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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.51

Buhari hale, in UK to rest – Wife

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Life&

TIMES Monday, February 23, 2015

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Girl bomber, eight, ƏƆƌ ƗƆƗ ƈ EƑƉƆ kills five in Yobe Ƌƈ

INSIDE

family rubbishes Nick Gordon’s claim L3

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ÏÏÏAnother

young girl, about eight years by some

accounts, blew herself up on Sunday in Potiskum, Yobe State. Five other per-

sons were killed when the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Varsities, others get digital dividends from NCC

INSIDE XT Exclusive REAL MADRID

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MARTINA NAVRATILOVA X4,5 Monday, February 23, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Page Three

Editorial Increasing incidence of cancer in Nigeria

he increasing incidence of cancer in Nigeria is very alarming and therefore must be treated as a national health issue. Recently, a surgical oncologist, Prof. Emmanuel Ezeome expressed concern over the increasing number of cancer cases, especially in the South East and the country in general. At the 90th annual lecture of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, he lamented that the increasing cases of the life threatening disease should give everyone reason for concern. The medical expert was of the view that even when the incidence is increasing, it can still can be cured if sufferers take proactive measures. “One thing is needed for survival. Victims should not waste time to lodge complaint at the hospital”. While we share this concern, it is imperative for governments at all levels to see the increasing incidence of cancer among the general population as a national emergency in order to put in place adequate measures to combat it. Definitely, very many Nigerians are still ignorant of cancer and its causes. There is a tendency to see cancer as confined only to the affluent societies of America, Europe and Asia. Such ignorance is exacerbated by a seeming superstition that still pervades the country, especially among the illiterate population who believe it is an affliction from the gods. For the avoidance of doubt, cancer is a group of diseases characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Most cancers are related to environmental, lifestyle, or behavioural exposures.

Some of the common environmental factors that contribute to cancer death include tobacco, diet and obesity, radiation (both ionizing and non-ionizing), stress, lack of physical activity, and environmental pollutants. Increasingly, breast and cervix cancer are the most commonly diagnosed in women. Also, women who have no children or who have their first pregnancy after the age of 30 have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who become pregnant while they are much younger. Research also shows that childhood cancers account for one percent of all new diagnoses, while the common types in men include prostrate, lung and colon cancer, Furthermore, it is established that the risk of getting cancer increases with age as most cases occur in middle-aged adults or older persons. In the face of these fact, the authorities, including nongovernmental agencies must embark on massive sensitisation programme among the general population in order to educate them on early detection of cancer and the causes. The problem is compounded more by the lack of medical facilities to treat cancer patients in the country. That is why there is exodus of sufferers to such countries as India and China for treatment. This medical tourism is responsible for draining the country’s lean resources. Besides, only the rich can afford such treatment. While the fact of urbanisation and increasing income could be linked to the increase of cancer in Nigeria, it is in the place of the government and people to change some negative lifestyles in order to curb the alarming cancer increase.

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Before the curtain falls on Polytechnics Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏFor some years now,

the polytechnics in Nigeria have been bedeviled by incessant strikes, thus endangering the nation’s chances of having adequate middle level manpower. It would be recalled that for the greater part of last year, the gates of Polytechnics in the country were under locks as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) called its members out on strike over the Federal Government’s failure to implement the 2009 agreement it reached with the

union. The strike was suspended in July after the then newly appointed Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, pleaded with the union for understanding, and it raised hope that crisis had been overcome. Sadly, months after the reopening of the polytechnics, the curtain appears set to fall again on the subsector. Only at the weekend, the lecturers’ union threatened an indefinite strike come Wednesday, February 25, 2015 should the Federal Government fail to immediately implement the agreement it reached with it which led to the suspension of its strike last July among other demands.

Words On Marble :

dailytimesng

While many commend the polytechnic teachers for their patience, not a few are worried that should they make good their threat, this would exacerbate the crisis in the sub-sector and may be the final death knell on polytechnics in Nigeria. But should the curtain fall on polytechnics in the country as ASUP has threatened, the blame must squarely be put on the doorstep of the Federal Government. A situation where it reaches agreement with labour unions, in this case ASUP, and fails to implement same, months and years after, speaks volume. This is not in the interest of students, parents/guardians, ASUP and the nation.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

Chief Commercial Officer

Deputy Editors

Noel Anosike

Doyin Awomosu

Group Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Tunji Okegbola

Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Bureau Chief, Northern Operations Celestine Okafor

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Sports Editor

Head ICT (Shared Services)

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba

Head of Operations Innocent Nwankwo

Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

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

Ango Abdullahi

Remi Sonaiya

Northerners, both inside and outside government who have held certain positions are equally guilty of the problems of the North. They were there when a lot of these conspiracies were being hatched against the North

Those who offer money for you to vote for them do so for specific reason, and you should be careful whenever they approach you to deceive you again

Olusegun Obasanjo We regard America and Europe as old friends. We keep old friends, but we make new friends in Japan, India, and China

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

5 News

Jonathan likens ING talk to treasonable offence Lateef Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso (left) his counterpart ƈ d Ɗ Ɛ è Ƌ ê ƋƈƕƑ z ƌ ƊƊ during a courtesy visit to the latter at the Government House Kano ...at the weekend.

Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Economy: Buhari on rescue mission – APC Augustine Aminu

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe presidential candidate

of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has assured Nigerians of succour from the effects of the ill management of the nation’s economy by the President Goodluck Jonathanled Federal Government. In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO), Malam Garba Shehu, the APC observed the panicky and uncoordinated management of the nation’s economy by President

Jonathan and his economic team. “It is apparent that the Federal Government has suddenly found itself in a bind with plummeting crude oil prices in the international market, but typical of a team that lacks capacity for anticipatory actions, the Federal Government has been running from pillar to post in a vain bid to stabilize the economy. Unfortunately, all conceived palliatives applied to save the nation’s declining economic in dicators have merely scrapped the surface of the problems leaving the mass of Nigerians desperate, confused and hungrier.” Shehu said that the nation’s

debt profile under the current Federal Government grew exponentially even while the country recorded the highest revenue accrued from impressive crude oil prices over a five-year period before the downward spiral of international oil prices. “With external debt standing at more than $10 billion and our internal debts at more than $50 billion, it is without doubt that President Jonathan is driving Nigeria into economic wilderness. This should be a cause for concern for all well -meaning Nigerians, more so when the Federal Government responses to these rising economic challenges have, at best, been casual.

Goodluck Jonathan has declared that the talk of the possibility of Nigeria having an Interim National Government (ING) should be regarded as a treasonable offence. The President said this yesterday at the first 2015 plenary session of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), in Abuja. It would be recalled that there have been suggestions lately of the possibility of ING being put in place by the government of Jona-

Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏHeaps of abandoned arms and

weapons of various shapes have been recovered by troops in Baga town, Borno State following the dislodgement of the Boko Haram terrorists. The discovery was made by a team of troops who were on mop up and cordon and search after the town was retaken from the terrorists by the troops. Speaking on the issue to journalists, Director of Defence Information, Major-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that some of the objects were strange. His words, “Heaps of weapons most of which were strange looking or destroyed are still being gathered. Many abandoned or destroyed motorcycles have also been discovered. “A soldier was stabbed while another was shot during a close quarter battle which ensued as troops

NIMASA issues ultimatum to APC over hate campaign allegation ÏzƆ Ɛ Ɨ Ƅƕ ƑƏ ƅƋ ƈƌ ^ Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏFollowing allegations by the

All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) was behind the alleged hate campaign against its presidential candidate, NIMASA has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to recant the allegation. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, said the agency has instructed its solicitors to give

APC the opportunity of retracting their unfounded allegations, failing which the agency will take all necessary steps to seek redress. But the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation has dismissed as empty the threat of litigation against it by the NIMASA over the allegations. “In recent times, attempts have been made by the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) and some misguided elements and individuals to impugn the integrity of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and its management. The vicious

campaign is intended to cast aspersions on the activities and integrity of NIMASA as a responsible corporate entity of government.” “The attempts consist of a trail of mischievous representations and blatant lies, orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discredit the giant and monumental strides President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has achieved through NIMASA and other Agencies in the Maritime Sector. In the process, important issues of state have been trivialised on the altar of political grandstanding at the expense of the unity of our dear country, Nigeria.” “It must be echoed for record purposes that NIMASA is not a po-

litical party. We are a responsible Government Agency trying our best to fulfil the mandate setting us up as an organisation. We will not therefore be dragged into malicious politicking of our accusers, neither would we be intimidated into not parading our achievements nor shy away from our core responsibilities.” In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Publicity of the APCPCO signed by Garba Shehu in reaction to the 72-hour ultimatum by NIMASA, said that the APC would present credible witnesses in court to prove not only this, but the fact that the maritime agency has since transformed into a campaign outpost for the PDP.

than rather of holding elections. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) also said last week that ING was alien to the nation’s constitution. The President also told the Catholic Bishops that interim government is not known to the Nigerian constitution. Said he, “Interim government is not known to the Nigerian constitution. “There is no way Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, elected by people with clear mandate, will now go and head interim government.”

Military recovers abandoned terrorists’ arms in Baga involved in cordon and search caught up with some of the fleeing terrorists yesterday evening. “A number of individuals who claimed to be residents are also being interrogated in order to ascertain their identity and motive. The group consisting mostly women continued to hail and cheer the troops as they conduct thorough search in the area. Wanting to be sure the group was not working for the terrorists despite the excitement, they had to be placed under watch.” “The cordon and search as well as patrol of the localities continue while the offensive on terrorists is progressing in other areas of the theater of the counter terrorist campaign,” Olukolade said.

PDP urges IGP to probe Owerri attacks on widows Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO), has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to investigate the allegation of complicity of policemen in the recent violent attack on some widows in Imo State. The PDPPCO, has similarly demanded for an unreserved apology from the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to show remorse and condemn the barbaric act by the officials and agents of the Imo State Government who superintended over the brutalisation of our harmless widows.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Buhari in UK to rest, says wife Ï ƐƏ ƒƆƏ ƕ ƒƆƏ ƋƋƆ ƆƗ ƍ Ɛ ƓƈƐ j ƕ Ƌ ƈƏ Ï 1 ƏƄ d Ɔ Ƒë zƈƋƋ Ɛ Ɔƕ Ƌ Ɨƈ ƍƑƐƆ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƌƆƐ ƓƈƐ ƓƑƉ ƋƆ ƈ G Ɨ î Ï 6Ɔ ƑƋƗ ƓƆ Ə ƓƈƐ 6 Ƌƕ _ƑƏ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƗƈƗ ôƐ ƒƈ ƈƐ nE ƍƈƐ Ƌ 0 ƕ Ɔ Ngozi Okafor, G Ɨ & Gbenga Sodeinde, Ɨ &ƊƈƐƈ

ÏÏÏ“He’s just come here to rest. He’s just here to have a rest, at least a few days rest before he goes back to business.” Those were the words of Hajia Aishat, the wife of Major General Muhammadu Buhari, in which she denied insinuations that her husband is in the United Kingdom to attend to a grave illness. There was widespread contro-

versy at the weekend that the UK trip of Gen. Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was on health grounds although his campaign organization said it was for political business. The health of 72-year-old Gen. Buhari has been an issue in the country’s presidential campaign, with a group expressing fears that he may be unable to perform optimally if he emerges president. Buhari has, however, consis-

tently pooh-poohed the claim that he is physically unfit. A photograph of Buhari, said to have been taken with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, as well as Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and Senator Bukola Saraki, purportedly to confirm the claim that he was in the UK for political business, stirred further controversy. While the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, argued that the photograph was a trick and a lie, others doubted

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Girl bomber, eight, kills five, wounds dozens in Yobe Continued from page 1 girl, with explosives strapped to her body, detonated the devices at a security checkpoint outside a market. Dozens of others were also wounded, witnesses said. “She refused to be checked at the gate to the market and an argument ensued,” an eye-witness, Ibrahim Maishago, told Reuters by telephone. “She let off the bomb, killing herself and five others, while many were injured.” No one claimed responsibility for the bombing, which bore the hallmarks of Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. The insurgents have suffered a string of defeats in a military offensive by

Nigeria and neighbours Cameroun, Niger and Chad. A resident, Bala Potiskum, said he saw dozens of wounded persons being rushed to hospital after the blast. Both witnesses described the bomber as a “small girl”, estimating that she could not have been more than eight years old. The Islamist fighters appear to be on the run in many parts of Nigeria and regions near its borders, after being subjected to a major offensive on all sides, but retain the ability to mount deadly surprise attacks. The Sambisa Forest, a major hideout of the Islamist has been under intense bombardment by the Nigerian

military. The use of female suicide bombers, sometimes young girls, has been a common tactic of Boko Haram since last year, as have revenge attacks on civilians when the group is under pressure. Just on Saturday, Nigerian forces backed by air strikes seized the northeastern border town of Baga from Boko Haram in a significant victory and one of a string of recent successes. President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been strongly criticized for not taking tougher action against Boko Haram, faces an election on March 28 in which security is a key issue.

its authenticity on the ground that Amosun was on a campaign train in Sagamu, Ogun State, on the day he was said to have taken the picture with the team. Blair was also said to have been somewhere else in Europe, not the UK, that day. In an interview with the Daily Times, the spokesman of the Buhari campaign organization, Alhaji Garba Shehu, asked the doubters to also fault the fact that the presidential candidate was received by a prominent Ogun State monarch, and granted a television interview. However, Fayose insisted at the weekend that information about the APC presidential candidate is being hidden from Nigerians. The Ekiti Governor specifically challenged Buhari to swear by the Holy Quran that he (Buhari) did not visit a UK hospital on arrival in London last week. Buhari’s wife debunked rumours that Buhari is gravely sick and undergoing medical treatment in London. Mrs Buhari allayed the fears of Nigerians and APC supporters after emerging from a two-hour interactive drinks reception she and the wife of her husband’s running-mate, Mrs Osinbajo, held for Nigerians in the diaspora on Saturday night at the Westminster Plaza Hotel, in Waterloo. “He’s home, well and sound,” Continued on page 8

Ƌƈ ƏƆƌ ƗƆƗ ƈ ƍƏƈ Andrew Ekejiuba

ÏÏÏWorld Boxing Federation (WBF)

Cruiserweight boxing champion, Bash Ali (OON), is currently cooling his heels at a Kuje, Abuja prison. The boxing legend confirmed this in a text message he sent to Daily Times on Sunday evening. The terse text message reads thus: “The labour of our heroes shall not be in vain. I have been in Kuje Prison since Thursday without food and with tough criminals because I said ‘No’ to corruption at a Bank (name withheld). My court case is March 5. A revolution has started. Champ Bash Ali, OON.” When our correspondent reached the boxer after several attempts on phone, he further revealed the genesis of his ordeal. “The Executive Director, Customer Services, of the bank invited me on Wednesday, but to my shock, he was not there, so he told me to wait. “While waiting, the Managing Director of the Bank, came and ordered the security to beat us. The head of one of the LOC members of Bash Ali Guinness Book of World Records fight, was broken. It was from there we were taken to SARS and detained and now I’m at Kuje Prison,” the champ said with a tinge of regret. Daily Times tried to reach Nigeria Police spokesman, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu on his mobile telephone, but he did not pick his calls. Also, a text message to his set was not responded to.

M Ɛ ƊƆ Ɨƈ ƈƐ Ƌ ƗƈƒƈƗƆ Ɨ Ɛ ƒ Ə ƈƐƈƆ è Ɛ ƆƏ Grace Anyanwu Abuja

ÏÏÏAS part of

its policy to bridge digital divides across a broad spectrum of the society and the school system in particular, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently took digital dividends to some institutions of higher learning in the country. These schools included Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti; The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo; Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Benin; Government Junior Secondary School, Jabi, Abuja; Katsina State College, Katsina; Government Secondary School, Dan Musa, Katsina

State, among others. The NCC acknowledged the gap in Information Communication Technology (ICT) services early enough and opted to cushion these needs by taking services, equipment and infrastructure to these centres of learning. The commission through the Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI), has been able to empower several of these higher institutions by donating digital centres, computer laboratories fitted with laptops and internet connectivity, generating sets as part of the digital dividends. Secondary schools also benefit Continued on page 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

7 News

Ondo NSCDC destroys 500,000 litres of adulterated diesel ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏ The Ondo State Command

L-R: Head of Department, Voter Education Publicity, INEC Lagos, Mrs. Ijeoma Igbokwe; Assistant Chief Systems Analyst, Mr. Muyiwa Yusuf; Head, ICT/Voter Registry, Mrs. Seye Soriyan; Resident Electoral Commissioner, Lagos State, Akin Orebiyi and H.O.D Finance and Accounts, Mr. Bolaji Ayoade, during a news conference on the distribution of PVCs and public enlightenment on the card reader, in Lagos...at the weekend Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

Oshiomhole alerts of planned anarchy in Edo Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏ The Edo State Government

has raised the alarm that some anti-democratic forces plan to unleash anarchy, through high-profile killings ahead of the March 28 and April 11 elections. According to a press statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Louis Odion, apart from causing panic among the teeming supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC), the antagonists also want to make the state ungovernable for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. ‘’The new evil agenda is akin to the one unleashed in 2012, ahead of the governorship election, in which the Principal Private Secretary to the Comrade Governor, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, was brutally murdered. Till date, the killers are yet to be brought to

justice. ‘’On the latest hit list are key figures in the administration, APC leaders, a vocal palace chief and journalists considered too independent-minded and unwilling to file fabricated stories to promote the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). ‘’To achieve this, hard-boiled cultists, who were contracted to attack and vandalise the Edo House of Assembly quarters last year, have again been recruited and, indeed, given mobilisation fee, running into millions of naira, and other logistics support from Abuja, early this week, through a local cleric-politician. ‘’The destabilisation scheme is conceived, funded and directed by a group of PDP leaders, based in Abuja, alongside their underlings in Edo State, in the cold calculation that once the teeming supporters of Comrade Oshiomhole were frightened away, PDP would then dominate the Edo space.

‘’The vocal palace chief being targeted, we gathered, is the Esogban of Bini Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, who is also the leader of the influential Benin Forum. The PDP leaders were said to be uncomfortable with Chief Edebiri’s unrelenting criticism, the latest being a scathing interview in a national daily, recently, where he declared that Bini people would vote against President (Goodluck) Jonathan in the coming election, over what he described as the gross marginalisation of people of Edo South in federal appointments and patronage in the last four years, despite that the bulk of the 95 percent of the votes PDP received in Edo in 2011 came from the area. “To ‘prepare the grounds’ against Chief Edebiri, it was further learnt, some renegades within Benin Forum have been recruited to publicly speak against him.

counterfeit drugs. According to him, “The products destroyed today had a street value of N484,200,420 and were made up of counterfeit and fake ant-malarial, anti-hypertensive, antibiotics, ant-diabetics, injectables of various kinds, multivitamins, seized from manufacturers, importers and distributors, substandard cosmetics and food products confiscated from manufacturers and importers in Anambra State, as

well as expired pharmaceutical products, voluntarily handed over by Onitsha Head Bridge Market Union and companies, in line with regulatory guidelines. “If not for the vigilance and timely interventions of NAFDAC officials, these products would have found their way into circulation and their use would have resulted in therapeutic failure, drug resistance, adverse drug reactions, kidney failure, liver failure, and death,” he added.

of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has said that it has destroyed 500,000 litres of adulterated diesel. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the State Command, Kayode Balogun, in Akure, 500 drums of 1,000-litre capacity each, were seized from some suspects by men from the anti-vandalisation unit at OdeIrele in Irele Local Government Area of the state. Balogun disclosed that the suspects, upon sighting the security agents, took to their

heels and abandoned the already filled drums of adulterated diesel. “More than 500 drums of 1000-litre capacity filled with adulterated diesel amounting to about 500,000 litres were destroyed, with the suspects still at large”. The statement added that, “77 kegs of 25-litre capacity each, filled with adulterated diesel, which amounted to 1,925 litres were also seized”, it said. It noted that the State Commandant, Claudius Danladi Yakubu had declared war on vandals and illegal dealers in adulterated diesel. The command reiterated its commitment to continue clamping down on illegal oil theft.

Osun workers divided over salary Sodiq Adekunle Oshogbo

ÏÏÏWorkers in Osun State have expressed different views on the attitude of the state government to their alleged poor welfare for over four months. While a section of the workers believed that government had given enough reasons for the workers’ hardship, others felt only an industrial action was the way out. Some workers, under the aegis of Senior Civil Servants Association of Nigeria, Osun State branch, gave government a sevenday ultimatum to look into their demands or face an industrial action. Chairman of the association, Akimbo Olatunji, at a press conference in Osogbo, said the ultimatum became necessary to put the government on its toes. Among the demands, he highlighted, were prompt payment

of workers’ salary, promotion of workers and review of contributing pension scheme. On the nonpayment of salary in the past four months, Olatunji said workers have been subjected to untold hardship, adding that “pensioners were suffering in silence”. Factional Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Francis Adetunji, said the ultimatum given by the Senior Civil Servants Association to government was against labour law.

Aregbesola

Isiaka criticises Amosun over NAFDAC destroys N500m fake drugs in Anambra destroyed billboards in Ogun

Doris Nnabuenyi Awka

ÏÏÏFake drugs, worth N500mil-

lion, have been destroyed by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Awka, Anambra State. Speaking on the occasion on Sunday, Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, reiterated the commitment of the agency towards zero tolerance for fake and

Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe

Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has decried the removal of his campaign billboards on major streets of the state capital, Abeokuta, by agents of the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Isiaka, while speaking with

newsmen at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, accused the governor of intolerance, alleging that his agents were responsible for the removal of his posters and billboards from major streets in Abeokuta. His words, “Late yesterday we placed here and somewhere around Moshood Abiola Way, two billboards that showed my picture and some inscriptions, they were placed around 7am yesterday”.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Buhari hale, resting in UK, says wife Continued from page 6 Hajia Buhari said, as she fielded media questions after emerging from the oversubscribed interactive session. When asked if her husband was in hospital, she smiled warmly and turning to the reporter, said, “I’m hearing it for the first time.” Gen. Buhari, meanwhile, was said to have attended Friday prayers at a Mosque near Baker Street. “He attended prayers on Friday, he was seen around the mosque near Baker street,” the source revealed, before Hajia Buhari’s disclosure .

When pressed further on if her husband was in London for a medical check-up, Hajia Buhari smiled and said: “No, he’s just come here to rest. He’s just here to have a rest. At least a few days rest before he goes back to business.” Buhari is expected to deliver a speech at the Chatham House on Thursday this week. “He’s speaking at Chatham House on Thursday, they will soon put it up on their website,” a member of the UK chapter of the APC disclosed to the Daily Times during Saturday’s event. The source also revealed that the Party’s Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, is due in Lon-

don on Monday (today), and that Buhari’s running-mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, will be guest speaker at another event holding at the House of Commons next week Thursday, March 5. On her part, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, during Saturday’s event, warned Nigerians against setting their expectations too high if the APC wins the March 28 presidential elections. Accusing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of “leaving a legacy of unemployment,” she said to the attendees: “General Buhari is not a magician, “ adding: “He will not find you a job if you do not go out there and

L-R: Director General Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria, Mr Dressman Preye; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Author, Mr Casimir Anyanwu and Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje at a Book Presentation and Town Hall Meeting in Lagos at the weekend Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

help yourself.” Mrs Amosun told “armchair critics” that to build Nigeria goes beyond sitting at a remote location and criticising on the social media. “We need to improve our literacy levels in order to tackle mortality rates and boost education, among others,” she said, adding: “It is beyond writing on social media,” to do this. But the event was marred by the number of angry Nigerians who had thronged the venue to hear what the duo of Mrs Buhari and Mrs Osibajo had to say. Reacting to claims by some people that Buhari’s photograph with Blair, Saraki and Amosun was fake, Alhaji Garba asked: “Are they saying everyone is a liar, including Awujale who received GMB at home in London and the TV station that aired his studio interview?” But the Ekiti State Governor, who issued a statement last week saying that Buhari was admitted at a hospital located at Cavendish Street, Cavendish Square, W2 London West End, London, challenged the APC presidential candidate to swear by the Holy Quran if he (Buhari) did not visit a UK hospital last week. Fayose said that the hope of Buhari’s party to seize power in Nigeria, using Buhari will be dashed at the end. He said: “Buhari will never be Nigeria’s president again.” Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said: “I wish they can see spiritually what I am talking about that Buhari, despite the hullabaloo, will never be

president. I predicted my return as Ekiti State Governor and I am saying it again that Buhari will never rule Nigeria again. “After President Goodluck Jonathan, there will be a young element in his late 50s from the North that will be Nigeria’s president. I want to liken this revelation to the story of Elijah and Elisha. I am the Elijah while my followers are Elisha.” While maintaining that he was not wishing Buhari dead, Fayose said: “I owe it a duty to Nigeria and its people to expose the antics of the APC cabal whose only interest is to seize power to further their selfish interests. “Without doubt, it is obvious that these cabal in the APC are trying so hard to deceive Nigerians on Buhari’s health status. That’s the reason they have been using photoshopped pictures to defend their lies on Buhari’s UK trip. “First, they used a March 5, 2013 picture, claiming that Buhari was taking a walk in London on Thursday. Later they came up with another poorly cropped picture of Buhari with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. “The same people who lied in September 2012 that they received a gold card invitation to attend the Democratic National Convention in the United States of America are behind the robing of Buhari in the garment of lies and I challenge Buhari to swear by the Holy Quran that he did not visit hospital in the United Kingdom last week. “However, I want to disappoint this selfish cabal. Buhari is only raising their hope and that hope will be dashed.”

Varsities, others get digital dividends from NCC Continued from page 6 through Digital Awareness Programme (DAP). DAP ensures that teachers are empowered first to pass knowledge to the students. DAP promotes hands-on digital empowerment by creating an environment where students have direct knowledge of usage of computers and ICTs in support of their studies. According to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, “This is one of the ways we can reach the unreached and serve the unserved and underserved members of the society.”

