecommunications, minning and service industry.

Buhari and the challenges ahead

T Adewale Kupoluyi

he general elections would remain a watershed in the annals of the nation. The taking-over of leadership mantle by the President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) brings to an end, an uninterrupted rule by the PDP since the current civilian dispensation began in 1999. The election was also memorable in that for the first time in the country’s history, an incumbent president was defeated at the polls. What this simply means is that Nigerians have demonstrated that they can legitimately bring down any ruling president, leader or administration through a legitimate electoral process. What this civic message is saying is that the power of the electorate could be the decisive turning point in bringing about positive change while consolidating our hard-earned democracy. Despite all odds, the emergence of a virile political opposition, APC, has made it possible to challenge and defeat the PDP after sixteen years of virtually

one-party rule. No doubt, Nigeria’s problems are multi-faceted, numerous and complex but intractable, ranging from corruption to insecurity, poor economy, absence of true federalism, unemployment, power failure and impunity. To begin with, Buhari should rescue our abducted Chibok schoolgirls from the den of Boko Haram. While other nations often deploy their best military and strategic arsenals to safeguard their citizens, our military seems to be incapable of rescuing the innocent girls. Buhari should ensure that these girls’ rescue become a top priority of his administration. The incoming government should ensure that the military and other security agencies are properly equipped. For instance, it is widely believed that a major factor why Boko Haram remains undefeated and very difficult to curtail is because there are alleged moles within the nation’s security apparatus including the military. As a former army general, the President-elect should be passionate about restructuring the armed forces, police and other security agencies. We should realise that without adequate security, the desired changed may still be

a mirage. With a population of170 million and reputed as Africa’s largest with $510 billion Gross Domestic Product, Nigeria is said to be the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment in Africa. Sadly, the nation is structurally deficient with precarious reliance on oil revenues for its survival while official corruption has been tagged as the greatest setback to the country’s development by the International Monetary Fund’s expose that over $400 billion had allegedly been looted from the country in the past 40 years. This new government should urgently embark on national economic rejuvenation. The President-elect’s promise to fill his cabinet with technocrats with the right pegs in the right holes is in order to meet the expectations of Nigerians with a caveat that whoever is to serve in his government should publicly declare his/her assets before taking the job and while leaving office. The stance by Buhari not to appoint defecting politicians into his cabinet is also heart-warming and decisive. It is an indication that he is opposed to the ugly gale of defections, which the country is presently witnessing. Cross carpeting after losing an

election is not an option in entrenching high democratic tenets. Politicians with diverse and sound political ideologies, whose thrust is to collectively ensure that the country grows economically, politically, socially and technologically, build great nations. Rather than jumping from one party to another, one would have expected that the defectors to come together after the elections as a viable opposition, reflect on the party’s performance and then re-strategise for the next elections rather than struggling to join the ruling party. Buhari should look beyond the APC while picking his cabinet and get people who are passionate about Nigeria and could assist him in bringing the country to the Promise Land. Beyond these, there is the need to revisit our moribund state-owned railways, petroleum refineries, and steel and power companies. It is embarrassing that an oilproducing nation like ours continue to experience perennial fuel scarcity, as power outage has become a normal feature of our daily living. If the incoming administration is sincere in transforming the economy, it should embark on a well-orchestrated privatisation of all state-owned commercial interests.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Business Times

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

Nigeria secures 22nd WCBI hosting rights Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Osibogun

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has won the rights to host the 22nd World Conference of Banking Institutes (WCBI) which will take place in 2017. After a robust presentation to the delegates by Otunba (Mrs) Debola Osibogun, FCIB, President/Chairman of Council, at the just concluded 21st edition of the WCIB Conference, in Seoul, South Korea, organised by the Korea Institute of Bankers, the Institute was unanimously voted

as the Host for the 22nd World Conference of Banking Institutes in 2017. CIBN had secured the support of regional groups from different continents such as the European Banking & Financial Services Training Association (EBTN), Asian-Pacific Association of Banking Institutes International Conference (APABI) and Alliance of African Institutes of Bankers (AAIOB), as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Bankers Committee, as well as the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of South Korea

and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Osibogun who made the disclosure about the hosting rights to journalists in Abuja at the weekend, observed that the hosting right underscored the confidence of the banking institutes all over the world, in the role and contribution of the Institute, in ensuring high quality education and learning services for a safe and sound financial system in Nigeria and its leadership role among the banking institutes in Africa. “We will also make our best effort in providing a world class arrangement for the conference

Xenophobia may hamper bilateral trade in Africa - NSACC Ugochukwu Onyeocha As the economic interface between the Nigerian Government and their South African counterparts in boosting bilateral trade remain on course, the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has bemoaned the ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreigners and their businesses in South Africa, saying that the attacks might affect bilateral trade on the continent. The President of the chamber, Mr Folusho Philips in a media chat in Lagos said that the attacks were unfortunate and a setback to African business growth. “It is a rather unacceptable situation; a sad one that at this stage, South Africans still feel insecure locally when we know for a fact that foreigners contribute to expanding their economy and lifestyle. “It shows to me that the South African Government has failed to make its nationals realise that they are part of an African Community and a global world.

“They cannot have the rather myopic attitude that they are showing which is able to hinder success and growth to most nations. “We are sure that a lot of value has been added to the South African economy even at the lower level of the Small Medium Enterprises (SME) and in foreign investments,” Phillips said. He urged the South African government to put in a lot of effort in educating it’s people and making them appreciate that they were part of a global community. Phillips said that African nations supported South Africans in their quest for liberation, and all stood by them including Nigeria, during their struggle for freedom. “They should consider that their people go out throughout the world; all the South African companies and investments we see around in African countries are made possible because other countries accepted and welcome them. “It is not a one way thing; it should be a two way thing and the

Philips

South African government has to be a lot more aggressive, positive and focused in dealing with this issue,” he said. The Nigerian Consul-General in South Africa, Uche AjuluOkeke, said Nigerian nationals living in South Africa had suffered a lot of property damage

and losses, including looting of shops, scorched cars and stolen vehicles. “Nigerians have compiled damage to their property and it is totaling about 1.2 million rand or N21 million, which will be sent to the Federal Government for further action.”

which already has an all-inclusive Planning and Organising Committee to work for the next two years. In no distant future therefore, we will unveil some of the Programmes and activities lined up for the conference”, she assured. The World Conference of Banking Institutes serves as a veritable platform for the banking institutes to strategically appraise the achievements and challenges faced by the banking sub-sector globally and also their responsibilities in effectively supporting the financial sector’s performance.

PFAs invest N172.4bn in State securities Kayode Adelowokan A total of N172.4 billion was invested in state securities under the Contributory Pension Scheme in the 2014 financial period. Figures obtained from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) showed that the total assets under the CPS stood at N4.6 trillion at the end of 2014. The commission disclosed that the pension funds could only be invested in the bonds of state governments that were in compliance with the CPS. At the end of the 2014 financial year, the commission noted that about 24 states had adopted the CPS, while 12 others were at various stages of implementing the scheme and one state yet to commence the process. PenCom introduced some guidelines for the Pension Fund Administrators for the registration of state and local government employees to enable them to adopt suitable structure for the implementation of the CPS. In the guidelines, the law gave concession to state and local governments to implement the structured approach for the registration of their employees. These levels of government are expected to select their preferred Pension Fund Administrators and allocate some Ministries, Departments and Agencies to each, while the employees are free to register with any of the selected PFAs.

Labour 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

NLC tasks President-Elect on youth unemployment

Ajaero

Stories by Joy Ekeke joy.ekeke@dailytimes.com.ng A faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Comrade Joe Ajaero has called on the President elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to focus on expanding the frontier for job creation through value added activities in Agriculture and Industrial Manufacturing to spur industrial revolution. The agenda is being set for the incoming President based on the call for action on youth employment adopted at the 2012 International Labour Conference (ILC)

in Geneva. The Group also reiterated that the leadership of the Congress headed by Comrade Ajaero is committed to genuine dialogue with independent reconciliation committee to be constituted by labour veterans and civil society leaders with a view of addressing the current challenges facing the Congress. Addressing newsmen on the need for Buhari to muster political will to address policies that would create good and safe work conditions while promoting gender equality in the country, Ajaero urged the President elect to be

steadfast in all policy initiatives that would boost job creation for the unemployed youths in the country. He said: “The president elect, Buhari on assumption of office on May 29, 2015 need to do all within his powers to create an enabling environment that will improve education and health systems as well as strengthening productivity while promoting gender equality in the country”. According him, President elect need to focus on expanding the frontier for job creation opportunities through value added activities in Agriculture and Industrial Manufacturing to minimise the high rate of unemployment as well as reduce the high crime rate in the country. “In this direction, he must muster the political will to confront the hydra headed challenge of smuggling, electricity failure, faking and counterfeiting of made in Nigeria goods to boost employment opportunities for Nigerians”, he said. On the internal crisis in the NLC, Ajaero said: “We are not opposed to genuine dialogue with independent Reconciliation Committee to be constituted by labour veterans and civil society leaders with a view of addressing the current challenges facing the Congress in as much the Committee is not constituted by the Comrade Ayuba Waba led NLC” He specifically said the CWC in session reiterates it’s commitment to the unity of the labour movement in Nigeria based on the principles of trade union independence, fairness among others.

How AFL–CIO is opposing Obama’s trade pact The American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisations AFLCIO’s PACs recently stopped all donations to Congress members’ campaigns as a way to protest Trade Promotion Authority, also known as “fast-track.” AFL-CIO head Richard Trumka explains that the legislation would also pledge Congress to only give the pact an up-or-down vote, without amending it, once the 12 countries in the TPP reach

a final agreement. The legislation would also establish guidelines the Obama administration would have to follow in negotiating. Trumka explains that the donation freeze is not only about drawing attention to the fight but about making the most of the AFL-CIO’s financial power. “We did it so we could conserve all the resources that we would normally give out for the fight against fast track and against TPP. So whenever the fight’s over,

whatever’s left, we’ll open our PACs up again,” he says, regardless of how Congress ends up voting on TPA. Trumka adds that he thinks it has been a successful strategy so far: “I think it’s gotten people’s attention that this is a serious issue to us, that we’re taking it seriously. and we are going to fight as hard as we can because the stakes are so high and there’s so much for the American worker to lose.”

NUJ sets credible election agenda for delegates committee The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has inaugurated a 7-member credentials committee and charged them to ensure credibility of the Union’s forthcoming election. The 5th triennial delegates’ conference and election is scheduled to hold in Abuja on June 27. Speaking before inaugurating the committee, NUJ President, Alhaji Muhammed Garba, urged the members to conduct credible elections the union would be proud of. ``I want you people to conduct the forthcoming elections to be more credible than the just concluded general elections. ``We have covered other elections; it is the time for us to show good example for others to follow,’’ he said. He commended the committee for commencing its duties even before the formal inauguration, adding that the inauguration was just a ceremony. Garba said that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the union carefully identified the members, before selecting them. He said that some criteria ranging from credibility and commitment to the union were considered before the members were selected. He expressed confidence that the committee would perform creditably well in its assignment. ``The National Secretariat will always be there to render any form of assistance to the committee in order for you to succeed,’’ he said. He said though the committee was independent, it should not

be independent of the National Secretariat, adding that it should always refer to the secretariat for guidance. The president promised that his office would assist the committee to enable it succeed in its assignment. ``If you cannot reach me, you will definitely reach the National Secretary for any form of assistance regarding the elections. ``I can also assure you that I do not have to be in Abuja for you to reach out to me for any assistance,’’ Garba said. The credentials committee is chaired by Mr Gbenga Onayiga. The members are: Aishatu Sule, Abiodun Olalere, Igwe Okoro, Gobum Kadapba and Patric Albert, while Ladi Patrick, would serve as Secretary. Speaking on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Mr Gbenga Onayiga, expressed delight at the opportunity given to him and the members to serve the union.

Garba

NIPC Executive Secretary locked out by protesting staff The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Mrs Saratu Umar, was on Tuesday locked out of her office by staff of the organisation over allegations of indifference to staff welfare. During the protest, the staff gathered outside the main entrance in groups, discussing while some carried placards with inscriptions like ``Saratu must go’’, ``8 months no imprest for zonal offices’’, ``we need more action not queries’’. Police, however, arrived at the organisation at 8:47 a.m. to maintain security while the staff continued to chant solidarity songs.

The union also padlocked the gate, stopping people from getting access into their offices. The Chairman of the staff union, Ahmad Isah Ghondi, narrated that the workers were disappointed by her style of administration. According to him, the NIPC boss, for a long period failed to attend to staff matters that needed her attention. ``The CEO, since her assumption of duties in May 2014, has failed to treat files taken to her, until last week when she attended to more than 600 files because she heard of the planned protest.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

19 Brands & Marketing

Who will release multiple taxation’s choke-hold on ad development?

A strategic billboard begging for patronage in Lagos

As government continue to look inward on how to improve on revenue generation, advertising practitioners on the other hand insistently decry the adverse effect of multiple charges imposed on them by regulatory agencies. GODWIN ANYEBE reports. There is no doubt that no nation can attain its full potential without tax input, be it internally generated revenue (IGR) or otherwise. To further actualise the above assertion, in 2002, a Study Group on the Review of the Nigeria Tax System headed by Professor Dotun Philips was set up to address the need to place more importance on taxation in the face of a decline in focus on taxation and increased dependence on oil as a source of revenue. The report of the Study group was further subjected to a Working Group setup in 2003 and headed by Mr. Oluseyi Bickersteth. The outcome of both reports were largely consistent but with significant differences in the manner in which tax should be administered nationwide. On the other hand, the advertising industry has had a positive impact on the nation’s economy in recent times; accounting for about N16.2 billion which apparently represent over 45 per cent of total ad

spends 2014. Among other major achievements of the industry, is fact that that segment of the nation’s economy has continued to evolve from the analogue to a digital age, and has successfully interfaced between brands and the larger society. Though, it is believed in some quarters that despite the evolution in the advertising industry, local brands have not enjoyed the benefit of the development compared to their global counterpart. This, analysts attributed to low rate of ad placement which is not unconnected with multiple charges on advertising by government agencies. However, rather than considering the channel as a platform for job creation as it enhances creativity, patrons seems not to be encouraged, a prognosis that has become a source of concern to all practitioners. Reason being that government at all levels are keen about increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), therefore, have turned their attention to the sector. Daily Times findings revealed that one of the resultant impact of such act is the establishment of regulatory agencies and in some instances, government employs the services of consultants to regulate, monitor and control advertising with arrant disre-

gard to constitutional provision that vested such responsibility on the local governments. Beside the state governments, other bodies including federal ministries, some concessioners, local government councils and their agents among others, harass practitioners with multiple levies. This unfriendly circumstances has made business difficult for advertising practitioners who are currently paying multiple charges, levies and taxes through their noses. The unfortunate development has led to staff retrenchment as practitioners can no longer pay salaries because of multiple charges imposed on them by government agencies and the resultant low patronage. Reacting to this menace, the president of Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Charles Chijide, said: “The fall-out is that over 70 per cent of our boarding are now vacant and many of our member agencies have had to reduce their staff strength by over 50 per cent,” Speaking to Daily Times on the effects of multiple charges on advertising by government agencies, a tax expert and a brand analyst, Adewale Okoya disclosed that, the situation is worrisome. His word; “High tax rate should ordinarily have no effect on ad spend in organisations that are properly struc-

tured because expenses on marketing/advertising are tax deductible. Expenses on advertising will only be affected when sales are dwindling or customers are moving their patronage to the competition. In the case of outdoor advertising where regulatory agencies charge agencies a lot of money as part of the effort to shore up IGR, spending on advertising can be adversely affected as advertisers may be unwilling to pay additional costs to the agency for using their billboards.” “Out-of-home advertising agencies are seriously at a loss here because most advertisers will not want to use their services as they will be too expensive. The implication is that billboards will remain vacant for prolonged periods while day-today cost of maintaining the sites remain. As for experiential marketing which can also be affected by excessive tax in the guise of IGR, advertisers will not stop investing in this kind of promotion, they can only scale it down where necessary such as using two artistes instead of four or five or taking the activation indoors instead of outdoors.” He however refused to concur with the belief in some quarters that multiple charges on ad placement due to tax or IGR affect the promotion of local brands.

