daily Times of Nigeria

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

NIGERIA

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

dailytimesng

N150

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.30

Again, thugs attack Jonathan’s convoy 6

INSIDE

Life&

TIMES Friday January 23, 2015

Politics and acting, different ball games

-Desmond Elliot

L4

P

Banky W:

The elligible bachelor PL2

Food

for the eyes

L7

P

XT Exclusive

ONIANGUE

Poster!

tasks Congo on remaining matches X3

Obafemi Martins

X4,5 Friday, January 23, 2015

Wonder kid

Odegaardal set for Ree challeng

Gervinho

AFCON: BAD BOY GERVINHO HAMMERED

X8

X3

Wolves

L-R: PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu; President Goodluck Jonathan; Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam; Vice President Namadi Sambo and Senate President, David Mark, at the party’s Presidential campaign rally in Makurdi...on Thursday.

arrive Abuja for Super-Six

X2

Dickson Wrestling tourney gets new date X7

^ ƊƈƅƊ Buhari’s certificate Md ƆƆƊ forged – PDP ƈƇƐ ƈ ƍ ƋƋ Ï APC: zƆ Ɠ ôƐ ƏƆ ƍ Ɨ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƍƏ ƒ ƅ Ɛƈ Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏRATHER than end, the

6

Ï d ƕ è óƋƆƐô Ɨƈ ƅƑ ƅ ƏƏƑƍƐƈ è ƆƅƑƏƈƐƕô

controversy over the academic qualifications of Major General Muhammadu CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

At Acorn Petroleum, we remain committed to delivering unrivaled products and services to our customers. Acorn Petroleum Plc., your new energy

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial

Rotary’s donation for polio eradication

T

he donation of $8.1 million by Rotary International to help in the final push of eradicating polio disease in Nigeria is very heart warming.

According to the non-to-profit organisation,the funds will be used by the World Health Organisation(WHO) and United Nations Children Fund(UNICEF) to support polio immunisation campaign,reseach and surveillance in the country. The funding commitment from Rotary comes at a critical time, as the country has a prime opportunity to take advantage of these gains and end the disease for good.

Nigeria, the last polio-endemic country in Africa, reported the highest number of polio cases in the world as recently as 2012. However, the country showed remarkable progress in 2014, when it reduced its polio case count by nearly 90 percent over the previous year. It is such commitment from international organisations, including the Nigerian government that has proved crucial in combating the paralysing disease.

Even at that, recent polio outbreaks in the Horn of Africa and Central Africa stemmed from polio virus that originated in Nigeria. These outbreaks appear to have been effectively stopped in 2014; however, the continued presence of the virus in Nigeria puts other countries at-risk for renewed outbreaks.

It will be recalled that Nigeria,Pakistan and Afghanistan

are the last remaining countries with endemic cases of polio. Sadly, the three countries have been plagued by continuing religious insurgency in those areas with high incidences of the disease, making it far more dangerous for volunteers to reach victims.

Incidentally, India with a population of 1.2 billion and a country that had endemic cases was certified polio free in 2011. For 26 years, the Polio Eradication Initiative, a global anti-polio campaign, has waged war against polio, seeking to make it the second disease in history to be eradicated after smallpox. It would therefore go down as a monumental achievement, if Nigeria follows in the footsteps of those that succeeded in eliminating polio from within its borders.

Such feat can be done considering that Nigeria has managed to reduce the number of polio cases by nearly 90 percent in one year. That is a tremendous achievement for a country which as recently as 2012 had most polio cases in the world.

But we cannot afford to be complacent over the progress so far made. As long as one child has polio anywhere in the country, we are at risk. Therefore, the country needs to double all efforts to ensure that every child is reached in the immunisation campaign. The strong support from all levels of government for polio eradication will need to be sustained and intensified, particularly as insecurity continues to restrict access to children caught up in the conflict zones of Borno,Yobe, and Adamawa states.

More info: www.dailytimes.com.ng https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

What’s in a certificate?

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎI am sure you’ve heard

people at one time or the other pose the question: What’s in a certificate?

Many of those who pose the question, in many instances, do so to deride certificate holders or play down its importance as a basic requirement in employment or running for public office.

Some also do so out of ignorance and sheer inability to subject themselves to the rigours of formal education. Disdain for formal education is it!

But as events in Nigeria in the last few days have proven, there is incontrovertibly something in a certificate. If not, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not have made the inability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to present his secondary school certificate to INEC an issue in the run up to the February 14, 2015 poll. If not important, the APC on its own would not have split hairs in defending Buhari’s certificate saga. If not important, countless Nigerians in the past few weeks would not have spent hours debating the issue in public

Words On Marble :

fora, on radio, television among other places.

So, next time you hear people ask “what’s in a certificate, know that they are just doing so to cover up.

And should they continue in their ignorance and disdain for formal education, sooner than later, they may spend sleepless nights and worthwhile energies defending themselves like APC and Buhari.

While certificate may not be true reflection of the holder’s ability or intelligence, it remains the only document to prove that the holder actually and truly subjected him/herself to the rigour of formal education.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

dailytimesng www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Deputy Editors

Sports Editor

Head, Sales & Marketing

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head of Operations

Head ICT (Shared Services)

Noel Anosike

Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Managing Editor

Bisi Abidoye

Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects Tunji Okegbola

Andrew Ekejiuba Innocent Nwankwo

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Moses Ebong

Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

Deputy Head Graphics Afeez Odeseye

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.

Albert Einstein

Wole Soyinka

Ibrahim Babangida

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.

I am convinced that Nigeria would have been a more highly developed country without the oil.

I wished we’d never smelled the fumes of petroleum.

Each one of us, and, indeed, all those who aspire to national leadership must bring their own visions, views and styles to the business of reforming Nigeria, and the search for solutions.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Group canvasses for peaceful elections Chilaka Patrick

ÏÏÏ

A Lagos based civil society group Army of Democracy, has lent its voice to the conduct of peaceful elections come February 2014.

Army of Democracy (AoD) is a Civil Society group founded with explicit belief in the values of democracy, hence its preparedness to defend the values of democracy. It has professionals in different sectors of the economy as members and works in collaboration with different professional groups and stakeholders across different sectors of the economy, irrespective of their political and religious divides. The driv-

Monday Osayande Asaba

ÏÏÏ

Following the spread of avian influenza in a poultry farm at Okpanam, Delta state, the state Government has deployed Veterinary and human doctors to curtail the spread.

This is one of the measures put in place to stop the disease from the farm to other commercial poultry farms in the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Professor Patrick Muobughara who disclosed this to newsmen in Asaba on Thursday said that the veterinary and human doctors have started work at Okpanam farm that federal government confirmed to have bird flu.

He appealed to farmers to co-operate with officers of the State Ministry of

ing philosophy in AoD is commitment to make democracy add values to the people and polity.

Other aims and objectives are: To protect Nigerian democracy from being hijacked by bountyhunters, to produce leaders not influenced by God fatherism but men and women desirous of adding values and see the people as the reason for being elected, to educate the populace on the need to guide and protect their votes during elections.

The group in its communique disclosed that they are dismayed that there abound many questionable characters moving around as democrats within the country.

Doctors to check spread of flu in Delta Agriculture and Natural Resources whom he said are checking birds from one farm to another as part of measures to prevent rapid spread of bird flu.

Professor Muobughara assured farmers that government would compensate owners of farms which birds are destroyed because of avian influenza.

The Delta State Agriculture Commissioner commended the veterinary organization of Nigeria and the Federal Government for the assistance being rendered to the state.

Buhari pledges to restructure Army, Police, if elected ÏÏÏThe

Presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has promised to restructure the Nigeria Army and Police, if elected.

Buhari made the promise on Thursday in Gusau at the inauguration of his campaign.

He said that his plan, if materialised, would boost the efforts of the two secu-

Enugu

ÏÏÏ

Ezea

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has said it would use agriculture and industrialization to create

rity institutions to battle insurgency with renewed vigour.

Buahri said that the need to restructure the army and police became necessary because the enemies had become more and highly sophisticated in the use of weapons.

“Our Army and Police will be highly equipped with all the required weapons, educated and uneducated youths will be em-

ployed through different programmes that will be created by our administration.

“We will rebuild our educational system and employ youths not on sentiment and god-fatherism.

“We will as well find ways of re-strengthening the country’s economy”.

He called on the youth to remain vigilant but maintain peace during and after the elections so as to ensure

free, fair and credible elections in the country.

At the gathering were chieftains of the party, including its National Chairman, Mr John Oyegun, and Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Buhari’s running mate, attended the occasion.

Others were Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Zamfara Governor, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yar,i and Senator representing Zamfara-West, Alhaji Ahmed Yerima, among others.

L-R: Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group; Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings Group; and Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President, African Development Bank during the breakfast session on Unlocking Global Institutional Capital for Africa- cohosted by Heirs Holdings and Dangote Group during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday

Anambra NIS nabs 200 illegal foreigners in Awka Okey Chris Awka

ÏÏÏ

Barely three weeks to Nigeria’s general election, the Anambra State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Thursday, arrested over 200 illegal immigrants in the state.

Daily Times recalled that the command in November last year arrested and expatriated over 400 illegal im-

APC adopts Agric, industrialisation for job creation in Enugu Fred Ede

5 News

jobs for youths in Enugu state.

According to the party’s governorship candidate, Okey Ezea, the party if elected to control the state will improve on agriculture

migrants who have no residence permit or ECOWAS travelling certificate.

Mr. Chude Darlinton, the Comptroller of Immigration, Anambra State Command, disclosed this through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oranyelu Chukwuka.

The State Immigration boss added that his command would not rest until Anambra state is cleared off all illegal elements,

even as he explained that the exercise was their routine mop up operation to secure the state and nation by identifying foreigners who found themselves into the country through illegal routes.

According to him, the suspects were arrested at different points in Awka North and South Local Government Areas and its environs, but after screening, Nigerians among them

would be set free, while the illegal immigrants are to be repatriated as usual.

Mr. Darlinton further disclosed that some of the arrested immigrants possessed expired documents, others had no valid papers at all, and cautioned those who still brandish invalid travelling documents to regularise their stay as the command is committed to ridding the state off illegal immigrants.

by creating farm settlements in different localities of the state with modern agricultural implements that will attract youths to agriculture.

He made the disclosure in Enugu on Thursday when he inaugurated the Okey Ezea/Juliet Ibekaku support group.

Ezea also said that in order for the youths to take agriculture seriously as a sustainable job, his government

will provide infrastructure such as water, electricity and housing in addition to extension services at the farm settlements.

The APC candidate said the second approach would be to establish industries that would rely on the agricultural produce to process finished products.

“In that way, both agriculture and industries would provide jobs and wealth cre-

ation,” said Ezea.

He faulted the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who announced his programme to create 10, 000 jobs within six months of his administration, saying that if the ruling party could not provide such quantum of jobs in 16 years it has ruled the state, it is not possible it can do as it is presently campaigning.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Guards injured as youths attack Jonathan’s convoy Ï 9Ɖ Ɠ ƕ ƑƐ Ɛ ƏƆ ƐƆ ƏƆƍƏƈ Ƌ ƈ Ɛ Ƒ Əƈ Ï L ƏƏƆ ƐƆƗ ƓƈƐ Ƅ ƌƄ Ɛ ƍƏ ƍ ƆƗ ^ Ə ƋƋƕ ƒƆ ƑƆ Monday Agu, Jnr, Bauchi; and Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏPresident

Goodluck Jonathan’s bid to seek the support of Bauchi people ahead of the February 14 presidential election turned bloody on Thursday with six of his security details hospitalised.

In response, Ijaw youths threatened reprisal against

Major General Muhammadu Buhari anytime his party ventures to campaign in their area.

The spectre of violence worsened, also on Thursday, when the Sokoto State Stadium where Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) was initially billed to hold its rally was rocked by a bomb scare.

The venue was changed to the Sokoto Trade Fair com-

plex after a man on a motorcycle was arrested with two bombs.

The six injured in the president’s convoy were all operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS). They suffered various degrees of injuries from the fracas that ensued after the rally. in Bauchi.

The President’s campaign train was confronted by a hostile crowd, wielding

brooms and stones both on the road and at the venue.

The President’s plane landed at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport around 11am and he went straight to the palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwan Suleiman Adamu, to pay homage. When his convoy drove out of the palace, some youths displayed brooms and posters of APC’s candidates while

L-R: Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda; President Goodluck Jonathan; Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwan Adamu and Vice-President Namadi Sambo during President’s visit to the Emir in Bauchi...on Thursday

some others carried those of President Jonathan and his deputy.

While some of the youths hailed the President, some merely displayed brooms to show lack of support for the President.

However, some went violent. The situation got worse as the President’s convoy entered the Ibrahim Babangida Square for the rally as some of the youths started hurling stones at the convoy.

It took the intervention of securitymen on ground to chase the youths away but not before some vehicles in the convoy were dented.

The atmosphere at the venue was tense and the rally had to be rushed.

The youths who had been chased out by security men however made their way back inside as the President’s convoy was leaving the rally venue.

They attacked the last bus on the convoy which carried DSS operatives. A big stone smashed the windscreen and caused injuries for the occupants. Six of the occupants were rushed to a nearby hospital. While four of them with minor injuries were discharged immediately, another two,

Buhari’s certificate forged – PDP Continued from page 1 Buhari may have only just begun.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday accused him of forgery and demanded that he be prosecuted along with his alleged accomplices.

Gen. Buhari’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the allegation as laughable and said that it would not be drawn into the “provocation” of the ruling party. It also accused the PDP of seeking to distract the nation from serious issues of governance.

Buhari is the candidate of the APC for the coming February 14 presidential election. On Wednesday, he addressed a press conference in Kano to dismiss allegations that he does not have the constitutional basic requirement to contest for the

office. His secondary school also released his statement of results which showed that Buhari sat for the secondary school leaving certificate.

On Thursday, however, the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO) described the statement of result, released by the Principal of Provisional Secondary School, Katsina (now known as Government College, Katsina) as forged, manipulated and fraudulently procured.

The PDPPCO called on the Police and other security agencies to fish out the authors as well as masterminds of the alleged forgery and prosecute them.

The Director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, at a press conference in Abuja, said a scrutiny of the result

issued by Buhari’s former school indicated that the document contained “an obvious alteration on the Mathematics column of the candidate, Mohammed Buhari, who was assumed to have scored an ‘F’ in the subject”.

According to Fani-Kayode, a result sheet also attributed to the Cambridge examination body is a super imposition of one document on another.

According to him, “this raises a very fundamental issue of validity in view of the fact that the accompanying result sheet states that “any alteration or erasure renders this Statement of Results invalid”’.

Fani-Kayode further argued that “one of the footnotes on the document purportedly issued by the University of Cambridge says ‘the results of this candidate in all subjects except

English Language have been carried forward from the 1960 examination.’

“The question arising from this is: When exactly did Buhari sit for all the other subjects claimed to have been passed in the Secondary School Examination?

“Our conclusion from all these is that the documents purportedly released by Government College (Pilot) Katsina, upon which the APC Presidential candidates hopes to bury the doubt about his eligibility for next month’s election are forged, manipulated and fraudulently procured. They are therefore untenable in fact and in law”.

He said called on the masterminds of the alleged forgery to come forward and be identified, adding that if they failed to do so, the Police and other security agencies should “find them,

arrest them, interrogate them and prosecute them in accordance with the laws of the land”.

He described as unfortunate that the more General Buhari tries to extricate himself from the crisis, the more he stumbles into a new one.

Buhari

a lady and a man who had deep cuts on their heads which required bandages and other serious measures were still receiving treatment at the time of filing this report.

Officials said the two seriously wounded officers would be flown back to Abuja for further.

In a swift reaction, the umbrella body of Ijaw Youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has threatened a reprisal attack on the campaign team of the presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammad Buhari.

Md ƆƆƊ ƍ Ɛƍ ƆƌƆ Ɛ Ƈ 0ƆƄ ƍ ƋƋ Ï ^ è ƐƈƊƑ ƊƈƅƊ By our reporters

ÏÏÏNational

Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has called for the postponement of the February general election.

But the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar have vehemently opposed the call.

Sambo made the call on Thursday in a talk at a London think-tank, advising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the date for the forthcoming general election.

He called on INEC to consider shifting the general election for some time in order for it to distribute voters’ cards to all eligible voters in the country.

Meanwhile, the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has opposed the call by Dasuki to postpone the February general elections.

Also reacting, former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, said the election should hold as scheduled, insisting that government must not tinker with the option of postponing the timelines for the elections.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

7 News

Army’s inability to defeat Boko Haram shameful – Dambazau

Niger stops LGs from taking bank loans

Andrew Orolua

Minna

Abuja

ÏÏÏ

A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau has blamed the Nigerian Army for its inability to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents.

He said that the military’s inability to defeat the terrorists made the international community to question its profession-

alism. He, however, added that the lack of political will also weakened and made the fight against the insurgents look impossible.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the 12th Daily Trust Annual Dialogue Series with the theme, 2015 Elections: How to Make Nigeria the Winner, Dambazau, who was retired by President Goodluck Jonathan at the early stage of

the administration, said that the security forces strayed from their constitutional responsibilities and left the country in a dangerous situation.

According to him, “The conduct of the Army against Boko Haram was below expectation and its professionalism was questioned by the international community. The insurgency situation in the North East has ex-

posed the weakness of our military and the lack of political will has made the fight against the insurgents look impossible.

Nigeria is in a situation where continued politicisation of its army had weakened its military response.”

He also accused politicians of creating private and well-funded armies to push their personal agendas. “It is very clear

the extent to which politicians have used money to establish private armies,” and the militarisation of politics.

Dambazau said that such lapses have fuelled the growth of insurgencies, including the emergence of the ‘Borno ECOMOG’ to execute personal agendas in Borno State and its subsequent metamorphosis into the violent Boko Haram sect.

JUSUN Strike: Lawyer blames FG, wants AGF sacked Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏ

An Ondo-based lawyer and human rights activist, Barr. Morakinyo Ogele, has blamed the federal government for the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and called for the sacked of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Bello Adoke.

The judiciary workers had on January 2, 2015, embarked on an indefinite strike action to demand for the implementation of the January 13, 2014 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja that ordered the AccountantGeneral of the Federation to make deductions of amount standing to the credit of the state judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

In a statement issued in Akure, Ondo State, copies of which were given to journalists, Ogele said the strike showed the government’s disregard for a pronouncement by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Pita Chikwem

ÏÏÏ

Local government councils in Niger State have been banned from borrowing from banks and other financial institutions without the approval of the state governor while expenditures of the councils above N20,000 must be approved by the governor.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Governments, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Alhaji Mohammed Rijau disclosed this on Thursday in a postexecutive council meeting press briefing adding that the ministry, as the supervisor of the local councils could no longer give such approvals.

While directing that all overhead costs be reduced to the barest minimum, the state government also ordered the local councils not to embark on new projects pending the completion of ongoing projects in their areas.

Decentralised data base to gulp N22b – Chidoka APC Supporters At Apc Governorship Rally In Sokoto On… Thursday

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Nsukka

INEC distributes 711,920 PVCs in Kwara Ola Yekeen Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distributed 711, 920 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) in Kwara State.

Onucheyo, who made this known on Thursday while speaking at a stakeholders meeting said this represented 69% of the registered 1, 032, 970 PVCs in the state.

He, therefore, appealed to the people to collect their

PVCs from their wards as only voters with the PVC would be allowed to vote during the elections. He assured them that the collection would continue until January 31, 2015.

Assuring that the PVCs of those who registered in last August and transfer cases were being processed and would be distributed as soon as they were received from INEC headquarters, Onucheyo informed the stakeholders that Card Readers would be used during voting to authenticate ownership of the PVC.

Jega He added that PVCs, meant for two polling units in Ekiti Local Government Area, Ekiti/

Opin open space with code N0: 04/09/013 and Ekiti.

Opin/LGEA school Idera 04/09/011, which were snatched by unknown persons, were being processed.

Onucheyo said on the days of elections, accreditation of voters would start at 8.00 am and end at 1.00 pm while voting commences by 1.30 pm.

He informed the stakeholders that the list of adhoc staff to participate in the 2015 general election would be displayed at the state and local government offices of INEC.

ÏÏÏ

Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka has asserted that building a minimum of three one-stop shops as database for information across the country will reduce time, energy and provide accurate national information about every Nigerian.

Delivering a convocation lecture entitled Rebuilding the Nigerian Dream: Mapping the Building Blocks at the 44th convocation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Chidoka opined that with N22.2 billion, the problems of birth, death, voter, licence registrations among others, would have been solved.

According to Chidoka, this would reduce delays, waste and avoid fraud adding that it would only cost 1.45% of the nation’s annual allocation.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Insurgency’ll end soon, Jonathan assures Bauchi Emir Monday Agu Jnr Bauchi

ÏÏÏPresident

Goodluck Jonathan has assured the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwan Suleiman Adamu that his administration will soon put an end to the Boko Haram insurgency.

Speaking at the Emir’s palace on Thursday, in continuation of his nationwide campaign for re-election, The president told the emir and other members

of the Bauchi Traditional Council that his administration had achieved much, regretting that the ongoing Boko Haram violent campaign was taking attention away from the achievements, thus, the need for the federal government, as a matter of urgency, to put an end to the insurgency.

“The unfortunate Boko Haram excesses are taking attention away from our numerous achievements.

Everybody wants security,

everybody wants to be safe and to be able to move freely.

I am, therefore, assuring you that we will bring the situation down to a reasonable degree and will, eventually, end it very soon.

Jonathan said his administration had worked hard to reposition agriculture and promised that if reelected, he would work with leaders in the state to develop the abundant mineral resources as part of measures to diversify the country’s

economy.

“We have worked very hard to improve agriculture and ended decades of fertiliser scam. We want Nigerian farmers to crop three times a year. We are thinking of different options to fully diversify our economy due to the fall in the global price of oil and Bauchi is one of the states we will tap into its solid mineral potentials,” the President said.

“When we moved round in 2011, we got massive sup-

Ogun PDP warns against campaign disruption

Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, Barr. Olayinka Oladunjoye (middle), presenting the first place cheque for N500,000 to representatives of CMS Girls Senior Grammar School, Bariga, being the winner of the Lagos State Schools’ Debate Challenge, Season Six held at The Blue Roof, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja…on Wednesday. PHOTO: TAOFEEK BABAJIDE

Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

The Ogun State Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has assured civil servants of better life if voted into office.

His party has also warned against an alleged plan to disrupt its ongoing electioneering campaigns in the area.

Speaker at a parley with labour unions under the platform of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abeokuta, the state capital, Isiaka promised to alleviate the sufferings of the workers being experienced under the current leadership in the state.

The PDP, in Ikenne, charged the Nigeria Police and Department of State Security (DSS) to be alert to forestall political misconduct capable of undermining the peace in the state.

A statement signed by one its leaders, Alhaji Abiodun Sotinwa, in Abeokuta and made available to Daily Times, insisted that the party remained lawabiding, “despite several provocations”.

port from you and since then, we have been working hard to justify your support.

Insha Allah, we will also succeed this time”, Jonathan added.

In his response, the Emir thanked the President for the respect and love he has for the traditional institution and commended his efforts to end insurgency in the Northeast, expressing hope that the missing Chibok school girls would be found soon.

PDP to workers: Expect hard times under Aregbesola Michael Bamigbola Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has told civil servants in the state not to expect their November, 2014 salary anytime soon.

The party said it has proofs that many of the personal establishments of Governor Rauf Aregbesola were not spared due to the poor economy of the state.

The party, in a statement issued in Osogbo by Prince Diran Odeyemi, its Director of Publicity and Strategy, copies of which

were made available to newsmen, stressed the need for the civil servants to pray for a change of government in the state.

The party lamented the level of indebtedness of Osun, which it claimed was responsible for the inability of the government to pay its workers despite getting “fat statutory” monthly allocation from the federation account.

The statement reads: “We are concerned about the situation of workers in Osun State, many of whom are being owned salaries for three months

by Mr Rauf Aregbesola.