Juwah further assured that many more institutions and schools will be covered especially now that the broadband revolution has begun. “Broadband will make a world of difference,” he declared. Juwah specifically said the Commission wants to put smiles on the faces of students and the school system. The EVC who was represented by Ms. Josephine Amuwa (Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis), stated in Ekiti recently that one of the core functions of the NCC is the implementation of programmes and plans that promote the development of the communications industry and in order

to achieve this, the NCC has implemented several capacity-building initiatives to enhance the knowledge base of the participants in the telecoms industry in Nigeria. Some of these initiatives include the establishment of the Digital Bridge Institute in 2004 to contribute to the creation of knowledge-based information society in Africa, through human resource capacity building in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Director, Public Affairs of NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, in a statement at the weekend, explained that to continue the distribution of digital knowl-

edge, and awareness in schools and support students in acquiring knowledge of computer in their studies, the commission donated ICT/Telecommunications books to Ekiti State University, recently. The EVC stated that the Commission in 2005, also established the NCC library for use of researchers and undergraduate students from various tertiary institutions across the country. He further explained that higher institutions in Ekiti State, which fall within South West geo-political zone, have not benefitted from the National Books Donation Initiative of the commission since inception of the project which

is carried out in phases, hence the need to begin from the Ekiti State University. Eighty Seven ICT/Telecom Engineering books on behalf of the EVC were donated by the Commissioner of NCC, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi and received by the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University Prof. Oladipo Aina. The Vice Chancellor thanked the Commission for contributing ICT/ Telecommunications books to impact and add value to the lives of the students. The commission has also taken the ADAPTI project to The Polytechnic, Ibadan Oyo State, where 110 laptops were commissioned.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

9 News

Foreign airlines want MMIA cargo apron expanded Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe President of Association

President Goodluck Jonathan (5th left); John Cardinal Onaiyekan (4th left); Senate President, David Mark (3rd right); former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi (2nd right) and other Catholic bishops during the President’s visit to Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Cathedral, Garki, Abuja… on Sunday

‘Biafrans’ urge Ndigbo to boycott polls over detained activists Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏ The Biafra Zionists Federa-

tion, (BZF), has called on Ndigbo to boycott the elections scheduled for March 28 and April 11, 2015. The BZF said the call became necessary because of the refusal of a Federal High Court, sitting in Enugu, to grant bail to 11 proBiafra activists, who were on trial for treason. Speaking to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, national chairman of BZF, Comrade Onyia Cyril, said any harm done to the detained BZF members, was a harm to Ndigbo. He, therefore, called on the people of South-East not

to participate in the elections as a show of solidarity with the detained activists. According to him, “they have been in prison custody not because they are pursuing a selfish cause but for the singular reason that they are demanding the liberation of Ndigbo, adding that “To this end, we urge all worthy Igbo sons and daughters not to participate in the forthcoming elections; this is the only honour they should do to these great patriots”. Onyia noted that “it is, indeed, very surprising that the court refused them bail, on the grounds that they may cause security breach within this period; it is surprising, because BZF does not

believe in violence, neither does it associate with any violent group. We can never disrupt any election, although, we shall abstain from voting”. “So, we are calling on the Federal Government to, urgently, intervene and see that these harmless freedom fighters are released. In our fight for freedom, we have never, and will never, take up arms against the State. Everything we are doing is within the ambit of all international laws and treaties”, he added. He called on the Amnesty International and the United Nations to, urgently, intervene in what he called “the use of federal might and power against lawful Biafrans”.

Bar politicians from using your churches, Orji tells clerics Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏAbia

State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has advised church leaders in the state to shun people who may want to use their churches as platforms for political campaigs. Orji, who is also a senatorial candidate for Abia Central senatorial district, gave the advice in Umuahia at the child dedication organized by Deacon Obioma Okorie and four others at the Winners Church, Ihie Ndume Ibeku, near Umuahia.

He added that he was in the church only on invitation and not for political campaign advising: “Don’t allow politicians to use the church as a political platform”. “Let people not come because they want your votes. Don’t allow people to do that”, Orji warned and called for prayers by Christians for himself as he expressed his belief that prayers work wonders. Blessing the children, the host Pastor of Winners Church, Kenneth Adebesin, described children as a gift from God. Chairman on the occasion, Okey

of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria (AFRAN), Kingsley Nwokoma, has called on the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to commence the expansion of the cargo apron of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos, to allow the landing of bigger aircraft. Nwokoma, who spoke with journalists in Lagos, at the weekend, frowned at the abandonment of the cargo apron by the contractor, who was yet to be prosecuted. “We should have a government that will make people work, you can’t just collect money and disappear, especially, for a facility that will benefit the whole country. It’s something that government must look into”. He explained that it was becoming worrisome and difficult for wide-bodied planes to come to the airport, as a result of the inability of the government to construct a bigger apron for the airport. He urged the government to address the situation to avoid embarrassment from the interna-

Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏA parliamentary sitting, ex-

pected to assess the financial status of the Accounting Students Association, (ACA), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State chapter, ended in a fiasco. According to eyewitnesses, the Accounting Students Representative Council (ASRC), had summoned the association’s president, Vincent Adebola, when the fracas occurred. During the president’s presentation, some members of the parliament felt dissatisfied and interrupted him, while his supporters, reportedly, defended him. When contacted on the telephone, the president said, “The

Shun violence, NLC to politicians Sunday Isuwa Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Labour Congress

Orji

Onyemauwa, MD of Okey Technical Company, disclosed that the occasion was prayer answered for a female child after five male children.

(NLC,) has called on Nigerians, especially, politicians, to shun violence before, during and after the general election. General Secretary, Textile Workers Union and Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu, made the call in a statement on Sunday. He said that violence, during

tional community, adding that all eyes were focused on Nigeria. “We have an airline that brings in goods and is made to park at the international wing. The apron is so small and we have had issues and incidents involving planes. The cargo apron is an eyesore, that apron has been there since the airport was built, we have been crying, calling for this expansion, because safety is key here”. On the need for sanity at the NAHCO shed, he called for the introduction of access control of people into the cargo area, especially, with the security challenges in the country. The AFRAN president stressed the need for the installation of close circuit television at the airport to monitor activities in the area. “If we are going to achieve anything positive, manpower and equipment have to be at the peak. The airport must be illuminated”. He decried the inability of the government to bring down the price of aviation fuel, despite the fall in oil prices in the world market.

OAU accounting students fight over financial report issue is that we were there to present the financial report of our summit, but, in the process of presenting the report, there were a lot of interruption from the members of the ASRC. It was just a minor issue and we were able to resolve it and everything has been settled. “There was nothing like a fight. I was on the floor to represent the generality of Management and Accounting students’ interests in the House, and I deserve to be respected, because I wasn’t accused of any misappropriation of funds.” and after the elections, would pose great danger to Nigeria’s nascent democracy. “As a labour delegate member to the 2014 National Conference, I am, particularly, delighted with the decision of the Council of State. Part of the critical resolutions of the National Conference is about how to deepen democracy,” Aremu said. “One of the resolutions is the need to keep to the rules. As an affiliate of NLC, we wish to reaffirm labour commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a credible, peaceful, free and fair election,” Aremu added.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Community leader tasks Udu residents on PVCs

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji (left), his wife, Mercy (2nd left) and others during the commissioning of cars for youth empowerment in Umuahia South, at the ...weekend

Joe Ogbodu Warri

ÏÏÏThe President General of

5,000 members dump PDP for APC in Jigawa Dutse Mohammed Dutse

ÏÏÏA

former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant in Jigawa State, Arch. Aminu Kani, alongside over 5000 party supporters across the Hadejia Emirate, have announced their defection from the ruling PDP to the All Progressive Congress (APC). Kani, who contested with four others and was the first PDP aspirant to agree in principle to withdraw for Aminu Ringim, denied that his defection was masterminded by his former party, saying his defection was based on principle, and that he believed in principle and a committed party. Signing his membership registration with the APC, Kani stated: “My conviction in dumping the PDP was informed by the

lack of internal democracy in the party, couple with confronting problems yet unsettled due to personal greed, selfishness and high degree of impunity. These flaws are far beyond my belief and contrary to my political ideology and credibility.” He further stated that “as a true democrat, I will want to join a political party whose philosophy will be based on integrity, selfless service to humanity for the overall interest of both the governor and the governed, hence my resolve to embrace the APC. “If you are talking about integrity, you are refering to the All Progressives Congress,” he declared. According to Arch. Kani, frustration and impunity were the least of the forces that forced him to opt out of the PDP. “For example, when I signified my interest

Remi Oladoye Ibadan

ÏÏÏ

Lamido

in contesting the number one seat along with three others, we were all denied the nomination forms, for the simple reasons that the Governor Lamido-led PDP government had concluded plans to anointed Aminu Ringim as a consensus candidate, thereby forcing me to step down.”

AGF wants Nigerian extradited to UK over murder charges Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Attorney General of Fed-

eration and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), has applied to the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, for an order to extradite Adebayo Dalvin James Ekun to the United Kingdom to face murder charge for the death of Marcus Hall. Adebayo Dalvin James Ekun, who also bears 11 other names such as Adebayo Kekere-Ekun, Adebayo Mutalito Kekere-Ekun, James Dal-

vin, Jamie Adebayo, Dave Bell, David Arron Hall, Anthony Higgins, Layelle Holder, Dalvin James and Gary Edwin Plummer, is also wanted in the United Kingdom for violent disorder. The minister made the request under the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and Great Britain, signed in London on December 22, 1931, which is recognised as binding on the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the provision of the London Scheme for Extradition within the Com-

Okpaka Community in Udu Local Government area of Delta State, Olorogun Godwin Edoja, has called on all sons, daughters and residents in Udu to ensure that they collect their permanent voters’ cards (PVCs). Addressing Journalists at his country home in Okpaka over the weekend, Edoja expressed shock that residents and indigenes of the area are showing apathy towards the collection of the PVCs. He said: “I am surprised that majority of people residing in Udu have not been able to collect their PVCs, so I am appealing to all indigenes and residents of Okpaka, Opete and Udu kingdom in general to go

monwealth. Adoke’s application followed a request by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Shereliff, that Adebayo be extradited to enable him face murder and violent disorder charges for an offence he allegedly committed, according to an affidavit attached to the application and sworn to by Nana Abdulkadir Modibbo, a senior state counsel, Central Authority Unit (International Cooperation Criminal Matters), Federal Ministry of Justice.

Labour union leader and former secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bayo Ajayi, has tackled the Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led APC government in Oyo State over welfare of the civil servants, saying the governor had the worst record of workersgovernment relationship in the history of the state. Comrade Ajayi, in an interactive session with journalists in Ibadan at the weekend, said the workers were not only been ridiculed by Ajimobi’s claims but also do not have freedom to challenge government’s views due to threats of sack or transfer, which was not so during his predecessors’ reigns. The former member of the

Al-Makura’s running mate begs kinsmen for bloc votes Sunday Isuwa Abuja

ÏÏÏRunning mate to the guberna-

torial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor of Nasarawa State, Silis Ali Agara, has begged his fellow Mada tribe for a bloc votes, as the election approaches. Agara, during a tour to some parts of the state where his kinsmen were resided, told the Mada people

and collect their PVCs, so that they can vote the best house of assembly and governorship candidates into power come March 28 and April 11.” Edoja also dismissed campaigns by some PDP leaders rejecting the use of card readers during the general election, noting that it would further strengthen democracy in Nigeria. He warned against political violence and the way and manner thugs go about destroying posters and bill boards of some candidates in Udu area, warning them to desist from such acts or face the full wrath of the law. Edoja also spoke concerning the crisis within the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) and appealed to the two warring factions to mend fence.

TUC leader tackles Ajimobi over workers’ welfare Joint Negotiating Council also lamented poor remuneration of workers and pensioners in the state, and appealed to them to exercise patient for the next few months “when the tenure of this government would expire. “Ajimobi started on a very wrong note with the reversion of the N18,000 minimum wage and cancellation of other benefits approved by his predecessors. He continued by relieving them of their jobs and threatening to sack more without any genuine reason. that it was only APC in the state that fielded their kinsman as a deputy. Agara said haven won the primary to contest the House of Representatives seat, he accepted Governor Tanko Al-Makura’s call for him to be his running mate in order to protect the interests of the Mada people. “So, our people must ensure they give APC a bloc vote. APC is a party that cares for us. We must replicate what they’ve done for us by giving them a bloc votes.” “The slot of a running mate was something I could not resist. It would have been a disservice to Mada people if I had turned down the offer. What Mada people have been looking for and could not get, has come to their doors-step,” Agara added.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

11 News

Arewa group lauds FG, military over Boko Haram

Ogun Police kill three robbery suspects, arrest two

Saka Bolaji

Abiodun Taiwo

Minna

Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe Arewa unity vanguard, ÏÏÏOgun has commended the renewed seriousness in the offensive against insurgents in the north east of the country. In a statement, signed by the president of the forum, Mallam Garba Muhammad, extolled the Nigeria military, who he said has gallantly dispossessed the dreaded Boko Haram from all their hide out. The association noted that this approach was reassuring and moral boosting not only to the troops but Nigerians and the international community. Quoting defence sources on the raid on sambisa forest, a stronghold of the insurgents, “significant capture of weapons and the release of captured girls was indicative that the time frame given to degrade the insurgents was achievable”. The Arewa vanguard however advised the president to ensure not only meeting the time frame but ensure total elimination of Boko Haram, through viable and creative strategies to reduce the restiveness in the polity.

Group denies Jang’s imposition of Pwajok Chijioke Kingsley Jos

State Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), of the Nigeria Police, have killed three robbery suspects and arrested two others, terrorising members of Atan/Onibukun communities, in Ado Odo /Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. In a press release, issued and signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, said three of the robbers fell af-

them (robbers), fire for fire. Three (3) of them were killed, two (2) arrested, while others escaped with fatal bullet wounds, and two berretta pistols, loaded with three rounds of life ammunition, one locally made revolver pistol with four rounds of life ammunition, one locally made long barreled guns loaded with life cartridges, assorted charms and one Bajaj motorcycle without registration number which is being used for operations by the robbers”. Adejobi further said, “The two

injured suspected armed robbers were receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital with a view to assisting the police in their investigation on getting more information and the likes”. The command therefore appealed to the general public, particularly medical practitioners, to be on the look-out for any patients with suspected bullet wounds and endeavour to notify the Ogun State police command or any police formation around them of such for necessary action.

Bida Poly matriculates 10,000 students Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏThe

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) with a cross section of Eze Ndigbo of the 20 councils and 37 LCDAs during their solidarity visit to the candidate at the weekend

2015: Zazzau Emirate backs Jonathan, PDP Victor Jibrin Kaduna

ÏÏÏThe Acting National Presi- ÏÏÏCountdown dent of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM), Rwang Dalyop Dantong, has defended the Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, by saying the governor never imposed any governorship candidate on the people. It has been widely rumoured within the state that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governorship candidate, for the 2015 election, Senator Gyang Pwajok, was imposed by Governor Jang, by influencing the results of the party primaries. But the BYM President pointed out in a statement in Jos, on Sunday, that the PDP governorship primaries was contested by aspirants from the three geopolitical zones of the state and the candidate of Plateau North, won, because the zone produced an unbeatable candidate.

ter a fierce gun battle, while two others were arrested with fatal bullet wounds. The statement stated further, “Operatives have been on surveillance of the den for almost a month before they embarked on the successful operation recently, with the help of some members of the public, who assisted in gathering information on the area. “The deadly and notorious armed robbers, on sighting the SARS operatives, opened fire on the operatives and they repelled

to March 28 Presidential election, Zazzau Emirate Council, in Kaduna State, has thrown its weight behind the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. A traditional title holder in the emirate, Alhaji Samaila Musa, the Sarkin Gandu, gave this hint in reaction to the struggle between the Peoples Democratic Party and other parties in the state. Speaking in an interview with Daily Times, Alhaji Musa, identified the paring of President Jonathan with his vice, Namadi Sambo, who hails from Zaria, headquarters of the emirate, and the performance of Jonathan administration, as factors that explains the emirate’s support for the embattling president. He said if one is sincere, there is no doubt that President Jonathan has tried his best, Boko Ha-

ram terrorist activities notwithstanding, that he should be given a second tenure. Consequently, the people of Zaria and Kaduna by extension will vote for Jonathan, he affirmed, stressing that their son and brother, Sambo, is his running mate “From every honest assessment, if you look at how President Jonathan worked, you will agree that he has done his best in rural electrification, construction of roads and education. For example see almajiri schools and new universities all over the country’, he argued. Speaking further, the Sarkin Gandu, said, “look at the establishment of Civil Defence as well as the poverty alleviation programme which, according to him, gives employment to a large number of people. Before now, people were riding motorcycle, popularly known as Okada, for survival, but his transformation agenda has made it possible for such people

Jonathan

to be using tricycle. Likewise, you see many people riding cars”. He argued that “the people are in love with PDP everywhere”, if not for the problem of insecurity, occasioned by Boko Haram. “Let me tell you, whatever you see happening, is because of Boko Haram, if not for that problem, everybody is in love with the PDP.

Federal Polytechnic, Bida, last weekend, matriculated 10,000 students comprising of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 admissions for National and Higher National Diploma Programmes. The students were admitted into 23 National Diploma courses and 35 Higher National Diploma courses. The Rector of the institution, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, while addressing the students, said the institution decided to merge the two sets of admission together in order not to marginalize some students. “During the ASUP strike of about ten months, JAMB gave two sets of admissions, the management of the institution decided to give admission to some of the students in order not to marginalise them. “This is what many other Federal Polytechnics have done because if we leave them like that without engaging them, they will constitute nuisance in the streets of Nigeria” Engr Sule said. He further said that the institution is embarking on expansion and building of classrooms to accommodate the newly admitted students stating that the number will not affect the conduct of its examinations as it would be adequately phased. The Rector urged the newly admitted students not to engage themselves in any form of vices or anti-social activities such as cultism, examination malpractice and drug abuse stressing that any student found engaged in such vices will be expelled.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Armed men abduct 89 boys in South Sudan

It is believed the boys may have been taken to be used as child soldiers

ÏÏÏAt least, 89 boys have been

abducted in South Sudan’s restive Upper Nile State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said. The UN agency said the boys, some as young as 13, were taking exams in Wau Shilluk, a town about 12 miles northeast of the state capital, Malakal, when they were taken by armed men. UNICEF also cited witnesses to the mass abduction, who said

Eight Liberian health workers sent home in Ebola scare ÏÏÏ

Eight health workers at a hospital in Liberia’s capital have been sent home for observation after coming into contact with a patient, who later tested positive for Ebola, the country’s assistant health minister has said. The incident occurred at the SD Cooper Hospital in Monrovia’s Sinkor neighbourhood, Tolbert Nyenswah said. The patient, a woman, was transferred to the hospital from a smaller hospital, and staff began treating her before an Ebola test was conducted, Nyenswah said. The health workers will be under observation for 21 days and will not be coming into work during that period, he said.

“armed soldiers” went house to house in the town and forced any boy over the age of 12 to go with them. Thousands of children have been forced by the government and rebel groups to fight as child soldiers, since South Sudan erupted in violence in December 2013, UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon said in a report released last month. It is unclear who was behind

“You cannot be under observation and then at the same time go to work to expose people. No way,” he said. There are now eight patients who have tested positive for Ebola being cared for at treatment centres in Liberia, Nyenswah said. Seven of those are in Monrovia, while another is in the town of Kakata. That total is a far cry from last year when the West African nation was the centre of the worst Ebola outbreak in history. Liberia has recorded more than 9 000 confirmed, suspected and probable Ebola cases and 3 900 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation. However, WHO’s most recent update reported only two new cases in the previous week, and schools began reopening earlier this week. On Friday, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf ordered officials to lift a curfew put in place six months ago and to reopen the country’s land border crossings.

the abductions in Wau Shilluk, but UNICEF’s representative in South Sudan, Jonathan Veitch, called for the children to be released immediately. “The recruitment and use of children by armed forces destroy families and communities. Children are exposed to incomprehensible levels of violence. They lose their families and their chance to go to school,” Veitch said.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war. The new nation has been in conflict since December 2013, when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy, Riek Machar, of trying to oust him in a coup. Their rivalry has sparked violence throughout the young nation, with reports of mass killings and starvation. More than 1.5 million people have been displaced.

Islamic State attack kills 40 in Libya

ÏÏÏTwin suicide bombings at

a Mogadishu hotel, popular with ministers and officials were carried out by Dutch nationals, Somali intelligence sources has said, the day after 25 people were killed. Somali intelligence believes both suicide bombers - a man and a woman - were DutchSomali citizens who infiltrated the Central Hotel, close to the presidential palace ahead of the attack. Sources within the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the man, identified as Ismail Muse, exploded a bomb in a car parked at the hotel while the woman, Lula Ahmed Dahir, detonated her explosive vest inside the hotel’s prayer room. The woman “worked part time in the hotel for up to four months,” according to an intelligence report seen by AFP. “Her relationship to the male attacker... is not yet known but thought to be very close, if not husband,” said the report. The attack left 25 people dead including two MPs, the deputy mayor of Mogadishu, the Prime Minister’s private secretary and the deputy PM’s chief of staff.

Food aid shortage threatens HIV patients in Burkina Faso ÏÏÏThe World Food Programme

ÏÏÏ

A bombing by suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in Libya has killed, at least, 40 people and wounded dozens in the eastern town of al-Qubbah. Three bombs exploded, targeting a petrol station, a police station and the home of parliamentary speaker Agila Salah, a security source told BBC News. According to an online statement, IS fighters said they struck in retaliation for Egyptian air strikes. Egypt launched strikes after IS killed 21 Egyptian Christians it had abducted. The al-Qubbah attack is one of the deadliest in Libya since the toppling of Col Muammar Gaddafi four years ago. The country remains in a state

Dutch nationals fingered in Mogadishu hotel blasts

Salah

of chaos with two governments vying for legitimacy and territory. Medics at the scene of the bombings said the majority of casualties were at the petrol station, where there was a long queue of motorists. Agila Salah was not at home at the time of the attack, they added. Speaking to Saudi-owned TV channel Al-Arabiya, he announced seven days of mourning for the bomb victims. “I think this operation was revenge for what happened in Derna,” Mr Salah said.

warns it will soon need to cut assistance to thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso because of a funding shortage. Jean-Charles Dei, the local WFP representative, said the shortage threatens more than 12 000 patients and other people affected by HIV/AIDS, imperilling their health and making it difficult for patients to continue drug treatment. WFP normally distributes 117 tons of food assistance to the group, but Dei said the program had received only 27% of its current funding needs, allowing it to provide aid to only 3 000 people. The United Nations HIV/AIDS agency estimates there are 110 000 people living with HIV in Burkina Faso. The adult prevalence rate is just under 1%, down from a high of 6.5% in 2001.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23 , 2015

Pope Francis, Merkel discuss Ukraine, poverty ÏÏÏPope Francis and German

Chancellor, Angela Merkel have discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the fight against poverty during a private audience. The meeting was the second between the two since Francis’ election as Pope. The Vatican described the climate at the meeting, on Saturday, as “very cordial” while Merkel told reporters that the discussions were “wide-ranging, as expected”, covering Ukraine, poverty, the role of women in developing countries, women’s equality, and other items on Germany’s agenda for its G7 presidency and summit in June. “I was very happy to meet with the Pope,” said Merkel, whose father was a Lutheran pastor. “He gave me a lot of encouragement.” The 40-minute meeting was longer than usual for the Vatican, although, Merkel and Francis’ previous private audience lasted 45 minutes, suggesting a good working relationship. They spoke through translators. Francis presented Merkel with a medallion depicting St. Martin giving his coat to the poor, saying it served as a reminder to world leaders that their job is “to protect their poor”. Merkel responded: “We try to do our best.” He also gave her a copy of his encyclical, Evangelii gaudium,

Pope Francis with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, during a private audience in the Pontiff’s library, in the Vatican City.

(The Joy of the Gospel) translated into German. Merkel gave the pope an en-

velope containing a donation to help children fleeing conflicts in the Middle East. She also pre-

US may delay troop pullout from Afghanistan

ÏÏÏUS

President Barack Obama’s new Pentagon chief has said that the United States was seriously considering slowing the pace of a troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, as the country faces a growing Taliban insurgency. US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter’s comments in Kabul offered the clearest sign yet that Washington was ready to delay the closure of some bases and retain more troops after appeals by Afghanistan’s new President Ashraf Ghani and advice from commanders. To safeguard “hard-won” progress, Obama “is considering a number of options to reinforce our support for President Ghani’s security strategy, including possible changes to the timeline for our drawdown of US troops,” Carter said after talks with Afghan leaders. “That could mean taking anoth-

er look at the timing and sequencing of base closures to ensure we have the right array of coalition capabilities,” he said at a joint news conference with Ghani. Apart from troop numbers, the United States and its allies would need to make “long-term commitments in resources, equipment and other support” to ensure the success of the Afghan forces, he said. Carter’s visit comes amid a sharp rise in Afghan casualties from the 13-year conflict, with the UN recording a 22% increase in the number of civilians killed and injured in 2014 due to an intensification in ground fighting between government and insurgent forces. It also comes as Obama faces a decision about the timetable for a troop drawdown in Afghanistan. Under the current plan, the 10 000-strong US force is due to drop to roughly 5 000 by the end of 2015

and then pull out altogether by the time Obama leaves office in two years. But the Obama administration already has delayed the pace of the withdrawal, allowing 1 000 additional American forces to remain this year. And the US commander on the ground, General John Campbell, has suggested he favours slowing the drawdown further, though the details of the possible options before Obama remain unclear.

