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DAILY

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Multiple accident locks down YEARS OF Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for JOURNALISM 15 hours

Olufemi Samuel Abuja controversial cattle grazing reserves Bill already being debated in the House of Representa-

accident involving four vehicles late on Tuesday night resulted in lock down of the LagosIbadan Expressway from Arepo Prayer City to Mowe in Ogun State for 15 hours.

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

ÏÏÏThe

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Controversial Bill on grazing reserves surfaces in Senate, scales first reading

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 137

N150

Forgery trial

Anarchy looms, Saraki, PDP Senators warn Ï j ƈ éƅ ƋƋƆƗ Ƈ Ə ƆƏƕ ƅ Ɔ ƈ Ɛ ƆƏ Ɠ Ɛ ƄƑ Ɔ Ƈ ƉƑƗƈƅƈ Ƌ ƍƏ ƅƆ è ƆƓ ƍ Ɔ ƈ ƌƕ ƍƆƏ ƆƅƑƐƈ - Saraki Ï ój ƈ Ƌ Əƈ ƓƈƐƅ é Ƒ Ɛ Ƈ ƍƆƏƅƆƈƒƆƗ ƍƍ ƈƐƈ ƆƋƆƌƆ Ɛ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƍ ƋƈƐƕ ƈ ƈ ƒƈƐ Ɛƈ Ɛ Əƅ ƕô Ï ó ƕ ƆƆƊƈ Ɛ ƅƏƈƍƍƋƆ M ddè ƍ Ə Ƈ Ɛ ƈ ƍƋ Ɛ ƒƆ ƗƆƅƋ ƏƆƗ Ɠ Ə ƑƏ ƏƗéƓ ƗƆƌ ƅƏ ƅƕô Ï ^#^ dƆ Ɛ Ə ƓƈƐ ƗƏ Ɠ Ƒƍƍ ƏƐ Ƈ Ə Ƒ Əƈè ^ ƒƆƏ ƌƆ Ɛ Ï óz Ə ƈ Ɛ ƅ ƏƏƑƍƐƈ ƑƋƗ Ɛ ƄƆ ƆƋƆƅƐƈƒƆè ƌƑ Ɛ ƄƆ Ƈ Ƒ Ɛ ƓƈƐ ƈ ƅƆƏƈƐƕ Ɨ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƍ ƋƈƐƈƅ Ɛ Ɛ ƈ ƄƆƈ ƍƋ ƕƆƗ Ɠô Ï ódƈ ƅƆ Ɛ Ɔ Ɠ Ə ƈ Ɛ ƅ ƏƏƑƍƐƈ ƗƆƒ ƋƒƆƗ ƈ Ɛ ƍƏ Ƅƈ ƅ ƌƍ ƈ ƇƑ Ɨ è ƈƐ ƑƋƗ ƄƆ ƆƔƐƆ ƗƆƗ Ɛ ƋƋ ƍ ƏƐƈƆ è ^ ƈ ƅƋƑ ƈƒƆô

Olufemi Samuel & Chris Emetoh, Abuja

ÏÏÏSenate

President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has said he knows nothing about Continued on page 6

Lopsided Ambassadorial list: Senate summons SGF, Foreign Affairs Minister g12

Dasuki’s office didn’t fund my election, g12 says Fayose

Military g7 restructures operations in Niger Delta, scraps Pulo Shield

Publish g23 amount accumulated in TSA, Reps tell Presidency

Hijab g7 judgement: Heavy security R Ƒ M files for stay of execution

New FX regime: M ƈƏ records first ƈ è M intervenes for third day gB1

Traffic gridlock, inward and outward Kara-Ibafo, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway … on Wednesday. Inset: Debris of burnt vehicles

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Seun Kuti

I don’t believe in marriage gL1

NSE QUICK BITE

GAINERS AS AT 22nd June, 2016 GLAXOSMITH

18.21

1.68

10.16%

TRANSCOR

1.77

0.16

9.94%

LOSERS TRANSEXPR

1.30

-0.13

-9.09%

CCNN

7.45

-0.55

-6.88%

Federation Account up by N23.6b as FG, States, LGs share N305b for May g5

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

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Page Three Æ s

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PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Now that the rains are here

A

ny one knows that rainfall is a natural phenomenon that is influenced by the movements of the heavenly bodies. Moreover, its intensity varies from one region of the world to another. In the tropics, intensity of the rains is usually felt from March until September.

Therefore, all countries within the tropics, including Nigeria normally witness very heavy rainfall in this period. Meteorologists have noted that the highest rainfall occurs near the equator, where the strong heating by the Sun creates significant vertical uplift of air, and the formation of prolonged heavy showers and frequent thunderstorms. Annual rainfall recorded in the tropics usually exceed 100 inches and can be as high as 400 inches, particularly if influenced by the monsoons. In Nigeria, the effects of heavy rainfall are usually destructive bringing along with it flooding, destruction of properties, erosion and even water borne diseases. Early this year, the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) made a forecast of heavy rainfall, even as it advised Nigerians to brace for adverse weather conditions such as flooding, and disease like cholera.

The forecast came against the backdrop of predictions by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that rainfall patterns will be unusually heavy and lead to serious flooding and major outbreaks of malaria. Given the phenomenal changes in the climate, more destructive torrential rains could wreak havoc on lives and property especially when no preparations are in place to stem disasters from these possibilities.

We are aware that burst pipelines, building collapse, flash floods, and other things due to human error have been the worst this country has been afflicted with. Even at those, Nigeria’s emergency services often prove

incompetent as their state of unpreparedness is exposed. The continuous ravaging flood has put many Nigerians into untold hardship which those in the coastal communities are grossly affected while the relief materials provided by some of the affected state governors are not enough to cater for the people.

The problem with this mordant and corrosive flood disaster is that Nigerian leaders do not know how to contain impending disaster if it occurs, which has resulted in the loss of many lives and property. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and some of the state ones are usually overstretched while the absence of surface drains and blockage of existing drains with municipal waste, refuse and eroded soil sediments are the major cause of flooding.

The menace of this incessant flood indicates the natural disaster, which cannot be controlled by any government. The seeming lack of expertise to control flooding in many communities has created untold poverty among the inhabitants. That Nigeria lacks experience in managing natural disasters goes without saying since the country has been so fortunate not to have experienced such devastated phenomena such as hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, earthquakes and forest fires as some other countries do.

This fortune has, bred a certain complacency, which accounts for poor management of even the slightest discomfort occasioned by nature. We are therefore emphasising on the need to embark on flood prevention and mitigation measures that would ensure free flowing of drainage systems, operation and maintenance of hydraulic structures such as dams and reservoirs. However, it is more important to embark on public enlightenment especially at the community level to sensitise the people in preparation for flood and its aftermath.

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All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Osaro Onaiwu (right), receiving nomination form from National Organising Secretary of APGA, Mr. Labaran Maku, at the party secretariat in Abuja… on Wednesday.

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Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (right), and Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Solo Chukwulobelu, during the flag-off of the 2016 Farming Season in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area... on Wednesday.

Words On Marble :

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Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (right), assisted by the Police Liaison Officer to the National Assembly, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kenechukwu Onwuemelie (left), decorating the Aide-DeCamp (ADC) to the Senate President, SP Na’ábu Usman Dunguza, with his new rank in Abuja.

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Napoleon Hill

Mahatma Ghandi

Nnamdi Azikiwe

“Both poverty and riches are the offspring of thought”.

“As humans, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world- that is the myth of the atomic ageas in being able to remake ourselves”.

“There is plenty of room at the top because very few people care to travel beyond the average”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

5 News

Pro grazing, ranches protest in Plateau, stage-managed - LG boss Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

embattled local government Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Hon. David Racha, has said that the pro grazing/ ranches protest that took place recently in Jos, was stage managed by the state government that is bent on implementing the project against the wishes of the people.

According to Racha, “the state government does not need a law to establish ranches. What the President Buhari-led federal government is canvasing for is grazing reserve not ranches”, he said.

The LG boss is also quoted saying that, the Plateau people have made their position known and governance is all about the decision of the majority of the people and not those occupying government offices.

His words: “We have protested against this bill, the women have also protested against this bill. We took the protest to the

office of the deputy governor and the women also took their protest to the Plateau State House of Assembly, so our position is known and the state government should listen to the majority of the people.”

Earlier, the immediate past governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang and the Tarok nation in Langtang Local Government Area of Plateau had in separate press statements, kicked against the proposed National grazing reserve bill.

The Tarok nation under the aegis of Yendel O Tarok had said that no inch of Tarok land in Langtang LGA of Plateau state, would be given for the purported grazing reserve.

Speaking with newsmen, the spokesperson of the group, Miss. Tabitha Goselle, said, “We reject the bill in its entirety for the purpose of peace, unity and progress.”

However, it would be recalled that some youths recently protested for the siting of ranches in the state, calling on governor Lalong to implement the policy.

Federation Account up by N23.6bn as FG, States, LGs share N305bn for May Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏThe revenue that accrued to

the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for the month of May 2016 increased by N23.628 billion compared to the N281.500 billion shared in the previous month as the Federal, States and Local Governments shared a total of N305.128 billion for the month of May. Chairman of FAAC and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, on Wednesday, said that the gross revenue of N237.466 billion received for the month was higher than the N213.817 billion received in the previous month

by N23.649 billion.

Giving the breakdown of the figures, the Federal Government received N112.830 billion representing 52.68 per cent, States N57.229 billion representing the 26.72 per cent while the Local Government areas got N44.121 billion which also represented the 20.60 per cent as enshrined in the constitution.

The nine oil producing states also received N16.738 billion which is the 13 per cent derivation revenue of mineral oil and gas.

Adeosun

Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) got N2.978 billion representing four per cent Cost of Collection; the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) received N2.350 billion representing seven per cent Cost of Collection and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) received N1.220 billion also represented four per cent Cost of Collection.

Adeosun noted that Crude oil production and export dropped by about 2.3 million barrels in February, 2016 due to Force Majeur declared at Forcados Terminal, as well as Shut-in and shut-down of pipelines at other terminals for repairs and maintenance.

Executive, Legislative arms working in tandem, says Lai Moh’d ÏÏÏThe Minister of Information

and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that contrary to the belief in certain quarters, the executive and legislative arms of government are working harmoniously to improve the social and economic well-being of the citizenry.

The Minister made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday when he received the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, led by its Chairman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, on a courtesy visit to his office.

“If the spokesman of the Senate wants to meet the spokesman of government, that says a lot about the trust, understanding and also the confidence between the two arms of government. This visit will also show the world that the so-called feud between the executive arm of government and the legislative arm is only the figment of their own imagination,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed restated the commitment of the present

administration to ensuring good governance, providing adequate security and revamping the economy in order to deliver the change that Nigerians are yearning for.

“It proves once again that this government, each arm of the government, is working in tandem.

They recognize security, the economy and good governance as the sole pillars of any government,” he said.

The Minister said upon assumption of office, he adopted creative and pragmatic approach to bridge the communication gap between the government and the people in order to deepen democracy and inspire trust and confidence among the people.

“We realize the importance of information to the deepening and sustenance of democracy and to that extent, we have evolved means to ensure that there is no communication gap between the government and those that are governed. We put people right in the centre of our communication strategy. We know that the

moment that gap exist then you create opportunity for mischief makers, misconception, halftruths and downright falsehood,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed identified town hall meetings as a deliberate strategy adopted by the government as a way to communicate with the people directly, and also to inform them about the policies and programmes of the government and at the same time get feedback on their perception of government.

He disclosed that the government will soon hold a summit on National Rebirth, Values and Ethics during which the National Re-orientation Campaign, tagged Change Begins with Me, will be launched.

In his remarks, Senator Abdullahi said though the challenges confronting the nation are surmountable, there is the need for greater value re-orientation.

He sought the collaboration of the Minister in the efforts to promote actions that will bring about positive change in Nigeria.

A’Ibom community protests coconut refinery

Paulinus Nta

ÏÏÏ The host community of the

proposed Akwa Ibom Coconut Refinery, have threatened to stop work at the site of the refineries if the state governor or his representatives do not come in immediately and consult with them through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) within 14 days.

Rising after a well-attended meeting of the community, held

at the palace of the village head of Ikot Inyang Okop, Etiedung Okon Marcus Akpakpan, spokesman for the three villages that make up Odoroikot: Ikot Inyang Okop, Ibioete and Ikot Ekpang, Chief McCauley Akpan, decried what he described as marginalisation and impunity by the state governor.

Though he appreciated the state government for deciding to cite the refinery in Mkpat Enin but noted that the state government should

have consulted the owners of the land before taking it which was the only source of economic livelihood for the community.

Also speaking, the secretary of Ikot Inyang Okop village council, Obong Umoren Timothy Udofot, refuted the state government earlier claim that the said land was in dispute between Eastern Obolo and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas, describing it as executive falsehood.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Anarchy looms, Saraki, PDP Senators warn Continued from page 1 how the rules adopted in the inauguration of the Eighth Senate on June 9, 2015 was formulated, just as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate Caucus, on Wednesday said the planned removal of Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu was nothing but an invitation of anarchy.

The Senate President said the ongoing efforts to drag him into a case of forgery before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, was just another phase in the orchestrated persecution he has faced since he emerged as Senate President a little over a year ago.

Saraki, in a statement by his Spe-

cial Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that he was not a part of the leadership of the 7th Senate that made the rules in question and prior to his unanimous election as Senate President on June 9, 2015, he was merely a Senator-elect like all his colleagues, and therefore was not in a position to influence the rules that were to be used in the conduct of the election.

“The Police in their investigation were conscious that the incumbent Senate President was not in office prior to June 9, 2015 and that was why in their letters inviting some individuals for their investigation, they only mentioned officers of the 7th Senate. The last of the letters was written to the Clerk of the Na-

tional Assembly on June 7, 2016 and he was not among those invited.

“Those who decided to smuggle the name of the Senate President into the charge sheet after the fact knew perfectly well that only the leadership of the 7th Senate were invited for investigation. But they needed to implicate him in keeping with their declared vow to ensure that even if their current efforts to nail him through the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) fails, they would find other ways to carry out their vendetta.

“This so-called forgery case is another wanton abuse of the judicial process and making a mockery of the institution of justice. As the Senate earlier stated, the sponsors

of this plot are not only gunning for Saraki, what they have just launched with this latest antics is a grand onslaught on the foremost institution of our democracy.

“The only institutional difference between dictatorship and democracy is the presence of the legislature.

Therefore, by seeking to cripple the National Assembly, they have declared a war on our hard-won democracy and aimed for the very jugular of our freedom.

“Let us restate the fact that the Senators who initiated the Police investigation in the first place had raised the same matter on the floor and were overwhelmingly overContinued on page 12

Saraki

Controversial Bill on grazing reserves surfaces in Senate, scales first reading Continued from page 1

L-R: Com. Peter Esele; Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Edo State APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, during the inspection of the ongoing project of the dual-carriage 2nd East Circular Road in Benin City… on Wednesday.

Multiple accident locks down Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for 15 hours Continued from page 1 The accident which occurred late on Tuesday on the outbound lane of the expressway at the Kara Market close to the Prayer City Gate, forced Lagos inbound and outbound vehicles to drive against traffic.

Unit Commander-in-charge of Mowe-Ibafo Unit of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Mr. Olusola Ojuawo, confirmed the accident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Ojuawo, however, said that he had no records of any casualties from the accident and blamed the lockdown on the drivers driving against traffic because of the accident.

He said that the accident happened at about 11 p.m., but his office

got the information at 3 a.m. and immediately rushed to the scene, adding that they had been there since then.

It was observed on Wednesday afternoon that the situation had become so chaotic, forcing the queue of the outbound vehicles to stretch to OPIC Plaza end of the Long Bridge, close to Berger Bus Stop in Lagos.

The vehicles on the queue were mostly articulated ones that ought to have travelled during the night.

Also, the queue on the Lagos inbound lane had reached Mowe.

NAN reports that workers and businessmen living in Mowe, Ibafo, Asese, Arepo were seen trekking because there were no commercial buses to take them to Lagos.

Also, NAN observed that there were several others at major bus stops along the axis.

The few commercial buses and commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called ``Okada’’, made brisk business by charging passengers exorbitantly.

The commercial buses charged N300 per passenger from Prayer City Gate to Berger, a journey of about 20 minutes that ordinarily cost N50 on a normal day and N100 at peak periods.

The Okada riders charged between N500 and N1, 000 per passenger depending on the distance the passenger wanted them to cover.

NAN also saw the charred remains of the four vehicles causing the gridlock that started before 6

a.m.

The vehicles involved in the accident are a tanker laden with petroleum product, a commercial bus, a space wagon and a car.

However, another tanker parked some metres away belonging to Oando Nigeria Plc., with number plate KMC 839XW had its cabin burnt while its tank was intact.

NAN also observed that the tank of the burnt tanker that was Lagos outbound had hit its driver’s cabin against the median around 11 p.m. on Tuesday and its tank fell on its side across the road.

An eye witness told NAN at the scene that some people living around the spot had rushed there to scoop petrol from the tanker when it fell.

tives on Wednesday surfaced in the Senate, which began consideration of its general principles.

The Senate has, however, approved the Bill for First Reading, an indication that it may scale the hurdles of passage in the Senate in the event that opposition to it is mild.

At the peak of controversy trailing the Bill, the Senate had come out clearly to deny that it was considering it, as part of efforts to douse growing tension on alleged sinister motive behind the proposition, most especially at a time herdsmen were engaging in mindless killing in some communities across Nigeria.

There have been apprehensions in some zones of Nigeria; most especially the middle belt and the southern parts on suspicion that the law being proposed on grazing reserves is a ploy to extend the Fulani domination of Nigeria.

Some states in the southern part of Nigeria had vowed never to make land available for establishment of grazing reserves to avoid complications in the frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in their respective states.

The Bill, titled, “National Grazing Reserves Agency (establishment etc) Bill 2016 (SB.292.” is being sponsored by the governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central) and others.

However, a similar Bill listed for First Reading on Wednesday was sponsored by Senator Barnabas Gemade (Benue North East). It is titled, National Ranches Commission (establishment etc) Bill 2016 (SB 293).

Indication that the Senate was eager to have the bills passed in a jiffy came up when the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South), who read the bills said, “Do we take it that the bills have passed second reading?

His proposition was greeted with a thunderous no!!!! from Senators.

7 News

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Military restructures Niger Delta operations Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Defence Headquarters has scrapped OPERATION PULO SHIELD in Niger Delta with immediate effect and replaced it with OPERATION DELTA SAFE for effectiveness.

It delineates the new outfit into

3 sectors with 5 Operational Bases covering the entire Niger Delta, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States.

This is contain in a statement on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar which said that the headquarters of OPERATION DELTA SAFE would be in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa

state capital.

According to the statement, the new arrangement “is in line with the Defence Headquarters initiative to restructure the Joint Task Force for better service delivery, efficiency and effectiveness in line with the vision and mission of the Chief of Defence Staff to contain the current security challenges in

the Niger Delta, especially protection of critical national assets and provision of security in the area.

“Under this arrangement, the Joint Operational Areas of the new outfit have been delineated into 3 sectors and 5 Operational Bases covering the entire Niger Delta, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States.”

This development, according to Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, becomes expedient in order to inject new tactics and robust operational initiative to tackle the emerging security challenges in the Niger Delta region such as piracy, bunkering, vandalism and other criminalities prevalent in the area.

SCOAN collapsed building: Witness discredits aircraft tale Titilope Joseph

ÎÎÎA witness, Mr. Olutoyin

R-L: Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Adesesan Ogunkoya; Olori Olayinka and others during the 20th coronation anniversary of Ogunkoya and the official commissioning of his palace in Ijebu-Ife... on Wednesday

Hijab: Heavy security as Osun CAN files appeal, stay of execution Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÎÎÎOsun State Chapter of

the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has filed a stay of execution on the June 3 judgement of an Osogbo High Court allowing Muslim students in all state public schools to wear hijab.

This was disclosed in Osogbo on Wednesday by the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya during a solidarity visit to the state CAN headquarters by South-West leaders of the association.

It was learnt that there were heavy security presence of the police and other security agencies around the premises of the meeting, which preceded the visit.

CAN representatives from Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and

Ondo states, who were also present, also expressed their support for the state Christians on the issue of controversial hijab judgement.

They accused Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State of attempting to Islamise the state.

In his address, the association’s Zonal Chairman, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, warned that any attempt by Muslim students to wear hijab to schools after the appeal has been filed would mean that CAN too would ensure that all forms of garments are worn to schools in the state.

Atilade, who was represented by the Secretary of South-West CAN, Rev. Alfred Aro, noted that Falola’s judgment negated the spirit of secularism of the nation “and it violates the

religious rights of the original owner of the missionary schools as agreed upon when the schools were taken over by the then government of Oyo State in 1975”.

The Zonal CAN members in a communique from a meeting held after the visit, also expressed concern on the ban of morning devotions and assemblies in schools in some states in the country, saying the action must be rescinded.

The communique read in part, “We note with dismay despite several appeals as a law abiding association, the ban on morning devotions and assemblies in some schools in Nigeria especially South-West Nigeria based on flimsy reason on insecurity.

“Now that President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed the end to insurgency, we urge all states to

unban the unfair decision within the next one month.

CAN urges all its members to write to their state governors immediately. Failure to rescind the ban, we implore CAN in the states concerned to take appropriate actions.”

They also condemned the ban of Religions Knowledge and History in schools, saying it was a ploy by government to use it as an attack on other religions.

“Such approach does not allow for moral training, upbringing and character moulding in our children who are leaders of tomorrow,” the communique added.

Apart from Zonal members, CAN leaders from across the state’s 30 local governments and Ife-East Area Office, Modakeke attended the meeting.

Gov. Aregbesola

Ayinde, on Wednesday, countered the claims made by the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) that aircrafts flew over the seven-storey guest house leading to its collapse, available evidence suggested otherwise in his testimony before an Ikeja High Court. .

Ayinde, a former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development during the administration of former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola made this known while being led in evidence by Mrs. Idowu Alakija , the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

“I visited the site of the collapsed building with Governor Fashola, alongside two General Managers of the agencies under my Ministry, and the General Overseer of the church gave us a CCTV recording of an aircraft hovering over the building shortly before its collapse.

“My office wrote to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) seeking advice on the CCTV recording we received.