Aregbesola “But the situation with Aregbesola is really getting bad, to the extent

that staff of his privately owned radio station and a community newspaper have not been paid in the last five months.

“We also have it on good authority that the community paper (owned) by Aregbesola has stopped publication because of its huge debt owed a Lagosbased publishing house.”

The party then urged workers to persevere the heat of the moment and called for prayers for Senator Iyiola Omisore as the tribunal hearing his petition against the victory of Aregbesola would soon give its ruling.

NOA canvasses credible election Ibrahim Momohjimoh Lokoja

ÏÏÏ

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kogi State directorate has charged its staff to intensify effort in and educating the electorate on the need for a credible general election.

State Director, Chief Ibikunle Medubi, gave the charge on Thursday in Lokoja at a one-day training workshop for NOA local government and state headquarters staff on voter education and civic duties towards the 2015 general election organised by NOA in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The director who said the importance of the forthcoming general election in deepening and sustaining the country democracy could not be overemphasised, added that all hands must be on deck to make the election violence-free and credible.

Rivers guber candidates sign peace pact Godwin Onyema Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

Three leading governorship candidates for the February 28 governorship election have signed a peace pact, pledging commitment to a violent-free general election in Rivers State.

The candidates include Chief Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tonye Princewill of the Labour Party (LP).

Speaking after signing the pact on Thursday, Nyesom Wike said his party was committed to a peaceful and violent-free election, saying that peace was imperative for a progressive Rivers.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

9 News

Cross section of the physically challenged citizens of Nigeria, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally, at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on…Thursday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Trouble looms in Rivers over use of Amiesiemaka stadium Godwin Onyema Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

There are palpable fears in Rivers State on the possibility of a full scale confrontation between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the usage of the state government controlled 40,000 capacity Adokie Amiesiemaka stadium by the PDP for its Presidential rally on January 28th.

The PDP has continued to insist on the usage of the stadium for its Presidential rally whether the state government approves of it or otherwise while govern-

ment representatives are claiming that the stadium is not available for use because it is still under construction.

PDP’s argument is that since APC had use the stadium at two different occasions to host rallies, it was unjustifiable for the government to deny them of the right since the facility is for everyone in the state.

PDP through its Chairman, Chief Felix Obuah was first to make the party’s position known when last weekend he openly confronted his state APC counterpart, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya with the fact that the state Governor Chibuike

Amaechi Amaechi had no right to refuse the PDP the use of the stadium by not approving the PDP’s application.

Obuah had said: “The facilities of Rivers State are owned by all of us; all taxpaying people. The Adokiye

Amiesiemaka Stadium belongs to Rivers people; Rivers State money was used to build it. It was not meant for the Buhari campaign manager; it is not his personal property. They used it for their own rally and their own celebrations.

“We have applied to use the place for our rally, come 28th of this month. But the governor, in his act of impunity, has refused us the use of that place. We dare him because it is not his personal property. Come January 28, we are going to use that place. We have made official reports to the police, the SSS and all the other law enforcement agencies.”

Okorocha tasks lawyers on Jonathan, Buhari campaings ÏÏÏ

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has called on lawyers to show interest in the build up to the 2015 elections and the campaigns of the presidential and governorship candidates to know whether they are issue-oriented or mere blackmails.

Okorocha spoke at the 2015 Law Week of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Owerri Branch with the

theme, “2015 General Elections in Nigeria: The Task Before the legal profession”, stating that lawyers should not wait until election cases are brought to them to handle, before knowing that they are key stake-holders in the electoral processes in Nigeria.

He urged the lawyers to come up with a communiqué that could address the issue of presidential and

governorship campaigns and the need for those concerned to talk more about issues than calumny.

His words: “What can you do for the people? What can you do to change the society, should be the issues and not religion or where one comes from. Indeed, I liken this to a man who is in a boxing ring and wanted to face his opponent and instead of rising to the occasion, all

he tells his opponent is, listen I am from so, so place.

That is not the issue. The issue is that you must wear your gloves, and give a good punch to him because those sentiments won’t determine the winner”.

He continued, “I want to urge you today to advice politicians to discuss issues because you handle their cases, the aftermath of the elections.

Umar Mohammed Gusau

ÏÏÏ

Ahead of the February general elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have continued to disagree over the refund of the sum of N33.5 billion to the state government for the re-construction of federal roads in the state.

Governor Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara State at several fora accused the PDP led federal government of non -refund of the money as agreed upon before embarking on the re-construction of roads across the state by his administration.

The accusation never go down well with the federal

JTF talks tough on kidnappers, pirates Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏ

Apparently disturbed by the spate of criminal activities in the Niger-Delta region, authorities of the Joint Military Task Force, code named Operation Pulo Shield Thursday warned suspected kidnappers, Sea pirates and criminals

Zamfara APC, PDP bicker over N33.5b road fund government as the Minister of State Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, at a press briefing, faulted the claims of the governor, saying, federal government had never refused to pay money due to the Zamfara State.

Yuguda explained that there was procedure to follow if a state wants to undertake any federal project. Was that procedure observed by the Zamfara State government when embarking on the reconstruction of the federal roads or not? along the waterways of the region to desist from crime and take up gainful employment in the region.

The JTF Commander, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, who gave the warnings during a call on him by the new Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Frank Nyoyoko, said though it still baffles the command the reason healthy youths would resort to crime instead of gainful employment, while urging all the youths involved in criminal activities to have a rethink or have themselves to blame.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Sure-P empowers 3,000 women, youths in Imo Val Okara Owerri

ÎÎÎOver

3,000 women and youths from Okigwe zone of Imo State have been empowered by the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P).

The coordinator of the programme in the zone, Princess Miriam Onuoha disclosed this while addressing a group of a pro – Goodluck Jonathan, “Mass Movement Initiative (MMI) at the Ugiri local government area development centre, in Isiala Mbano LGA. The group which was facilitated by the Imo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie and his wife Oby as part of measure to fast track the re-election project of President Goodluck Jonathan next month.

Princess Onuoha who is the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Okigwe North federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives dismissed as baseless and frivolous, allegations by the Imo State government of lack of federal presence in the South East attributed the allegation to the desperation of the state government to deceive the people of the zone and to attract undeserved sympathy.

Onuoha cited the ongoing construction of the second Niger bridge, upgrading the Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu to the International airport, revival of rail lines, building of primary health centres, expressways and appointment of some Igbo sons and daughters into key positions as among indicators of federal government love for the people of the zone. “President Goodluck Jonathan has empowered many of our women and youths,

reduced the pump price of fuel to N87 per litre, rehabilitated a number of roads and we will soon begin to place inscriptions on all projects initiated and completed by the federal government in the state but which have been claimed by the Imo State government as their project”.

Mrs. Njideka Okwesilieze Akuma in her contributions confessed to have played a central role in the election of Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2011 regret-

ted that the governor was later to bite the hands that fed him.

She said “we fought for Rochas in 2011 but he had disappointed us and I advise all of you to ignore his propaganda because Imo is now in dire need of change, PDP is Imo and Imo is PDP and today there is too much hunger and starvation all over the state hence we should all put hands together to chase him out of Government House with our votes.

Owerri

ÏÏÏThe

Presidential candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie Wednesday vowed to remove immunity clause from the Nation’s constitution on criminal matters for president, vice president governors and their deputies to enable those in executive position to thread with caution.

Chewas who made the declaration in Owerri, the Imo State Capital during the presidential and governorship flag off the party said if elected public declaration of assets for public office holders would be made compulsory and reviewed periodically.

He said that the security votes would be strictly tied to security and accounted for annually add-

Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏAs

various aspirants in the forthcoming February 2015 general electionS intensify campaigns aimed at wooing the electorate for votes, the Labour Party’s Candidate for Oredo East Constituency, Osasere Blessing Sam- Atoe, hassaid the party does not believe in “godfatherism’ in politics insisting that his emergence as the party’s candidate was determine by his popularity within the party.

The LP candidate who spoke to newsmen in Benin yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, secretariat was accompanied by the state party’s deputy Chairman, Comrade Patrick Eholor, also urged politicians to desist from campaign of calumny but rather focus on issue basic campaign adding that what electorates are interested is voting for candidates can positively impact on their lives.

I’ve done more in Kwara than Gov Ahmed, says Ajibola Ola Yekeen, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

L - R: IGP Suleiman Abba; president, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Najeem Yasin and NURTW Vice President,Alhaji Adegboyega Tomori, at the launch of police elections guidelines For police officers in Abuja recently

UPP govt’ll remove immunity clause - Chekwas Okorie Val Okara

Edo LP flays godfatherism in politics

ing that, the same would be applicable to those security votes are appropriated.

According to UPP presidential hopeful, his administration would strengthened the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related matters Commission (ICPC) in order to act efficiently.

“The laws establishing these anti-corruption agencies shall be reviewed to make their service delivery prompt and effective, my government shall explore the establishment of special courts for corruption related offences and election malpractices that violate the electoral laws.”

Chekwas who doubles as the National Chairman and presidential candidate of the party disclosed further that his admin-

istration would engaged the services of international anti-corruption agencies to track down ill-gotten wealth belonging to Nigeria people that siphoned to overseas through different guise.

Also, addressing the crowd, the party’s governorship candidate in the State, Dr. Osmond Imo Ukanacha noted that his government if elected would work in synergy with medical practitioners to enhance all structures and programmes that would ensure healthy society.

According to him, resident doctors would supervise all the health care facilities and provide free antenatal for all pregnant women in the State.“There shall be adequate maternity leave for nursing mothers. Government will also provide houses and embark on clean environment.”.

Other areas he promised to tackle include effective waste management, industrialization and qualitative education.

Daily Times reports that, the campaign train of the party embarked on road show on the major streets of Owerri before the flag off the campaign.

PDP Governorship Flagbearer, Sen. Simeon Ajibola has declared that what he has done, for his Senatorial District as a Senator was more than what Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has done for the state.

Senator Ajibola made this known in a press statement on Thursday signed by Director of Administration and logistics of his campaign outfit, Prince Shuaib Olanrewaju. Olanrewaju was reacting to a news report credited to Governor Ahmed challenging Sen. Ajibola to tell the people his achievement as a Senator.

Group links societal ills to bad governance Okey Chris, Awka

ÏÏÏIn the spirit of

Okorie

2015 general elections, a network of civil society organizations from the South East Geo-political Zone under the auspices of South East Governance Network [SEGON], has advocated peaceful elections devoid of bitterness and acrimony.

SEGON also posited that good governance is a better means of curbing anti-societal challenges facing the nation.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

11 News

Udom pledges to sustain Akpabio’s transformation agenda ÏÏÏ

The Akwa Ibom PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has pledged to continue with the uncommon transformation agenda of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Emmanuel, who stated this Thursday during the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign at Ikot Ekpene stadium, also promised to carry

the youths along as well as carry out a census of unemployed youths in order to employ them in the fields of different jobs that would be created by his administration.

He further promised to carry widows and entire women along in Ikot Ekpen by sustaining the welfare of the women and giving them the rightful place in

the society, noting that his target would be to establish Ikot Ekpene International Market to attract investors to the state.

The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who stressed that the state won’t allow propaganda to come in through opposition parties, remarked” As a PDP state, we won’t allow propaganda to come

into our state through opposition parties. Marginalization has been ruled out from Akwa Ibom State.

Indeed, PDP has brought transformation to our state and our country through industrialization, so therefore PDP is owned by all of you and not by an individual”.

He further stated that he was impressed by the mas-

Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

opment sector N1.997.9bn while the administration sector will consume N2.088bn and loan repayment N726.541.879m.

Barely a week after the Ogun State Governor and the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress in the Feburary 28 election, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, explained why Olokola free trade zone project failed, governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party SDP in Ogun State, Senator Akin Odunsi, Thursday asked people of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state to vote for the restoration of over 10,000 jobs lost through the antagonistic policy of government against the Olokola project.

Senator Odunsi said that voting for the SDP would ensure that some of the proposals in the project such as the deep sea port would be revisited for them to be brought back on stream.

Amosun, who during the tour of Ogun Waterside, had blamed the immediate past government in the state for not putting the community into consideration during negotiation and planning, which to him

According to burial programme issued on behalf of the Jonathan and Otazi families of Otuoke, JonathanOlei’s body would leave the Otuoke Comprehensive Hospital Mortuary at 9 a.m.

for her residence in Otuoke.

The remains would be received by members of her family at the residence and moved to the Dame Patience Jonathan Square for a Service of Songs scheduled to

Niger plans N59b for LGs in 2015 ernment councils in Niger State are to spend over N59.2billion for the recurrent and capital expenditure this year.

Of the amount, N48.8bn will be sourced from the statutory Allocation while the Value Added Tax (VAT) will generate N6.8bn and N900.000.000 will come in from10% of state Internally Generated Revenue while the local government Internally Generated Revenue will bring in N638.9m and

Jonathan’s younger sister for burial today

presented Mr. Emmanuel to him as the next governor of the state.

The state PDP Chairman, Mr. Paul Ekpo, who presented flags to candidates contesting for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate, assured that Ikot Ekpene would vote and support PDP in the upcoming elections.

SDP slams Amosun over Olokola FTZ

Contractors from the State House Millennium Development Goals ( MDGS) protesting the nonpayment of their completed Projects since 2013 in Abuja ... on Thursday Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

ÏÏÏAll the 25 local gov-

sive turn out of PDP faithful for the campaign and stressed that the massive crowd at the event was an indication that the people of Ikot Ekpene love and support his senatorial ambition.

Earlier, Akpabio had paid homage to the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, Edidem Okuku Augustus Assiak, at his residence and

the Sure-P will bring in N2.1bn.

The overseeing Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abdullahi Bawa Wuse, who disclosed this to newsmen in Minna on Thursday said that the budget proposal will be presented to the House of Assembly for their approval.

Wuse, who was represented at the news briefing by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Mohammed Rijau,

ÏÏÏ

President Goodluck Jonathan’s younger sister, Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei, who died on January 4, will be buried today in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

A statement issued

said that the total recurrent expenditure of the budget is N41.5bn, out of which personnel cost will gulp N15.9bn, overhead cost N8.3bn and consolidated fund charges N17.2bn.

The Commissioner added that the capital expenditure of N17.790bn is made up of counterpart funding N6.556bn Sure-P N2.152bn and distributable capital is N9.081bn.

According to him, the economic sector will gulp N2.724bn, social sector N1.543bn and area Devel-

Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan is scheduled to participate fully in the burial programme.

Babangida Aliyu

Amosun was an unfair and a sign of insensitiveness to the plight of the people while accusing his predecessor of engaging in dubious activities during the negotiation process But addressing a rally in Abigi, headquarters of the local government, Senator Odunsi said that the area lost a deep sea port that was to be constructed in Ode-Omi through the mishandling of the Olokola,, a fertilizer project and also a refinery.

He said: “The 16 billion Naira paid to Lagos State rather than to Ogun State by promoters of the Olokola Project is an unforgivable and unpardonable loss to Ogun State.”

begin at 10 a.m.

A funeral service for the late Jonathan-Olei would be held at the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church at 1 p.m. after which her remains would be interred.

International

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Ukrainian forces battle for Donetsk airport ÏÏÏUkrainian forces have all but

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, left, with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Haider alAbadi, outside of 10 Downing Street in London.

7,000 arrested as political violence rocks Bangladesh, says UNICEF ÏÏÏThirty-one

people have been killed and more than 7,000 arrested in weeks of political unrest in Bangladesh, as the country’s opposition mounts mass protests demanding fresh parliamentary elections.

The dead were mainly killed by arson attacks on buses and cars, police said. The two most recent victims, who died of their injuries in hospital Thursday, were victims of bomb blasts.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), along with 19 allied parties, called for general strikes and a nationwide blockade on road, rail and

river transport on January 5, the first anniversary of disputed elections.

The BNP and its allies boycotted those elections, with BNP leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia arguing they would have been rigged by the government, and refusing to participate unless they were conducted under a neutral caretaker administration.

Her arch rival, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League, refused to concede to the demands and coasted to victory. More than half of the parliament’s 300 seats went uncontest-

ed. Voting was conducted under neutral caretaker governments in Bangladesh from 1991 until 2010, when the system was scrapped by the governing Awami League.

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said Wednesday that at least seven drivers and their assistants on public transport were among those killed in the renewed violence, which has seen 200 buses torched in recent weeks.

The government has also blocked Viber, WhatsApp and other messaging apps, which it says are being used to coordinate the protests. Industry Minister

Fresh violence in DR Congo as Senate votes on election law ÏÏÏRiot

police opened fire on protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday in a new bout of violence as the Senate was set to vote on a controversial bill that would extend President Joseph Kabila’s rule.

An international rights group said 42 people had been killed in three days of anti-Kabila demonstrations in Kinshasa, but the government angrily challenged the figures and said 12 people had died. Thursday’s violence erupted in the eastern city of Goma

- about 1 500km from the capital - when riot police fired on groups of several hundred demonstrators, an AFP correspondent said.

Protesters are rising up against legislation that would enable Kabila, who has been in power in the troubled country for 14 years, to extend his term beyond 2016 when his second mandate ends.

The International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) said 42 people had been killed and dozens wounded in the protests in Kinshasa, a teeming tropical city of

nine million people.

“As has unfortunately become a frequent occurrence in the DRC, the security forces have again demonstrated a totally excessive and disproportionate reaction by firing live ammunition on protesters,” it said in a statement.

“The authorities must put an immediate end to the repression, identify the perpetrators of the crimes and bring them to justice.”

But government spokesperson Lambert Mende said 12 people including a police officer had been

Amir Hossain Amu, who heads a government committee on law and order, said security forces have detained some 7,015 people in recent weeks, who are still being held. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is among those arrested.

The BNP claims the true number under arrest is higher.

The government is offering a reward of 100,000 taka ($1,300) for information leading to the arrest of any of those behind the attacks, Amu said. Bangladesh politics has been dominated by Zia and Hasina for decades, with both enjoying multiple stints in power.

killed, and accused FIDH of being “manipulated” by an exiled Congolese group.

He described most of the dead as “looters” who had been killed by private security guards. Mende had said on Wednesday that about 340 “looters” had been arrested.

Kabila

abandoned Donetsk airport after months of bitter battle, although military officials continue to insist they hold part of the terminal.

The Defence Ministry said on Thursday that six soldiers had died over the previous day of fighting for the airport, which lies on the northern edge of the Russian-backed separatists’ stronghold.

Russian television reporters on Wednesday toured the airport building and showed the bodies of killed Ukrainian soldiers.

Fighting for the airport peaked over the weekend, shattering the relative tranquillity in place since a new truce was reached in early December.

Egypt orders release of Mubarak’s sons ÏÏÏAn

Egyptian court has ordered the release of the sons of ousted President Hosni Mubarak pending their retrial in a corruption case, their lawyer told the Reuters news agency.

Farid el-Deeb said on Thursday this meant that Alaa and Gamal Mubarak should be released because they were not being tried in any other cases.

Mubarak’s eldest son, Alaa, was a businessman, while his youngest son, Gamal, was a senior official in the ruling party and widely tipped to succeed his father before popular protests brought down the regime in 2011.

The brothers have been held in detention since April 2011, two months after their father resigned in the face of a popular uprising.

ISIS: London hosts coalition talks

ÏÏÏForeign

ministers from 21 countries are meeting in London to discuss ways to co-ordinate their efforts to combat the jihadist group, Islamic State (IS).

IS controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq and the US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes since August.

But UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond insisted much more needed to be done. He told the BBC that the countries wanted to find ways to halt the flow of recruits to IS, cut off its funding and “tackle the underlying narrative”.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

13

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

APC: Political space or ticket to the bazaar

A

Son Gyoh

PC brands itself as an umbrella party for the opposition.

But this contrived identity may explain its fragility and inability to wax into a stronger party when we consider that opposition groups are not homogenous in their formation and aspirations. In other democracies, opposition parties negotiate alliances or coalitions to form a government after an election not before.

The notion of mergers without common values might well be the African or Nigerian answer to political parties not built on shared principles or a binding philosophy. But has this contraption worked and can it really work where revenge, bruised egos and vested interest are prime factors that underline the recent attraction to APC. More worrying is that the party seems to have no strong binding ethos to regulate its evolution when high ranking officials walk in and out of the party and even celebrated on their return. The

APC is a gathering loosely connected to ideals of common good, but under the shadows of disgruntled decampees looking to remain and preserve the status quo fate of its followership is usually one of despair and confusion as they follow the entreaties of their leaders that use them as a human shield in their many political battles.

While it is fair to say some of the defections we see are genuine search for political space, the hurry to displace existing party candidates rather than work to support and build the party tells a different story. If we look at PDP states where APC is making some mark, we see dysfunctional structures not cohesive enough to muster a real challenge to displace a dominant party. From Benue, Nassarawa to Akwa Ibom in the south, APC is recording

decampees following disenchantment with the PDP primaries.

Yet APC does not seem to pose a real threat. The true character of APC came to test in the last PDP primaries which saw major PDP heavy weights decamp and quickly pick up big tickets by displacing core APC party members who helped build the party, and this often happened with internal conspiracy. So is there really a difference in the philosophy that underlines these political parties or is it just about windows of opportunity to stay on in the ‘national cake’ bazaar?

The speaker Tambuwal spoke of an unbelievable rot in government financial affairs. But have we heard the opposition calling for the review of the huge salaries and allowances of legislatures at a time of falling revenue?

There is without question a structural difference between the two parties. Quite unlike PDP that is held together by the principle of ‘self ’ before community; APC is a gathering loosely connected to ideals of common good, but under the shadows of disgruntled decampees looking

to remain and preserve the status quo. This internal contradiction has turned to a boot camp for political soul searching. While we cannot downplay the importance of candidates that have the cash and ‘pedigree’ to deliver results for the party, there needed to be a balancing of this consideration with ethical conduct and staying focused on the wider objective.

What is apparent now is that APC does not have a solid foundation on which to develop its core membership, build its support base and integrate newcomers with big and bruised egos.

APC may now need to consider rebranding and reconstituting itself into a platform that provides a legitimate structure for independent candidature as it is unable to shake off its current status as a converging ground for opposition groups unable to forge shared values or evolve a common vision.

There is nothing wrong reconstituting the party as a space for independent candidates to present themselves to the electorate.

It is not possible to build where the basis for coalescence does not exist.

Can PDP rise again in Edo?

T

Nasamu Jacobson

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, once a strong political institution, has in the last seven years suffered a self-induced dwindling of fortunes. The July 14, 2012 governorship election defeat in all the 18 local government areas may well have signalled the death of the party in the state.

It would be helpful for a fuller and better understanding of how and why the party in Edo State came to this sorry state. After the unfortunate and ill-advised annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by late M.K.O. Abiola , an Interim National Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan was put in place by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in August 1993. It had lasted barely three months when it was overthrown in November of the same year by Gen. Sani Abacha.

Abacha promptly dissolved all political structures in the country including the two political parties of SDP and NRC, the National Assembly, state assemblies and governments. His attempt at

giving the nation a democratic government led to the formation of political parties that later became known as the five leprous fingers. The idea to transform self from military head of state to a democratically elected president reared its head at this time. The subsequent death in 1998 of Gen. Abacha and the ascendancy to leadership by Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar thereafter paved the way for the resumption of full political activities with the announcement of a transition time table to end with presidential elections in 1999.

It was, therefore, in 1998 that several political players dubbed old and new breed politicians held meetings that culminated in the formation and registration of several political parties prominent amongst which are PDP, ANPP, AD, ACN, APGA and LP. In Edo State, prominent political figures teamed up in Edo Solidarity Movement (ESM) to scout for a national party which they believed could win elections. These figures include Chief Tony Anenih, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Chief Tom Ikimi , Chief J.B. Momoh and a host of

others.

The alliances formed before and after this consultative meeting led to the three major political gladiators in the state, Chief Anenih, Dr. Ogbemudia and Chief Igbinedion, teaming up in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. This simple fact of these leaders who had previously held sway in different parties joining forces in the same party gave the PDP an edge. In the 1999 elections, the PDP performed so well that it appeared it was the only party that contested elections in the state.