Obama

sented the pontiff with a collection of music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Colombia court keeps limits on same-sex adoption ÏÏÏ

Colombia’s constitutional court has ruled to keep the current limits on same-sex adoption. The court said that same-sex couples could only adopt a child if it was the offspring of one of the partners. Discussion about whether to lift the current restrictions had dominated social media in the hours before the ruling.It comes almost two years after the country’s Congress voted against allowing gay marriages. Colombian media said the ruling showed great wisdom, arguing that it took the middle road between allowing same-sex couples to freely adopt children and banning same-sex adoption outright. But lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) groups expressed their disappointment, saying the ruling did not go far enough.

13 World Venezuela detains mayor for plotting violence

ÏÏÏCaracas Mayor, Antonio Le-

dezma, has been indicted for plotting violence against Venezuela’s government - a move condemned by the country’s opposition. The attorney general’s office said Mr Ledezma, 59, would remain in a military prison pending his trial. This comes on the anniversary of the start of protests against Mr Maduro’s rule that left dozens of people dead. On Friday, opponents of the president again protested in the capital against what they described as a crackdown on his political opponents. The US has also denounced the “systemic intimidation” by the Venezuelan authorities of the country’s opposition. State department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: “Venezuela’s problems cannot be solved by criminalising legitimate, democratic dissent.” The news of Mr Ledezma’s arrest was surprising, but Venezuelans have seen this before. Of 76 opposition mayors in office, 33 are facing a trial. Last time a prominent opposition politician was jailed - Leopoldo Lopez, a year ago - there were large street protests. But not this time. Opposition leaders asked people to not take the “government’s bait” by staging large protests, a scenario which would make violence more likely. Many analysts argue that protests benefit the government as they create a common threat unifying the government’s supporters, and giving Mr Maduro grounds to condemn the opposition. The opposition’s strategy this time is different. It aims to win parliamentary elections later this year by capitalising on Mr Maduro’s declining popularity.

100-passenger ferry capsizes in Bangladeshi ÏÏÏ

A river ferry carrying about 100 passengers has capsized in central Bangladesh and a rescue operation is underway. Fire department official Shahzadi Begum says the ferry was reportedly hit by a cargo vessel at the Daulatdia-Paturia crossing on the Padma River on Sunday. The site is 40km northwest of the capital. Begum says rescue teams have been deployed and many passing boats are helping in the operation.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

When there is victory and honour in defeat

Olarewaju Ajiboye

egardless of criticisms of poor performance, President Goodluck Jonathan can still steal the show if based on his often gloated achievement if he refuses to be tempted by ambition to return to office surreptitiously. There is problem of insecurity, especially the annoyingly intractable Boko Haram terror campaign though erroneously regarded as restricted to the Northeast of Nigeria. It is as clear as the day that our economy is in doldrums regardless of “rebasing” and “rebounding” economic jargons. We are confounded and challenged by unemployment. In the name of politics, we divided our hearts and souls along religious and ethnic tendencies. There is no denying the facts that under the government headed by President Goodluck Jonathan, all the above stated shortcomings are present just as they were under previous governments. Dr.Goodluck Jonathan enjoyed a tremendous goodwill and sympathy

on ascending the throne as acting, substantive and elected President, but his failure to deliver on key promises he made is the reason voters are poised to punishing him and the likelihood of adopting Buhari through their voting power. But what about the achievements of the Jonathan government though they appear intangible, but matters a great deal? And the first and most important is the clean up of the electoral process that makes votes count (It is regrettable that this laudable achievement that should be the trademark and high point of GEJ’s government is now being traded away). Recall the Anambra, Edo, Ondo and Osun elections? That of Ekiti could not be rated due to the recently released audio that alleged the under hand dealings by government agents. The other elections earlier mentioned portrayed the President as a statesman rather than a party man a la definition of it by the PDP. What about politics of tolerance that sees the President having easy working relationship with other elected leaders from different political platforms until the hawks took

him captive by stoking the fear of losing power to the opposition. President Jonathan will go down in history as the most lampooned in all spheres of information dissemination apparatuses. GEJ is the President you could disparage through cartoons, YouTube histrionics etc and still enjoys the silent hours with your spouse. Ideally, it should not be a virtue to celebrate by his being a public figure whose activities must be constantly subjected to scrutinies. The norm in Nigeria had always been that a leader exercises overbearing political powers, such that a transgressor can be accused of excesses deserving of punishment. As a student of literature, I am not oblivious of the literary termTragic Flaw- a weakness that often leads to the downfall of a hero in a drama. In real life situation,it is also very common and other factors in its laager are the prodding, the goading and misrepresentations often crafted by a coterie of palace courtiers. They are also called “The Kitchen cabinet”, “The Hawks” and “The Inner Caucus”. They do the leader no good; they are often the leader’s nemesis.

And they had been in existence in the eon of time. Remember them? They advised a King in Israel to tell his subjects “My father chastised you with whips, I will chastise you with scorpions.” We can go down memory lane and assess how the effects of Tragic Flaw and the acts of palace courtiers had not only destroyed leaders but also put the society at edge. Sir Tafawa Balewa was a victim and he and few others paid the supreme price; General Aguiyi Ironsi and few others also sacrificed their lives and the country nearly imploded. General Gowon was not allowed a voluntary exit; General Murtala Muhammed was harbouring wolves in sheep’s clothing, they went for his cortex. General Obasanjo, in his first coming was made wiser by Proverbs 20.1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”,when he applied the wisdom of the proverb to the allures of power in his hands then. He refused to hold on to power and that soared his integrity both within and outside Nigeria shores.

Who will ask Obasanjo to shut up?

Shehu Dikko

promised to shut up and take a long break but since I had asked Obasanjo to disappear and he won’t, I thought I should dart in with some justification as to why he really ought to be told to shut up and disappear, and, for me, personally, also to say to him: you can’t fool me. Thanks for sharing Dan Agbese’s 2000 article about Haroun Adamu’s probe of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). It seems that people are digging. Buhari didn’t run the PTF. He left it to somebody who allegedly came from his circle of friends and family, and went to sleep. It was alleged to have been run just like any old inept Nigerian government venture. No difference whatsoever. Its officials allegedly took bribes, awarded over inflated contracts and the like. As a result, one of them on the board of the PTF, the late Group Captain Usman Jibrin, who would have none of it, decided to resign. Buhari stayed put. I also see you paying attention to Obasanjo’s self-serving talk. Not many are seeing the self-serving disposition right now but it is to the credit of Jonathan that he has actually grown the balls to refuse to continue to take dictation from

him. If truth were told, it is easier to point to where Jonathan has spent money in his four+ years than it is to show what Obasanjo did in his first term. Let us be concrete. Obasanjo faced turbulence, Sharia riots, Odi. Obasanjo failed to punish the perpetrators of the Sharia riots that served to embolden others including the Haramites; he was highhanded in dealing with Odi, which served to further militarise. Jonathan has had to deal with the consequences of Obasanjo’s failures in addition to the Boko Haram which is now a problem with a serious destabilising foreign dimension. Worse still owing to the circumstances in which he came into office and the sense of betrayal felt by the many northerners who consider their turn to rule as having been hijacked, as well as his failure to properly reach out to the disgruntled, he has been unable to win the confidence and support of influential sections of the North. This failure is what I foresaw in 2011, and warned that it could lead to division. That North is also suffering from another problem, which is a direct consequence of the Babangida privatisation programme, which was accelerated and completed by Obasanjo.

I have a problem with the privatisation of vital social services but that is irrelevant here. Recall the old days. There was a time when people looked forward to Board appointments, First Bank, NITEL and the whole battery of other huge government owned enterprises. Membership of those boards afforded people the opportunity to use their influence to serve the interests of their immediate communities, and because of the Federal Character principle, this patronage was widely spread. Federal Character also ensured that there was a spread of offices of those companies occupied by local employees thoughout the country. That disappeared completely under Obasanjo. It is not been noticed by many but the handful of companies bought by northerners, like Nigerian Ropes and Steyr, have floundered or have been comatose since they acquired them. For a North used to widescale patronage, it has been hard to deal with new realities, which is why so many there are intent on doing whatever they can to ensure a return to the old comfort. One new reality from which there is no escaping is that Jonathan has actually shown a commitment to making and fulfilling promises which is why he has been run-

ning for re-election on his record, something which Obasanjo did not do in 2003. Obasanjo channeled a lot of money to power generation. The rest of the time, Obasanjo was away from his desk on extended visits abroad. He left Atiku to run the government. Obasanjo and Atiku were later to build their own private schools and universities. By contrast, Jonathan has built new government schools and universities; built a major new railway line, Kaduna-Abuja, for the first time in a hundred years; built a road between Abuja and Lokoja that is the finest in the country; is building a metro line in Abuja; empowerd Innoson Motors of Nnewi to manufacture transport buses that are visible on our highways. All these are things he committed to doing in the aftermath of the oil subsidy saga, and he has managed to do them despite the major challenge of Boko Haram. I have not dismissed the view that aspects of the complex Boko Haram problem are the work of persons working to return to that which they had grown accustomed. The stakes are very high. There are operators with ugly records who will stop at nothing. There is trouble on the horizon. I have sent out warnings. I hope they are heeded.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

15 Opinion

Nigeria: Constant motion without movement

Pro R.A. Ipinyomi

any of us always feel that the good news on Nigeria is what we should be writing about but alas there is just none. Do we turn the deepening political crises and uncertainty or the unnecessary interference of the military statements in politics to good news? Or do we say that Boko Haram and its sponsors are doing some great job in their blind killing and destruction? What scientific breakthrough has been celebrated and uniquely to Nigerian’s contribution or what economic model for the coming generation is a product of our research? Instead our forests have been dilapidated, roads are becoming impassable, and hospitals are now only obituary places to keep dead bodies. Our Universities admitting three or more times their carrying capacities and teaching only theory of the practical. Nothing seems to work any more. By far the biggest scandal in town is from the political class. Having lower the education level

to as low as O’ Level, we still have governors in court because they still don’t have the little education required to qualify them, while other politicians choose to ‘Toronto’ themselves to the office claiming what they only wished they have had. Their story is like a king who had 10 sons each from his 10 different wives and could not own decide his successor amongst them. Unknown to the 10 sons and their mothers the king boiled some maize seeds and gave the 10 sons to plant, nurse and bring the harvest after three months. Only one of the sons could not germinate the already boiled maize seeds and he came back with his mother after the three months sorrowful. The other nine sons had Nigerian mothers and they found their ways to bring to the king mountain top harvests with their mothers behind each of them giving tactical supports and thanksgiving at harvest time. Of course the king became disappointed in the nine Nigerian politicians and had to ‘Buhari’ them with several jail terms. Some got 120, 180, 250 or even over 300 years jail terms depending on what

methods they had used to grow the already boiled maize seeds. Why is our story always like this? Whenever we would witness a breakthrough someone amongst us would scuttle everything and we would be back to square one? As a very young boy then, I am a witness of the first Republic where it seemed that after independence Nigeria would be standing tall amongst nations. In our house my father was a politician of the stock of the then Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and a councilor on five shillings a month. The Action Group was also prominent in our area at the time and which my father had to always contend with. He told us he held that position since 1948 till 1962. He also told us never to join the Nigerian politics. But daddy why not? The intrigues, deception, the religious and regional factors, the differences in tongues and languages, were allowed to be used as political weapons, whereas if we had been successful all would have benefitted. The regime of Jonathan of 2011-2015 is practically ending, yet Nigeria and Nigerians are yet to know how the several billion dol-

lars the country earns daily from crude oil sales alone are being spent, how much more had been borrowed in our name to provide for services that we could neither see, nor feel. Jonathan’s regime is only just one of the many regimes. The same question should be asked of each regime since independence. This amount from oil does not include daily collections for royalties, petroleum profits taxes, sales of liquefied natural gas and other condensates, income taxes, value added tax and other internally generated revenues. The open querries of the last two CBN governors should never have been brushed aside nor allowed to be swept away simply because someone has a degree in accounting and is smart to have appeared able to reconcile figures. The truth is that we sense that Nigeria is going round a big circle that is leading to nowhere. We need to all come clean and face the reality of our society that may permanently be under developed at the rate it is growing. We note that the population is growing geometrically but the economic indicators are going the opposite directions or growing much slower.

Opportunities at our backdoors

Zayyad I. Muhammad

igeria is a country of many opportunities. But Nigerians rarely exploit them. The major reason is that the government lacks the will to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurial development. The absence of such environment has led to poverty of ideas on how to take advantage of the many opportunities at their backdoor among most ordinary Nigerians. Notwithstanding, some Nigerians have defied this and are making fortunes from the opportunities that abound. Nonetheless, there are still many untapped prospects at our backdoor which can be money spinners. Time has come for Nigeria governments at all levels to design how government can create a supportive environment for Nigerians to explore the various potentials for entrepreneurial development. For instance, farmers produce thousands of tonnes of perishable crops like tomatoes, pepper, onions, lettuce, cabbage etc especially in the northern part of Nigeria. But most of these are lost due to lack of adequate storage and packaging facilities. To tackle this, the govern-

ment can establish local fabrication of small scales storage facilities and packaging machines for perishable crops. There are many young Nigerians with sound technical knowhow of fabrication of simple and small scale farm machineries- what they need is proper co-ordination, tools and good workshops. Nigeria has made a huge error by neglecting technical and vocational schools. Most graduates of technical schools can replicate many types of simple and small scale machineries imported into Nigeria today. That’s how China started. If the Nigerian government can take bold initiatives towards organized and well-tooled workshops to encourage technical knowledge development, it will be a viable way for foreign exchange, employment and industrialization. Crocodile farming is a thriving and lucrative business, though it is capital intensive, but when fully established, it brings a lot of foreign exchange through the sales of crocodile leather, meat and other by-products. Zimbabwean farmers are making fortunes from Crocs farming. Captive breeding will be an excellent method that can be practiced anywhere in Nigeria and the method is recognized by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Despite Nigeria’s immense water resources and growing number of fish farmers, the country still imports fish. The nation’s demand for fish protein is enough to sustain huge fish farming. Government should establish both indoor and outdoor cage system fish farms and loan them to interested young Nigerians, who will pay back the loans on installment. This method will increase fish farming and will also have a multiplier effects on fabrication of small scale fish preservation and smoking equipments. There has been talk about waste to wealth in Nigeria but not much has been done about it. Waste recycling is a huge source of income. Ewaste recycling is also a new way to employ thousands of young people. Experts have said that a large number of what is labeled “e-waste” are whole electronic equipment or parts that are readily marketable for reuse or can be recycled for materials recovery. Cell phones and other electronic items contain high amounts of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, copper, iron, aluminum, etc. Nigeria is a huge market for cellphones, thus millions of tonnes of cell phones waste are generated every year. E-waste recycling will be a money spinner and a good way of tackling toxic waste in Nigeria. Cell

phones e-waste recycling export to France is employing thousands of youth in the Ivory Coast. Nigeria can emulate the Ivorians. Tax collection at most states and local government is often very poor. Government should enact a policy which will allow young Nigerians to establish small firms for tax collection on behalf of authorities, a policy that will allow such small firm to get commission from taxes collected. There are some cash crops on which many African countries are leveraging from growing them. Nigeria’s fertile land supports the growth of cash crops like garlic, gum arabic, onions, ginger etc, yet the country is not taking advantage of it. Ethiopia is world’s 7th garlic producer and enjoys huge foreign exchange from the crop, Sudan is world’s largest single producer of gum arabic, and Sudanese are dependent on gum Arabic for their livelihoods. Nigeria is the world’s 24th largest onion producer, only Algeria and Morocco produce more onions in Africa than Nigeria, yet Nigeria hardly makes reasonable foreign exchange from onions. All these are just a bit of the various potentials untapped in Nigeria. It is high time all other viable avenues are explored.

NEWS 16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Emir of Kano tasks Islamic clerics on non-violence sermons Yakubu Salisu

ÏÏÏ

His royal highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, has charged muslim clerics to intensify efforts at preaching against any form of molestation or abuses towards women and hardship under-aged children are subjected to, particularly the female

child. The emir made this call at a paper presentation at Bayero University, Kano. According to him, there is the need for religious teachers to double their efforts at educating parents and the general public about the numerous dangers and hardships under-aged children are subjected to in the

community. The emir said it was wrong Islamically for parents to give their children into labour, as it is the sole responsibility of the parents to cater for the needs of their wards, and not the other way round. He said often one hears cases of violence against women in a society that claims to be religious.

The emir, who laid much emphases on hardships faced by the female child, said forced marriages and under-aged marriages are totally against the teachings of Islam. “People must be taught to respect the female child like every other person in the society. Such practice where a girl child is seen as nothing but a burden and bad luck

predated the coming of Islam, but the coming of Islam restored the freedom and respect of women and little girls,” he observed. He said it was sad that people in this generation are doing exactly what was practiced before the coming of Islam, so the emir called for a change and prayed for peace and well-being of the nation.

Sanusi

PUBLIC NOTICE INCUSSUS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given to the General Public that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for the registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts No. 1 of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Asim-Ita Emilia Effioawan 2. Abimbola Kazeem Akanji Adekunle 3. Aladese Oluwatosin Jigiola 4. Onuk Edikan Iyah Aims & Objectives 1. To provide a coordinating framework for the actions of governmental and non-governmental organizations. 2. To encourage cooperation between the government, the private sector and community organizations. 3. To provide support to the creation and operation of vibrant community institutions. 4. To facilitate the decentralization of and effective delivery of government services to communities. 5. To advocate the need for integrated resource use planning, implementing and monitoring at the community level. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Ivory Solicitors Legal Practitioners & Notaries Public 374, Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos 08037122564

JOHN OLUSOJI OKUSAGA FOUNDATION

IFELODUN MUSLIMS UMMAH CENTRAL MOSQUE, IPAJA, LAGOS This is to inform the general public that the above named Non Governmental organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commision, Abuja for registration under Part ‘‘C’’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 The Trustees Are: 1. Alhaji Ogundele Tajudeen 3. Alhaji Tijani 5. Imam Sulaiman Abubakri 7. Ustadh Yusuf Qozeem

2. Alhaji Akojede Rasaq 4. Alhaji Hamzat 6. Imam Yusuf Lookman

Aims and Objectives 1. To form a Muslim Ummah (Community) within Ifelodun Street in Ipaja, Lagos, for the purpose of propagating Islam. 2. To build a Mosque which shall be known as Ifelodun Central Mosque, Opeki, Ipaja, Lagos. 3. To promote the Welfare and Development of the Muslims through various Economic/Entrepreneurial initiatives. 4. To engender the development of Islamic civilization for moral, social, political and economic development of Nigeria. 5. To serve as a platform for the collection and judicious distribution of Zakat , Sadaqat and gifts within the Community of Ipaja and its environs.

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

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

Trustees. 1. Chief John Olusoji Okusaga 2. Kehinde Kingsley Okusaga 3. Phebean Mabinuolami Okusaga

Trustees. 1. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Likoko Sikuku – Chairman 2. Christopher Najomoh 3. Okusaga Rapheal 4. Godwin Azu 5. Ndupu Beatrice - Secretary

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

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No. 1 of 2004. Trustees. 1. Dr (Mrs) Eno Etim Ituen - Chairman 2. Prof. (Mrs) Ibiyinka A. Fuwape - Secretary 3. Dr. (Mrs) Abimbola Uzomah Aims and Objectives: 1. Making science more responsive to the needs of society, especially those of women and of women’s development activities. 2. Contributing to community development 3. Creating awareness for the importance of women’s involvement in harnessing science and technology for sustainable development Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Dotun Ilori Esq (Legal Adviser) 07032796660

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Odunuga DoyinsolaYetunde. 2. Odunuga Doyinsola Adepeju. 3. Adesuyan Oluyemisi. 4. Olamuyiwa Adetoun Olufunke. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Welfare donations, visits and Provisions for the sick, elderly and needy. 2. Providing support for church building and infrastructure. 3. Sponsorship of personal development seminars, breakfast fellowship meetings, prayer vigils for members. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Secretary

AL- HAYYUL- QAYYUM FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. Trustees. 1. Balogun Lookman Tola - President 2. Balogun Qudrat Olubunmi - Vice - President 3. Mustapha Daud Dotun 4. Musa Abdul Akeem Abidemi 5. Olumade Fasasi Olawale Aim and objective. 1. To reach out to the less privilege 2. To unite the member of the foundation

Aim and objective. To help the less privilege ones in the society Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed: Secretary

Signed: Secretary

ORGANISATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD-NIGERIA BRANCH

This is to inform to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “c” of the Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990.

Signed: MOSHOOD OLANREWAJU RASAQ, ESQ

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

Aims and Objectives : 1. To immortalise the Okusaga family name. 2. To help humanity by providing succor to the needy 3. To provide charitable and quality education for all.

DOYIN ODUNUGA ENDOWMENT FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED

BRIGHT ACHIEVERS CLUB OF IKORODU The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. Trustees. 1. Arowojolu Sunday- president 2. Saheed Alugo - Secretary 3. Akinrinde Olajide 4. Fadeyi A. Ganiyu - Chiefwip 5. Agbadaola Gbenga - Speaker Aim and Objective : To promote peace and unity among members . Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

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

ASSOCIATION FOR PEACE UNITY & DEVELOPMENT IN OIL & GAS COMMUNITIES IN ONDO STATE. The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. Trustees. 1.Shawana Oluwatomisin Thompson 2.Ebiwanno Samuel Ogbebemi 3.Prince Philemon Abiye 4.Ojulari Oluwalogbonju Monday 5.Matiminu Francis Prince 6.Orisabinone Taiwo pius 7.Ebis Olokpa 8.Comrade Monone Florence 9.Monehin levis Fatoyinbo 10.Olaroye Festus Ariyoola. Aims. To forster peace and unity among Members. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Politics Faith Anthony

Ngozi Okafor, London Nigerians have been told to give President Goodluck Jonathan another four years, not just because of what he has achieved during his first term, but also because he is head and shoulders above his All Progressives Congress, (APC) rival, Major General (rtd) Muhammadu Buhari. Fielding questions from an audience of about 100 Nigerians during an interactive session at the Holiday Inn, Russell Square, London, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, also likened Buhari to the analogue age, as compared to Jonathan, the digital age. Obi, who also doubles as the deputy campaign director of the President, told the gathering that Jonathan has rocked the boat of those who used to feed fat off the nation’s oil wealth through the various loopholes in the system hence, they don’t want him back. Citing the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), as one notable example, Obi said when the country had Excess Crude Account, there were always agitations from everyone, including governors, that the money be shared. But “Jonathan government has moved from Excess Crude to Sovereign Wealth Fund. In Excess Crude, governors and everybody, all of us come to Abuja and say: ‘share it’, but you can’t share Sovereign Wealth Fund. It is managed internationally. It’s there for everybody and everybody can see it,” he said. Continuing, he said: “ to give you an example, after so much fight, everybody agreed that let’s just save $1 billion and as of last year, that money has made a profit of $100 million.” Obi, who opted to field quesCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

s ANTHONY

APC is solution to crisis in Nigeria

Mrs. Faith Anthony, the All Progressives Congress (APC) state women coordinator for the General Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation in Adamawa and Taraba states can be described as an Amazon of women in active politics especially in the North East sub-region of the country where men dominate the political landscape. She is also the national publicity secretary of the Friends of Buhari. In this interview with WALE AKIN-

NATION’S ECONOMY

TUNDE, she speaks about her political relationship with Former Military Administrator of Lagos and Borno states, Brigadier General Buba Marwa, her relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ousted Governor Murtala Nyako adding that APC will sweep the polls as Gen. Buhari is the Messiah that will take the country out of the woods. The nation’s political landscape is said to be dominated

by men. The belief in certain quarters is that responsible women should not be involved in active politics? I disagree that no responsible woman ought to be involved in active politics. Women have a role to play in shaping the society for good. I ventured into politics because when I took a critical look at what is happening in government, I discovered that women can handle issues better than men. My passion is CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Jonathan has stepped on toes of saboteurs –Obi

Jonathan

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

‘More women participation will change Nigeria’s politics’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

to liberate my people which propelled me into an active politics. Firstly, on the issue of gender discrimination, women have been marginalised greatly. Since I joined active politics, one thing I did is to make sure that I did not restrict myself to local politics. I made myself known at the national level of my party. Since 2010 I joined a group known as women in politics, we have been organising seminars, where we discuss on how to empower women, encourage them to be actively involved in politics. We have been encouraging women on how to come out and showcase their talent. If we will allow them to end up just as a house wife, or doing government job alone, the nation will be at a loss. We want women to come out so that the talents in them will not be wasted. There are different stories we hear that women are intimidated by their male counterparts in politics? You cannot completely rule out issues of harassment or intimidation from our male counterpart in politics. Women in politics regard men as gate keepers therefore they always want to flex their muscle against us at all cost. On this premise, the APC as a political party has tried its best this time around to protect the women folks. In APC woman were given forms free of charge but our male counterparts paid for their nomination forms. In Adamawa State, women including myself seized the opportunity given by APC to come out enmass to fight for political posts but just like I earlier said, the gate keepers muscled some of us out of the contest while some of us made it. Honestly we cannot rule out men dominating women in a political environment. Politics is seen as a male thing in this part of the world which has been stopping many women from coming out to contribute to national development. You were a political associate of former Military administrator of Lagos and Borno states, General Buba Marwa during his days in the defunct CPC. Presently he and his team have defected to the PDP. Why did you stay back considering your closeness to him?