His words “I disagree that this will affect the promotion of local brands because outdoor advertising is a support medium. If the cost of advertising in the outdoor medium is too expensive, advertisers will simply direct their promotional activities to other aspects of the marketing mix like print, television, digital or sponsorship, among others. No matter what happens, brands which understand the value of marketing will always set aside money for promotion. “Handlers of local brands largely ignore advertising because they do not fully appreciate the benefits of aggressive brand building in the market place. A school of thought believes that advertising rates in this country are still very low and inadequate to ensure the survival of media outlets. The low level of promotional activities among local brands is not due to high rate of advertisement or high IGR, it is because they are poorly funded and are mostly satisfied with moderate growth.” Reacting to issues on whether the circumstances actually affect the work of sign writers, he posited that the doctrine of interdependence dictates that if one part of the system is not doing well other parts will be similarly affected. Just as outdoor advertising practitioners suffer in the hands of regulatory agencies looking for IGR, so also do sign writers suffer but to a lesser extent because a lot of their works are passed on to clients who will face regulatory issues on their own, if any arises. In an attempt to address the issue, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) the body regulating advertising practice in Nigeria organised a public forum with the theme “Outdoor Advertising Regulation and Control in Nigeria.” To underscore the importance of the occasion, the one-day event attracted stakeholders from government, National Assembly, APCON heads, corporate organisations, and heads of sectoral groups among others. The forum reviewed the state of outdoor advertising practice and regulation, identified and analysed areas of conflict and proposed some measures that need to be taken to achieve a better, thriving and mutually rewarding industry in Nigeria.

Brands & Marketing 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Goldberg connects with consumers with Fuji T’o Bam

L-R: Group Product Manager, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Ms. Aigbeme Momoh, one million naira winner, Mr. Henry Oboro and VJ Adams of SoundCity during the second draw and prize presentation of the Lucozade Ribena Big Cash Giveaway Promo in Lagos…

Lucozade Ribena rewards loyal consumers Stories by Godwin Anyebe Eight lucky winners of one million naira each have emerged from the just concluded Lucozade and Ribena ‘Big Cash Give Away’ promo. The eight lucky winners, Glory Idoda, Henry Oboro, Jude Nwosu, Tomide, Osawe Valentina, Akan Essinwang, IbeEjike and James Etukpo were randomly selected via electronic draws which were held at the GSK Head office in Ilupeju, recently in Lagos. Speaking at the event, Group Product Manager, GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, Aigbeme Momoh, congratulated the winners on their big win and explained that the promo was essentially creat-

ed to reward consumers for their loyalty. According to him, “Lucozade and Ribena are credible and nutritious health drinks that have been in the Nigerian market for over 40 years. Needless to say, these drinks have had a very good heritage and enjoyed decades of loyalty especially with Nigerian consumers. The ‘Big Cash Give Away’ promo is our own way of thanking our consumers for their patronage over the last 4 decades, and also to restate our commitment to keep producing quality brands.” Also speaking , the Chief Planning Research &amp; Statistics Officer,Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Ms. Susie

Odiete-Onwuka, who witnessed the draw, attested to the transparency in the handling of the draws leading to the emergence of the eventual winners. According to her, “We at CPC advocate the use of electronic draws for promos and we are glad that GSK has complied with that process. The transparency and forthrightness displayed at the draws will go a long way in strengthening consumer confidence between GSK and its loyal consumers.” One of the winners, Henry Oboro expressed profound gratitude to GSK for fulfilling its promise to reward loyal consumers in the Lucozade Ribena for keeping to its word. His words; “GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc is

indeed a credible company, I am so glad to be a proud winner of N1 million for participating in the promo. I have always bought Ribena for my 20 months old baby and that what was made me participate. I am happy I won in this promo and I promise to keep buying Ribena for my son for the next 2 years.” A total of 14 million naira was given out as 8 winners of N1,000,000 each and 600 winners of N10,000 each emerged. The promotion which was specifically designed to reward new and existing Nigerian consumers who purchase Lucozade and Ribena drinks offered all participants the opportunity to win the grand prize of one million naira each week.

Fuji music will once again take centre stage as Goldberg, a lager beer brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc is set to put the music on the global map as the third edition of Fuji T’o Bam (a Fuji talent hunt show) begins. Fuji T’o Bam is an indigenous music activation platform of Goldberg which has in the last two editions led to the discovery of budding Fuji talents. The winner of the contest which begins in May, will eventually be crowned the Oni Wura1 of Fuji T’o Bam” in addition to a mouth-watering cash reward of N750, 000. According to Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc- the competition which will take place across key cities in South West Nigeria will have notable Yoruba actors, like Sanyeri, Kamilu Kompo, Mr. Latin and Odunlade Adekola gracing the event from the quarter final to the grand finale stages. Auditions will hold in Ota, Ibadan, Oshogbo, and Akure. Identified talents from the auditions will later converge in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital for the final selection of 30 contestants that will proceed to the quarter final at Ota, Ogun State. Ilesha in Osun State will host the semi-final. The grand finale which will hold in Ibadan will be an exciting life changing experience for the finalists. Mr. Kufre Ekanem added that, Fuji music enjoys huge followership especially in the south Western partof Nigeria, which has led the brand to create the platform to connect and engage its target consumers. The music genre thus provides a credible platform for the brand to get closer to them and share their interest.

Fresh search for Indomie heroes begin

There is no gain saying that service to humanity supersede all forms of services. People are losing touch with one another, the motivation to help, to encourage or to recognize heroism most especially at the grass root is fast going in to extinction. Yet it is central to what forms the essentials of a happy fulfilled life. This is not unconnected with what Indomie brand meant when the brand handlers in an attempt to make the society where it does business, a better place came up

with Indomie Independent Day Award Initiative. The award is for heroes of Nigeria, instituted in 2008, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Dufil Prima Foods Plc makers of Indomie Instant Noodles. Speaking to newsmen at the 8th edition of Indomie Independent Day Award press conference recently in Lagos, the Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods PLC. Mr. Deepak Singhal said that, “the award is significant because it is rooted in the recog-

nition of those whose best efforts are very often overlooked. Adding that on a daily basis, our beloved Nigerian children perform thousands of heroic acts that save the lives and properties of others at great personal risk to themselves. But the reality is that such acts of bravely often go unsung because the players involved are minors.” According to him, “so far, a total 21 children have received the awards and have their names engraved in gold in our hall of fame as heroes of Nigeria and we

are about to start the process of discovering another set of heroic children”. He added that “the initiative is in line with the core values and deep rooted belief of our company and the brand that every child indeed possesses an innate ability to achieve greatness.” Also speaking, the public relations and event manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc. Tope Ashiwaju, pointed out that, 2015 edition marks the 8th of the laudable initiative, stressing that the three

heroes that will emerge during this edition will be awarded with educational scholarship worth the sum of N1,000,000.00, 750,000.00 and 500,000.00 respectively. According to him, Indomie Award is a national event which attracts participation from all Geo Political zones across the country, especially the key cities, adding that, the event is tied to the Independent Day celebration, and it will hold on the first week of October.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Today in History Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

Cartoons from our Archives

1915 Germans introduce poison gas On April 22, 1915, German forces shocked Allied soldiers along the western front by firing more than 150 tons of lethal chlorine gas against two French colonial divisions at Ypres, Belgium. This was the first major gas attack by the Germans, and it devastated the Allied line. Toxic smoke has been used occasionally in warfare since ancient times, and in 1912 the French used small amounts of tear gas in police operations. At the outbreak of World War I, the Germans began actively to develop chemical weapons. In October 1914, the Germans placed some small tear-gas canisters in shells that were fired at Neuve Chapelle, France, but Allied troops were not exposed. In January 1915, the Germans fired shells loaded with xylyl bromide, a more lethal gas, at Russian troops at Bolimov on the eastern front. Because of the wintry cold, most of the gas

froze, but the Russians nonetheless reported more than 1,000 killed as a result of the new weapon. On April 22, 1915, the Germans launched their first and only offensive of the year. Known as the Second Battle of Ypres, the offensive began with the usual artillery bombardment of the enemy’s line. When the shelling died down, the Allied defenders waited for the first wave of German attack troops but instead were thrown into panic when chlorine gas wafted across noman’s land and down into their trenches. The Germans targeted four miles of the front with the wind-blown poison gas and decimated two divisions of French and Algerian colonial troops. The Allied line was breached, but the Germans, perhaps as shocked as the Allies by the devastating effects of the poison gas, failed to take full advantage, and the Allies held most of their positions.

Daily Times April 22, 1961

FBI agent is killed in 1933 Rolls-Royce co-founder dies 1934 An a gangster raid Frederick Henry Royce, who with Charles Stewart Rolls founded the luxury Britåish automaker RollsRoyce, died on this day in 1933 at the age of 70 in England. Royce was born on March 27, 1863, near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England. He grew up in a family of modest means and worked a variety of jobs, eventually becoming an electrician. In the mid-1880s, he founded a business that made electric cranes and electrical generators. In the early 1900s, after purchasing his first car, Royce began designing cars of his own, deciding he could build something better. Royce met British automotive dealer Charles Rolls, who agreed to sell Royce’s cars; the two men later formed a company, RollsRoyce Limited. Royce, who was known for his attention to detail and perfectionism, served as head engineer. The six-cylinder Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, which debuted in 1906, was dubbed by

the British press the world’s “best car.” In 1910, Charles Rolls died at the age of 32 while piloting his own plane. Royce continued on with their company and during World War I, designed aircraft engines for the Allied forces. Following the war, RollsRoyce returned to making cars, launching the Phantom I , a vehicle that was “powered by an all-new, pushrod-operated overhead valve engine with detachable cylinder heads--cutting-edge technology for its time,” according to the automotive information Web site Edmunds.com. In 1931, Rolls-Royce acquired rival luxury automaker Bentley. Frederick Henry Royce died on April 22, 1933, at West Wittering, West Sussex, England. In 1950, Rolls-Royce introduced the powerful and highly exclusive Phantom IV. Only 18 of these cars were produced, according to Edmunds.com, and they all went to royalty and other VIPs.

The automaker continued to thrive during the 1950s and 1960s; however, in 1971, RollsRoyce Ltd. declared bankruptcy after financial troubles related to the development of a jet engine. The company was restructured into two separate businesses: automotive and aircraft. In 1980, the auto company was acquired by a British defence business, Vickers. The following year, the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, a car designed to attract a new generation of buyers, launched. In the late 1990s, when Vickers decided to sell Rolls-Royce, German automakers Volkswagen and BMW each made a play for the business. VW ended up acquiring the Rolls-Royce production facilities in Crewe, England, while BMW got the rights to the Rolls-Royce car brand. BMW licensed the Rolls-Royce name to VW until the end of 2002, then BMW began producing RollsRoyce cars in 2003.

George “Baby Face” Nelson killed Special Agent W. Carter Baum during an FBI raid in northern Wisconsin. Nelson was holed up with notorious bank robber John Dillinger’s gang at the Little Bohemia resort but didn’t follow the planned escape route. As he was stealing a car to escape, he blasted several agents with two handguns. The famed gangster was born Lester Gillis but wanted to be known as Big George Nelson. Unfortunately for him, his youthful looks caused everyone to call him “Baby Face,” although one had to be careful about using the nickname within earshot of the gangster. After a typical teenage criminal career, Nelson joined Al Capone’s gang in 1929, where he was known for his particularly brutal strongarm tactics. In fact, his unpredictable violence got so out of hand that it eventually led to his expulsion from the gang. In the early 1930s, Nelson joined up with bootleggers in California. However, after Prohibition ended, Nelson returned to the Midwest

to try his hand at bank robberies. Nelson hit a series of banks in 1933 and 1934 and was upset when John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd were given credit for his crimes. Despite this, Nelson teamed up with Dillinger in April 1934: The pair hit two banks in South Dakota and Iowa. Reportedly, Dillinger was a bit perplexed by Nelson’s outbursts during the robberies. After shooting bank employees at both of the banks, Nelson had to be persuaded not to kill them. Not long after the raid on April 23, Dillinger was killed by agents in Chicago, making Nelson the country’s newest Public Enemy Number One. On November 27, Nelson was spotted driving in rural Illinois. After a chase involving two FBI agents, Sam Cowley and Herman Hollis, an epic gun battle ensued. Witnesses say that Nelson tired of exchanging shots from behind his cover and decided to attack the agents on the offensive. Although Cowley and Hollis fired many rounds into Nelson, he kept coming at them with a machine gun.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

23 News

Elechi dares Ebonyi Assembly over plan to freeze accounts Jacob Mbam Abakaliki

ÏÏÏEbonyi

State Governor, Chief Martin Elechi, has said that the state House of Assembly had no power to freeze the accounts of local governments, development centres or any other agencies of the government, since such powers resided with the executive arm of government. He said that the recent resolutions passed by the House of

Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏStudents,

under the aegis of National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS), have given a threeday ultimatum to their state government to pay bursary, failing which they would embark on a protest that would disrupt government activities. The association also dismissed claims by government that bursary remained a privilege and not right. In a release signed by NAOSS Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Animashun and Ganiyu Fatai respectively, copies of which were made available to newsmen in

NCPC inaugurates 2015 pilgrimage medical committee Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Executive Secretary of

the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, has inaugurated a 14-man Federal Medical Com-

Obiano

Assembly was outside its powers and so is without effect and should be ignored. In a press statement, Elechi said he was yet to be formally communicated with the resolutions in line with intra-govermental procedures. He reminded the House that the implementation of any legislative resolution was discretionary and at the pleasure of the Executive arm of government and that it was only a court of law with competent jurisdiction that could or-

der the freezing of any account of government or persons. On the sale of forms for allocation of stalls at Ocho Udo International Market, the Governor maintained the House of Assembly also lacked the powers to stop the ongoing process in the market, explaining further that it was noteworthy that his administration initiated the construction of the market in 2009 and has so far invested the sum of N18.3 billion in its development. “So far, out of the 7070 stalls,

which is the full capacity of the market, 5600 stalls have been completed, while work is ongoing in the remaining ones. The sale of forms for the allocation of stalls are for the already completed ones and not for the uncompleted components. Even at that, many state governments develop their markets on the basis of “build and operate” principle in which the traders bear the cost of construction of such markets without government’s financial input, ” Elechi said.