In the heat of the 2004 diabolical plan of President Olusegun Obasanjo to secure an illegal third tenure, the then leadership of the party, with active support of the now chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, hatched a membership re-registration scheme designed to deregister all those who were perceived not to support the self perpetuation plan of Obasanjo.

More than half of the members of the party were thus shut out.

One other factor w that has torn things apart for the PDP in the state is the fortuitous emergence of Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole as

governor, having won the gubernatorial election of April 2007 on the platform of ACN. The woes of the PDP have since then multiplied beyond manageable proportions with the Oshiomhole administrations transparently committed and systematic application of state resources to better the lives of the people.

In six years, the Comrade Oshiomhole administration has done what two successive PDP governments could not do in 10 years while in power in the state. Every aspect of governance has been affected positively. The present administration has constructed, reconstructed and rehabilitated more than 50 inter and intra-city roads most of them complete with covered side drains, walkways and street lights; primary and secondary schools have been reconstructed and furnished; healthcare centres have been built and renovated; 100 new buses have been acquired and running; thousands of youths have been employed.

The woeful failure of the PDP at the 2012 governorship and 2013 local government council elections must be seen as punishment for its misrule of the past.

15

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST MESSIAH MIRACLE APOSTOLIC BIBLE CHURCH. The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES 1. Abiola Alice Olufunmilayo. Founder/General Overseer.

2. Ojo Timohy Oluwaosin. Sec. 3. Abiola Ojo Joseph.

4. Adeloye Babatope Ezekiel 5. Aigbona Paul.

THE REFORMERS CHRISTIAN CENTRE The general public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “c” of the companies and allied matters act, 2004.

TRUSTEES: The trustees are: (1). Apostle Godslove .O. Babalola (Chairman) (2). Pastor Evelyn Meriabe Godslove (Vice chairman) (3). Kekong Marycollete Charles. (Secretary).

(4). Bishop Gabriel Nartey.(Board Member )

Aim And Objective: Preaching The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE THE KING’S INTERNATIONAL WORSHIP CENTRE. The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

CONVENANT SHELTER CHURCH OF GOD The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

Aims and Objectives: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To preach love, fellowship, respect and peaceful co-existence among members 3. To deliver the oppressed, heal the sick and set the captive free.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Pastor Dennis Osarinmwiam Paul.

PUBLIC NOTICE IKEMESIT NDITO NSIT ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Edem Etuk 2. Ekpo Ubon Inyang 3. Udo Solomon Ben OBJECTIVES: 1. To achieve self-government, control, determination and regulation through its duly elected executive, subject to, and empowered by the provisions of this constitution and the By-Law of the Constitution of the State of Georgia, the United of America, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2. To promote and foster unity, love, economic, educational, moral, political, social needs as well as cultural development and progress of its members in the United States of America and in Nigeria.

Any Objection To The Registration Should Be Forwarded To The RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja Within 28 Days Of This Publication Signed:-Godwin .I. I Makhai Esq. Pp: Godwin I. Imakhai & Co. 08054145214

PUBLIC NOTICE ROYAL CHANGERS INTERNATIONAL MISSION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: --

--

Chairman

Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: i. To help people develop a positive perspective about life and fulfillment ii. To help people discover and build a God given purpose iii. To empower young leaders who will impact and impart the next generation.

Any Objection To The Registration Should Be Forwarded To The RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja Within 28 Days Of This Publication Signed:-MR. ISAAC MATTHEW ODAN (Secretary)

THE KINGDOM INHERITANCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The general public is hereby notified that the above name CHURCH has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under part c of the companies and allied matters C 20, LFN. The Trustees are: 1. Isebor Chinweuba - President.

2. Isebor Dora Ifeanyi - Treasurer.

3. Williams Stella Obiajulu - Secretary.

Aims and objectives.

1. To promote and propagate the total gospel of Jesus Christ internationally.

2. To disciple and train ministers of God to spread the word of God. 3. To establish schools, hospitals and economic empowerment centers that will build lives.

4. To win souls for Christ and establish churches word wide.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

TRUSTEES 1. Adebayo Adeniyi - General Overseer 2. Temitayo Anuoluwa Dada 3. Ayobami Adeniyi (Mrs) - Secretary 4. Solanke Musibau Olajide

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Dennis Osarinmwiam Paul.

2. Mrs. Ethel Bariyema Dennis.

3. Pastor Ikuvbogie Osarenren.

4. Evangelist Moses Edobor.

5. Mrs. Joan Moses Edobor.

6. Pastor Great Am ayo 7. Mrs. Gloria Amayo

1 Dr. Nathaniel Omatai Ejiga 2 Rev. Gordian Okezie 3. Barr. Gordon Esa 4. Rev. Ifeanyi Udo Okereke 5.. Dr. Jonah Peter 6. Mr. Isaac Matthew Odan

PUBLIC NOTICE

(RE-CERTIFICATION AND RE-ISSUANCE OF C-OF-O ACKNOWLEDGEMENT) The General Public and Abuja Geographical Information Systems (AGIS), are hereby notified that the RE-CERTIFICATION AND REISSUANCE OF C-OF-O ACKNOWLEDGEMENT for BUHARI UMARU SAFANA with File Number: KT 337 and new file Number: JG 10254 of Plot No: 425, Cadastral Zone B06 and dated 11/19/1998; got missing, all efforts made to trace it proved abortive. Please if found contact the Telephone number below.

Signed: J.J. MOMOH ESQ. 08053604288

Signed: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE MOUNT OF GOD’S SOLUTION AND POWER INT’L

PUBLIC NOTICE HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLEES ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990

TRUSTEE 1. Pastor Oluseyi Solomon Adekahunsi – General Overseer 2. Pastor (Mrs) Deborah Adekahunsi-Asst. General Overseer 3. Mr. Oyeniyi Oluwatobi Olaolu - Secretary 4. Elder Oyeniyi Alade Gbeke - Adviser 5. Pastor Owowa Olajide Charles -Member 6. Pastor (Mrs) Ogunaike Seun Sarah -Member

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Comrade Donald Ayibiowu 2. Comrade Babatunde Adelaja 3. Comrade Simon Akhai 4. Comrade Michael Osabiya 5. Comrade Oluseyi Adigun 6. Comrade Moses Ayibiowu 7. Comrade Ruth Danladi 8. Comrade Favour Onye 9. Comrade Chidi Ifeonye 10.Comrade Amaechi Uwankwo

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES a.To foster unity, love and peace amongst the members of the Association. b.To promote good health in Nigeria and beyond.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

SIGNED: JURISPERITUS ASSOCIATES

ELDER GBEKE OYENIYI FCNA FCTI SIGNED 08023078539

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss.

Oyeyemi Iyabo Waliat now Mrs. Hassan Iyabo Waliat.

All documents remain valid.

General Public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Orieka, Jahswill Udogbo is the same person as Eduzobe Jahswill Udogbo.

All documents remain valid.

General public and Concern authority to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss Celestina Yvonne Iweka now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Celestina Yvonne Adeyemi.

General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known as Lamidi Adekunle Raifu now wish to b known and addressed as Lamidi Adekunle Raufu All former documents remain valid.

General public take notice.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Odiatu Chiedu Obi wish to correct my name erroneously stated as Chinedu Obi in our company Cobiex Integrated Services Ltd documents to Chiedu Obi. And that any other company documents bearing Chinedu Obi stands corrected to Chiedu Obi

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss. Alliu Oluwaseun now wish to be addressed as Mrs Olufunmilayo Oluwaseun Adeola. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

(08036656537)

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as Miss Rosemary OMOFAMA ADEWOLE now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Rosemary OMOFAMA UGBECHIE General Public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Unekwu Victoria Gideon Achile who now wish to be known as MRS UNEKWU –OJO VICTORIA ACHILE. . former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Daily Times Advert Rates Promotional rates valid till January 31ST 2015

Colour

Black & White Rate for Computer & IT/Property/ Vacancy/Home & DĂŠcor

Pictures & Captions Classified Advert

Loose Insert

Colour

Political

Black & White

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Politics Enikuomehin

ENIKUOMEHIN

Buhari will salvage our damaged nation

17

s Dr Benson Enikuomehin is a former Commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and now a Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC). KIn this interview with JULIUS ALABI, South West Bureau Chief, he spoke on Buhari’s Presidential ambition and why INEC Boss, Jega could not afford to fail as well as what he should do to record success in the forthcoming general election. Excerpts:

Is your party’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari fit enough to govern Nigeria considering his age?

Yes, Buhari is the person to salvage the damage situation of the country. When you talk of a man at his age or whatever age, you will recall that late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was around 72 or thereabouts when he still fought on the platform of UPN. Awolowo died at the age of 78.

At the time he was fighting on the platform of UPN, he was that

age too. We are talking about the person who has sanity of purpose. There are presidents of that age across the globe. Look at Nelson Mandela. He was far above the age of 70 when he became South African President and ruled well. What is important is for somebody to have sound mind. Buhari has chosen an able Vice President, a professor of Law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a man that has impeccable character. Buhari CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

2015

Battle for the soul of Benue Freddie Adamgbe, Makurdi THE general election is almost here, and the political atmosphere in Benue State, just like everywhere in Nigeria, is daily becoming heated up.

The two dominant political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are devising strategies outwit the order in order to either consolidate or take over the affairs of governance in the food basket state come May 29.

Leading the pack are the governorship candidate of the PDP, Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor and his APC counterpart, Chief Samuel Ortom both of whom have many things going for them and against them.

A careful look at the political antecedence of the two formidable candidates indicates that both are well grounded in the

Jonathan

state. The stage is therefore set for a titanic battle.

TERHEMEN TARZOOR Until his emergence as the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling PDP in the party primaries, Tarzoor could not have been seen as giving anyone much trouble in the contest. It was surprising that he emerged tops in a keenly contested primaries ahead of other political heavy weights and strategists of many years standing.

The easy going and ebullient former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly slugged it out and came victorious against the likes of three former ministers, namely: Chief Micheal Aondoakaa (SAN), Dr Sam Ode and Dr Samuel Ortom as well as the state’s Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani, among many other formidable contestants.

The Jonathan campaign in Anambra

One thing going for the former lawmaker was his closeness to Benue State Governor, Dr Gabriel Suswam, who provided him with all the necessary logistics and the support of an incumbency to aggressively prosecute the primary election to his advantage.

Another factor was that Hon Tarzoor, whose late father was a prominent traditional ruler in Makurdi Local Government Area, was and still is, heavily supported by the entire Tiv Traditional Council under the leadership of the Begha U Tiv, Orchivirigh Akawe Torkula.

Besides, the support extended to him by former and serving colleagues of the Benue State House of Assembly remains a plus to his candidacy.

He will also enjoy bloc votes from the Benue South because CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Doris Nnabuenyi, Awka Last Saturday, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Onitsha Catholic Arch Dioceses played host to President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was not there to obtain sacrament of penance or to attend a High mass, rather, he was there to

Tarzoor

appeal to the people of Anambra State for votes in the forth coming 2015 general election.

With him were his wife, Patience, his Vice President Namadi Sambo and his wife as well as former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party,

(PDP) Alhaji Adamu Muazu and other top chieftains of the party including Abia State governor Chief Theodore Orji.

The President had earlier visited the site of the second River Niger Bridge under construction and pledged that the project would CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

‘Mimiko can’t deliver one million votes to Jonathan’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

does not need to read from books.

He explains issues intelligently.

Buhari is not looking for cars, houses again; He does not need to look for young girls to sleep with. His opponent has not been able to find anything incriminating against him and that tells you that Buhari has good records. So, Buhari is fit enough to rule Nigeria.

Do you have hope in INEC to conduct credible elections in the forthcoming general election in the country?

Professor Attahiru Jega has improved tremendously. The elections of Osun and Ekiti show that INEC has done creditably well. This coming election will go a long way to solidify our confidence in INEC and I know for sure that Jega cannot afford to fail us; I am appealing to Jega to allow the votes of Nigerians count. Once the votes of people count, there will be no problem again. The era of stealing ballot boxes has gone and I believe Jega will not allow himself to be intimidated. Though, there are bad eggs within the system but they are being thrown out gradually.

bridges and there are no persons to ply these roads. It appears that Mimiko had an ulterior motive from the scratch to do what he is doing to the people of Ondo State.I do not have issue with his person but I have issue with his policies that he has brought on board. In my own area, which is Ilaje/Ese- Odo Federal Constituency where oil that serves economic of the state comes from.

During the tenure of late Agagu, we had the road that linked Igbokoda to Ugbonla. From Akintugbowa junction down to Araromi, these roads were not asphalt lay but surface dressed. So, we had thought that Mimiko would go further and then do more. When we had thought for a long time by begging Mr. Governor to ask for what is our right which he has refused to do, I made up my mind that it was time to part ways with him. The decision of Mimiko is one man decision. He is the sole administrator and nothing more.

When I left LP, a good number of people started reasoning and dumped him.

Why did you leave Labour Party (LP) for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and you are now with All Progressive Congress (APC), what went wrong?

Well, in the first tenure of Governor Mimiko, a good number of us had had hope in him that he was going to make fundamental changes in the infrastructural development of the state, economy and in the empowerment of the people. These were the aspirations which we had that the infrastructure facilities which the late Governor Olusegun Agagu put to a level that Mimiko would improve on it but the reverse is the case. The essence of governance is for the development of the people. You do not build roads,

Obversers believe that it is because the Governor refused to support your aspiration as NDDC boss for another three years?

The people are bound to insinuate whatever they can insinuate. The truth is that during my first term in NDDC, I was not appointed by Mimiko to go to the board. Unfortunately, the board tenure was cut short within the space of 20 months.

It was Mimiko who also met me in Abuja and discussed the issue of what I wanted. I told him if I could be appointed again because my tenure is short-lived.

He was the one who later recommended me. He was the one who championed the course. He was the one who took my name to the Presidency. For the goodness sake, there is no way I could have taken my name there. The point of departure is this: When I was

Buhari

“Buhari’s opponent has not been able to find anything incriminating against him and that tells you that Buhari has good records. So, Buhari is fit enough to rule Nigeria”

Yar’adua

“f you talk about road construction, I brought it to the region and Governor Mimiko could not use anything against me in terms of performance”

in the Board of NDDC within the period of 20months I spent there, I brought development to that environment. Up till now, the place where I stopped, no one that has succeeded me has added value to the development I brought to the place. I brought Solar Revolution, which is now known in the state. You will find it in Igbokoda, Egbegunre, Araromi, Mahin, Ugbo, Ogogoro, Etikan, Ayetoro, Arogbo and others. These are not the projects of N10, 000; the minimum of some of these projects are about One Hundred Million Naira. In these aforementioned communities, you could imagine how life would be at night. Apart from the Science laboratory across the state which I brought on board.

Talking about empowerment, over 150 persons benefited from NDDC Technical Corps that we introduced which took care of

“On the 12 of November, my name was forwarded to Mr. President. Only for me to receive a call from Mimiko in the evening of that Tuesday to tell me that Mr. President said he was no longer interested that I should be nominated

people who had graduated within the period of two/three years to be employed. I was not in Executive position but just part time member of a board and I was able to do all these things. I used my influence and initiative to get the projects done. When I spoke to Mimiko, he told me I needed to go back to the board and that necessitated the processes of going back. I did not realize that the process he initiated, probably had another dimension and that annoyed me.

You can tell a man that I am not going to support you and the man would go to his house and sleep.

But, when you put a man on the line, it looks baffling. When my name was recommended, I went for screening and that was on the 8th November, 2013. On the 12 of November, my name was forwarded to Mr. President. Only for me to receive a call from Mimiko in the evening of that Tuesday to tell me that Mr. President said he was no longer interested that I should be nominated. I asked for the reason, he told me because I served in the Governing Board that was dissolved. I raised the following questions that His Excellency, this governing board that was dissolved, Senator Tunde Ogbeha who represented the North Central in the Board was returned. If the board was accused of corruption, Ogbeha would not have been returned.

It was the board that was dissolved, it was not as if somebody was accused of corruption. The crisis within management was what led to the dissolution of the board.

There was no particular area of which I was indicted. It was the management that had issue.

If you talk about road construction, I brought it to the region and Governor Mimiko could not use anything against me in terms of performance. The secret of government was not known as soon as I was there. When I left, CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Jonathan

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

19 Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

of the influence of Senate President David Mark, particularly because the zone never tolerates opposition but prefers mainstream from which they have continually reaped bountifully, apart from the ministerial position they now occupy.

With the incumbency support, and a heavy financial warchest in his favour, Hon Tarzoor who is perceived in many quarters as humble, focused, intelligent, articulate, well-educated and result-oriented, looks good to clinch the governorship position.

plicating and firing prayers to God to clear electoral hurdles in his way.

Ortom is a friend of the lessprivileged, the rejected and hopeless on the street.

He has provided employment to thousands of youths of Benue, Lagos and Abuja and elsewhere, using his Oracle Business Enterprise. Perhaps the greatest advantage of Ortom is the intimidating followership he commands in Benue as well as his financial warchest, coupled with his deep connection across Nigeria, particularly in the church.

His weaknesses The major minus against the candidacy of Tarzoor is his alleged lack of executive experience, exposure and versatility in either public or private enterprise which pundits insist are germane for articulating government’s policies for the state which are often frustrated by selfish bureaucrats.

Tarzoor is also alleged have no connection with the locals of Benue State and therefore not appreciative of their plight.

This, it is said, may make it impossible for him to address such challenges and rely on his appointees from such communities who hardly deliver government’s programmes to the rural people but corner them to themselves.

Above all, the process which threw him up as the candidate of the party still leaves bitter tastes in the mouths of the party’s top members, and his cocontestants. It will take serious persuasion and pleas for many to come to warm up to him.

As the anointed candidate of Governor Suswam, Tarzoor is being queried by many party men across the board who are expressing their reservation on his ability to perform. The outgoing Governor is perceived to have economically strangulated the state, particularly when it is

SAMUEL ORTOM An experienced political Trojan-horse, Samuel Ortom first came into the political scene in 1990 when he was elected the first chairman of his native Guma local government area of Benue State.

In 1999, he was elected the State Treasurer of the defunct All Peoples’ Party (APP). He

was made the State Secretary of the PDP upon his defection to the party in 2001, the State Deputy Chairman 2006,elected National Auditor PDP, appointed Minister of State Trade and Investment where he oversaw the Ministry of Aviation before his resignation to seek the governorship of Benue.

There is no denying the fact that Ortom is a household name in Benue and indeed Nigerian politics now. He has endeared himself to the ordinary folks, the transport union where he was once a garage tout; the Church which he has contributed significantly in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it in turn is now sup-

His weaknesses Described as sly, all-knowing, ambitious and desperate for vain power despite his deep belief in the Church of Christ, Chief Ortom who two weeks ago contested the governorship ticket on the platform of the PDP before defecting to the APC, is said to have also procured another nomination form in the Labour Party which has made many people not to trust him any longer.

Another controversy is the manner in which he was handed the APC ticket by Senator George Akume against some popular aspirants in the party, like Senator JKN Waku, Prof Steven Ugbah, Hon Emmanuel Jime, Mr. Akange Audu and Mr Mike Iordye without a properly conducted primary or genuine consensus arrangement.

Already, the aggrieved aspirants have threatened a court case to stop INEC from receiving Otom’s nomination form which is a negative signal of things to come.

The fact that remains is that with a divided house the way it is now, the candidacy of Ortom and the chances of him triumphing over the PDP opponent appears dicey unless a divine miracle is applied to avoid implosion and possible protest vote.

N800 million in a month. Then, N800 million multiply 12 will give you N9.6 billion. So, in one year, N9.6billion was accrued to OSOPADEC. I just checked it from the average of N 2 billion; sometimes it could be more on the monthly basis. I wrote to Accountant General of the Federation who replied me with a CD of how the money was shared among the oil - producing States in Nigeria.

The copy of the figures is here with me. The issue is not about whether he recommended me or not but about the government

saying one thing and doing another thing. This has affected my own community. Is it because I was not nominated that made the administration of Mimiko not doing anything in those areas?

What impact has Mimiko made on my people?

When I left LP, I went back to PDP. Only for the man (Mimiko) to summersault and jumped over to come meet us in PDP. As soon as he came, PDP has never been at rest. I would be one of the principal targets anyway.

He would say in as much as I

am in PDP, he will deal with me and that made me leave the party again for APC. The mess we are witnessing in Ondo State is also the same as the mess we are witnessing at the Federal level. PDP in Ondo State is still in crisis everyday; we don’t even know who the candidates of the party are. I can’t stay in a party where Mimiko is. Attaching Mimiko’ s name to PDP is a great obstacle to Jonathan’ s victory in Ondo State. The electorate are wiser now and they will disappoint Mimiko and Jonathan.

‘Mimiko’s name is obstacle to Jonathan’s victory’

Ortom

Benue: Between Tarzoor and Ortom “The candidacy of Ortom and the chances of him triumphing over the PDP opponent appears dicey unless a divine miracle is applied to avoid implosion and possible protest vote”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

it was now obvious that government was no longer functioning.

From 2009 when the administration of Governor Mimiko took over government till now, we cannot beat our chest in Ilaje/ Ese- Odo of project that worth a million naira. The amount of money that had accrued to that place from March 2009 to March 2014 was over N51 billion. 2 billion comes in as derivation on monthly basis. Out of this N2 billion, OSOPADEC takes 4 percent and that 4 percent would give you

having difficulty paying workers salaries.

On the whole, the marketability or otherwise of Hon Tarzoor depends more on how his campaign organisation and the party in particular to realize these salient points and address them headlong.

Politics 20 Under the original plan, this was to be the State of the Union address in which President Obama would be able to go before the nation and declare that he had fulfilled his vow to end two overseas wars. Only the wars did not exactly cooperate.

Mr. Obama pulled American troops out of Iraq in 2011 and ordered all “combat forces” out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

But before he could seize the mantle of peacemaker in Tuesday night’s speech, the rise of a terrorist group called the Islamic State prompted Mr. Obama to send forces back to Iraq, and security challenges in Afghanistan led him to leave a slightly larger residual force The total American military commitment overseas has shrunk significantly since Mr. Obama took office, with just 15,000 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, down from 180,000 six years ago. The situation in both countries, however, is not as clean or as settled as the president had hoped. Instead of ending American wars abroad, he now faces the prospect of finishing his presidency in two years with at least one of them still unresolved.

Even so, Mr. Obama asserted on Tuesday night that his more restrained approach was the wiser course. “The question is not whether America leads in the world, but how,” he said. “When we make rash decisions, reacting to the headlines instead of using our heads, when the first response to a challenge is to send in our military, then we risk getting drawn into unnecessary conflicts.”

Mr. Obama said his strategy represented a “smarter kind of American leadership” that would eventually degrade and destroy the Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS. Working with allies, the United States “is stopping ISIL’s advance” without “getting dragged into another ground war in the Middle East,” he said.

But he acknowledged that destroying the Islamic State “will take time,” and he called on Congress to pass legislation formally authorizing the use of force “to

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

ISIS denies Obama of mantle of peacemaker Obama

“Mr. Obama said his strategy represented a “smarter kind of American leadership” that would eventually degrade and destroy the Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS” show the world that we are united in this mission.”

Referring to this month’s attacks in Paris, Mr. Obama renewed his vow to fight terrorists, despite questions from critics about his commitment. “We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their networks,” he said, “and we reserve the right to act unilaterally, as we’ve done relentlessly since I took office.”

While the address offered no new international initiatives, it did hint at the two areas in which Mr. Obama sees hope of shaping his foreign policy legacy by transforming relations with two long-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Day Anambra rolled out the drums for Jonathan

be completed during his second tenure in office noting that he is satisfied with the progress of the work on the site and assured the people of the south-East and South-South that it is not a white elephant project.

The campaign team also made a stop over at the palace of the Monarch of Onitsha kingdom, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe ; the Obi of Onitsha where he spoke glowingly about the traditional rulers contributions to peace and harmo-

time adversaries, Cuba and Iran.