My staying in APC and the political scenario that played out are all the beauty of politics. I need to be fair to General Buba Marwa. He is a good leader with passion for his followers, notwithstanding, my interest and his are not the same at that particular period he was moving out of APC. Therefore I had to hold the bull by the horn because when the merger started I played an active role from the national level down to the state. I remember when CPC which is my mother party was winding up I was picked as the secretary of the national women wings of the party for mobilization. We went round the whole country to our political zone to sensitive our people on what they should expect. And after that, when the merger came properly, I was also picked as one of the national women leaders which is called women caucus led by Barister Sharon who was then the interim women leader. During that time, I was representing Adamawa State at the national level. By the time we came down to the state, I was also picked into one of the interim management committee. By that time, General Marwa was not comfortable with APC, and wanted to pull out to the PDP and I looked at it, what will be my interest in moving out of the party I built. However the PDP Marwa was heading to, he was just trying to make a move in order to get himself acquainted with them. How will I then follow him since I had already established myself in the APC. As you stayed behind in APC, how do you tackle the drove of PDP members led by former Governor Murtala Nyako and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and their loyalists polarising APC? I don’t belong to group of people who are trying to cause division in APC, to my best understanding APC in Adamawa State is indivisible. I belong to APC family in which former Governor Murtala Nyako and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are our leaders. Politics, the way some people view it differs. some people see it as a way of money making venture while others see it as a mean of satisfying one’s desire, but for me, I see politics as

“Buhari has been destined to be the next President of our great nation. I want to tell you that a million propaganda will not stop Buhari in becoming president because people want change. Surely Buhari’s time is now, hence nothing is going to stop him”

Buhari a call to service. Likewise, I don’t believe in politics of bitterness to be running people down. I see politics as being committed to put ones foot in the sand of history so that we can be remembered for what we contributed to the society and human development positively. As a family woman how do you cope with politics and domestic affairs in terms of conflict? Really, there is no conflict in my political journey that affects me as a family person. I am happily married with children who I really take care of as a mother. To be successful politically as a woman, there must be understanding between husband and wife when one is involved in active politics. For instance, if you have a good understanding with your spouse, you will have it right in politics. The woman will not suffer anything as result of his political career because the husband understands her, men also have work to do in a family upbringing if a man will be going out now and then it also affect the family. So if you have an understanding partner, he will understand you and appreciate what you are doing. What future do you see in APC? I am very optimistic that APC is the solution to the myriad of problems confronting the country. No doubt APC will form the next central government to take the nation to the promise land. In case there is any failure, it will be minimal probably the party may lose four states but we in APC have confidence that we are going

“I am very optimistic that APC is the solution to the myriad of problems confronting the country. No doubt APC will form the next central government to take the nation to the promise land”

Anthony

to produce 32 governors at next month polls. The major positions like that of the Speaker House of Representatives and Senate President will surely come from APC fold. To my understanding APC will produce majority lawmakers both in the state and federal. Why the optimism that Gen. Buhari is going to be the next president? Even the blind man can feel it and the deaf can smell it that the nation needs change and Buhari is the desired change needed by the common man. Buhari has been destined to be the next President of our great nation. I want to assure you this change people are clamouring for is not an individual thing in this regard. Look at the way and manner PDP is fighting General Buhari left and right. I want to tell you that a million propaganda will not stop Buhari in becoming president because people want change. Surely Buhari’s time is now, hence nothing is going to stop him. We know he has contested before and lost three times but this time around. He is not going to lose because people want change even those that brought President Goodluck Jonathan into power like former President Olusegun Obasanjo are now regretting their actions and are now canvassing support for Buhari. Obasanjo and others love the nation and want capable hand to handle its affairs. However 80percent of Jonathan supporters are the one canvassing for Buhari to be the next President of this country because they are tired of Jonathan’s leadership style. So I don’t see anything that can stop APC in producing the next President.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

19 Politics

‘You can’t wish away Buhari’s certificate saga’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

tions rather and urging the audience to show their agitations and feelings when asking their questions, also cited the case of other sectors of the economy where Jonathan administration has not only brought changes, but blocked the holes through which the country’s wealth was being looted. “Look at fertiliser, fertiliser used to be a roll for everybody. As we speak today, government is no longer involved in the procurement of fertilizer,” said. He argued that what needed to be changed is the process and Jonathan has already started doing that. “So, what we need is to change the process. And if we get it right, we’ll reduce he corruption,” he added. On pension fund, the former Governor told the audience that workers retirement money is now safe in private hands. “Nobody will take the money because it is managed by private sector. Nobody will take the money, because they don’t have access to it”. He disclosed that: “One of the greatest things that is happening to Jonathan today is that he’s trying to bring a change and when you bring a change in any system, all the people who

Obi

lived off the old order become your enemies. So, people hate you.” Citing himself as an example, the two-term governor said: “I was impeached twice, because I was trying to bring a change.” And “When I was going for my second term, I had good friends like Professor Pat Utomi, who said to me, “don’t Peter, nobody’s happy with you.” Obi, who was on the third leg of the a three-country mission to drum support for the re-election of the President stated further: “The challenge is those who live off the old order are now seeing those holes plugged and the more you plug it, the more they hate you , because you’re hurting them .” Admitting that: “corruption is an issue,” but he was quick to point out that: “but we cannot stop it by arresting people on the streets. When they don’t see money, they won’t steal it.” Amidst intermittent applause from the audience, Obi also cited the case of the power sector and how the President’s initiative was resisted by the workforce. “It took years to unbundle the NEPA assets,” citing an abnormality. “In four years, the staff number of PHCN was increas-

ing, even when they were not generating additional power. Even to audit the staff was a problem. It was one of the most difficult problems that Jonathan faced.” But as I speak to you, all the assets of generation and distribution are in private hands,” and “In three years from today , what is happening in telecoms will be happening in power.” Though he didn’t actually compare Jonathan to Britain’s only female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, but in going down memory lane, liking what Jonathan had done so far with privatising such sectors, it was obvious that he could belong in the same company as the late Iron Lady. Obi said:” I was in this country when Margaret Thatcher sold everything, including London Electricity. Not just that I was here, at least I bought shares, so I know. I was living here as at that time, they’d started shedding power. If Thatcher had not done what she did, this country could have been in a mess.” He then added that the privatisation of the power sector has brought in investors’ funds. “General Electric, Siemens and everybody is investing in power CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

APC change will run Nigeria aground -Adeseun Senator Ayoade Adeseun, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District in this interview with some journalists expressed worries that the kind of change APC is planning in Nigeria will run the nation aground. REMI OLADOYE was there. Excerpts: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced a shift in the date of the 2015 polls, what is your take on this? It’s a wonderful moment for Nigeria. President Jonathan has done well enough beyond what he has been credited. His press handlers have been virtually incompetent. If you compare his last four years to the past eight years, he has achieved so much. He is a slow man but

methodological in his approach. Human rights abuse is not visible in his era, not a single person has been jailed illegally except for the Boko Haramists. The opposition has attacked him but he remained focused. If you travel between Lagos and Ibadan expressway you will doff your hat for him. That road was commissioned during Yar’Adua Obasanjo era in 1979. Nobody ever bothered to do anything on that road again and everybody particularly those of us plying that road knows the degree of carnage that has been happening on that road. The lost of lives in their hundreds and massive loss of properties on that road. This man came in, he promised to expand and rebuild the road and he has fulfilled it. In addition, the Ibadan- Ilorin

“If you compare his last four years to the past eight years, he has achieved so much. He is a slow man but methodical in his approach”

express road was started during Obasanjo era. Just about a hundred kilometeres and up till now, The Ogbomoso-Oyo axis has been left undone. If you travel on the old road from Oyo to Ogbomoso, you will know the risk you are putting your life through. We’ve had a government before him that didn’t bother to do anything about those roads. Let me leave roads, if anyone has been to Lagos International Airport or has been to local wing or Abuja International in recent times, you will agree with me that this man has changed the face of the airports. About eight of them are being upgraded and are being completed almost at the same time. Where was the money all along that this thing were not done. Look at the cashless policy

he introduced. Traders at Bola Ige International Market and Bodija here will strap huge amounts of money to their waist and move to Lagos to buy wears and armed robbers will waylay them, beat, maim, matchet and injure them and cart their money away. Now you don’t have to do that anymore, all you have to do is put your money in the bank here, go to Lagos and transact online. Those are the fundamental changes that will have a lasting effect on the people, our economy and our welfare. He has achieved but has not done as much as we expected of him. The matter of corruption for instance. Corruption is rampant, but its a matter of perception than anything else. In CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

‘Clash imminent’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

today in Nigeria,” he added. On the country’s structure, he said “Jonathan took courage to convene the National Conference and he will implement the report. Some of those who don’t want him to come back don’t want him to implement it, because that will change the structure of the country and will bring fairness. “That, he noted , “is part of his -Jonathan’s- problems today. The structure will show fairness and love. We need him to come back and implement that.” On the structure of the country, the soft spoken former governor added: “ Let me tell you, no other section of the country deserves to rule Nigeria today more than the South South. Reason being that: “We’ve digged up their oil for more than 50 years, for God’s sake. Somebody has been giving you food for years and you’re saying he’s not entitled to rule you, what are you saying? We didn’t even give it to them, God gave it to them. And we as a country, do not want to allow them another four years, what is four years in the life of a country? “ Descending on the opposition, he argued: “Nobody can tell me that Buhari is a better alternative. No country that I

“Nobody can tell me that Buhari is a better alternative. No country that I know in this world that is serious about development has voted in anyone over 70, not even the UK” know in this world that is serious about development has voted in anyone over 70, not even the UK. The oldest person voted here was 64 and in America, it was Ronald Reagan at 68. By the time he ended his tenure, he didn’t even recognise his wife one week after leaving office. “I respect Buhari, he’s a man of personal integrity, but those who are around him, who are they? How can people be talking of what he did 30 years ago.” On the controversy surrounding Buhari’s school certificate, he argued that people cannot just sweep it under the carpet.

Jonathan

‘Ajimobi is running government for his family’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

the regime, people lied, they used EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) to hunt their political enemy only while their friends carted tons and tons of money away into foreign

Adeseun

bank account. They pretended to be running after those who are supposed to be corrupt. Maybe this man is as not as aggressive as expected, he ought to do more. I agree on that, so by and large this man has done well, may be he needs to rejig the media hype on the work he has done. Now to the issue of postponement, that gives you a breathing space. In fact, if you notice in the last one week or thereabout, Oyo State in particular, you will see more of Jonathan’s billboards, posters and others. Its like he just woke and up with four weeks or so to go. I think he will do a more effective job. Conversely, the other camp , I am sincerely fearful, those guys have been talking about change, there must be change in Oyo State. I pray to God almighty that we have a change here. There must

be change of leadership here. Why? What we have in this state is nothing to write home about. But the change at the federal, the type of change they are proposing will run us aground as a nation. The man they put up was once head of state and we know what he did as head of state, was once chairman PTF and we know what he did at PTF. Let me just cite two instances. First, this man did not administer Nigeria, he did not rule, he ruled by proxy. Others did the job, he is not competent, he doesn’t have the capacity to effectively manage resources, so he delegates and he delegates in such a way that is scandalous. Idiagbon was the man in charge when he was head of state. Idiagbon was the one who allowed 53 briefcases of Nigerian money to be brought into the country. Is it not the same

regime that made a law banning sending under aged children to Saudi Arabia for Hajj? But they sent their own and they were caught at the airport. Nothing happened. Why the change in Oyo State? This government in Oyo State, this man is running a government of ‘my wife and my family’ that will not get us anywhere. He has used some road projects as camouflage, go and check who the contractors are. When you look at the situation in Oyo State where there are hundreds of thousands of graduate who are unemployed, rather than using money on farm settlement, establishing cottage industries and others, he is widening road at 1.2Billion Naira per kilometre. Roads that already existed, not a brand new road. Brand new roads that I am constructing in my village now cost between 180 and 200 million

naira. They will bulldoze trees and do other things. It is malady, change must happen here, this man must go. He must go. Looking at your political antecedent, there was never a time you lost election and in the last regime you moved from PDP to ACN and now back to PDP. Don’t you think there will be a kind of confusion among your supporters? Politics in Nigeria is still nonideological. APC is no different from PDP. someone will move from PDP to APC and vice versa. There is no difference, it’s just the character of the people involved. Let me ask you, five of the PDP governors that moved to APC, did going to APC overnight turned them into saints if they were devils in PDP? My constituency cannot be confused because before I eventually moved, I did extensive consultation.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Features

Anger in Koko over EPZ project Hectares of land belonging to Koko indigenes reportedly acquired for the proposed Delta Gas City Project four years ago is now the bone of contention following Federal Government’s relocation of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project to Ogidigben in Warri South Local Government. JOE OGBODU reports.

Indigenes of the ancient town of Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State are angry following the relocation of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone

(EPZ) project from their land. The people say that the large expanse of land which was allocated for the project has been denied themsince the project was moved, and vows to recover

Abandoned 3,000 hectares of land for EPZ

it from the Federal Government. It would be recalled that four years ago, the Federal Government had proposed Koko for CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

93-year old, Chief Victor Nana

Chijioke needs N2 million for corneal transplant surgery Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr

Chijioke

A young Nigerian, Chijioke Anthony Onyenwe, was led into our newsroom last week by a young friend with a story that wrings the heart. Just 27, Anthony, an indigene of Ezinefe-Mbaise village in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, was visited by a

mysterious disease that dried the life from his left eye. And as though that was not tragic enough, he is facing the danger of losing his right eye completely to the same condition unless help comes his way very quickly. His story: “I was alright when I went to bed in Port Harcourt two years

ago, but I woke up in the morning with pain in my left eye. The pain was so serious that I started going to nearby hospitals in search of help but all they could do was refer me to different state hospitals.” The state hospitals couldn’t proffer any solution either. “There was no improvement; instead, the pain was increas-

ing. Doctors in those hospitals said it was difficult for them to treat me.” His mother, perplexed by the turn in her young son’s life, was leading him by the hand to those places; an experience Anthony said made his mind go blank. “It was a bad turn in my life CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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the project, but later moved it to Ogidigben, inWarri South Local Government Area over some unclear reasons. Daily Times observed that there has been some disquiet between the Ijaw and Itsekiriover who should be in charge of the project since the relocation to Ogidigben, The people of Koko had applauded President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan when news of the project was first broken to them. The development prompted theOlu of Warri, OgiameAtuwatse II, to appoint 93-year old Chief Victor Nana, the grandson of the famous Nana dynasty as his representative in Koko. Alsothe monarchhad showed his appreciation by personally thanking GovernorUduaghan and President Goodluck Jonathan for siting the proposed project in his domain. But the joy of the monarch and his people was short lived following the relocation of the project without prior information. Our correspondent in Warri reports that the people of Koko are angry that the project has been allegedly traded off by some people, and have put bulk of the blame on the Governor Uduaghan. “We were taken aback when word reached us that the Federal Government has reneged in the agreement with us which made us to relinquish our land for the project”, Chief Nana told Daily Times. According to the nonagenarian, the turn of events came two years after the community had relinquished more than 3,000 hectares of land for the proposed project. “My people have spent so much to ascertain the essence of why the project should be moved out of the community, but the matter seems to be shrouded in ut-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

‘The project has been traded off by some people’

Nana museum most secrecy. “Now we are saddened by the development, more so, as no one could fathom the truth of the matter except a claim by the Federal Government that the Koko River was too shallow for the project, a claim which was debunked by marine experts”. Daily Times gathered that one

of the reports was the findings of a firm of private consultants which the community hired to verify the depth of the river, whilethe second came from experts attached to the Nigeria Ports Authority, (NPA). Nana said further, “Both reports debunked theFederal Government’s claim of the river’s shal-

lowness, especially because one of the reports allegedly relied on what happened from 1972 to 1973, when the biggest cargo carrier ‘African Carrier’ sailed through the Koko River and berthed at the port.” Both reports left the people with no other conclusion than that the relocation could only be due

to political reasons; but who to blame for the supposed trade off ? “The governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan and the political class of Itsekiri ethnic extraction, who they alleged traded the project from Koko community to a highCONTINUED ON PAGE 23

We stayed three months in a hotel but could not see T.B. Joshua CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

that made my mind blank; I didn’t know what to think. In the course of going about in search of help, my second eye started developing the same problem.” The young man, who led Chijioke to Daily Times offices, Christian Uranta, said they were good friends back in Port Harcourt, “But I was shocked to see my childhood friend having this problem and being led

about by his mother because he could no longer see. “Anthony’s mother had brought her son to Lagos with the intent to see Pastor T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of all Nations but it didn’t work out. So, his mother returned to Port Harcourt very dejected.” Anthony narrated their experience at the Synagogue Church: “It was very difficult to see Pastor T.B. Joshua; in fact, we

never met him, not even for once, after spending three months in a hotel around the church. We were paying N1,000 per night, but after three months, we had no money again, so my mother had to return to Port Harcourt.” It was after faith in the man of God failed completely that the two friends were referred to the Eye Foundation Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos where the doctor examined Anthony’s eyes and announced that the young man has a very slim chance of seeing

again. “The doctor looked at me and said he was very sorry that I have corneal disease. He said I cannot see with my left eye again, because the disease has dried it up; but he assured me that my right eye can be treated and I can see again with it if I can raise the sum of N2 million to undergo corneal transplant surgery.” Drawing strength from a hopeless situation, Anthony, family and friends have refused

to give up. Anthony’s young soul is holding on to the possibility that if the surgery is carried out quickly, then he could see again with his right eye. The sum of N2 million is far from any amount the family could dream of, and what could have been the family reserve was expended on hotel bills while waiting for T.B. Joshua. But instead of Anthony following his mother back to the vilCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

23 Features

‘The land is 3,000 hectares, we want it back’

Part of Koko Port CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

est bidder, theItsekiri community of Ogidigben. “Ogidigben is fast developing already; they have many companies and our youths are not allowed to work there. This project should have been used to boost the socio-economic development of Koko. “We are not happy that the project has been moved to Ogidigben. I hope the Federal Government will reverse its decision and move it back to Koko, more so, as communal crisis has already engulfed the proposed project site”. TheVice Chairman, Koko Community Management Authority (KCMA), Samuel Asorkpinimi and the Chairman of Education Committee of the Community, Mr Mike Eyide spoke on the removal of the project to another

community. They corroborated the allegation of Pa Nana, calling on the Federal Government to take steps to bring the project to Koko to assuage the poor condition of the people, most of who are peasant farmers and fishermen. “Let the government learn from the Ogbe-Ijaw and Ogidigben crisis of 1994, which devastated several communities in Ijaw and Itsekiri land. “They should not wait until a similar thing happens before they do the right thing: bring back the project to Koko now,” Eyide said. The two told our correspondent that youths of the area have been angry following the relocation of the project, and this is compounded by the fact that the community land has been taken

away from them and nothing is being done to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy(C of O) already issued. “We are a very peaceful community. We had to maintain peace when we heard of the movement of the project because we felt no need to yield to provocation,” Asorkpinimi said. “It is our desire that the federal and state governments revoke the Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) which the state government issued to the contracting company that was to be in charge of the EPZ project in Koko becauseit was alleged that the company was using the certificate to obtain loans from banks. “It is a big land of 3,000 hectares. We want it back; since we did not get the project, we can resell the

land to develop our community. On the alternative, the Federal Government should bring back the project. It is bound to bring much economic development. It is not safe to where it was taken. In fact, the project is sitting on keg of gun powder”. Eyide warned: “Let no one play politics with the project, no single individual or group can be greater than a whole community or the Federal Government.” If the project is in Koko, the benefits will spread to neighbouring Ijaw and Itsekiri communities and even beyond, so why taking itto a crisis ridden area? Both lamented the underdevelopment of the area. Pointing out that the community still lacks good access roads, as well as government primary and tertiary institutions among other basic

amenities. “Let me add that our children have been trekking a distanceof seven kilometres to school,”Asorkpinimi pointed out. “We need lower and higher institutions of learning in Koko. We are currently building a primary school from through our effort. Even the governor has praised our efforts when he came to see it.” The people however commended the state government for some road projects under construction in the area and implored Gov.Uduaghanto ensure their completion. “The state government should try and complete the Koko/ OgheyeRoad, and expansion of the Koko/UgbenuRoad. We demand these infrastructures beCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

I can live with one eye and pick up my life if I can get help CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

lage, the young man and his friend, Uranta, decided to embark on a public appeal mission, to raise the money. ‘‘ I can live with one eye and pick up my life if I can get help.’’ Until this tragedy befell him, Anthony was a junior secondary school student of the Army Day Secondary School, Ibori Camp in Port Harcourt. The sight of the two young men going from media house to another with a faith that ought to move mountains is heartrending. “We have been seeking help through appeals in some media houses, including Silverbird Television as well as Bond FM,” Anthony told Daily Times. The family appeals to the general public, individuals, corporate organizations, NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and churches to give this young Nigerian the opportunity to pick up his young life again. Below are details of his help data. Cash and cheques may be paid in at any branch of the bank nationwide. Account Number: 0051243707 Account name: Chijioke Anthssony Onyenwe Bank name: Diamond Bank

Chijioke (right) and his friend Uranta

‘Our children trek seven kilometres to school’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

OgheyeRoad, and expansion of the Koko/UgbenuRoad. We demand these infrastructures because theCollege of Education, Warri, has graciously granted a study centre in Koko and the community has sponsored 96 students, paying their tuition fees. A batch of the students graduated in November, last year.” They also appealed for job cre-

ation for their teeming youths who have been jobless since the Koko Port became moribund; adding that lack of electricity supply in the area is one of the major challenges confronting the people. “Our youths need employment. Many of them are jobless, and to compound the situation, we have power supply challenges here. This has been hampering the businesses of our people, especially in the past two months.”

Improvised jetty at Koko Port

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Chronicle

Today in History Cartoon from our Archives

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

Daily Times February 23, 1961 1940 Guthrie writes “This Land is Your Land” Folk singer Woody Guthrie wrote one of his best-known songs, “This Land is Your Land.” Born in Okemah, Oklahoma, in 1912, Guthrie lived and wrote of the real West, a place of hardworking people and harsh environments rather than romantic cowboys and explorers. Though he was a son of a successful politician and businessman, during his early teens his mother fell ill and the family split apart. For several years, Guthrie spent his summers working as a migrant agricultural labourer. When he was 15, he left home to travel the country by freight train. Among his meagre possessions were a guitar and harmonica. Guthrie discovered an eager audience among the hobos and migrant workers for the country-folk songs he had learned in Oklahoma. In 1937, he travelled to California where he hoped to become a successful western singer. He appeared on several West Coast radio shows, mostly performing tra-

ditional folk songs. Soon, though, he began to perform his own pieces based on his experiences living among the vast armies of the poor and dispossessed created by the Great Depression. While in California he also came into contact with the Communist Party and became increasingly sympathetic to its causes. Many of his songs reflected a strong commitment to the common working people, and he became something of a musical spokesman for populist sentiments. “This Land is Your Land,” reflected not only Guthrie’s support for the common folk, but also his deep love for his country. The verse celebrated the beauty and grandeur of America while the chorus drove home the populist sentiment that the nation belonged to all the people, not merely the rich and powerful. Probably the most famous of his more than 1,000 songs, “This Land is Your Land” was also one of his last. Later that year Guthrie moved to New York where his career was soon after interrupted by World War II. After serving in the Mer-

chant Marines, he returned to New York, where he continued to perform and record his old material, but he never matched his earlier prolific output. 1945 U.S. flag raised on Iwo Jima During the bloody Battle for Iwo Jima, U.S. Marines from the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment of the 5th Division take the crest of Mount Suribachi, the island’s highest peak and most strategic position, and raise the U.S. flag. Marine photographer Louis Lowery was with them and recorded the event. American soldiers fighting for control of Suribachi’s slopes cheered the raising of the flag, and several hours later more Marines headed up to the crest with a larger flag. Joe Rosenthal, a photographer with the Associated Press, met them along the way and recorded the raising of the second flag along with a Marine still photographer and a motionpicture cameraman. Rosenthal took three photographs atop Suribachi.

1954

Children receive first polio vaccine

1978

It’s a tie for Song of the Year at the 20th annual Grammy Awards

1954 Children receive first polio vaccine On this day in 1954, a group of children from Arsenal Elementary School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, received the first injections of the new polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk. Though not as devastating as the plague or influenza, poliomyelitis was a highly contagious disease that emerged in terrifying outbreaks and seemed impossible to stop. Attacking the nerve cells and sometimes the central nervous system, polio caused muscle deterioration, paralysis and even death. Even as medicine vastly improved in the first half of the 20th century in the Western world, polio still struck, affecting mostly children but sometimes adults as well. The most famous victim of a 1921 outbreak in America was future President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then a young

1978 It’s a tie for Song of the Year at the 20th annual Grammy Awards Music fans might expect that the songs up for Best Song consideration at the 1977 Grammy Awards included songs that have stood the test of time, like Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish,” Elvis Costello’s “Allison,” Tom Petty’s “American Girl” or Bob Marley’s “Jamming’”. In actuality, the Academy of 1978 considered a slate of songs from 1977 that included only one timeless classic (“Hotel California”). And, in the end, Grammy voters that year made history by failing even to settle on a winner. On February 23, 1978, both Barbra Streisand’s “Love Theme from A Star Is Born (Evergreen)”

politician. The disease spread quickly, leaving his legs permanently paralyzed. In the late 1940s, the March of Dimes, a grassroots organization founded with President Roosevelt’s help to find a way to defend against polio, enlisted Dr. Jonas Salk, head of the Virus Research Lab at the University of Pittsburgh. Salk found that polio had as many as 125 strains of three basic types, and that an effective vaccine needed to combat all three. By growing samples of the polio virus and then deactivating, or “killing” them by adding a chemical called formalin, Salk developed his vaccine, which was able to immunize without infecting the patient. After mass inoculations began in 1954, everyone marvelled at the high success rate--some 60-70 percent--until the vaccine caused a sudden outbreak of some 200 cases.

and Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” were awarded the Best Song Grammy—the first and only tie in that category in Grammy history. The award for “You Light Up My Life” was not actually an award for Debby Boone. The Best Song category is an award for songwriters, and though “You Light Up My Life” propelled Boone to the Best New Artist award that year, she did not write the song herself. A songwriter named Joe Brooks picked up his Best Song Grammy for a song originally recorded by an obscure session singer for use in the soundtrack of a movie he also directed, also called You Light Up My Life.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Our Heritage

s Ben Enwonwu (1917-1994)

Eni (INSET) Eni’s paintings

ART MERCHANT

Emmanuel Eni returns with paintings and sculptures Stories by Agozino Agozino It is hard to believe that more than two decades have passed since he left Nigeria after his last solo exhibition: Parables, at the National Museum, at Onikan, Lagos, Emmanuel Eni, artist, poet, installator and, singer, is stronger. In a big come-back in Nigeria (date and venue to be released soon), what is clear is the Art Merchant comes to Lagos in March. Hear him: “At a time in history, a trader becomes a merchant, creating a chain to wholesalers, retailers, as well as consumers. Art merchant, the growing art market, is a new splendour being realised. Art merchant is the coming out from a shell, or on a more positive way, from the rigid. Art merchant is letting the cat out of the bag to show art works reciprocating the art merchant’s emergence bringing art to the people.”