Bursary: Osun students threaten to disrupt govt activities Osogbo, the group decried what it termed “anti-students policies in the education sector.” The letter read in part: “There is poor welfare package for the lecturers in state-owned institutions, our bursary for 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions have not also been paid.”

mittee for the 2015 Christian Pilgrimage exercise. In a brief ceremony at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Opara explained that its members were appointed based on merit and competence. According to him: “For the first time, I have changed all the committee members and went through your qualifications to ensure that all of you that are selected merited it.’’ He stressed the need for the committee to be faithful and loyal and be devoted to their work. According to him, “God is the one that has called you to do this assignment and if you are faithful, the Lord will lift you up.”

Anambra indigenes in Kaduna hail Obiano

He recalled that as early as December 2012, the Executives of the Ebonyi State Amalgamated Traders Association led by its Chairman, Mr. Peter Oba, led a delegation to him and appealed that the completed stalls at the market should be allocated to the traders but according to Elechi, the government decided to delay the allocations until a more substantial number of stalls had been completed so as to avoid cut throat competition and fraud.

L-R: President, Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa; former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi and Justice, Court of Appeal Lagos Division, Justice Amina Augie during the retreat for chairmen of the Election Petition Tribunals 2015 at the FCT Ceremonial Court Room in Abuja… on Tuesday PHOTO: JOHN BABA

Buhari urged to overhaul Nigerian Army Daniel Jolly Bauchi

ÏÏÏThe President-elect, Muham-

madu Buhari, has been called upon to overhaul the country’s security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, in his initiative towards finding lasting solutions in some volatile areas of the country. The chairman, Muslim, Christian Peace Movement, MCPM, Ambassador Garba Sidi, stated this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Bauchi, stressing that this is necessary, in order for the Nigerian Army to meet up with the challenge of insurgency and restore their integrity, bring back the Chibok girls who had been in captivity for more than a year. He explained that for the mili-

Victor Jibrin Kaduna

ÏÏÏGovernor Willie Obiano of

Anambra State has earned the respect and support of his kinsmen resident in Kaduna State for running an effective administration.

tary and other security agencies to operate successfully, government should ensure that they got their entitlements, their welfare taken care of and well equipped, in readiness for any task ahead. Said he: “The new government of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) should take good care of the Nigerian Army so that they can

Buhari

offer adequate protection and maintain law and order.” On agriculture, Sidi urged Buhari to implement policies that would empower farmers and boost food production in the country, especially dry season farming to encourage availability of food products. He advised the President –elect to appoint knowledgeable and patriotic technocrats as ministers and special aides in his government rather than politicians whose ambition is to plunder the nation’s wealth for themselves and their family. He called on the president-elect to grant local government autonomy for effective impact of dividends of democracy as they are closer to the people in the grassroots.

The President General, Igbo Community Welfare Association (ICWA), Kaduna, Barrister Chris Nnoli, who spoke on behalf of the people, cited the Governor’s achievements in health, education sectors, roads infrastructure, security, beautification and industrialisation among others, which he said has

given the state a facelift. He said: “Willie Obiano is very competent to be the governor of Anambra State and he is living up to it from what I have seen so far. By the grace of God, if he keeps up with what he is doing today, I think the sky will be the beginning of all the successes he will record.”

Public Notice 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL CHURCH

CHRIST SAINT ALL POWER GLORY CHURCH

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

This is to inform the general public that the aboved named ministry has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. Pastor Moses Segun Hodewu 2. Mr. Pius Hodewu 3. Pastor Solomon Zindozin 4. Dcns. Abigael Hodewu 5. Elder James Hodewu.

TRUSTEES: 1. Okafor Azubuike Andrew (General Overseer) 2. Okolo Doris Chioma (Treasurer) 3. Okafor Esther Obianuju (Secretary) 4. Okafor Faith Ifenyinwa 5. Okafor Daniiel Olisaemeka 6. Okafor Gloria Ifeoma 7. Okafor Joseph Chinedu

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Jegede Michael Adeola. 2. Mr Bamidele Moses Oyebanre . 3. Pastor (Mrs) Funmilayo Jegede. 4. John Dumoye Gbadeyan. 5. Mrs Abolanle Oyebiyi.

CHRIST WONDERFUL PROPHETIC GLOBAL CHURCH

Aims and Objectives To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

Aims and Objectives To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ

Aims and Objectives To revive the body of Christ through the everlasting gospel. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed; Secretary

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

GOD’S DIVINE RESTORATION CHRIST MINISTRY

CHRIST FAITH SOLUTION GROUND EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

UMUEZUO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION LAGOS

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

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

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

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

TRUSTEES: 1) Pst Lanre Yinka Okewole 2) Pst (Mrs) Mercy Ojorumi Okewole 3) Pst Emmanuel Eluojo 4) Pst Martin Arikpo 5) Pst. Christopher Ugwuanyi 6) Dr. John Eli Onwumelu 7) Nwosu Samuel Anamelechi 8) Macauley Adabhie 9) Adedotun Ogunyemi

TRUSTEES: 1, Dr. Uche Okereke- Chairman 2, Nwabueze Ike- Secretary 3, Eze Chukwudi Maurice- Member 4, Nwoga Wenceslaus- Member 5, Obiagwu Peter Onyemachi- Member 6, Iwuchukwu Celestine Onyekwere- Member 7, Nze Chris Ike- Member 8, Nwoke John Okechukwu- Member.

TRUSTEES: 1. Prophet Anthony Adekunle Adeyemi 2. Pastor (Mrs) Augustine Paulina Chioma 3. Aderemi Sodiq 4. Olanrewaju Gbenga Moses Aims and Objectives 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To embark on personal and mass evangelism

Aims and Objectives To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

MATER DEI SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE This is to inform the General Public that the above named centre has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. THE NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Mr Obi Patrick Nwagbo - Chairman 2. Mrs Ibekwe Stella Uchenna - Secretary 3. Mr Ejiofor Barnabas Joemario 4. Mr Onwumere Emmanuel 5. Mrs Obioma Ngozi Uloma 6. Mr. Obienu Vincent Chinedu 7. Mr. Ezeani Gerald Arinze THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To help and assist the less privileged and physically challenged in the society. 2. To offer free counseling services to the youths and those in need of such services. 3. To offer free and qualitative education to those with no means of finance. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication SIGNED BY:- Secretary

HUQUQ UMMAH SOCIETY OF NIGERIA This is to inform the General Public that the above named SOCIETY has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990. THE NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Isola Tawfiq Tewogbade 2. Dr. Bilal Sirajudeen 3.Agbaje Lateefat Oyenike 4.Wahab Olasupo Wemimo 5. Yekeen Muniru Alade 6.Tadese Adeyemi Fatai THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To alleviate poverty in the society 2. To enhance quality educational skill. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication SIGNED BY:- Trustees

TRUEVINE CHRISTIAN CENTRE This is to inform the General Public that the above named Centre has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

Aims and Objectives 1. For the development, progress and welfare of sons & daughters of Umuezuo both home and in diaspora 2. To contribute to the development of members wellbeing economically and socially. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Garki Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Dr. Uche Okereke- Chairman

LEAD ME TO THE CROSS GOSPEL CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named church has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the company and Allied Matters Act No;1 cap 59 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Rev Dr Festus Odeyemi 2. Rev. Maria Oladeinde 3. Rev.Ayobami O.Agunbiade 4. Rev.Sunday O. Idowu 5. Elder Henry T.Adenekan 6. Pastor Samuel S. olawale 7. Pastor Shina E.Akinnawonu

The Names of the Trustees are:1. Jude Nnanyere Eke 2. Comfort Jude-Eke 3. Ukachukwu Samuel 4. Osamudiamhen Ohoghor 5. Chibuike Allison THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To preach the total gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2. To teach the word of God and bring understanding to mankind. 3. To minister succor to the needy and less privileged. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication SIGNED BY:- Secretary

THE AIMS/OBJECTIVES SHALL BE: 1.To make known the gospel (ie good news)of Jesus Christ to all people and nations,regardless of tr ibe,tongue,race,social,economic and educational standard,with the aid of electronic,print and other means of communication. 2.To organize believers of the gospel into local assemblies and to teach them the Bible doctrines 3.To undertake all evangelistic,missionary and apostolic responsibilities as approved by the Holy Bible 4.To train members in becoming ardent followers/disciples of the LORD Jesus Christ.etc etc Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General,Corporate Affairs Commission,plot 420 Tigris Crescent,Maitama,P.M.B.198 Garki,Abuja F.C.T. within 28days of this publication. Signed: Prince M.H. Ochei Barristers & Solicitors 103 Lewis street, Lagos

THE KOGI CNY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

DIAMOND CLUB OF ALIMOSHO

This is to inform the General Public that the above named ministry has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organisation have applied for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004.

The Names of the Trustees are:1. Mr. Bukola Jolaolu - General Overseer 2. Ebunoluwa Odubonojo 3. Mr. Kunle Abidemi Lagunju - Secretary 4. Mr. Temitope Bello 5. Pastor Segun Oyebola

The Trustees Are: 1. Alex Ogunjobi Adeyeye 3. Odusiga Kazeem Owolabi 5. Okeyale Nurudeen Alabi 7. Olamiju Olanrewaju 9. Agemo Kazeem Oludele.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication SIGNED BY:- General Overseer

2. Ajeboriogbon musibau Olawale 4. Adelowo musbau 6. Adegbulugbe Omolayo Omot 8. Olanipekun Sulaiman Sola

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote and foster unity, peace, love and clear understanding among members 2. To raise fund for the development of the club and the welfare of members in case of eventuality i.e sickness, death cases among the members. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: KAZEEM AGEMO, ESQ.

CYCLE PROTECTORS INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE

GREENROCK EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

EBELLE YOUTH ASSOCIATION (LAGOS BRANCH)

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization have applied for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE have applied for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004.

The general public is hereby notify that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The Trustees Are:

The trustees are.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Nonso R. Daniels-President 2. Mrs. Aderonke A. Aderinoye-Vice President 3. Mrs. Stella I. Agu-Secretary 4. Mrs. Stella C. Olugbire-Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To create awareness and embark on public enlightenment campaigns on issues bordering on: 1) Climate change / Global warming and its consequences; 2) Sustainable Energy; 3) Environmental Sustainability / Sustainable Development; and 4) Green Solutions Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed: Secretary

1. Mrs. Amaechi Chinenye Eunich 2. Amaechi St. Christopher Uchenna. AIMS &OBJECTIVES:

1. To support educational development through competition and awarding of prizes. 2. To bring out the hidden potentials in students through educational competitions. 3. To rekindle educational interest amongst the young generation. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: FRANKBELL CONSULTING (08056442995,07036845520)

1. Imhariagbe Hope Osagie - Chairman. 2. Erhahon Emhanta Lucky - Treasurer. 3. Ebhonu Philip Aibgedion. 4. Osaluemen Kenneth Ebhoaye. 5. Oreye Gregory Goodluck. 6. Eguabor Clement Omogbera - Secretary. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES.

1. To foster unity, peace and love among members . 2. To set pace for the youth in the community. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off aguiyi ironsi street, maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication. Signed. Secretary.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Police arrest eight armed robbers in Gombe

Ă?Ă?Ă?The

Gombe State Police Command says it has arrested a gang of eight armed robbers, who had been terrorising the residents of Gombe, the state capital. The Gombe Police spokesman, DSP Fwaje Atajiri, while parading a suspected rapist and four homosexuals, stated that the armed robbers had been charged to court. According to him, the suspected armed robbers, whose names were not disclosed, were arrested at

various spots within the state, while weapons recovered from them included one AK47 rifle with seven rounds of live ammunition, two locally manufactured pistols, four cutlasses, 23 arrows and two bows. Atajiri, who said the Command was investigating 20 politically motivated violence cases, also paraded a 45-year-old rapist, as well as four young homosexuals. The Command gave the name of the rapist as Haruna Adamu, who was alleged to have been arrested

raping a 13-year-old girl near the Police barracks, at night, at Tudun Wada, in Gombe. The suspect confessed to have committed the crime, but argued that he had had sex with the girl twice and paid her N270. As for the four homosexuals, their names were given as Sadiq Umaru, Rufai Mohammed, Ibrahim Abubakar and Sadiq Adamu. Atajiri told reporters that the rapist and homosexual suspects were arrested at the same area on April 19, 2015, at about midnight and

Atajiri

$ 3 & # # 0 % ( ( % ! 4 5 3 &&

that the arrest followed a tip off and explained that all the suspects would appear in court, as soon as investigation was completed.

Speakership: Okpe leaders insist on Igbuya

Ă?Ă?Ă?Okpe political leaders,

on Tuesday, recognised the contributions of the Major ity Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Monday Ovwigho Igbuya, to the progress of the kingdom, describing him as a distinguished politician and patriot. Igbuya, who is also the national vice-chairman of Urhobo Political Forum + , $ #$ (UPF), was re-elected on - $ ( $the platform of the Peoples % ! & Democratic Party (PDP). # )$ ' The leaders, who spoke in Sapele, stated that Ig. . ( ) *

buya deserved to be the $ ) next Speaker of the Delta % ! & State House of Assembly, # % because of his sterling per/0

1 ( ) ) formance, experience and integrity. Citing him for honesty, diligence and loyalty, the leaders praised him for up!!! " holding the tenets of good governance and championing the cause of Okpe people. Rising from an emer# " gency meeting, the Okpe $ % Patriotic Front (OPF), an & " "' (" ) * + $,- , . umbrella organisation of /" " + /. " politicians from different 0 1 2, ) " 3 ,0 4 political parties in the king/" dom, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;the only person who can truly lead the Assembly, in the spirit of one Delta, is Igbuya, considering his wealth of experience and performanceâ&#x20AC;?.

25 News

8th NASS: Senate President should go to Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;East â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sen. Bukar Akor Ejumene Abuja

Ă?Ă?Ă?The senator represent-

ing Yobe East Senatorial District in the Red Chamber, Senator Ibrahim Abba Bukar, has said it would be unfair if the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) eventually decided to accept a recommendation zoning the seat of the Senate President to North Central and the speakership position of the House of Representatives to South-West in the eighth National Assembly. Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Bukar, a former governor of Yobe State, who was elected for the third time into the Senate in the 2015 general election, said that the proper thing to do was to zone the Senate Presidency or Speakership of the House of Representatives to the North-East, as against the Deputy Senate President seat proposed for the region. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This first step so far taken is a wrong step. The Segun Oni adhoc committee has made recommendation to the leadership of the party. The recommendation is totally wrong, biased and heavily

lopsided. I hope Mr. President-elect will do something about it. Of course, whatever anybody says, whatever the party says, whatever the President-elect says, at the end of day it is the members of the National Assembly who are going to elect their leaders. So, I just hope this first step is corrected. It is wrong for this committee to recommend that North Central which has produced four different Senate Presidents in this country should continue to produce another Senate President, while the North-East has never ever produced a Senate President; never ever produced a Speaker. The highest we have ever held was the Deputy Speaker.â&#x20AC;?