“We got the flight corridor and coordinates as well as a report from the NCAA which showed that the distance between the aircraft and the top of the building is between 137 and 288 meters.

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS I, UMAR AHMED GANA OF No. 6 ISHAKU ROAD, MALALI KADUNA, HEREBY ANNOUNCE THE LOSS OF THE ORIGINAL COPIES OF THE RIGHT of OCCUPANCY (R of O) No. 6566, FILE No: MISC 125938 ISSUED TO ME BY THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY MINISTER ON THE 03/01/2014. THAT THE SAID DOCUMENTS GOT LOST ON THE 21/04/2016.

ALL EFFORTS TO RECOVER THE SAID DOCUMENTS HAS PROVED ABORTIVE. ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AGIS) AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SIGNED: Umar AHMED Gana

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Politics

MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Æs

Why the north is poor - Shettima

Yerima Shettima is the National youth president of apex Northern socio-cultural group: Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and Chairman of Coalition of all Ethnic Nationality leaders in Nigeria. In this interview with Iniobong Iwok, he spoke about why the North is in its present state, restructuring of the country, the Buhari administration among others.

Excerpts: The North has had more ac-

cess to power at the central, but yet least undeveloped and bedevilled with social issues; where do you put the blame on?

The problems of the North, I would put the blame on the leaders, the leaders failed us, despite the opportunities that the north has had to be in power especially during the military era, and so many other long terms in power.

You would think the North would have developed to some level; if someone is coming to the North,

SENATE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION:

Uproar over life pension, immunity clauses

The Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution amendments appeared to have stirred the hornet’s nest over its recommendations that leaders of the National Assembly enjoy life pension and immunity just like state governors and the President.

The decision arrived at after its two-day retreat in Lagos at the weekend presided over by Deputy Senate President, Ike Eweremadu which also seeks to stop the President from vetoing a bill have received thumbs down from prominent Nigerians who have read undue motives to the action of the lawmakers.

Many of those who have reacted and condemned the action included Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, (SAN), Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, (SAN), Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), amongst others.

OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

“With all due respect, if Jesus Christ could come to the world and be the chairman of INEC, any election he would conduct will be disputed.”

SARAKI “The lawmakers’ proposal to shield their presiding officers from prosecution is “provocative. No serious nation can grant immunity to legislators who have been linked with criminal diversion of public funds, forgery and rape.’’ — Falana

Falana condemned the National Assembly for its proposed life pension and immunity from prosecution for the Senate President and

GOODLUCK JONATHAN

“Over 70% of what they call corruption in Nigeria, is mere common theft.’’

other presiding officers.

In a statement, Falana described the proposal as insensitive, irrational, immoral, provocative and

JONAH JANG

“God is a democrat, does not support rigging but if you rig and succeed, that means God approves of it.”

satanic, saying: “Indeed, it is the height of insensitivity for legislators to propose life pension for their leaders at a time that work-

SUSAN RICE

Nigeria has played a constructive role in peacekeeping in various parts of West Africa. But unless and until Nigeria itself is democratic and respects human rights, it too may well be a source of instability.

you would say perhaps, it could be compared to places like Dubai.

And the issue of illiteracy, I thank God the present youths have taken it upon themselves, they are being practical and asking questions; some of us have gone to school and combined with Quoranic education and today we can look at the face of anybody and ask questions.

Some 15, 20 years in the past, nobody do this. Despite the poverty, you are expected as follower not CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

ers are owed arrears of salaries in many states of the federation.

“The lawmakers’ proposal to shield their presiding officers from prosecution is “provocative. No serious nation can grant immunity to legislators who have been linked with criminal diversion of public funds, forgery and rape.

“We can assure the concerned members of the public that the satanic proposals of the legislators will not succeed. It is pertinent to inform the legislators that the members of the human rights community have resolved to mobilize the Nigerian people to reject both proposals.”

The lawmakers, at the end of a two-day retreat on constitution review on Saturday, decided to guard its presiding officers, as well as those of state Houses of Assemblies, from prosecution arguing that since the other two arms of government, Executive and Judiciary, are enjoying immunity, the third arm ought to follow suit.

Prof. Sagay, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard any bill from the National Assembly on life pension and immunity for the principal officers of the National Assembly, describing the proposal as outrageous and annoying.

He said the Senate seemed to be an institution where members only sought to promote their personal interests adding he did not CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

CHINUA ACHEBE

“Democracy is not something you put away for ten years, and then in the 11th year you wake up and start practicing again. We have to begin to learn to rule ourselves again.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Why Nigeria must be restructured — Shettima

Shettima CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

to question your leaders; they are expected to pray for them, to be humble. So with all these, I believe my generation would do better than the previous generation.

But leaders of several groups

in the north have been accused of taking advantages of the interest of the people for selfish purposes?

That is what has happen in the past. I have just said it. Some people would say there is no need for us to have had Boko Haram in the

first place if not simply because some people who were leaders at the apex, regional, states or LG failed. They have so much wealth they build houses, they build mansions and at the end, they can not stay in the mansion.

They ran away because you can not build a mansion when your neigbour can not eat one square meal; that your neigbour would turn out to be security threat.

That is what gave birth to the security challenge and that is what is happening now in the north as a result of lack of opportunity for our people to be educated; lack of access is what is giving birth to crime, robbery and all they are doing. But some of us who have that priviledge would continue to talk.

How do you describe the situation in the North-East now that Boko Haram has been curtailed?

The level of destruction is unimaginable, the society is disintegrated. I don’t know if you have experienced the aftermath of war zone, the psychology of the people are affected and is not normal, it would take about 10 years to bring the people, the areas affected to normal.

You recently spoke against the implementation of the 2014 Confab report, what are your concerns?

When Jonathan came up with the idea of the 2014 national conference, some of us felt that there was another motive behind the conference and we told the government: why don’t you do it right. Instead of hand -picking the delegates, let the people chose

Senate Committee stirs Hornet’s nest over immunity clause, life pension NASS leaders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

understand the rationale for life pension when the lawmakers received salaries monthly.

His words: “I have always said that the Senate seems to be an institution of people who are there to promote their personal interests.

Saraki is a former governor. Is he not earning pension in Kwara already? The proposal is annoying, immoral and outrageous; it is the height of insensitivity. These demands show that they don’t fear Nigerians.

“Those pushing for the demands should have asked how the public would react before presenting the demands. I will ask the President to totally disregard the bill. The President should veto such bill if it ever gets to his desk.”

On the immunity for the principal officers of the National Assembly, Sagay said seeking immunity

DOGARA

Speaker House of Assembly

9 Politics

their representatives let the people chose their best. Let it be on ethnic nationalities, lets sit down and discuss so that it would be based on the need of the people.

We told them: why don’t you allow their constituency to select the delegates so that they would be coming with message from their people so that things would flow, and it would be without input from the government. But government remained adamant and called some people to Abuja as delegates. Most of the people calling for the implementation of that 2014 confab report, are those who participate at the conference, people who collected huge allowances, we see them as pro- Jonathan, they do not want to accept that they have failed.

You don’t believe in the report of that Confab, even when some of the leaders of ACF attended?

Yes we do not believe in the report. We were not thinking of sitting in Abuja to hold a conference on overall interests of Nigerians. That is the position of Arewa Consultative Forum. Even some elders of the union that went, some of us criticised them.

We told them to sit down with us to discuss issues and get a clear agenda. And you can see there was no clear agenda of what the north wanted at the conference.

Due consultations were not made.

At the end of the day, they were made to defend the status quo.

Do you believe in restructuring of the country?

Of course. I have been involved CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

was tantamount to planning for a crime and demanding immunity in advance to cover up.

“Many are still questioning the immunity granted the President and the governors and then some are proposing immunity for senators. Should all Nigerians be asking for immunity then? I am so shocked that some could be dreaming of such outrageous and annoying idea, it is nonsensical,” he added.

TUC, also lambasted the proposed life pension for members of the National Assembly, NASS, and advised them not to ask for more since they earn well.

This was contained in a statement by its President, Bobboi Kaigama and acting Secretary-General, Simeso Amachree in Lagos who said it was unfortunate that such suggestion was being made at a time like this, when the nation is experiencing difficulty in the economy.

“We want the politicians to be abreast with the groaning of the masses. Lawmakers are proposing CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Ayokunle

Buhari should respect the Constitution on religion– Ayokunle, new CAN President Newly elected president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Dr. Supo Samson Ayokunle, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to respect the constitution at all times.

Reverend Ayokunle in his first interview after he won the CAN Presidency in Abuja said he foresaw his election to lead Christians in Nigeria as far back as 2015.

The cleric who warned President Buhari, to “maintain balance and keep close to the constitution”, irrespective of his religious affiliation to avoid opening the door for lawlessness in the society, also condemned the enlistment of Nigeria into a coalition under the aegis of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC).

Ayokunle, who is also President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, was reacting to some national issues, including the killing of an Igbo businesswoman in Kano and an attack on a Christian in Kaduna for allegedly eating during Ramadan.

His words: “Well, in one of these nights in October 2015, when I was doing my holiday in Houston, Texas with my wife, I had a dream that I participated in CAN presidential election and I saw a bloc that is not mine, voting for me enmass. And I woke my wife up and I said, ‘Mummy, am I going to be a candidate in CAN’s election?

“And she said: ‘no you are not going to be in Jesus Name’. I asked ‘why’ and she said, ‘the trouble there is too much, I don’t want you for that type of trouble’. But I said, ‘well life is a sacrifice and I don’t think God is a joker, He doesn’t joke.’ God is communicating something to us and I don’t think we need to reply through emotion, we need to be serious and go into CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10 Ayokunle: How to avoid religious crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

serious prayers to know the mind of God concerning this matter”, he revealed. According to him, Islamic leaders should mentor their children properly and ascertain who is “radicalising their children and turning them into murderers” and be able to teach what is right, to reduce religious intolerance.

He said: “Whenever the government is not upholding the sanctity of the constitution in terms of the secularity of our existence, the church must speak out without fear of favour. For example, we have been talking of OIC. Does the government of Nigeria have the right to take the country into OIC? Is it in keeping with the spirit of the constitution? No, and when you continue to pull people, the limit is to push them to the wall, if you have been telling people to move and they move to the wall and you are still telling them move, where do you want them to move to?

“So the government of Nigeria should not take things for granted and think that Christians are fools and they will be seen to be promoting one religion above the other or favor one religion to the detriment of the other. Whenever we see that, we are going to tell them to be very careful and we are going to speak out. Who you are going to worship is a fundamental fight of every individual and government is there to protect that, not to force one religion on the other.

“I want to advise the present government to maintain balance and keep close to constitution irrespective of the religious belief of those in government. The government should respect the constitution of Nigeria because if the government breaks the constitution of Nigeria on religion alone, they have already opened the door for lawlessness in the society”, he added. Ayokunle also called on Islamic leaders to talk to their children who, he said, are not giving them CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Ayokunle

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Buhari has failed us, we would look for alternative in 2019 — Shettima CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

in the advocacy for about two decades now. I have always called for and believe in restructuring of the country. It is better we go back to regionalism where the region would grow at its own pace; then there would be challenges of development among the regions. If Lagos for example is doing better than my region, I would be challenged to do something better. It is the best system for Nigeria. I should be looking at the region to come up with something good like the Awolowo, Sardauna, Ahmadu Bello, Azikiwe did. And they were remembered because of that system which allowed them to go back to their region and developed it. Because it was a regional system of government and it give them power to develop their region and gave them attention and you can see the pace of development then.

Awolowo for example tried, and it would not have been possible if not for the regional system of government and today the free Education he introduced has taken the south-west forward educationally than any other region. If you go to Ekiti state today almost every family has a professor.

In the North, for Ahmadu Bello there is ABU, we have nobody that have beaten that record of what he was able to achieve with the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

life pension at a time when there is massive job loss and poverty.

“We are worried that members of the National Assembly are not perturbed by the prevailing realities in the economy. Are they bent on frustrating the effort of the president at revamping the economy”, it asked.

The union said that the benefit of the office of the Senate President and other principal officers was too juicy to demand for more adding that it was regrettable that some senators would not initiate a bill for the four-year term while earning higher than some foreign presidents.

The Union also said that the two-day retreat on Constitution Review organised by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee would have been used to address some grey areas in the constitution.

If the lawmakers did not jettison the proposal and make laws that would improve the lives of the people, TUC would be forced to protest, the union added in the

BUHARI

Nigeria President

north in terms of development.

What we have now are politicians with deceit, they come with Agbada and say I want to emulate Sardauna because he did well.

You are also advocating for a new Constitution?

Yes, when we get a new constitution, we can begin to look at the issue of restructuring as an option. Because the constitution comes with restructuring which would be a constitution that Nige-

rians have to agreed to. We are not asking for the amendment of the constitution, we are asking for a new constitution.

I have no problem with the national assembly, what we want is: a new constitution, making a new constitution is different from amendment, sometimes, the law makers do that out of mischief.

They would say they have seen 1,000 clauses in the constitution to be amended that is not what

we are asking for. We are asking for the legitimacy of the constitution. A constitution everybody would be involved in its drafting and it would have legitimacy, and we would have a referendum that would start from zonal, local, state and national where those that would go to the national would be picked, and those people would work on the new constitution. Nigeria is not a nation yet, the suspicion among the ethnic nationalities is giving the country more problems.

Is restructuring the only way forward?

I believe if we restructure the country everything would be ok.

But today if we have regionalism, the issue of Avengers would not come up. Because we run a funny system of government where everybody, including the governors are lazy, everybody want to go to Abuja and collect their share of the national cake.

How do you assess the Buhari administration?

Expectations were high among Nigerians but, Buhari alone can not move the country forward.

Yes he promised change, expectation was high, unfortunately, he can not move the country alone.

Some of the ministers are inexperienced or incompetent; they do not know what governance is all about. Some of them are behaving like comedians.

Uproar over senate committee’s recommendation statement.

The NLC also took a swipe at the National Assembly saying such attempt to bestow National Assembly principle officers with life pension was disingenuous and amounted to greed of the highest order.

NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, in a statement said: “NLC argued that the plan was merely to extend “excessive privileges for Senate President and House Speaker and their deputies are neither desirable nor necessary.

“Senate President/House Speaker are elected by members and not the public, unlike the president and governors and their deputies; the privileges already enjoyed by the leadership of the two chambers are enormous.

“Unlike the leadership of the executive, the leadership of the legislature has no tenure limitation.

“We at the NLC would want to

Ekweremadu

go on record as having opposed the idea of putting the President and Speaker of the House of Representatives and their deputies on life pension.”

The NLC President said: “We have quoted copiously from the

arguments for life pension in order to expose the ludicrousness and vanity of their logic. We are convinced, nothing but ego and greed are the over-riding interest for wanting to put the leadership of the legislature on life pension.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

11 Politics

Imo, Akwa Ibom, Osun, Oyo, others groan under huge pension bills Ayokunle

‘Religious leaders should influence their children rightly’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

honour by what they are doing.

“They (children) are bringing disgrace to the religion of Islam; we have existed together for many years without this type of development, so it is the duty of the Islamic leaders in Nigeria to look for those who are radicalising their children and turning them into murderers and be able to apprehend them and hand them over to the government or speak to them to teach what is right.

“To say that they are not Muslims is so embarrassing.

So who are they? Are they Christians? Are they pagans? If they are pagans why do they owe allegiance to the Koran? Do pagans, hold Koran or owe allegiance to it”, he asked.

According to Ayokunle, the recent attack on a Christian for allegedly eating during fasting was the height of religious intolerance and bestiality.

Sequel to the downturn in the nation’s economy, a lot of the states of the federation are reeling under huge financial burden as pensions of retirees in the state civil service keep on increasing on a monthly basis.

Consequently, pensioners, like workers are groaning over unpaid pensions and gratuities which have ran into several months with lots of them dying unsung despite serving their country meritoriously for many years.

Most affected states include Akwa Ibom, Imo, Osun Oyo and others where life has become hell on earth for the pensioners owing to huge financial burden of the retirees on the state’s finances.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akan Okon, unveiled the crisis facing the state on pensoners’ plight in Uyo while speaking with newsmen in his office.

This is coming as the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said his inability to pay pensioners their pay and arrears for over 17 months was due to dwindling federal allocation.

The Akwa Ibom commissioner noted that following the lean financial situation in the state, modalities were being worked out to revive the earlier suspended Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the state.

Okon said that the reintroduction of CPS would guarantee sus-

tainable pension administration, adding that the state government had already constituted a committee to draw up efficient structural framework for the smooth implementation of CPS in the state public service.

He regretted that Akwa Ibom was the only state in the country not implementing the Pension Reform Act of 2014 explaining that under the Act, provisions are made for states and local governments to adopt the contributory pension scheme.

He said that recent development with regards to inadequate funds affecting all states in the country had made it imperative to adopt the contributory pension scheme in the state maintaining that the CPS would guarantee better future for pensioners as it would facilitate quick payment of retirement benefits.

The commissioner lamented that payment of terminal benefits had been a major challenge to pensioners in the country as some had waited for years to get their entitlements adding that apart from forestalling misappropriation of pension funds, CPS would relieve the state government of huge outstanding pension liabilities.

He therefore appealed to workers in the state employ to embrace the scheme as soon as it is reintroduced.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Akwa Ibom

Udom

government in 2013 pulled out of CPS following the absence of enabling law from the State House of Assembly. NAN reports that though the state had hitherto implemented the scheme in its service, there were no pension administrators appointed and deductions over the years were refunded to the workers in 2015.

The refunds made by the immediate past administration of Gov. Godswill Akpabio were fraught with irregularities and some workers complained of omission of names and being short-changed. Okorocha said his inability to pay pensions arrears running into over 17 months was

due to shortfall in allocations from the Federation Account.

In a statement by the his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, in response to last Wednesday’s protest by retirees, Okorocha urged them to wait till the workers’ verification exercise is concluded in the next few weeks.

Urging those who are in support of the protest to desist from the act, he said, “The only area the governor felt and still feels worried with the pensioners is their failure or inability to find out the reason for the delay in the payment of their pensions since such hadn’t happened before now.”

Edo 2016: APGA fixes June 30 for primary poll The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Wednesday said election to determine its candidate in the forthcoming governorship poll in Edo would be conducted on June 30.

The National Director of Publicity of the party, Mr Ifeanacho Ogbuejiofor, made this known in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Onaiwu

Secretary, others defect from APC to PDP in Taraba

The Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Tony Suleiman, and the party’s Chairman in Sardauna Local Government, all of Taraba, Alhaji Yusuf Tanimu, on Tuesday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Suleiman announced this at a reception organised for them and

their supporters at the PDP state secretariat in Jalingo.

He accused the leadership of APC in the state of lacking ideas and had been sidelining them and their supporters from the party’s affairs.

Suleiman urged the people of the state to team up with Gov. Darius

Ogbuejiofor said that the party fixed the date for the primary following the time table for the election recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He, however, said that only one person had so far bought the expression of interest and nomination form of the party for the primary poll.

He maintained that APGA would participate in the election,

Ishaku to enable him to deliver on his campaign promises.

“I call on the people of the state to support the rescue mission of Gov Ishaku to enable him succeed in the interest of the state”, he said.

Mr Victor Bala, Chairman of PDP in the state, welcomed them and expressed delight that the good works

adding that the party would cooperate with INEC to conduct credible poll. Ogbuejiofor disclosed that the cost of the nomination form for the election was N6 million.

NAN reports that Mr Osaro Onaiwu, immediate past DirectorGeneral of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, obtained APGA’s nomination form for the Edo election on Tuesday in Abuja.

of the party led government in the state was yielding results. Reacting to the development, Chairman of APC in the state, Alhaji Hassan Ardo, described the allegations as baseless, saying the party chieftains were money mongers and were offered money by the PDP to defect.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Dasuki’s office didn’t fund my election – Fayose ÏÏÏEkiti State Governor, Mr Ayo-

L-R: Coordinator, Indomie Fans Club, Mrs. Faith Joshua; some pupils; Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc (DPFP), Mr. Tope Ashiwaju and Marketing Director, DPFP, Mr Girish Sharma during the Indomie Team Yourself Up exhibition in Lagos…on Wednesday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Lopsided Ambassadorial list: Senate summons SGF, Foreign Affairs Minister Olufemi Samuel & Chris Emetoh, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Senate on Wednesday kicked against the alleged slant in the nomination of 47 Ambassadors by the Presidency, the list which President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded to it last week, as it summoned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyema, to appear before it to offer explanations.

The Senate noted that the list containing the names of Ambassadorial nominees omitted representatives from states like Plateau, Ebonyi, Ondo, Bayelsa.

The Senate took the step following a motion moved by Senator Joshua Dariye (PDP, Plateau State) who said the Senate had taken interest in the widespread complaints that greeted the release of the list.

The Senate said it would not consider the list of Ambassadorial nominees until the SGF and the Minister of Foreign Affairs offer tangible explanations on the lopsidedness of the compilation.

It, however, directed its committee on Foreign Affairs to take on the SGF and the minister while ensuring that they provide the criteria used in selecting the nominees.

The Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, speaking on the motion after adoption, said all rules

of transparency must be complied with in the process of appointing career officers as ambassadors.

He said: “Distinguished colleagues, I want to thank Senator Dariye and I think a number of senators too prior to this have raised this observation and I too have received a lot of petitions in my office on this same matter.

“I think it is very important to say that on career ambassadors, we must ensure that the process is transparent especially because they are going to be ambassadors and the number of petitions we have received this time is a bit more than usual.

“And it is important that the foreign affairs committee quickly in-

vite the minister and secretary to the government of the federation so that they can explain the processes of how some of these names came about.

“That can be done before they even begin to consider the nomination for screening. The matter is referred to foreign affairs committee and we give them a maximum of one week to be able to come with a report on it”.

The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Shehu Sani, had in his response earlier told Senators that his committee received a welter of complaints from across Nigerians on the lopsidedness of the shortlisted ambassadorial nominees.

Anarchy looms, Saraki, PDP Senators warn Continued from page 6 ruled. They also filed a civil suit and were told by the court that neither the judiciary nor the executive can interfere in the internal affairs of the legislative arm.

“The Senate President recognizes the sundry problems bedeviling our nation today - food insecurity, devaluation of the Naira, inflation, unemployment, failing national infrastructure, insurgency in the North-eastern part of the country, restiveness in the oil producing areas, and general insecurity, among others - and believes that finding solutions to them should be the priority, at this period, for every individual in government, not the pursuit of narrow political objectives.