A month after announcing that he will resume diplomatic relations with Cuba after more than 50 years, Mr. Obama called on Congress to lift the longstanding embargo against the island nation. “We are ending a policy that was long past its expiration date,” he said.

He also repeated his intent to veto any legislation that would threaten new sanctions against Iran if negotiations over its nuclear program did not succeed, saying such legislation “will all but guarantee that diplomacy fails” and force an armed conflict.

“The American people expect us

nious relationship in the country.

At the field of the Holy Trinity Cathedral Onitsha, the large and unprecedented crowd of supporters laid wait for the campaign team and upon their arrival at the arena, they were received with thundering cheers.

Speakers after speakers addressed the crowd on why President Jonathan should be re- elected for the second tenure. Chairman of Transformation Agenda of Nigeria (TAN), Chief Ifeanyi Ubah explained

to only go to war as a last resort, and I intend to stay true to that wisdom,” he said.

Critics found little to praise in Mr. Obama’s foreign policy. “President Obama has spent much of his presidency spreading false hope that the ‘tide of war’ was receding despite mountains of evidence to the contrary,” said Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the Republican majority leader. “Although the Obama administration sought to declare the war on terrorism over, the terrorists have only increased their assaults against free and moderate societies who do not share their extremist worldview.”

Speaker John A. Boehner said the troubles in Afghanistan and Iraq revealed the weaknesses of Mr. Obama’s foreign policy. “President Obama is more interested in keeping arbitrary, political deadlines than defeating the terrorist threat in Afghanistan,” his office said in a statement.

that: ‘’ what we have come to do is to bring you my brothers and sisters the message of truth and goodwill. ‘’It is not in doubt that President Jonathan has performed creditably well and this can be seen in all the reforms that we see in all sectors of the Country. We in Igbo land are aware of the fact that the South-East has gained bountifully from the administration of Mr. President. Those who are telling you not to vote for him have a secret plan of sending us

“President Obama’s decision to withdraw from Iraq paved the way for ISIL’s rise and a terrorist resurgence in Iraq, which caught the administration off guard,” Mr. Boehner’s office said in another statement.

In a further shot at Mr. Obama, Mr. Boehner announced on Wednesday morning that he had invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to address a joint session of Congress on Feb. 11, his first such address in nearly four years.

“I don’t believe I’m poking anyone in the eye,” Mr. Boehner said at a news conference. “There is a serious threat that exists in the world, and the president last night kind of papered over it. And the fact is is that there needs to be a more serious conversation in America about how serious the threat is from radical Islamic jihadists and the threat posed by Iran.”

Emmarie Huetteman contributed reporting.

back to those dark days and we all shall forever regret it if they succeed,’’ he stressed.

Former Anambra governor, Obi told the jubilant crowd that “you all know my achievements when I was in the office and all these were done due to the support and instrumentality of President Goodluck Jonathan. The second Niger Bridge is still on and I wish to let you know that it was never abandoned. Jonathan is our brother and he has always carried us along in all that he has been doing.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Features Does Abia need functional fire service?

Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia Abia is one of those states that experience dry weather between November and March, with attendant consequences, including fire outbreaks at homes, offices and surrounding bushes.However, the snail speed of fire fighters in the state is nothing to write home about, begging the question of who is to be blamed: the government or the fire fighters?

On Sunday, January 18, 2015,

21

s at around 9.0am, passers-by noticed smoke emanating from a store at Umuwaya Road, precisely below Peoples Democratic Party, Umuahia North chapter’s office.

Calls were immediately put across to the police, the state fire service and the owner of the shop, who sells various mineral drinks.The Police were the first to arrive the scene, thus, giving sympathisers milling around the authority to break the iron doors and salvage the goods,

before bringing the fire under control.

The Enugu Electricity Company, (EEDC) cut off supply to the store, having observed that the fire started from the meter box, due to erratic power supply.At about 11.42 am, while the store owner was thanking God and the sympathisers for their concern and help, a state fire service truck arrived blaring its siren and blocking the road, afCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Theodore Orji, Abia state governor

‘I desire to have my own village’ says Native Doctor with 56 wives and over 300 children Moses Oyediran Enugu

Odo

An Enugu-Ezike based herbalist in Aji community of Igboeze North LGA of Enugu state, Chief Simon Odo, popularly referred to as ‘Onu Uwa’ says he desires to have a village of his own, for a good reason: The 68 years old herbal practitioner is married to all of 56 women and over 300 children, and he told Daily Times, “I can only stop marrying more wives whenever I can no longer satisfy women sexually.”

The renowned herbalist who branded himself “Africa’s King Solomon” our correspondent that from biblical records, King Solomon had 700 concubines; “There is nothing wrong in my having retinue of wives”.

Early life Story “My name is Simon Odo, born in 1947 into a Christian family.

I later became a mass server at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aji where I was baptized in 1956 and got confirmed in 1958. I suffered so much as a child.

According his account, he lost his father at the age of 16 over a parcel of land his father swore he will not give up to his kinsmen.

“After his death, I was also inflicted with tuberculosis by the same people because I demanded to know the cause of the death of my father. I suffered from the tuberculosis for five years after which they crippled me for another five. At this point I cried and said, God why will you allow all these to befall me.”

How I became a native doctor “After my outcry, I ran to one old native doctor in Ijebu Ode and stayed there for seven years, it was there I learnt the trade of

‘I will advise men not to marry up to three wives. Any person who wishes to emulate me should prepare his casket” native medicine and began to practice.

“I do all manner of jobs for people, but the only thing I don’t do is to prepare charm for armed robbers. If you go to Anambra state, all the people late Osita Osadebe mentioned in his music “People’s club” had at one time or the other visited my shrine for services.”

Counting 54 years in practice, Odo said he has aided people to travel abroad with his native medicine practice and boasts that no embassy can deny them visa to travel to any country of their choice..

“I am not a politician, but a good number of politicians are my clients, they come here with all manner of gifts after a successful business.”

The women in my life “I have 56 wives and they all are hard working; some own restaurants while some are civil servants. Three of my wives are graduates. At times I quarrel with my wives, but it is on record that none of my wives have been involved in adultery, because if anyone of them indulges in adultery, she will be stuck with the man without been separated for a long period; so none of them can dream of keeping a man outside my home.

“I have sent about five of my wives home because of misbehavior.”

Daily Times gathered that his wives come from the tribes and tongues across the country and he is welcome wherever he proposes to a woman.

“I married both from Yoruba, Benue, Kogi, Calabar, Anambra and Enugu among others. I will advise men not to marry up to three wives. Any person who wishes to emulate me should prepare his casket; this is my agreement with God. I will not stop marrying till I die, or until my manhood stops working.

“I am a blessed man; I spend the average of N1.4 million on feeding my household monthly and I give out cars out as gifts to my in-laws.”

The old fellow said there is no magic to his love story as people may think other than love and sexual satisfaction.

“All my marriages were gifts of love and not by charm. I marry CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

‘My children will never sleep with themselves’

Uduaghan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Abia state governor, Theodore Orji (First left) in a new direction of the fire service in the state

Abia in need of functional fire service CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

ter the smoke had been put out.

Of course, this gave onlookers the opportunity to laugh and make unsavoury comments about the arrival of the fire fighters, almost three hours after a distress call and to the embarrassment of the driver of the truck and fire fighters who were not even in their fire fighting gear. This brings the issue of a functional fire service for the state.

In March, 2007, while Governor Theodore Orji commissioned four digitalised firefighting trucks donated to Abia State by the Niger Delta Development Commission. (NDDC) at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, he thanked the commission for assisting the state.

He said that with the vehicles, the state was prepared to confront fire outbreaks in the state.

But even with this, slow re-

sponse continues to be the hallmark of fire fighters in the state.

The governor had, at the commissioning, advised the Director of the fire service to liaise with NDDC for proper training of firefighters in handling the new equipment to ensure that they were maintained at all time to prevent the loss of lives and property of the people.

The then commissioner, representing Abia on the NDDC Board, Chief Sam Nwogu had rightly pointed out that Abia is faced with fire outbreaks, adding that the trucks would complement government’seffort in tackling the perennial incidence of fire outbreaks in the state.

At various times, the state fire service had demonstrated its inefficiency in handling fire outbreaks. For instance, in January 2013, a petrol station at Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area was gutted by fire which

“At various times in the state, the service had demonstrated its inefficiency in handling fire outbreaks” consumed goods and properties worth millions of Naira.

The incident involved a 33,000-litre petrol-laden tanker, which was discharging at the station.The driver of the truck, Stephen Ogbuji, lamented, describing it as “a mysterious incident”.

Fire fighters and flimsy excuses In his reaction, the manager of the filling station, Chinedu Uwalekwu, commended the people of Uzuakoli for their timely

intervention, saying the fire would have consumed adjoining buildings but for the quick intervention of the people. Uwalekwu complained about the attitude of fire fighters in Umuahia, who did not show up after they were called.“When the fire started, we, immediately, got in touch with the fire service in Umuahia, but, they complained that they had nobody to drive their truck, yet they come here every year to collect their annual levy CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

all my wives according to the custom and tradition of where they come from. I don’t marry with less than N100, 000.00. I have built houses for some of my in-laws, and as I said earlier some of my in-laws receive car gifts from me; you can go and verify my claims.

“I do not marry anyone from rich families; I prefer to marry from the poor ones because this enables me to help them one way or the other. I came to the world for beautiful women to love, to follow and marry me.”

Short of being a nymphomaniac, the Odo boasts he satisfies all his wives sexually.

“None of them have complained of sex starvation; I make love to a reasonable number of them daily and I believe that sexual satisfaction of my wives is a gift from God. “The beautiful aspect of my family is that there was a time about seven of my wives put to bed in one day. The young ones that are still active in bed are more than 11 at any given time, and my latest wife who I just married last December is only 15 years.”

Number of children “My children are numerous and that is what I bargained for as Africa’s King Solomon. Out of 56 wives, some have seven, eight, five and three children; some are still pregnant, just last week, one of them delivered a set of twins.

“I can’t say the number that is pregnant as I speak with you. I feed all of them comfortably without hassles. I have an estate to solve accommodation challenges of my family. All my wives and children have never complained of lack of accommodation. My children, to say the fact, are over 300 to my credit.”

Does he have problems recognizing his children individually?

“I recognize my children because they all have marks as identity. My children don’t mix themselves up either and can never sleep with themselves or marry themselves. If they do the person will die instantly: Training my children CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

23 Features

‘I give my children tribal marks for recognition’

I have 56 wives and they all are hard working; some own restaurants while some are civil servants. Three of my wives are graduates. At times I quarrel with my wives, but it is on record that none of my wives have been involved in adultery

Odo with one of his wives and idol CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

“I am a lover of Western education; I own a nursery and primary school where some of my children attend with some of my wives as teachers, and I also employed other capable teachers. I train those of them who crave for education even to the university level.

“Now, some of my children are

Odo with members of his family graduates; one of my daughters was the immediate councilor that represented Aji ward and she was the deputy leader of Igbo Eze North Local Government legislative council.

“Another of my daughter, Amala, was given scholarship to further her in London.”

Need for my own village

“My children all know themselves because they all bear tribal marks which I gave them; a good number of them are married with children. In no distant time I may apply for recognition of my own village ONUWA village. The number of my children and great and great grand children command a force in Aji community.

“In my house, there is freedom of worship; some of my children

are Catholic, some Anglican, while some attend Pentecostal Churches. We still have those who took after me as native doctors. We are one mega family; we consume one bag of rice every Sunday and we eat from one big pot.

“The grown up ones are no longer staying with me; they have built their own houses. My first son, Emeka Odo was born in

1969; he is equally a native doctor with his own family. I have also giving out many of my daughters hand marriage.

Daily Times spoke to his youngest of his wives he married just last month, 15 years old Chidinma from Okutu village in Nsukka Local Government Area, CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

‘Give priority to protection of lives and property’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

“When the fire started we immediately got in touch with the fire service in Umuahia the state capital, but they complained that they have no driver to drive their truck”

from us,” he said.

The story is not different at Aba area fire service station, thus, raising questions about the commitment of government as regards meeting the challenges of fire protection and policy.

Investigations revealed that the state government tried to equip the fire service within its available resources, but more needs to be done to make the service more functional in the state.

It is said that the protection

of lives and property is the most important responsibility of any government, but going by what is seen in the fire service in Umuahia and Aba, the service is pathetic. Fire service in the state could, simply, be said to be dysfunctional.

Onyi Esiaka, chief executive of Fire Safety Solution, a private firm engaged by Abia State Government to handle sales of fire extinguishers to the public, had once advised residents to install the facility in their homes and

offices.

Invariably, this was an interim measure to control fire because of the inability of fire stations in the state to act fast, be efficient and proactive.

A fire man at the Aba station, who did not want his name in print, was quoted as saying: “We have only two vehicles serving the whole of Aba and its environs and in the event of any major fire outbreak, the city might be consumed because out of the two vehicles we have, only one is

in working condition and it contains only 400 gallons of water.

The vehicles are being serviced and fuelled by the Ministry of Transport, Umuahia.”

“To talk about such things as aerial telescopic turn table ladders, maintenance workshop on wheel, fire fighting clothes and comprehensive training and retraining of personnel at the station, is to talk gibberish. The station belongs to another age, the stone-age.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

‘My husband is full of life, honest and loving’

Odo with one of his daughters

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Enugu State.

“I came in contact with my husband who had married one girl from my place; he approached me for marriage and I accepted, then he went to my parents, performed the marriage rites and

took me as wife. I was in JSS III at the time of my marriage.”

Chidinma dispelled any rumour of her husband using charm to marry young girls.

“I want the whole world to know that I married my hus-

band out of love. He came to my parents after he approached me and we both agreed before going to seek my hands in marriage from my parents, I became convinced he is the one I want to marry even after I learnt that he

is the famous Onuwa with many wives I am not worried because since I entered this house he has remained in charge of his home and properly taking care of every of our needs including that of all his children.

“Onuwa has these managerial skills of managing his home effectively. We have not had any quarrels that we cannot manage”.

Another of his wives, Ado Odo, 24, is a graduate from Benue State.

“I am a 300 level student of Mass Communication Department of Benue State University.

I am happily married to Chief Simon Odo, A.K.A Onuwa.

“My marriage to Onuwa is six loving months old and I have never regretted taking my decision to marry my husband.

Since I married my husband he has remained caring to both me and my other senior wives. He likes education which is one of the reasons why I married him because he promised that he will take care of my studies to any level I want.

“He is a man who keeps to his words; just recently he bought a car for my mother and bought a motor bike for me for my use. He has done a lot for my parents and I want to carry his baby in no distant time. My husband is full of life, honest and loving, not minding our age bracket, he remains very understanding”.

What would you say to Africa’s King Solomon? He certainly deserves the title, and a village to his name.

Abia state fire service belongs to the stone age CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

“We are supposed to be six on a shift, which is a crew but now, we are two or three on a shift,” the official said.

Even the premises of the fire station has also been converted to other uses, including serving as mechanic workshops and bread distribution outlet. A worker said: “There are four privately owned mechanic workshops operating within the premises of the fire service station and an officer collects rents from them.

“Every morning, bakers in Aba use the premises of the sta-

tion as a distribution base. It’s always like a market and it is a shame that such a place has been converted to other uses”.

In Umuahia, the story is not different as the functional firefighting trucks there are those that “live” in the government house.

The state government have done well in many sectors of the economy, but it must be observed that no administration can provide everything a society needs within its two-term tenure.

Sectors like the health, education, agriculture, empowerment, infrastructure, security and more in the state have, actu-

“There are four privately owned mechanic workshops operating within the premises of the Fire Service Station and an officer collects rents from them”

Abia state Fire Service office ally, witnessed great turnaround under the Orji administration, but more needs to be done in the firefighting sector in the state.

As the political parties engage themselves in next month’s gen-

eral election, to ensure that they produce the next governor, they should know that the state needs functional and battle ready fire stations to save lives and properties.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Today in History

25

s

1967 Agitation for state: Rivers envoys see Gowon

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1967 Agitation for state: Rivers envoys see Gowon A delegation of minority elements in the Rivers area in Eastern Nigeria called on the head of the Federal Military Govern-

1968

1968 North Korea seizes U.S. ship Pueblo The U.S. intelligence-gathering ship Pueblo was seized by North Korean naval vessels and charged with spying and violating North Korean territorial waters. Negotiations to free the 83-man crew of the U.S. ship dragged on for nearly a year, damaging the credibility of and confidence in the foreign policy of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration.

The capture of the ship and internment of its crew by North Korea was loudly protested by

ment and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon to formally made a request for the creation of Rivers State before March 31, 1967.

Chief Harold Biriye, a leader of minority groups in Eastern Nigeria, told the press conference in Lagos that the delegation would advise the Federal Military Government “to decree

North Korea seizes U.S. ship Pueblo the Johnson administration.

The U.S. government vehemently denied that North Korea’s territorial waters had been violated and argued the ship was merely performing routine intelligence gathering duties in the Sea of Japan. Some U.S. officials, including Johnson himself, were convinced that the seizure was part of a larger communistbloc offensive, since exactly one week later, communist forces in South Vietnam launched the Tet Offensive, the largest attack of the Vietnam War.

the creation of the state before the specified time”.

Also at the Press Conference two chiefs from the Rivers area, told stories of alleged torture and maltreatment of people in their area as a result of which they said they had both “had to flee.”

1957 Toy Company Wham-O produces first Frisbees On this day in 1957, machines

1922

at the Wham-O toy company rolled out the first batch of their aerodynamic plastic discs--now known to millions of fans all over the world as Frisbees.

The story of the Frisbee began in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where William Frisbie opened the Frisbees Pie Company in 1871. Students from nearby universities would throw the empty pie tins to each other, yelling “Frisbie!” as they let go. In 1948, Walter Frederick Morrison and his partner Warren Franscioni invented a plastic version of the disc called the “Flying Saucer” that could fly further and more accurately than the tin pie plates. After splitting with Franconi, Morrison made an improved model in 1955 and sold it to the new toy company WhamO as the “Pluto Platter”--an attempt to cash in on the public craze over space and Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

In 1958, a year after the toy’s first release, Wham-O--the company behind such top-sellers as the Hula-Hoop, the Super Ball and the Water Wiggle--changed its name to the Frisbee disc, misspelling the name of the historic pie company. A company designer, Ed Headrick, patented the design for the modern Frisbee in December 1967, adding a band of raised ridges on the disc’s surface--called the Rings-to stabilize flight. By aggressively marketing Frisbee-playing as a new sport, Wham-O sold over

100 million units of its famous toy by 1977.

1556 Deadliest earthquake in history rocks China On this day in 1556, an earthquake in Shaanxi, China, killed an estimated 830,000 people.

Counting casualties is often imprecise after large-scale disasters, especially prior to the 20th century, but this disaster is still considered the deadliest of all time.

The quake struck in late evening, with aftershocks continuing through the following morning. Later scientific investigation revealed that the magnitude of the quake was approximately 8.0 to 8.3, which isn’t close to the strongest tremor on record. However, the quake struck in the middle of a densely populated area with poorly constructed buildings and homes, resulting in a horrific death toll.

The epicentre of the earthquake was in the Wei River Valley in the Shaanxi Province, near the cities of Huaxian, Weinan and Huayin. In Huaxian, every single building and home collapsed, killing more than half the residents of the city, a number estimated in the tens of thousands. It was a similar story in Weinan and Huayin.

In some places, 60-foot-deep crevices opened in the earth.

Serious destruction and death occurred as much as 300 miles away from the epicentre. The earthquake also triggered landslides, which contributed to the massive death toll.

Insulin injection aids diabetic patient

1922 Insulin injection aids diabetic patient At Toronto General Hospital, 14-year-old Canadian Leonard Thompson became the first person to receive an insulin injection as treatment for diabetes.

Diabetes has been recognized as a distinct medical condition for more than 3,000 years, but its exact cause was a mystery until the 20th century. By the early 1920s, many researchers strongly suspected that diabetes was caused by a malfunction in the digestive system related to the

pancreas gland, a small organ that sits on top of the liver. At that time, the only way to treat the fatal disease was through a diet low in carbohydrates and sugar and high in fat and protein. Instead of dying shortly after diagnosis, this diet allowed diabetics to live--for about a year.

A breakthrough came at the University of Toronto in the summer of 1921, when Canadians Frederick Banting and Charles Best successfully isolated insulin from canine test subjects, produced diabetic symptoms in the animals, and then

began a program of insulin injections that returned the dogs to normalcy. On November 14, the discovery was announced to the world.

Two months later, with the support of J.J.R. MacLeod of the University of Toronto, the two scientists began preparations for an insulin treatment of a human subject. Enlisting the aid of biochemist J.B. Collip, they were able to extract a reasonably pure formula of insulin from the pancreas of cattle from slaughterhouses and used it to treat Leonard Thompson.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Money

s

Power crisis looms as Trans-Forcados pipeline is vandalised again Augustine Aminu & Sunday Isuwa

Trans Forcados oil pipeline has again been vandalised by yet-to-be identified persons, causing fears of possible reduction in power supply in some parts of the country.

The damage on the Trans Forcados pipeline at Oteghele axis in Bayelsa State has caused a crude oil spill. Daily Times gathered that the incident recorded over last weekend is the third this year, occurring within a space of 17 days.

Nebo Special Assistant (Media) to Minister of Power, Kande Daniel, who also confirmed the incident in a statement, said all oil and gas production into the

damaged pipeline has been shut down to allow for an assessment and repairs.

“The duration of the disruption has not been estimated yet by sector technical experts, but it is expected to reduce the volume of gas available for power generation whilst the situation lasts,” Kande Daniel said.

He said the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, has appealed for the understanding of electricity consumers, for the reduction in power supply which this development may cause in

some parts of the country.

The Minister described as ‘painful’, the possible motive of sabotage, in view of the established cycle of vandalism incidents always coming on the heels of achieved high generation levels.

Nebo, however, assured Nigerians that the Ministry’s collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the nation’s security forces has resulted in the arrest of some pipeline vandals in the recent past.

Boniface Aniebonam

Freight forwarders threaten removal of registrar Funmi Coker

Terminal benefits: Committee screens 1,669 PHCN retirees, next-of-kin Payment next week – Nebo Augustine Aminu The Implementation Committee on payment of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) terminal benefits of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is set to release time-table for the payments of severance benefits for staff retirees and Next of Kins (NOKs) to be verified in nine centres across the country.

Speaking to newsmen on the heels of the threat to public property by aggrieved union members and ex-workers of PHCN, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Power, Professor Chidi Onyia, said that Nigerians deserve to have adequate information in order to have informed position of the issues involved.

He said the Committee put in place by the BPE and which also have representations from the Ministry and Office of the Accountant General has diligently handled all issues pertaining to verification and had drawn up a check-list for all beneficiaries to bring to the various designated centres, upon which they will be

paid.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated a clear understanding of the nation’s labour law which informed his directives to the han-

dlers of severance package to be diligent in the validation processes, adding that government does not want to pay ghost workers but only the right people.

He said so far, a whopping

N372 billion has already been paid out to disengaged PHCN workers, stressing that government has always treated its workers with utmost dignity and respect.

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has passed a vote of no confidence on the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Sir Mike Jukwe.

The founder of the association, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, said that if Jukwe failed to move the council forward this year, NAGAFF might be forced to take a drastic action.

Aniebonam observed that things were going wrong and time was running out.

He noted: “I just hope that Jukwe will understand that NAGAFF is getting frustrated and we shall do things we know how to do best and let the worst happen.

NPA, terminal operators deny agents’ port access cards

L-R: Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Amb. Ummuna Orjiako, Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Mr. Isaac Obodo, president, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Swiss; Mr. Aigboje Higo, Managing Director, Capital Bancorp Plc and Amb. Laurence Ayodele, Nigeria Ambassador to Greece at NSE Investor Forum for Nigerian Diasporas in Switzerland recently.

Clearing agents in Apapa port have complained that port terminal operators and the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) have refused them the issuance of authority cards.