Bukar

Ajimobi hails Oke-Ogun for support, pledges more devt Ă?Ă?Ă?Governor

Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Monday, led his deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, members of the state Executive Council and backers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on a visit to the Oke-Ogun zone of the state to express appreciation to the people of the zone for voting en masse for the APC during the just concluded general election. Ajimobi and his team arrived at the zone through Iseyin, and were received by a large crowd of APC supporters and residents of the ancient town. The elated governor and his deputy, who mounted the open roof of their cam-

paign bus, doled out souvenir to the people amidst singing and dancing before proceeding to Okeho through the rehabilitated Iseyin-Okeho Road, where they were received by a gargantuan crowd. The team also visited Ayetoro, Iwere Ile and Ilero, all in Kajola Local Government Area, as well as Iganna in Iwajowa Local Government Area. Ajimobi assured the residents of the zone that his administration would create a huge impact on the socioeconomic and physical development of the zone during the next dispensation. The governor gave the assurance, while addressing community leaders in Saki.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Inside Campus

Inside Campus Editor: Mutiat Alli mutiat.alli@dailytimes.com.ng

Strategies to promote small &medium enterprises in Nigeria Sulaiman Bukola Hauwa

APWEN Vice chairman presenting an award to Mujidah Adebayo, winner of the Public Speaking competition held at the event..

Association celebrates female members Kawthar Babatunde Unilag It was an atmosphere of fun last Wednesday 15, April 2015 when the University of Lagos Engineering Society (ULES) organized the second edition of the ‘Engineering Ladies Day’ to celebrate its female members. According to the president of the association, Tobi Bamigbelu, the programme is an annual event that is set aside to honour female students of the faculty and also to encourage

more female students to take up engineering courses, noting that engineering had always been a male dominated course. The event, themed ‘the 3600 engineer’ was sponsored by the Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), and it featured a morning session and a dinner that was held at the Staff School Hall. APWEN Brand Manager, Engr. Funlola Ojelade encouraged students to remain focused and serious with their studies, stressing that, ‘to be a successful engineer demands a high level of serious-

ness and commitment.’ Miss Oge of the Department of Systems Engineering, Unilag, talked about life as a student and female engineer. She admonished the female Engineering students never to feel inferior to their male counterparts, stressing that female students also have all what it takes to be successful engineers. The event also featured a Public Speaking contest, which was won by Mujidah Adebayo, a 300-level Civil Engineering student. She beat eight other students to emerge as the winner.

Skills displayed at le bolt cup Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN The Football pitch of Medical Hostel, University of Benin (UNIBEN) was a beehive of activities as student trooped out to watch the maiden edition of the Le-Bolt Cup. Organized by Osehike Igwubor, a final year Medicine and Surgery student in collaboration with the University of Benin Medical Students Association (UBEMSA) was a six Aside tournament. Dean of student affairs, Prof Francis Osagiede, commended Osehike for putting up the competition which according to him will go a long way in the history of the university as the maiden unifying tournament. Observing that the role of exercise in developing a student cannot be overempha-

sized, Prof Osagiede called on the participating teams to play by the rules of the game and exhibit the spirit sportsmanship. On his part, Osehike said he deemed it fit to organize the event as a way of giving back to the university before his graduation. The tournament featured eight teams namely, Mydas FC,

Mydas FC team, winner of the le bolt cup

Lazio FC, Obas FC, Calculus FC, IYP FC, Titans FC, Crystal Palace FC and Stars FC. Making it to the final was a match between Mydas FC and Lazio FC with Mydas FC defeating 4:1 to the end of 90minutes making them winner of the cup. They were rewarded with N30, 000 and the cup. Lazio FC was rewarded with N15, 000.

Over and for a long time to come, the Small and Medium Enterprises would continue to be a dominant factor in the industrial acceleration process in Nigeria. It has aided the economic empowerment of its citizens, thus enhance the Gross Domestic Product of the nation. Small and Medium Enterprises however, are plagued with certain obstacles which militate against attaining the zenith growth in Nigeria. The main constituents of which are: managerial, technical, commercial, financial and infrastructural constraints. According scholars, the financial problems have their origin in the humble circumstances of the small businesses. Managerial problems arose from the entrepreneur’s limited education and training in entrepreneurship development, while the technical problems were due to his limited knowledge in project planning and appraisal as well as little or no exposure to modern technology. The commercial problems consisted of his inability to organize market surveys and product distribution channels. The financial problems included lack of adequate capital and the tempting urge to misappropriate the profit of such ventures. The myriad of problems militating against the establishment and growth of small and medium enterprises explains why it is expedient to embark on a deliberate policy and strategies of promoting the development of such industries in Nigeria. From the above, inadequate finance and poor infrastructural facilities is a major challenge faced by SME in Nigeria. Most small and medium enterprises had not succeeded in getting credit facilities because they could not meet the pre-requisites for obtaining the credits. The efforts of the government to assist the sector in this regard had yielded expected results because of its lean resources, poor implementation of their programmes, and other competing demands from other sectors on the lean resources of the government. As a strategy for ameliorating the problem lack of funds, it is suggested that a credit guarantee scheme. Should be put in place whereby government established institutions would guarantee loan made by conventional banks to the Small and Medium Enterprises, while the interest on such loans

Hauwa

should be made favourable. This is in addition to the creation of special funds or financial institutions whereby soft loans and credit facilities would be made available to the Small and Medium Enterprises. In-built mechanisms must be made to ensure that the loans/ credit facilities are actually given to the right persons. It must also be ensured that such loans or credit facilities are revolving. This will not only ensure the continuity of the facilities but will also enable many entrepreneurs to have access to them. On the provision of infrastructural facilities for the use of SMEs, it has been discovered that the federal government of Nigeria has not been able to come to grasp with this issue. The epileptic supply of electricity, impassable road network, inadequacy of water supply, and non-availability of other infrastructures have adversely affected the establishment and development of SMEs. It, therefore, becomes imperative for the private sector to join hands with the government in the provision of these facilities. Hence, an Intervention Fund titled the ‘Industrial Infrastructural Facilities Funds’ (IIFF) is being recommended as a strategy to remedy the situation. In this case, it would be made mandatory for businesses to contribute a proportion of their profits into a pool with a view to providing infrastructures for the use of the industries. Its imperative we recommend however that since the government cannot single-handedly shoulder the promotion of the development of Small and Medium Enterprises, the organized private sector should join hands with the government. Also in view of the fact that most Small and Medium Enterprises do not possess adequate collaterals which banks would require before granting loans, the establishment of a credit guarantee scheme is suggested whereby the government could guarantee loans to Small and Medium Enterprises. This would encourage banks to advance loan to sub-sector. Sulaiman Bukola Hauwa, is a final year Mass Communication, Kwara state university, Malete.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Group slams Umeh over elections petition Nkiru Nwagbo Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra

Central People’s Coalition, has asked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, to keep quiet over the conduct of the National Assembly elections in the state on March 28, 2015. The group, led by the senatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) during the election, Chief Anayo Nweke, said he contested the election, adding that it was free, fair and credible despite losing the election. Umeh, had filed his petition at the Anambra State Elections

Petitions Tribunal in Awka, last week Saturday, citing irregularities and heavy fraud as some of the things that marred the election. After the contest, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Uche Ekwunife winner of the election. Ekwunife, who currently represents Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia constituency was issued with certificate of return by INEC last week Friday. However, the group warned Umeh to desist from claiming victory on the pages of newspapers, adding that he should wait

for the court’s decision. According to Nweke, “some of us who contested the election have already emulated President Goodluck Jonathan, Jimi Agbaje in Lagos and others by conceding defeat after the election to the person declared winner by INEC. “We advise Umeh in the interest of Anambra Central to join hands with Hon. Uche Ekwunife, who performed creditably well for her people at the House of Representatives. “Only God gives power, apart from that it was the work Ekwunife did for her constituents that gave her that position, therefore, we are not ready to question God’s decision”.

Gbubemi God’s Covenant

ÏÏÏForemost

civil society group in Nigeria, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), has received a new human rights group, Christ for the Defense of Human and Community Rights & Development Initiative (CDHRDI) into its fold. The CLO inaugural meeting was held at CDHRI’s headquarters at Ilapo, Alagbado area of Alimosho Local Government Area in Lagos. In his welcome address, human rights activist and Founder/ President of the new group, Comrade Prophet Oladele Omoniyi, announced the purpose of the merger of CDHRI with the Civil Liberties Organisation: “The CDHRI is an organisation that fights for people’s rights, assists widows and promotes the

of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) has described Dangote Group’s sponsorship of the upcoming 36th Kaduna International Trade Fair as yet another huge contribution to the Nigerian economy, by a single business entity. The fair is coming as the Dangote conglomerate scaled up its business frontiers which also tallies with the fair’s theme of: “Promoting Domestic Production for National Sustainable Economic Development.” Speaking to newsmen, Director General of the Chamber, Usman Saulawa, said Nigeria's economy

Ex-Bayelsa gov’s aide tasks Buhari on appointments Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏFormer Special Adviser to Ex- Governor of Bayelsa State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Chief Richard Kpodo, on Tuesday, asked the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari (retd), not to appoint politicians with questionable characters into his cabinet. According to him, any wrong appointment made may send wrong signals about his administration. Kpodo said, though the zero tolerance status of the Presidentelect is known to Nigerians, the

need to tread carefully and verify the status of any proposed political appointees is important to the proper take-off of the change needed in the various sectors of the nation’s economy. The APC chieftain, who made this call in Yenagoa, during an interactive session with journalists, noted that the APC and the President-elect, must stand by the campaign promises made on the zero tolerance to corruption by appointing technocrats and credible politicians devoid of sentiments and corrupt past. In his words: “The people of Bayelsa State want the Presidentelect to stand by his words and ensure that the battle against cor-

ruption starts with the choice of persons appointed into his cabinet. We believe in him due to his records and antecedents. The support base built during the campaign was based on the promise to tackle corruption head-on. We believe he is the man for the job. “The promise to eradicate corruption from all sectors of the economy must start with the proposed appointments to be made into his cabinet or on the transition committee. We want him to tread carefully and not appoint politicians with questionable characters into his cabinet and should not appoint those known to have cases to answer before the anti-corruption agencies.”

New rights group joins CLO development of the communities around us. After a careful consideration, my members and I, decided to join forces with the CLO so we can, together, fight for the protection of people’s rights since we have and share the same aims and objectives. “On behalf of my 50 memberstrong NGO, we hereby pledge to belong and work together with the Civil Liberties Organisation to defend and promote the principles and practice of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and in accordance with the African Charter on Human and People’s rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights” Omoniyi said.

KADCCIMA lauds Dangote Group over trade fair sponsorship ÏÏÏ The Kaduna State Chamber

L-R: President,Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Com. Ayuba Wabba; Governor of Edo State, Com. Adams Oshiomhole and NLC General Secretary, Com. Peter Ozo-Esa during Oshiomhole's courtesy visit to Wabba in Abuja... on Tuesday Photo: John Baba

27 News

will be bolstered as, apart from the Dangote conglomerate and a broad spectrum of local business groups, investors and traders from at least nine countries will be represented. “I want to correct you. The Chamber does not have a good relationship with the Dangote Group. It has an excellent relationship with the company. The Dangote Group has always supported us right from time,” he said. He said the group, as it were, will be one of the biggest partners of the Chamber at the Trade Fair that opens on Friday April 24, 2015 to Sunday May 3, 2015.

Adamawa dep gov-elect assures of completion of road projects Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe Adamawa Deputy Gov-

ernor -elect, Mr Matins Babale, has said that the construction of Mayo-Belwa-Jada- Ganye road, linking Toungo federal road would be among the first assignment of the incoming administration. Babale also assured that rehabilitation of other roads that had been in deplorable state, will be completed so as to make economyic activities in the state thrive faster. He made the pledge when he paid homage to Gangwari of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, in Ganye town, headquarters of Ganye Local Government Area. The governor-elect urged the

people of the chiefdom to cooperate for the accelerated development. According to him, the people of the Chiefdom comprising Ganye, Toungo and Jada local government areas are now well enlightened against any political sentiment that would create division among them.

Gov Ngilari

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Industry TECHNOLOGY Issues

By MOSES OWOLABI, mosesowolabi2005@yahoo.com; 08053064507(sms only)

As NASENI moves to the Presidency… ÏÏÏNow that the National Agency for

Science & Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is being moved to the Presidency, the president should use his powers to right the wrongs in the science sector, once and for all. In doing this, the president should take a look at the mandates of NASENI again. Also, what were the visions and recommendations of the founding fathers? Those who conceptualised NASENI saw that the bureaucracy in the civil service would impede the growth of science and technology and they felt that to have a sector that would really serve the people and produce result, the ‘red-tapism’ must be removed. They visualised a situation similar to what obtains in the private sector where decisions are taken fast, without any waste of time. The establishment of NASENI was the-closest-to-the-ideal they could go. That is to say that NASENI was to replace the Federal Ministry of Science & Technology. It was not intended that the agency would be another parastatal under the ministry. But because the government did not have the will to do the right thing or couldn’t resist the pressure of those who want to be science and technology ministers, the government turned full circle to retain the ministry. The organogram of NASENI shows the agency’s importance. The chairman is Mr. President while the vice chairman is chief executive and director general. All the research and development institutes are supposed to be under the purview of NASENI. As the name suggests, the National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure is meant to provide science and engineering infrastructure to ensure that Nigeria has a solid National System of Innovation. Science and engineering infrastructure are different from basic infrastructure (roads, electricity, water, etc.). They comprise, for example, in the case of automotive industry—high capacity press for stamping body parts of vehicles, jigs and fixtures for making dies; foundries for mass producing of cast components like engine blocks,

Abdu Bulama

etc; pattern making expertise and facilities needed to produce molds, etc. It is on record that the pioneer chief executive of NASENI, the late Prof. Gordian Ezekwe, was able to ‘engineer’ the multiplication of foundries from under 30 to over 140, nationally. So NASENI is meant to provide infrastructure for sophisticated research and development and mass production. But it is not to dabble into actual research, development and mass production. It is in the light of the above that we view the dabbling of the National Engineering Design & Development Institute (NEDDI), Nnewi into motor bike and tricycle research and development as questionable and a duplication of efforts. From its mandate, all it should have done, if it had interest in automotive research is to provide the best design facilities (infrastructure) for the use of Centre for Automotive Design & Development (CADD), Zaria and others. NEDDI should have worked with the National Automotive Council to see in what areas the two bodies could collaborate.

Timessearch e-mail: oyin_K@yahoo.com 08055103156

Sarah ODEDE

‘Lagos govt yet to compensate my parents over evacuation’ ÏÏÏPlease

help find out from the Lagos State Government, if and when families who were told to vacate their apartments within two weeks in Oke Afa Housing Estate since 2013 have been compensated. My parents were affected and relocated to my house in Abeokuta, Ogun State from where my father took ill and eventually died of the illness. The death of my father occupied my mother so much that she could not pursue the matter of compensation to the level she ought to. But it was said that some of the families affected have been compensated. To date, nobody could say the exact amount the Lagos State Government gave to the affected families and no one is prepared to direct us to the appropriate source of payment, if it is true they have been paid by the Lagos State Government, as widely rumored. Please help solve this issue, let us know if it is true compensation has been paid to the affected families. My family should not be exempted, please help me out. Oredola Temilehin P.O. Box 4471 Onikolobo, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Investigation into the issue of Oredola Temilehin at the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Alausa, Lagos State revealed that the Lagos State Government had

since paid the sum of N200,000 each to 15 families occupying three distressed buildings at Oke-Afa Housing Estate, Ejigbo, who vacated their apartments within two weeks as ordered by the state government. The official had this to say, “It is not a rumor. It is true that occupants were asked to leave their apartments to enable the Lagos State Government reconstruct the the buildings and hand them back to their owners.” According to the official, the Lagos State Government said the affected buildings, 16 in number, have been identified as distressed after it conducted integrity tests on the buildings in 2012. The test was prompted, she added, by the collapse of a two-storey building on November 20 2012 which killed 10 persons. She said that the General Manager of the State Emergency Management Authority Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, gave out the cheques to the occupants of the flats, and told them that government would not extend the two-week grace because reconstruction must start soon, and that was so. The official wondered why this complainant/enquirer is coming for such an issue after two years and several months have gone by. However, the enquirer/complainant was advised to call on the department with documents to prove his claims that his parents were affected but were not paid compensation. Good luck.