“That is why these needless distractions will do nobody any good.

In fact, it will not help in delivering on the promise of bringing positive change to the lives of our people who voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last elections.

“The Senate President does not see what value this current attempt to shut down the Senate by dragging its presiding officers before a court for a phantom allegation of forgery will add to the attempts to solve the problems confronting the nation.

“Saraki will however explore all legal options necessary to ward off this fresh case of persecution and distraction”, the statement added.

PDP Senators warn

On their part the PDP Senate

Caucus on Wednesday announced withdrawal of support for the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari over the plot to remove Saraki and Ekweremadu, and condemned that the planned removal as a glaring witch-hunt of perceived members of the opposition.

The caucus alleged that the government of President Buhari has been deploying State instruments of coercion to intimidate the Senate as an independent arm of government, a development it said may degenerate into anarchy.

Addressing the Senate Correspondents, on behalf of the PDP caucus, the Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanual Buwcha said members con-

demn the plot to remove Saraki and Ekweremadu in its entirety.

Present during the briefing were, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Phillip Aduda, Senator Biodun Olujimi and others.

Bwatcha said the Caucus had met the previous day to review the frosty relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government and hence resolved to withdraw support for the government of President Buhari until it stops its act of intimidation towards PDP members in general.

It urged the APC government to concentrate attention on maintaining security in Nigeria rather than pursuing members of the opposition, using the court as a tool for witch-hunt

dele Fayose has refuted allegations by the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), that his election into office in 2014 was funded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

According to him, rather than ONSA, his election was funded by a commercial bank, fund raising, donations from friends and associates as well as sales of campaign souvenirs, saying; “I have no financial transaction whatsoever with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro either by cash, cheque or electronic transfer.”

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor challenged the EFCC to publish statements made by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, his son or any other person associated with money from the NSA office where they claimed they gave him money for the election.

His words: “EFCC is only acting a movie scripted, produced and directed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari just to silence me, being a major opposition voice in the country.

“The management of the bank, which majorly funded my election, called me to a meeting where I was assured that fund will be provided for my election. I was asked to nomine a trusted ally to be related with, and I nominated Mr. Abiodun Agbele.

“All the payments into Abiodun Agbele’s account domiciled in Zenith Bank were directly from Zenith Bank. In actual fact, the account was opened by Zenith Bank hurriedly at that time and Abiodun Agbele’s identity card which ought to have been collected before the account was opened was only collected last week in the bank’s desperation to perfect the account obviously after submitting to the intimidation and harassment of the EFCC. “Most of the funds posted into Agbele’s account were through the Ibadan, Akure and Lagos branches of the Zenith Bank and sometimes; they brought cash.

Fayose

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

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Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Rejigging education in Oyo State

O

Dr. ‘Gbade Ojo

ne of the challenges of governance in Africa especially Nigeria is that leaders do not exhibit passionate concerns about issues of their time. They do not see current tasks of governance and bureaucracy as focus for the future. A self-centered government will be engrossed with meeting only the demands of the day. They do not spot the presence of tomorrow. This perhaps is the reason why there is not much planning coupled with dearth of critical data for good governance.

Yet, being able to prudently discern the future really starts in the present.

On the misconception connected with the planned management of some public secondary schools in Oyo State out of the total 631 public secondary schools, the opposition has over- exploited the gullible population, using their lack of access to adequate information, data and empirical evidences to hold them captive.

They sold lies about Ajimobi to the people and concluded that he was planning to sell schools to the missionaries.

Ajimobi’s visibility in the last few weeks on the media has helped to collapse the lies against him to rubbish his initiative to partner interested stakeholders in giving facelift to secondary education.

No doubt, each public policy has its own pros and cons. The beauty of any policy is that the larger society targeted by it should be satisfied. This is in line with Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian theory, which states that public policy should be targeted at the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people.

A public policy no matter how robust may not be wholly acceptable to all but large chunk should heave a sigh of relief..

It is within that context that Oyo State’s policy thrust on education is situated.

There are two major rubrics in the policy as enunciated by the state government and the two are very contentious by the irreverent critics of Ajimobi administration.

They are the introduction of a N1000 development levy in public secondary schools and the plan to partner stakeholders in the management of some of the public secondary schools.

These two elements appear like a policy shock to the downtrodden more so in a state, which is reputed to be the intellectual capital of Nigeria.

The fundamental question is why the need for partnership? It takes a

courageous governor to attempt a general overhaul. This is what the Ajimobi-led administration seeks to do. The empirical analysis below suffices to explain why the planned partnership is imperative.

It is instructive to note that between 2007 until date, the government spent a total of N3.2 -13824 on public examinations. With that, the highest pass rate ever was in 2011 with 20.55%. In 2007, 52,551 registered for WASCE with entry fee of N3, 250.00 per candidate. Government paid N170, 790,150.00. Only 3,706 could manage to get five credits and above. Percentage pass was 7.05%.

Government lost N158, 745,650.00.

In 2008, 55,878 candidates registered with entry fee of N3, 500.00. Only 5,608 got five credits and above with 10.04% pass rate. Government forfeited N175, 945,000 on the failures.

In 2009, the bad trend continued.

Out of 52,484 that registered, the pass rate was 14.11%. In 2010, 52,448 candidates registered and only 7,357 passed, that is, 14.03%. By 2011 when this administration came on board, 60,000 candidates registered, 12,327 passed with five credits and above which is 20.55%, which was to be the highest ever!

With population explosion and desire for education, more candidates registered in 2012, with as many as 67,786, the highest figure since 2007 which is under our purview, but 9,973 passed WASCE at 14.71%. In 2013, 55,432 registered with 10,285 securing five credits and above, i.e.

18.55% pass rate. The story was not different in 2014 and 2015 with 54,862 and 59,945 respectively registered with WAEC.

Nevertheless, if between 2007 until date, Oyo State WASCE candidates have not recorded 25% pass rate talk less of 50%, automatically, the sector requires general overhaul.

To do this, the state government took a holistic view of the situation.

This is done by targeting students/pupils, parents, teachers and infrastructure.

Long before the 2015 elections, a total of 5,300 teaching and non-teaching staff were recruited. However, the sector requires well-thought out policy beyond mere recruitment of teachers.

In its quest to reposition and further enhance quality, education the administration in its second term took some bold measures. Few include enforcement of 80% attendance for all students to ensure good performance in external and internal examinations. Students who fail to make 80% attendance may not be eligible for promotion examinations.

Still targeting students and pupils, automatic promotions in all public secondary schools was outlawed.

Promotion is, henceforth, based on merit. This is to ensure that quality products are graduated from public schools.

Not only that, extra-mural classes were re-invigorated for JSS3 and SS3 students to add quality time to the teaching period.

Nevertheless, the government, having properly carried along the stakeholders, especially Parents/ Teachers Association (PTA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS) and Association of Heads of Primary Schools among others decided to

involve the parents in the care of their children and wards. Hence, N3, 000.00 education levy was agreed upon by all which could be paid per term on a thousand naira installment basis, for teaching aids and infrastructural facilities.

Parents and guardians too are to bear the burden of payment of WAEC registration fees. With the involvement of parents, they are more passionate about what the future of their siblings is in their educational pursuit.

For the students, government made it mandatory they pass mock examinations to be conducted on final year students to ensure that only serious students are presented for examinations.

The state government also directed that the use of GSM phones be banned during school hours.

Perhaps the hallmark of the policy thrust is the desire by the government to collaborate effectively with the interested stakeholders who may desire to be involved in the running of some of these schools. Under this, six different models were presented which are management services model, professional services model, support services model, government purchasing programme model, adopt-a-school model and infrastructure services (Private Financing Initiative-PFI).

Even during the time of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, education was not free as being peddled by some ignorant people.

When Awolowo found out that the money raised through the budget was not enough, a special education tax was imposed; and people paid it.

They paid because they were seeing the benefit.

The state government seeks to promote the participation of more investors at the secondary school level so that better products get to the tertiary level. Government cannot afford to be complacent. The rot over the years is now telling on the sector. It is pathetic that the rate of failure is ‘criminally’ high.

The negative effect is that more products of private schools are admitted into tertiary institutions.

This is very dangerous for the state.

It may lead to social stratification whereby the children of the poor may not be able to compete in a society that needs to pursue egalitarianism.

At the end of the day, if implemented with the needed zeal, the policy will lead to the greatest happiness of the greatest number and it will further complement government efforts at providing free and qualitative education in Oyo State.

Dr. Ojo wrote via: eojo12000@ yahoo.com

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

15 Opinion

Obiano deserves the Zik Prize for Good Governance

O James Eze

n Sunday, July 10, 2016, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano will receive the 2015 Zik Prize for Good Governance. Set up in 1994 by the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), the Zik Prize has evolved to assume the stature of dependable barometer for measuring quality leadership in Nigeria. In a country where true leadership is alien, it is a big endorsement to honour someone for embodying leadership in a most acceptable way.

While it is true that there’s no leader without blemish, the idea of a Leadership Prize is not necessarily to celebrate flawless personages but to set up a threshold. It is something like a dream. At different times, notable leaders like,Aliko Dangote, Festus Odimegwu, Reginald Ihejiahi,Mike Adenuga Innocent Chukwuma, have all won the prize. So also Senator Liyel Imoke, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi among many others.

Governor Willie Obiano’s emergence as one of the winners of does not come to many as a surprise. Since he assumed leadership of Anambra State, Obiano has demonstrated acuity of vision. Indeed, the importance of vision to leadership is comparable to the importance of a lighthouse to ships. Offering a rare insight into the true genius of the visionary, Malcolm Gladwell, British born Canadian journalist once observed that “the visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper and re-imagines the world.” This is almost what Chief Willie Obiano seems to have done in Anambra State.

While it is true that positive change usually takes place in degrees, it is

even truer that negative change usually sweeps across the land like a hurricane. That is why it is so easy to see Nigeria’s rapid regression in the last 12 months. Happily, in Anambra State, the pace may be slow but the signs are there; the beacons are visible and the performance indicators announce that hope is finally here. The picturesque new Awka with dazzling motorways and gleaming flyovers announce the birth of hope. The transformation of the Upper Iweka reminds us that insecurity has ceased to be the concern of Anambra State. The demolition of a 30-year old mountain of refuse at Okpoko and the eventual clean-up along Onitsha-Owerri Road shows the leadership concern about the environ-

ment. The influx of investors shows that Obiano has been making bold efforts to fulfil his Vision Statement.

Same goes for the increase in workers’ salaries, the impressive growth in Internally Generated Revenue as well as the offer of scholarships to over 200 students.

Beyond governance, Obiano has also devoted a keen ear to history. In what looks like a dramatisation of Winston Churchill’s quote that “Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it,” Willie Obiano rose against the tide of suspicion and misplaced antagonisms to announce his place in Igbo history with “Ozoemezina,” the epic memorial for Igbos who died in the Biafran War. There were pockets

of resistance against it but Obiano knew that the reason why no Igbo political leader of note had succeeded in holding a befitting memorial for the victims of the war and the horrors that precipitated the war itself was the fear of being misunderstood in a federation where the Igbo and their peculiar experience had been consigned to the margins of national life. So, he stood resolute against the resistance and brought closure to that dark chapter of the Igbo experience. He delivered an epic speech at the ceremony. Choosing his words carefully, Obiano declared; “Today, as we light our candles and whisper our silent prayers to ease their passage to eternity, we cleanse ourselves of the pain of their death and plant the trees of forgiveness in their memory.

And in doing this; we open a new page of a brighter history for our people.”

This is what conscientious leadership means.

Indeed, Obiano’s response to contemporary issues shows him as someone with an uncanny ability to read the mood of his people.

Willie Obiano has shown a great leadership promise that deserves our encouragement. He has kept his eyes on the prize; transforming his environment; building three bridges in two years. Obiano’s VISION of making Anambra State the 1st choice investment destination and the most preferred location to site new industries and his MISSION of creating a socially stable, business-friendly environment that will attract both indigenes and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities, indicate a perfect assessment of the needs of Ndi Anambra.

Because of all these Chief Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano deserves the Zik Prize for Leadership.

Fighting discrimination against widows/widowers Fred Nwaozor

T

oday June 23, the international community will be marking the International Widows’ Day. It is a UN ratified day of action to address the poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries.

Raj Loomba established the day in 2005, under the aegis of The Loomba Foundation to raise awareness of the issue of widowhood, and was approved on December 21, 2010 by the UN General Assembly.

In many countries, any widow or widower is seen as less privileged.

In Nigeria, the most devastating aspect of widowhood is when a woman is passing through the ordeal.

On the average, a widow regard-

less of her status, is severely molested, intimidated and humiliated, including the deprivation of her late husband’s property in-laws.

In most cases, the widow in question is accused of being responsible for her husband’s demise without minding the severe psychological pains and agony she is passing through. In some communities, to prove her innocence, the poor widow would be forced to drink the water used in washing the late husband’s corpse; a practice that obviously is irrational and barbaric.

To make the matter worse, she may be sent out of her matrimonial home as if she was not legitimately married to the deceased. Even if she bore children for the deceased, she would be forced to leave with them to her parental home. It is worth noting

that this aspect of intimidation can make the widow to commit suicide.

Most pathetically and based on the locality, a widow may be forced to marry the late husband’s sibling, which is often seen and sanctioned as ‘customary or ethical’, even though the new husband may have been married or even of unstable mind.

In our respective capacities, we have vital roles to play towards ensuring that these primitive practices against widows are much eradicated. We can assist by ensuring that in our respective jurisdictions, a widow is not treated unjustly. Similarly, every widow should be made aware and empowered to fight for her right irrespective of the circumstance.

Widowers should equally be supported in any possible way to cope with

the trauma of losing their wives.

Moreover, civil rights lawyers should not hesitate to fight for the rights and protection widows/widowers any time the latter are faced with such problem. In the same vein, the civil society as well as religious bodies should sensitise their members and the public understand on the negative effect of maltreating a widow or widower.

Widows on their part should also form a formidable coalition their localities to enable them speak with one voice in fighting against discrimination and humiliation. In so doing, they would assist each other to stand together in times of trauma.

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor is Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research & Career Development - Owerri

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

17

18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Features Æ s

Adopting measures to curtail divorce Jacinta Nwachukwu In simplistic terms, marriage is a very simple arrangement involving two persons who fall in love and agree to share their life together.

It is a process through which a social union is formed between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation, among others.

Observers note that the union, which is supposed to be a lifetime union, is increasingly being cut short via divorce.

They say that nowadays, numerous marriages have hit the rocks due to one reason or the other.

They maintain that while some of the marriages ended in a divorce; others continued to survive, as the couples preferred to tolerate each other and live as ``strangers within the home’’.

Nevertheless, Sociologists and psychologists insist that no marriage is immune to conflicts, saying that the securest relationships can turn sour at any given moment, owing to several factors.

Dr Michael Adelanwa, a sociologist, says that marriage, as a union, is characterised by certain demands and expectations on the part of both the husband and wife. ``Such demands and expectations include issues such as loyalty in marriage, faithfulness, acceptance of responsibilities, emotional security and companionship, among others,’’ he says.

Adelanwa insists that if a mari-

An artist’s illustration of divorce

tal relationship is devoid of these fundamental elements, the relationship often faces a lot of problems, including divorce.

Mr Stephen Eke, an official of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, identifies wife’s insubordination, wife battery, infidelity and interference from outsiders as some of the factors that trigger divorce.

He, however, advises couples, particularly those undergoing relationship crises, to imbibe the

culture of dialogue in resolving contentious issues and save their marriages.

Eke emphasises that children mostly bear the brunt of divorce, insisting that children from broken homes are often delinquent. ``Children from such homes, especially the females, are often prone to abuses such as child labour and rape, among other social vices. ``Most couples take things that matter most for granted and a

marriage that is taken for granted has a good chance of ending in divorce,’’ he says.

Eke stresses that marriages can be protected from any form of collapse if the couples always exhibit the fear of God in all their dealings.

Similarly, Mr Olalekan Ojo of Ojo and Company Law Firm says that intolerance, infidelity and wife battery are the major factors behind the rising cases of divorce in the country.

``Many marriages are collapsing, with the customary courts terminating a large number of marriages annually. ``However, the court should always make an effort to reunite couples rather than dissolving their marriages,’’ he says.

Sharing similar sentiments, Ms Joyce Chukwuma, a worker in Federal Ministry of Information, Abuja, cites infidelity, religious differences and infertility as some of the causes of divorce in some cases.

She urges couples to shun extra-marital affairs to build lasting families and a decent society, saying that reasons behind divorce ``build up slowly when people overlook things that matter most. ``Lack of commitment to the principles of marriage has also been identified as one of the factors leading to divorce. ``When partners seek physical and emotional support elsewhere; when one party is not ready to forgive the other, then divorce comes in. ``The social effects of this (divorce) for the children can be traumatic as they may feel unloved or isolated,’’ she says.

Also speaking, Mrs Mariam Abdullahi, a housewife in Abuja, says married couples should avoid misunderstanding and picking faults. ``When couples start listening to what people are saying, they can start having issues which, if not properly handled, can lead to divorce,’’ she says.

Abdullahi calls on couples to dwell more on the culture of togetherness, cooperation, while making win-win decisions and preventing anger from degeneratCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Developing strategists, thinkers in the military God’s Covenant Snr with agency report The Nigeria Army has ended its 8th leadership development course with a charge to the participants to utilise the knowledge they have gained to purposefully handle ethno-religious upheavals and increasing terrorism.

The course, ``Nigeria Army Leadership Development Seminar 2016 -- ``Build Smart Strat-

egists and Creative Thinkers in Military’’, was held at the Nigerian Army Finance Corps, Apapa.

Drawn from the army headquarters and other formations and units in the army, the participants were senior officers from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and above.

Closing the course held between June 13 and June 17, the Acting Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Brig.-Gen. Ja-

hadi Jakko, said the course was designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in carrying out their duties. ``I enjoin you to show improvement in your leadership qualities when you get back to your formations and units. I also enjoin you to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army. ``You must be prepared to face national challenges as officers CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

19

Features

Adopting measures to curtail divorce CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

According to him, getting married at a very tender age increases the likelihood of divorce.

An Islamic scholar, Mr Owolabi Abdulyekeen, insists that true love is what is missing in most marital unions. ``The Holy Qur’an enjoins spouses to imbibe endurance in their marital journey,” he says.

Also speaking, Rev. Fr. Mathew Audu, the Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, bemoans the rising rate of divorce in the country.

H e says that di-

ing into relationship breakups.

The fallouts of divorce can be quite dire. This is because Mr Azeez Isa, a businessman, argues that children from broken homes are likely to have problems with their marriages later in life. ``If you experienced the divorce of your parents, that unfortunately doubles your risks of facing divorce in your own marriage. ``And if your spouse also experienced his or her parents’ divorce, then your risks of experiencing a divorce would be tripled,’’ he says.

He, however, concedes that although such experience may be quite scary, it does not necessarily mean that the marriage of offspring of broken homes will eventually fail.

As part of efforts to reduce the rate of divorce, Mr Obinna Okemuo, a banker, advises that would-be couples should only tie the nuptial knots whenever they are primed for the union.

vorce cases in the country have increased by 30 per cent, adding that the prevalence of divorce is not a good development since the church does not permit divorce. ``Marriage, which is ratified in the church and consummated on the bed, should not be dissolved. ``The couples have promised that whether they are poor or rich, in sickness or health; they will live together. ``What will separate them is if one partner dies,’’ he said.

Audu, therefore, advises couples to stick to their marriage vows and try to resolve their marital problems before they degenerate into family breakups. ``Husbands and wives should always be mindful of the fact that marriage is for better or for worse,’’ he says.

All in all, the general consensus of opinion is that spouses should make concerted efforts to save their marriages from collapsing because of the grim effects of dissolved marriages in the society.

Developing strategists, thinkers in the military CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

and better equipped leaders. ``You must remain steadfast in your contributions to national security and the overall good of the country. ``The Nigerian Army places important priority to your cadre of officers,’’ Jakko said, noting that as leaders they must set examples.

He said that trust was the bedrock of leadership and urged them to as leaders in the army to be trustworthy. ``As leaders and commanders, you should show examples, show competence, expertise, sacrifice and courage for the people to have confidence in

you. ``You must exhibit good character for the followers to be committed because you have exhibited what you stand for and have focused on it.’’

The Acting Corps Commander, Supply and Transport, Brig.Gen. Alakassio Jidda, had at the opening noted that leadership development was imperative in view of the nation’s current security challenges.

Jidda said that such challenges manifested in rampant ethnoreligious upheavals and increasing wave of terrorism across the country and should therefore handle ethno-religious upheavals, terrorism resolutely ``To successfully handle the

Participants in the course in a group photograph

current challenges, there is the need for purposeful, skilful and dynamic leadership across all the chains of command. ``The selection of the theme was made at the right time given the concern of the government and stakeholders in the nation to creatively apply new tactics to tackle socio-economic problems

through dynamic leadership.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the course attended by about 40 officers examined such topics as ``Improving Decision Making’’, ``Brain Power Development and Creating a Developing Mind set’’ and ``Fostering a Culture that Nurtures Creativity’’.

Certificates were awarded to the participants at the end of the course.

The army top brass at the closing included brig.-Gen. Bamidele Taiwo, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Brig.-Gen. John Ozigi, Director, Army Finance and Accounts.

Crime 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Four RRS operatives escape death in Lagos Oguntade Ismaila

The scene of the crime

Man stabs colleague to death over piece of cake Joy Anyim A twenty-six-year-old man, Daniel Okorie, who had reportedly stabbed his colleague, Onyeka Jackson to death in the Iyana Isashi area of Lagos, has been arraigned in court.

The suspect who was arraigned before an Ebute-Meta Magistrates Court 6 presided over by Miss Awogboro recently was ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi prisons, while the case was adjourned to July 28, 2016.

Daniel was said to have had a misunderstanding with Onyeka over touching a cake at their place of work on May 24th; after the close of work, the deceased was said to have traced Daniel to his house located at No 102 Iyana Isashi, opposite Clinic

bus stop where the incident occurred.

It was gathered that when Onyeka got to the compound, he kept banging on Daniel’s door till the door was opened.