The Edo State-born international star, who has performed extensively in Europe, the US, the Benelux countries of Europe, and Scandinavia and Canada, will be thrilling his fan and art collectors with a new body of works aimed at raising awareness on the challenges and implications of African art current market. Amongst tracing the problems, the exhibition will also feature a panel discussion on ‘Arts and Merchants’ that will be moderated by seasoned art experts, collectors. The Art Merchant artist, who is also a published poet, said the outing will showcase him exhibiting about 20 latest sculptures and paintings. Eni says: “Art Merchant exhibition is the fulfilling aspects of the selected light paintings. That I crystallise transience. The viewer easily experiences physical and deep emotion in works evocation. Sculptures showing in Art Merchant exhibitions are uniquely

modelled forms and kinds that retain the deepest of their true evocation. My exponent’s pieces have attributes and feeling of sculptures bringing gifts. Fifteen sculptures and materials that include bronze, fibre glass, and terra cotta will be on display.” Eni, who had remarkable performance in Lagos, entitled, Blackman in European Kitchen at Goethe Institut, in 2006, and CharacterLagostica, in 2007, was endeared to the Nigerian art world. He disclosed he was using the show to further pursue his already known identity as an artist, who invests his creativity, heavily, in digging deep into the contemporary African problems for the Nigerian audience. This show will equally showcase his recent highly-acclaimed light paintings. He explains it like this: “Lightpaintings selected for exhibition is a new way I created to accentuate and present the inner light projecting from paintings.

I created a dual light scope that gives the works double position to reflect and evocate contained themes. I have painted in a way that the pictures become illuminated. Painting you can see in the dark. One exponent is Sitting Woman. It is a peer-shaped woman sitting and facing the horizon. The revitalised chiaroscuro sense, and the striking interplay of light and shade inside intricate contour plains vibrant, radiating picture with clear definition of transition of light of colours. Ten large scale paintings in oil, acrylic and mixed media will be on this show.” Eni expressed hope that Art Merchant would draw a lot of people when it opens, and equally raise fund for his charity works, a base for his discovery in 2009 of an acclaimed art style/genre called Contemporary Barock Art, an art form that draws a line to connect the rich and the poor, bringing art CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Ben Enwonwu was an Nigerian painter and sculptor. He is a pioneer whose career opened the way for the postcolonial proliferation and increased visibility of modern African art. His work has been exhibited around the world. Born a twin on 14 July 1917 into the noble family of Umueze-Aroli in Onitsha, Nigeria, his father, Omenka Odigwe Emeka Enwonwu, was a technician who worked with the Royal Niger Company; he was also a member of the Onitsha Council of Chiefs and a traditional sculptor of repute. He was a reputable traditional sculptor who created office stools and decorated doors with religious images. In 1934, Enwonwu studied Fine Arts under Kenneth C. Murray at Government Colleges, Ibadan and Umuahia, 1934–37. Murray was an education officer in charge of art education in the colonial civil service and later director of antiquities. Enwonwu attended Goldsmith College, London, in 1944, then continued his studies at Ruskin College, Oxford, England, from 1944 to 1946,[5] at Ashmolean College and Slade School of Fine Arts, Oxford, 1946–48, graduating with first-class honours. During their time together, Enwonwu became Murray’s assistant and was recognised as one of the most gifted and technically proficient student of the “Murray Group”. In 1937, Murray exhibited Enwonwu’s work at the Zwemmer Gallery in London The period of study under Murray marked the beginning of Enwonwu’s formal education in art. He took postgraduate courses in anthropology and ethnography at the University of California and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Enwonwu graduated from the Slade Art School with a diploma in Fine Art and earned honors in Sculpture. One year later, he received his Master’s of Art degree in Social Anthropology at the University College in London.

Enwonwu

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

27 Our Heritage

In Visual Sensation, Aladegbongbe flaunts his wood experiment Though the bond between art and culture is unbreakable, not many artists highlight it in their studio creativity similarly, in the relationship between art, culture and visual experiments. However, one artist, whose studio trait, over the years, attempts to experiment this new art forms is the painter Aladegbongbe Aderinsoye Ademorin, a lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts, Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), Lagos. This was what his recent solo exhibition entitled Visual Sensation which held at the National Museum, Onikan, in Lagos, captured. For many art lovers, who were at the event, it was no not only a good outing but another plus for the artist. The two-week display, which ended in accolade for the painter, featured paintings, drawings, metal foil and woods produced by the Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State-born painter. On display were over 30 very colourful pieces depicting designs scenes, design and abstract imaginations by the painter. Apart from what viewers described as good use of colour and beautiful framing, some of the painting were also remarkable because of the sliced wood trunks and how the artist finished the works, giving it multi-cultural themes. The show originally designated for one week for public viewing was extended at Yusuf Grillo Art Gallery, Yaba College of Technology. Interestingly, Aladegbongbe’s style is drawned heavily from Yoruba indigenous art traits and motif. Many of the pieces at the outing echoed motifs and themes that showcase his steep in traditional Yoruba ethos. Among his titles of exhibits in the show were, Elders forum, Oko Baba, among others. On what inspired the exhibition, the painter, who studied General Arts, at Yabatech, and holds a Post-Graduate degree in Painting from University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State, said that one of the primary objectives

Slice Trunks of the Visual Sensation was to showcase five different types of works that have inspired his art. The artist, who regretted the inability of his colleagues in using art to bridge the gap in society, said that Visual Sensation was initiated to fill that gap. “Visual Sensation is a presentation of collections of five different bodies of work that have been of intrigue to me. These works, I hope, will expose a paradigm shift from my previous approach to solo or group exhibitions, which are sets of works on experimen-

tation; a way far from the normal paintings I do. The theme and titles of the works reflect sociocultural and economic activities in the nation.’’ He said: ‘‘In this show, there is more attention on cultural theme, since I have always been an avid social anthropologist at heart with respect to my Yoruba culture. Visual Sensation appreciates both natural material and material garnered through a period, so much that creative and intricate African motifs are used to embellish the natural form generated from the

logs of dried wood. The grains found in the sliced wood communicate the age of the wood or tree after they are full. This, for me, has generated a lot of sensational inquisitiveness to the eyes.’’ Going down memory lane on the exhibition, he reasoned: ‘‘My attendance at the 2005 Harmattarn workshop, organised by Bruce Onobrakpeya, at AgbaraOtor, set for me platform concerning this experimentation on foil with the use of improvised materials.’’ Aladegbongbe also said some of the paintings on display are inspired from the activities that go on inside Oko Baba market, which include fish selling, loading and uploading of both planks and logs, men at work in the open saw-mill rooms, rolling of logs towards machines for cutting and slicing. He said that the exhibition, apart from focusing on the socioeconomic and cultural themes, serves aims to showcase Nigeria’s richness. He urged younger artists to re-discover their roots, adding that God had endowed the country with rich heritage. Aladegbongbe equally hints the exhibition project the importance of culture, as an important reminder for any nation not to miss its direction. Aladegbongbe, is a professionally-trained painter, teacher and culture advocate. He is also a part time Pentecostal pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He explained that the exhibition is a continuation of a long-running project he started several years ago Among the major group and solo exhibitions that Aladegbongbe has participated in are, October Rain by SNA, Lagos at Nike Gallery Lekki; the Art Zero group shows at National Museum, Onikan, Lagos and Red Brick Building, National Theatre, a group show by the National Gallery of Art in University of Benin and another at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Type of African Mask that will be diplayed at the Seattle museum exhibition

Masks of global African art holds in Seattle Art Museum A ground-breaking exhibition of African masks will open from June 18 to September 7, 2015, at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), United States of America. The exhibition titled Disguise: Masks and Global African Art, will consider the past, present, and future of disguise, a visual act and psychological state that can be a mask, a costume, or just a smile. The exhibition will include 50 masks and 10 costumes from SAM’s African art collection and about 100 objects on loan. Masks from SAM’s African art collection will stimulate visitors’ imaginations as they consider disguise as animal avatars, authority figures, altered portraits, and minimalist expressions. A statement from the curators reveal that the show will take an in-depth look at 10 contemporary artists, whose work has a distinctive way of addressing the subject. All will offer a variety of ways of embodying disguise in drawings, photographs, videos, masks, sculptures, performances, and installations. Many combine media in innovative ways, enabling disguise to evolve with a mixture of documentary and personally created imagery. Selected artists will participate in site-specific installations and performances.

Germany- based Nigerian artist, Emmanuel Eni, plans a big return CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

Art merchant is the coming out from a shell, or on a more positive way, from the rigid.

more directly to the people. Eni is a famous enigma and legend in the art world. A well-loved artist, in Berlin, Germany, his studio base is known for staging diverse art exhibitions. He took the art world by storm in countless Biennials including, Dakar, Lyon, Guoangu, a stitch-parallel to Documenta 12 in Kassel Germany, to iconise the cry for resolution of

the Middle East crisis in his world famous installation of Israel and Palestine. A phenomenon built from an installation through performance. An installation of a wall of 200 explosive bombs made from petrol canisters – materials recycled from the German army. In the end, he always wrapped the flags of Israel and Palestine together signalling dreamed brotherly co-habitation of the duelling

neighbours. Eni has also undertaken extensive travels teaching. He was visiting professor in Rhode Island School of Arts and Design RISD, in New Hampshire, in the United States. He was also Prof. of Sculpture and New Media, in Berlin Wiesensee University. He is performing and presenting art through public, private, institutional, and governmental initiatives.

Eni, who used his Blackman in European Kitchen, to popularise performance art, in Nigeria, is bringing solely sculptures and paintings to the Nigerian public and art lovers this time. “I am very happy that I will showcase my sculptures and paintings to the Nigeria public. This is a wonderful opportunity. That is why I am inviting all lovers of arts to be at the event,’’ he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Business Times

CAPITAL MARKET REPORT

CBN EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 19th February 2015 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR

198

198.5

199

POUNDS STERLING

306.0486

306.8215

307.5943

EURO

225.5616

226.1312

226.7008

SWISS FRANC

208.9489

209.4766

210.0042

YEN

1.6636

1.6678

1.672

CFA

0.2713

0.2813

0.2913

Market Capitalisation and All Shares Index Trend for Equities Day

Market Capitalisation (N)

Index value

Monday 16/02/2015

9,252,040,883,990.79

27,728.63

Tuesday 17/02/2015

9,493,603,556,615.24

28,452.60

Wednesday 18/02/2015

9,735,504,388,691.32

29,177.58

Thursday 19/02/2015

9,770,356,162,160.33

29,282.04

Friday 20/02/2015

9,804,355,643,518.19

29,383.93

Sustained index appreciation: Week closes bullish Adesola Akindele The Nigerian Stock Exchange market indices started and ended on a positive note as All share Index steadily rose from 27,728.63 to 29,383.93 basis points last week. Market Capitalization likewise recorded steady increment to finally end the week at N9.8 trillion from its week’s opening amount of N9.2 trillion. A total turnover of 2.083 billion shares worth N22.467 billion in 20,805 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.950 billion shares valued at N27.836 billion that exchanged hands last week in 19,337 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.645 billion shares valued at N10.726 billion traded in 12,348 deals; thus contributing 78.98% and 47.74% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The ICT Industry followed with a turnover of 148.155 million shares worth N609.070 million in 66 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with 122.735 million shares worth N1.013 billion in 1,305 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely- Access Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 749.043 million shares worth N6.637 billion in 4,558 deals, contributing 35.96% and 29.54% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Also traded during the week were a total of 97,786 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N2.074 million executed in 35 deals compared with a total of 112,499 units valued at N1.698 million transacted last week in 36 deals. Similarly, a total of 982 units of FGN bonds valued at N982,494.07 were executed in 5 deals. There was no activity recorded in debt board in the previous week. The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 6.52% to close on Friday at 29,383.93 and N 9.804 trillion. Similarly, all indices finished higher during the week with exception of the NSE Insurance Index that declined by 0.58%, while NSE ASeM Index closed flat. Forty (40) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than eleven (11) equities of the preceding week. Twenty-six (26) equities depreciated in price, lower than fifty-three (53) equities of the preceding week, while one hundred and thirty (130) equities remained unchanged lower than one hundred and thirty-two (132) equities recorded in the preceding week.

FG to ramp up security for gas pipelines Tony Nwakaegho The Federal Government on Saturday disclosed plans to raise the level of security for gas pipelines and other facilities channeling gas to power plants across the country. The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who made the announcement in Ikorodu, near Lagos at the inauguration of the new 220 megawatts turbine at the Egbin Power Plant on Saturday, said one of the measures being planned to curb incessant pipeline vandalism was electronic monitoring of pipelines. Nebo blamed vandals for the Federal Government’s inability to meet previously anticipated power generation targets. He said that government was also planning to enlist the Nige-

rian Air Force in the joint task force team set up to provide aerial surveillance for pipelines. The minister said that electricity generation would increase significantly in the next four years, disclosing that power generation was currently standing at 3, 600 megawatts, due to gas shortages. According to him, power supply in Nigeria is mostly based on gas with about 70 per cent gasfired turbine while 30 per cent is hydro based. ``When we have a holistic energy mix, things will get much improved, oil thieves and vandals who break into our pipelines make it difficult for Nigerians to even benefit from what this government has done. “We have far larger capacity installed than the power we are giving out because of gas sup-

ply, which is being taken care of. More forces are being deployed. ``Electronic gadgets are being installed to ensure that at any point of disruption our security forces will know and know how to forestall it.’’ Nebo said that government’s desire for Nigerians was to ensure stable power supply, noting that measures were being put in place to ensure steady power supply. ``The commissioning of this unit is a clear demonstration of the wisdom of President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s commitment to the reform and development of the power sector. ``The power sector is beginning to see the impact of the privatisation of the generation and distribution assets to the benefit of Nigerian electricity consumers,’’ he said.

Nebo, Power Minister

NB, Consolidated Breweries merger to enhance efficiency Godwin Anyebe The chairman of the Board of Directors, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kolawole Jamodu, has said that the merger of Nigerian Breweries and Consolidated Breweries is a boost to

the company’s operational efficiency. Jamodu said this when the management of Nigerian Breweries Plc paid an official visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange to reassure investors and other stakeholders of its commitment

to enhance operational efficiencies and maximise value for all investors of the enlarged company. He noted also that the former shareholders of Consolidated Breweries Plc which was not listed in the Nigerian Stock Ex-

change (NSE) now have the opportunity to trade their shares on the floor of NSE. He added that the new deal will improve the liquidity of the stocks and increase market capitalisation of the exchange.

Jamodu

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

29 SME Agric Minister, Adesina, four others shortlisted for AfDB top job

From right: Dr. Olusegun Aganga (Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry in Industry, Trade and Investment), Mrs. Minifred Ita-Oyo (Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology), His Excellency, Arch. Namadi Sambo GCON (Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria), Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria N Elemo (Director-General/CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi) and Dr. Alex Obi (Chairman, FIIRO Governing Board) during the opening ceremony of 2014 FIIRO Investment and Technology Week.

…trains 29,435 techno -entrepreneurs Charles Okonji Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) Oshodi, Lagos, has revealed that it has trained no fewer than 29,435 Nigerian youths and women within the last four years during its various technology transfer and techno-entrepreneurship development programmes as part of the poverty alleviation and job-creation efforts of the government. The training, according to the Director-General of FIIRO, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Elemo, covered production of: High Quality Cassava Flour; Fruit Juice; Instant Pounded Yam Flour; Cassava Bread and Confectioneries Baking; Industrial Cassava Starch; Black Soap from agro-wastes; Odorless Fufu Flour; Tomato Paste & Powder; Kunu production & preservation; Zobo production & preservation; Rice processing; Sorghum flour; Cowpea flour; Full fat soya; Soy flour; Soy gari; Plantain flour; Plantain chips; Soymilk; Groundnut paste; Vegetable Oil Extraction, among others. During an interview with the Daily Times, Dr. (Mrs.) Elemo stated that “the institute started aggressive technology transfer and techno-entrepreneurship training programmes in 2011 when I assumed office as the first female DG/CEO of FIRRO in continuation of the institute’s efforts at ensuring the commercializa-

Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Akinwumi Adesina, and Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Sufian Ahmed, are among the five candidates shortlisted to contest the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Bank said on Friday. The AfDB Board said the selection of the most eligible candidates to succeed President Donald Kaberuka was done by a Steering Committee of the Board of Governors at a meeting held in Abidjan on 11 Feb. Cape Verdean Finance Minister, Cristina Kamara, currently Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank, Birama Sidibe and Chad’s Finance Minister, Kordjé Bedoumra have also been shortlisted for the elections slated for May 2015.

FIIRO: Boosting skills acquisition, job creation tion of its research and development outputs” The FIIRO DG said the renewed interest of the government in using the instrument of science and technology to achieve the goals of the Transformation Agenda had assisted the institute to deliver more effectively on its R&D activities towards local content development, food security, nutrition security, development and utilization of indigenous technologies for the achievement of Transformation Agenda, most especially job and wealth creation. Dr. Elemo spoke on the pioneering effort of the institute in cassava R&D, cassava being a crop of relative advantage and Nigeria being the largest producer of cassava in the world. “The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) pioneered R&D work on cassava processing in Nigeria. Some of the cassava products developed by the Institute are: High Quality Cassava Flour, Industrial Cassava Starch (including normal, detoxified, modified; food and pharmaceutical grades), Odorless fufu powder, Cassava chips and pellets, Cassava-based adhesives, Cold water starch, Cassava noodles, Tapioca, Mechanized gari, Soy-gari, Glucose syrup, Ethanol, 100 per cent cassava cake and cassava bread,” the FIIRO boss revealed while enumerating the government’s empowerment of the institute to develop technologies and trans-

fer such to the micro, small and medium agro-processing enterprises in the country”. Dr. Elemo further said the adoption of cassava bread using the cassava bread recipes developed by the Institute as national bread by the federal government has the capacity to create over three million jobs along the cassava value chain as well as foreign exchange saving to the tune of N127billion at 20 per cent substitution of cassava flour for wheat flour. The DG/CEO, also commended the Federal government for the support it received in the development of High Nutrient Density Biscuits and Drinks for school feeding programme which the government is planning to adopt nationwide for school feeding programme. She also informed Daily Times that the Institute received tremendous support for its R&D programme on Ready-toUse-Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) for treatment of severe malnutrition that could readily replace the imported nuts for the treatment of malnutrition to conserve foreign exchange. The institute with support from the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development and Lake Chad Research Institute had produced acceptable bread from 100 per cent local wheat and Cocoa bread from Cocoa flour with overall objective to reduce import de-

pendency, save foreign exchange and create jobs. Due to the age of the institute, infrastructural facilities were dilapidated while the research equipment were obsolete, constituting a major challenge which had to be addressed through gradual rehabilitation of the laboratories as well as equipping the laboratories with the state-of-theart research facilities. The DG/CEO FIIRO said: “Between 2011 and now, the Institute had rehabilitated five specialised laboratories and upgraded some of its physical infrastructures, now the Institute wears a new look; a Nutraceuticals laboratory is currently under rehabilitation under strict supervision of a Professor of Nutraceuticals from the University of Kwazulu Natal University, South Africa while the following state-of-the-art laboratory equipment have been acquired and installed: GC-Mass Spec, Ultrafast HPLC, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, UVVisible Spectrophotometer, Rapid Moisture Analyser, Flourescent Microscope, NIR Auto Analyzer and Mixolab making the Institute a centre of excellence in West Africa sub-region for products analysis for academia and industry most especially the micro, small and medium enterprises”. The DG informed Daily Times of the institute’s Investment and Technology week held between Monday, 13th October, and Fri-

day, 17th October, 2014 which was declared open by His Excellency, the Commander-In-Chief and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, ably represented by His Excellency, the Vice President, Arch. Namadi sambo GCON. The event with the theme “Sustainable Job creation through FIIRO Technologies” attracted over 2500 participants from the industry, academic, government and non-governmental organizations and international organizations provided the Institute the opportunity to showcase its over 250 R&D products to participants. The DG further said that the Investment and Technology week provided the institute the opportunity to launch its book on “Investment Opportunities for Job Creation based on FIIRO’s Research and Development Results and Available Raw Materials in 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria”. The DG asserted that this book is must-have for all the state governments, local governments and development experts. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of 120 National Techno-entrepreneurs (from the six geopolitical zones) trained and certified by the Institute in over 15 technologies to Mr. President who directed that the technoentrepreneurs should be given start up fund from the N220Bilion MSMEs Development Fund.

Interview 30

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

ICAN’s impact on Nigeria’s economy unquantifiable – Ajaegbu The impact of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) on the nation’s economy in the past 50 years is unquantifiable. This was the submission of Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, president of the institute, which will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year, to the management team of Daily Times, who paid a courtesy visit to the institute recently. He spoke on the institute’s contributions to the economy and harped on the need to invest more in the educational system, while he highlighted some of the institute’s processes, challenges and initiatives. Excerpts. What does ICAN represent as an institution and how has the journey been so far? The institute was enabled by an Act of parliament in 1965 with just 250 members and today, we have over 39,000 members. Until 1972, the examinations were being moderated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales; one of the foremost accounting bodies in the world. In 1977, our institute was one of the pioneer bodies of accountants to form the International Federation of Accountants and between 1984 and 1986, we were able to produce the Vice President of that global regulator of our profession in the person of Chief Olu Falae. Today, that august body regulates accountants in over 125 jurisdictions (countries), and is responsible for over 2.5 million accountants worldwide. Apart from that, we also have members of ICAN on the board and committees of that world regulator. What it means is that ICAN is being benchmarked, with our standards being accepted worldwide. To show that we are international players, in the last World Accountancy Conference, which was held in Rome, last year, we had some of our members presenting papers; we sponsored a research, in collaboration with other researchers, on new ways of reporting financial statements. ICAN will be 50 years this year and the institute is not only dominant in the sub-region and Africa, but, is a respected body, glob-

“Our rules require that you must write a petition under oath, because we don’t want to be wasting our time with frivolities. So you have to send the petition under oath to the Registrar, who sends it to one of the institute’s six investigative panels”

Ajaegbu

ally. The body is a global brand and three years ago, because we are passionate about standards, we got into a tripartite agreement between us, World Bank, the same Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, to review our processes, in order to make sure that we are, continually, meeting those global standards. They came up with recommendations and one of those recommendations was that we needed to obscure our study materials and review them every four or five years. We are very passionate about standards and whatever we do, we want to match the best that is available in the universe. How do you groom a child to become a future chartered accountant? If you want your child to be a chartered accountant, I think it is important to start from the very beginning, prudence and accountability are important. If you give your child, maybe, N5 or N10, it is important that the child does, what we call returns; you must account for how you spend your money.

You begin to imbibe that culture of accountability and, over time, from primary school, you can now focus on this wonderful profession. Is the pass rate for those taking the ICAN examinations rising or declining? It fluctuates and the truth is that the quality of preparation and the quality of the students determine the pass rate. We have standards, we don’t give out certificates if we think you can’t defend the band, and we are also aware that the quality of education is declining and for us to defend our band, we must meet a certain level of standards. And now that we run subject by subject, for example, in our last certificate case study, we had over 60 per cent in that case study for that particular course, but in some cases, you can also have 10 per cent, so you need to prepare. And our processes are foolproof, in the sense that nothing goes wrong. For example, you have 10 questions on a particular examination paper, you cannot mark more than one paper, even if the script is 10,000, you can only mark Question One. I

cannot start giving all our procedures, but it is so time-tested and rigorous that nothing can go wrong with it. We also use statistical method to make sure that everything is in order. If we have extreme cases of either pass or failure, we investigate them and finally, a candidate has the right to call for the re-marking of his or her scripts. If you think you did better than the outcome of your results, you can bring in your own experts. We will give them the scripts and the marking scheme and ask them to mark your scripts, we are that transparent. What is the role of accountants in the fight against corruption and what has the institute done to sanction members found culpable in sharp practices, specifically, involving the fuel subsidy scam? I think what, probably, addressed that question is the lack of information and awareness. The enabling Act of the institute, clearly spells out the disciplinary processes, meaning that you are to have the petition under oath.