The agents, who tendered their complaints at a stakeholders forum organised by the Nigeria Customs office, Apapa Area1 command in Lagos, said that some of their workers were not given authority cards to access the port.

They noted that this had led to the frequent arrest of their staff by police officers even as they called on NPA to address the issue.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

27 Agric

How deadly is Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

?

Definition Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly infectious and contagious disease of poultry and other birds that lives naturally in the wild.

What causes Bird Flu? It is caused by the Type “A” influenza virus. This virus is broadly classified into two types; low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

What species of bird are affected by Bird flu?

It can affect several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl,) and wildlife birds (waterfowl).

Can other animals be infected by Avian influenza type A viruses?

Yes, animals such as pigs, horses, seals and whales.

Where did the Bird Flu come from?

It is suspected that it came from wild birds which are known to be natural hosts.

Transmission Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of influenza viruses. They are not normally affected by the disease, but can still transmit it to domestic birds.

The disease can spread to birds through contact with infected poultry and poultry products.

It can also spread through contaminated manure, litter, clothing, footwear, vehicles, equipment, feed and water.

Update on Bird Flu in Nigeria Seven states have so far reported cases of the bird flu: Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Plateau States. To date, 21 commercial farms, nine Live Bird Markets and one private zoo have been affected in the seven States.

As at January 21, 2015, a total of 140,390 birds have been associated with bird flu exposures, with 22,573 (16 per cent) mortality recorded.

The most affected state has been Kano, where the initial case of the bird flu was found.

A total of 103,445 birds have reportedly been exposed to the infection in Kano State, with 15,963 (15 per cent) mortality reported.

ARSO to boost trade in Africa’s agro-sector Odumodu

Stories by Charles Okonji The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has declared its commitment to revolutionise Africa’s agriculture, especially by making the trade sector more profitable and globally competitive.

A statement by media aide to ARSO president, Dr Joseph Odumodu, pointed out that across Sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture accounts for three-quarters of employment and one third of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), maintaining that for very poor households, agricultural development is not only a defence against hunger but also acted as an income generation venture nearly four times more effectively than growth in any other sector.

“These circumstances help to

explain why agricultural development is such a powerful tool for reducing poverty in Africa and eliciting economic development,” ARSO added.

According to ARSO, agriculture and agricultural trade are a major source of income for almost all African countries, stressing that “the expansion of agricultural trade has helped provide greater quantity, wider variety and better quality food to increasing numbers of people at lower prices. It accounts for more than 30 per cent of GDP, employs more than 60 per cent of the labour force, represents a major source of foreign exchange, supplies bulk of basic food and provides income for a large percentage of the rural population.

“Nevertheless, it has tended to be those economies that depend less on agricultural trade

which have made the largest gains in agricultural market share; while the African economies that are more firmly based on agriculture have not only lost market share, but in many cases have also seen their agricultural trade balances deteriorate in the face of persistently high or even increasing economic dependence on agricultural exports and food security dependence on imports,” ARSO added.

The African standards body added that despite the persistently strong agricultural component of its external trade, sub-Saharan Africa’s presence in world agricultural markets has tended to lose significance since the early 1970, saying that trade potential in Africa was severely limited by low level of production capacity.

In ARSO’S words, “there is the

issue of poor quality of products caused by low level of technology and lack of quality control.

Clearly, the problem of quality of agricultural products begins at the farming level, where much intervention is required ranging from selection of seed variety to farming methods/management.

Furthermore, traders who are not used to trading on standards mostly sell in the domestic market.”

“Low level marketability of agro-products arises from lack of advanced preservation and storage equipment/technology, low level of processing and packaging skills. These factors are important requirements for trade in agriculture and food products as they address perishability problem and ensure quality,” ARSO added.

Cocoa demand will outstrip supply until 2020 - Study Demand for cocoa products, especially chocolate, is surging. Supply, meanwhile, has struggled. In 2014- 2015, it is expected to fall 100,000 tonnes short of demand, says Laurent Pipitone of the International Cocoa Organisation.

According to Pipitone, the catastrophic chocolate shortage that some have predicted will not occur, but demand will continue to outstrip supply until

2020.

The Asia-Pacific region now accounts for 16 per cent of global guzzling. Sales in China grew by 58 per cent from 2009 to 2013 alone, though they were still worth just £1.6 billion ($2.4 billion) in 2013 compared with £11 billion in America. Consumption in the West has continued to boom, too, with new “posh choc” brands and chefs who grate the stuff into their chili.

Cocoa seeds

A large greenhouse in a field in the southern county of Berkshire seems an unlikely place to solve supply problems in the global chocolate industry. Yet a new facility at the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre (ICQC) at the University of Reading is trying to do just that.

Researchers hope it can help cut outbreaks of diseases, such as frosty pod and witches’ broom,

Auto 28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Before Corolla t ’Niyi Omo-Okiri I grew up knowing that the 1970/74 Toyota Corolla was one of the cars owned by my father, and it became his favourite as time passed, because he had gradually abandoned his other car (a German built Opel Record), preffering to go out more in the smaller Corolla. He later gave out the bigger Opel to friends and, as I went out with him more than my other siblings, I began to see the Corolla as the best car around.

For over a decade the Corolla dutifully and obediently took my father wherever he wanted to go, until he was gifted another car (a Mazda 626) from abroad by a son-in-law. He then reduced his outings with the Toyota and, without needing repairs, he would park the car at the front of his house and just admire it anytime.

And since I became wiser, I’ve watched this No. 1 world acclaimed small car develop from model to model through the decades.

The Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured by Toyota. The name Corolla is part of Toyota’s naming tradition of using names derived from the Toyota Crown for sedans.

Early models were mostly rear-wheel

driven, while later models have been front-wheel driven.

Introduced in 1966, the Corolla managed to become the best-selling car worldwide by 1974 and has been one of the best-selling cars in the world since then.

The Corolla traditional competitors have been the Nissan Sunny, introduced the same year as the Corolla in Japan and the later Honda Civic.

In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle. Toyota reached the milestone of 40 million Corollas sold over eleven generations in July 2013. The series has undergone several major redesigns.

Corollas are manufactured in Japan, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey and Venezuela. Production has previously been made in Australia and the United Kingdom. Production in the United States ended in March 2010. It was resumed late in 2011, after a Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi plant was opened in November 2011 in Blue Springs, Mississippi.

The Corolla has also given birth to over 16 other models under various names worldwide over the years, including the

Corolla Ceres (and similar Sprinter Marino) hardtop, Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno sports coupés and hatchbacks, and the Corolla FX hatchback, which became the Corolla RunX, while the Sprinter became the Allex, with the introduction of the ZZE128 Corolla. The RunX and Allex was replaced by the Auris in 2006. A luxury version of the Auris installed with V6 engines was discontinued in 2012, after it was briefly sold at Japanese Toyota dealerships.

A compact MPV named the Corolla Verso has also been released. Its Japanese counterpart is the Corolla Spacio, which has also been discontinued as of the 10th generation. The Corolla Rumion is also sold in the US-market as the Scion xB. The Corolla Matrix, better known just as the Matrix, shares the E120 and E140 platforms, and is considered the hatchback/sport wagon counterpart of the North American Corolla sedan. Toyota frequently combines the sales figures of the Corolla sedan and Matrix. The Pontiac Vibe, which is the General Motors badged version of the Matrix, also shares the Corolla platform.

Over many years, there have been rebadged versions of the Corolla, sold

by General Motors, including the 1980s’ Holden Nova of Australia, and the Sprinter-based Chevrolet Nova, Chevrolet Prizm, and Geo Prizm. The Corolla liftback (TE72) of Toyota Australia was badged as simply the T-18. The five-door liftback was named the Corolla Seca in Australia and the nameplate survived on successive five-door models.

The Tercel was a front wheel driven car, first introduced in 1980 and called the Corolla Tercel then. The Tercel platform was also used for the Corolla II hatchback in Japan.

FIRST GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1966/70) The first Corolla generation was introduced in October 1966 with the 1100 cc K pushrod engine. The Corolla Sprinter was introduced as the fastback version in 1968.

SECOND GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1970/74) In May 1970, the E20 was restyled with a more rounded body and the 1400 cc T and 1600 cc 2T OHV engines were added to the range. The now mutually exclusive Corolla and Sprinter names were used to differentiate between two slightly differ-

HIGHLIGHTS

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2014

Ï9 ƐƏ ƗƑƅƆƗ ƈ ơÖÕÕè Ɛ Ɔ Ə ƋƋ ƌ ƆƗ Ɛ ƄƆƅ ƌƆ Ɛ Ɔ ƄƆ Ɛé ƆƋƋƈ ƅ Ə Ɠ ƏƋƗƓƈƗƆ Ƅƕ ơÖƣƿ Ɨ ƄƆƆ Ɔ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƄƆ Ɛé ƆƋƋƈ ƅ Ə ƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɠ ƏƋƗ ƈ ƅƆ Ɛ Ɔ ê Ïj Ɔ Ə ƋƋ Ƌ ƈƒƆ ƄƈƏƐ Ɛ ƒƆƏ ơÕ Ɛ ƆƏ ƌ ƗƆƋ Ƒ ƗƆƏ ƒ Əƈ Ƒ ƌƆ Ɠ ƏƋƗƓƈƗƆ ƒƆƏ Ɛ Ɔ ƕƆ Ə ê Ï Ə ƋƋ ƏƆ ƌ ƑƇ ƅƐƑƏƆƗ ƈ C ƍ è Ə ƖƈƋè Ɨ è ƈ è 9 Ɨƈ è ^ Ɗƈ Ɛ è d ƑƐ ƇƏƈƅ è j ƈƓ è j ƈƋ Ɨè yƈƆƐ ƌè jƑƏƊƆƕ Ɨ yƆ ƆƖƑƆƋ ê ^Ə ƗƑƅƐƈ ƍƏƆƒƈ Ƒ Ƌƕ ƄƆƆ ƌ ƗƆ ƈ Ƒ ƐƏ Ƌƈ Ɨ Ɛ Ɔ n ƈƐƆƗ Eƈ Ɨ ƌê

turns 50 ent treatments of sheet metal and trim.

The Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno names were introduced as the enhanced performance version of the Corolla and Sprinter respectively when a double overhead camshaft version of the 2T engine was introduced in March 1972 (TE27).

In Australia, only the 3K powered 2-door KE20 was available as a sedan and wagon / panelvan. The brakes were single system with no booster, solid discs on the front and rear drums. Front sway bar but no rear sway bar. Parts are not compatible with later models. In NZ, the 4-door KE20 was available.

Most models stopped production in July 1974 but the KE26 wagon and van were still marketed in Japan alongside the new 30-series, until production finally ended in May 1978.

THIRD GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1974/79) April 1974 brought rounder, bigger and heavier Corollas and Sprinters. The range was rounded out with the addition of a two-door liftback. The Corollas were given E30 codes while the Sprinters were given E40 codes. A face-lift in March 1976 saw most Corolla E30 models replaced by equivalent E50 models and most Sprinter

E40 models were replaced by equivalent E60 models. The E30 Corolla was fitted with retracting front seat belts.

In Australia, KE3x was available as 4 door sedan, 2 door sedan, 2 door panel van (KE36) and 4 door wagon (KE38). All had 3K engines and K40 manual gearbox or 3 speed Auto. Sprinters were not available. Later KE5x models were available as 4 door sedan or 2 door coupe (A true pillar-less design) with 4K engine. The KE55 was 50 kg heavier due to the addition of side impact protection in the doors, but due to a change in the body metal and seam sealing they are prone to rust. Later KE55 also used plastic ended bumper bars as apposed to the all chrome bumpers of the previous models, but included a rear sway bar for the first time.

FOURTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1979/83) A major restyle in March 1979 brought a square edged design. The Corollas had a simpler treatment of the grill, headlights and taillights while the Sprinter used a slightly more complex, sculptured treatment. The new A series engines were added to the range as a running change.

This was the last model to use the K “hicam” and T series engines. Fuel injection was introduced as an extra cost option on

Japanese market vehicles.

FIFTH GENERation Toyota Corolla (1983/87) A sloping front bonnet and a contemporary sharp-edged, no-frills style was brought in during May 1983. The new 1839 cc 1C diesel engine was added to the range with the E80 Series. From 1985, re-badged E80 Sprinters were sold in the U.S. as the fifth generation Chevrolet Nova. Fuel injection was introduced as an extra cost option internationally.

Most models now used the front wheel drive layout except the AE85 and AE86, which were to be the last Corollas offered in the rear wheel drive or FR layout. The AE85 and AE86 chassis codes were also used for the Sprinter (including the Sprinter Trueno). The Sprinter was nearly identical to the Corolla, differing only by minor body styling changes such as pop-up headlights.

SIXTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1967/91) A somewhat more rounded and aerodynamic style was used for the E90 introduced in May 1987. Overall this generation has a more refined feel than older Corollas and other older subcompacts.

Most models were now front wheel drive, along with a few 4WD All-Trac models.

Many engines were used on a wide array of trim levels and models, ranging from the 1.3 liter 2E to the 165 horsepower (123 kW) supercharged 4A-GZE. The E90 Sprinter was also rebadged and sold as the Geo Prizm or Holden Nova.

SEVENTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1991/95) In June 1991 Corollas received a redesign to be larger, heavier, and have the completely rounded, aerodynamic shape of the 1990s. In the United States, the somewhat larger Corolla was now in the compact class, rather than subcompact, and the coupé was still available in some markets, known as the AE101 Corolla Levin. Carburetors were mostly retired with this generation.

EIGHTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (1995/2000) Production of the E110 Corolla started in May 1995. The design of the car was slightly altered throughout but retained

Side views of Corolla

29 Auto

a look similar to that of the E100. Evolutionary technological improvements continued, however, and in 1998, for the first time, some non-Japanese Corollas received the new 1ZZ-FE engine. The new engine was the first in a Toyota to have an aluminum engine block and aluminum cylinder heads, which made this generation lighter than the E100 Corolla. The model range began to change as Toyota decided styling differences would improve sales in different markets. This generation was delayed in North America until mid-1997 (US 1998 model year), where it had unique front and rear styling. Europe and Australasia received versions of their own as well. In Pakistan, this model was halted in November 1998, while production was closed in March 2002.

NINTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (2000/08) In August 2000, the ninth generation Corolla was introduced in Japan, with edgier styling and more technology to bring the nameplate into the 21st century. In 2002, the Corolla was given a refreshed facelift and it grew in length with similar body panels and interior. The facelifted Corolla since then is called Corolla Altis in the ASEAN region. The station wagon model is called the Corolla Fielder in Japan. The North American release was delayed until March 2002 (for the 2003 model year).

Production in Asia continued until late 2006 but production in North America continued until October 2008.

TENTH GENERATION TOYOTA COROLLA (2006/13) The tenth generation of the Corolla was introduced in October 2006. Japanese markets called it the Corolla Axio, with the ASEAN markets retaining the Corolla Altis branding. The station wagon retained the Corolla Fielder name. The Corolla Altis and Corolla Axio have a different appearance and size.

The eleventh generation of the Corolla went on sale in Japan in May 2012. The sedan is named the Corolla Axio while the wagon is called the Corolla Fielder. In Japan, both are made by a Toyota subsidiary, Central Motors, in Miyagi prefecture, Japan. The redesigned model has slightly smaller exterior dimensions and is easier to drive in narrow alleys and parking lots for the targeted elderly consumers.

30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Our Heritage

s Obiora Udechukwu: Expanding Nsukka’s aesthetic horizons

Chief Fakayode consulting for some of his foreign students in Osogbo

Political office holders should swear by Ogun, Sango –Ifa priest Agozino Agozino Chief Fakayode Faniyi (a.k.a Agbongbon Awo of Osogboland) is, sorely, disturbed by the cancerous form of corruption in Nigeria and as next month’s general election draws nearer, he offers a solution to how Nigeria can stop the cankerworm in one month.

He wants the winner of the presidential election and other political office holders, on assumption of office, to swear by Ogun or Sango and not with Bible or Quran. He also wants them to be bare-footed, with their feet touching the earth, and with a handful of sand, they should be sworn in.

His words of advice to Nigerian leaders: “We want a situation where our politicians can make use of traditional oath-taking before they assume public office after the February general election. This would be the only

thing that can move this country forward. Before they are sworn into office, let the new office holders hold a cutlass (Ada) or a big thunder stone and swear an oath while they stand barefooted on sand, making the earth their witness. It is also very good to swear

by Sango, the god of thunder, but our politicians will be afraid to do that. If you ask them to swear an oath holding the Bible or Quran, they will do it, immediately, because they know they will not obey it. So it is not about condemning Ifa worshippers, let them try to swear by Ogun. That will be enough to save this country for now,’’ Faniyi said.

He said Nigeria has enough wealth to improve everybody’s lot, if the leaders were to be sincere, but the problem is that politicians would not agree to take their oaths of office using the Ifa model. He equally noted that the association of Ifa worshippers “is committed to assisting

in whatever way to rid Nigeria of corruption. This is because Ifa worshippers are also assisted by the Almighty”. He stated that he had embarked on a project, which would soon help more people learn about Ifa. This include the yearly Ifa festival, which holds in Osogbo, Osun State, among other activities.

He said Ifa is older than Christianity and lslam, except for the ignorant. ‘‘In Yoruba land, everyone knows about it. It is popular and older than these new religions in other parts of the world, like the gentleman sitting down there, (pointing at a man) he came from Atlanta Georgia, United States. He is here undergoing his studies. I have many students, even in Afghanistan. I have travelled to many parts of the world, many of my foreign students study Ifa here with me in Nigeria.

So, it is not just a Yoruba ‘thing’, other races are embracing it. If you don’t know about it, there

are many people who know about its importance. Ifa is our way of life, the way our forefathers lived.

There are many teachings for every person and how to be successful in life,’’ he said.

Widely-travelled, Faniyi has a reputation for being a global Ifa guru. After many years of sojourning abroad, where he established his reputation, he returned to Nigeria to build a centre in his native Osogbo, Osun State.

Within one decade of establishing his home in Osogbo, the place has become the hub for Ifa students that come in droves from all parts of the world. There is a rich collection of his art works displayed alongside his irresistible assortment of souvenirs.

During a recent visit by Daily Times, he looked much fulfilled, to him, Ifa knowledge is not just ordinary, but one that connects the Yoruba people to their roots.

More than any other artist, Obiora Udechukwu has assumed the mantle of leadership after Uche Okeke, developing and expanding Nsukka aesthetic horizons and becoming an influential art teacher. Born in Onitsha in 1946, where he grew up, his parental home is in nearby Agulu. He studied for a year at Ahmadu Bello University before he served in the Biafran War. Udechukwu completed his bachelor’s and master’s of fine arts degrees in 1972 and 1977, respectively, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During the Biafran War (1967-70) Udechukwu created somber pictures of suffering and death.

Afterwards he used uli extensively, interlacing specific motifs with explorations of general linear style. Unlike many of the artists represented here, he experiments with a great variety of media and print techniques, and his works reflect a broad spectrum of subject matter. Udechukwu frequently depicts ordinary workers and the downtrodden: dock hands, women waiting patiently in line at water tap, starving and thirsty beggars. Since the war he has pushed social issues to the forefront by producing compelling scenes of the misfortunes that befall ordinary Nigerians. At the same time he was creating numerous works that celebrate the weather and lovely hills of Nsukka.

Udechukwu

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

31 Our Heritage

Why I want to reform marriage, widow and Osu laws in Igbo land -Asuzu Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr A new dawn of reformation of archaic laws, customs, cultures and traditions across Igbo land is rising from Nri, the acclaimed ancestral home of Ndigbo nation, and is billed to impact people.

This is the vision of Ezeofo Ndigbo Gburugburu, Dr. Ramas Okoye Asuzu, after his coronation at Umuejem, Ayanmelum Local Government Area of Anambra State recently.

Speaking after his coronation

by Igwe Umuejem, Dr. Elias U. Nneli, Igwe Chinenyeze, Igwe Tall-Nchala, as part of his 37th anniversary on the throne, celebration of Ofala festival and his 70th birthday.

Daily Times gathered that the title, Ezeofo Ndigbo Gburugburu 1st, would be celebrated annually from January 5, 2016, the first anniversary of the making of the title, and all Igbo at home and in the Diaspora, will celebrate the great Igbo Day. Outlining his mandate in the first year of his reign, Ramas told Daily Times that he would introduce a new wave of reforms, a revolutionary change structured to break stiff laws, modernise traditional laws, customs and culture that have limited the Igbo nation, especially, in the area of marriage, widowhood and others.

“The Day will bring the glory of Igbo traditional religion; and that is the day I will abolish laws against widows in Igbo land; by the authority of my office as Akajiofor Ndigbo, I will abolish laws against the Osu and the garment of reproach against them shall be taken away. On that day, I will launch the book “The beginning and the end of tradition in Igbo land”.

Going to the roots of the generational monotony of Igbo traditional laws, the new high priest

Ramas revealed that the Igbo man is inherently stubborn by nature.

“What holds Igbo people ransom is their stubbornness, which is in our blood; that is why traditional rulers of old refused to change the age long instruments and rules of their fathers; but now I am going to reform the Igbo tradition and reform marriage requirements. I will, especially, reform the way of worship and sanitise the requirements for traditional marriage and review the dowry issue.

“I am aware that some Igwe have been considering a review of stiff and outdated laws and

customs in their domains, so I am going to carry them along. “I have directed my office to write a letter to all traditional heads in Igbo land to prepare their minds that a new wave of reformation is coming up.

New marriage reforms The proposed reforms will include reduction of 16 cartons of Guilder, four cartons of Star beer, 15 cartons of mineral drinks with one big Hausa goat, etc: “I am going to reduce all to nothing; the dowry will be brought down so low that every young man will not be afraid to

marry our daughters”, said the high priest.

“The high demands make our daughters not to move forward; it makes our young men who are struggling entrepreneurs, even those who are applicants and those under training go outside to marry because of the high cost of marrying an Igbo lady.

“After my meeting with all traditional heads, I will invite the media and embark on a massive awareness campaign to the grassroots and I will continue to preach and press until all Igbo land is uniform in the new laws and customs.”

The significance of Ofo in Igbo land “Without Ofo, no tradition is valid in Igbo land. Without it, there can be no coronation or recognition of any title or stool; you cannot minister any Igbo traditional religion or worship without the presence of Ofo, and a man cannot speak the truth if it has not been handed over to him.

“Also, there can be no interaction in the presence of any deity without handling Ofo, so all the powers and properties and paraphernalia of Igbo tradition and customs are now in my domain.

“The highest institution of English learning in Igbo land, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, acknowledged the significance of ofo in Igboland by making it the institution’s logo. It is known in Igbo land that the ofor represents truth and justice, and that is what I represent before God and before my people.”

Does the High Priest believe in the Almighty God? “I will answer that question with this testimony that happened about three years ago.

“I took the title Ezeoba Akajiofo Ndigbo on Saturday November 7, 2009, it was on Afo day that is the second day of our native calendar week.

Eddy Okolo sees hope in contemporary art The Executive Secretary of Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Eddy Okolo, has said that conservation of contemporary art is the only way to keep Nigeria’s culture alive.

Okolo made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. He said Nigerian artists and stakeholders must make effort to upgrade and document their works in order to pass them on to the next generation.

“Artworks portray the way of life of any society, whether the work is theatrical, musical or literary, they all try to express our mind about our environment or culture. “Stories of events that happened long ago can be told through art. These help to inform younger generations about their past,’’ he said.

According to him, Art conservation involves the study, practice and use of various techniques to sustain artworks with the aid of digital, biological, per formative and other variable media. Okolo said these include photography, sculpture, installation art, video and Web-based art, among others. He said conservators were committed to prolonging the physical life of these objects in the face of inevitable change. The sculptor, however, said that such preservation equipment was not without shortfalls.

“The acquisition, conservation and storage of multimedia or digital art works using physical media equipment such as DVDs or computers have, however, also proven to be short term tactics.

“You know that the hardware can quickly become obsolete or even stale in storage.