After a heated argument which degenerated to a physical fight, Daniel was said to have gone inside, picked a kitchen knife and stabbed the deceased on the chest and leg.

When The Daily Times visited the house, the compound appeared deserted. One of the neighbours (names withheld) however he sincerely didn’t know what the bone of contention was, “but a little past six o’clock, we saw the two of them quarrelling in the compound, and before we knew what was happening, they started fight-

ing. Before people could separate them, Daniel had stabbed Jackson on his chest and he was bleeding profusely.”

According to a now sober Daniel, “Onyeka and I work at the same place in Iyana-Era, that day we had a misunderstanding in my place of work. Few minutes after I got home, someone was hitting my door. I was surprised when I saw Jackson after I opened the door; while we were quarrelling, I took a kitchen knife to threaten and chase him out of the compound. It was while we were fighting outside the compound that I stabbed him, I didn’t mean to kill him.”

The police however said Daniel had committed an offence punishable under section 221 of the criminal law 2011 of Lagos.

The suspect

U.S. citizen charged with sexual assault for keeping 12 girls in house

Police in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania have discovered 12 girls in residence of a man, who was later accused of sexually assaulting one teenager among the girls, local media reported on Monday.

Police searched the home of 51-year-old Lee Kaplan after a neighbour called the authorities in growing concern about

the weirdness of the house.

It said that Kaplan was found living with 12 girls from six months to 18 years.

The 18-year-old told police that she and Kaplan had a 3 year-old and six month-old baby.

The police said that the teenager being sexually assaulted was given to Kaplan by her par-

ents when she was 14 after the man helped solve a financial crisis of the family.

They said officials are working to verify where the other children were from.

Report says Kaplan faces charges including sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor and aggravated indecent assault.

Four RRS operatives of the Lagos State Police Command early on Sunday morning sustained serious injuries while on operation when an over speeding KIA Rio belonging to a hired car operator rammed into their vehicle near Ogudu bus stop.

The RRS men were inspecting the Light Up Lagos Project facilities on the Ogudu–Alapere axis when the accident occurred at about 12:06 am. According to information gathered at the scene of the accident, RRS men were driving when a KIA Rio with a lone occupant on a high speed rammed into them from behind.

An eyewitness who was at the scene told our correspondent the victims were later conveyed to the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja for treatment.

“The RRS vehicle was going slowly on the road because they were monitoring the Light Up Lagos Project facilities when the KIA Rio on top speed from Lagos Island towards Alapere rammed into the RRS Ford car with registration number RRS 068 LA; the force threw the officers and their vehicle into a nearby ditch.

Also injured was the driver of the car. As at the time of going to press, three of the operatives have been discharged from the hospital while the fourth, along with the driver of the speeding vehicle is expected to be discharged later in the day.

Further investigation into the identity of the KIA Rio driver revealed that he just started the car hire service on Friday after leaving the services of a truck driving firm.

It would be recalled that vandals have been ceaselessly tampering with Light Up Lagos cables before the commissioning of the project in April.

One Lucky Udeagwu was arrested with a 35 meter long cable meant for the project in Ogudu.

Only last month, RRS operatives again arrested another suspect, Obaji Christopher for cutting the project cable at the Ogudu axis. These informed the constant monitoring of the area by the operatives, particularly at nights.

RRS officers in coma

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

21

Public Notice 22 KOMOLAFE BISIRIYU OLAMILEKAN

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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BLESSING CHIBUGO AWUJOR

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LOSS OF DOCUMENT

MR OTO-OBONG CHRIS SHALOM

This is to notify the general public of loss of Building of Certificate of Occupancy belonging to MR. NWOSU ONUORAH, Registered as No 95/95/1060 at lands registry, Enugu, situated at plot 47 Onyiuke Street Ogui New Layout Enugu.

All efforts to trace it proved abortive.

If found, please return to Ministry of Lands, Enugu.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Chris Effiong Udosen now wishes to be known and addressed as Mr Oto-Obong Chris Shalom. Former documents remain valid. General public, take note.

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

The Trustees are : 1. Donald Duke, 2. Tom Adaba and 3. Mrs Omotayo Omotosho The aim and objective: 1. To empower the youths with skill acquisition programmes that would enable them to be self reliant

MUHAMMED BELLO MUHAMMED I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUHAMMED BELLO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUHAMMED BELLO MUHAMMED ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

OMOBAORUN NIYI SOLOMON I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AKINSANYA OLUWAGBEMINIYI SOLOMON, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMOBAORUN NIYI SOLOMON. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

MRS. GLORY PETER OKU I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. GLORY UDOFIA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. GLORY PETER OKU. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

FAJOLU JULIANA EFEDE OLAJUMOKE I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BELLO JULIANA EFEDE OLAJUMOKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS FAJOLU JULIANA EFEDE OLAJUMOKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

MRS. AKOMA LEONARDINE CHIALUKA I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. UNAH LEONARDINE CHIALUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. AKOMA LEONARDINE CHIALUKA. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

DABA PRINCEWILL I, Formerly known, called and addressed as DEBORAH PRINCEWILL, wish to be known, called and addressed as DABA PRINCEWILL. All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK and the General public please take note.

MUHAMMED BELLO MUHAMMED I Formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED BELLO. Now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED BELLO MUHAMMED All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CARETAKERS FAMILY CHURCH.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has Applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters act no 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES: (1) Pst John Aberebuofori (2) Pst. Mrs Boma Aberebuofori (3) Mr Owali Leonard Ogbor.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. (1) To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2) To win souls for the Kingdom of God. (3) To preach repentance to the lost souls.

(4) To evangelise the whole world.

Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

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 28days of this publication.

SIGNED:A.R.Gidado, Esq. AGR DANMALAM BORGU & CO

Signed: John C. Marcus. (consultant)

ORITA AJE PARAPO FOUNDATION

FLORENCE IJAGBONE FAITHSALVATION 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 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990

THE TRUSTEE ARE: 1. CHIEF OMONIYI AKINSHIPE - CHAIRMAN 2. MR AYODEJI OLUWOLE - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. MR GANI ADEGBOYEGA - GENERAL SECRETARY 4. MR ADENIYI AMOO - TREASURER 5. ALHAJA RASHEEDAT O. SANNI - WELFARE OFFICER 6. CHIEF ADISA AGBAJE - P.R.O 7. MR RASHEED OLAYEMI - ASST.SECRETARY 8. CHIEF MUKAILA BALOGUN - ORGANIZING SECRETARY 9. ENGR.BAYO ORESANWO - EX-OFFICIO.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS. FLORENCE IREKPITAN IJAGBONE 2. DR. IGHODALO FOLORUNSO IJAGBONE 3. MRS. ODUBIYI-FELIX IBHADE OMONIGHO 4. MR. ITUA ERONMOSELE IJAGBONE 5. MR. IGHODALO IGWEHI IJAGBONE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF MEMBERS BY SENSITIZING THEM ON THE POLICY PROGRAMME OF THE GOVERNMENT AND ASSIST TO PARTICIPATE IN THEM. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY THE SECRETARY.

ABUNDANCE PROGRESSIVE CLUB

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To promote Christian values based on the teaching of Jesus Christ and his apostles.

To give support to the less privileged and needy members of the society.

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

SIGNED: OLUJIMI FALEYE ESQ FADELE & FADELE, AL BARKA PLAZA, AWOLOWO JUNCTION, IBADAN. 0815829154.

TOWARDS A GREATER NIGERIA FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Club has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NWIGBERI ONYEBUCHI FRANK Chairman 2. NWIGBERI EJIKE EMMANUEL Secretary 3. AZUBU UCHENNA Member 4. NWAFOR MICHAEL Member 5. OBALI COLLINS Member

The Trustees are : 1. Donald Duke, 2. Tom Adaba and 3. Mrs Omotayo Omotosho

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote the unity and welfare of members 2. To assist members in time of need 3. To assist the less privileged people 4. To engage in Rural and Community development

The aim and objective: 1. To empower the youths with skills acquisition programmes that would enable them to be self reliant

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.

Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 daysof this publication.

Signed: Secretary

SIGNED:A.R.Gidado, Esq.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

DSS arrests exCOAS, Ihejirika ÏÏÏ Reports, on Wednes-

day, claimed that operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) arrested a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika (rtd). It was gathered that he was arrested at his Maitama, Abuja home on Tuesday evening.

Gen. Ihejirika was reportedly arrested in connection with Arms deal probe involving former national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

It was also gathered that the former COAS is also being investigated over his alleged sponsorship of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) agitators.

Okowa recruiting thugs to destabilise Edo polls, govt alleges jƈƐƑ Ɗ ƈ ƄƆ Benin

ÏÏÏ Ahead of

the September 10 governorship election in Edo State, the state government has raised the alarm that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in collaboration with the Delta State government have concluded plans to recruit thugs from the neighbouring state to foment trouble during the election .

In a terse statement signed by the commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, alleged that the PDP and Delta State government have start-

ed recruiting thugs from Delta to register as voters in communities sharing border with Edo state to cause crisis during the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

“It has come to our knowledge that following the commencement of the Continuous Voters Registration exercise in Edo state preparatory to the September 10 gubernatorial election in the state, the Peoples’ Democratic Party in connivance with the Delta state Government, has started recruiting thugs and hooligans from Delta State to register as voters in communities sharing border with Edo state.

Onlookers at the scene of the fire incidence at Kara-Ibafo, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway … on Wednesday.

Publish amount accumulated in TSA, Reps tell Presidency ÏÏÏ The House of Repre-

sentatives, on Wednesday, urged the Presidency to publish the actual amount so far accumulated in the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The House also urged the Presidency to make available the spending plan for the fund as well as a comprehensive list of abandoned projects from which such funds accrued.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion

by Rep. Adamu Kamale (APC- Adamawa), who recalled that the Federal

23 News

Government operated a pilot scheme for a single account in 2012, using 217 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA), as a case study.

According to him, it is the success of the scheme that motivated the present administration to fully implement the TSA. ``We are aware of the disclosure by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on March 3, 2016 that from the execution of the TSA, a balance of N2.9 trillion has been accumulated from the MDAs.’’

Kamale said despite federal government’ s committee to combat corrupt practices, eliminate waste in public finance and ensure adequate fund flow to critical sectors to facilitate development, some establishments were still left out of the TSA platform. ``It is equally of concern that while Section 80 (1) of the Constitution regarding maintenance of Federation Account provides a broad legal framework, it does not address the operational details.

“We had earlier taken the information with levity when we received it a few days ago, but we now have it on good authority that indeed the PDP Governor of Delta state, His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is involved in this sinister move to send political thugs to the fringe villages between the two states to fraudulently register as eligible voters with the intention to use them to cause untold mayhem before and during the elections, on September 10.”

The Edo government also claims that information at its disposal indicates that, “forty political thugs have

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

MMR`n1 &MC L9M R 9R` I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNORUGA BENJAMIN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNORUGA BENJAMIN OBIORA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

been dispatched to each of these border villages with the sole aim of registering them as voters before engaging their services to perpetrate violence during the September 10 election.

“We wish to place the security agencies on notice of this untoward intention of the

Delta State Government with their Edo PDP collaborators to cause a breach of security in Edo State”.

Efforts to reach Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa, Charles Ehiagwu to react to the allegation was abortive, as he did not pick his calls.

Singapore academy trains 13 safety inspectors in Nigeria ƑƊƓƑƆƌƆƊƆ 9ƓƆƋƑ ƌ

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Civil Avia-

tion Authority (NCAA) has played host to the pilot edition of Safety Oversight Inspectors Course (Aerodrome) in Lagos, Nigeria.

This Aerodrome course hitherto offered in Singapore Civil Aviation Academy was taken to diaspora for the very first time in its existence.

The first offshore location for the course away from Singapore was at the NCAA Conference Facility, Lagos, Nigeria.

In cognizance of importance of the course to global aviation safety, 40 participants from 15 African countries were in attendance for this maiden edition.

Nigeria provided the highest number of participants.

According to Sam Adurogboye, general manager, public affairs, NCAA, There were 13 persons from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and 3 from the

9 &6 Mz E &1R d M#` I formerly know and addressed as ONYEMELIHE NWAKAEGO SANDRA Now wish to be known and addressed as IBEH NWAKAEGO SANDRA. All former document remain vaild. The general public should take note

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

In addition, 14 other countries were similarly in attendance. They were Burkina- Faso, Cameroon, Niger Republic, Congo, Mali, Cote d’ Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Chad, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Gambia and Sierra Leone.

The five-day Course was organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

The training has as its focus vital areas of Aerodrome Oversight functions.

Some of which includes overview of the states’ Safety Oversight Obligations, Critical Elements of Safety System, Safety Management System(SMS), Airport Emergency Planning, Operational Services and Maintenance Practices, physical characteristics(runways, taxiways, clearways, stop ways and holding bays).

69E R#9 L n`&&M 91 REz& I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUCHI IGBOKWE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIKAODI MAUREEN IGBOKWE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

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I, formerly known and addressed as SIMON NWEKOYO, now wish to be known and addressed as JAJA GODSWILL NWEKOYO . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

WRONG NAME OLUSAKIN OLUJUMKE SHALLOW INSTEAD OF CORRECT NAME AS OLUSAKIN OLAJUMOKE SHALOM. BOARD OF WAEC ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID BOARD WAEC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

THAT I AM THE SAME PERSON BEARING OMOGWA OSAGIE MOHAMMED AND OMOGWA MAMUDU MOHAMMED ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

# Ld R`nL nM9d I, formerly known, called and addressed as ORUMA YUNUSA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADAMS ORUMA YUNISA. All former documents remain valid. The general public, take note.

L9 6 &G 69M&L&`&L # y9#

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I, formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL CHINEMEREM, now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL CHINEMEREM DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note .

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED ADEYINKA AJALA LAWAL, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AJALA ADEYINKA RASHIDAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

News 24 UNILORIN holds memorial lecture for Doyin Mahmud Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe Mass Communication

Students Association of the University of Ilorin, on Wednesday, held a special lecture in honour of the late veteran journalist, Doyin Mahmud.

Dignitaries at the event including Alhaji Liadi Tella, chairman, Kwara state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Biodun Abdulkareem and members of the university community, extolled the virtue of Mahmud.

In his goodwill message, Tella challenged practising journalists in Nigeria to resist temptation of ‘trial by media’ in the ongoing fight against corruption.

He asked them to guard against misinforming the public, adding that the manner at which the anticorruption war was being fought in the media was “bastardising the journalism profession”.

He urged the leadership of NUJ to rise to the occasion. Tella also faulted the nation’s antigraft agencies for assuming the roles of an “accuser, prosecutor and the judge” in their ongoing anti-corruption war, stressing that “we must be careful in responding to trial by the media”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Fashola didn’t deny FG owes Anambra N43.3b – Govt

By Nkiru Nwagbo, Awka

ÏÏÏContrary

to speculations that the Minister for Works, Housing and Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola denied that the Federal Government was not owing Anambra a refund of N43.7 billion, the state commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Mr. Tony Nnacheta, has reaffirmed that he had confirmed the sum and promised to pay.

It would be recalled that Gov. Willie Obiano had earlier announced that the Federal government had approved the

payment to the state funds expended in the execution of federal projects his administration had executed in the area.

According to Nnacheta in a post-Executive Council meeting briefing, in Awka, the Federal Government was aware of the proposed refund adding that it would be effected once funds were available.

He explained that the federal government after verification and investigation, confirmed that the sum in question was being owed to the state government describing insinuations of the Minister’s denial as total

falsehood.

Nnacheta further announced that the state government was to spend the sum of N35 billions intervention projects in the 177 communities in the area.

Nnacheta also noted that each community would present projects worth not more than N20 million to state government for execution and to be completed before the end of this year.

The Commissioner further said that arrangements had been concluded to honour some distinguished sons and daughters of the state during 25th year anniversary

celebration of the state in August 2016.

He said the committee for the anniversary would soon be inaugurated insisting that task would not be easy because there were many distinguished sons and daughters of the state during and after the war that had put the name of the state in the world map.

Nnacheta said very soon, the names would be made known after a careful selection.

Meanwhile, he announced that the state was anticipating a presidential committee on land reforms in the state, which according to him, would comprise the Deputy Governor, some commissioners.

He said Anambra was the least state with Lagos on land mass, adding that the little ones the state had, had been submerged by erosion.

Chief Executive Officer, Red Star Plc, Sola Obabori (left), and former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Reginald Ihejiahi during the Deloitte C-Suite engagement and cocktail in Lagos… recently.

Gov. Ahmed

NEMA partners FUTMINNA on disaster reduction Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏIn an effort to reduce disaster

in the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Wednesday, said that it would continue to partner with the Centre for Disaster Risk Management of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna. The Niger State Co-ordinator of NEMA, Mr Lugard Slaku, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna, Niger state capital.

Slaku said that the agency was collaborating with the Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies of FUT

Minna and the state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) on taking disaster reduction messages to schools.

He said that the partnership was to re-introduce disaster risk reduction clubs to schools that were not functional as a result of poor co-ordination among stakeholders.

“Some of this Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) clubs are not functional and are not existing in schools.

“We realised the poor coordination among stakeholders and lack of synergy and collaboration among key stakeholders. “There is also lack of reportage of DRR clubs activities by media and also lack of capacity building have attributed to the non-existence of disaster clubs in our schools today,” he said.

FCTA to build 400 housing units annually–Minister Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will build 400 units of houses every year to close the housing deficit and provide affordable accommodation for its workforce.

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, made this disclosure, on Tuesday, while receiving the Head of Service of the Federation, Ms. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, in his office, at Area 11, Garki I District, Abuja.

The Minister said that a substantial amount of money had already been provided in the FCT 2016 statutory budget to commence this project, which,

he reiterated, was dear to his heart, so as to improve upon the welfare of the workers.

Malam Bello, who admitted that he assumed office with the erroneous impression that all workers of the FCT Administration were landlords, remarked that he was shocked to realise that most of the staff, especially those at the middle and junior level had no houses of their own.

According to him, “before I was appointed Minister, I had the impression that everybody in the FCTA was also a landlord.

But to my surprise, I realised that a number of the staff, particularly those in the middle level and junior cadre do not own properties in the city. “Some of them have worked here for

so many years, processing land applications, processing files, giving approvals, providing services, but they have been tenants in this city. Some of them never had the opportunity of occupying the houses that were sold some years back.”

While responding to a request by the Head of Service to provide suitable land for mass housing projects for all civil servants in the Territory under Federal Integrated Staff Housing Scheme (FISH), which the FCTA was equally a partner, the Minister gave an assurance that his administration was ready to partner with the service to achieve this objective, even if it meant retrieving lands that it had previously allocated to other government institutions.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Crisis looms in Anambra community over Igweship title as clans head for court Afam Aminu Chimezie Onitsha

ÏÏÏAn

Onitsha based lawyer, Mr. Emeka Aghanonu and the immediate past President General, Utuh Development Union, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has dragged the leadership of the town union to an Nnewi High Court over what they alleged as a breach of the community constitution.

When the matter came up Monday before Justice O. M. Anyaechebelu of Nnewi High Court [I], the Plaintiff told the court that the matter before him was predicated upon the fragrant

abuse of office and breach of the town’s constitution by the incumbent President of the town in the process of selection of their traditional ruler.

In a 33 paragraph affidavit in support of his originating summons brought pursuant to order 3 rule 6 of the Anambra, among other things, for a declaration, that nomination of members of selection committee of the new Igwe/Obi of Utuh by officers of the union and chairmen of various villages is inconsistent with the provision of Utuh Development Union constitution and therefore null and void.

That it is the right of Central

Representative Assembly or Annual General Assembly in any of their various meeting to nominate two members each from the three quarters of the town namely, Enugwu, Amakom and Ebenator, as the members of selection committee of a new Igwe/Obi of Utuh and not officers of the union or the village chairmen, or any other person or group among others.

In his reply, the defense counsel and the Legal Adviser of Utuh Development Union, Sir. Charles Elodi told the court that he has a preliminary objection, but the plaintiff denied report of service.

The presiding judge at this

juncture, directed them to go and complete their report of service, saying that all motion and interlocutory injunctions or motions should be taken together and adjourned the matter till 13 July, 2016 for continuation.

In an interview shortly after the court proceedings, the defence counsel, Elodi told journalists that the crux of the matter was that their traditional ruler died in 2014 and had been buried.

He said after the burial there arose the need to set a committee for the selection of a new traditional ruler based on the constitution and other processes for the selection.

L-R: President, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Com. Ibrahim Khaleel; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Ogun State Deputy President, NULGE, Com. Oludare Famoofo during the official visit to Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta… on Wednesday. Photo: DAVID IDOWU.

Court awards N12.5m damages against EFCC over illegal detention Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏFederal

High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, awarded N12.5m exemplary damages against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in favour of Senator Abdulaziz Nyako for unlawful frozen of his private and company bank account and illegal detention.

Senator Abdulaziz Nyako, son of former Adamawa State

governor, Air Vice Marshal Murtala Nyako (rtd), was illegally detained by the EFCC in its custody between February 12 and 17, 2014 some weeks after his father was removed from office.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who gave the order while delivering judgment in the fundamental rights enforcement suit brought

by Senator Abdulaziz, held that he was detained in the custody of the Commission in excess of the period prescribed by law.

The law prescribed that a suspect should not be held in

custody more than 48 hours.

“In the instant case, the applicant was in the custody of the respondent between February 12 to 17, 2014 and released on the February 17 without being charged to court.

No matter the date, the question is has there been a violation of his right?

“I hold that there was an infringement of his fundamental human rights because he was detained for three days in excess of the period prescribed by law” the judge added.

25 News Visually-impaired students get free eyeglasses in Ogun Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota has commended the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu Ode for enhancing the education of vulnerable children of visual impairment in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

Speaking at the flag off of the free optical support programme and distribution of 1,027 prescribed lenses for the visually impaired children in Ijebu Ode, the Commissioner, represented by the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mr. Olalekan Wasiu Kuye said the education ministry had been attending to students with special needs in the public schools.

Mujota said since assuming office, her mission had been towards achieving reliable data on in-depth information relating to challenges that could impact negatively on each student’s ability in the public schools, and in attempt to encourage concerned individuals and nongovernmental organisations to assist government to make life and learning more comfortable for them.

Gov. Amosun

OAU shut indefinitely over workers protest Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏFollowing

intensified protest by workers of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the authorities have shut down the institution indefinitely.