Our rules require that you must write a petition under oath, because we don’t want to be wasting our time with frivolities. So you have to send the petition under oath to the Registrar, who sends it to one of the institute’s six investigative panels. It will investigate the allegation, conclude whether there is a case to answer by this member or not. If the panel determines that there is a case to answer, then it is taken to a tribunal; I am the chairman of the tribunal, its equivalent in the judicial hierarchy is the high court. Whatever we decide in the tribunal, can only be appealed by the affected member at the Court of Appeal. It will be wrong for you to expect that we will just jump into an investigation because some allegations were published in the newspapers. For example, on the question of the fuel subsidy scam, if we get a written petition, of just one sheet of paper, addressed to me, the institute will investigate. But it is not in tandem with our processes for us to read on the pages of newspapers that somebody had stolen money and we then start inviting them, No, we don’t do that. We also have what we call a whistleblower fund which was created with a seed fund of N50million; why we had to create CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

31 Interview

‘Cut wastes, reduce importation to save economy ’ We need to curb importation. We need to start attempting to do a lot of things internally and for you to do that, I think there is a need for us to have, maybe, a periodic protectionist disposition to things we do; we can’t be importing toothpicks or toilet rolls. Ajaegbu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

So, we created that fund and set it aside and the idea is to encourage people to actually whistleblow when they see infractions. However, if we don’t get people reporting infractions to us, there is nothing we can do. So the institute had never received any complaints against members in connection with the fuel subsidy scam? ICAN had never received any petition against our members over the fuel subsidy scam and we are challenging you to do one, since you, as a newspaper, are also investigative in nature. It is only when you test a system that you are able to find out whether the system is efficient and functioning well or not. It will be wrong for people to stay outside and imagine what ICAN is doing to fight corruption. The tribunal sits every month and just last month we sanctioned a couple of our members – we do not spare people when we find them culpable. But, we will not become irresponsible and start investigating allegations through the pages of newspapers, No, we won’t do that. This year, we’ve so far had two tribunal sittings and another one is coming up shortly. How far has the N50 million

fund been accessed? We just did that and the template is being worked out by the Registrar. But before now, when we think our members are being persecuted, because they took a professional decision. We’ve had to go to court to watch the proceedings; we are not saying you shouldn’t try our members, we only ask that our members get fair hearing and we’ve been able to make sure that all the challenges that cripple our system, including the judiciary, doesn’t flow down to how our members are being treated for saying that something is professionally wrong and we will continue to do that. Now that we have a structure in place, we will expand the scope of what we have been doing on that. How would you assess the impact of ICAN on Nigeria’s economy? Like I said, we have about 39,000 members working globally, not just in Nigeria. We are everywhere in all sectors of the economy and because of our training, we excel in all that we do. For example, I can manage Daily Times, because our training is very rigorous and versatile. Because we are in the system, we see the finances, we understand where the problems are; we are better equipped to deal with challenges in organisations and

that is why we rise in whatever sector we are, banking, engineering, just name it. If you see some of our question papers, you’ll think it was set for people writing Mathematics, because whatever we set out to do, we do it very well. That is how we equip our people to meet the challenges out there. So in terms of our impact, I’m not sure it is quantifiable, but I can say that it is very profound on the economy of this nation. And in any case, the economy of any nation cannot function without chartered accountants, not just accountants, chartered accountants and, preferably, ICAN members. What should be the focus of government with regards to prudent management of the economy? You can start by cutting down on the costs of governance and the rising local debt profile and the servicing of that debt is also encroaching on our cash flow. This is part of what is building up recurrent expenditure portion of the national budget. We need to curb importation. We need to start attempting to do a lot of things internally and for you to do that, I think there is a need for us to have, maybe, a periodic protectionist disposition to things we do; we can’t be importing toothpicks or toilet rolls.

There is a need for us to put our money into qualitative education. Whether we like it or not, we do know that the quality of education in this country has gone really down and without you having people who are employable, who can do things, how do you want to make things? How do you want to be able to produce cheaply and enjoy the economic multiplier effect of, maybe, a full employment, or at least a realistic employment level? What are the objectives of the tripartite pact between ICAN, NBA and stockbrokers? That pact is still subject to ratification by the institute’s council, but what the pact is all about is primarily because what we were asked to do by the enabling Act of the institute of 1965 is to protect public interest. The primary aim of our entering into that pact is to see how we can get the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, every other thing in that pact is secondary and it is still subject to ratification by ICAN’s council. Do you give special recognition to your members for excellence as well as exposing those who breach your standards? Yes, we do give awards and for those found wanting at the tribunal, we also publish their names in our journals. With regards to major challenges confronting the institute, what is the way forward? By going forward, we have to keep shouting that there is a need for us to improve on the quality of education in this country, because whatever they produce serves as raw materials for the institute’s certification processes. We also have to keep insisting that there is a need for us to strengthen the rule of law. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), for example, cannot just come to Nigeria and start conducting exams. It is illegal and there is no way ACCA or any other foreign body can cry more than the bereaved; they can’t take care of our own children better than ICAN. To that effect, about seven years ago, we set up what we called Special Students Funding Scheme. It was to address the perceived

gaps we saw in the various locations: South-South, South-East and in the North, where we felt that we weren’t producing enough chartered accountants. We have committed hundreds of millions of Naira into that project. Today, we are building about five to six lecture theatres across the nation: Obafemi Awolowo University of Ife, University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, North-West University, Kano and the Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi. The institute is also building a centre in Aba and we just approved two new lecture theatres for the Polytechnic, Ibadan and Michael Okpara Umudike University in Umuahia. ACCA or any other professional accounting body cannot do that. Those are the ones I can remember; we give grants to Ph.D. students, and we even give grants to research in areas that, we think, will benefit our society. We even have, what we call, Tuition Houses Support Fund, which is to support the tuition houses that are preparing candidates to write our exams, it is a grant and not a loan. No foreign body can do that; we know that we need to develop the profession for our children. So it is wrong for us to keep quiet and allow foreign bodies to collect money from our students to write their exams. Why are they doing this? It is because the rule of law takes a long time for it to, actually, deal with the issue. We cannot just go to the United Kingdom and start advertising for people to write our exams, without going through the framework of the law. ICAN is very proactive, we have what we call five-year rolling plans. We try and anticipate the challenges that we would face in the next five years and we try putting the necessary measures in place to deal with them. Our fears also would be to wake up to sudden unfavourable policy changes. Today, we are 50 years and I believe that long after you and I are gone, say, in the next 500 years, ICAN would still be around and waxing, even stronger.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Features

Politics

Features

s Jonathan hasin Koko Anger Anger in Koko stepped over EPZ P17 project over EPZ P21 project on toes of saboteurs –Obi Jonathan has stepped Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

Politics Faith Anthony

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APC is solution to crisis in Nigeria Hectares of land belonging to Koko indigenes reportedly acquired The nation’s political landscape is said to be dominated

Nigerians have been told to give President Goodluck Jonathan another four years, not just because of what he has achieved during his first term, but also because he is head and shoulders above his All Progressives Congress, (APC) rival, Major General (rtd) Muhammadu Buhari. Fielding questions from an audience of about 100 Nigerians during an interactive session at the Holiday Inn, Russell Square, London, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, also likened Buhari to the analogue age, as compared to Jonathan, the digital age. Obi, who also doubles as the deputy campaign director of the President, told the gathering that Jonathan has rocked the boat of those who used to feed fat off the nation’s oil wealth through the various loopholes in the system hence, they don’t want him back. Citing the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), as one notable example, Obi said when the country had Excess Crude Account, there were always agitations from everyone, including governors, that the money be shared. But “Jonathan government has moved from Excess Crude to Sovereign Wealth Fund. In Excess Crude, governors and everybody, all of us come to Abuja and say: ‘share it’, but you can’t share Sovereign Wealth Fund. It is managed internationally. It’s there for everybody and everybody can see it,” he said. Continuing, he said: “ to give you an example, after so much fight, everybody agreed that let’s just save $1 billion and as of last year, that money has made a profit of $100 million.” Obi, who opted to field quesCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Indigenes of the ancient town of Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State are angry following the relocation of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

for the proposed Delta Gas City Project four years ago is now the bone of contention following Federal Government’s relocation of

Ngozi Okafor, London

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015

ANTHONY

the $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project to Ogidigben NATION’S ECONOMY in Warri South Local Government. JOE OGBODU reports.

(EPZ) project from their land. The people say that the large expanse of land which was allocated for the project has been denied themsince the project was moved, and vows to recover

it from the Federal Government. It would be recalled that four years ago, the Federal Government had proposed Koko for CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

on toes of saboteurs –Obi

News

Business

Armed men 30 ICAN’s impact Interview on Nigeria’s economy in South Sudan Dutch nationals ICAN’s impact onboys Nigeria’s fingered in Armed menP12 abduct 89 unquantifiable Mogadishu economy unquantifiable in South Sudan – Ajaegbu hotel blasts– Ajae P 30 Daily Times Nigeria

Africa 12 89 boys abduct

Monday, February 23, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 23, 2015

ÏÏÏTwin suicide bombings at

The impact of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) on the nation’s economy in the past 50 years is unquantifiable. This was the submission of Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, president of the institute, which will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year, to the management team of Daily Times, who paid a courtesy visit to the institute recently. He spoke on the institute’s contributions to the economy and harped on the need to invest more in the educational system, while he highlighted some of the institute’s processes, challenges and initiatives. Excerpts.

Jonathan

Abandoned 3,000 hectares of land for EPZ

93-year old, Chief Victor Nana

does ICAN represent It is believed the boys may haveWhat been taken to be used as child soldiers

as an institution and how has

ÏÏÏAt least, 89 boys the havejourney been “armed soldiers” been so far? went house to

Chijioke needs N2 million for corneal transplant surgery Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr A young Nigerian, Chijioke Anthony Onyenwe, was led into our newsroom last week by a young friend with a story that wrings the heart. Just 27, Anthony, an indigene of Ezinefe-Mbaise village in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, was visited by a

abducted in South Sudan’s res- house in the town and forced any The institute was enabled by tive Upper Nile State, the United boy over the age of 12 to go with an Act of parliament in 1965 with Nations Children’s Fund (UNI- them. just 250 members and today, we CEF) has said. Thousands of children have over 39,000 Until The UN agency saidhave the boys, been members. forced by the government were be- as child some as young as 13,1972, were the tak- examinations and rebel groups to fight ing exams in Wau Shilluk, a soldiers, ing moderated by the Institute since South Sudan town about 12 miles northeast of erupted in violenceofin Decemof Chartered Accountants the state capital, Malakal, when ber 2013, UN Secretary-General England and Wales; one of the they were taken by armed men. Ban ki-Moon said in a report reforemost accounting bodies in Ajaegbu UNICEF also cited witnesses to leased last month.

the world. It is unclear who was behind In 1977, our institute was one ally. The body is a global brand You begin to imbibe that culof the pioneer bodies of accoun- and three years ago, because we ture of accountability and, over tants to form the International are passionate about standards, time, from primary school, you Federation of Accountants and we got into a tripartite agree- can now focus on this wonderful “You cannot be under observabetween 1984 and 1986, we were ment tion and then at the same time go between us, World Bank, profession. able to produce the Vice PresiInstitute of Chartered to work to expose people. Nothe waysame ,” dent of thatheglobal Accountants of England and Is the pass rate for those said. regulator of our profession in the of patients Wales, to review our processes, taking the ICAN examinaThere areperson now eight who have tested positive forin Ebola Chief Olu Falae. order to make sure that we tions rising or declining? ÏÏÏ A bombing by suspected being caredbody for atregutreatment cen-continually Today, that august are, , meeting those Is- It fluctuates and the truth is lamic State (IS) militants in Libya tres in Liberia, Nyenswah said. standards. lates accountants in over 125 global that the quality of preparation ÏÏÏ Eight health workers at a of those are in Monrovia, has killed, at least, 40 people and jurisdictionsSeven (countries), and is They came up with recommen- and the quality of the students hospital in Liberia’s capital have while another is in the town of wounded dozens in the eastern responsible for over 2.5 million dations and one of those recom- determine the pass rate. We have been sent home for observation Kakata. That total is a far cry town of al-Qubbah. Salah accountants worldwide. mendations was bombs that weexploded, needed tarstandards, we don’t give out cerafter coming into contact with a from Three last year when the West Afthat, we was alsothe have obscure oura study materials tificates if we think you can’t patient, who later tested Apart positivefrom geting petrol station, a police rican nation centreto of the of chaos with two governments for Ebola, the country’smembers assistant ofworst ICAN on outbreak the board station and every the home and. review them fouroforparliadefend thefor band, and we also . Ebola in history vying legitimacy andare territory health minister has said. mentary speaker Salah,aware a and committees of has that worldmore Liberia recorded than Medics the scene of the five years. We are very Agila passionthat theatquality of educaThe incident occurred at the SD What security source told News.tion bombings 9 000itconfirmed, said the majority caregulator. means is suspected that ateand about standards andBBC whatis declining and for usof to Cooper Hospital in Monrovia’s According to an online stateprobable Ebola cases and ever 3 900we do, we want to match the defend sualties were atwe themust petrolmeet station, ICAN is being benchmarked, our band, a Sinkor neighbourhood, Tolbert deaths, according to the World ment, IS fighters said they struck where there was a long queue of with our standards being accept- best that is available in the uni- certain level of standards. Nyenswah said. Health Organisation. However, in retaliation for Egyptian air motorists. ed worldwide. verse. strikes. And now that we run subject The patient, a woman, was WHO’s most recent update reAgila Salah was not at home show we are internaby subject, for example, in our transferred to the hospitalTo from a that Egypt launched strikes after IS at the time of the attack, they ported only two new cases in the tional players, in the lastand World How do you21groom a child to last case study , we had smaller hospital, and staff began killed Egyptian Christians it certificate previous week, schools began added. Speaking to Saudi-owned Conference, a future chartered ac- overTV 60 per cent in that case study treating her before an Accountancy Ebola test reopening abducted. earlierwhich this week.becomehad channel Al-Arabiya, he anwas conducted, Nyenswah The al-Qubbah attack is one of wassaid. held in Rome, last ,year, we countant? for that particular course, but in On Friday President Ellen nounced seven days of mourning The health workers will un- ofJohnson-Sirleaf deadliest Libyatosince ordered the bomb hadbe some our members pre- officials If youthe want your in child be the somefor cases, youvictims. can also have 10 der observation for 21senting days andpapers; of Col Muammar to liftwe a curfew put ina place six toppling “I think this operation was responsored a chartered accountant, I think Gadper cent, so you need to prepare. will not be coming into work dur- months ago and to reopen the dafi four years ago. venge for processes what happened Derresearch, in collaboration with it is important to start from the And our are infooling that period, he said. The country remains in a state na,” Mr Salah said. country’son land border crossings. other researchers, new ways very beginning, prudence and proof, in the sense that nothing of reporting financial state- accountability are important. If goes wrong. For example, you ments. you give your child, maybe, N5 or have 10 questions on a particuICAN will be 50 years this year N10, it is important that the child lar examination paper, you canand the institute is not only dom- does, what we call returns; you not mark more than one paper, inant in the sub-region and Afri- must account for how you spend even if the script is 10,000, you ca, but, is a respected body, glob- your money. can only mark Question One. I

Food aid shortage threatens HIV patients in Burkina Faso

Corruption and the 1999 Constitution (2) Chijioke

Yinka Odumakin

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

the mass abduction, who said

Islamic State attack kills 40 in Libya

Eight Liberian health workers sent home in Ebola scare

ÎÎÎThe immunity clause

The 1999 constitution has only codified the foundational crisis of Nigeria, a country resting on the columns of corruption.

is one of the supporting pillars of corruption in our country today as it has disempowered the people to hold those who preside over their affairs accountable. It has placed certain people above the law.Those steeped in that culture have been rubbing it on our noses with comments like NEPA bill would have been equivalent of a school certificate which the law stipulates should be the minimum to run for certain offices. And yet these are the “change agents” in the upside down republic. The 1999 constitution has only codified the foundational crisis of Nigeria, a country resting on the columns of corruption. I often remember the story told me by Commodore Francis Ademoroti who died a few years ago. He was a young man in 1962 seeking scholarship

abroad and had come out in flying colours in the perquisite examinations.The Minister of Education however thought that his own kinsman not as bright as Ademoroti was better qualified on the ground of nepotism. This galled the then Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi who asked one of his Chiefs to go lodge a report at the American Embassy in Lagos. The ambassador was fully persuaded that a clear case of injustice had been perpetrated and decided to follow Ademoroti to the minister. However, the cocky minister told the ambassador that Nigeria was no longer a colony and therefore no one should dictate to it.The ambassador surveyed the room and made a prophetic declaration: “This is August 1962, you people

are not yet two years into independence and you already started this way. Great nations are not built on the foundation of fraud”. Greatness has eluded Nigeria because of its foundation of fraud.The corruption that we complain about today is endemic and systemic. We have not had one administration that has not been accused of corruption. The Nzeogwu had at the core of its manifesto the desire to deal with the ten per centers.The coup that overthrew Gowon railed against the corruption of his administration .The Dimka gang that assassinated Murtala talked about corruption. The Shagari government probed corruption under Obasanjo. Buhari overthrew Shagari and handed 1000 year-jail terms for politicians of the Second Republic on allegations

of corruption. The coup speech by Abacha to overthrow Buhari alleged corruption in the “ counter trade” of that adminstration. Babangida raised corruption to new heights but was not probed because he was succeeded by Barawo Sani. Obasanjo on his second coming recovered loots from Abacha which were re-looted. It was in order to break this vicious cycle that delegates at the 2014 National Conference took a hard look at the problem and decided it was time to deal with corruption by removing the tap root. They resolved that in the new constitution of Nigeria, immunity clause should have no space. Anyone who is not playing “419” with change must therefore take the implementation of that report as the centerpiece of a new order.To insist on keeping the 1999 con-

cannot start giving all our procedures, but it is so time-tested and rigorous that nothing can go wrong with it. We also use statistical method toÏÏÏ make The sure Worldthat Foodeverything Programme is inwarns order. we have extreme casit If will soon need to cut asto pass thousands of people essistance of either or failure, we inliving with HIV/AIDS in Burkina vestigate them and finally , a canFaso because a funding didate has theofright to callshortfor the age. re-marking of his or her scripts. Jean-Charles Dei, the local If you think you did better than WFP representative, said the the outcome of your results, you shortage threatens more than 12 can in and yourother ownpeople experts. 000 bring patients afWe will give themimperilling the scripts fected by HIV/AIDS, their health and making diffiand the marking schemeitand ask cult for continue drugwe them topatients mark to your scripts, treatment. are that transparent. WFP normally distributes 117 tons of food assistance to the

What is the role of accoungroup, but Dei said the program tants in the fight against corhad received only 27% of its curruption and what hasit to the rent funding needs, allowing institute done sanction provide aid to only 3 to 000 people. members found culpable The United Nations HIV/AIDSin agency estimates there are 110 000 , sharp practices, specifically people living the with HIV in Burkina involving fuel subsidy Faso. The adult prevalence rate is scam? just under 1%, down from a high I think what, probably, adof 6.5% in 2001. dressed that question is the lack of information and awareness. The enabling Act of the institute, clearly spells out the disciplinary processes, meaning that you are to have the petition under oath.

stitution which mandates corruption and pays lip service to anti-corruption is not near a crusade but the perfect charade. Corruption is the very oxygen that the current structure of Nigeria breathes. We have to pull that oxygen by restructuring the country and that is the urgency of change! In the People’s Republic, published in 1968, Chief Obafemi Awolowo made a very poignant statement: “I predict that every multi-lingual or multinational country with a unitary constitution must either eventually have a federal constitution based on the principles which I have enunciated, or disintegrate, or be perennially afflicted with disharmony and instability.” Corruption has become one of the perennial instability factors in Nigeria and it requires systemic tackling .(concluded).

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Precipitation

“Our ru that yo a petitio oath, be don’t w wasting with fri you hav petition to the R who se of the in investig

Our rule must writ oath, becau wasting ou So you hav under oath sends it to six investig It will in tion, conclu case to answ not. If the p there is a c is taken to chairman equivalent chy is the h we decide only be app member at It will be pect that w an investig allegations newspapers For exam of the fuel get a writte sheet of pa the institut it is not in cesses for u of newspa had stolen start invitin do that. We also whistleblow created wi N50million

Life&

TIMES Monday, February 23, 2015

Stylish blazer L3 looks

Bimpe Onakoya family rubbishes Nick Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claim L3 P

A class act in makeup artistry

! Killing you softly? L

Shoes

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 23, 2015

Being an artistic director for an international brand is every makeup artist’s dream – Bimpe Onakoya

She is an award winning international makeup artist. Dynamic and creative, Bimpe Onakoya has over 11 years of industry experience spanning television, print, editorial, photo shoots, fashion shows and events. Her keen eye for makeup has led to her building a solid reputation in the industry as well as working alongside some of the industry’s most influential photographers, top models, fashion designers and stylists. The Artistic Director of Maybelline (New York) Nigeria, takes Nkarenyi Ukonu on a journey through her passion and what she makes of being considered an icon in the makeup industry.

You were one of the privileged few makeup artists from around the world at the prestigious Mercedez Benz New York Fashion week. What was the experience like? I was invited by Maybelline international, the American makeup giant. It was my first time in New York and I was warmly welcomed by the management crew led by Yadin, the global makeup artist for Maybelline and that set the tone for me. He is someone whose works I have always admired even though I had never met him before then but I was pleasantly surprised that he had equally done his research on me. Here, I am referred to as a veteran but over there, I was like a baby, working alongside people who have been in the industry for almost 20 years and counting. I worked on some people that I had always heard about but never seen like supermodel, Jordan Dunn, one of the spokeswomen for Maybelline. I also got to work for the shows of some fashion designers I had only heard of but never seen like DKNY, LACOSTE, J. Mendel, Mara Hoffman, Suno etc. It was an interesting and eye opening experience as well as an explosion of creativity as I saw fashion and make up being done properly. I met with the president of Maybelline and had the chance to discuss with the creative team that churn out the products in the makeup line about what works for us in Africa and in Nigeria specifically, the kind of things we like as a people. How has this boosted your career? That I was picked to attend is actually a big deal in my industry and a dream come true. I have since been interviewed by international magazines and I am now known all over. So when international makeup companies need to call on any one in Africa, I am the one they will first call upon. The rate at which I am now been invited for jobs, including international ones, is unprecedented. I have also gained a wider knowledge of makeup artistry thus making me better in my field. What were some of the makeup tricks you learnt while you were there?

Actually, I have always been aware of them but just over looked them because of our weather here. All through the fashion show, we never used powder, just foundation, concealer and high lighter because they just needed that natural and dewy look on the runway. But here, we are masters of layering our face with powder even after using foundation.

What are some of the faux pas with the way Nigerians apply their makeup that you want to see corrected? We actually started proper makeup very late in Nigeria even though we are now trying to catch up and over take the world. But the one I want to see stopped immediately is highlighting and contouring. It is okay if you do it once in a while but it is sometimes overdone here thus defeating the actual purpose, which is to project the face. You do contouring and highlighting on a face that is chubby to make it slimmer, give it a little bit of structure and dimension and not on an already structured face. And most times, they end up looking like an eagle. Unfortunately, the thing with Nigerians is that once one person starts something, it spreads like wild fire. I just wish it would stop so it doesn’t spill over to the next generation of makeup enthusiasts. Do you see any sort of rivalry among you, Banke Meshida-Lawal and Tara Fela-Durotoye who are equally referred to as pioneer makeup artists in Nigeria? No. I love them both, they are my good friends. Banke does purely bridal makeup while I do purely fashion. I did say earlier on that I do bridal too because to be able to survive in this industry, one needs to be able to do everything but I advertise myself more as a fashion makeup person.

When I started, I was just a struggling person, I didn’t have a penny to my name. I was just a young lady who wanted to struggle and do something for herself. I had always known that I wanted to do things my own way and on my own terms. I didn’t allow myself to be bogged down by anything. It was tough but I was determined never to give up. I was always smiling which became a cloak. I don’t know where the zeal and fire came from but I trudged on because I knew where I was going. Gradually things started happening. So today when I see people suffering, I understand where they are coming from because I have been there before.

Are you looking at owning your makeup line in the nearest future like it has become the trend here? Maybe but for now I am all about Maybelline. It is one step at a time. One of my dreams was to be affiliated with an international makeup brand and it happened. Every serious make up artist’s dream is to be the artistic director for an international brand so you can grow to become an authority in that field. What are the five must haves in a woman’s makeup bag? It depends on what you love and your personality but you must have a colossal kajal (eye liner), lip gloss, lip balm, eye brow pencil and BB cream and you are good to go. But the most important thing is to take lots of water which helps to flush out the system leaving you with a glowing skin.

Outside of these two, there has been an upsurge in the number of makeup artists in Nigeria. Are you bothered by competition? Of course not. Competition is good when it is very healthy. I try to be the best in what I do without running down anyone. What prompted you to go into make up? When others wanted to study engineering and law, I didn’t know what to do but with time, I figured out that out. I discovered makeup when I was in secondary school. My best friend travelled to Paris during the long vacation and came back with a makeup palette which I fell in love with immediately and thus began my journey into the profession. What would you say must have significantly shaped you to be who you are today? The people I work with and my experiences with them and with life generally.