Day Emma Okocha turned Ogbueshi of Asaba Social crusader and author Emma Okocha have been installed the Ogbueshi Nkpagbu of Asaba in colouful but impressive ceremony Agozino Agozino profiles the event The Asaba ethnic group, Western Igbo people in Delta State, has a rich cultural heritage that is expressed in dance, culture, music and other thrills.

No wonder when writer and social crusader Emma Okocha was installed the Ogbueshi Nwata of Asaba recently, those who know saw it as a deserved title as the town was painted red with the event. .

It all started with cultural thrills, a traditional dance expression which began to boom at approximately 11. 15 am. Guests

including friends that came from far a near were at the event as Asaba women groups came to pay homage to the new Ogbueshi.

However, there was a stir among the crowd of guests when the Ogbueshi designate appeared clad in white T shirt, and a white ribbon tied around his head and holding a traditional hand fan in his hands appeared on the scene.

Heading out of the gate of his family16 Ezenei street, compound in Asaba, he performed the much awaited walk down the adjourning streets near the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, His ‘Royal Majesty Chike Edozie. He was flanked by a large numbers of women groups of Asaba, Umu ada, who sang his praises as they were following him.

Emma Okocha celebrating his title

Does Abia need functional fire service?

Buzz Byte

Buzz Byte L2

VOL. 1. NO.30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng

Nigerian single ladies, y’all better be happy right now because there’s another eligible bachelor for grabs.

No need to cry over the loss of Ice Prince to French-Ghanaian beauty, Maima.

But seriously, Banky W and his now ex-girlfriend, Andrea used to be inseparable that we could bet our three-square meal they’d get married. But NO, they broke up.

Heartbreak is such a devil!

Yet, both Banky and Andrea did a good job of keeping the sad news

Features

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Money

Business

Theodore Orji, Abia state governor

How I became a native doctor The women in my life “I have 56 wives and they all “After my outcry, I ran to one are hard working; some own An Enugu-Ezike based forces old native doctor in Ijebu Ode restaurants while some are Ukrainian civil herbalist in Aji community of for Donetsk are Igboeze North LGA of Enugu and stayed there for seven years, servants. Three of my wivesbattle graduates. At times I quarrel state, Chief Simon Odo, popular- it was there I learnt the trade of airport with my wives, but it is on record ly referred to as ‘Onu Uwa’ says ÏÏÏUkrainian forces have all but that none of my wives have been he desires to have a village of his abandoned Donetsk airport after involved in adultery, because if of bitter battle, although own, for a good reason: months military officials continue to inanyone of them indulges in adulThe 68 years old herbal practhey hold part of the termitery, she will be stuck withsist the titioner is married to all of 56 nal.

Prime man withoutBritain’s been separated for a Defence Ministry said on women and over 300 children, The Minister David Cameron, that six soldiers had long period; so noneleft, of themThursday can and he told Daily Times, “I can with Iraq’s died over the previous day of dream of keeping a man outside only stop marrying more wives Prime Minister, fighting for the airport, which lies almy home. Haider whenever I can no longer satisfy on the northern edge of the RusAbadi, outside of 10 Downing separatists’ strong“I have sent about five of sian-backed my women sexually.”

Street in hold. wives home London. because of misbeThe renowned herbalist who Russian television reporters havior.” branded himself “Africa’s King on Wednesday toured the airport Daily Times gathered thatbuilding his and showed the bodies of Solomon” our correspondent wives come from the tribes killed and Ukrainian soldiers. that from biblical records, King Fighting for the airport peaked tongues across the country over andthe weekend, shattering the Solomon had 700 concubines; he is welcome wherever he relative pro- tranquillity in place since “There is nothing wrong in my a new truce was reached in early poses to a woman. having retinue of wives”.

December. native medicine and began to “I married both from Yoruba, Early life Story Benue, Kogi, Calabar, Anambra “My name is Simon Odo, born practice. orders “I do all manner of jobs for peo- and Enugu among others. I Egypt will in 1947 into a Christian family. release of to I later became a mass server at ple, but the only thing I don’t do is advise men not to marry up to prepare charm for armed robthree wives. Any person who St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aji Mubarak’s sons bers.

If you go to Anambra state, wishes to emulate me should prewhere I was baptized in 1956 and ÏÏÏ An Egyptian court has orall the people late Osita Osadebe pare his casket; this is my agreegot confirmed in 1958. I suffered dered the release of the sons of mentioned in his music “People’s ment with God. I will not stop so much as a child. river transport on January 5, the ed. Voting was conducted under Amir Hossain Amu, who heads ousted President Hosni Mubarak ÏÏÏThirty-one people have club”elechad at one time or the other marrying till I die, or until my According his account, he lostof disputed first anniversary neutral caretaker governments in a government committee on law pending their retrial in a corrupbeen killed and more than 7,000 tion case, their lawyer told the Revisited my shrine for services.” manhood stops working. his father at the agetions. of 16 over a Bangladesh from 1991 until 2010, and order, said security forces arrested in weeks of political uters news agency.

The swore BNP and boycot- when system scrapped by have detained some 7,015 people unrest in parcel Bangladesh, as the 54 the years inwas practice, “I am a blessed man; I spend of land his father heits alliesCounting Farid el-Deeb said on Thursday ted those elections, with BNP the governing Awami League. in recent weeks, who are still becountry’s opposition mounts Odo said heCommunications has aided people to the average of N1.4 million on willdemanding not givefresh up to his kinsmen. leader and former Prime Minister Minister ing held. BNP Secretary General this meant that Alaa and Gamal mass protests Mubarak should be released betravel abroad with his native feeding my household monthly “After his death, Khaleda I was also in- they would Obaidul Quader said Wednesday Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is Zia arguing parliamentary elections. cause they were not being tried in have beenby rigged govern- that at least and seven drivers among thoseout arrested.

The dead were mainly medicine practice boastsand and I give cars out as gifts to flicted withkilled tuberculosis the by the ment, and refusing to participate their assistants on public transBNP claims the true num- any other cases. by arson attacks on buses and that no embassy can deny them myThe in-laws.” same people because I demanded Mubarak’s eldest son, Alaa, was unless they were conducted un- port were among those killed in ber under arrest is higher. cars, police said. The two most a businessman, while his youngvisa to travel to any country of The old fellow said there is no to know cause der of athe death neutral caretaker adminis- the renewed violence, which has The government is offering a recent victims, who diedthe of their est son, Gamal, was a senior offitration.from the seen 200 buses torched in recent magic rewardto of his 100,000 takastory ($1,300)as forpeople injuries inofhospital Thursday , their choice.. love my father.

I suffered Her arch rival, Prime Minis- weeks. information leading to the arrest cial in the ruling party and widely were victims of bomb blasts.

“I am notThe a politician, but a may think other than love and tuberculosis for five years after ter Sheikh Hasina of the Awami government has also of any of those behind the at- tipped to succeed his father before The opposition Bangladesh good number of Viber, politicians areand sexual satisfaction. they along crippled me for an-to concede League, refused to blocked WhatsApp tacks, Amu said. Bangladesh poli- popular protests brought down Nationalistwhich Party (BNP), the regime in 2011. the demands and coasted to vicother messaging apps, which it tics has been dominated by Zia with 19 allied parties, called for my clients, they come here with “ All my marriages were gifts of other five. At this point I cried The brothers have been held tory. More than half of the parlia- says are being used to coordinate and Hasina for decades, with both general strikes and a nationand said, God why will you allow all manner of gifts after a suc- love and not by charm. I marry ment’s 300 seats went uncontest- the protests. Industry Minister enjoying multiple stints in power. in detention since April 2011, two wide blockade on road, rail and months after their father resigned cessful business.” all these to befall me.”

Isuwa

not to marry up to Trans Forcados oil pipeline three wives. Any has again been vandalised bywishes person who yet-to-be identifiedto emulate persons, me causing fears of possible reducshould prepare his tion in power supply in some casket” parts of the country.

The damage on the Trans Forcados pipeline at Oteghele axis in Bayelsa State has caused a Nebo Special Assistant (Media) to crude oil spill. Daily Times gathMinister of Power, Kande Danered that the incident recorded iel, who also confirmed the inover last weekend is the third cident in a statement, said all this year, occurring within a oil and gas production into the space of 17 days.

7,000 arrested as political violence rocks Bangladesh, says UNICEF

Omotola celebrates 20years

Which way Nigeria? for burial

Tayo Ogunlewe

ÎÎÎI

It would have been so funny only if it were not so tragic.

Tragic for the citizens, for society and for this country called Nigeria

ordinarily will not write about or comment on politics, at least not Nigerian politics. I hate politics and I detest politicians. Especially Nigerian politicians. But one thing is clear: I realize that politics is everywhere and is in everything, so one can’t get out of it or away from it.

There is politics all around: at home, in the family, in church, at the workplace, in school, on the road, in the streets, in international affairs, in the military, in sports, in religion. As a matter of fact, everywhere and place. But there is high politics and there is low politics and maybe even medium politics. However, my focus here is on Nigerian politics and politicians and recent events in the country and my state, Lagos, as the general elections draw ever nearer. I not only sympathize with the Nigerian masses—I have reservations calling them “electorate”—and, indeed, pity them. In every case and at every turn they are faced with “Hobson’s choice.” That is, no choice at all. Or how do you make a choice between a rock and a hard place? Between the devil and the deep blue sea? Ha! There is no choice at all. Or, is there?

At the parties’ level, for

As you read this, plans are on going to lay to rest, the remains of Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe, who died from Kidney problem on Sunday, January 18, 2015 .

His body has been deposited at the Nigerian Naval Reference Hospital‘s morgue in Alakija, Satellite Town, Lagos, where it’s awaiting burial.

According to a family source, the actor’s body will later be moved to St. Edwards Hospital‘s morgue in Obosi, Onitsha, Anambra State on Saturday, January 24, 2015.

Aside from the above, other details were kept away from the public, the media especially in line with the late actor’s secret lifestyle.

Muna, before his death, reportedly gave instructions to his wife not to make his burial a jamboree but a private affair.

That we gathered, was why the late actor didn’t let many of his colleagues know of his sickness as he lived an extremely private life before his death.

The industry wasn’t just shocked about his death, most people, even AGN’s President, Ibinabor Fiberesima, confirmed to us that none of them knew Muna was married not to talk of having children.

No wonder, like two to three years ago, Muna was contacted for an interview by this reporter but got an affirmative ‘no’, as the actor said he didn’t grant interviews.

on stage Mutiat Alli

Star Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has announced that her world tour in celebration of her 20 years of excellence in the Nigerian film industry, which already kicked off in Abuja Wednesday, January 21, 2015 with a radio tour. It ends today, Friday, January 23, 2015.

The actress who began her acting career in 1995 and has been in over 200 Nollywood movies, kicked off the celebration with an event in which she gave back to widows and orphans in the society.

She has now commenced a world tour in which she’ll be reaching out to her numerous fans to say ‘thank you’.

Odo

example, it’s either the tion is not any more appealPDP or the APC. Hmmm! ing because they appear others to star in Open Theatre Do you notice that each of Mictwo oftoday a kind to me. You the parties has names that know, the thoughts that sound empty, vague and to cross one’s mind when one all intents and purposes sees a dog or a pig or any slippery? For instance, you four-legged animal walkmust have heard the say- ing on two feet in the maning that everybody’s busi- ner of man! Even when it ness is nobody’s business. is doing it well, it still looks And because both parties strange all the same. That’s are an “all-comers affair,” how the pair appear to me you have a nest of strange whenever I see them. One bedfellows. Or what do you has very dull, uninspirmake of an alliance be- ing look and the other has tween Maj.-Gen Buhari (a a rather sheepish (some once-upon-a-time military would say docile is a more despot) and Sen. Bola Tinu- charitable word) mien. Tobu (a self-acclaimed demo- gether, they cut the picture crat and Awoist). Some alli- of a duo of lackadaisical ance, isn’t it? unintelligent misfits.

I’d hate to do a pathologiSo how do we vote? cal analysis of the partnerAnd that brings me to ship for obvious reasons; Lagos, the state in which a historical one may suf- I reside. The gubernatofice. As it that is not amaz- rial contest here is between ing enough, what does Jimi Agbaje of the PDP and one make of the Buhari/ Akin Ambode of the APC. I Osinbajo ticket? Buhari, have a preference for Agbaa thoroughbred military je. He not only looks intelman (with all the negative ligent, but also articulate. connotations that it carries He has a clear idea of what or implies in the Nigerian he wants to do and whencontext) and Prof. Yemi ever he gets an opportunity Osinbajo, an erudite schol- he never fails to convince. ar and by implication an Here is an ideas man. The intellectual. That is yoking problem is he, and by imtogether a bull and a horse, plication his party, do not isn’t it? Yet Christian scrip- seem to be doing enough. tures admonish us not to They are inadvertently be unequally yoked (and it exhibiting a defeatist menis not necessarily in a reli- tality. Agbaje’s campaign gious way). is simply nonexistent. He As for the PDP ticket, the seems to be concentrating Jonathan/Sambo combina- on the youth, and especial-

Timi Dakolo, Bolanle Olukanni, As a start to the New Year, the Make It Happen Productions presents the patriot edition of Open Mic Theatre.

For this edition of the event, artistes will be speaking up on world issues while also encouraging Nigerians to vote peacefully during the forthcoming elections.

This special edition is bringing together a collection of actors, musicians and poets. Popular actors billed to attend the event include Osas Ighodaro, Lala Akindoju, Bikiya GrahamDouglas, Bolanle Olukanni, Adesua Etomi, Zara, Ijeoma Agu,Okey Uzoeshi, Lily Byoma, Ade Laoye,

s

Augustine Aminu & Sunday ‘I will advise men

anyway--- does he think he’s getting any younger?

We heard that while Andrea was being sincere and serious with taking things to the next level, Banky allegedly displayed the typical attitude of most entertainers, a gamer, and didn’t put his whole mind to the affair.

So obviously, things fell apart between them. From the look of things, Banky seems to be enjoying being single again because the manner with which he responded to Ademide’s question, clearly showed he’s happy to be rid of Andrea.

dailytimesng

Muna Obiekwe

News

Enugu

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

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

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015 CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Moses Oyediran

Price: N150

away from the media before now; but alas, Banky was the first to spill the beans.

So, a female fan of Banky, @ Ademide Ogunade wanted her female friend to hook up with Banky because she likes him. Taking the bull by the horns, Ademide openly asked Banky on Twitter whether or not he’s single and he replied in the affirmative, ‘Yes’.

According to findings, Banky W didn’t give the affair his best shot and that he was too busy chasing the good things of life at the expense of bonding with Andrea.

What’s Banky thinking

26

before bringing the fire under control.

The Enugu Electricity Company, (EEDC) cut off supply to the store, having observed that the fire started from the meter box, due to erratic power supply.At about 11.42 am, while the store owner was thanking God and the sympathisers for their concern and help, a state fire service truck arrived blaring its siren and blocking the road, af-

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, January 23, 2015

Why Banky W is single again!

Opeoluwani Akintayo

at around 9.0am, passers-by noticed smoke emanating from a store at Umuwaya Road, precisely below Peoples Democratic Party, Umuahia North chapter’s office.

Calls were immediately put across to the police, the state fire service and the owner of the shop, who sells various mineral drinks.The Police were the first to arrive the scene, thus, giving sympathisers milling around the authority to break the iron doors and salvage the goods,

Why Banky W ‘I desire to 7,000 arrested Power crisis 21 looms as have my to have my own as political P12 village’ is single again!‘I desire own village’ violence rocks 56 wives and over 300Trans-Forcados children L2 says Native Doctor with International pipeline is P 26 Bangladesh, vandalised Power crisis loomsagain as Trans-Forcados pip

EXCLUSIVE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia Abia is one of those states that experience dry weather between November and March, with attendant consequences, including fire outbreaks at homes, offices and surrounding bushes.However, the snail speed of fire fighters in the state is nothing to write home about, begging the question of who is to be blamed: the government or the fire fighters?

On Sunday, January 18, 2015,

Diana Yekini, Abiodun Kassim, Ayo Ajike, Odenike and many other talented actors.

To serenade the guests with beautiful music, renowned musicians Timi Dakolo and Bemyoda will be on ground while Titilope and Efe Paul will add their voices.

The event is free for all to attend and is set to hold on Friday, 23rd January 2015 at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos by 6pm.

Open Mic Theatre is supported

by EnoughIsEnough Nigeria, The Life House, WanaWana, and YNaija.

damaged pipe down to allow and repairs.

“The durat tion has not by sector tec it is expected ume of gas a generation w lasts,” Kande He said the Professor Chi pealed for the electricity co duction in po this developm

Terminal benefits: Com 1,669 PHCN retirees, ne media technology people, like the poor massin the CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 face of a popular uprising.

Fresh violence in DR Congo as Senate votes on election law

ÏÏÏRiot police opened fire on protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday in a new bout of violence as the Senate was set to vote on a controversial bill that would extend President Joseph Kabila’s rule.

An international rights group said 42 people had been killed in three days of anti-Kabila demonstrations in Kinshasa, but the government angrily challenged the figures and said 12 people had died. Thursday’s violence erupted in the eastern city of Goma

- about 1 500km from the capital - when riot police fired on groups of several hundred demonstrators, an AFP correspondent said.

Protesters are rising up against legislation that would enable Kabila, who has been in power in the troubled country for 14 years, to extend his term beyond 2016 when his second mandate ends.

The International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) said 42 people had been killed and dozens wounded in the protests in Kinshasa, a teeming tropical city of

nine million people.

“As has unfortunately become a frequent occurrence in the DRC, the security forces have again demonstrated a totally excessive and disproportionate reaction by firing live ammunition on protesters,” it said in a statement.

“The authorities must put an immediate end to the repression, identify the perpetrators of the crimes and bring them to justice.”

But government spokesperson Lambert Mende said 12 people including a police officer had been

killed, and accused FIDH of being “manipulated” by an exiled Congolese group.

He described most of the dead as “looters” who had been killed by private security guards. Mende had said on Wednesday that about 340 “looters” had been arrested.

ISIS: London hosts coalition talks

ÏÏÏForeign

ministers from 21 countries are meeting in London to discuss ways to co-ordinate their efforts to combat the jihadist group, Islamic State (IS).

IS controls large swathes of Syria and Iraq and the US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes since August.

But UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond insisted much more needed to be done. He told the BBC that the countries wanted to find ways to halt the flow of recruits to IS, cut off its funding and “tackle the underlying narrative”.

ly the savvy ones who are almost es, the choiceless electorate paid. dlers of sever always on the social media. vote them into power to bet- diligent in t He said President Goodluck Payment next Jonathan has demonstrated The question is: How many ter (pun intended) their lot. cesses, addin a clear understanding of the does not wan week – Nebo of the youths have such Somenation’s of these “aspirers” labour law which in- ers but only t access in terms of time, to the State Houseto the of hanAs- He said so formed his directives Augustine Aminu patience and resources? sembly, the Federal House As for Mr. Ambode, he and Comof Representatives and the The Implementation mittee on payment of Powhis party have swamped Senate have been there for er Holding Company of Nigeria terminal benefits ofmore the us with their(PHCN) posters.

Postthan a term or two, Bureau of Public Enterprises ers in which(BPE) he isposes and have done nothing for the set to release time-table the payments of severance postures, at for various times, people and achieved nothbenefits for staff retirees and like a musician, standup ing for themselves, beyond Next ofaKins (NOKs) to be veriin nine centres a acrossstolen the comedian, afiedmagician, funds, yet they plead country. master of ceremonies, gen- onto Speaking to newsmen thebe re-elected (and hopeof the threat to public erally as an heels entertainer.

In fully, god forbid) in order to property by aggrieved union short, he cuts or gives the the lot of their longmembers and ex-workersbetter of PHCN, the Chief of Staff tosuffering the impression of an unserious but undiscerning Minister of Power, Professor person, at least in the con- and docile electorate.

Chidi Onyia, said that Nigeritext of the office to which It would have been so ans deserve to have adequate information in order to have he is aspiring.

He strikes funny only if it were not informed position of the issues involved. me, from his posters, as a so tragic. Tragic for the said the Committee put in party freak, aHefun-lover, an citizens, for society and for place by the BPE and which also incurable “socialite” who fromthis have representations the country called Nigeria Ministry Office Acmay have no timeand for theof thewhich is undoubtedly juscountant General has diligently high demands of the office tifying the epithet “a mere handled all issues pertaining to verification and had drawn up a L-R: Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Divisio of the governor of a state geographical expression.” check-list for all beneficiaries to Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN in G Isaac Obodo, president, Nigerians in Diaspora Organis (like Lagos). bring His to very emer-designated Nigeria, where everything the various Capital Bancorp Plc and Amb. Laurence Ayodele, Niger rian Diasporas in Switzerland centres, upon which they will be gence as his party’s gover- and anything goes recently. and norship candidate is, em— where the more crooked shall we say er,—appears you are (civilian) or the to be a conjurer’s trick, but more stupidly ambitious then that is Nigerian poli- (brazen, that is) you are tics and politicians for you. (military), you are more One sees posters all over than likely to get to the top. the place of jokers fatcats, The mistakes of 1914, 1960, loafers, misfits, exploiters 1966, 1967–70, 1983, and of situations and of the June 12, 1993 continue to masses, stooges and “con- haunt our “Big Blind Counduit pipes” all over the try.” place, requesting, pleading, begging, cajoling (and Dr Ogunlewe is with generally sweet-talking), at the English Department times even demanding (one of the Lagos State Univercan’t help feeling) that the sity (LASU), Ojo

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

Kabila

Life&

TIMES Friday January 23, 2015

Politics and acting, different ball games

-Desmond Elliot Banky W:

The elligible bachelor PL2

Food

for the eyes

L7

P

L4

P

Buzz Byte L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

Why Banky W is single again!

EXCLUSIVE

Opeoluwani Akintayo

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng

Nigerian single ladies, y’all better be happy right now because there’s another eligible bachelor for grabs.

No need to cry over the loss of Ice Prince to French-Ghanaian beauty, Maima.

But seriously, Banky W and his now ex-girlfriend, Andrea used to be inseparable that we could bet our three-square meal they’d get married. But NO, they broke up.

Heartbreak is such a devil!

Yet, both Banky and Andrea did a good job of keeping the sad news

Muna Obiekwe

for burial

away from the media before now; but alas, Banky was the first to spill the beans.

So, a female fan of Banky, @ Ademide Ogunade wanted her female friend to hook up with Banky because she likes him. Taking the bull by the horns, Ademide openly asked Banky on Twitter whether or not he’s single and he replied in the affirmative, ‘Yes’.

According to findings, Banky W didn’t give the affair his best shot and that he was too busy chasing the good things of life at the expense of bonding with Andrea.

What’s Banky thinking

anyway--- does he think he’s getting any younger?

We heard that while Andrea was being sincere and serious with taking things to the next level, Banky allegedly displayed the typical attitude of most entertainers, a gamer, and didn’t put his whole mind to the affair.

So obviously, things fell apart between them. From the look of things, Banky seems to be enjoying being single again because the manner with which he responded to Ademide’s question, clearly showed he’s happy to be rid of Andrea.

Opeoluwani Akintayo As you read this, plans are on going to lay to rest, the remains of Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe, who died from Kidney problem on Sunday, January 18, 2015 .

His body has been deposited at the Nigerian Naval Reference Hospital‘s morgue in Alakija, Satellite Town, Lagos, where it’s awaiting burial.

According to a family source, the actor’s body will later be moved to St. Edwards Hospital‘s morgue in Obosi, Onitsha, Anambra State on Saturday, January 24, 2015.

Aside from the above, other details were kept away from the public, the media especially in line with the late actor’s secret lifestyle.

Muna, before his death, reportedly gave instructions to his wife not to make his burial a jamboree but a private affair.

That we gathered, was why the late actor didn’t let many of his colleagues know of his sickness as he lived an extremely private life before his death.

The industry wasn’t just shocked about his death, most people, even AGN’s President, Ibinabor Fiberesima, confirmed to us that none of them knew Muna was married not to talk of having children.