The closure came barely 36 hours to the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the OAU, Prof. Bamitale Omole.

The Registrar of the university, Dotun Awoyemi, confirmed this during an announcement on a radio station in Ile-Ife. When contacted by our cor-

respondent on the telephone on Tuesday. Awoyemi explained that the closure was to ensure the safety of students and staff.

He said, “We have shut down the university indefinitely pending the time that we will resolve issues with our workers, NonAcademic Staff of University (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (SSANU).

“We have asked our newly admitted students to go home and postponed the resumption of old students indefinitely.”

It was gathered that old students of the OAU were expected to resume next week after a twomonth break.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Health Æ s

Bone marrow transplant is cure for sickle cell disorder–Expert The only cure for sickle cell anaemia for now is Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). Hence, the sickle cell patient will live a normal life free from the complications of sickle cell disease; according to Dr Olushola Olowoselu, a consultant haematologist and

stem cell transplant physician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

Dr. Olowoselu stated this at the media workshop organized by the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) as part of activities to commemorate

World Sickle Cell Day 2016 with the theme: ‘Bone Marrow Transplant: Cure and Possibilities.’

He however said, the patient’s genotype remains unchanged; he/she can still transmit the affected gene to his offspring.

Explaining further,

Olowoselu said, “to transplant the individual with the stem cell, you’re not changing the genotype of that individual, the individual can only live a normal life without complication and symptoms of sickle cell but the individual can transfer sickle cell gene to the offspring if

he/she marries an AS or SS individual.

“The indication for transplantation in sickle cell is a patient who has Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched sibling donor and

Continued on page 27

FACTS ON CHILD BRIDE More than 700 million women alive today were married before their 18th birthday. This is 10% of the world’s population.

If nothing is done drastically now, an additional 1.2 billion girls will be married by 2050.

Some child brides are as young as 8 or 9 years.

Pregnancy and childbirth complications are among the leading causes of death in girls aged between 15 and 19 in low and middle income countries.

“...Everybody has to take up the responsibility of seeing every child as theirs and call on the government to put policies in place...”

3

Nigeria ranks as number 3 in the world and number one in Africa with child bride prevalence rate

Child brides linked with increased prevalence of mental illness Stories by Lara Adejoro Medical experts have linked child marriages with increased prevalence of mental illnesses affecting the child bride, the family and the children of the child bride.

Speaking recently at the Ordinary General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Neuro-Psychiatry Hospital (FNSH), Yaba, Lagos, with the theme: The Child Bride and the Mental Health Consequences;

the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Aderiye has said that childbride is most rampant in the third world and developing countries.

Aderiye said, statistics from UNFPA and UNICEF demographic studies of 2015 show that, Nigeria lies at number 14 of the first 20 countries with the highest practice of child bride behind Niger, CAR, Chad, Bangladesh, Mali, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Malawi, Mozambique, India, Zimbabwe and Somalia.

“However, it is notorious and worrisome fact that when one talks in absolute figures, Nigeria ranks as number 3 in the world and number one in Africa with child bride prevalence rate of 40 per cent which amounts to 1,193,000 young women of between ages 20 to 24 years who got married before the age of 18 years.

“This is a problem that has long been ignored. In other parts of the world, the situation is not as bad as in Nigeria except in South Asia

which includes India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal etc where it is 50%. Others are as follows: 10% in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 16% in East Asia and the Pacific, 20% in Middle East and North Africa. 33% in Latin America and the Caribbean. This is a region that is inexorably trying to catch up and possibly surpass Nigeria because according to statistics, there has been no decline in the last 30 years.”

According to him, 15 million girls worldwide are married be-

fore the age 18 annually. “That is 28 girls are married off every minute too soon, thus endangering their personal development and well-being. With more young people on our planet now than ever before, child marriage is gradually becoming humongous human rights violation that must be ended in order to achieve a fairer future for all.

“Child brides are often disempowered, dependent on their

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

27 Health

‘BMT is cure for sickle cell disorder’ Continued from page 26 is or less than 16 years. At that age, the patient has not received so much insult on the organs and it can tolerate the process, which is assumed to be complex.”

The haematologist said, the chances of survival for BMT is between 90-95 per cent for now but work is ongoing to make it near 100 per cent.

On the cost of the transplant, he said, it costs N100million in America, 80million in Europe and about N44million in Rome.

To address the issue,

Olowoselu said, there is need for systematic comprehensive care programme, starting with neonatal screening for all newborn and early intensive care to prevent mortality and reduce morbidity and organ damage in sickle cell.

In sheer numbers, Nigeria has the largest burden of sickle cell disorder in the whole world. Nigeria’s large population has ensured that over 40 million are healthy carriers of the S gene, with about 150,000 Nigerian children born annually with sickle cell anaemia.

Child brides linked with increased prevalence of mental illness

Experts say people with autism excel in visual skills, maths Experts have said there was need to give special care to people with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as they could excel in visual skills, music, mathematics and art.

They made this known at the 6th Annual Autism Conference organised by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in Lagos titled: ‘Managing Autism: The Next Generation, Consideration and Resources.’

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child’s life.

A behaviour analyst, Mrs Dotun Akande said, “Autism is the most severe developmental disability, appearing within the first three years of life. It involves impairments in social interaction such as being aware of other people’s feeling and verbal and nonverbal communication. Autism is a behavioural disorder, which many in our society believe to be a spiritual attack.”

Akande, who is also the founder of the Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, Lagos, said, “many families have taken this term to mean that there is no hope for their children living with autism.

SCFN

Coordinator, SCFN, Mr Ebenezer Adeleye; President, Sickle Cel Clubs, Lagos, Mrs. Ayo Otaigbe; CEO, SCFN, Dr. Annette Akinsete and another guest at the media workshop held recently in Lagos in commemoration of the World Sickle Cell Day

Continued from page 26

MD, GTBank, Mr Segun Agbaje With our work with families, we have seen many of these children excel in different fields with little or no trace that they were ever on the spectrum.

“We also discover adults with late diagnosis display spectacular talents in the area of their interest and strength. This can be converted to meaningful employment in the community, thereby improving their quality of life.”

Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTB), Mr Segun Agbaje said there was an annual increase in the number of people with autism due to lack of awareness and diagnosis.

Agbaje said that the actual number of autism patients in Africa was still unknown, but estimated that no fewer than 500,000 children and adults were autistic in Nigeria, adding that there is need to create awareness for ASD and design programmes to empower them.

“Autism awareness is very important because it is a behavioural disorder which most people do not want to talk about. Autism patients are special people and that is the main reason we are interested in them, especially in Lagos and Abeokuta.”

husbands and deprived of their fundamental human rights to health, education and safety.

Neither physically nor emotionally ready to become mothers and wives, child brides are at greater risk of experiencing dangerous complications of pregnancy and childbirth, with a high possibility of being infected with HIV/AIDS as well as suffering domestic violence. With little or no access to education and economic opportunities, they and their families are often more likely to live in poverty.”

The hospital’s ARD President, Dr Kenneth Uwajeh said the theme of the OGM is a contemporary issue, “and we desire mental health advocacy, in the bid to get the notice of the public and to enlighten them on the implications of such practices. It reveals the pertinence of psychiatry, to every day life.”

Speaking with Daily Times on the mental consequences of child bride, the acting Medical Director,

FNPH, Dr Richard Adebayo said, often child-brides go through physical and psychological problems.

“Often times, we think the problem is basically Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) but these children have no parental skills and are supposed to be under their parents and should be protected because a lot of them are frustrated and become depressed in life.”

He said, “subjecting children to marriage is criminal. We’ve heard of a child who ran to her parents and the parents chased her away. When some of them are pushed to the wall, they can commit suicide.”

Highlighting the psychiatric and societal problems associated with child bride and child labor, a specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr Grace Ijarogbe said, it can be distressing for a child to leave her home at the age below 18.

“Most of them are just getting accustomed to their family, when they are joined into a strange

family, it becomes distressing. A lot of child brides are afraid of their spouse, dominated in their environment and when you bend these children to the new family’s will, everything about their emotions is changed and this can me demoralising.”

Continuing, she said, “a lot of children who go into labour die.

They never get to go to school or acquire a skill, they are dependent on their violators.”

Dr. Aderiye said, all affected countries of the world also feel the impact because any system that devalues the contribution of her young women limits its own possibilities.

“In this way, child marriage drains such countries of the innovation and potentials that would enable them grow,” he said.

However, the experts say, everybody has to take up the responsibility of seeing every child as theirs and called on the government to put policies in place to ensure that the rights of the children are protected.

Researchers study new ways to treat suicide risk Agency report Researchers are finding that certain medications, like ketamine, clozapine and lithium, may alleviate suicidal thinking.

Scientists are also tweaking existing psychological treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, and coming up with new ones to combat the desire for self-harm.

When treating suicidal pa-

tients, doctors typically address the mental disorders, like anxiety or depression, that often underlie suicidal acts.

But that isn’t always enough.

Treatments, like antidepressant drugs, can take weeks to relieve symptoms—way too long for someone in imminent danger.

Patients often have to try several medications to find one that helps.

Also, not everyone at risk for suicide has a mental illness.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

House probes EU ban on Nigerian beans import Henry Omunu & Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to investigate the European Union (EU) ban extended to the importation of dried beans by its member countries from Nigeria.

The investigation which would be carried out by the House Committees on Agriculture and that on Commerce and Industry, to un-

ravel the reasons behind the ban by EU nations, followed the adoption of the motion sponsored by Rep. Ferdinand Nwankwo (PDP-Anambra).

Nwankwo said that in June 2015, the European Union banned the exportation of dried beans from Nigeria on the ground that the produce contained high level of pesticide considered hazardous to human health.

He said that the ban would last till June 30, 2016, to allow

the Nigerian authorities time to provide an export control plan and quality assurance that dried beans meant for export complied with EU minimal risk level for hazardous substances.

The law-maker expressed concern that a few days to the expiration of the ban, the EU had extended the ban for another three years.

“Several relevant agencies of government – including the Standard Organisation of

Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, are said to be collaborating with each other to resolve the issue before close of the deadline”, he added.

Nwankwo further said that the alleged reason for the extension was that Nigeria did not do enough to lift the ban during the period of suspension.

The law-maker expressed worry over the effect of the extended ban of importing dried beans on the Nigerian economy, especially as the current administration was focused on diversifying the economy through the export of agricultural products.

The House, in its resolution, mandated the committees to carry out the probe to submit its findings within two weeks for further legislative action.

Dogara

NGF appoints Bello-Barkindo head Media ÎÎÎThe Nigeria Governors’

Forum (NGF) has appointed Mr. Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo as its Head of Media and Public Affairs.

This is contained in a statement signed by the acting Director-General of the Forum, Alhaji Abdullatif Shittu and made available to newsmen, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Shittu said that he was hopeful that Bello-Barkindo would bring to the Forum, his several decades of media experience spanning the print, electronic and social media both at home and abroad.

He said: “Bello-Barkindo’s selection is a culmination of an extensive nation-wide search for a media personality with the right credentials to drive excellence in the Governors’ reputation management process in national discourse.

“The NGF believes that he will bring his vast media experience to bear in the democratic space. He will play an integral role in moving the NGF forward towards achieving higher premium in member service and even higher national impact.”

Until recently, Bello-Barkindo served as Media and Communications Manager for Amnesty International in Nigeria.

Bello-Barkindo

Some of the people freed by 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion at Liwanti village along Damboa-Bulabulin Road, Borno State… on Wednesday.

NLC insists on reversing privatisation policy

Kwara PDP pledges allegiance to Makarfi-led committee

Idu Jude

ÎÎÎThe Peoples Democratic

Abuja

ÎÎÎAs

Nigeria commemorate the Public Service Day, the umbrella body of workers has called on all Nigeria workers, to remain resolute in asking for the reversal of the privatisation of government-owned establishments, as their interests were better protected under the Civil Service rules.

A proposed speech by the Labour President, Comerade Ayuba Waba, mailed to the Daily Times in Abuja, stated that the time had come for Nigerian workers to rise up to the demands of their rights, stressing that all Nigerian industries earlier privatised should be reversed.

He said that, “On the occasion of the commemoration of the Public Service 2016, we at the Nigeria Labour Congress, congratulate workers,

especially the public sector workers to whom this day is dedicated, for their commitment, devotion and sacrifice and without whom there would be no public service or programmes”.

The statement said, “Whereas the State – alongside its core development partners, is the instrument for transforming the life conditions of the people, the Public Service is the infrastructure for service delivery, and accordingly is the soul, the conscience, the memory, the unseen force in the projection of national sovereignty and power and the preserver and projector of core national values and interests”.

Waba stated that in order for the NLC to deliver on its mandate, that it need a strong and professional Public Service, fully equipped and alive to its responsibilities.

“The commemoration of

Public Service avails us the opportunity of re-stating that one of the effective and genuine ways of tackling poverty, inequality, want, deprivation and misery in Africa is to consciously and consistently implement state-driven public services delivery programmes and not to privatise them” Accordingly, the NLC called on the Nigeria government to scale down, halt and reverse where possible, the decision to privatise public services.

According to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the state still remained the driver of the commanding heights of the economy, and the provider of jobs and services.

It stated that, “Congress holds the strong view that aggressive privatisation should not be an excuse for failing to stem illicit financial flows (IFF) from Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

Party (PDP) in Kwara State, on Wednesday, pledged its allegiance to the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led national leadership of the party.

A leader of PDP in the state and former minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulyman, made this known at a news conference in Ilorin, the state capital.

He pleaded with Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his group to, in the spirit of Ramadan, show remorse and join hands with Makarfi to move the party forward. “ We, in Kwara state PDP, under the chairmanship of Prince Sunday Fagbemi, align with our teeming leaders to endorse and support the Makarfi led national caretaker committee. As a matter of fact, we condemn the act of brigandage, shenanigans and nasty behaviour being perpe-

trated by Sheriff and his cotravellers.

“I have no doubt, in my mind, that Senator Mohammed Makarfi and other members of the caretaker committee are not only able,capable and respected but also experienced enough to paddle the ship of the party to an enviable state, within the time frame given to it”.

Sulyman also affirmed the Prince Sunday Fagbemi-led executives as the authentic leadership of PDP in in the state.

Makarfi

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

N

igeria U-17 Head Coach, Manu Garba, has expressed delight in having players who excelled during this year’s NNPC/ Shell Cup competition at his screening exercise in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The NFF announced on Tuesday that outstanding

Garba welcomes NNPC/Shell Cup stars to Eaglets’screening players from the NNPC/ Shell Cup have been pencilled down for stern test at the ongoing screening exercise, as the reigning world champions prepare for the qualification

series for 2017 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Selected from the leading youth football event are Kelvin Amadi, Obinna Onyia (best goalkeeper) and Tari Joseph

(most valuable player), all from eventual champions Excel Education Centre, Port Harcourt, while Ismail Ahmad (best midfield player) was picked from Gov-

ernment Science Secondary School, Bauchi and Fatinikun Leke (most promising player) was selected from Asegun Conprehensive High School, Ibadan.

Barca: Neymar going nowhere!

Page 29

Thursday, JUNE 23, 2016

Flying Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze (right) on the prowl.

Arsenal target, Chukwueze joins Porto

N

igeria youngster Samuel Chukwueze will sign for Portuguese giants FC Porto “in the next few weeks”, a source in the player’s camp has revealed.

The dazzling Nigeria U-20 forward has been the subject of interests from several of Europe’s premier clubs, and was even at Arsenal with his mother recently only for the deal to collapse.

He was also linked with a move to French side Monaco, but he is now set to agree a deal with Porto.

“Discussions with Porto have gone on fine and we are close to sealing a deal and he should be signing in the next few weeks,” the source informed.

Chukwueze was one of the standout performers for Nigeria at the last U-17 World Cup, prompting clubs to queue up for his signature.

He was third leading scorer at the tournament in November in Chile.

Olympic France seeks closer ties with Nigeria football ANDREW EKEJIUBA

F

rench Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Denys Gauer has expressed the desire of his country to forge closer ties with Nigeria football as it has done in the areas of trade, security and politics.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation, led by its president, Amaju Pinnick, Mr. Gauer noted that football is an important tool for unity and integration in Nigeria, and praised the feats of Nigeria’s various National Teams in global competitions over the decades.

“Presently, Nigeria is France’s number one trading partner in Africa. We have also made good progress with regards to collaboration in the political and security areas.

“We are keen for stronger ties in football.

We know football is a major factor in Nigeria and personally, I have a good idea of the

power football because I spent time in Iraq and the only time the Shiites, Sunni and Kurds groups came together as one was whenever there was a football match.”

Pinnick, who was in company with Mr. Shehu Dikko (2nd Vice President/LMC chairman), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (General Secretary), Bola Oyeyode (Director of Competitions), Ademola Olajire (Director of Communications), Chikelue Iloenyosi (SA,

Security), Tunde Aderibigbe (Head, Protocol), Christian Emeruwa (Integrity Officer), Nasiru Jibril (PA to President), Emmanuel Ayanbunmi (protocol officer) and Ayo OluIbidapo (media officer), thanked Mr. Gauer for his personal intervention that saw Super Eagles’ backroom staff being issued visas eventually for two friendly matches in Europe last month.

“We cannot thank you enough for your

L-R: NFF President, Amaju Pinnick; Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Denys Gauer and NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Educational Programme

gets new date Victor Thompson

T

he Children Educational Programme of the 2016 Olympic Day celebration earlier fixed to hold on June 23 and 24 has been shifted by a week.

It would now hold on June 30 and July 1, 2016 at the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Explaining the recent decision to move the event by one week, Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Hon. Tunde Popoola said the shift in date was due to logistics beyond the committee’s control, even as he regrets any inconvenience the change in date might have caused.

Popoola however advice all the invited public and private schools to see the change as a blessing in disguise more so more so when officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the police and the Civil Defense Corps are providing combined security network for the event.

With the Schools Educational Programme serving as a prelude to the Saturday, July 2, 2016 Olympic Day Celebration proper across the country, Popoola re-affirmed the commitment of Nigeria Olympic Committee and Sports for All Nigeria Commission to ensure that this year’s programme is bigger and better when compared with that of last year.

30

Thursday, June 23, 2016

EXTRATIME

TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS… TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…

Juve concede defeat in Mascherano pursuit Neymar

Barca: Neymar going

nowhere!

A

senior Barcelona figure says the club do “not contemplate” the sale of Brazil international Neymar.

Barcelona are confident of agreeing a new contract with Neymar - whose current deal expires in 2018 - and, speaking in June, Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez said the Brazil captain would be staying at the club.

The 24-year-old joined Barca in 2013 and

has won two La Liga titles, a Champions League and two Copa del Rey trophies while at the club.

He has also formed part of the famous MSN partnership - alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez - scoring 131 goals this season as Barcelona won the Spanish league and cup double.

While the ongoing contract negotiations may be frustrating for fans, Barcelona

financial vice-president Susana Monje is not worried and says the club have not considered the sale of Neymar.

“Neymar’s contract renewal is a sporting matter,” Monje said in a news conference.

“Economically, you have already known the margins for a while. We have not studied the impact of a hypothetical loss of Neymar.

We do not contemplate it.”

Odegaard signing was PR exercise - Ancelotti C

arlo Ancelotti says the signing of Norwegian youngster Martin Odegaard was a “PR exercise” for Real Madrid.

The midfielder joined the Spanish side from Stromsgodset as a 16-year-old in January 2015.

Nolito

Since then, he has spent most of his time with the Real second team, making just one appearance for the senior side.

Ancelotti was Real head coach at the time of the signing but says club president Florentino Perez was behind the transfer.

“When Florentino buys a Norwegian footballer, you simply have to accept it,”

he writes in his book Quiet Leadership.

“Furthermore, the president decided that he would play three games with the first team as a public relations exercise”.

Ancelotti added: “He could be the best player in the world, but I don’t care because he was not a player who I asked for. That signing was to do with PR.”

Man City in hot chase for Nolito

N

olito is a hot summer transfer target for Manchester City, according to sources, although no deal has been done yet.

The Spain forward, who is currently featuring in the holders’ starting lineup at Euro 2016, is reported to have a £13.8m release clause in his Celta Vigo

contract.

And it is understood Pep Guardiola is interested in signing a player he previously managed at Barcelona.

Guardiola gave Nolito a first-team debut, but the player was largely used

by Barcelona’s ‘B’ team before moving on to Benfica.

The 29-year-old, whose real name is Manuel Agudo Duran, received his first call-up to the Spain squad in 2014 and has scored five goals in 12 matches for his country.

He has been linked with a return to Barca this summer after scoring 12 goals in last season’s La Liga.

Juventus have conceded defeat in their efforts to sign Javier Mascherano from Barcelona. The 32-year-old had been heavily linked with the Serie A champions, who will still bring in Dani Alves from the Camp Nou club. Mascherano has two years remaining on his Barca contract and is now set to stay with Luis Enrique’s men, with Juve moving on to other targets.

Again, Musonda

loaned to Betis Chelsea’s Charly Musonda will spend next season on loan at Real Betis after the Blues decided to extend his stay with the La Liga club.

The 19-year-old Belgian joined Chelsea from Anderlecht in June 2012 along with his elder brothers Tik and Lamisha. Since being moved to Betis in January on loan he has made 19 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring one goal

Roma secure Nigerian duo Sadiq,Nura Roma have signed Sadiq Umar and Abdullahi Nura from Serie B side Spezia for a combined fee of €5million.

Both players have signed four-year contracts at Stadio Olimpico after impressing while on loan at the club in 2015-16.

The permanent acquisition of 19-year-old Sadiq will boost Luciano Spalletti’s attacking options - the tall striker scored two goals in six Serie A appearances for Roma last season and was reportedly being tracked by a number of other top European clubs.

Nura’s preferred position is right-back, and he made 11 appearances in Roma’s Primavera youth side in 2015-16, scoring three goals as they won the Primavera title.

Toulalan set for Bordeaux move Jeremy Toulalan is set to move to Bordeaux after his request to be released by Monaco was accepted. Former France international Toulalan joined Monaco from Malaga in 2013 and had one more season remaining on his contract. However, the club from the principality agreed to the captain’s request for a move to Bordeaux, with the Nantesborn player citing a desire to move closer to his hometown.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

EURO 2016… EURO 2016… EURO 2016… EURO 2016… EURO 2016… EURO 2016…

Ronaldo throws TV reporter´s mic into lake Coleman wary of ‘cruel game’

Garcia backs ‘solid’Italy

R C

Coleman

hris Coleman has batted away any suggestions Wales will be getting too cocky ahead of Saturday’s last-16 clash in Paris.