What are the gains of biomedical research? ÏÏÏI am an undergraduate of

a Nigerian university (names withheld) and my university is not one of those that collaborate on biomedical research. Can TIMESEARCH shed more light on the issue? What does the initiators of this research, actually, want and what do they intend to gain from it? Opeyemi Olaoluwa, P.O. Box 4419, Modakeke, Osun State. Only six federal universities in Nigeria are promoting biomedical research through joint efforts. An official of the National Universities Commission, (NUC), Abuja, who preferred

anonymity, disclosed that the issue had been on since 2013 and that, according to the coordinator of the project, Professor Eugene Okpere, the focus was to make the six universities work, jointly, and ensure the rapid development of biomedical research in Nigerian universities, and boost their ranking. He added that there was a NUC committee for the promotion of biomedical research in Nigeria. The official added that “Because of this, you are able to identify a university or a professor in New York, doing the same kind of research as you, you can then link up and collaborate with him and move faster than you are able to do alone”. However, the NUC would be involved in the project through capacity building, advisory role, seminars and regular sourcing for funds.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Features EXIT OF COMRADE UCHE CHUKWUMERIJE:

The vacuum would be too hard to fill

AGOZINO AGOZINO recalls the Life and Times of the one-time Information Minister, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije who died last Sunday in Abuja. As William James captures in his epic poem, “the greatest use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life.” In life, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, the cerebral information strategist, Marxist thinker and lawmaker who represented Abia North Senatorial District in the

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

National Assembly, passed on in the Turkish Hospital, Abuja last Sunday April 19. Roundly remarkable and enigmatic, Comrade Uche featured in the Nigerian political scene with his radical posture and remarkable interventions. Aged 75, Chukwumerije bowed out after a long battle with lung cancer Since the news of his passage last Sunday, a common theme ran through dignitaries’ condolences. Chukwumerije was information strategist

and erudite lawmaker who used his intellectual prowess to fight for social justice and equity. Among lawmakers, Chukwumerije stood tall, not just for his incisive arguments in the hallow chambers but for his commitment to a massesoriented ideology. Testimonies of his outstanding stature as a revolutionary thinker and social engineer have continued to trail the news of his death. Raised in Igboland tradition and customs, Chukwumerije’s quest for Western education

which took him through Europe and America did not change his passion for his cultural root. His uncommon passion for the struggle for social justice which made him an ideological socialist during the Nigerian civil war despite being an alumnus of University of Ibadan (UI) surprised many. Similarly, he was a key strategist in the regime of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, where he served as CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

CLO regroups, backs Buhari to succeed Rising from a lull which saw the group missing in action at the just concluded presidential and other elections in Nigeria, foremost civil society group in Nigeria, CLO is putting its house in order and ready to take its place as the No. 1 egalitarian crusader in the country. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR had a rendezvous with the group last weekend and reports. It was a reunion of the once boisterous and viral society police of old times. And the forum was hosted by a new human rights group, Christ for the Defense of Human Community Rights & Development Initiative (CDHRDI) at AIT/Ray Power road, Alagbado in Lagos over the weekend. Old and new members, male and female of the apex human rights crusaders all met for the first time in a long time after some internal crisis forced the group to lie low, although skeletal activists like the group’s General Secretary, Comrade Yemi Enitan and few others, were following up cases they had in the courts and with security agencies. It was an opportunity for stock-taking and renewal of membership of existing members and receiving of new activists, including a young NGO which 50 member-strong group was received into the Civil Liberties family. Addressing the activists at his opening speech, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Kehinde Abiola

Bakare refreshed their minds of the purpose, aims and objectives of CLO. “CLO is the foremost human rights organisation in Nigeria with membership spread across the entire federation. Founded by four young Nigerians, two lawyers, Olisa Agbakoba and Clement Iwanko and two journalists, Richard Akinola and Abdul Oro, CLO’s vision and mission is to defend and promote in Nigeria the principles and practice of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and in accordance with the African Charter on Human and People’s rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Also to monitor the condition of human rights of the civil liberty in Nigeria and to issue reports thereon. We are also to monitor the extent of compliance with universal and practice of human rights in Nigeria by government and its agencies including the police, the judiciary, the prisons and issue reports in that respect. “Of great importance, note that CLO provides legal aids for its members when their fundamental human rights are violated and also utilises international human rights instruments and pressure to protect the people’s rights.” At a special interview with the Ibadan based Zonal Chairman of the group, Comrade Abdulrasaq Adenekan who became Zonal Chairman as a result of the internal crisis that rocked the organisation in 2009, Adenekan talked about the evolution of

Group photo of CLO Lagos Chapter members. Nigerian politics and the role CLO is expected to play in the incoming administration. “The civil society group which includes the CLO is never antigovernment in our activities, utterances and in everything we do; we can’t afford to be anti any government because our constituency is the generality of the people.” Is that insinuating that members are at liberty to be pro any government?

“Not really, we also can’t afford to be pro any government. Human beings are political animals naturally, like if you say you are pro to a party A, then what would you be to party B? Are the people in Party B not among the people you are supposed to defend their rights? Then if the right of Part B is being trampled upon, and you are pro to Party A, how do you fight for people in Party

B? That’s why it’s difficult for civil society groups, especially the CLO, to say it is pro to a particular government.” On the presidential election “Nigerians have spoken and they have spoken wisely. When you look at the outcome of the election results, you have the bulk of Nigerians say, this is what we want. As a result of that, anybody who really loves CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Features 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

He brought meaning to hard work – Mark CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Minister of Information and under the interim national government of Ernest Shonekan. Chukwumeije was in the 2000 National Political Reform Conference (NPRC), Oputa panel, in which he, along with other delegates from the South East took the shine when argument for the marginalization of South East came to the table. This is evident in the glowing tributes that Senators David Mark, Ike Ekweremadu, Enyinaya Abaribe and Ndigbo (Lagos) among others have paid to him since death. To Senator Mark, ‘‘the death of the erudite lawmaker was a big loss, not only for the Senate but for the entire nation.” Mark noted that Chukwumerije was one of the brightest and fertile minds in the Senate. He regretted that Chukwumerije did not live long to reap the benefits of his labour. ‘‘He radiated intelligence, exemplary conduct in both public and private life. He was a team player who brought meaning to hard work. He was focused and determined to make positive difference,” Mark said, stressing also that

the late lawmaker was never indicted for any negative interests throughout his life in the Senate. “We shall miss him. No doubt, he left a vacuum that would be too hard to fill. He was a consummate and passionate Nigerian who believed in the sanctity of the peace and unity of the nation,” the Senate President said. Mark’s deputy, Senator Ekweremadu, described the late senator as a fearless politician who fought for the interest of the common man and his people. Ekweremadu also described Chukwumerije as “a patriot who gave his best for the peace, unity, and development of Nigeria”. The statement read in part: “I am most saddened by the news of the passage of Distinguished Senator Chukwumerije, but it is the exit of a lion senator, brother, friend, brave comrade, seasoned journalist, credible mobiliser, social critic, propoor politician, and a legislator per excellence that sadden me most. “Comrade was a highly principled patriot who detested political excesses and injustice of any form to any people. He was a most

Chukwumerije

“Chukwumerije loved his people, Ndigbo, and gave his very best towards protecting their interest and working for the development of the region.”

detribalised Nigerian who believed that every part of the country deserved the respect, opportunities, and rights intrinsic in their membership of the Nigerian commonwealth. “Chukwumerije loved his people, Ndigbo, and gave his very best towards protecting their interest and working for the development of the region.” Ekweremadu said Senator Chukwumerije would be sorely missed by the Senate and the entire nation and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and

inner strength for his family and the entire nation to bear the irreparable loss. Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the deceased as a political giant and one of the nation’s finest legislators. “The Senate will surely miss his erudite contributions on the floor of the chamber and his painstaking approach to committee work. Chukwumerije was indeed an embodiment of legislative tradition and consummate activist and democrat who loved his people passionately,” he said. Also, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation led by George Ashiru has expressed deep regrets over the passing on of the late Senator Chukwumerije. Ashiru, who recalled the giant strides the late Chukwumerije made for the growth of the sport, said it is a huge loss for all taekwondoins who knew his commitment to the game. “Senator Uche Chukwumerije was a former president of the Black Belt College and he practiced and contributed immensely to the development of the sport in Nigeria,” Ashiru said.

Buhari will not fail – Civil Liberties Organisation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

this country and wants us to move forward must support the people’s choice. “But as a civil right organisation, the extent of support the CLO can give any government has a limit. For example, CLO cannot go on air and start shouting praises of Buhari, until when he is seen to be doing what Nigerians expect him to do. If he is able to fight corruption to a conclusive end, we would commend him and say this man is doing well.” Tinubu/Buhari: How do you envisage the relationship between Bola Tinubu and Buhari, seeing Asiwaju is the political godfather of APC? “That’s a very herculean question. You will remember the adage that says he who pays the piper, dictates the tunes, but it’s not supposed to be so in politics, even in party politics. This is one of the things that bring problems in this country. “I remember what happened in the East when it was said that a governor was taken to a

shrine to swear to an oath, and at the end of it all, that system collapsed. So that is the danger when the man who pays the piper, dictates the tunes; it is very dangerous. Now, Tinubu was a former governor of Lagos State; he did his best and we all know that he had a hand in the political victory of Buhari. Even if we don’t have the evidence, at least we saw his activities. “Now, if Tinubu means well, what he should do is to do everything possible to see that Buhari does not fail; he could afford to do that if he means to. One of the things that can spoil a government is for a godfather to starts handpicking people for the president’s cabinet. “However, we want to believe that Buhari is a man of principle. As a military head of state he set a good record; probably it was some of those things he achieved then that endeared many people to vote for him. “Even in the election that was just concluded, the electorate made an important political statement: after they turned

out en-mass to vote for the president of their choice, when it came to choosing governors, they stayed away. People think it was voters’ apathy, but it was not: the Nigerian electorate has come of age politically. Buhari in the four years “We should not expect things to change overnight. What I mean is, for him to change to become something he has not been before is not going to be easy. People know him for some qualities; he has to maintain those qualities, but whether he is going to succeed or not remains to be seen. “But we in CLO pray that Buhari should succeed so that the nation doesn’t go back to square one. If he succeeds, Nigeria will be good for all of us.” May 28th handover: Is the CLO suspicious of any plot? “I will say a capital NO! Now, my view opinion in the handover is this: the outgoing government of Jonathan has displayed maturity in its approach to this election. You are aware that if Jonathan had said he does not accept

the result of that election, you would have seen uprising here, there and everywhere; many quarters were waiting for that but he has displayed maturity, and the entire world have been praising him; it is a credit to Nigeria and to Nigerians. “So I see the May 28th issue as a day to handover important documents and related government things, so that May 29th will be devoted to just ceremony, that’s all.”

Comrades chanting solidaity song.

“But we in CLO pray that Buhari should succeed so that the nation doesn’t go back to square one. If he succeeds, Nigeria will be good for all of us.”

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Ghanaian leader commends Jonathan over peaceful polls Monday Agu, Jnr

ÏÏÏGhanaian President, John Mahama, has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan over the conduct of the just concluded general election in the country. The Ghanaian leader, who addressed State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja, described Jonathan's decision to quickly accept defeat as a show of maturity which has earned him respect from across the world. "I paid this visit in my capacity as the chair of the ECOWAS, to extend our commendation and congratulations to the people of Nigeria following a very

successful election that you had recently. "If you recall, before the elections, on behalf of the authority of ECOWAS, I gave a solidarity message to Nigerians to step up and consolidate your democracy by having a peaceful, free and transparent election. "And I believe that the whole world is congratulating you on the peaceful conduct and stability that has continued to endure both before, during and after the election. "I also took the opportunity to commend him for the statesmanship that was displayed after the election. We all knew that he congratulated president-elect, Buhari, after the election and he accepted defeat.

"I feel that was a very great sign of maturity and has earned the respect of all Nigerians and the respect of the international community for all what he did," he said. Mahama, however, expressed confidence that the country, with its huge economic and political influence in the West African sub region as well as the African continent, would continue to play leading role. He said he would do all within his powers to ensure the sustenance of the socio-cultural and bilateral relationship between his country and Nigeria. "We expect a smooth transition and possibly the role that Nigeria plays in the ECOWAS being the biggest

Mahama

economy, not only in our sub region but in the whole continent. Nigeria is a very important member of our sub region and we expect that Nigeria will continue to play this prominent role in the ECOWAS sub region. "Of course, there is a special relation that exists between Nigeria and Ghana too and so as the President of Ghana, I wish to congratulate our brothers and sisters in Nigeria on what has been a very good election.

NCAA lifts ban on Discovery Air

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe

Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, has lifted the suspension placed on the operations of Discovery Air. This was contained in a letter sent to the management of the airline titled, “Notice of Restoration of Air Operators Certificate (AOC)”, which was signed by the Director General.

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏThe Governor of Niger

State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has constituted a 27-member transition committee to usher in new administration in May 29, following the outcome of the just concluded elections. In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Israel Ebije, the committee is to be chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Saidu Ndako Idris Kpaki, while the Head of Service (HoS), Alhaji Hamidu A. Khadi and the Commissioner for Finance, Abubakar Tukur, will serve as Vice Chairmen I and II respectively. Ebije further stated that the followings are members of the committee; Commissioner for Land and Housing, Dr. Peter S. Sarki, Commissioner for Local Government, Yusuf Garba Tagwai, Commissioner for Justice, Abdullahi Bawa, Commissioner for Health, Hadiza Abdullahi, Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya

Aliyu sets up 27 member transition committee and Commissioner for Planning, Yahaya Dan- Sallau. Others are: Commissioner for Works, Mu’azu Mohammed Bawa, Commissioner for Transport, Mahamud Bello Kpako, Commissioner for Investment, Hassam Abdullahi, Commissioner for Education Danladi Abdulhamid, Chairman SUBEB, Uba Hassan, Director General MDGs, Dattijo Aliyu, Director General SURE-P, Hassan Nuhu, Commissioner National Population Commission, Aliyu Datti, Commissioner Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, Amb. Zubairu Dada and Managing Director of Niger State Development Corporation, Mohmammed Aliyu.

But in a statement signed by Mr. Sam Adurogboye, deputy general manager, public affairs, NCAA, said the decision to restore the AOC was predicated on the satisfactory conclusion of a Financial Health Audit of the airline. "In the aftermath of the audit, the management of the airline has demonstrated encouraging commitment to offset the outstanding staff salaries by the 30th of April, 2015.