No wonder, like two to three years ago, Muna was contacted for an interview by this reporter but got an affirmative ‘no’, as the actor said he didn’t grant interviews.

Omotola celebrates 20years on stage Mutiat Alli Star Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has announced that her world tour in celebration of her 20 years of excellence in the Nigerian film industry, which already kicked off in Abuja Wednesday, January 21, 2015 with a radio tour. It ends today, Friday, January 23, 2015.

The actress who began her acting career in 1995 and has been in over 200 Nollywood movies, kicked off the celebration with an event in which she gave back to widows and orphans in the society.

She has now commenced a world tour in which she’ll be reaching out to her numerous fans to say ‘thank you’.

Timi Dakolo, Bolanle Olukanni, others to star in Open Mic Theatre today As a start to the New Year, the Make It Happen Productions presents the patriot edition of Open Mic Theatre.

For this edition of the event, artistes will be speaking up on world issues while also encouraging Nigerians to vote peacefully during the forthcoming elections.

This special edition is bringing together a collection of actors, musicians and poets. Popular actors billed to attend the event include Osas Ighodaro, Lala Akindoju, Bikiya GrahamDouglas, Bolanle Olukanni, Adesua Etomi, Zara, Ijeoma Agu,Okey Uzoeshi, Lily Byoma, Ade Laoye,

Diana Yekini, Abiodun Kassim, Ayo Ajike, Odenike and many other talented actors.

To serenade the guests with beautiful music, renowned musicians Timi Dakolo and Bemyoda will be on ground while Titilope and Efe Paul will add their voices.

The event is free for all to attend and is set to hold on Friday, 23rd January 2015 at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos by 6pm.

Open Mic Theatre is supported

by EnoughIsEnough Nigeria, The Life House, WanaWana, and YNaija.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

L3

Extra

Linsay Lohan

released from hospital Lindsay was, during the week, hospitalized for fever. Although she’d been discharged, reports say the beauty still suffers from intense joint pain. As a result, doctors referred her to a specialist.

According to TMZ, she’s in a London hospital with a rare, incurable virus she apparently picked up in Bora Bora .

We’re told Lindsay contracted Chikungunya, a virus transmitted by mosquito bites that causes fever, joint pain and fatigue.

Lindsay vacationed in Bora Bora over

the holidays and then flew to L.A. to shoot an Esurance commercial for the Super Bowl.

She began complaining of the illness just before the New Year. She then went back to London where she became so ill she couldn’t walk.

Lindsay is currently in King Edward VII’s Hospital- the same place the Queen gets treated. They’re keeping Lindsay because she has a high fever and the joint pain which could last for months is unbearable.

Walmart to compensate victims following Tracy Morgan’s crash

LL Cool to host Grammy

Once host of Grammy, LL Cool J, is returning to host the 2015 Grammy Awards.

According to report, the 47-year-old rapper has been confirmed as presenter of the 57th Grammy Awards to hold on February 8.

In addition to announcing him as host, CBS also revealed that Pharrell Williams, Sam Smith --- both of whom lead the nominations alongside Beyonce with six nods --- Usher, and Miranda Lambert, will join Madonna, AC/DC, Ariana Grande, Eric Church and Ed Sheeran in performing at the ceremony.

Also, Common and John Legend will sing their Golden Globe-winning track Glory from the movie Selma.

Trailing narrowly behind Pharrell, Sam and Beyonce, Iggy Azalea, Beck, Eric Church, engineer Tom Coyne, Drake, Gordon Goodwin, Jay Z, Miranda Lambert, Sia, Usher and Jack White have all been nominated for four prizes each.

The Grammy Awards to hold at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, will broadcast live on CBS.

Following Tracy Morgan’s crash in June 2014, Walmart has agreed to ‘doing what is right’.

Walmart has reached a confidential settlement with the family of Tracy’s friend, James McNair, who was killed when one of its trucks collided with the tour bus he and Tracy were travelling in last June in New Jersey, and it hopes to reach an agreement soon with the comedian, who was also badly injured.

Walmart spokesperson, Brooke Buchanan, told E! News: “We know there is nothing we can do to change what happened to Mr. McNair but Walmart and his family have worked closely together to reach an agreement.

“We will continue to work to conclude all of the remaining issues as a result of the accident and we are committed to

Restaurant creates Kimye-inspired Valentine’s Day menu As the Valentine draws closer, a Brooklyn restaurant has created a special Valentine’s Day menu inspired by Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

According to Times Live, the menu at Brucie is described as L.A. meets Paris: sexy, brooding, wet and wild, labelled with the letter ‘K.’ Diners have the option of choosing between the Kim menu --- with cheeky references and culinary odes to her posterior --- and the Kanye menu, with dishes created in homage to some of his most popular tracks.

Prices are $100 per person.

Take a look at the Kimye menu at Brucie: KIM

Amuse bouche Stacked 24 Karrot Terrine: Dill Kreme Fraiche, Midori Shot Course 1 Stuffed Kalimari: Kauliflower, Pistachio, Raisin, Salsa Verde Course 2 Sticky Rice Balls: Kim-chi, Honey Mascarpone Glaze, Sesame Course 3 Mak N Kheese: Elbows, Scharfe Maxxx, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, White Truffle Course 4 Khicken Fried Rump Roast: Kabbage, Pickled Pear, Buttermilk Ranch Course 5 Karrote Kake: Goldschlagger, Salted Karamel

KANYE Amuse bouche “Good Life”: Smoked Oyster, Caviar, Brioche, Lillet Blanc Course 1 “Gold Digger”: Beets, Gold Leaf, Saffron Aioli, Hazelnut Dirt Course 2 “All Foie’s Down”: Foie Gras Pate, Crepe, Cognac, Smoked Cherry Sauce, Quail Egg Course 3 “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”: Squid Ink Tagliatelle, Duck Confit, Coconut, Microgreens Course 4 “Bound 2” Pork Roulade Bourguignon: Celeriac Puree, Artichoke, Parsley Salad Course 5

doing what is right.”

The 46-year-old star, who filed his own lawsuit against Walmart last July because the truck driver was allegedly fatigued when the accident occurred, suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken femur, broken nose and broken ribs in the crash, and his lawyer recently admitted he is still “fighting to get better.”

Ja Jo

fig “Imma Let You Finish”: Pernod Yeezecake, Chantilly Cream Entrees for Two to Share The North West: Pacific Northwest Salmon En Croute, Bacon Braised Greens “No Church in the Wild” Mushroom Polenta: Pumpkin Seed Pistu, Chiriboga Blue

Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

I still want more kids -Desmond Elliot

Nollywood Actor, Producer cum Director, Desmond Olusola Elliot, needs little or no introduction as he has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry with several hit movies and soaps to boast of.

A graduate of Economics from Lagos State University, Elliot, who recently delved into politics, has won both local and international awards.

In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, he divulged why he ventured into politics, work, family and sundry issues.

You are married with four beautiful children. How have you managed to handle travelling, work and your family at the same time?

Well it’s a two-way thing that I can’t handle alone except with the help, love, blessing and understanding of my spouse. My wife has been more than unbelievable because at some points you ask yourself ‘how am I going to tell my wife that I have to travel again’ – sometimes I find myself waiting till the last minute to gesture it or you try to down play it in your head; you think of a trip and say ‘oh I’m going to South Africa but before that I have to stop in London first and on the way back I need to have a meeting at so and so place’. I so much cherish my family and as such my work does not make me in any way neglect my beloved families.

Now that you are into politics; how do you intend to balance it up with the home front?

First, I have a very understanding wife who knows everything about my

schedules and movements. So catering for the home front will not be an issue for me as I have always done my duties even while acting and directing. I know how to balance the two because I love my family so much; most especially my kids.

Why did you suddenly go into politics?

(Laugh) Politics has always been a part of me and by that, I did not suddenly go into it. The time then I guess was not right, but now, I have everything in place. I’ve been involved in campaigns for some governors and even the President. I’ve been on the campaign train for very long. Even though I have never sought any elective office before, I have always had it at the back of my mind as something I would do one day.

How has life been since you went into politics?

It’s been good. It has exposed me more and the fact that I have always

thought of giving back to the society; it has made me understand so many things about the people out there --they are asking for something that can symbolise a change in their lifestyles and that is the more reason why I am out to make a change. I have always looked up to the Executive Governor of Lagos State; Mr. Babatunde Fashola, because of his commitment and doggedness and I believe with them; I am on the right track.

What should the people in your constituency expect from you if you finally emerge in the coming election?

They should expect a lot from me. I am very vibrant and I am a problemsolver. People that know me can attest to the fact that when I have my eyes on doing something, I go for it and I will eventually record success. I know through me a lot will be achieved because of my articulated experience.

Let’s just keep our fingers crossed till then.

I have always looked up to the Executive Governor of Lagos state; Mr. Babatunde Fashola for his commitment and doggedness and I believe with them; I am on the right track.

Your fans are of the opinion that you might be dropping acting for politics full-time. What is your stand?

I can never leave Nollywood. I am only going to help in propagating and promoting laws that would help to structure the industry and make it better and improve it from the present situation it is in. They will definitely feel my impact.

Some people believe there’s no difference between acting and politics..?

(Cuts in) There’s a huge difference.

Politics is a game, acting is more real.

Politics is a game because you’re dealing with people. It’s a game of life.

Acting deals with a way of life but they are distinct in their ways and in their approaches These days we get to see more actors delve into movie production.

What is your take on this?

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

L5 Interview

Personally, I believe it takes extra effort to want to combine acting with producing. It’s really good to step up your game as well but they must put it at the back of their minds that they just have to make them match up together. I believe it is a good idea that actors are coming in as producers too because they get to value the producer who handles their jobs better.

man for their job under the Amzadol Production and Fespris Production. I am also happy I directed “Unforgivable” and “Silence“. When ‘Unforgivable’ was released in the cinemas, it was a total turn-out of fans and ‘Silence’ is also doing very fine in the cinemas presently. I love their spirit towards projecting their culture for international standard of film production.

the soaps really helped before moving into films.

With which of the Nollywood actors and actresses would you say you get along the most?

I get along with everybody because I don’t have enemies. I loved working with Uche Jumbo because she is a very good friend and a sister from another mother that I move along well with. Then Ini Edo, although we fight a lot but we are still very close. Genevieve Nnaji, Monalisa Chinda and a host of others.

For the guys, most definitely Ramsey Noah, my closest and craziest pal.

These days we have seen you direct Yoruba movies with actress Dayo Amusa and Iyabo Ojo; what actually prompted that?

I believe they saw some of the films I directed and as such, they considered me the perfect

Do you plan on having more kids?

Definitely, I want to have a big family, like seven but not now. It will happen when my wife is more rested and the kids are grown more. I love kids so yes, definitely, we’ll have more.

When you’re not working, what do you do?

I’m just at home, as I’m mostly filming or travelling it’s an opportunity for me to just chill and be with my family.

What will you say actually shot you into limelight?

Most definitely, it will be the Soap Operas that I did with the likes of Everyday people, Saint and Sinners, Super Story and the host of others because at the time when I started acting, I thought I needed the experience and exposure for people to actually know me and

Tee Blaq’s ‘Nicki Minaj’ gets 21, 000 views on VEVO

NEILS

fastracks health insurance scheme

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Eldar Records recording act, Tee Blaq, who just released the new Olamide-assisted video should be raising the roof right now.

That’s because the video has created a new record on VEVO as it already garnered over 21,000 views in less than 24 hours. The first record in 2015.

The Unlimited L.A directed video titled ‘Nicki Minaj’, saw the director recreate scenes from Nicki Minaj’s biggest videos, including the record-breaking video for ‘Anaconda.’ The video as at time of report, got 63,795 views on VEVO. A comment under the VEVO account from TeeBlaq comes from a google plus account called to Nicki Minaj, which also clicked on the ‘Like’ button - would explain the spike in the views.

Following the sudden death of Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe, Nigerian Entertainment Industry Lecture Series (NEILS), initiators of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Scheme (NEIHTF), is presently making moves to hasten the kick-off of the health insurance scheme.

After Muna’s death, on 20th January, a rally was held in Kaduna to solicit financial support for an Hausa actor who is in dire need of financial support for surgery. A northern actress died under similar circumstance last year days after she left a movie set as she could not afford her own medical bills.

To curtail future occurrences, NEILS will inaugurate the trust fund to assist entertainers with health bills. The health insurance scheme will take care of general consultation, surgeries, evacuation, physiotherapy, Eye care & surgery, advanced Radiological Investigation, accident & emergency, hospital admission and many more.

It will also take care of all terminal ailments like kidney diseases right from the dialysis stages.

The enrollment plans will however be made public before the end of the week.

The body also encourages all to go for regular checkups, exercises , healthily diet and not take their health for granted.

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

e r e h W ‘N’ hen W

Thoughts

Lyrics

Title: Revelations Author: Ben Gerald O. Ibe Profile Name: Broken Dust Email: bengeribe@gmail.com

REVELATIONS The taste of life, the fate of death Like the approach of the night, you feel the regret Life’s own destiny is like a scripture to be fulfilled Strengthened by faith, weakened by fear The storms that rage, the travails within Cursed by the sins of Adam and Eve, but blessed by faith And as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West So does our trails from birth to our very death

Open Mic Theatre presents “The Patriot” edition at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island on January, 23, 2015 (Gate Pass: Free)

D’banj 10th Anniversary concert tagged “Feeling the Nigga” come January 31, 2015 at the Ocean view Victoria Island.

CHORUS: Shout out si awon goons mi Awon eru iku mi Awon lan ni kin n ma para tan ni n keep cool mi So bi gobe sele ninu hood mi Te ba gbo bajinatu E ma ri awon goons mi Shout out si awon goons mi Awon eru iku mi Awon lan ni kin n ma para tan ni n keep cool mi So bi gobe sele ninu hood mi Te ba gbo bajinatu E ma ri awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu kan fun awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu meji fun awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu orisirisi ko ma lo Bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu o, poka Bajinatu kan fun awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu meji fun awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu orisirisi ko ma lo Bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu o

Say to me not words full of deceit, but words that reveals and consoles Sing to me not songs of lies concealed, but songs of knowledge yet unknown Death is like a tunnel we all must go through Dusky, cold, lonely, and painful It brings about grief, sorrow, tears, and pain But some find in it, heavenly thorny claws of death Tormented by its cruel taste and horrible isolation Though we all are subjects to decease The mystery arises on how, where and when it will sting?

I speak of life, I speak of death I reveal to you that fact you ignore for fear An acknowledgement of the realities of death Brings forth an approach to a positive life on earth Indeed some of you can attest to these Still, attestation is not enough …do something about it!

DJ Faceoff, Saturday January 24, 2015 @ Cowlso Retirement Villa, Lekki Phase II, Ajah. Gate pass- free

s Mi Awon Goon Song title: mide Artiste: Ola

Oba Esa album launch by Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) holds Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the 10 Degree Event Centre, Oregun.

PHOTO SPEAK

Barr. (Dr.) Taiwo Afolabi, Director Sifax Group, (centre), receiving the award as The Sun Businessman of the year award, flanked by Wife, Chief Mrs Folashade Afolabi and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.

Eyin oponu apoda oya e kun inkan te fe kun Awa o ni jeun epe sanra Emi n be isu emi fa Eyin n le ishe, emi n fara bale Mo n je eran emi n la Emi pari olodo Jen ta yin lolobo Olopa o le mu awon goons mi E ma sa te ba ri mopol Awon ologo sileku fun ole They don’t wanna see the boy rolling Mo n rap, mo n k’orin, mo n kinging, mo n w’ole Mo ma n terrorise yin Mo ma n pressurise yin Ki lo de te n lari mole ta lo mu eran n rice yin

CHORUS: Shout out si awon goons mi Awon eru iku mi Awon lan ni kin n ma para tan ni n keep cool mi So bi gobe sele ninu hood mi Te ba gbo bajinatu E ma ri awon goons mi Shout out si awon goons mi Awon eru iku mi Awon lan ni kin n ma para tan ni n keep cool mi So bi gobe sele ninu hood mi Te ba gbo bajinatu E ma ri awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu kan fun awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu meji fun awon goons mi, poka poka Bajinatu orisirisi ko ma lo Bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu o, poka Bajinatu kan fun awon goons mi, poka Bajinatu meji fun awon goons mi, poka poka Bajinatu orisirisi ko ma lo Bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu, bajinatu o VERSE 1: Emanuel Amokachi, awa l’head master We dey bang in any hood bi ti asewo bastard Egbe egberun irawo yin o ma le mole t’osupa Emi ready lati gbe’ru mi e bami gbe osuka Jesus christ o ma nige, jesu ma se miracle Samson o mo ni’bon, ko ma sa nigba to ri ekun Emi chase dream mi, mi o ma care ki bi. anybody kun

VERSE 2: I came into the game bi ti agbero ti o ni hood Mo da ni ti omo yibo to ni container tio ni goods E so fun batman pe Olamide is robinhood Ebi n pa mi mo de n para bi omo ti o ni food Now am getting it right everyday and every night Nobody to fun mi ni opportunity lati se bi mo shey like Won ri ilaagun ati tears mi pelu gbogbo ito ti mo pu s’ori mic Nigba ti ebi n pa mi, ta l’owo, ta ba n lo show ta ma gun bike Mo respect Dagrin Won ni bo wa laye mi o le blow Sebi oluwa ni n sola, mo wa laye Lil Kesh n blow On your mark, set, kan to so ready awa ti go Every n jo shoki ni igboro YBNL ti blow They can’t tell the next shit that my Gs goon do In one year mo n shey kolabo bi sixty bundle Mi o kin sun moju, gat business to handle Am ten steps ahead, pappy iya yin n tan candle Bon shey n feel mi l’ajegunle lon shey n feel mi ni isale eko Jay z o kin sun Hustle yi sa ni koko We all sweating lo si show ni robin blue fi ta koko Kai kai kai e kan je akara e n mu koko Eyewen, we fail, we pass, we kuro n class Alara kawe etun sa picture kaakiri si ori instagram be ni sa pata We’ne were

L7 Nutrition

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

Improve your sight naturally Judith Frank-Edet Imagine what it is like to lose your eyes --- that means total darkness and alienation from seeing everything that goes on around you.

That’s why eyesight is one of the most important senses in human being. However, the way we use our eyes such as reading on bright sunlight, staying glued on our computer or television screen for long hours, etc. cause eye fatigue and tension. This, and other conditions like presbyopia, macular degeneration, glaucoma, pterygium, cataract among others, impair our sight. If ignored, they will require expensive medical treatments that might not restore our sight fully or force us to use prescribed reading glasses or contact lenses.

However, instead of waiting to lose your sight completely, there are natural ways to improve your vision.

Ensure you not only have these foods but also have them in their right proportion if you want to benefit from improved sight.

Foods rich in Vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc and copper such as carrots, squash, citrus, kiwis, cheese, cantaloupe, milk, spinach, papaya, oranges, cranberries, wheat germ, olive, vegetable oils among many others.

macula from damaging sunrays. You can get all these antioxidant rich foods in leafy dark green vegetables, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, pepper, egg yolk, etc. dark green and yellow vegetables have been found to effectively improve vision and keep age-related conditions that cause blindness at bay.

Foods rich in Anthocyanin (antioxidant flavonoids) such as grapes, goji berries and blueberries have not only antioxidants but also protect your body from inflammations thereby improving your vision.

1

5

Foods rich in antioxidants that will neutralize free radicals generated in our bodies that often cause aging such as betacarotene, zeaxanthin and lutein will reduce macular degeneration by protecting your

1

2

2

3

3

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or omega 3 rich foods do help in naturally improving and boosting vision since they strengthen the cell membranes and structural cell support. Some sources of DHA include mackerel, krill, sardines, salmon, cod and other fish found in pure fresh water. You can also supplement your diet with high quality and pure fish oil.

4

Include foods such as garlic, shallots, capers and onions in your diet since they contain lecithin, sulfur and cysteine that prevent cataract from forming.

Drink enough water to avoid dehydration, which can cause dry eyes. It is recommended to take up to eight glasses of pure and clean water daily.

4 5

Daily Times Nigeria Friday January 23, 2015

Showing on 101 Mnet

Showing on 250 e-Africa

15:30

14:00

Fri, 23 Jan |PG 13

Fri, 23 Jan |Family

‘S1/E21-Christina Augilera’-Queen Latifah hosts a daytimes daily talk show featuring music, performance and celebrity guest.

‘S12/E82’. Celebrity interviews, musical performance, audience-paticipation games and segments spotlighting real people with extraordinary stories, hosted by comedienne Ellen DeGeneres.

120 BBC Entertainment

124 E! Entertainment 00:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 01:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 02:00 Giuliana & Bill 03:00 Dr. 90210 04:00 Dr. 90210 05:00 Holly Has A Baby 06:00 Blinging Up Baby 07:15 Celebrity Style Story 08:00 The Drama Queen 09:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10:00 Fashion Bloggers 10:30 Fashion Bloggers 11:00 E! News 12:00 Giuliana & Bill 13:15 Fashion Police 14:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 15:00 House Of DVF 16:15 Celebrity Style Story 17:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 18:00 E! News 19:00 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills 19:30 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills 20:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 22:15 Celebrity Style Story

00:00 The Cube 00:19 Top Gear 01:10 New Tricks 02:02 Come Dine With Me 02:51 EastEnders 03:24 The Weakest Link 04:09 Top Gear 05:00 Fool Britannia 05:25 QI 05:55 Spy 06:20 EastEnders 06:55 Antiques Roadshow 07:45 The Weakest Link 08:35 QI 09:10 Would I Lie To You? 09:40 Hell’s Kitchen USA 10:25 Deal Or No Deal 11:05 My Family 11:40 My Family 12:15 Top Gear 13:15 Come Dine With Me 14:10 The Cube 15:05 The Weakest Link 16:00 Casualty

130 MTV

00:00 Are You The One? 00:15 Ink Master 01:00 All Night Session 05:05 #TFIF! 08:20 Pranked 09:05 Punk’d 09:30 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 10:35 The Ex And The Why 11:05 Teen Mom 2 12:10 Awkward 12:35 Punk’d 13:00 Punk’d 13:45 Ridiculousness

14:35 Teen Cribs 15:25 Pimp My Ride 16:10 Awkward 16:35 Awkward 17:25 Ridiculousness 17:50 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 18:40 Jersey Shore 19:30 Ridiculousness 20:15 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 21:05 Geordie Shore 21:55 Geordie Shore 22:40 World Stage

L8 Television

128 SONY MAX

00:00 Cheaters 00:15 Unbeatable Banzuke 00:40 Unbeatable Banzuke 01:05 Rude Tube 01:35 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 02:05 Code Name: Pheonix 03:35 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:00 Ninja Warrior 05:25 Ninja Warrior 05:50 I Bet You Will 06:15 Cheaters 07:05 World’s Most Amazing Videos 07:55 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

08:50 I Bet You Will 09:15 Killer Karaoke 10:15 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

11:15 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

12:15 Cheaters 13:15 World’s Most Amazing Videos 14:15 World’s Wildest Police Videos 15:15 Video Zonkers 15:40 1000 Ways To Die 16:10 The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s...