A thumping 3-0 victory over Russia on Monday ensured they grabbed top spot in Group B, with England only able to draw 0-0 with Slovakia.

Coleman is keeping his feet on the ground as they prepare for their battle for a quarter-final spot.

“I don’t feel any different in terms of belief in the team,” he said. “I know what they’re capable of and that would be same if they had scraped through.

“But I also know how dangerous football is. You’ve never arrived no matter how many games you’ve played.

“It’s a cruel game. Once you start thinking you’re untouchable, you’re on dangerous ground. Russia was brilliant, we’ll always remember it. It will go down in history.

udi Garcia has rejected claims Italy lack talent and believes Antonio Conte’s “solid” side are playing with “joy and togetherness”.

Italy were assured of top spot in Group E before Wednesday’s match against Republic of Ireland.

It has been suggested Italy lack star quality, but Garcia feels there is more to Conte’s squad than just workmanlike organisation.

He told reporters: “Italy are solid. The organisation enforced by Conte is clear and built on a very strong and experienced defence.

“But it’s false they have no talent. I think the Azzurri have quite a bit of that. Besides, I see a joy and a togetherness in their team that bodes very well.

“Many of them also get an extra rest day because first place in Group E is guaranteed.”

Former Roma boss Garcia – who insists he does not know which job he will take on next – has seen nothing in the tournament to change his mind about who might win it, but he does not like the new format.

“My favourites are the same as they were at the beginning. The strongest is Belgium, but Croatia look good too,” he added.

“Spain and Germany are strong, and it’s too early for a final judgment on France.

“But I don’t like the fact that almost all third-placed teams make it to the last 16. That makes the group

Ronaldo

T

he pressure of Euro 2016 seems to be getting to Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been filmed launching a television reporter’s microphone into a lake.

Having failed to find the net in either of Portugal’s opening matches in France and with qualification for the last 16 yet to be secured, Ronaldo appears to be feeling the weight of expectation.

After blasting Iceland for having “a small mentality” in the wake of their 1-1 draw in their opening match in Saint-Etienne, things got worse for the 31-year-old against Austria.

His record-breaking 128th senior cap for his country was marred by a missed penalty in the 0-0 draw at the Parc des Princes, leaving his team on the brink of a potential shock exit.

And it appeared to all boil over for Ronaldo on Wednesday.

When approached by a reporter from Portuguese TV station CMTV while out for a walk with his Portugal team-mates, the captain took the microphone and hurled it into a nearby lake.

Iniesta bemoans Ramos penalty miss A

ndres Iniesta has expressed regret and revealed he wanted to take the penalty that Sergio Ramos missed in Spain’s 2-1 Euro 2016 loss to Croatia on Tuesday.

The result deprived the reigning champions of top spot in Group D, handing them a tougher route to the final in the

Eriksen

knock-out phase as Italy await them in the last 16.

But it could have been so different had Ramos converted a second-half spot-kick, with Spain punished by the impressive Ivan Perisic’s late winner.

“I was going to take it, but Ramos was confident and only the one who takes it can miss,” Iniesta said.

“The confidence is entirely in whoever wants to take it. We had the misfortune of missing.

“These things happen and now we have to continue to prepare for the game against Italy with the aim of going as far as possible.

“In theory we have stronger teams on paper, but you never know. These things happen in football and you have to be prepared for everything, not only for the times that you’re being praised.

“We’re on the more complicated side of the draw in theory, but we are Spain and we have to remain confident.”

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 018447948.

DAILY EDITOR: BIODUN DUROJAIYE

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.137

Price: N150

Arsenal target, Chukwueze joins Porto P 29

News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotline: 08086296714

EURO 2016 RESULTS

At last!

Iheanacho

Hungary Iceland Italy Sweden

opts out of Rio 2016

Olympics K

elechi Iheanacho will not feature at the Rio Olympics in August after he chose to stay back for pre-season with his English club, Manchester City, according to media reports.

Iheanacho, 19, has been caught

up in a club versus country row, but he has now opted to go with his club after he fully understood the need to show new manager Pep Guardiola what he is capable of, according to a reliable source.

Guardiola starts at City on July

1 and he has made it clear every available player must be part of preseason.

Added pressure for youngster Iheanacho is that the talk of City signing a high-profile striker has not gone away with Leroy Sane and Nolito still

linked with the big-spending Premier League outfit.

Media reports suggested City have spoken extensively to the Nigeria starlet, who understands why he has to miss out on the trip to Brazil with the Dream Team.

Eagles face toughest World Cup qualifiers N

igeria will face by far their toughest qualifying campaign for the World Cup after they were dropped by FIFA to Pot 3 of the seedings for Friday’s draw in Egypt.

The Super Eagles, who are aiming for a third straight World Cup qualification, were previously

in Pot 2.

It now means they could again draw their nemesis in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers Egypt, who are now promoted to Pot 1, as well as the likes of Tunisia or Cameroon, who are now in Pot 2.

Now in Pot 3, Nigeria will avoid Congo

Action between Nigeria and Egypt during 2017 AFCON qualifier in Kaduna.

Brazzaville, Morocco, Mali and South Africa, who are also seeded there.

FIFA have adjusted the seedings after complaints from several of the qualifiers led by Egypt.

The draw on Friday will be staged by 4pm Nigerian time.

Meanwhile, Nigeria could cap Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom and Hull City defender Moses Odubajo as early as in September ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers the following month, a top official has hinted.

Both players have represented England at age-group levels, but they are eligible to play for Nigeria at full international level now.

Nigeria will play a final qualifier for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations on September 4 at home against Tanzania and that could be when both players will get their call-ups.

3-3 2-1 0-1 0 -1

Portugal Austria Ireland Belgium

Martino la

u d recordsbreaking Messi A

rgentina’s new all-time leading goalscorer Lionel Messi was lavished in praise by coach Gerardo Martino after the “best player in the world” guided last year’s Copa America runners-up to yet another final.

Messi, who overcame a back problem at the start of the tournament, surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s top scorer with his 55th international goal in Tuesday’s comprehensive 4-0 win over the United States in the semifinals.

The captain’s fifth goal of the centenary tournament helped Argentina to back-to-back Copa America finals following last year’s penalty shoot-out loss to Chile.

Asked about Messi’s historic night in Houston, Martino told reporters: “It makes me very happy what he has done. Very pleased that has been in this Copa America.

Argentina - seeking to end their 23-year wait for a major title having lost the 2014 World Cup final before going down to Chile last year outclassed USA at NRG Stadium.

Messi set up Ezequiel Lavezzi for the opening goal in the third minute before making history with a sublime free-kick just past the half-hour mark.

Gonzalo Higuain scored a secondh a l f brace to silence the Americans, with Argentina now awaiting either Chile or Colombia in S u n d a y ’ s showpiece.

Messi

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

BPE boss extols NATCOM Consortium for Page B2 revamping Ntel

Afreximbank pledges $400m fund to promote African trade with Belarus The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has stated its readiness to set aside $400 million as part of a programme to finance and promote trade between African countries and Belarus.

Speaking during a series of meetings with officials and bankers at Minsk, the Belarusian capital on Monday, the President, Dr. Benedict Oramah, who led a delegation of the Bank, accompanied by African business leaders, on a trade mission to improve trade relations between African countries and Belarus stated that there was no reason why Belarus’ current trade with Africa, which stands at $300 million per annum, should not rise to $1 billion and invited Belarusian banks and financial institutions to contribute matching funds to support the programme.

Dr. Oramah said that Afreximbank would consider increasing its contribution to the programme if the initial amount got exhausted.

Meeting Gen.-Col. Victor Sheiman, Chief of Presidential Affairs of Belarus, the President told him that Africa was in a hurry to develop and was looking for suitable partners, especially suppliers of investment and development good, to work with to achieve that goal.

With its expertise in mining, production of agricultural equipment, road construction, bridge CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

Federal pensioners to get 13 months arrears Page B3

Thursday, June 23, 2016

NSE sustains rally, lead indicators appreciate by Page B6 2.40%

New FX regime: Naira records first gain, as CBN intervenes for third day Motolani Oseni Following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sale of US dollars to improve dollar liquidity in the interbank market, the nation’s currency, the naira, recorded its first daily gain on Wednesday since the winding up of the 16-month peg on the currency.

The naira, which had dropped by 30 percent when the new forex regime commenced on Monday, and traded as weak as N285 to the dollar, gained a total of four point (N4) at the close of Wednesday’s

market.

The local currency traded at N281.50 to a dollar, from N284 sold on Monday when the naira floating began, but the apex bank has continued to intervene at the interbank forex market for the third day running, so as to ease dollar shortages, traders said.

For instance, the CBN has sold around $4 billion in spot and forward trades to clear a backlog of dollar demand but continued to intervene on the interbank to improve liquidity and allow the currency trade freely on the interbank market but traders said dol-

TOTAL

lar liquidity was tight, leaving the CBN as the main supplier of hard currency.

However, forex traders said on Wednesday that banks were quoting to buy the dollar between N281 to N295, with only $360,000 exchanging hands by 1015 GMT, traders told Reuters.

Meanwhile, the appointment of FX primary dealers has continued to generate controversies among industry stakeholders, as regards the criteria for selection and appointment of the current 15 approved primary FX dealers.

Specifically, the Revised Guide-

lines for the Operation of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange Market released by the CBN on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 stated that: “The CBN shall evaluate and approve the application of an Authorized Dealer as an FXPD based on meeting at least 2 of the following 3 Quantitative Criteria as of 31st May 2016.

“2.1 Minimum Shareholders Fund Unimpaired by losses of at least N200.00 billion; 2.2 Minimum of N400.00 billion in Total Foreign Currency Assets; and 2.3 CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

From left (front row): The General Manager, Management Services, Total Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Olatowun Candide-Johnson; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Nicolas Terraz; Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; Deputy Managing Director, Deep Water District, Mr. Ahmadu-Kida Musa and Lagos State Commissioner For Energy And Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo, during a courtesy visit by the Total officials, in Lagos … on Wednesday.

DPR uncovers two illegal oil factories in Lagos Opeoluwani Akintayo The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has uncovered two illegal oil manufacturing factories in Ikugbayi Street, Marine Bridge and Raji Rasaki Estate, Festac Town, Lagos.

On Wednesday CSC Ajayi Olaleye of the Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil

Defence Corps, said they also arrested six workers from the first factory at Marine Bridge, while no arrest was made in Festac Town.

The DPR team, led by Mrs Sholabi Olanrewaju, Manager, Engineering and Standards Unit under Operations, told newsmen that they discovered the factory during a routine inspection and monitoring in

the state. ``We visited these places with NSDC and met some men actually dispensing the base oil.

“From our investigation, they are actually retailing ordinary base oil without addictive into a container of a well-known brand like Total.

“This is an illegal operation, the environment is unsafe and they are not licensed to brand

base oil,” she said.

Olarenwaju said that the department would ensure that they get at those illegal lubricants in Lagos metropolis.

She explained that before anybody could engage in petroleum product business in Nigeria, such person must be licensed by the DPR. Also, Mr Okechukwu Okoro, Manager, Retail Outlet and

Marketing Department, DPR told newsmen after the exercise that the clamp down was as a result of series of complaints from the public.

Okoro said that the department discovered that there was high adulteration of diesel in the market.

“So, we went to see if it is true and we have found this to be real.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Brief

Afreximbank pledges $400m fund to promote African trade with Belarus

BEDC signs load shedding pact with Akure military cantonment

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

building and pipeline equipment, Belarus was a natural partner which could supply the capital goods which Africa needed for its development, he said.

At the Belarus Potash Company, President Oramah urged the company to consider going into joint ventures with African businesses to help the continent achieve the goal of becoming the next food basket of the world.

According to him, African countries are now giving priority to modernising agriculture using fertiliser to increase productivity.

The joint ventures would help to increase production by increasing availability of fertiliser.

The delegation also visited the Development Bank of Belarus where the President said that Afreximbank was ready to collaborate with the Development Bank in financing investment goods from Belarus to Africa, including through risk sharing, joint financing and other ways.

DPR uncovers two illegal oil factories in Lagos CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

“Many people who supply diesel at home gave them adulterated diesel which is not from real source.

“People should be wary of where they get their product from, they should ensure that they get from right source because these people mix other products in the name of diesel.

Kehinde Atande, one of the arrested workers said that he brought oil with water to filter when he was arrested.

Atanda said that he did not know that what they were doing there was illegal.

UNHCR

L – R: Assistant Superintendent, Nigeria Immigration Services (Nis), Mr. Saleh Bello; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Unhcr) Representative for Nigeria and Ecowas, Mrs. Angele Dikongue-Atangana and Head of The Unhcr‘s Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Mr. Cesar Tshilombo, during the UNHCR Representatives Inspection visit to Sahuda Border entry point in Adamawa … on Wednesday.

BPE boss extols NATCOM Consortium for revamping Ntel Mathew Dadiya Abuja

The Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Dr. Vincent Onome Akpotaire has said that NATCOM Consortium, owners of NITEL/MTEL now NTEL, have so far proved that their takeover of the once moribund enterprises is a step in the right direction as they have within a short time of acquisition turned them around with the state-of- the -art equipment and an impressive roll out plan.

Akpotaire stated this in Lagos on Wednesday when he a led Post Privatisation Monitoring team from the Bureau to carry out a performance evaluation of the new owners based on the covenants in the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA) and Post Acquisition Plan (PAP).

He recalled the several failed attempts to privatise the two former government entities and expressed happiness with the encouraging efforts put in by the core investor to revamp the two companies.

According to the BPE boss the performance of the new owners

Akpotaire

so far has given the Bureau the confidence that NITEl/MTEL would once again work.

Akpotaire expressed delight with the plan by the new telecoms service provider to have about 700,000 subscribers on its network by the end of June 2016 and also taking the lead in the provision of 4 G.LTE services in the country.

He also said it was gladdening to note that NATCOM had started on a very good promissory welfare package for its staff which would lead to committed and dedicated employees that would

be free of compromise.

While stressing that the monitoring was not vindictive but aimed at corrective measures in the event that the core investor had derailed and to allow the government to assist on policy and economic issues, the BPE Acting boss said the exercise will address all the issues and pave way for a robust NTEL operations in Nigeria and beyond.

Also speaking, the Director of Post Privatisation Monitoring in the Bureau, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe said that with takeover of the two enterprises by NATCOM, the jinx of failed privatization of NITEL/ MTEL had been broken. He added that the Bureau would continue to support the core investor to succeed.

The Director of Information and Communications in the Bureau, Mallam Sanusi Sule urged the core investor to step up the publicity of its activities for Nigerians to know what it was doing.

Earlier, the Chairman of NATCOM, Dr. Olatunde Ayeni had informed the BPE monitors that the company had launched its products in Abuja and Lagos and that, plans had been concluded to roll out in Port-Harcourt.

Against the backdrop of the dwindling power generation to the national grid and the debts owned electricity distribution companies, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) and the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian army, Owena Cantonment, in Akure, Ondo State have agreed on a regimental load shedding and energy saving programme to reduce cost of electricity and ensure efficient energy allocation.

The agreement, according to a statement signed by BEDC Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mrs Kunbi Labiyi, was reached on Monday by Brigadier General Charles Ofoche, Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade and Chief State Head, Ondo/Ekiti States for BEDC, Mr Ernest Edgar.

It will be recalled that in recent times, generation has dropped to 1,500 megawatts nationwide, making it difficult for BEDC to increase supply to operational areas given its allocation of nine (9) per cent, even as the drop in power generation has affected BEDC’s ability to circulate power to customers, despite its installed capacity.

According to the terms of the agreement, there will be relocation and improvement of electricity network for efficient power supply; installation of three feeder pillars with breakers; training of officers and men of the brigade on operation and management of equipment installed in the cantonment.

With this agreement signing, the cantonment would be able to reduce and efficiently manage power consumption from 160,000KW to a monthly minimum of 50,000KW , with a view to save cost for the Nigerian Army from a monthly average bill of N6million expended on electricity bills to just N2.5million.

New FX regime: Naira records first gain, as CBN intervenes for third day CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Minimum Liquidity Ratio of 40 percent.”

It would be recalled that trading on the Nigeria Interbank Foreign Exchange (NIFEX) began on Monday, as the CBN sold foreign exchange to 21 bidding banks to

clear the forex backlog and solve liquidity problems, even though the apex bank eventually appointed 15 of the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) operating in the country as primary forex dealers.

According to forex traders, appointed dealers included Stanbic IBTC Bank; Standard Chartered

Bank; Citibank; Zenith Bank and Access Bank. Also, included are United Bank for Africa (UBA), Sterling Bank and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Wema Bank.

The development has also continued to generate calls from different sectors and finance stake-

holders requesting that the apex regulator should also consider them worthy of being among the nation’s primary FX dealer.

Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) on Tuesday called CBN to grant it one of the Forex Primary Dealership (FXPD) licences.

ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, who disclosed the group’s position, said as a major and critical stakeholder in the forex business, it will be against standard business practice to exclude bureaux de change (BDC) operators from the workings of the new CBN forex policy.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

B3 Business News

Shittu set to brief Reps on MTN fine reduction Tony Nwakaegho

Barrister Adebayo Shittu, minister of Communication Technology, has confirmed he will appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, tomorrow (Thursday) to proffer explanation on why MTN’s N1.04tr fine was reduced to N330billion.

The House Committee chaired

by Hon. Saheed Fijabi had expressed discontent, seeking further details on the mode of payment granted to MTN by the Federal Government.

Fijabi expressed disappointment over the issue wondering why the huge reduction on the fine was effected adding that the condition attached to the reduction that MTN trades on the Nigerian Stock Exchange “is a Business benefit to MTN.” It will be recalled that the Minister was absent on Monday when the House Committee was asking for more reasons why the imposed fine by Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), on the telecommunications company was massively reduced.

NRC

L – R: Deputy Director, Public Relations, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Abdulrauf Akinwoye; Managing Director of NRC, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, and Director of Operations, NRC, Mr. Niyi Alli, during a Strategic Inspection and Trial Run of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Guage Coach, in Abuja … on Wednesday.

AFC receives US$150 million from Kf W Development Bank Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has announced its acceptance of a US$150 million 15 year loan facility from KfW [Development Bank] (KfW).

The loan agreement was signed today in London by Andrew Alli, CEO of AFC, and Jan Martin Witte, Head of Division for Infrastructure, of KfW. The funds will be used to refinance projects across the corporation’s current and prospective member states in several of AFC’s priority investment sectors: power, telecommunications, transport and heavy in-

dustries.

KfW conducted a positive due diligence exercise and credit appraisal prior to offering the loan facility to AFC. The team’s positive response was based on AFC’s successful track record of project financing and development throughout its relatively short history.

Andrew Alli, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, commented on the announcement: “Not only will this loan facility from KfW add valuable capital to our finance reserves but the 15-year tenor period is

particularly suited to funding the long-term, large-scale infrastructure projects that are so needed across Africa.

“Africa’s infrastructure deficit is widely estimated to be approximately US$90b every year for the next decade, with spending needed for new investments as well as operations and maintenance of what is already there.

Loans such as these are invaluable if we are to make substantial progress with bridging this gap and stimulating economic development on the continent.”

Jan Martin Witte, Head of

Federal pensioners to get 13 months arrears

a pleasant surprise which came at a very difficult time.

The union leaders expressed satisfaction with the payment but reminded government that the 12 months arrears is just part of the backlog of 42 months arrears.

They therefore appealed to the government to complete the payment quickly. They urged state and local governments to emulate the federal government’s gesture by paying their pensioners.

The union commended the efforts of PTAD under its new management whose initiative it said had resulted in the payment and members of the House Committee on Pension who stood by the union to ensure the payment.

ACCI supports CBN new guidelines on Forex

Joy Ekeke Federal civilian and paramilitary pensioners have confirmed the commencement of payment of 13 months arrears out of the 42 months owed them by the federal government.

A statement from the National President of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Dr. A. O. Afolayan and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal, described the development as a big relief to the pensioners and

Mathew Dadiya Abuja

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has said that it supported the Central Bank of Nigeria on the new guidelines on the foreign exchange market and the flexibility of the naira, noting that it was in line with the objectives of efficiency and facilitating a liquid and transparent foreign exchange market towards the liberalization of the market.

In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja by the President Mr Tony Ejinkeoyen stated that, despite the fear of exchange rate risk

Division for Infrastructure at KfW Development Bank, stated: “KfW is excited about Africa’s growth potential. To enable that growth, and to build a sustainable future, countries on the continent will have to invest heavily in power, transport and other infrastructure sectors. As one of the world’s leading development finance institutions, KfW is proud to build partnerships with entrepreneurial institutions such as AFC that can drive development and progress on the African continent.”

Earlier today AFC, along with

of volatility, they believed that the flexible exchange rates are automatic stabilizers that could remove the economic frictions created by a fixed exchange rate.

Ejinkeoyen said that the CBN can implement autonomous monetary policies to address problems with inflation and output.

Though, he said, monetary policies affect inflation rates, CBN can decide on their long-run inflation rate and would not have to import their trade partners’ inflation rate, as is the case under a fixed exchange rate.

“Bsidese, the futures end of the foreign exchange market will allow for proper planning

partners Harith General Partners, announced a joint venture to merge several key power assets. These include the AFC’s interests in Cenpower, owner of the Kpone Independent Power Project under construction in Ghana, and Cabeolica, a wind farm that provides 20% of Cape Verde’s energy needs. The joint venture’s near term portfolio supplies reliable energy to over 30 million people in at least 10 African countries and has a combined gross operational and under-construction capacity of 1,575 MW.

by businesses, because most end users can originate deals for the future and it will be flexible enough that they can know what the exact rate will be at the time they need it.”

“The implications of the revised guidelines for operation of the Nigerian inter-bank foreign exchange market are: The value of the naira will be devalued, the dual exchange rate regime stands abolished, and the exchange rate will be determined by market forces,” he added.

The President also assured that “It is expected that the difference between the official and black market rate will be drastically reduced.