"In addition, all staff sent on compulsory leave without pay have been recalled," he said. Mr. Adurogboye quoted the DG as saying that the Authority was satisfied with the Letters of Credit from their financiers which had provided guarantee for their business in the long term. He said it was in consideration of all the actions taken by the airline to address passenger complaints, the

Authority, pursuant to Section 35(6) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006, hereby lifts the suspension of, and restores the Airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC), with effect from the date of receipt of this letter. Capt. Usman however informed the airline that prior to commencement of flight operations, the Authority shall carry out a mini audit of the airline to confirm the safety of its operations.

WURAOLA SIDIKAT AKINTONA

OLUWASHOLA SOLOMON OLANIYI

OGUNSEYE OMOTAYO CHRISTOPHER

NGWOKE PRISCA NWAKAEGO

LAWAL SEKINAT OMOWUNMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Wuraola Sidikat Bisiriyu now wished to be known and addressed as Mrs. Wuraola Sidikat Akintona. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formely known and addressed as Ishola Sule Olaniyi now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwashola Solomon Olaniyi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

The general public is hereby notified that Mr. Ogunseye Omotayo Christopher is the same person as Mr. Ogunseye Omotayo Chris. Diamond Bank Plc and the general public should please take note

I, formely known and address as Miss Mogekwu Prisca Nwakaego now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ngwoke Prisca Nwakaego. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formely known and address as Miss Oduola Sekinat Omowunmi now to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lawal Sekinat Omowunmi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ACHIEVERS FOUNDATION This is to notify the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990. The Trustees are: 1 Oni Enyone Deborah (Esq.) 3. Quadri Wasiu Olalekan (Esq.) 5. Oni Emmanuel Abiodun.

31 News

2. Akperi Stellamaris Emadomi. 4 Ebhodaghe Frank (Dr) 6. James-Omokaro ESE (Esq.)

Aims and objectives. 1. Provision of healthcare to the indigents. 2. Provision of free legal services to the indigents. 3. Provision of educational services. 4. Community development. 5. Empowerment of youth. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama’ Abuja within 28days of this publication. Signed: Secretary

RILL MERITS EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under ‘Part C’ of the Company And Allied Matters Act,1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:1- Alhaja Kudirat Bolanle Lawal- Chairperson. 2- Mr Isaac Olusegun Omoseni -V.chairperson 3- Mrs. Serifat Bolatito Olabiyi- Secretary 4- Mr. Ismaila Ade Nasiru- Treasurer 5- Dr. Basir Opeyemi Lawal- Member 6- Mrs. Folake Dolapo Odofin- Member 7- Mrs. Folashade Christiana Ajetunmobi - Member 8- Mr Bankole Samuel Adekunle- Member 9- Mr. Baruwa Lukman Adeniyi- Member. 10- Mr. Adegboyega Johnson Adewale -Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. Skill acquisitions and empowerment for the people. 2. Credit thrift and saving for members. 3. Creation of platform to achieve common interest. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, FCT, Abuja,within 28 days from the date of this publication. SIGNED BY:- Secretary

…Ambode too

ÏÏÏThe Lagos State Gover-

nor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has inaugurated a transition committee to ensure a seamless transfer of power to his government, come May 29. The governor-elect disclosed this in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Id-

owu Ajanaku, on Tuesday. According to the statement, the committee will be headed by the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Oluranti Adebule. “Other members of the team are, Prof. Ademola Abass, Mr. Babatunde Rotinwa, Mr. Fola Lasisi, Mrs. Rafiquat Onabamiro, Mr. Tunde Durosimi-Etti, Dr. Femi Onanuga, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, Mr. Akeem Sulaimon and Mr. Dele Onabokun.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the letter of allocation of Block 528, Flat 3, Low Cost Housing Estate, Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos State, belonging to Mr. Moshood Aremu Isiaka of No. 25, Nnadi Street, Ikotun, Egbe, Lagos, is missing, and all efforts to trace it has proved abortive. The general public, LBIC and LSDPC should please take note.

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Rep’s Speaker: APC’s Dilemma Abdulrahman Hassan Flouting this provision of the constitution will be viewed by many Nigerians as an act of impunity which APC promised to change and for which Nigerians gave the party the mandate to govern.

ÎÎÎ

Ordinarily, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is endowed with intelligent, courageous and fair-minded leaders who would not fall for the temptation of egotism. But these are not ordinary times and the vibes from within the palaces of the movers and shakers in the APC portend imminent danger to a stable all-inclusive government based on the federal character principle enunciated in section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution. The knotty issue that will test APC’s abhorrence of impunity, which was one of the major reasons Nigerians voted for the Party, is the zoning of leadership offices in the National Assembly. To be sure the APC as the majority party has the conventional privilege to zone the offices of Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. It reserves the right to choose the Leader, Deputy Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip of both Houses in

Nigeria’s bicameral Federal Legislature. Here lies the albatross that is threatening to expose the underbelly of the party and may set its government on a controversial foundation, unless men of courage insist on fairness and manifest inclusiveness as much as possible. My apprehension is fueled by the media report that a section of the leadership may have decided to zone Speaker and Deputy Speaker to the South West (Lagos) and North West (Kano) respectively. Without bothering with other issues, it is patently unfair and insensitive to contemplate that the two zones that have produced incoming President and Vice President should also produce the Speaker and Deputy in a six geopolitical zone structure. To be fair, there are extenuating circumstances that may hamper the even spread of Legislative Offices enumerated above to all the six zones in Nigeria. For instance, the South East has no APC senator at all and has not produced any

ranking APC Member of the House of Representatives. The South South has one Senator who is a fresher and does not meet the ranking criterion. But the South South has four members - elect for the House of Representatives two of whom are ranking, with one of them reportedly parading impeccable credentials and legislative leadership experience. Another factor that is implicated in the egotistic temptation may have arisen from the acrimonious campaign which accused a highly respected leader of the APC of denying the South West of Speakership in the outgoing 7th Assembly. Now that APC has won, unless higher consideration of national interest prevails, it is quite human to want to have a last laugh no matter the expense, by insisting on Speakership from the South West. But nobler consideration will at once pinpoint that the position of the Vice President has more than atoned for the alleged denial. Indeed, there would

be more compensating legislative leadership offices from the Senate and House of Representatives without insisting on the Speakership. I am one of those who wish APC well enough to point out the danger in deliberately shutting out the South South from the Speakership of the House of Representatives for the following reasons. That zone lost the Presidency and if APC fails to be magnanimous in victory but embarks on vendetta by denying the zone the opportunity to produce Speaker, the government may unwittingly start on a controversial way in the minds of discerning Nigerians. Nigeria just witnessed a very divisive campaign and the scars need quick healing and if APC brazenly fails to use the opportunity presented by the Representatives from the South South to build bridges that may very well help to ultimately bring the South South and even South East into the fold, there will be negative perception with far reaching consequences.

Section 14 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides thus: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.” Flouting this provision of the constitution will be viewed by many Nigerians as an act of impunity which APC promised to change and for which Nigerians gave the party the mandate to govern. For the love of country APC must endeavour to start well and aim to finish well. ...Abdulrahman Hassan, a public affairs commentator contributed this piece from Kaduna.

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

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Yetunde

Ayeni-Babaeko A story teller through photography

Guide to make-up-tools L7

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 22, 2015

Nigerian photographers need to get their acts together Nkarenyi Ukonu

You are one of the very few professional photographers who is into story telling via exhibitions. Can you recall your about? That was in 2008 and it was about nude photography. While having a discussion with friends, the issue of nude photography came up. I was particularly interested because I wanted to be able to differentiate between it and pornography using pictures. With me as the arrow head, I urged two of my closest friends, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Leke Adenuga to do an exhibition on nude photography. They agreed and were even more interested in knowing how the exhibition will be received, being a

- Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko Subsequent ones were group exhibi-

ready for a nude exhibition. Yes the aim was achieved because the pictures were tasteful and Yes we took pictures of naked women. The pictures taken were as close to their natural bodies as possible and we tried to explore their bodies artistically.

Volunteers like you rightly called them, they are all around. Their faces were covered for the exhibition be-

Life&

T E A M

for that then. The response from the exhibition was immense, because people were seeing something fresh and different. We were basically celebrating the female body. Up till now, I still photograph naked women. They come into my studio and ask to be photographed naked. For them , it is their own way of distilling their bodies in time. Sometimes, they allow their faces to be shown but not for an exhibition.

would always somehow affect you emotionally when you see it. It can arouse you and can also leave you cold but the aim was simply to appreciate the human body and do away with hypocrisy, stigmatization and generally being afraid of what others might think or say. Hypocrisy and stigmatization is one negative thing I see a lot in this country and it just means that we are holding back on so much potentials because of what others think. The exhibition was all about being free and letting go, allowing your creativity to run wild. You are obviously aware that

Yes I do but if nude photography is done artistically and tastefully, then am not an advocate of pornography but one who encourages the celebration of the human body in an artistic way. Yes it is an intimate thing and that is what we need in this country; a bit more of intimacy and trust.

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

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

Yes, about two so far.

cupied with lighting, camera, right positioning, battling with how to capture what I had in my head with the camera and so much more. So there was no room to get aroused.

Absolutely. Like I said, the one I spear headed lasted for a few weeks was always packed full every day with guests. I mean this is art, we have done this for thousands of years. If you go to all the major museums worldwide, you would see photographs of naked women all painted by renowned artists. I hontween painting naked women and photographing naked women.

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

personal exhibition was the one I fondly call Itan and that was held in 2013 at the Porsche center, Victoria Island. It was about deities, something that has always fascinated been able to combine and live with our strong religious beliefs as well as the fetish traditional aspect. I photographed models who were painted and dressed to look like deities. I worked with models, stylists and hair stylists.

exhibition? I called it battle scar and it was done with other female photographers called X-perspectives. It was about breast cancer awareness and our main cause was to raise funds for Sebecceely breast cancer foundation, to shake some people up and remind them that breast cancer is real and that people suffering from it need help. It was also

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

to tell people that being diagnosed -

much for breast cancer patients, you can still prepare yourself by early detection, a positive attitude and openness. It is important not to hide yourself but to seek help and not think too much of what people think of you. terrible stories of how families have turned their back on their supposed loved ones who have breast cancer. How were you able to convince

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 22, 2015

for photographs? Through the breast cancer foundation which is a huge group. They simple told them what we wanted to do and asked for volunteers. Six women who saw the usefulness of what we wanted to do, indicated their interest. For this particular exhibition, the women had their faces covered. Are you working on anything new? Yes but totally different. It is about dancers this time. It will be dancers within Lagos, I will take them to different places in Lagos, they will dance and I will photograph them. All into another. I photograph and keep things that I feel may be of interest to people and that I am passionate about and when the time is right, I put them together to be exhibited. Are your exhibitions usually sold out? No but a lot is usually bought throughout the period of the exhibition and subsequently as well, when they are on auction, by art lovers.

quite like them, especially the mammy water deity. This particular photograph had the model caressing a snake which was coiled round her themselves to have such painting hanging in their home. I found it difsuch a beautiful piece of work. Sold but over time, people buy them. Why are you deeply attached with exhibitions? Well, I think that looking back on all the works I have done and exhibited, I consider it my inner struggle of wanting to be real and free of all inhibitions. Also sometimes, maybe taking it a notch too far like the battle scar exhibition which many may consider harsh and graphic but it is something that I think we need in our society. We need to free ourselves of what to do, what not to do, being conscious of all the eyes that are watching you and not feeling like self. If there is one recurring phrase I -

are actually saying, I as a person, I am not ready for this. So it is basically all about you, your mind set and how you see the future of Nigeria in your own eyes. You did mention a group of female photographers called X-perspectives, some of who worked with you on the battle scar exhibition. Could you throw more light on them? I founded the group in 2011 as a way to empower female photographers because I realized that a lot of them are holding back from exhibiting their potentials and exploring

where their fellow men explore with-

I started out professionally in Nigeria and I consider that a late start. I discovered that it takes a longer time for female photographers to get their acts together and present their works on a larger scale and this has a lot to do with insecurities. So I felt, if that be the case, we might as well do it together as a group thus have more power and strength in our number as well as support each other as the together, I trained them for four weekends and during that period, we networked, exchanged ideas and then held an exhibition at Gothe Institue at the end of the training where they each showcased their work. Since then we have been together. How did your love for photography evolve? Well my grandfather gave me my gift, seeing that I was a creative per-

see a career path for me with it. After graduation, I decided to study to be a graphic artist and I kept applying at different agencies to be taken for apprenticeship until a particular agency offered to have me spend time in their adjoining photo studio, pending when there will be space for me at the agency. It was a very big photo studio for advertising photography in Germany. I accepted but when I started to learn more about photography, I found out that I liked it so much and subsequently lost interest in wanting to train to be a graphic artist. I realized that as a photographer, you are everything; a graphic artist, an editor, director of the shoot, you train your eyes much more intensely than as a graphic artist - you have all the jobs combined in one. I was better off a photographer. It was a three year intensive practical and theoretical training.

If there is one recurring phrase I detest with a passion, it is ‘Nigeria is not ready for this’. I mean who is Nigeria? Isn’t it you? When you chant that Nigeria isn’t ready for this, you are actually saying, I as a person, I am not ready for this. So it is basically all about you, your mind set and how you see the future of Nigeria in your own eyes.

L3 Interview

it is being done in developed countries. What are some of the things you think should be in place for us to compete favorably with the developed world? I think the photography business is quite strong here. You can see it in our work. At least we have stories to tell, we have the basic knowledge of photography and how a good picture should look like. But I think we need to get our acts together through unions, organizations, who will push our work globally more, educate upcoming acts on the standards to aim at. There are a few photographers pushing their works outside of the shores and making good money but they are all pushing alone. I also think photography in schools should be a must. What was your reason for relocating to Nigeria from Germany? thing was to go to the University so I decided to visit Nigeria for about six months because my family was never the type to come to Nigeria as often as expected. After we left Nigeonly once. But I felt it was important to get to know more about my country. I came, met my husband and never went back. At that time, he was working with Prima Garnet, an advertising agency and as an advertising photographer then, there was

How easy was it for you to adjust to the Nigeria

environment? ing back now, it was hard starting off with my husband. He really did try to get me adjusted and make me feel comfortable. The key was not giving up. I kept pushing and trying to make the best out of the situation. It was just long boring days at home, nothing to do, nobody came by and nowhere to go. I quickly realized that Lagos was a working city and I needed to work irrespective of my situation then as a working mother. I then borrowed money from my grandfather, photography from home and then it grew to the extent where I had to rent studios and from there, I was able to get my own studio. Would you say your husband being in the advertising industry has been instrumental to your growth in the photography business? No, because his being in the advertising industry was even more of an obstacle for me. He never ever pushed a job towards me because he always had in mind that people out the truth. So we kept miles apart from each other and I simply worked for other advertising agencies and expanded my horizons. However, I got advise from him on job related issues. How long have you been together? 11 years What has kept you both together for this number of years? The love we have for each other, mutual respect for each other and the profession as well. He has a very open mindset as well but ironically, he is very traditional. But he does understand that I am different with a liberal attitude to everything. How do you both resolve

How long have you been in the business of photography? About 15 years, both here in Nigeria and in Germany

Communication! Communication!! Communication!!! How do you let off steam? By engaging in sporting activities. People assume that as a photographer and an active one at that, that I do not need sports. But I disagree because sports helps to strengthen the body. Besides I have always liked sports and do not consider it strenuous. So I work out. I engage in jogging, tennis and swimming.