Bimpe Onakoya in brief

Ï d Ƅ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ ƅƆƍ Ǝ 9 ƎƄƍ ƎƆ Ɖ ƅƍƆƃ Ƃ Ƅƕ Ɗ ƈƄƏƋ ƍƎƆ Ǝ Ǝ Ƒ ƍƈ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ LƄƍƃƄƕƄƔ Ƅ Ɣ MƄƑ ƍƈ 0 Ɔ zƄƄƈê Ï d Ƅ ƂƄ Ƅƍ Ə ƆƐƄƍ ƆƎƓ ƄƕƏƃ ƎƆ Ǝ RƂ ƅƄƊƆ Ƒ Ɖ Ƒ n ƆƐƄƍ ƆƎƓ ƂƄƅ ƍƄ Ǝƍ ƅƄƍƍƆ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ n ƆƐƄƍ ƆƎƓ ƅ G ê Ï d Ƅ Ɔ ƍ ƕƏ ƎƄ ƅ 6ƏƊ EƆ ƄƎƆƃ Ï d Ƅ ƉƄ ƍ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ ƍƏƕƆƊƄ Ǝ ƅ Ɗ ƈƄ ƏƋ ƅƍ Ɗ ƅ ƍƄƊ Ǝ Ɗ ƈƄƏƋ ƍƎƆ Ǝè Ɠ 6 ƎƍƏƋ

Ï d Ƅ Ɔ Ɖ ƐƄƍƓ ƕ Ǝ Ɔƍ ƎƓƉƆ ƕ ƃƏƎƎƆ ƕ ƉƄ ƍ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ ƍƏƕƆƊƄ Ǝ ƅ Ɔƍ Ɗ ƈƆ Ǝ ƅ ƊƄƕ Ɔƍ Ɖ è G ƕƓ j ƍƋƄ Ï d Ƅ ƕ ƂƍƆƄƅ ƎƆ Ǝ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ Ƃ ƈƆ Ɔ ƕƏ ƎƍƓ Ï d Ƅ ƍƏ Ɗ ƈƄƏƋ Ǝƍ Ɔ Ɔ ƃ Ɖ Ƅƍ Ƒ Ƒ Ɠ ƅ ƆƐƆ Ƃ ƃƈ Ǝ ƃƆƄƎƓ Ï d Ƅ Ɔ ƋƋƆƉƓ Ɗ ƍƍƆƄƕ

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 23, 2015

L3 Fashion & Style

`ƄƐ ƊƋ Ɠ Əƍ ƎƓƉƄ ƑƆƎ Ǝ Ƅ Ƅ

blazers Nkarenyi Ukonu

j Ƅ Ƈ ƃƈƄƎ ƍ Ǝ Ƅ ƂƉ ƔƄƍ Ɔ Ƅ ƃƉ Ɔƃ ƎƍƄ ƕ Ǝ Ǝ ƑƆƉƉ ƄƐƄƍ ƏƎ ƅ ƎƓƉƄê 9Ǝ Ɔ Ƅ Ƅ ƎƆ Ɖ ƋƆƄƃƄ ƅ ƃƉ Ǝ Ɔ Ǝ Ǝ ƏƉƕ ƂƄ ƋƍƄ Ƅ Ǝ Ɔ ƄƐƄƍƓ Ɖ ƕƓô Ƒ ƍƕƍ ƂƄê LƏƉƎƆéƅƏ ƃƎƆ Ɖè ƐƄƍ ƎƆƉƄ ƕ Ƌ Ɔ ƎƆƃ ƎƄƕè ƆƎ Ɔ Ƅ ƅ Ɔ Ǝ ƋƉƄ Ɠ Ə ƃ ƉƑ Ɠ Ə Ƅ Ǝ Ɛ ƍƓ Ɠ Əƍ Ɖ ƈ ƕ ƎƓƉƄ ê GƏƃƈƆƉƓ Ǝ ƄƓ ƃ ƊƄ Ɔ Ɛ ƍƆƄƎƓ ƅ ƎƓƉƄ ê

Yolanda Okereke

The cropped jacket 9Ǝ Ɔ ôƎ ƉƓ Ə ƆƐƄƍ Ɖè ƆƎ Ǝ Ƅ ƕƐ Ǝ Ƅ ƅ ƂƄƆ ƂƉƄ Ǝ ƉƄ Ǝ Ƅ Ǝ Ƅ ƏƋƋƄƍ Ƃ ƕƓ ƕ ƆƅƎ ƎƎƄ ƎƆ Ǝ ƉƆƊ Ƒ Ɔ Ǝ ƍ ƏƋƋƄƍ Ƃ ƕƓ Ƌ ƍƎê Ï zƄ ƍ ƑƆƎ ƇƄ Ǝ ƄƉƋ ƕƕ ƕƆƊƄ Ɔ Ǝ Ɠ Əƍ ƉƄ ê Ï 0 ƍ ƍ ƃƈéƃ Ɔƃ ƎƓƉƄè ƑƄ ƍ ƑƆƎ Ƌ ƎƎƄƍ Ƅƕ Ǝ ƎƄƊƄ Ǝ Ƌ Ǝ ê Ï 1 ƕ ƎƓƉƆ ƃ ƃƈƎ ƆƉ ƕƍƄ Ƅ è ƋƄ ƃƆƉ ƈƆƍƎ ƍ ƅƏƉƉ ƂƏƂƂƉƄ skirts. Ï zƄ ƍ ƈƆƉƉƄƍ ƄƄƉ ƅ ƍ ƕƕƄƕ finesse.

Munachi Abii

The military inspired jacket j Ɔ ƎƓƉƄ Ɔ ôƎ Ƅ Ǝ ƂƄ ƆƕƄƉƆ Ƅƕè ƆƎ Ɔ ƃ Ǝ ƎƉƓ ƄƐ ƉƐƆ ê Ï zƄ ƍ ƑƆƎ ƍƏƅƅƉƄ ƕ Ɖ ƃƄ blouse. Ï Ƅ ƍƄ ƂƉƄ ƑƆƎ Ǝ Ƅ ƂƏƎtons and patterns to reduce the ƏƕƆ Ƅ Ǝ Ǝ ƊƆƉƆƎ ƍƓ ƎƍƄ ƕ ƃ ƍƍƓê Ï L ƈƄ ƆƎ Ǝ ƕ ƏƎ ƂƓ Ƌ ƆƍƆ with neutrals. Ï zƄ ƍ ƑƆƎ ƂƍƆ Ǝ ƕ ƆƍƉƓ ƃƃƄ ƍƆƄ Ǝ ƂƍƄ ƈ Ǝ Ƅ ƍƆ Ɔƕ Ɖ ƈê Ï ƕ ƅ ƍ ƈƆƉƉƄƍ ƎƎƆƎƏƕƄè ƑƄ ƍ with killer heels

Dabota Lawson

The boyfriend blazer & Ɠ Ǝ ƑƄ ƍ ƕ Ɗ Ǝƃ è ƆƎ ƆƐƄ ƅƅ ƃƉ Ɠ ƎƓƉƆ Ɖ ƈ ƕ ƃ ƂƄ Ƒ ƍ Ǝ Ɠ ƃƃ Ɔ ê Ï 9Ǝ ƏƉƕ ƂƄ ƐƄƍ ƆƔƄƕ ƂƏƎ Ǝ Ǝ Ɖ ƄƉƓê Ï G ƈ ƅ ƍ Ƅ Ǝ Ǝ ƏƆƎ Ɠ Əƍ Ƃ ƕƓ ƃƏƎê Ï j Ƅ ƉƄƄƐƄ ƊƏ Ǝ ƂƄ ƍ ƉƉƄƕ ƏƋè ƄƒƋ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ ƑƍƆ Ǝ Ǝ Ɗ ƈƄ Ǝ Ƅ Ɖ ƈ Ɗ ƍƄ ƅƄƊƆ Ɔ Ƅê Ï zƄ ƍ ƑƆƎ ƇƄ è ƊƆ Ɔ ƕƍƄ Ƅ è ƎƏ Ɔƃ ƕ ƎƍƄ ƕƓ ƉƄ Ɔ ê Ï ƃƃƄ ƍƆƔƄ ƑƆƎ Ɖ Ǝ ƅ ƇƄƑƄƉƍƓ ƉƆƈƄ ƃ Ɔ ƕ Ƃ ƉƄ ƅ ƍ Ɗ ƍƄ ƅƄƊƆ Ɔ Ƅ Ɖ ƈ The classic blazer This works well in and out of the corporate world. Ï 9Ǝ Ɖ ƈ ƄƉƄ Ǝ ƕ ƃƉ Ɠ Ƒ Ƅ ƃ ƊƂƆ Ƅƕ ƑƆƎ Ɠ ƃ Ɖ Əƍ ƍ Ƌ ƎƎƄƍ Ï zƄ ƍ ƑƆƎ ƓƎ Ɔ ƍ Ɔ ƅƍ Ɗ ƋƄ ƃƆƉ ƈƆƍƎ Ǝ ƈƆ Ɠ ƇƄ Ǝ ƃ Ə Ɖ ƈƆƍƎ Ǝ ƉƄ Ɔ Ï 0 ƍ ƅ ƎƑƄ ƍè ƃƆƉƉ ƎƄ ƂƄƎƑƄƄ ƋƏƊƋ ƕ ƎƍƄ ƕƓ ƅƉ Ǝ ê

Honey Ogundeyin

The cropped jacket with a tail ƍ ƋƋƄƕ Ɔ ƅƍ Ǝ ƑƆƎ Ǝ ƆƉè ƆƎ Ɔ ƉƓ Ǝ Ƅ ƏƂƄƍé ƎƓƉƆ Ǝ Ǝ ƑƆƉƉ ƕ ƍƄ ƑƄ ƍ Ǝ Ɔ Ǝ Ɗ ƈƄ ƅ Ɔ Ǝ ƎƄƊƄ Ǝê Ï Ə ƃ ƃ Ƅ Ǝ ƑƄ ƍ ƆƎ ƑƆƎ Ɖ ƍ Ƅ ƆƍƎ ƂƄƃ Ə Ƅ Ǝ Ƅ Ƈ ƃƈƄƎ ƃƉƆ ƃ Ƅ Ǝ Ƅ Ƒ Ɔ Ǝ ƍ ƅ ƍ ƅƆƎƎƄƕ ƆƍƎê Ï Ə ƃ ƍ ƉƉ Ǝ Ƅ ƉƄƄƐƄ Ǝ ƄƓ Ɖ ƈ ƃ Ə Ɖè ƓƄƎ ƅ ƍƊ Ɖê Ï zƄ ƍ ƑƆƎ ƈƆ Ɠ Ƌ Ǝ ƍ ƋƄ ƃƆƉ ƈƆƍƎ Ǝ Ƅ Ǝ ƆƉ ƃ ƂƄ ƍƄ ƉƉƓ Ƌƍ ƊƆ Ƅ Ǝ Ï C ƃƈƄƎ ƊƏ Ǝ ƂƄ ƅƆƎƎƄƕ Ï ƉƓ ƂƄ Ƒ ƍ ƑƆƎ ƋƏƊƋ ƅ ƍ ƃƉ Ɠ ƑƄƉƉ ƋƏƎ Ǝ ƄƎ Ƅƍ Ɖ ƈê

Yosola Kuku

Luxury L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 23, 2015

10 6

most

expensive cars in the world

Opeoluwani Akintayo

Highly priced luxury cars are usually more comfortable but also more sophisticated. The cabins are generously spaced, furnished with high end fabrics, metals and woods that are pleasant to look at and to touch and also made to stand out from the pack. Designed to cause the least possible amount of distraction or frustration, the attention one gets with a luxurious car is really an intangible way to get your money’s worth. Here is a rundown of ten of the most expensive and luxurious cars in the world.

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster Only nine copies of it were built last year. A 12 cylinder, 6.5 liter engine, its top speed is 221 mph. With a light weight body design, this Italian car comes with a starting price of $4.5 million.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse The current model is the fastest production roadster in the world having been driven at 255.5 mph. From France, it comes with an 8 litre and 16 cylinder engine. It sold its 400th one since its introduction in 2005 in December 2013. Less than 50 of it are available out of a total planned production of 450. It comes at a modest price of $2.5 million.

KoenigseggAgera S Made in Sweden, this 1,030 hp, twin-turbo, 5.0-liter V-8 engine car only became available in the United States in December 2013. Its starting price is put at $1,520,000.

Hennessey Venom GT As at December 2013, the makers of this car with a 1,244 hp, 7.0-liter, twinturbo V-8 engine had sold only 11 of it to

clients around the world, including only five in the United States. The company built just 29 copies. With its home in the United Kingdom, it comes at an asking price of $1.2 million.

Porsche 918 Spyder A German car, it has a hybrid gasoline-electric power train, rear-wheel steering, where the rear wheels adjust slightly in turns and an engine that is 4.6-liter, V-8 with two electric motors. Its starting price is $845,000.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase This model is about nine inches longer than the standard-wheelbase. That extra space is most visible in the back seat where the owner sits. The brand image is old-fashioned but Rolls-Royce’s current cars have high-tech features like cameras at five locations to watch out for obstacles when parking, and to project the predicted path on a screen when reversing. Be prepared to shell out $298,900 for this made in UK wonder on wheels.

the Volante. With personalized options like matching a favorite color to paint the exterior, or custom leather, it is one brand that is closely associated with the classic James Bond movies. From the United Kingdom, be prepared to shell out $279,995 for this baby.

Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Coup Otherwise known as the German machine, the engine in the MercedesBenz CL65 AMG Coupe is a handcrafted bi-turbo V-12 engine car and the AMG tradition is that the individual master craftsman who builds each engine puts his signature on it when he’s finished. Starting price? $215,500.

9 7

Ferrari F12berlinetta The Ferrari F12berlinetta has a top speed of over 211 mph and also reaches 125 mph in only 8.5 seconds. This Italian car goes for $315,888.

Bentley Mulsanne The makers aptly call it the grandest of grand tourers with features like wood veneers and leather upholstery made from blemish-free hides, from herds raised in cooler climates where there are fewer insects. Of United Kingdom origin, it goes for $298,900.

Aston Martin Vanquish It is a two-door hard top coupe, which also comes as a convertible, called

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 23, 2015

L5 Living & Decor

Setting up and decorating an office space Mutiat Alli No matter where you work or what you do, it is important to create a space where you can be productive while also making your job easier and more enjoyable, after all it is one place where you spend most of your time. Your office makes a subtle statement to others about who you are, so keep it simple, organized, comfortable and, most importantly, professional while giving it a little warmth and your own personal touch. Setting up a standard and functional office could be very simple for some and tedious for others depending on the necessity of the things you need to put in place. A functional office must be acoustically treated from the onset ranging from the choice of environment and location, to its interior decor. To get started, here is a list of the bare minimum that almost any office would require to set up. Think about the image you

want to project to others. If you’re an accountant or a lawyer, your office should reflect order and professionalism. If you work in the creative industry, then your office may be a bit more colourful. Furniture This may vary depending on the shapes and style you want. Working in an office and sitting for prolonged periods of time may cause a variety of health issues, so it is one thing you don’t want to skimp on. They should be comfortable, adjustable, and even colourful depending on your style and taste. Layout Much of the layout is going to depend on the space you have, however an open layout, which is what most new businesses have, is the easiest. Lightning Studies have shown that lighting can have a significant impact on

employee productivity so you want to get this right from the beginning. Opt for full spectrum light bulbs which mimic the light of the sun.

Unless you plan on doing a super high volume of printing, faxing, or scanning you are going to save a lot of money by going with an ‘all in one’ machine.

Window coverings Most people think of shades or blinds for office spaces. Blinds is another fun way to make a space feel a lot less like an office and more like a lounge, again depending on your preference. This may come in different designs ranging from the pleated blind to vertical blind and venetian, again, depending on your taste.

Decorating ideas for the office

Storage Open shelves? Cabinets? Drawers? If you’re a visual person who really needs to see things to remember they exist, then shelves are probably the best bet. You can still use labeled bins and boxes on the shelves to categorize stuffs. Printer/Scanner/Fax Machine:

The key to decorating your office is maintaining that perfect blend of professional and personal. Art Hang your favorite art pieces and tasteful paintings on your wall space to liven up the office and make you look cultured. You can add your plaques, certificates and awards if. Sculptures are also a stylish way to raise the style ante. Greenery Not only is it pleasing to the eye, but research shows it makes people more productive and helps to keep the air clean by removing toxic air emissions. Choose something that does well with

florescent lighting such as bamboo. Get nice vases to complement them but be careful not to go overboard and turn your office into an amazon jungle. Lamps You can go for pretty lamps and even more fun, a chandelier or

pendant lamp floating over your desk for a funky, stylish look. Clocks A clock is a must in your office. Keep it simple and original and along the same motif as the rest of your décor.

Wellness L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 23, 2015

Those

shoes may be killing you

Lara Adejoro No one can deny the effect of a beautiful pair of shoes, on a man or a woman. Not only does it instantly change your appearance, (for women, helping her make lady-like strides and swing of the hips), it is usually one of the few things that says a lot about the kind of person one is. Besides aesthetic beautification, shoes are meant to protect the feet, make the foot balanced when walking and should be comfortable. Unfortunately, most often, people make bad choices when buying shoes, preferring instead to go for tight pairs with the hope that it would help mould their feet, making them look smarter. Experts say, a bad shoes choice could be a major factor in the development of leg pain, arthritis and other problems associated with the leg. One of the most common feet problem from a tight pair of shoes is bunion also referred to as hallux valgus or hallux abducto

valgus, in medical terms. It is often described as a bump on the side of the big toe. But it is more than that. It is the visible bump that actually reflects changes in the bony framework of the front part of the foot. Bunion develops when the big toe leans toward the second toe, rather than pointing straight ahead. This throws the bones out of alignment producing the bunion’s ‘bump’. Scientists have established that, hallux valgus is more common in women, and is caused by shoes that are too tight, high-heeled and narrow-toed shoes. According to Dr. Lota Kanu of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin (UBTH), hallux valgus is when the big toe becomes bent and the second toe rises up over the big toe while the remaining toes deviate towards the lateral side of the foot. “When you wear tight shoes, your toes ache, the foot becomes tightened, unbalanced and painful and as time goes on, the toes become bent. The pain is caused by the inflammation that

comes from the bone pressing against the shoe,” Kanu said. “A valgus deformity between the heads of the metatarsal bones and the phalanges of the toes is a common abnormality,” she continues. “It can be congenital, familial or acquired. Congenital bent toes occur when a child is still in the mother’s womb and the baby is unable to move around as expected, the child’s toes can then be affected. The familial could be as a result of posterity. There is a likelihood of someone having it if the parent(s) or the grandparent(s) have it. The acquired bent toes are more common in women than in men and it is often attributed to poorly fitting footwear”. Other degenerative diseases one risks for wearing a tight pair of shoes are bone deformity, flat feet, abnormal motion, poor foot mechanics and arthritis of the knee. Studies have shown that, shoes can significantly affect the amount of load on knee and knee osteoarthritis. Kanu says, treatment of these deformities usually include putting

Bunion feet on shoes with a roomy toe box to enable you wiggle the toes and shoes that enhance comfort for sensitive feet. She adds that orthotics and surgical operation can only apply when the pain persists and conservative care fails.

Well alligned feet your feet. Ï dƆƎ ƕ Ƒ ƃ Ɔƍ ƍ ƂƄ ƃ ê Bend your right leg, and place your right ankle on your left knee. Ï 6 Ɖƕ Ǝ Ɠ Əƍ ƍƆ Ǝ Ǝ Ƅ ƑƆƎ your left hand, and gently press your right toes to the left, so your foot is in a pointing position. Press your foot forward into your hand to increase the stretch in the front of the foot and shin. Ï # Ǝ Ɔ ƅ ƍ Ɵƞ Ǝ Ɵƾ Ƅƃ ƕ è and then switch sides.

However, you can still rock your heels or shoes and find relief for your toes and legs if you follow these simple steps. Ï dƎƍƄƎƃ ƏƎ Ɠ Əƍ Ɔ æƅƍ Ǝ ƅ You can also give your foot a the lower leg bone) and the tops of towel stretch

Ï dƆƎ Ǝ Ƅ ƅƉ ƍ ƑƆƎ Ƃ Ǝ ƉƄ straight out in front of you. Ï 0 Ɖƕ ƕ Ǝ ƑƄƉ Ɔ Ɖƅè ƕ hold on to either end with each hand. Hook the middle of the towel around the ball of your right flexed foot. Ï Ƅ ƕ Ɠ Əƍ ƄƉƂ Ƒ Ƃ ƃƈ ƕ ƋƏƉƉ the towel toward your chest while keeping your right leg straight, but don’t jam the back of your knee into the floor. To increase the stretch in your calf, bend your right knee slightly. Ï # Ǝ Ɔ ƅ ƍ Ɵƞ Ǝ Ɵƾ Ƅƃ ƕ è and then switch to the left foot.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 23, 2015

L7 Nutrition

Eat healthy, reverse

grey hair

Diet no doubt plays an important role in the overall wellbeing of a human and surprisingly, in the area of premature greying of hair as well. Even though one cannot prevent the natural cycle of ‘greying’, one can always delay the hands of the clock when it comes to grey hair by the kind of food one eats. Here are a few hair-friendly foods to help delay the onset of grey hair.

Curry leaves Not only is it beneficial in preventing the sprouting of premature grey hairs, it also provides strength to hair roots, an excellent hair tonic that helps stimulate hair growth and increase hair pigmentation. They are easy to plant and you can get the best out of them as they grow quite fast and spread out. So add it to your daily diet. Pumpkin leaves (ugwu) They are naturally rich in Vitamins B6 and B12, which keeps hair healthy. Berries Berries like strawberries, raspberries and cranberries have huge amounts of Vitamin C which helps to promote healthy hair as well as to prevent premature greying. They are a bit expensive to buy though. Almonds Almonds are in season right now in Nigeria so go pluck them because they are rich in both Vitamin E and copper. Incorporate it into your meals and start loading up on hairhealthy nutrients.

Dark Chocolate It is naturally rich in copper, which produces melanin in your hair which is responsible for producing color, which makes it essential for preventing grey hair color. Choose dark chocolate, which contains fewer calories instead of milk chocolate, and enjoy in moderation. Water One can’t emphasize enough the importance of water to the body. If you are not hydrated enough, nutrients will have a hard time reaching your hair follicles thus begins the onset of grey hair. White meat (Chicken/turkey) Eating more chicken can slow down gray hair because the protein in it is required for the production of melanin, the pigment that provides color to your hair and skin.

Grains Eating sprouted whole grains, cereals, and soy helps to prevent premature grey hair . Quit smoking This is definitely one unhealthy lifestyle you must stop. The more you smoke, the faster tour grey hair spreads. Smoking speeds up the aging process of the entire body, your hair inclusive. Avoid coffee, alcohol Too much alcohol and caffeine, as well a diet full of harmful and devitalizing foods can be very bad for your skin and hair and cause premature aging. Avoid processed and junk food Limit your intake of white flour and refined sugar. These foods will only reduce your energy levels, and you will get nothing in return from them. Your body and your hair need nutrients to stay young.

Kitchen equipment of the week:

Magnetic knife strips It’s basically a long and thin strip that can be mounted on the wall or on cabinet doors to securely grip knives, kitchen tools and gadgets. Ï It is space saving if you don’t have much drawer or counter space Ï It makes work so much easier in the kitchen, especially if you are always chopping something. Ï It is much more hygienic than a wooden knife holder because wooden racks are absorbent, holds water and develop bacteria easily. They are also almost impossible to thoroughly clean. Besides, wooden blocks that have perpendicular slats can be bad for knives because the knife can slide against the wood every time you put it in or pull it out of the block. Ï Attached to the wall or to cabinet doors, they’re safer for children. Ï It is an easy way to beautifully display your collection of knifes.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 23, 2015

L8 Television

Showing on

101 M

105 Movies Family

17:00

16:20

Mon, 23 Feb | PG

Mon, 23 Feb | 13 VL

A delightful film based on Jim Benton’s best-selling children’s book. Jamie is a young girl navigating middle school with the help of her best friend and the boy of her dreams. Mary Charles Jones, Emily Alyn Lind. (2013) Kristin Hanggi.

‘S1/E9- The Trials’. Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy) stars in this post-apocalyptic drama helmed by the executive producer of Without A Trace. In this episode, trials for the vaccine begin. (2014)

101 M-Net West

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 Sony Max

00:00 QI 00:07 New Tricks 01:00 Come Dine With Me 01:50 The Honourable Woman 02:45 The Cube 03:35 EastEnders 04:04 EastEnders 04:36 Mr. Bean 05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series 00:00 Behind The Scenes: Ride Along 00:10 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 02:36 Behind The Scenes: Noah 03:00 R.I.P.D. 05:00 Imogene 07:00 MasterChef Australia 08:00 Modern Family 08:30 Celebrity Masterchef South Africa 09:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 The Guilt Trip 12:01 Behind The Scenes: Emeli Sandé 12:30 2 Broke Girls 13:00 MasterChef Australia 14:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 16:00 Nashville 17:00 The Last Ship 18:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 Young Hollywood Presents: Evolution... 19:30 MasterChef Australia 20:30 87th Annual Academy Awards 2015

00:00 Aurora 00:30 The Queen Of The South 01:20 The Queen Of The South 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 The Queen Of The South 03:50 The Queen Of The South 05:20 Where Is Elisa? 06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 Labour Of Love 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa? 10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 Labour Of Love 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa? 14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 Labour Of Love 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Aurora

05:26 QI 05:57 Hebburn 06:30 EastEnders 07:01 Antiques Roadshow 07:57 The Weakest Link

00:00 Black

08:47 The Chase

00:45 Bad Ass

09:32 Total Wipeout UK

02:00 Video Zonkers

10:29 The Cube

02:30 Video Zonkers

11:17 New Tricks

03:00 I Bet You Will

12:16 Top Gear

03:30 I Bet You Will

13:16 Come Dine With Me

04:00 World's Wildest Police Videos

14:10 Total Wipeout UK

05:00 Ninja Warrior

15:09 The Weakest Link

05:25 Ninja Warrior

252 Silverbird

05:50 Cheaters 06:45 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's... 07:40 World's Wildest Police Videos 08:35 I Bet You Will

Life&

154 AfricaMagic Family

00:00 AIT Midnight News 00:30 Movie: 02:30 Trends

03:00 Family Ties 03:30 Hitlist N Cruzin 04:00 The Valley Between 05:00 Oremus 06:00 Kaakaki 09:00 Inside Imo 09:30 Restoration Series 10:00 Focus Nigeria 11:00 The Money Show 12:00 AIT Reports 13:00 Sports Extra 13:30 Our Ladies Our Pride 14:00 Global Business 15:00 Matters Arising 15:30 Global Views Africa 16:00 World News 16:30 Cartoon

T 00:00 Boom Town

10:30 STV Sports Café

17:30 NNPC

01:00 Music Africa

11:00 101 Business

18:02 MTV Base

02:00 Boom Town

11:30 Play Ground

19:00 STV News @ 7

02:30 STV Sports Café

12:00 Nigeria Decides

19:30 Taste of Love

03:00 Local Movie

14:05 Reel Entertainment

20:00 Dream Movie

05:00 Gospel Rhythms

14:30 This Life

21:30 Politicscope

06:30 Insights For Living

15:00 Dynamix On TV

22:00 STV News @ 10

07:00 STV AM News

15:30 Brights

20:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

07:30 Today On Stv

16:05 Nickelodeon

21:00 Jara

09:30 Patitos Gang

17:00 Young Scholars

21:30 Tinsel

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu murielukonu@gmail.com 08029030427 Akintayo Opeoluwani a_opeson2@yahoo.com 08122263784 Mutiat Alli Allimutiat@yahoo.com 08115557378 Isaac Ogundoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893 Graphics Austine Agbovi

XT Exclusive REAL MADRID

set to capture FALCAO X8

Poster!