Money Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

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Elan records 27.39% rise in leasing activities in 2015 The Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) has recorded an impressive 27.39 percent growth within the Nigerian leasing industry for 2015.

The association’s Executive Secretary, Andrew Efurhievwe, revealed to newsmen in Lagos that leasing activities in the past five years has showed a steady growth of the industry even in the face of the economic meltdown.

According to him, the volume of outstanding leases grew from N869billion in 2014 to N1.1 trillion in 2015, and this could be explained based on the developmental attributes of leasing, which makes it attractive whether the economy is witnessing a boom or recession, as is currently the case.

FOREX POLICY New forex policy’ll create cartels, monopoly in market - ABCON j Ƅ ƅ ƍƄƒ ƍƄ ƆƊƄ ƑƆƉƉ ƅƅƆƃƆ ƉƉƓ ƕƄƐ ƉƏƄ Ǝ Ƅ M Ɔƍ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ Ɔ ƎƄƍé Ƃ ƈ Ɗ ƍƈƄƎè ƕƕƆ Ǝ Ǝ ƄƑ ƅ ƍƄƒ ƍƄ ƆƊƄ Ɔ Ɔ ƆƂƆƎƆƐƄ Ɗ Ɠ ƏƍƄ Ə #Ƅ Ƅ ƋƄƍ Ǝ ƍ ƑƆƉƉ ƑƆ ƕéƏƋ Ǝ ƄƆƍ ƋƄƍ ƎƆ

Stories by Motolani Oseni

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As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) abandoned its 16 month currency peg, with commencement of the new foreign exchange regime, the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has said the new forex policy has the capacity of generating liquidity in the market, but will create cartels and monopoly in the foreign exchange market, The Daily Times Newspapers can exclusively reveal.

Trading on the Nigeria Interbank Foreign Exchange (NIFEX) began on Monday, as the CBN

sold foreign exchange to 21 bidding banks to clear the forex backlog and solve liquidity problems, even though the apex bank eventually appointed 15 of the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) operating in the country as primary forex dealers, traders said on Tuesday.

According to forex traders, appointed dealers included Stanbic IBTC Bank; Standard Chartered Bank; Citibank; Zenith Bank and Access Bank. Also in the roll call are the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Sterling Bank and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Wema Bank.

But while responding to an enquiry put across by our correspondent, the National President of ABCON, Alhaji Aminu Gwadebe, via text messages bemoaned the new policy which only gives few primary dealers opportunities.

He disclosed further that the forex regime will officially devalue the Naira in the inter-bank market, adding that new forex regime is inhibitive as many Bureau De Change operators will wind-up their operation.

According to him, the policy will worsen the already unemployment problems in the coun-

try.

“The products to be traded in the market are cumbersome and technical. The critical retail segment of the market is not considered in its formulations”, he lamented.

Gwadabe said, “The BDCS aspirations in the new policy is completely killed and lack support for the survival of the BDCs. The new single market structure is compromised and meant solely for few cartels in the market. No BDCs can meet up minimum cash requirement of N600billion,” he lamented.

Suntrust Bank, Providus Bank to commerce operation as regional banks The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has licensed Suntrust Bank Nigeria limited and Providus Bank Plc to commence operation in Nigeria as a regional banks.

With operation of the new two banks, which are located in Victoria Island, the financial service industry now has 21 commercial banking license, one non-interest banking license, and four merchant banks, three financial Speaking with one of the CBN officials this morning, he noted that the apex bank’s breakdown of the list of deposit money banks and financial holding companies operating in Nigeria as at June 21, 2016 has now reached 10 banks for the commercial banking license with international authorization.

CBN’s FX policy conforms to LCCI ideologies – Muda Yusuf

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Director- General, Muda Yusuf, has affirmed that the new FX policy of CBN is in line with the position consistently canvassed by the organized private sector in the past 18 months.

“The policy is a major incentive to exporters as they will have

unfettered access to their export proceeds. Besides, the Federation Account will benefit from better revenue inflows from the CBN as sale of subsidized forex comes to an end,” he said.

Speaking further on the implication of the new forex policy, an astute investor, Celestine Ukpong took different level that if the pol-

icy could be wide-ranging, then we will know more as details emerge after the press briefing.

However, we can only but conclude that the end of the black market is near as anyone and everyone can now buy dollars at any bank or with authorized dealers at a price that is market determined, he noted.

Ukpong pointed out that since Nigeria economy is not expansion, he believe that flexible exchange rate regime could see the Naira fall temporarily to 380400/$1USD or spike even higher.

He urges CBN team to be on look out for the movement to ascertain other measures to apply thereafter.

Yusuf

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

B5

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NSE All Share Index

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27,000

6,000 24,500 2,500

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19-Jun

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Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

NSE sustains rally, lead indicators appreciate by 2.40% Afolabi Adesola The Nigerian Equities market sustained previous day’s gains as lead indicators grew by 2.40 percent, compared to 2.27 percent gained on Tuesday.

Specifically, the All Share Index (ASI) added 705.11 points to close at 30,127.82 points, compared to 652.81 points added previously to close at 29,422.71 points.

Market capitalization likewise gained N240 billion to close at N10.347 trillion, compared to N224.2 billion added previously to close at N10.1 trillion.

Leading trading activity in the course of the day’s transactions were GTB which traded 96.3 million shares worth N2.2 billion, Access which exchanged 83.9 million shares valued at N523.4 million and Zenith Bank which sold 60 million shares worth N1.0 billion.

GSK Plc led the days 31 gainers with an appreciation of 10.16 percent or N1.68 to close at N18.21 per share, Transcorp Plc increased by 9.94 percent or 16 kobo to

close at N1.77 per share, as Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc followed with a gain of 9.90 percent or 10 kobo to close at N1.11 per share.

Champion Breweries Plc added 9.90 percent or 40 kobo to close at N4.44 per share, while Sterling Bank advanced by 7.95 percent or 12 kobo to close at N1.63 per share.

Conversely, DN Meyer Plc topped the days 16 losers as it depreciated by 4.08 percent or 4 kobo to close at 94 kobo per share, Conoil Plc lost 4.07 percent or 89 kobo to close at N20.96 per share while Continental Re-insurance Plc dropped 3.51 percent or 4 kobo to close at N1.10 per share. Livestock Plc fell by 2.56 or 3 kobo to close at N1.14 per share, as Tiger Brands plc depreciated by 2.21 percent or 11 kobo to close at N4.87 per share.

At the end of the day’s transactions, investors in 5,727 deals had traded a total of 541.9 million shares worth N7.930 billion compared to a total of 533.3 million shares valued at N6.8 billion traded in 5,736 deals previously.

N240 B

Union Dicon Plc invests $100m in Staple Crop Processing Zone The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has agreed that Union Dicon Salt Plc will replace Cargill as the core investor in the $100m Alape Staple Crop Processing Zone in Kogi State.

Union Dicon revealed this in a statement which noted that the agreement was the high point of a meeting held with the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and other Chief Executives of UDS Plc. in Abuja at the weekend.

Chief Audu Ogbeh stated that “I’m glad to see that a Nigerian company is taking over this very important project, and is championing the indigenous development of agribusiness. “we are not going to engage in policy somersault, Ogbeh said.

He further pointed out that “we are carrying on with the great

idea of SCPZ and we are adding even greater ideas. We are carrying on as we now produce what we call the green alternative: that alternative being agriculture, since oil and gas are unstable sources of income.”

Chuka Mordi and Bex Nwawudu of Union Dicon Salt Plc. who met with the Minister, thanked him for his support, in taking over the Alape project valued at $100 million, replacing Cargill, the USbased agro-industrial giant. With this, Union Dicon plc will be cultivating Cassava on 30,000 hectares of land in Alape, Kogi State.

“It is a remarkable opportunity to develop the agribusiness space in Nigeria from a fully indigenous perspective. Union Dicon is listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and it is a wholly Nigerian company,” Mordi said at the meeting.

Market capitalization likewise gained N240 billion to close at N10.347 trillion, compared to N224.2 billion

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

30,062.29 5,309.00 488,684,638.00 7,499,087,947.61 10,324,876,569,031.85

ETI consolidates shares, to pay $48.2 million as dividend

Ogbeh

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc, has announced the authorisation of the nominal value of the ordinary shares of the company be increased from 2.5 US cents per share to 50 US cents per share.

The announcement conveyed in a statement made available by the Bank noted that “In accordance with Article 11(4) of the Company’s Articles of Association, the General Meeting authorises that the nominal value of the ordinary shares of

the Company be increased from two point five (2.5) US cents per share to fifty (50) US cents per share, by consolidating every twenty (20) ordinary shares held into one (1) new ordinary share each and issuing in replacement thereof new ordinary shares of fifty (50) US cents each.”

Also, the statement further added that the nominal value of existing preference shares and the conversion ratio of preference shares to ordinary shares shall be adjusted accordingly.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

Briefs As the National Examination Council, NECO released the results of the 2016 Cowbellpedia Mathematics Qualifying Examination, conducted on Saturday, 19th March, 2016, the Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olivier Thiry, has explained that the company has significantly increased the prize money for the finals for both students and teachers. This year, he said, the top prize student winner in each category will go home with One Million Naira in addition to other prizes, while the teacher will be awarded Four Hundred Thousand Naira.

The first and the second runners-up will go home with N750, 000 and N500, 000 respectively.

There will also be plaques, mathematics textbooks and a desktop computer for the winners.

Thiry also acknowledged the support given by the NECO,

Promasidor set to reward Cowbellpedia winners

state Ministries of Education, school principals, teachers, the press and other Partner agencies for their support for the initiative over the years.

Meanwhile, the qualifying exam has produced a stunning dimension asThe State of Osun has produced four out of the eight students that got the 100 percent perfect score in both categories.

The students are Ayomide Nafisat of Reality High School, Osogbo; Osagiede Efosa of Obafemi Awolowo International School, Ile-Ife; Ajayi Ayomide and Aromolaran Adegoke, both of Bibo Oluwa Academy, Ilesa.

B7 Brands & Marketing

Consumer confidence grows as cure for Tomatoe Ebola emerges Presently fruits and vegetable farms in Nigerian are having a holocaust of tuta-absoluta locally known as tomato Ebola, which has exposed Nigerian consumers to health hazards. Tuta-absoluta is an intelligent insect that has a distinctive survival instinct, it’s a pest that destroys tomato crops and it has been prevalent in Nigeria for 50 years , but just discovered few years back. The attention is just coming up now because of the intensity of the attack that is being experienced. Currently states affected by the outbreak include Kaduna, Katstina, Kano, Jigawa and Nassarawa. The disease has also spread to Lagos, Oyo and Ogun states.

Speaking to Daily Times on this development, a consultant post-

harvest horticulturist, who has been studying and teaching the preservation, disease control of fruits and vegetables, for 40 years, Mufutau Animashaun, said; “It is a soil born pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is a micro lepidopteran moth belonging to the Gelechiidae family and is considered as one of the most devastating pest that feeds on tomatoes, garden eggs, aubergine, potatoes, and tobacco plants. Tuta absoluta pest spreads very quickly, it has a high reproductive potential and a life cycle that can take between 24 to 76 days, depending on the environmental conditions. Adults are silvery gray with black spots on the forewings. Their activity is concentrated in the early morning and dusk; during the rest of the day they remain hidden

among the leaves. Adult lifespan ranges between 10 and 15 days for females and 6–7 days for males.

The female lays the eggs mainly on the leaves, although they can also be found on stems and sepals.

Eggs are laid isolated, thus facilitating their distribution on the crop. The number of eggs per female is usually between 40 and 50 and may reach 260.”

“I think we should look at the post management of these crops, study the physiology of the crops and know when it is mature, our own culture here is that we eat ripened products but in our country. The right practice is to harvest the crop is physiologically matured and subsequently transferred to a cold room with a specific temperature suitable for the crop.” He noted.

Mascot Information and Technology Solutions set to hold Nigeria ICT Fest 2016 Following the success recorded by the maiden edition of Nigeria ICT Fest last year, Mascot Information and Technology Solutions the convener of ICT fest in Nigeria has annonced its readiness to hold the 2016 edition.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in recently in Lagos, the Managing Director/ C.E.O, of Mascot Information and Technology Solutions, Agbolade Omowole said; “ tis year’s futurist conference in Nigeria, is an opportunity for Nigerians to connect with thought leaders within the technology industry who are pushing the envelope to in-

fuse innovation and creativity into emerging technologies.

Gain tremendous insight on planning for, implementing, and evaluating cutting-edge technologies and learning approaches by attending Nigeria ICT Fest 2016 which is powered

by Mascot Information and Technology Solutions.”

According to him, “this year’s Conference is taking place on November 10-12, 2016 at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. This is the second edition of the conference so far, and it will feature key technology practitioners, scientists, academic researchers and corporate brands.”

TOMATO EBOLA

Nigerian consumers to health hazards. Tuta-absoluta is an intelligent insect that has a distinctive survival instinct, it’s a pest that destroys tomato crops

Marketing Edge Awards 2016: MultiChoice wins big

(MultiChoice Pics: IMG_6321: L-R: Johnson Ivase, Marketing Manager, GOtv; Arjan Mirchandani, Executive Director, Sona Group of Industries presenting the Outstanding Digital Satelite TV Brand of the Decade (2016) to Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria and Patrick Dumme, Events Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria during the Marketing Edge, Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards and Annual Summit 2016 held at Civic Center)

One of the leading pay TV service providers in Nigeria, MultiChoice Nigeria, has been named Outstanding Digital Satellite TV Brand of the Decade while the General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Martin Mabutho was presented with the Marketing Personality of the Year award at the 2016 Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Award.

The award ceremony which took place recently in Lagos celebrated over a decade of promoting what it called ‘the brand idea’ as well as the practitioners in the

marketing and advertising profession.

While thanking the organizers for the awards, Mr. Mabutho said: “We are honored to have emerged winners in the Outstanding Digital Satellite TV Brand of the Decade and Marketing Personality of the Year award categories in recognition of our contribution to the growth and development of the Nigerian pay TV industry.”

“As a pioneer in Africa’s pay television service, we remain committed to providing our subscribers world-class entertain-

ment in line with the best digital pay television platforms in the world with innovation and excellence as our watchwords”, he said.

Currently in its fifth year, the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Award has become one of the most inspiring events in the integrated marketing communications industry in Nigeria as it provides a unique platform for robust intellectual engagement as well as to honour practitioners for their commitment to excellence in the field of branding and marketing.

Motoring B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, June 23, 2016

HYUNDAI

Nigeria in line with Hyundai Motor Corporation corporate social responsibility values of ‘Moving the World Together

Lagos moves to change commuters’ attitude Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Determined to improve commuters’ experience on Lagos roads, the Ministry of Transportation has called on the Nigerian Media to actively partner with it to change the attitude of commuters on the roads.

Making this call during a courtesy call by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said poor road culture manifesting as

gross disregard for traffic laws, regulations and rules are the ingredients of hiccups on Lagos roads.

He explained that the partnership with the media would ensure the issues are put in the public space adding that optimal benefit of government’s efforts to improve road experience by all road users will only result when discipline and patience are imbibed as essential feature of commuting.

While explaining the plans of the administration in the sec-

tor, the Commissioner said the Strategic Transportation Master plan is made up of a 30-year plan involving the development of 14 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes; 6 (six) rail routes, 450 other bus routes and 24 water transportation routes.

He noted that the design takes cognizance of the land use patterns and is founded on the principle of partnership with the private sector.

Also stating that the interest of the end user is critical to any policy initiative, Mobereola was

of the view that all efforts at providing transport services will include consideration for comfort and affordability.

He said providing air conditioned buses is a top priority. He added that the duration for providing rail system may be long but the period of use and benefits is usually longer.

Mobereola also stated that reaching the 22 million users in Lagos is important to the Ministry and that synergy between all modes is essential for it to be cheaper and effective.

Hyundai Nigeria supports schools

FRSC tasks intelligence NRC targets fuel haulage, increases officers on national security Lagos trains Corps Marshal of the Fed- losophy of the management was The Nigerian Railway Corporation says it has increased its capacity for goods haulage, especially dry products, in the Lagos district with the intention to capture more freight business this year.

It also said the corporation planned to improve its movement of petroleum products as more oil companies showed interest in using the train to transport their products across the country.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer, NRC Lagos District, Khadijah AroyewunAdekomaiya, said the corporation conveyed 1,270 tonnes fertilizer from Lagos to Kaduna and pipes from Lagos to Zaria within two days last week.

eral Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has charged intelligence operatives of the corps to rise up to the task of ensuring the security of the FRSC and the nation through diligent intelligence gathering, processing, sharing and application.

He stated this, while declaring open a three-day capacity building conference for intelligence officers of the FRSC at the FRSC Academy Udi, Enugu State.

According to a press release by Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Oyeyemi stated that the capacity development programme was in furtherance of the management’s policy of improving the efficiency of the FRSC personnel for increased productivity and quality service delivery.

He noted that since the phi-

driven on the tripod of consultation, reward and punishment, it behooved on it to ensure constant interaction with staff and stakeholders at all levels through training and retraining of personnel to prepare them adequately for the tasks they carry out.

“We believe that it is only when a staff has been properly trained and given exposure to the theoretical and practical knowledge of his job that a proper measurement of his level of productivity can be taken,” he stated.

The corps marshal further stated that as a knowledge-driven organization, the FRSC was committed to regularly updating the knowledge of its staff and improving on their understanding of the assignments they carry out. This he said, is to prepare them to make useful contributions to national develop-

Speaking further on the protection of pedestrians, especially at zebra crossing, the commissioner stated that as an advocate of comfort and liberty he remained committed to non – motorized transport which informed the provision of walkways on the roads as well as improvement in the use of pedestrian bridge and provision of adequate road signs.

He assured that all buses being used for BRT operations are backed by manufacturer’s maintenance agreements to ensure adequate and proper maintenance.

Rasheed Bisiriyu

OYEYEMI ment, and explains why the Corps continues to organize training and retraining programmes for all categories of its personnel including management staff and commanding officers.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited has pledged to continually assist school in Nigeria in line with Hyundai Motor Corporation corporate social responsibility values of ‘Moving the World Together.’

The Head of Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Mr. Jatin Nadkarni, made the remarks at the distribution of Hyundai-branded educational enhancing materials to school pupils across seven states in a campaign tagged ‘Education for brightertomorrow.’

He spoke to students and teachers of Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege in Lagos, according to a statement by the auto company.

The statement said no fewer than 13 schools in three geo-political zones of the South-West, NorthCentral, and South-South had been listed as beneficiaries of this year’s campaign.

Life&

Adunni Ade, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry to host fashion show tomorrow

Times

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Thursday, June 23, 2016

Celebrity embarrassing

moments L3

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K uti Seun

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Holding forth a family trait

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday June 23, 2016

Seun Kuti’s father was Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a human rights activist, political maverick and creator of the Afrobeat sound (a fusion of jazz, funk, rock and traditional African music). From his discovery of the American Black Power movement in the late ‘60s until his death in 1997, Fela was the voice of rebellion against government oppression and military corruption in Nigeria.

Now Seun, Fela’s youngest son, has taken up his father’s fight. The talented singer/ saxophonist has been performing with his father’s former band, Egypt 80, since the age of 15. While his 2008 debut was impressive enough, Seun’s new album, From Africa with Fury: Rise, finds him fueled with socio-politically charged invective, raging against the inequalities and unfair government practices of his homeland. With other albums and plans towards his fourth album, Seun revealed to MUTIAT ALLI, his thought on the institution of marriage, fatherhood and his recent attack on the present administration.

I don’t believe in marriage institution-Seun What informed your choice to be part of the One Africa Music Festival?

Well I didn’t decide, I was called up. The organiser called me up like ten days ago, a week or ten days ago and we go way back. He was like Seun you have to come, and support the show. For me, it’s really important that I’m there as an artiste and because of what our music and culture and art stands for to me and I want to make a big thing and family affair fun.

Many people are of the view that you don’t like to perform in Nigeria?

Kuti

The thing is when I’m booked abroad, because where I’m touring; it’s a twenty man crew, so I can’t decide to travel for one or two or three shows. I have to go and do maybe twenty or thirty so I can really make good money and everybody can be happy.

My shows are already booked in advance, and most times when people want to book me in Nigeria, I’m already booked in advance on that day and most people think I don’t want to go but I really want to do it but I already have other commitment, so there is nothing I can do about it. When the opportunity comes up you know like when the Commissioner of Culture in Lagos, Commissioner Coker did the Lagos end of the year festival, we did three nights and I even opted out of better pay show in South Africa just to stay and do that because I wasn’t really committed to the show in South Africa yet, so I stayed and did those three shows because I’d rather play in Lagos; trust me, I rather not to move an inch.

So, what are the new projects you are working on?

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T E A M

Right now, I’m working on my fourth album. The band and I are kind of in the middle of fine-tuning the tunes and we are

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Daniel Ekiye

about to get into the studio. That’s the next big project and every other things come after that.

As a father, how do you feel, half of the time you are mostly outside than in the house?

Well, I guess, you know my children grow up in the environment that they are used to and so I guess my daughter will have to adapt to and also I get to see her more than people think. It’s okay.

What has fatherhood changed about you?

I take less risk. I’m usually a risk taker. I love doing extreme things but since my daughter came in, I’ve kind of cut down on outside.

So when should we expect you to finally tie the knot?

There is no legally tie the knot for me. For me, I don’t really believe in the institution of marriage. I’ve always said it, if I was going to get married, I would have been married a long time ago but what’s stopping me? Since my father died, I’ve been successful automatically even before I became successful with the band. You know being my father’s son alone is enough for me to be able to get married and relax and raise a family and chill but for me, it’s not been really something I believe in.

So does it mean you will never get married?

They say never say never but I don’t see myself getting married.

As a social activist, seems you’ve cut down on the way you criticize the government?

Everybody is now saying that, this is the opposite because everybody is saying I’m too critical of this new government but the truth is I’m too critical because I feel there is no time and as well we young people just have to participate more in things that actually concern us. There is no piping down because this is actually the time to pipe hot.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday June 23, 2016

Mutiat Alli

You see them looking stunning on red carpets, movies, musical videos and magazine covers yet we do not understand the fact that they equally have their own bad and bizarre moments; they are celebrities not to be seen as ‘thin God’. Today on our Celebrity bizarre shot, we bring to you embarrassing moments of your top entertainers.