What would you consider most challenging about it? Keeping the client because photography is both a personal and style thing and the way you portray yourself as a photographer and the way you come across. As a photographer, if you mess up a shoot way the client wants it, then you are perceived as being unserious. Again stocking and maintaining a studio is quite expensive here. Things are made much easier abroad as you have the option of renting very expensive studio equipments. But here, you have to stock up on it whichever way you can if you need to go an extra mile for your jobs.

What part of the country are you from? Ekiti State. My mother is German Do you speak Yoruba? No. I have tried to learn with a prisingly I am able to speak all the Latin languages; German, French, Italian but Yoruba is so different, I have been unable to get the hang of

As far as most people are concerned, photography is yet to evolve in Nigeria the way

learn it now or for me to break down the barrier in my head. Yetunde Babaeko and family

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 22, 2015

Unleash your

Prisca Ndu

Kaylah Oniwo

instinct Nkarenyi Ukonu

Onuoha Grace

Bola Balogun

Funmi Iyanda

pattern

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 22, 2015

L5 Fashion & Style

...Do it with accessories

Wearing animal print accessories are a fun way to incorporate this trend if you cannot comfortably pull off animal print clothing items. So steal attention with any of these pieces but wear clothes in complementary colours. 14k gold leopard print earrings

Leopard skin court shoes

Animal print bangles

Animal print sunglasses

Dolce & Gabbana handbag

Yves Saint Laurent leopard print silk scarf

Linda Benson Leopard print umbrella

Leopard print clutch

Beauty L6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 22, 2015

Guide to make up tools Nkarenyi Ukonu

Foundation brush: -

Blush brush:

Eye shadow brush:

Eyebrow brush:

Powder brush:

Concealer brush:

Blending brush: Crease brush: -

L7 Beauty

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 22, 2015

There are a few other tools you might consider adding to your makeup arsenal. Lip brushes: At one time or another, most of us have applied lipstick straight from the tube. Even though applying lipstick straight from the tube is much easier than reaching for a lip brush, especially when you

Q-tips: Use Qtips to remove excess makeup around the eyes or lips or, in pinch, to apply eye shadow.

Eyelash curler: These are hand held crimpers used to curl the upper eyelashes. The best pinch as they curl your lashes. Always curl your dry and clean. Curling lashes with mascara on them may leave you with broken lashes.

time, a lip brush is however, the only way to go. It provides more control and precise lipstick application than a tube. Like concealer brushes, lip brushes

Choosing the right brush Brushes range from budget-friendly to super-expensive. But it is best to save for them and buy the Buy the best brushes you can afford. MAC Cosmetics brushes have a good reputation, but do shop around. How to clean your brushes Regularly cleaning makeup brushes extends their useful life. Some makeup lines sell liquid brush cleaning solutions, but baby shampoo and water also works well. Antibacterial wipes provide a quick way to clean brush heads in the car or wherever water would make a mess. After cleaning your brushline them up on the edge of a shelf or sink to dry.

Round and wedge sponge: Round and wedge sponges are handy for blending and smoothing out makeup lines on the face and around the eyes.

For on-the-go lipstick application, look for a covered lip brush, which comes with a cover to protect the brush head while

Short or long-handled brushes? Brush handles come in different lengths and weights, and which one you choose depends on your personal preference. People with small hands might prefer short brush handles. Brow comb: Used to style eyebrows or to brush out excess eyebrow powder.

How to store your brushes For cheap, easy brush storage at home, stand the road, use a brush roll, which is a folding bag with slots for each brush. It rolls up like a sleeping bag.

P.S.

Global Fashion & Beauty News Publicist and blogger, Moriam Musa turns publisher As a recreation of her blog, Morsi PR, Moriam Musa has decided to launch a lifestyle magazine called Tribe & Elan. The publication is expected to be a hub of fashion, beauty & lifestyle complete with fresh faces from diverse backgrounds and inspirational icons from the past. A graduate of Diet & Clinical Therapy from the sion for fashion and beauty saw her trading her laboratory coat for a note soft sell magazine, City People, as fashion reporter and later fashion & style columnist, Moriam left to set up a fashion Public Relations company and blog, Morsi PR from where she has evolved to becoming a publisher.

FADAN to build garment production hub The Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) has proposed to build a garment production hub in Lagos and the association million for the construction of the hub support from the from the Federal Government and other investors. The production hub is expected to include a retail store to display the garments and accessories made by Nigerian fashion designers and garment manufacturers thereby providing a meeting point for the leading brands in the Nigerian apparel mar-

ket. The hub according to the Lagos state coordinator of the association, Kolawole Kuddus, would serve as a breeding ground for budding fashion designers, reduce the high production costs in fashion designing, and also boost productivity. “Nigeria boasts of a fashion industry that in the last three years

include, fashion photography, magazine production, pattern making, styling, and wardrobe consultancy,” he said. FADAN president, Funmi Ajila-Ladipo

Moriam Musa

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian listed among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people Both Kanye West and Kim Kardashian has joined a list of celebrities, icons and politicians on

happiness she exudes. According to her, “She and her famous, entrepreneurial siblings, shepherded by a savvy, tireless matriarch, have

celebrated as a “titan” while his wife Kim Kardashian according to television personality, Martha Stewart, is a media phenomenon. She goes on to praise the reality television star and says that Kim made the list for the energy, sexuality, drama, determination, impetuousness and

of family.” For Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk, Kanye deserves his place on the list because of his outspoken nature and incredible tenacity. He goes on to say, “Kanye West he belongs on this list. The dude

Constantly. About everything. And he wants everybody else to do the same: to engage, question, push culture juggernaut, he has the platform to achieve just that.” The couple recently just got back cestral home, Armenia and Israel. They alongside their daughter North, sister, Kloe and cousins,

Kara and Kourtni, travelled to the city of Gyumri, north of the capital, where records state that past relatives of the Kardashian family lived where they explored the dilapidated remains of the house. They also got to learn more their heritage. Kim has made no secret of her desire to explore her roots, given that her late lawyer dad, Robert Kardashian, who passed away in nian American.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday April 22, 2015

Showing on

125 FOX Channel

17:50

Showing on 111 M-Net Movies Stars

14:55

Wed, 22 Apr | PG

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World 154 AfricaMagic Family

L8 Television

128 SONY MAX

MOHAMMAD MAKES CASE FOR SCHOOL SPORTS

Poster! BROWN IDEYE

X4-5

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

AT LAST

KESHI SIGNS FRESH

CONTRACT

I’m better than ALI

– MAYWEATHER X7

IHEANACHO

SET TO MISS U-20 WORLD CUP X3

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

GLO LEAGUE: BOLUS BULLISH AHEAD AKWA UTD CLASH

iwa FC head coach, Tony Bolus has said his side will consolidate on their hardearned victory at Enugu Rangers against Akwa United. The Tin City side will host the Promise keepers in today’s Glo Premier League match day 5 clash at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos. Bolus said his side will come out hard more than ever to fight for the three points at stake against Akwa United. “Of course, it’s a consolidation match for us against Akwa United after the sweet victory at Enugu Rangers in Enugu. “We’re coming out hard if not harder to fight for the three points at stake,

we’ve worked on the lapses noted in the clash at Rangers and we hope to bring it to perfection against Akwa United. “I’ve already charged the players to forget about the victory at Rangers and focus 100% on the game against Akwa United as victory is most unlikely to come cheap not after Akwa United won their last game on home soil against Gabros. “The tie against Akwa United will certainly be difficult but with the work we’ve put in place as well as renewed vigour from the players we’ll surely overcome the challenge Akwa United will throw at us,” said Bolus to supersport.com.

MOHAMMAD MAKES CASE FOR SCHOOL SPORTS Andrew Ekejiuba

resident of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Mallam Ibrahim Mohammad has expressed delight at the quality of athletes discovered by the Federation at the grassroots through its programmes and called on more corporate bodies to come forward and support their programmes through sponsorship. Speaking exclusively to Extra Time shortly after the press conference heralding the Etisalat U-15 School Cup, he affirmed that the future of sports development in Nigeria lies

with the youths and assured that NSSF will continue to unearth more talent despite the limited resources at their disposal. “The future of sports development in Nigeria lies in school sports because that is where young talented athletes are discovered at their real ages. However, NSSF is working relentlessly towards discovering these hidden talent who will eventually become future Olympians. “I’m excited that telecommunication giants, Etisalat, finally came to our rescue for our U-15 football competitions for all

schools in the country. “Initially we had sponsors for our U-13 and U-17 competitions, but with the coming in of Etisalat, that gap has finally been covered. “Today, our U-15 boys will now be kept busy with the schedule,” he enthused. Meanwhile, corroborating the NSSF boss, the Secretary General of the body, Mrs Olabisi Joseph appealed for government’s support, especially in the funding of their programmes under the Federation’s purview, saying that is the only way sports development will receive a massive boost from the grassroots.

NFF APPLAUDS REFS COMMITTEE, NRA Andrew Ekejiuba

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised the swift action by its Referees Committee and the Nigeria Referees Association against Referee John Charles and Assistant Referee Ogunta Matador for very poor performance in a Glo Premier League Week 4 match between Sunshine Stars and Dolphins FC in Akure on Sunday. Speaking on Tuesday, NFF’s Acting

President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, commended the quick move by the Referees Committee, headed by another member of the NFF Executive Committee Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, in suspending the officials for the rest of the current football season. “The NFF is thoroughly impressed with the swift action of the Referees Committee. I want to say that the Committee has acted very much in line with the vision of the present NFF administration to bring about positive

change in every aspect of our football. “Their action is a pointer to the fact that the present administration headed by Mr. Amaju Pinnick will not tolerate mediocrity in whatever form. The two officials brought the Nigeria game to ridicule and deserve what they got,” he said. Akinwunmi went ahead to confirm that the NFF will investigate the shoddy outing of the referees and will swiftly implement the recommendations of the investigating panel.

NSSF Secretary General, Mrs Olabisi Joseph (3rd from right), receives the trophy of the 17th Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship from the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Nestle Milo Plc, Dharnesh Gordhon (2nd from left).

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

NFF:

KESHI SIGNS FRESH CONTRACT

Ben Nwachukwu, Abuja

he protracted delay in engaging a coach for the senior national team, Super Eagles was on Tuesday swept off the way as the NFF finally signed Stephen Okechukwu Keshi for the plum job on a two-year renewable contract. Speaking at the sign-on occasion, General Secretary of the Federation, Mohammed Sanusi, noted that media had been awash with speculations on whether Keshi would retain his position as the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles or not.

Keshi

He noted that the NFF waited to do it at a time that it will certainly restore confidence, not only among the numerous football-loving Nigerians, but also in the coaching crew. In a related development, Chairman of the NFF Technical Committee, Chief Felix AnyansiAgwu said the signing of Keshi will definitely take the country’s football to a deserved height among the committee of world football. He declared that the technical committee recommended the coach to the NFF after thorough screening and has the confidence that he has

what it takes to return the country on the path of soccer glory. Anyansi-Agwu stressed further that the NFF will certainly create enabling environment for the coach to excel by giving him all the support that will make his second coming a success. In his acceptance speech, Keshi said he was here to work for the good of the country’s football and will always work in harmony with his employer. He assured that the home-based players will definitely have their place in the team but noted that it must be on merit.

IHEANACHO SET TO

ETISALAT

U-15

MISS U-20 WORLD CUP

SCHOOL CUP:

Mike Otanwa

Eight teams qualify for national finals

fter failing to properly shake off a knee injury there are doubts that Manchester City’s teen star, Kelechi Iheanacho, might miss the U-20 World cup in New Zealand. With less than 40 days to the start of the showpiece the 18-year-old is yet to begin full competitive training after close to two months out injured. Though he might eventually make it to camp there are fears he might not be fit enough to clinch a spot in the 21-man list because competition for spots will be fierce. “We are optimistic he will be in camp but they are lingering doubts about his fitness and match sharpness. He has had a stop start season since impressing at Man City Pre-season tour,” a team source said.

Andrew Ekejiuba

ight regional school teams have qualified for the national finals of the second edition of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup. Speaking yesterday at a press conference in Lagos, the Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone revealed that the teams emerged from the regional matches that took place among 37 school football teams across eight regions in Nigeria, last year. The schools that qualified are; Greensprings Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos; Asegun High School, Oyo; Government Secondary School, Imo and Washington Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, Anambra. Others are; Rimi College, Kaduna; Army Day Junior Secondary School, Sokoto; Winners College Akure, Ondo and Government Model School, Bida, Niger. While describing Etisalat U-15 School Cup as an innovative platform designed to develop grassroots football and discover future football stars in Nigeria, Angelone expressed satisfaction with the level of talent and passion that had been displayed by the teams in the competition. “I must commend the efforts of all the school teams that participated in the regional matches of the second edition of the Etisalat School Cup. As we kick-off the National finals today, it is my belief that, more talent will be discovered in the Nigerian football scene,” he said.

Iheanacho

ENYIMBA PREVENT SOKARI FROM JOINING FLYING EAGLES Mike Otanwa

nyimba midfielder Kingsley Sokari will not join the Nigeria U-20s training camp before Friday due to club commitments with the Nigeria Professional Football League vicechampions. Flying Eagles coach, Manu Garba, has named the playmaker in his 35-man provisional squad as his team continues fine-tuning their strategies in Abuja before the tournament in New Zealand. Enyimba chiefs are aware that their midfield maestro could be missing for up to two months if the Nigeria U-20s qualifies for the knock-out rounds, and have decided

to make use of his services one last time before releasing him to the national team. ‘’I am now in Taraba with Enyimba, we have a match against Taraba United today,’’ Sokari said. ‘’I will be in the Flying Eagles camp on Friday. We are coming back from Taraba on Thursday and I’ll have to return to Aba to pack my belongings before heading to camp. ‘’I have been in touch with Coach Manu Garba, and he said I should come to camp immediately. ‘’I think Enyimba will get in touch with the U-20 coaching staff to inform them of the development.’’ The 19-year-old Sokari has caps for Nigeria’s senior team and the Dream Team VI.

Sokari

“Aside from not being a regular during our qualifiers he failed to make it to the AYC that is to say for the last two years he has been out of the team. “He has to force his way back, we know of his qualities when fit but now we have a team that everyone is not guaranteed a shirt due to competition”. Iheanacho only started light training this week after picking up an injury in February during Manchester City UEFA Youth Champions League tie when he went off injured after coming on as substitute against Schalke 04. The injury was his third of the season and aside from training with the main team of the English Champions, he has only played three competitive games all year due to the injury and work permit issues.