17:05 World’s Most Amazing Videos 18:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 19:00 Killer Karaoke 20:00 Tattoo Nightmares 20:30 Tattoo Nightmares 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 World’s Most Amazing Videos 00:00 The Boxer From Shantung 02:00 The Fight Scene 02:30 The Fight Scene 03:00 Blackbelt TV’s Best Of: North America 04:00 The Boxer From Shantung 06:00 The Fight Scene 06:30 The Fight Scene 07:00 Blackbelt TV’s Best Of: North America

253 AIT

08:00 Kung Fu Executioner 10:00 World Championship Kickboxing 11:00 Hero Of The Wild 13:00 Blackbelt TV’s Best Of: Africa 14:00 Men Of War 16:00 Rumble On The Rock 18:00 Men Of War 20:00 Rumble On The Rock 22:00 The Bloody Fight

00:00 AIT Midnight News 00:30 Movie: 02:30 Nowhere To Be Found 03:00 Focus Nigeria 04:00 What Life Took From Me 05:00 Oremus 06:00 Kaakaki 09:00 Giant Strides 09:30 Making Of A Chef 10:00 Focus Nigeria 11:00 The Money Show 12:00 AIT Reports 13:00 Sports Extra 13:30 Dateline Abuja 14:00 Gbedu On The Move 15:00 Matters Arising 15:30 State Of The Nation 16:00 World News 16:30 Nickelodeon 17:30 NAFDAC & Your Health 18:00 Sports Today 18:30 One Mic 19:00 Amazon 20:00 AIT News Hour 21:00 Primetime Africa 22:00 What Life Took From Me

135 BET

00:00 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 00:30 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 01:00 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 01:30 Nellyville 02:30 BET Now 03:00 BET Now 03:30 BET Now 04:00 Late Night Heat

06:00 Soul Sessions 07:00 Soul Sessions 08:00 Soul Sessions 09:00 Keeping Up With The Joneses 09:30 BET’s Music Matters 10:00 Hell Date 10:30 Hell Date 11:00 The Wendy Williams Show 12:00 Conversation With Iman 12:30 Michelle Obama On A Mission 13:00 Let’s Stay Together 13:30 Let’s Stay Together 14:00 Being 15:00 The Wendy Williams Show 16:00 Apollo Live 17:00 Keyshia & Daniel: Family First 17:30 Keyshia & Daniel: Family First 18:00 The Wendy Williams Show 19:00 Being Terry Kennedy 19:30 Being Terry Kennedy 20:00 Hell Date 20:30 Hell Date 21:00 Run’s House 21:30 Run’s House 22:00 The Wendy Williams Show

XT Exclusive

ONIANGUE

Poster!

tasks Congo on remaining matches X3

Obafemi Martins

X4,5 Friday, January 23, 2015

d i k r e d n Wo

Gervinho

AFCON: BAD BOY GERVINHO HAMMERED

d r a a g Ode l a e R r o f t se e g n e chall X8

X3

Wolves

arrive Abuja for Super-Six

X2

Dickson Wrestling tourney gets new date X7

X2

Friday, January 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

KWARA UNITED HAILS AHMED’S SUPPORT Ola Yekeen Ilorin

T Warri Wolves FC

Wolves

storm Abuja for Super-Six tourney Martins Endorses Ambode’s Project

T.H.E.S.E Andrew Ekejiuba

All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode (right) with Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, during the APC campaign rally at Oworonshoki playing ground on Monday.

N

igerian international, Obafemi Martins, has endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, saying the Epe-born Chartered Accountant and lover of sports has the best programme for youths and sports as a lucrative vocation in Lagos State.

Martins, who currently plays for the Seattle Sounders FC, said he was impressed

with Ambode’s vision as contained in his manifesto, to use the combined sectors of sports, entertainment and tourism to get the teeming youths of Lagos gainfully employed.

The 31-year-old Super Eagles player said he was happy to identify with the APC campaign rally at Oworonshoki playing ground on Monday because “I believe a sports-loving governor is what Mr. Ambode represents”.

Project T.H.E.S.E stands for Tourism,

Andrew Ekejiuba

W

arri Wolves Football Club arrived Abuja today for the Super-Six tourney with 35 players and 10 officials, with the sole aim of surpassing their performance last year.

Wolves finished second last year, losing only to Enyimba after thrashing Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United.

In a statement made available to our correspondent by the Media Manager of the Club, Etu Moses, the players made up of the old ones and new ones and are in high spirit.

Etu also revealed that the team will leave Abuja after the tournament for Sagamu and Ibadan where they hope to play some friendly matches, all in a bid to correct the lapses noticed in the Super-Six in Abuja.

“Our players are well relaxed here and they are very excited that they will be playing against the U-20 and U-23 teams as they believe that these matches will prepare them well for the tasks ahead,” Moses said.

Hospitality, Entertainment and Arts, Sports all representing Excellence. It is one of the highlights of Ambode’s vision to make Lagos a ‘’clean, secure and prosperous’’ city-state.

At a charity football match organized in his honour in Ikorodu penultimate Sunday, in which Ambode himself played, the former Accountant General of Lagos State said youth empowerment and sports development would be paramount in his administration if elected as the governor. ‘’Community sports centers and special scholarships for students who exhibit outstanding sporting skills will be encouraged in my administration. This will guarantee a new vista for job creation for our youths and our state will remain the Número Uno as far as sports is concerned in Nigeria’’ said Ambode, who was an exemplary cricket and hockey player at the Federal Government College, Warri.

he captain of Kwara United FC of Ilorin, Sheriff Jimoh, has urged governors in the country to emulate Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed’s support for sports development.

Jimoh in an interview with newsmen at the team’s training ground on Wednesday said the players are delighted about the governor’s support, which he maintained informed their promotion to the Premier league.

“Other state governors need to emulate our governor in order to improve the quality of our league since government is still the sole sponsor of our football,” he began.

“I do support private initiative in the sports sector in our country, but since it is government that is still doing it, they need to do it right.

“Gov. Ahmed’s huge support to the team made us come stronger during the season and that was why we fought hard to secure our promotion.

“The management have been wonderful too because if the government is spending and the right people are not there to manage the investment you won’t get results.”

Jimoh described the team’s General Manager Haruna Maigidansanma as a father who will always encourage the players to do more on the pitch.

He also commended other management too especially the secretary which he described as an experienced manager of the game.

However, the Kwara United skipper denied a story credited to him recently that the players are demanding for some amount of monies, saying he has never granted any journalist such audience for the story.

Gov. Ahmed

Friday, January 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

AFCON 2015 Congo’s Prince Oniangue (left) is challenged by Gabon’s Andre Poko, during their Africa Cup of Nations Group A soccer match in Bata, Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday.

Algeria’s forward Islam Slimani celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group C football match between Algeria and South Africa in Mongomo on Monday.

ALANGSETORDIA IM

O G N O C T STAY MUS HUMBLE E U G N A I N –O

C

ongo captain Prince Oniangue says his team needs to remain humble despite moving to top of Group A after shocking Gabon 1-0 on Wednesday.

The result moves Congo to top of their group after Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea drew their game.

“We achieved a good result but the group remains wide open, everything is still possible,” Oniangue said.

“We have a young generation, the top level is new to many of the players so we must stay humble.

“We used a lot of energy. We are going to recover and it’s only after our game against Burkina

Faso that we will know if the dream carries on.

“We are happy for our country’s president who wanted us badly to win this match and for the whole nation.”

Congo will 2013 AFCON runners up Burkina Faso, who are bottom of the group, on January 25.

BAD BOY

GERVINHO TO

MISS TWO MATCHES Ivory Coast forward Gervinho was given a two-match suspension for slapping an opponent.

C

ote d’Ivoire forward Gervinho was given a two-match suspension on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Roma player was given a straight red card on Tuesday after hitting Guinea midfielder Naby

Keita during the second half of a 1-1 draw.

Because of the nature of the incident, the African soccer federation decided on Wednesday that Gervinho would have to sit out the team’s two remaining Group D matches.

Despite playing with 10 men after the red card, the Ivoirians managed to equalise.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gervinho apologised for his actions. He wrote on Twitter that he wanted to say sorry to his country, his team-

mates, fans and tournament organisers for his “angry gesture.”

The reaction was “not like me and has no place on the football field,” Gervinho wrote in French.

After he was shown the red card, Gervinho dropped to his knees on the field, punched the turf in frustration and began arguing with the referee.

One of the favourites at the tournament, Cote d’Ivoire still have to play Mali and Cameroon in Group D. Cameroon and Mali also drew 1-1 in their opening game.

PL BLACK STARS

A

lgeria assistant coach, Nabil Neghiz, has promised the Fennecs will play classy football in their next match against Ghana in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations today.

Algeria won their first match 3-1 against South Africa on Monday but Neghiz admits it was not a commanding performance for his team.

Neghiz identified the defence of the Algerian squad as one of the weak points in the match against South Africa.

Ibenge hails DR Congo’s team spirit

C

oach Florent Ibenge says the team spirit in the DR Congo camp is shaping up to make this a memorable Africa Nations Cup. DR Congo showed a snippet of the potential of things to come in Equatorial Guinea after rallying from one down in the second minute to dominate Zambia and finish 1-1 in a Group B opener on January 18.

“The players have the desire to win. It is an internal motivation,” Ibenge said.”They said it, they want to go far. So it makes me happy.”

DR Congo qualified to the Africa Cup after clinching the lone third best place on offer after holding their own in a tough Group D that contained Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

The major highlight in their qualifying race was a 4-3 away victory over Ivory Coast in one of their three wins on their way to amassing the nine points that ensured The Leopards’ AFCON ticket.

“In the first match we did many mistakes and we are working now to fix all those mistakes that will not be allowed against a team like Ghana. We are working hard to fix the problems in our defence that made us suffer in the first match.

“Ghana are a kind of team that play very good football and we like to play against that kind of team.

So I can promise we will play classy football against them,” Neghiz said.

“The Black Stars lost their first game against Senegal and that will make them fight against us, because they will not want to lose a second straight match.”

Algeria are top of Group C with superior goal difference despite being tied on three points apiece with Senegal.

AFCON RESULTS Equatorial Guinea 1-1 Congo Burkina Faso 0-2 Gabon Zambia 1-1 RD Congo Tunisia 1-1 Cape Verde Ghana 1 - 2 Senegal Algeria 3 - 1 South Africa Cote d’Ivoire 1 - 1 Guinea Mali 1 - 1 Cameroon Equatorial Guinea 0 - 0 Burkina Faso Gabon 0 - 1 Congo

TODAY’S MATCHES Ghana v Algeria 17:00 South Africa v Senegal 20:00 Saturday, January 24, 2015 Cote d’Ivoire v Mali 17:00 Cameroun v Guinea 20:00 Sunday, January 25, 2015 Congo v Burkina Faso 19:00 Gabon v Equatorial Guinea 19:00 Monday, January 26, 2015 RD Congo v Tunisia 19:00 Cape Verde v Zambia 19:00 Tuesday, January 27, 2015 South Africa v Ghana 19:00 Senegal v Algeria 19:00 Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Cameroun v Cote d’Ivoire 19:00 Guinea v Mali 19:00

X4

Friday, January 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

MART OBAFEMI

Friday, January 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

QUOTES ON

“

OBAFEMI MARTINS It’s interesting scoring two goals in the first time I was scoring in the Nations Cup. The goals are special to me and I want to dedicate them to my mother back home in Nigeria.

I am happy at Newcastle. I love the city and the people. Our fans are the best in the world. Even if we are losing or not playing well there are still 52,000 backing us and I respect that.

–Obafemi Martins

”

“I never said he’s too old, I never said he’s old. I never said that. Frank Lampard is still playing and there are older players than him (Martins) still playing and nobody calls them old. If he can play for his team and do well, so be it. My feeling is that we have younger players in front that I need, and that’s what I said.”

TINS

Stephen Keshi Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number: Youth career:

Senior career:

Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins October 28, 1984 (age 30) Lagos, Nigeria 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) Forward Seattle Sounders FC 9 Ebedei (1999–2000) Reggiana (2000–2001) Internazionale (2001–2006) Reggiana (2000–2001) Internazionale (2001–2006) Newcastle United (2006–2009)

VfL Wolfsburg (2009–2010) Rubin Kazan (2010–2012) Birmingham City (loan) 2011 Levante (2012–2013) Seattle Sounders FC (2013– till date) National team: Nigeria (2004–till date)

X5

X6

Friday, January 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

Interview

SIMEONE: I’LL COACH

ARGENTINA SOMEDAY! You’ve finally made the three-man shortlist for Coach of the Year. Do you place a lot of importance on recognition like that and wait eagerly for those kinds of announcements?

The recognition is good when it comes from actual footballers, and when it’s from players the world over, it’s even better. However, it’s nothing definitive, as football is all about your next game, the need to keep producing the goods. But when it’s the opinion of footballers, I definitely place greater store on it. I’m pleased to be in a trio that includes Joachim Low and Carlo Ancelotti, but more than anything it gives me the impetus to work hard and improve in the future.

In Spain many people used to be divided on the respective playing styles of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Now a lot of the talk is about Simeone’s playing style; what’s your reaction to this assertion?

We have a clearly identifiable playing style, that’s true. I’ve always said that the teams that best espoused those ideals have been Estudiantes de La Plata, where I coached for a year and a half, and this Atletico side. That said, I wouldn’t go so far as to talk about ‘Cholismo’, even if my teams do play in a particular way.

Do you regret any decision you took in 2014?

Regret, no. With any possibly erroneous decision, you can always look back and think you could’ve done something

differently – but always with the benefit of hindsight.

Would the decision to risk Diego Costa in UEFA Champions League final be in that category?

No, on the contrary. It was a very considered decision given that the final of the Champions League was at stake. I always tell people that the day before, Costa was doing 100-metre sprints and looked like an athlete! I reasoned that if he could give us 45-50 minutes, then it’d be worth playing him in the final, especially given his importance to us. Alas, fate had other ideas and we lost a potential matchwinner after just eight minutes. But he wasn’t the only one: Arda Turan got injured too and couldn’t play. For all that, we still competed at a very high level.

Have you watched the game again since?

No, no. You can’t turn back time. And when you cannot go back, it’s better not to dwell on the past.

As a coach your character is just like it was as a player. Why is it that there’s no sign of that abating in you?

No they’re traits of mine. Every coach has them. Obviously when I’m older, I’ll probably – though I can’t promise – have different mannerisms. Right now I feel young and energetic, so one way or another, I participate in the game.

Not long ago, Atletico Madrid were

looked upon sympathetically, like a perennial bridesmaid. How do you think people view them now?

Just after I was appointed coach here, I said in a press conference that I wanted Atletico to become a team that causes problem for others. Taking on two giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona is very hard. If you think about it, in our domestic league we’re up against two clubs who are always expected to win the Champions League. We’ve managed to break that hegemony – just as we did in 1996 when I was a player – and triumph over the kind of financial muscle and great players that they acquire. Over time we’ve become something more than just a troublesome team, and that’s down to consistency, which is the hardest thing to achieve in football. For more than three years now, we’ve been achieving success, and we’re still doing it.

How do you think Real Madrid fans see you?

I imagine they’ve got mixed feelings.

On the one hand I’m sure they don’t like me but, on the other, I get shown a lot of respect when I’m out on the street. I get a lot of people coming up to me saying ‘I’m a Real Madrid fan, but I’d honestly like to congratulate you. I like the way your guys work and how much of a team they are’.

I think that recently Atletico have shown something that people need in their everyday lives: energy. They’ve also demonstrated that, over and above the difficul-

go Simeone is very It would be fair that Die sons his Atletico ys. Over the last three sea much in vogue these da mwork – have won itome of sacrifice and tea Madrid side – the very ep rious chapter in the e and begun writing a glo titles in Spain and Europ see the Argentinian refore, a fitting reward to club’s history. It was, the Coach of the Year for the 2014 FIFA World on the three-man shortlist . for Men’s Football award d’Or Gala, the 44t week for the FIFA Ballon las rich Zu During his trip to FIFA.com. Among the exclusive interview with year old sat down for an tballing philosophy e-ranging chat was the foo topics discussed in a wid and his particular as a national-team coach at Atletico, a possible future Excerpts: arch-rivals Real Madrid. relationship with fans of

ties you face and using the tools at your disposal, you can compete, you can fight and you can find solutions where none appeared to be. We know that nowadays it’s hard to get a job and find stability, but these lads – through their hard work and persistence – have managed to show people that you do have the chance to say, ‘Stop, we can do this. It’s not all about having money and using money to get things done’. Even if you don’t have so much, you can still go places.

Could you see yourself becoming the Sir Alex Ferguson of Atletico Madrid, in terms of longevity?

I always say that my approach is to think that I might get sacked tomorrow.

For me, it’s the best way of making sure I live for the moment, because in football what matters, aside from what you’ve already achieved and which nobody can take away from you, is what’s coming next. I see Atletico Madrid as a club that’s growing very strongly and which has greater financial clout thanks to the success we’ve had. Players want to join us and we’ve got a team with a very good average age, lads like Raul Jimenez, Koke and Diego Godin who’ve got years ahead

of them to keep improving and form the foundations of a side that we can keep on strengthening.

Are you ever able to take your foot off the pedal?

I’m not a fan of “switching off” because I know that when I find myself in that situation then I end up losing. However, I try and fight against it because it’s not a feeling I’m comfortable with.

Hand on heart, were you offered the Argentina job after the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil?

No, but I know it’ll happen one day.

I’ve always said in the national team you have room for what I call the son, father and grandfather types. In coaching terms, I think it’s a place for a grandfather – someone more serene and composed who can see things in a different way. I still feel I need to be on the pitch, doing training and being with players day-in, day-out. The national team cannot give you that. Is it something I’d like to do one day? Absolutely! I spent 12 or 14 years with the team – it was a privileged time and very much part of my life. Hopefully it will come to pass at the perfect time for both parties.

Friday, January 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

FEDERATION WATCH

X7

WITH OSARETIN EMUZE

Edosa berates NVBF officials

F Cyclists competing in ECOWAS Cycling Tour of West Africa.

NCF

N

releases programme of activities Dickson Wrestling Championship postponed

T

he Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has postponed the 2nd Governor Seriaki Dickson Wrestling Championships billed to commence in Yenegoa this weekend because of political reasons.

The President of the Federation Hon. Daniel Igali hinted that the federation didn’t want to risk the lives of over 400 wrestlers drawn from the 36 states of the federation and Abuja that would have converged in Yenegoa for the 2nd Governor Seriake Dickson Wrestling Championships earlier scheduled

for January 24-29th at the Samson Siasia sports complex.

The member, Bayelsa State House of Assembly told Extra Time that the one week tournament will now hold between March and April after all the elections in the country has been concluded.

“Life is very precious and we cannot afford to risk the lives of our wrestlers scattered across the country. The tournament was earlier put together to select the wrestlers that will be camped for the All Africa Games billed for September,” he stressed.

Nigerian wrestler, Sinivie Boltic (right) in action at the London 2012 Olympics.

igeria Cycling Federation (NCF) has released its programmes of activities for the year 2015.

Extra Time gathered that the NCF will begin the year with the African Continental Championships billed to hold in Johannesburg between February 6 and 15.

The National Garden City Cycling Championships follows in Port Harcourt in March and the National Sports Festival comes up in April in the Cross River State capital Calabar.

NCF also disclosed that the camping of cyclists in preparation for the All Africa Games begins in May. However, Team Nigeria will participate in the Cowbell Cycling Tour of Ghana in June in continuation of the All Africa Games preparation.

The Nigerian Cycling Team in will further take part in an international cycling competition scheduled for in Cote d’Ivoire in July.

Other events in the Programmes of activities of NCF for 2015 are the preparation for the ECOWAS International Cycling Tour of West Africa, the All Africa Games in September and the ECOWAS Cycling Tour of West Africa in November.

ormer volleyball ace Edosa Aye has taken a swipe on the officials of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) for killing volleyball in the country despite the abundance of talented sportsmen and women for the sport.

Speaking with Extra Time from his base in France, the former spiker said it is sad that the standard of volleyball has fallen completely because of lack of activities in the federation.

“When there are no competitions the standard of the game is bound to fall, I weep each time I read about Nigeria’s failure in major competitions in volleyball.

“During our active days, volleyball was up there. I played for the country for 18 years and we won several laurels including gold, silver and bronze at the All Africa Games. The story is quite different today because of the care-free attitude of the federation members,” he said with a tinge of regret.

Edosa congratulated Engineer Habu Gumel for returning to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) top job and advised the volleyball President to use his wealth of experience to improve the game of volleyball in the country.

NBF revives interest in int’l tourney

T

he Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has revived interest in allowing boxers to compete for laurels in international friendly tournaments in order to take boxing to the next level and help raise very good boxers for the All Africa Games and the Olympic Games.

Extra Time gathered from the Federation that Nigerian boxers will travel to Cotonou, Benin Republic and Accra, Ghana for international friendly tournaments holding on March 11 and April 15 respectively.

According to the Secretary of NBF, Olusola Luke, the friendlies were put together to expose the boxers for the All Africa Games billed for September.

“Our aim this year is to win many laurels at the All Africa Games. The friendly in Cotonou will hold between March 11-15, while that of Ghana comes up between April 1115. The tourneys are part of the several preparations for the Games,” he stressed.

Luke said the boxers will go into close camping in April immediately after the National Sports Festival in Calabar.

The international boxing friendly was introduced in the 1990s to cement boxing relationships between Nigeria and Ghana. It was made popular by the former Chairman of the Nigeria Amateur Boxing Association late Brai Ayonote.

X8

Friday, January 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME BRIEFS Real nears Silva deal Real Madrid have won the race to sign Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro for a reported €15 million. The European champions announced on Wednesday that Silva is likely to be their second signing of the transfer window and he is expected to sign a six-and-a-half year contract with Carlo Ancelotti’s team, ahead of an unveiling at the Bernabeu next week.

Odegaard unfazed

by Real challenge T

eenage sensation, Martin Odegaard, insists he is unfazed by the challenge of representing Real Madrid and believes he has chosen the perfect club to continue his development.

The 16-year-old Norway international completed his move to the European champions from Stromsgodset on Thursday, ending months of speculation about his future after he trained with the likes of Bayern

Munich, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Much is expected of Odegaard, who became the youngest player to represent Norway at the age of 15 last year and was one of the most sought-after talents in European football.

But the midfielder is confident of fulfilling his potential at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” he said at his official presentation.

“I don’t feel any pressure really. I want to become the best player possible.

“Real Madrid was the best chance for me to develop. They offered me the most opportunities.”

Real confirmed that Odegaard will train with both the first team and their Castilla side.

And the youngster is happy to continue learning his trade in the reserves, but is hopeful of break-

Pulis confirms Fletcher’s interest Tony Pulis has confirmed he is looking at the prospect of bringing Darren Fletcher to West Brom from Manchester United. The Scotland international has seen appearances limited at Old Trafford this season, with just four Premier League starts under Louis van Gaal in 2014-15.

Odegaard

ing into Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team plans.

“I can’t wait to start training,” he added. “Whether I play in the first team of Real Madrid Castilla is not important, I want to develop.

“I’d love it if Carlo Ancelotti wanted to use me.”

At Madrid, Odegaard joins a squad rich in established worldclass talents, led by FIFA Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

New Liverpool deal for Sterling ´imminent´

R

Sterling

aheem Sterling and Liverpool are close to agreeing terms on a new contract, Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Thursday.

Sterling’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2016-17 season, with the player and club widely reported to be in talks over an extension in recent weeks.

And manager Rodgers says he expects the details to be finalised in the near future.

“The club are speaking to Sterling’s representatives,” he said.

“I would think that would be completed very imminently. The player is very happy.”

Daniel Sturridge, who has suffered with a combination of calf and thigh injuries for much of the season, will not be available for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie with

Bolton Wanderers, and Rodgers confirmed he will make alterations for the clash at Anfield.

“We’ll make some changes,” he said.

“But we want to win. We’ll look at our squad and it’s there to make changes, but not too many.

“Jordan Rossiter will be involved. We have some great young players.

“The academy has done a wonderful job aligning players to our philosophy.”

After challenging Manchester City in the Premier League title race last season, Liverpool have been well short of that scintillating form in 2014-15, but Rodgers believes that next season could see them return to the upper echelons of the table.

Blanc defends Ibra’s decision

Blanc Under-fire PSG coach Laurent Blanc defended his decision to rest Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his side’s Coupe de France win against Bordeaux. Blanc is under pressure due to PSG’s stuttering title defence and his side were very unconvincing in their 2-1 win on Wednesday.

Villa fined £60,000 for Leicester skirmish The Football Association (FA) has fined Aston Villa £60,000 after the club admitted a failure to control their players against Leicester City. Towards the end of the Premier League meeting at the King Power Stadium earlier this month – which Villa lost 1-0 – a fracas broke out after Matty James’ strong challenge on Jores Okore.