Ushbebe Dayo

Amusa

For me since my celebrity status, I have been enjoying bit of my job as comedian/OAP moving from one stepping stone to another. It will amaze you that I don’t have an embarrassing moment.

Fathia Balogun

There came a time in traffic in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos and a lady hit my car glass and requested that I wined down which I did; she requested for my personal contact line that she would love to be my friend and politely I told her I cannot give her my line. My sister, after a short while, the lady rained me bucket full of insult and created a scene at the bus-stop. I just zoomed off embarrassed.

That will definitely be at the international airport. I was travelling and at the checkin point, a guy just ran close to me and kissed me on the lips. For a moment, I was shocked. All he could say was he had promised his friends that whenever he sees me, he must kiss me or else he will die. He apologised at the end of day and requested for an autograph on his chest and hands which I did but I was really embarrassed.

Pepenazi Can’t recollect the date but it was definitely at Unilag, then I was still pushing one of my song ‘Illegal’ which was already a national anthem.

Soon as I approached the stage, a guy pulled off my shoes while I sat on the stage performing. But because I was closer to the stage where the crowd were, a lady just held on to my trouser and wanted to pull it off; as a sharp dude, I held on to my belt and my heart was beating so fast.

Comedian Bash

Adeniyi Johnson

The most embarrassing moment I cannot forget easily was when a dense male fan grabbed my John Thomas publicly at Iponri Bus-Stop in Surulere, Lagos. I was angry but at the same I had to plead for him to leave me alone.

Mercy Aigbe

Gentry

My most embarrassing moment was at the airport when a guy took off his shirt and told me to sign an autograph on his bare chest.

For me, I tagged it memorable day because I cannot forget the incident when a so-called die-hard fan gave me a confirmed slap at an event.

After the slap, he said, Bash!! I love all your jokes.

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Music Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday June 23, 2016

Mutiat Alli

The Grammy Museum & BET unveils exhibit of Angelique Kidjo, 2face

…Museum opens 24 June in Conjunction with the BET Experience at L.A. Live

Praiz, Cobhams Asuquo, Banky W, Paul Okoye

Tomorrow, Friday, June 24, 2016, the Grammy Museum and BET are to unveil a brand new exhibit, Sounds of Africa, showcasing and celebrating the unique diversity of African music, and spotlighting African winners and nominees of both the Grammy Award® and the “BET Awards”.

Located on the third floor of the Grammy Museum, the display is an extension of the 16th annual “BET Awards” and the 2016 BET Experience at L.A. LIVE. Commenting, Monde Twala, VP, BET, Youth & Music, VIMN Africa, said: “It’s fantastic to see the influence of African artistes and music amplified in this unique exhibition in this iconic setting. We are excited about working with the Grammy Museum to create this fascinating tribute to legendary, traditional and contemporary African musicians.”

On display temporarily until later in the year, the exhibit will feature handwritten lyrics, costumes and rare instruments from a wide range of artists including 2Face Idibia, Ice Prince, Laolu Senbanjo, Sir Victor Uwaifo, South African duo Mafikizolo, Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo (Benin) amongst others.

Banky W, Praiz, StoneBwoy, others for One Africa Music festival One of Nigeria’s leading entertainment brokers, Upfront and Personal, has officially announced One Africa Music Festival featuring Nigerian music stars, Tiwa Savage, Banky W, Praiz, Cobhams and StoneBwoy.

The music festival is set to take place on July 22, at Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre, United States of America (USA).

Other artistes billed to perform include Diamond Platnumz, Wizkid, Davido, Flavour, and Oluwaseun Kuti among others.

Speaking about the gathering, Mavin Records first lady Tiwa Savage, said:

“I am thankful to God that I am alive to be part of this great project. I think it is a revelation to African music and it is history in the making. I believe this is the first of many to open doors because the world is ready for African music.

Someone once said to me that when the world gives you 15 minutes, what are you going to do with it? I guess this is our own 15 minutes for Africans to show what we have. Mr. Paul O mentioned this about a year ago and I thought he was crazy because to have this vision is not a small task.”

Another celebrated music artiste,

May7ven

Singer Naomi Mac set to drop Ori Mi

set to release ‘Better Days’

May7ven

After reaching smash hit status in the United Kingdom, Super-hot artiste, MAY7VEN, who doubles as daughter to Nigeria’s former soccer player, Segun Odegbami, is back to Nigeria to share with her fans with a super club banger offering – Better days.

With the commercial firepower to capture the airwaves and dance floors this summer, this new record from May7ven resonates with all those who appreciate a JAM on the dance floor and sits perfectly with the new wave of Trap music infused with Pop and Afrobeats.

Easily one of the most introspective offerings of May7ven’s career so far, ‘Better Days’ sees the Nigerian British singer, songwriter and performing artiste open up singing about life difficulties, as she divulges on a series of bad situations from debt and cheating spouses to suicidal thoughts, in this high tempo, musically addictive and mesmerising Afro-pop summer anthem, produced by long-time collaborator, Antoine Stone.

Praiz also said: “Banky W has said it all. This is history in the making and like I was telling my friend who lives in the U.S that I am about to rock the Barclays Centre and he was like ‘what?!’ A lot of big acts in the States have not dreamt of performing there and Africans are about shutting down the place so I am very excited and looking forward to that day.”

Top Nigeria’s instrumentalist, Cobhams Asuquo was not left out as he disclosed that it is not all about different music coming together but using the opportunity to call on the government to remember the kidnapped Chibok girls.

Naomi Mac

House One Music signee, Naomi Mac, who dropped the smash hit, ‘My Heart, featuring YBNL act, Adekunle Gold, in mid 2015 is set to drop another tuneful song titled, ‘Ori Mi,’ featuring yet another YBNL act, superstar producer, Pheelz.

‘Ori Mi’ would serve as a follow-up to her 2016 single, ‘Mujo’, which was released sometime in January.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the song and the message it entails, the singer said: “Ori Mi is a song that speaks for everybody, the people who work tirelessly to attain their goals – the people who have been let down owing to one circumstance or the other. It’s a song everyone can relate to.”

Minjin excites with ‘Jare’ -Signs deal with Swaga Records

Talented Afro-Pop cum RNB singer, Adewale Lawanson Junior, better known as Minjin, showed his relevance in the entertainment industry with the release of yet another hit single titled ‘Jare’ which has currently been receiving massive airplay.

Not putting a stop at just the audio alone, he has equally shot the video, an imprint

that will serve as his official video on Swaga records.

Blessed with raw stage energy and vocal prowess, Minjin has carved a niche for himself since 2010 after he played the lead male character in the first all-black cast high school musical where he played the role of Troy.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday June 23, 2016

L5 Movie Gist

Mutiat Alli

My pregnancy wasn’t planned for -Osas Ajibade Expectant mother-to-be and ExBeauty queen, Osas Ajibade has revealed that since the news of her pregnancy, her actor-model husband, Gbenro Ajibade has been relishing the idea of becoming a father sooner than expected and perhaps the pregnancy wasn’t planned at all.

Speaking in a tell-all interview with Genevieve magazine, the screen diva revealed that the pregnancy wasn’t planned as the newlyweds wanted to

enjoy each other’s company for a while before deciding to raise kids.

‘This pregnancy wasn’t planned at all.

As newlyweds, we just wanted to enjoy our marriage before thinking about having kids but life happens,’ she said to the publication.

‘Interestingly, Gbenro figured it out before I did. I wasn’t feeling well and he told me he was going to get me some orange juice. On returning, he handed me a pregnancy test kit. I took the test

Adunni Ade, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry to host fashion show tomorrow

and came downstairs to tell him the result. We stared at each other for what felt like forever and I said the words ‘We are pregnant’. We embraced for a long time and seeing my husband who is a true alpha African man in that state of emotion was such a beautiful moment.

This pregnancy has brought out a new side of Gbenro who is usually very calm.

Seeing him so excited when he rubs and listens to my belly is the most beautiful thing in the world,’ Osas said.

Osas Ajibade& husband)

Cobhams eyes movie industry

Light-skinned actress, Adunni Ade alongside colleague, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry will hosting yet another edition of the TNT Fashion show billed to hold tomorrow at the Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenway centre, Maryland, United States America.

Speaking on the choice of the actress as host, CEO TNT fashion Bunmi Ojo-Adenugba disclosed via telephone conversation that the choice of the actress stands on the fact that aside been the queen in their own field (Acting), they also possess the qualities needed as host for the show which is strictly a fashion show spiced with musical performance’.

The event will equally witness performances by Yemi Alade, Trybe Dancerz, Funsho Music, Nikki amongst others. The host who have already arrived the state towards the show are equally excited about Adunni Ade and Mercy Aigbe meeting their Maryland fans.

Talented music producer cum musician, Cobhams Asuquo has hinted that he might be delving into acting as well as movie productions anytime soon.

He said: “I started out as a music instructor turned producer and on the long run, I discovered that I could also sing well, so I went into music too and I must say by people’s comment; I am doing well. In the industry, I seem not have touched the movie industry and that I am looking forward to test. I am an all-round entertainer, I am definitely looking forward to the scripts and if they don’t come,

set for movie premiere

Late Lateef Titilope: Colleagues to shoot his supposed project

Shan George Veteran Nollywood actress, Shan George is set for yet another premiere of her latest effort titled, ‘One Good Man’.

Scheduled to hold at Agura Hotels, Abuja come July 31, 2016, the premiere is expected to be graced by

Shan George

entertainers and crème de crème in the society.

The studded movie stars Eric Anderson, Lilian Bach, Femi Branch, Lepacious Bose, Ibok Ekpenyoung, Vivian Metchie and Bukky Wright amongst others.

One Good Man marks her third selfproduced movie.

The actress made her debut as a producer with the award winning movie, Finding Goodluck, in 2014.

I will make my own movies”.

It is important to note that Cobhams has worked with nearly all the musicians and still doing more collaborations music wise.

Cobhams

Last weekend, another talented Yoruba actor, script-writer cum producer, Lateef Titilope otherwise known as Alfa Latif was announced dead shortly after battling an undisclosed sickness and has been buried according to Islamic rite in Ibadan, Oyo State.

For the first time in the history of Nollywood, the late Lateef work which was found in his archive titled ‘Oja Laiye’ will be shot and funded by his colleagues with the proceeds given to the wife and three kids he left behind.

According to spokesperson of the group, Yomi Fabiyi, the commencement of the shoot will take effect from June 29, 2016 as more colleagues have equally shown interest towards their contribution on the success of the yet to be shot movie.

Before his death, Alfa Latif worked closely with the likes of Sadiq Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Muyiwa Ademola, Adebayo Tijani amongst others.

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday June 23, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Timaya to headline Real Deal experience this weekend

Dancehall star, Timaya, will once again thrill Legend consumers on the Real Deal Experience tour in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on June 25, 2016.

After a heart-warming experience, bonding with fans in Port Harcourt, Timaya is set to treat the Ebonyi people with an exceptional performance.

The #RealDealExperience tour which has been to Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Umuahia with big stars like Ortisefemi, Timaya,

9ice and Kcee features a fullsized rotating Legend bar, exciting onstage performances, the Taste, Tell and Win promotion and the Real Deal Experience game show where lucky winners get to go home with several prizes including refrigerators, generators, TV sets, and recharge cards.

Speaking on his Real Deal Experience comeback, Timaya said: “Performing in Port Harcourt and meeting one on one with my people was highly rewarding and elating.

At last!!! DJ association lift ban on Terry-G

I can’t wait to meet my fans in Abakaliki. I hear the Abakaliki people are a good bunch to hang around!”

Commenting on Timaya’s return to the #RealDealExperience tour, Brand Manager, Legend Oluseun Lawal stated: “We had Kcee make a comeback in Umuahia after a wonderful performance in Onitsha and it is our pleasure to welcome back the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Timaya in Abakaliki. His performance in Port Harcourt was a special one as

he built a unique bond and reunited with his fans there. As with all the stops we’ve made, the Ebonyi people are sure to enjoy the #RealDealExperience as they will not only have a good time but they stand a chance to win spectacular prizes in the Taste, Tell and Win promo and the Real Deal Experience game show”.

Adekunle Gold is Sickle Ashflame prepares sophomore single ‘Go Low’ Cell ambassador ...Reveals crush for Cynthia Morgan

Weeks after Akpako master Terry-G’s song was banned by the association of DJ’s after his disrespectful act on DJ Phreez by subjecting the budding disc jockey and protégé of turntable guru, Jimmy Jatt, to a slap during his performance, the association has reversed the ban.

The association said Terry G met all the conditions of righting his wrongs, a reason it announced the lifting of the ban.

‘The National Executives of the DJs Association of Nigeria (DJAN) humbly appreciate the support and cooperation of Nigeria DJs for full participation on said subject, we are most grateful for acknowledging the fact that ‘an injury to one is injury to all’, One Beat… One Voice,’ a statement from the body reads.

‘Terry G has shown a very reasonable level of remorse and had apologized to all parties concerned including apologizing to the leadership of the Association at all levels.

‘After due consultations and deliberations, the Deejays Association of Nigeria hereby lifts the embargo on all songs of Terry G (including songs he featured in). Thank you,’ the statement further read.

Fast rising Afro-pop artiste, Ashflame is currently in the studio working with Shabba, the producer on his sophomore follow up single titled ‘Go Low’ which is certified to go viral when the song eventually hits the airwaves. Ashflame is currently basking in the euphoria of the relative success of his debut single titled ‘Sekosi’ produced by TPFlex which is receiving appreciable airplay on radio stations and upscale gigs and shindigs.

The Ondo State born energetic performer who is signed onto the stable of Desbor Records owned by the enigmatic Switzerland based Desmond Edobor said he dreams of a collaboration with the iconic 2face Idibia and also squealed that he has a crush on Cynthia Morgan.

When asked what he’ll do if he is behind closed doors with the sexy dancehall artiste, Ashflame retorted thus: “I don’t know but it would be a lot of ash and flames; fire will burn.”

He also revealed why he wants to collaborate with 2face Idibia, saying: “2face has a way of touching lives with his music.

He is a prophet and I already have a song for him. Working with a person like that will positively affect my music”.

Adekunle

Terry G

With plans of the release of his debut album ‘Gold’ billed to drop in few weeks times, YBNL act, Adekunle Gold was recently signed as an ambassador at large for the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF) in Nigeria.

The foundation took to Instagram to announce the ‘Ready’ singer as an ambassador. “Meet the SCAF Brand Ambassadors, Ms. Zahra Buhari & Mr. Adekunle Kosoko (Adekunle Gold), ready to tackle Sickle Cell Disorder. We are so humbled to have brand ambassadors dedicated to our cause to #breakthesicklecycle.

The foundation is aimed at generating more awareness and raising funds in order to break the sickle cell cycle.

Ashflames

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday June 23, 2016

L7 Opinion

Maureen Onuigbo

E-Opinion: Can artistes survive without record label?

Record labels are the platforms which help artistes make their songs reach the public faster, thus making financial gains. Nigerian artistes to a large extent have done well for themselves. Even without a proper structure, musicians in this clime have endured and recorded songs under harsh conditions and a system that makes them do everything to mix out hits songs and market them.

The entertainment industry has lost many record labels with the likes of Plantation boiz, Mo’Hits Music label, Storms Records, etc. With different genres of music existing in Nigeria and thousands of artistes, local, state and regional, scores of record labels and marketers must fill the void to produce and market the songs artistes record. Also, with the advent of hip hop music in Nigeria, and the success thereof, more opportunities have been opened up for singers and wouldbe singers.

Record labels are generally responsible for developing the artiste, working with producers, paying for and arranging studio time, mixing, mastering, graphics, packaging, distributing and marketing. The most important and most expensive of these services is marketing. Getting the word out to the masses is paramount to a successful album.

Because of this, an artiste will fare better with a record label performing these tasks for him/her.

The contract between the artist and record label usually stipulates that the artist is paid a percentage of net sales from all sources. Due to the underdevelopment of the business of

entertainment, a lot of things have been left not adhered to. Nigerian artistes do not

honour contracts and the record labels don’t perform all their functions.

Many artistes for lack of major record labels in the country do some things for themselves and bear much cost ultimately creating their own music company fashioned to cater for them alone. Some artistes who create theirs sign in other artistes and because the label is fashioned to cater for them alone, the artistes suffer.

It behooves of the government to make the country safe for international labels to invest in the music industry. Many major record labels left the country when the environment was not conducive again for their survival, imagine that the issue of piracy has not been tackled for long and this has hindered the distribution of music.

In Nigeria, we have the major record labels and the independent labels but it can be said that the independent labels exist more. We sometimes argue if an artiste can survive without a record label. In the Nigerian context, I can say YES but in the long run, NO. A lot of hip hop artistes have risen to fame without a record label and later they formed theirs.

Artistes like Olamide, Patoranking and others are examples. Olamide was able to make a success in him because of the way he learnt the ropes and gleaning in the experience of those who managed him.

According to him, he practically slept for years learning a lot in the studio of ID Cabasa, owner of CODED Tunes at Bariga and producer of Gongo Aso by 9ice. Also, Tuface and Wizkid surely benefited from their record labels, Kennis Music and Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) respectively before calling it quits. Korede Bello, Reekado Banks and Di’ja could not have assumed this success within a year if they were on their own. A team and management will always excel more than the effort of one. Even a popular adage says “Two heads are better than one”.

Well, all I can say is that if our government can help attract investors into music and entertainment, revive our economy and as well ensure security of lives and property, all will take shape and then artistes that create their own record labels will knock off and allow major record labels to manage their works and creativity. That is the future of record labels in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday June 23, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Comedy Channel 104

Movies ACTION Channel 110

22:28

13:00

Thu, 23 June16 SL

Thu, 23 June | PG 13V

Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and Danny star in this film about three salesmen who dissect life as they wait for a man who could make or break their sales targets. Danny DeVito, Kevin Spacey.(1999)John Swanbeck

Jackie Chan turns on the charm in this action film. A chauffeur is thrust into the world of international espionage when he puts on a suit that gives him extraordinary powers.

Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt. (2002) Kevin Donovan.

101 M-Net

23:35 Behind The Scenes: Unbroken 00:00 Chicago Med 00:50 Behind The Scenes: 1st Project 01:20 Shakesspeare School Year 02:28 Behind The Scenes: Walking On Sunshine 02:40 Behind The Scenes: Annie 03:15 Made In Hollywood

04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:59 The Middle 06:29 Sarah Graham's Food Safari 07:30 Chicago Med 08:30 From Rough 10:04 Behind The Scenes: The Theory Of...

10:30 The Goldbergs 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 Shades Of Blue 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 Kevin From Work 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:33 My Story

118 Telemundo

23:40 The Face Of Destiny 00:30 Elena's Ghost 01:20 Broken Angel 02:10 Broken Angel 03:00 The Face Of Destiny 03:50 Fearless Heart 05:20 Elena's Ghost 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 The Face Of Destiny 07:50 Fearless Heart 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 The Face Of Destiny 12:00 Fearless Heart 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 The Face Of Destiny 16:10 Fearless Heart 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Broken Angel 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 The Face Of Destiny 20:20 Fearless Heart 21:10 Broken Angel 22:00 Broken Angel 22:50 Husband For Hire

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

23:14 The Graham Norton Show

11:10 Would I Lie To You?

00:04 An Idiot Abroad

11:40 QI

00:54 The Cube

12:15 The Cube

01:41 Police Interceptors

13:05 Top Gear

02:29 John Bishop's Australia

14:55 Police Interceptors

03:24 Undercover Boss USA

15:45 Undercover Boss USA

04:10 Pointless

15:55 Would I Lie To You?

05:00 The Cube

16:20 QI

05:50 Would I Lie To You?

17:00 Pointless

06:25 QI5

18:00 Top Gear

07:00 Police Interceptors

19:00 Dragons' Den

07:45 Top Gear

20:00 QI

08:40 Pointless

20:30 Youngers

09:35 Undercover Boss USA

21:10 Top Gear

10:20 Ducks Quacks Don't Echo

22:05 Top Gear: Special: Best Of British

155 AfricaMagic World

152 AfricaMagic Epic

23:37 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room 00:00 Music On Africa Magic

23:00 Most Shocking 23:50 World's Wildest Police Videos 00:40 World's Wildest Police Videos 01:30 Freakshow 01:55 Extreme Reality Clips 02:20 Sexy Car Wash 03:15 Sexy Car Wash 03:45 Video Zonkers 04:10 South Beach Tow 04:35 South Beach Tow 05:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 05:45 World's Wildest Police Videos 06:35 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 07:25 Video Zonkers

07:50 South Beach Tow 08:15 South Beach Tow

09:00 Good Morning Africa

08:40 Most Shocking

10:00 Lies That Bind

09:35 World's Wildest Police Videos

10:30 Lies That Bind

10:30 World's Wildest Police Videos

11:00 Lies That Bind

11:30 Baywatch

11:30 Lies That Bind

12:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

13:00 Music On Africa Magic 14:00 Music On Africa Magic 15:05 Music On Africa Magic

01:00 Good Morning Africa

16:00 Star Gist

00:10 Mystic Mirror

11:10 Maiden Of Destruction

02:05 53 Extra

16:35 Deal Or No Deal Sa

01:26 Mirror And Beauty

12:39 Sacred Skull

02:45 Star Gist

17:25 53 Extra

02:25 Africa Rising: Behind The Scenes

14:20 Twins Of The Rainforest

03:15 Star Gist

18:00 Jara

14:48 Behind The Scenes: The Place

03:45 Jara

18:30 Tinsel

15:00 Enemy Must Obey

04:25 Jara

19:00 Lies That Bind

17:02 Enemy Must Obey

05:00 Goodmorning Africa

19:30 Lies That Bind

06:01 Only Hope

19:10 The Mastermind

06:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

20:00 Jacob's Cross

07:50 Mother's Tears

20:55 Behind The Scenes:Next Dean

07:00 53 Extra

20:55 Jacob's Cross

09:31 Painful Secret

21:05 Royal Desire

07:30 Star Gist

21:55 Jacob's Cross

05:35 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room

128 SONY MAX

08:00 Jara

12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

03:40 Impostor

L8 TV guide

13:30 South Beach Tow

14:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 15:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 16:00 Most Shocking 17:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 18:00 South Beach Tow 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Baywatch 20:00 Extreme Reality Clips 20:30 Rude Tube 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Freakshow 22:00 Sexy Car Wash