Ocean Boys Neuchâtel Xamax Sochaux Dynamo Kyiv West Bromwich Albion

National team 2007: Nigeria U-20 2010–Present: Nigeria

Senior career 2006–2007: 2008–2010: 2010–2011: 2011–2014: 2014–Present:

Name: Brown Ideye Full name: Aide Brown Ideye Date of birth: October 10, 1988 (age 26) Place of birth: Yenagoa, Nigeria Height: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) Playing position: Forward Current team: West Bromwich Albion Number: 9 Youth career: Bayelsa United

PERSONAL INFORMATION

EXTRATIME

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

IDEYEB

Brown Ideye (born October 10, 1988) is a Nigerian international footballer who plays as a central striker for English Premiership club West Bromwich Albion. He began his career with Bayelsa United, before moving to Ocean Boys. He was a member of the Ocean Boys team that won the Nigerian Premier League. Ideye moved in January 2008 to Europe and signed with Swiss Super League club Neuchâtel Xamax. After three years with Xamax, Ideye left to sign for French Ligue 1 club FC Sochaux. On July 6, 2011 he signed a five-year deal with Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv and made his first appearance on July 16 against PFC Oleksandria, scoring two goals. On July 18, 2014 he signed a three-year deal with West Bromwich Albion, becoming the club’s record signing at a fee reported as £10 million and was assigned the number 9 shirt. Ideye represented Nigeria at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, playing five games in the tournament and scored one goal against Costa Rica. In May 2010 he was called up to the Super Eagles as part of the 23-man team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Ideye also made Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, playing in most of their games at the tournament. He scored Nigeria’s second goal in their 4–1 semi-final win over Mali and played in their 1–0 win over Burkina Faso in the Final. He featured for Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

About Brown Ideye

BROWN Wednesday, April 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW

LAUDRUP TIPS BARCA FOR LA LIGA GLORY

Watching Michael Laudrup navigate through the shining floors of a sports club lobby is reminiscent of the poise and purpose of his movements as a player with Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The legendary Danish midfielder has adopted his switch to the managerial bench with the same ease with which he drifted past opponents on the pitch, with successful spells at Danish club Brondby, La Liga side Getafe, and Premier League outfit Swansea City. Laudrup’s most recent success came when he guided Lekhwiya to the Qatar Stars League (QSL) championship in his first season in charge of the club. For the quick-footed and sharp-minded midfielder who inspired Denmark in an outstanding run to the quarter-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, there is already a new generation of talented Qatari youngsters who have come out as a result of the country hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Talking to www.sc.qa after lifting the QSL shield, Laudrup explained how his coaching philosophy developed in order to deliver the latest instalment of silverware in his career and also tipped former club Barcelona as slight favourites in the Spanish title race. Excerpts:

Michael, congratulations on winning the Qatar Stars League title in your first season in charge of Lekhwiya. What did you feel after wrapping up the title? I am very pleased. It was nice to win the trophy. There have been a lot of challenges, like the amount of players we had away on international tournaments such as the Gulf Cup which Qatar won, the Asian Cup and also the Cup of Nations. So I think the fact that we have won the league, and with the number of points difference that we have, is amazing. If you compare it to last season, Lekhwiya won with 53 points, and the second and third placed teams had 48 and 47 respectively. This year we have 59 points before the last game, and Al Sadd have 54. So we had to get more points this year to win the league. We are also in the Asian Champions League and we want to move on from the group stages. The club has never won two trophies in one season, so we can make history this season if we win one more title, either the Qatar Cup or the Emir Cup. Will you add another season to your successful first one in Qatar? It is not the moment to make a decision, as we are still playing in three competitions. When the season is over I will sit down and think it through. I will also listen to what the club has to say, what they will do for the future, as you always have to improve the team. And I also want to listen to the other interested clubs and then make up my mind. Is your coaching philos-

Laudrup

ophy directly linked to your style as a player, and how have you adapted it in the different leagues in which you have coached? I think so; you see it in the way we are training. The big leagues in Europe are another level but a lot of the things I train here are the same as I did in Swansea or Getafe. As a coach you have to adapt to the players, the culture, the level of club and players, but there are things wherever it is, there are basic things you can learn. Here we have a lot of national team players, players with good individual skills. So we are training the position of the ball, keeping it. We are doing quite well. Have you seen from close quarters the development of young Qatari players such as those heading for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand next month? Of course, that is the next generation of players who have been brought up when Qatar knew that they are going to have the World Cup in 2022. It is a new generation of young players, trained in a different way, playing a lot of games against European teams and those of other continents with a very good level. Of course this is useful, and it is needed if you want to compete with the top level, always looking forward to the World Cup. When you think about 2022 in Qatar, do you think you will be back in a coaching capacity – perhaps with Denmark, or as a fan? In 2022 I will be old! I promise I will see some games but I think it will be as a spectator. It is positive that the fans will have to travel less and can stay in the same place. It will also be less expensive for fans. Looking back, how would you assess your previous managerial post at Swansea? It was a historic moment, the first time the club went to the top ten in the league and the first trophy in a hundred years for the club. That is history. In ten years’ time they will still look at that trophy and look at our team from that year. I hope I can do the same here. As a coach, player and club you need to always want to improve and to know what it takes to improve. You also need the means to have that possibility.

Do you think you left a legacy behind at Swansea which is still visible today? They have changed a little, a lot of the players I brought are not there anymore and their style has changed a little. They have had a very good “As a spectator this part of the season is great to watch. I still consider season in Barcelona to be favourites because they are in front, but one bad game and you the Premier are behind. Of course it is always better to be in front, as with us here when Al League this Sadd were behind us. They had to win and hope that the top team loses.” season, I have to

say. I am happy for that. When we won the Cup I told the players to enjoy the moment, because you never know when it will be back. It could be in one year, in five or in 20. But that trophy is there and it is there forever. Before that you had a successful spell at La Liga side Getafe. How do you compare the technical level of the Premier League and La Liga? I think it is complicated to compare. They are two fantastic leagues with so many great players. What is the typical English team? There are so many different styles of play, from the old style of kick and rush to the passing games of teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. Maybe there are more differences in style in the Premier League than in La Liga, where everyone wants to play with the ball. The intensity in the Premier League is higher than La Liga, but it is a difficult moment in Europe for the English teams; two years in a row without a team in the last eight. I think that is a tough one to accept for people there, for the Premier League, the most branded league in the world, where the most money is. In the years before they had also been dominating in Europe, but everyone now is discussing what is happening. OK, there are Barcelona and Real Madrid, but also Juventus, PSG, Monaco, Porto, so teams from lower leagues are competing better than us! Talking about tough competition – your two former teams Barcelona and Real Madrid are locked in an extremely tight race in La Liga. Who is your favourite to win it? It is very difficult. They both have some tough games remaining. Four points was a good margin, now it’s down to two so it is tough. Also what happens in the Champions League will have an impact, because if one goes out and the other goes through that means two more games to play. They both want to win everything, they are prepared and capable so it will be nice to watch. As a spectator this part of the season is great to watch. I still consider Barcelona to be favourites because they are in front, but one bad game and you are behind. Of course it is always better to be in front, as with us here when Al Sadd were behind us. They had to win and hope that the top team loses. When it comes to choosing between your two former teams, are you sometimes torn in terms of loyalty as you watch matches? No, I am not. I am proud of playing for both. The five years in Barcelona were the best in my life as a player. And I was so well received as a person in Madrid. But I wasn’t born there, I am a foreign player, and just happy that I have played in these fantastic big clubs.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

BOXING

I’m better than ALI, MAYWEATHER boasts F loyd Mayweather has made the bold claim that he is the best boxer of all time. Ali is generally considered the greatest fighter to ever step between the ropes, but Mayweather, preparing for his much-anticipated showdown with Manny Pacquiao on May 2, declared: “No one can ever brainwash me to make me

Mayweather

CYCLING

ARU F

abio Aru has described himself as a “wreck” due the intestinal ailment that ruled him out of the Giro del Trentino but the Astana rider remains hopeful that he will be able to line up at the Tour de Romandie next week in preparation for the Giro d’Italia, which gets underway on May 9. Aru was due to be one of the principal attractions at the Giro del Trentino and the announcement of his withdrawal on Monday, one day

BEMOANS GIRO DEL TRENTINO EXIT

before the start of the race, caught the organisers by surprise. “I trained well on Saturday. On Sunday I started feeling ill, coming and going from the bathroom – a viral intestinal infection, which was diagnosed at the clinic where I was examined,” Aru said. “In two days I had more than 30 attacks of cramps. I’m a wreck.” Aru said that he has been prescribed “a cycle of antibiotics to crush the virus” – although it should

believe that Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali were better than me. “But one thing I will do: I’m going to take my hat off to those guys and respect those guys because those are the guys that paved the way for me.” On Ali, he added: “Leon Spinks beat him when he had seven fights.

They’d never put a fighter in there with Floyd Mayweather with seven fights. So are you going to tell me that it’s cool to lay on the ropes and take punishment and let a man tire himself out from beating you and then he basically fatigued? “You hit him with a few punches and he goes down and quit, and you want to be glorified for that?”

GOLF

be noted that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial rather than viral infections. In any case, Aru said that he did not know the origin of his infection. Aru has spent 28 days training at altitude on Mount Teide so far this season, almost double his amount of race days to date, and he estimated that prior to his illness, he was “further ahead” in his preparation than a year ago, when he went on to finish third overall at the Giro d’Italia.

VOLVO CHINA OPEN OFF TO AN NADAL: I’LL FIGHT DJOKOVIC TO EXPLOSIVE KEEP ‘KING OF CLAY’ CROWN START

afael Nadal says he does not fear Novak Djokovic’s challenge to his French Open crown any more than usual, despite the world No.1’s incredible run of form. Djokovic defeated Nadal in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters before beating Tomas Berdych in Sunday’s final, yet the Spaniard says the threat is no different to what he has faced before at Roland Garros, where he is the ninetime champion. “Djokovic was good in 2011, in 2012, in 2013 as well as in 2015,” Nadal said. “Sometimes

you win more and some you win less. It’s difficult to win everything all the time. “Djokovic was good then in 2011 as he is now. He had an impeccable year in 2011 as well as he is having in 2015. I have to congratulate him. “The rest of the players have to accept that at the moment he is the world No.1 with all he has achieved this year.” Djokovic’s 17-game winning streak has further cemented his position at the top of the men’s rankings and the ease with which he breezed past Nadal on the Monte Carlo clay has cast doubts on the

Spaniard’s ability to keep hold of the title which he last surrendered in 2009. But Nadal, who has

had a mixed start to the season, is working to rediscover his top form as he readjusts to his favoured surface.

TENNIS

Nadal

he Volvo China Open got off to a suitably colourful start on Tuesday afternoon with the official opening ceremony in Shanghai. After a Kung Fu show opened proceedings, dignitaries from the China Golf Association, the Shanghai Government, the Volvo Group and Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club took to the stage to deliver speeches. Once the speeches were over, Zhang Xiaoning, Vice President and Secretary General of the CGA, sounded a gong to herald the official start of the RMB 20 million event. Defending champion Alex Levy was then joined on stage by Mikko Ilonen, winner of the 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship; Zhang Lianwei, the first Chinese player to win on The European Tour; and rising star Li Ha-tong, who finished runner-up behind Kiradech Aphibarnrat in Shenzhen last week. Amidst a frenzy of fireworks, the quartet struck exploding golf balls into the lake beside the 18th green as the curtain was raised on the 21st edition of China’s national Open.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

EXTRATIME

REAL CAN COPE

BRIEFS Zeman dumps Cagliari

WITH INJURIES

–ANCELOTTI C

arlo Ancelotti says he has the best possible squad to deal with the absences of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric in today’s UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. Bale and Modric both pulled up with injuries in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Malaga and will miss the return leg of the quarter-final tie. Benzema missed that victory after hurting a knee in the goalless first leg against Atletico and

Yaya Toure ‘open to new offers’

Yaya Toure has dropped the biggest hint yet that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season as he is open to “new challenges” in his career. Toure is set for crunch talks over his future at City who are willing to listen to offers as part of a drastic overhaul of the aging first-team squad and the 32-year-old has not ruled out an exit. “No amount of wages will make me stay at a club if I feel that I no longer belong there or if no challenge exists for me,” he said. “It would be unjust on my part. There comes a moment where

is also sidelined for the midweek game at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ancelotti is yet to decide who will replace the trio as Real target a first win over their local rivals since last season’s Champions League final - a run that was stretched to seven games after last week’s stalemate. “We have solutions. I’m going to play the players who have confidence and are well physically,” Ancelotti said.

numbers don’t stop us, it goes beyond that, even if the English press seem more interested in the numbers than the sport itself. “For the future, I don’t know more than you do, because I will always go where I am offered new challenges. That is in my nature.” After guiding City to a second Premier League title last season with 20 goals from midfield, the Ivorian’s displays have drastically decreased in quality since, prompting Manuel Pellegrini to single him out last week.

Ancelotti

“We have to live with the injuries that we have here. Over the last few months we’ve had players missing. We’ve coped without big players and that won’t affect our confidence. Those who are going to play will give everything.” Asier Illarramendi has been mooted as a potential midfield replacement for Modric with question marks remaining over who will come in for Benzema and Bale alongside Cristiano Ronaldo up front.

Palermo demand £36m for Dybala

Toure

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has stressed interested clubs will have to pay £36m in order to sign Paulo Dybala this summer. The 21-year-old has scored 13 goals and notched 10 assists in Serie A this season, and has openly admitted this campaign could be his last with Palermo. Zamparini has already revealed that both Juventus and Arsenal are keen on the forward while Dybala’s agent, Gustavo Mascardi, has claimed that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have lodged bids. “There are six or seven teams that are interested in signing him,” Zamparini said. “At the moment, his valuation is $36 million.”

SILVA RETURNS AFTER CHEEKBONE SCARE M

anchester City forward David Silva has returned to training after avoiding any serious damage during Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham. The Spain international was substituted in the second half and taken to hospital after Cheikhou Kouyate caught him on the side of the head with an elbow. Manager Manuel Pellegrini later confirmed that City feared a broken cheekbone for the 29-year-old, but scans showed no fracture and he was able to take part in training on Tuesday.

Kouyate, who was booked following the incident, took to Twitter to apologise: “I would like to say to Silva that I am very sorry that you were injured during the match on Sunday, but it was not my intention. “I went for the ball and my eyes were on the ball. I always play the ball and never the player. You are a great guy and a great player and I hope you are back on the field very soon.” City welcome FA Cup finalists Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and Pellegrini will continue to monitor Silva’s fitness in the hope he is available.

Silva

Cagliari have confirmed head coach Zdenek Zeman has resigned with immediate effect as the club battle to survive in Serie A. The Czech-born coach returned to the helm on March 9 having been sacked in late December following a poor run of form. His replacement Gianfranco Zola failed to turn things around and Cagliari turned to Zeman again in their fight to stay up.

Blanc: Barca are model for PSG Laurent Blanc says Paris SaintGermain must look to emulate Barcelona over the coming years. With European success having eluded the French champions following substantial investment in 2011, Blanc says the club should seek to model themselves on Barca.

West Ham target Jamaican starlet West Ham are lining up a move for Jamaican starlet DeShane Beckford. The 17-year-old forward is rated as one of the best prospects in the Caribbean, and a number of European clubs have been keeping tabs on his progress. However, West Ham have moved into pole position for his signature after he was invited to train with the club at the start of April.

Montella calm over fan frustrations Vincenzo Montella says Fiorentina fans were within the rights to voice their frustrations after Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Verona at the Stadio Artemi Franchi. Montella’s side suffered back-to-back losses in Serie A thanks to Mounir Obbadi’s late strike following a missed Alessandro Diamanti penalty. It sees Fiorentina slip to sixth - a point off the final UEFA Europa League place - but Montella refused to criticise those who voiced their anger at the defeat.