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA X4,5 Monday, February 23, 2015

E R U TO

E R I T E TO R

Y T I C AT

LAS VEGAS AGOG FOR

HAGI

opens up on football career X6

PACQUIAO, MAYWEATHER

fight

Monday, February 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

ENRIQUE rues Barca mistakes Luis Enrique rued a mistakeladen performance at Camp Nou as Malaga beat Barcelona 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday. The Catalan giants missed the chance to return to the top of La Liga at Camp Nou as Juanmi capitalised on a Dani Alves error to score the only goal in the seventh minute.

TOURE

MOSES

to retire at MAN CITY A

gent Dimitri Seluk said his client Yaya Toure is ready to retire at Manchester City before taking up a role as football director. Toure’s future in Manchester beyond the 2014-15 Premier League season has been in doubt since hint-

ing earlier this month that he would consider his options in an interview with CNN. Inter have emerged as a possible destination for the Ivory Coast international, with former City manager Roberto Mancini reportedly consid-

ering a close-season swoop. However, Seluk has put those doubts to rest in an interview, claiming the 31-year-old wants to stick with the Premier League champions beyond his playing days. “Yaya loves Manchester City and,

despite what is sometimes said, he is happy at the club,” Seluk said. “In fact, he would like to stay for life. He would love nothing better than to finish his playing career with City and then work for the club after that.”

Mourinho demands respect for Blues

helsea manager Jose Mourinho has demanded respect for his players, insisting that his players “are not getting the respect they deserve” from referees and has criticised Burnley’s Ashley Barnes for a dangerous challenge, which saw Nemanja Matic sent off for his reaction. After his side’s 1-1 draw with the Clarets on Saturday, the

Mourinho

Portuguese was incensed at what he felt were four major incidents which saw the visitors unpunished and his side hindered. Matic was sent off for pushing Barnes after the two collided, with the Burnley player’s studs ending up in the side of his opponent’s leg. Reacting over the incident, Mourinho claimed to be at a loss for words at the severity of Barnes’s challenge.

“I know football is football but I think it’s too much,” he said of his argument that too many decisions go against his side. I think my players don’t deserve that. “I don’t have the adjective for Barnes. This is a career-ending tackle. Matic is a lucky guy. I cannot find the word to describe what that player did. Football is about emotions and clearly Matic had a reason to lose his emotions.”

CAF U-17:

salutes Stoke’s fightback

Moses Victor Moses has applauded his teammates for their fight back in their 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday evening. The hosts drew the first blood through Scott Sinclair before the Potters equalized through Mama Diouf’s header before Moses got an injury time winner from the penalty spot. According to the Chelsea loanee, the victory was a perfect timing for the team to bounce back following their painful exit from the FA Cup versus Blackburn Rovers.

ROONEY

bemoans Swansea defeat Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Swansea City on Saturday left Wayne Rooney baffled. Ander Herrera’s third Premier League goal gave United the lead just before the half-hour mark, but Swansea quickly drew level through Ki Sung-yueng. The visitors piled on the pressure in the second half but lacked a clinical touch in the final third, and they paid the price as Jonjo Shelvey’s 73rd-minute shot deflected off Bafetimbi Gomis to secure three points for Swansea.

NIGERIA

We’ve achieved our aim, says Amuneke to cap Iwobi

T Amuneke

he Golden Eaglets handler Emmanuel Amuneke is excited that his wards have accomplished their ambition of reaching the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile. Amuneke revealed that he is delighted that his boys will be defending their world title at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile. A brace from Victor Osimhen

and strike from the captain ensured the Golden Eaglets beat Zambia 3-1 in their last Group A game to book a place in the last four of the competition having survived a scare from the Guinea cadet team in their second game. “We thank God for this moment and for this occasion,” Amuneke said in a post-match conference. “The most important thing for us was to go to Chile and I’m

happy that we have achieved that objective. “We played against a very good side which has very good players and our players had to be cautious to play a game we wanted and at the end of it we achieved what we came here for. “We’re blessed to be one of the teams representing Africa in Chile and we will hope we continue to do well even when we get there.”

in friendly

Nigeria plan to give Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi his debut against Bolivia in a friendly next month, officials have announced. Iwobi was picked by the country’s U23 team for an All Africa Games qualifier in Gabon at the weekend even though he has yet to complete his change of international allegiance. Iwobi has played for England age-group teams and as such he would need to complete a process of changing his allegiance to Nigeria now.

Monday, February 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

NYSC FC OKOCHA are back ELECTED AS for good – ATTAH DELTA

FA BOSS

Ben Nwachukwu, Abuja

Austin Okocha, Delta State FA boss

Andrew Ekejiuba

ormer Super Eagles’ captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has been elected chairman of the Delta State Football Association. At the elections conducted in Asaba at the weekend, and supervised by Member of the

NFF Executive Committee, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, Okocha polled 26 out of the 27 votes cast. One of only two Nigerian footballers to play at three FIFA World Cup finals, JayJay Okocha’s club career took him through Germany, France, England and Turkey, and he is presently Head of the NFF

WIKKI

recruit 15 players Andrew Ekejiuba

he management of Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi has approved the engagement of 15 new players after one month screening and training as recommended by the newly contracted technical adviser of the club, Coach Audu Maikaba. The media officer of the club, Usman Abba Shehu, revealed that the technical reports by Maikaba to the management recommended two defenders who are: Haliru Sani from El-Kanami Warriors and Zaharadeen Usman from DSS Kaduna. Also approved by the management are five defenders, namely, Nura Moh’d from Kano Pillars, Peter Ambrose from Kaduna United, Moris Chigozie from Gombe United, Abdul-

lahi Musa from FC T Abuja, Habibu Yakubu also from FC Heart of Abuja. The report also confirmed four successful midfielders and four attackers which include: Hassan Hussaini from Gombe United, Nafiu Bala from El-Kanami Warrior, Mathis Samuel from Gombe United, Kabiru Baba Isa from Sport Light of Katsina. The attackers are: Haruna Babayo of Gombe United, Idirs Sabo from Sport Light of Katsina, Osas Ola from Kogi United and Abdul-Majeed Sulaiman from Yankari Babes, Bauchi. The chairman of the club, Alhaji Suleman Chindo, commended the technical adviser for a job well done and assured him that the management would work hand-in-hand with the technical crew in other to ensure good outing in the 2014/2015 Nigeria Premier League season.

Technical Study Group. Okocha, who had served as vice chairman before the elevation, replaces Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who announced his intention to relinquish the post on the very day he was elected President of Nigeria Football Federation, on September 30, 2014.

hairman of football giant killers, NYSC Football Club of Abuja, Emmanuel Attah, has declared that the Abuja-based club have returned for good, as they are set to take their rightful position in both the league and Federation Cup competitions. Attah told Extra Time in a chat that the NYSC FC returned to competitive football better equipped and ready to take bigger clubs to the cleaners as they used to do in the past. He said although the club did not win the FCT Federation Cup last football season, they used their participation to announce their return to the centre stage. He noted that coaches and players are enjoying good welfare packages made possible by the sports-loving Director General, Brigadier General Johnson Olawunmi. Attah noted that the DG, a former

footballer, charged the management to ensure that the team does not lack anything as their welfare remains paramount. He disclosed that the club is drawing its players from the serving Corps members and added that it is a way of gainfully engaging them while they serve their Fatherland. Attah, the team coordinator of Super Eagles, further stated that the management has no plans to recruit players from outside the NYSC and maintained that the club would not be an impediment should any player have any offer from other clubs. He claimed that any player who attracts the attention of other clubs will have an express release from the NYSC even with the blessing of the DG. In their efforts to put the players in competitive shape, the club has been playing series of top friendly matches having engaged the home-based Super Eagles, the national U-20 and U-23 teams as well as various top clubs.

Beach volleyball teams seek World Cup berth

Beach volleyball action at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Shehu Bello

igeria’s male and female Beach Volleyball teams will be competing with 11 other African teams for a place in the Beach Volleyball World Cup scheduled to take place in the Netherlands in June. The historic qualification competi-

tion is taking place in Tunis, the Tunisian capital. The 11 male teams and eight female teams are drawn in two separate pools. The Nigerian male team side are drawn in Pool B which includes South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Sierra Leone, and Niger, while the female side are drawn in Pool A alongside Tunisia,

Morocco, and Egypt. The top-two teams in each pool will gain automatic qualification for the World Cup. According to FIVB, the new qualification format allows for equal participation across each of the five confederations as they are all going to present the same number of teams.

Monday, February 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

MARTINA

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAVRATI

Monday, February 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

Full name: Country: Residence: Born: Place of birth: Height: Turned pro: Retired: Plays: Coaches:

Martina Navratilova Czechoslovakia (1956–1975) United States (1975 till date) Sarasota, Florida, USA October 18, 1956 (age 58) Prague, Czechoslovakia 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) 1975 1994–1999, 2006 Left-handed (one-handed backhand) Miroslav Navrátil George Parma Věra Suková Renée Richards (1981–1983) Mike Estep (1983–1986) Craig Kardon (1988–1994) $21,626,089 (8th in all-time rankings)

Prize money: Singles Career record: 1,442–219 (86.8%) Career titles: 167 WTA, 1 ITF (Open era record) Highest ranking: No. 1 (July 10, 1978) Grand Slam Singles results Australian Open: W (1981, 1983, 1985) French Open: W (1982, 1984) Wimbledon: W (1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990) US Open: W (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987) Other tournaments Tour Finals: W (1978, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986Mar, 1986Nov) Doubles Career record: 747–143 (83.9%) Career titles: 177 WTA, 9 ITF (Open era record) Highest ranking: No. 1 (September 10, 1984) Grand Slam Doubles results Australian Open: W (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989) French Open: W (1975, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988) Wimbledon: W (1976, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986) US Open: W (1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990) Other Doubles tournaments Tour Finals: W (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986Nov, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991) Mixed Doubles Career titles: 15 Grand Slam Mixed Doubles results Australian Open: W (2003) French Open: W (1974, 1985) Wimbledon: W (1985, 1993, 1995, 2003) US Open: W (1985, 1987, 2006) Team competitions Fed Cup: W (1975, 1982, 1986, 1989) Coaching career: (2014–present)

ILOVA

QUOTES BY MARTINA NAVRATILOVA “The goal for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is to give kids an opportunity to be involved in sports and hopefully learn some lessons along the way.We want to put them in a safe environment, help them if they need it and maybe they will get a scholarship to a school because of the skills that they learn. Sport is just a starting point.”

“The tennis ball doesn’t know how old I am. The ball doesn’t know if I’m a man or a woman or if I come from a communist country or not. Sport has always broken down these barriers.”

“Sport doesn’t know barriers, really.You are judged on your performance... how far you can jump, how fast you can run, how well you can hit a tennis ball.”

Monday, February 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW You scored a famous lob against Colombia in the group phase at USA 1994. Was that your most memorable goal? I scored a few of them. I have great memories of my winning free-kick for Steaua Bucharest against Dynamo Kiev in the 1986 UEFA Super Cup in Monaco, and the party that followed (laughs). I also enjoyed the two goals I scored from the halfway line for Real and Barca. But I obviously remember my goal against Colombia at the World Cup in 1994, from out wide. It’s hard for me to pick just one out of all those goals, and, in any case, I think I left behind some pretty good memories at all the teams I played for.

Hagi:

My Football,

my life!

Gheorghe Hagi of Romania (left) in action against Carlos Valderrama of Colombia

The traditional playmaker or No10 has always set pulses racing. One such magician was Romania’s Gheorghe Hagi, who lit up the game with his goals, sublime passing and mazy dribbles, making an indelible mark throughout a career that took him from Steaua Bucharest to Galatasaray via Barcelona and Real Madrid. In his native Romania, the man they call the Maradona of the Carpathians is not so much a legend as a mythical figure. Working magic with his wondrous left foot, he inspired the Tricolorii to some of their most impressive performances. The highlight of his 124-cap international career was a stellar display at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in USA, where he led his team to the last eight; a stage the Romanians also reached at UEFA EURO 2000. A year later he hung up his boots at the age of 36 to become national team coach, staying in the job for two years before continuing his career in the dugout in Turkey with Bursaspor and Galatasaray and in Romania with Politehnica Timisoara and Steaua. In 2009, he opened the Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy, which now supplies talented youngsters to Viitorul Constanta, a recently founded club owned and managed by Hagi himself. Having turned 50 earlier this month, the tireless Hagi reflects on his career and the plight of the modern-day playmaker in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com. Excerpts:

Is there one club that’s particularly close to your heart? I’d love to say Romania, but you’ve asked about clubs. I’ve honestly loved all of them, without exception. All these clubs, in their own different ways, have played very important parts in my career and my development as a player. I worked hard and I did my very best at every club I played for. That was my way of loving them. And though I spent more time at Galatasaray than anywhere else – five years – I’ll never forget the times I had at Farul, Steaua, Real, Barca and Brescia, or with Romania. You’re one of a small group of players to have run out for Real Madrid and Barcelona. What do you make of their rivalry? It’s good for both teams. It helps

‘‘The Ballon d’Or! I should have won it in 1994. There’s no doubt in my mind that I was the best player at the 1994 World Cup’’.

Are you a Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo fan? I really like both of them. I would have loved to have coached them, to have the pair of them in my team. I must confess to having a bit of a soft spot for the left-footed one though. I was a left-footed player myself, which explains it (smiles). Why do you think we are seeing fewer and fewer players like you, the traditional No10? I think there’s a shortfall in training. I’m sure there are lots of creative players around, but they need looking after more and they need confidence. Maybe they’re not getting enough. If you don’t have these players in the final third of the pitch, though, matches can get tricky and the football can get ugly. I think the game needs these No10s, players who can bring a touch of fantasy and creativity. Scoring goals is part of the essence of the sport, and we should make it illegal for games to end 0-0. If you start getting 3-2 and 4-4 scorelines, the stadiums would be full. Tricolorii fans have had little to cheer about in recent years. Why is it that Romania have qualified for just one major tournament since 2000 (UEFA EURO 2008, when they were knocked out in the first round without winning a match)? Because we weren’t able to create a good generation of new players after we retired. Football is a team sport. We’ve got two or three good players at the moment but we don’t have what you’d call a ‘team’. We’ve got good players but they’re not a unit yet. They’re not thinking like a group. Even so, I’m hopeful we can qualify for the EUROs and that we’ll manage to create a new generation of talented footballers, like we were in our days. You coached Romania in 2001. Is that an experience you’d like to repeat? I can’t say ‘no’ to the Romanian national team. You never know, and we’ll just have to see. It also depends on me and what I can accomplish as a coach. But, yes, I really enjoyed being in charge of the team, even if, technically speaking, I was on my own a little bit. It wasn’t a problem though, and I enjoyed my work.

You’ve been a player, coach and club president. Which of the three has given you most enjoyment? I’m really enjoying coaching right now, but I loved playing more than anything else. Football has always seemed to me to be a very easy game. You won a number of titles during your career and played in some prestigious competitions. Looking back, what achievement are you most proud of? I’m very proud of our performance at the 1994 World Cup. I played the best football of my career there and that Romania team was at its peak too. We were good enough to beat anyone and we had every chance to win the World Cup. We were so close, and then we had those last five minutes (Romania conceded a late equaliser to Sweden in extra time and went out on penalties).

them to develop, progress and motivate their players. Los clasicos provide quality football and they help take the sport forward. That’s what you have to remember above all else.

Hagi

Do you have any regrets about your career? The Ballon d’Or! I should have won it in 1994. There’s no doubt in my mind that I was the best player at the 1994 World Cup, but unfortunately for me Romania lost in the quarterfinals, which perhaps cost me the Ballon d’Or. I know that I was at my peak and that I was very close to getting it. It wasn’t to be, though.

Monday, February 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

FARAH

‘hurt’ by nationality question

Las Vegas agog for

PACQUIAO, MAYWEATHER

fight

he city of Las Vegas is agog as Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather fight holds there on May 2, in what promises to be the richest bout in the history of boxing. Filipino Pacquiao, 36, and American Mayweather, 37, are considered to be the best two fighters of their generation. Pacquiao’s WBO belt and Mayweather’s WBC and WBA welterweight titles will be on the line at the MGM Grand.

R&A, LADIES

Cricket World Cup

West Indies thump Pakistan W

est Indies reduced Pakistan to 1-4 as they secured a crushing 150-run victory and their first win of the World Cup at the weekend. Jerome Taylor dismissed three batsmen for ducks and Captain Jason Holder also struck in Pakistan’s first 19 balls. It was the worst start to an innings in World Cup history and Pakistan were all out for 160 in 39 overs in Christchurch, with Taylor taking 3-15. Andre Russell smashed 42 not out off 13 balls as West Indies hit 115 from the final 10 overs to finish on 310-6. After such an entertaining display of big hitting at Hagley Oval, few would have expected the drama that followed. Fast bowler Taylor dismissed Nasir Jamshed with the second ball of the

innings, Younus Khan with the sixth and Haris Sohail with the 18th in a devastating spell of three wickets for one run that left Pakistan’s hopes in disarray. Holder added to Pakistan’s misery by removing Ahmed Shehzad --- the only Pakistan player to have scored a run --next ball. Russell soon sent Misbah-ul-Haq on his way for seven before Sohaib Maqsood (50) and Umar Akmal (59) stopped the collapse. Sammy ended their stand of 80 and wickets continued to fall before Pakistan were all out with 11 overs remaining. “It was a wonderful performance,” said West Indies skipper Holder. “We batted really well. “Russell, Lendl Simmons and Darren

Mayweather is unbeaten in 47 professional fights; Pacquiao has 57 wins and five losses from 64 contests. The fight is expected to generate as much as £162m ($250m). The most lucrative fight in history is thought to be Mayweather’s bout against Saul Alvarez in 2013, which made an estimated £97m. Mayweather-Pacquiao is also expected to break the record for payper-view buys in the United States. The current record of 2.4 million was set when Mayweather fought fellow American Oscar de la Hoya in 2007. Mayweather wrote on his webpage: “What the world has been waiting for has arrived. Mayweather vs Pacquiao on May 2, 2015 is a done deal. “This will be the biggest event in the history of the sport. Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2.”

o Farah claims Great Britain team-mate, Andy Vernon, questioned his nationality after the double Olympic champion won European 10,000m gold. Somalia-born Farah, 31 --- who beat his fellow Briton to the 2014 title --- said Vernon suggested he did not deserve the win because he was not European. But Vernon told the BBC this was a “huge, huge misrepresentation.” “All I said, in a complete joking fashion, was that I was European champion,” said Vernon, 29. Vernon said he considers Farah to be British and has called for the pair to “act like men and move on”. The nationality claims were made by Farah when he was questioned by reporters on Friday about a row the pair had on Twitter earlier in the week. Farah has apologised but said their past contributed to his frustrations. The Olympic champion called Vernon “an embarrassment” after he criticised the lack of high-level competition to face Farah in Birmingham. Asked about the pair’s history, Farah said: “We were sitting together (after the European 10,000m) and there were a number of staff and athletes there. One comment he made, which I didn’t really like, was to say that he should have won the gold’’.

union

in merger talks

G Russell Sammy added impetus at the end of the innings, then Taylor was excellent with the new ball.” The defeat leaves 1992 champions Pakistan, who face Zimbabwe on March 1 in their next match, bottom of Pool B after two emphatic defeats.

olf’s governing body the R&A is in talks with the Ladies’ Golf Union (LGU) over the prospect of a merger. In a joint statement they say “exploratory discussions are underway” to achieve a “closer relationship and the possibility of a merger”. Both bodies are based at the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St Andrews which recently invited women members to join the club for the first time. The R&A runs The Open, major amateur events and international

Laura Davies makes a tee-off. matches. Along with the United States Golf Association it also governs the game worldwide. The LGU runs the Ricoh Women’s British Open and all aspects of ladies golf in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. St Andrews voted to admit women members for the first time in its 260year history in September when The Princess Royal, Dame Laura Davies and Scottish amateur Belle Robertson MBE were among 14 women invited to join.

Monday, February 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

REAL MADRID

Raiola:

Pogba to cost Real 100m

euro Martin Odegaard celebrates his first goal for Real Madrid Castilla

D R A A G E OD

g n i y l f in

star t!

orwegian wonderkid, Martin Odegaard, fired his first goal for Real Madrid, scoring for the club’s B side against Barakaldo. The 16-year-old, who signed for Los Blancos in January, started the match Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano and took just seven minutes to make

his mark, lifting the ball over the on rushing goalkeeper with his right foot to open the scoring. Odegaard, who wore the No 10 shirt, also provided the cross for Real Madrid Castilla’s third goal as they secured a convincing 4-0 victory in the Segunda B Division clash.

The Norway international was withdrawn from the action after 82 minutes with the crowd giving him an excellent reception and he could not hide his delight following his first goal for the club. “It’s great to score my first goal here. It’s been amazing,” said Odegaard. “Zinedine Zidane is a great coach, I feel very comfortable here. It’s easy training with the best players in the world. “Carlo Ancelotti is the best coach for Madrid and a great person, everyone can learn something from him.”

Real Madrid would need to equal their world-record transfer fee of 100 million euro to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus this summer, according to the midfielder’s agent, Mino Raiola. Pogba’s days at the Scudetto holders are looking increasingly numbered and this week Chelsea and Manchester City emerged as leading the race to sign the 21-yearold ahead of the European champions and Paris Saint-Germain. However, Real Madrid have a track record of splashing out more cash than any of their rivals and they

I came to win silverware at Real – Navas

eylor Navas says he chose to join Real Madrid because he considered the club his best chance to win silverware. The Costa Rica international had a host of suitors following a remarkable World Cup in Brazil that saw him inspire his side to a best-ever quarterfinal finish. And the 28-year-old is desperate to earn his place in the side and improve on his Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup-winning medals he picked up with los Blancos last year. “I like challenges and this is a great one for my career,” he said. “I’ll work with humility to earn my place in the team. I want to win lots

Real weigh up Falcao deal R eal Madrid are considering whether to bid for Radamel Falcao at the end of the season with the Colombian striker unlikely to stay at Manchester United after his disappointing loan spell at the club. But Monaco, Falcao’s owners, say that they have no concerns regarding Falcao’s future as there are plenty of major teams who have contacted them to take the 29-year-old striker. Falcao has scored just four goals and had just 14 starts for United since joining them on loan on transfer

deadline day – and United are not expected to take up their £43m option. But Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev said: “It’s up to Manchester United to take a decision but I’m not worried for him because we have interest from other big clubs. “Sometimes it’s just little thing that matter in football. When the technical quality is there, the mentality is there, sometimes it’s just the confidence of the coach or just little details. We tend to overreact if somebody doesn’t do well for a few years. “Had he stayed here – I know he

have been frequently mentioned as frontrunners when a potential summer move for Pogba is mooted. Raiola has expressed that La Liga’s table-toppers need to match the triple-figure sum they spent on luring Gareth Bale away from Tottenham if they want the France international to be on their books next season. “If Real Madrid want him then they should call me,” the agent told Marca. “Madrid are a dangerous club to move to, as the pressure can hurt players’ careers, but Pogba is ready. “He is very focused on his life and his career. Nothing is insurmountable for him. I know he’s liked a lot by Madrid coaches Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, but Paul’s only thinking about Juve right now. “Money’s not a problem for clubs like Real Madrid. The cost of signing him would be 100 million euro whoever signs him gets the star of the next generation of players.” Raiola also suggested that Juve’s prize player - who they signed from Manchester United almost three years ago on a free transfer - has more than a little bit of PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic about him.

wanted a bigger challenger and Man United is a great club – one of our problems is efficiency in front of goal. If he was here we would not be fourth, we would be first or second.” Falcao will be available if United do not take up their option. His agent is Jorge Mendes, who has a good relationship with Real Madrid and the Spanish giants considered buying Falcao last summer. The forward was named on the bench for United’s 2-1 defeat at Swansea on Saturday but was not called upon by manager Louis van Gaal.

of titles with this club. I chose Real Madrid to be here for a long time and I will succeed, I have faith that I’ll get it.” Navas remains behind captain Ikar Casillas in the pecking order and has made just two Liga starts since his summer arrival, but insists their rivalry is purely professional. “My relationship with Iker Casillas is very good - he is a great companion,” Navas continued. “Not only are these players’ great professional athletes, but also a great group of people.”