Daily Times Of Nigeria

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 24th March 2015.

EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 24th March 2015.

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

GAINERS

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LOSERS

US DOLLAR

196

196.5

197

FO

196.98

6.93

3.52%

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370

-18.08

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292.6868

293.4335

294.1801

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129

3.00

2.33%

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805

-15.00

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34

-2.29

-6.74%

39.23

-2.05

-5.23%

EURO

215.404

SWISS FRANC

215.9535

205.0209

205.5439

216.503

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25.55

1.12

4.38%

CAP

206.0669

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18

0.80

4.44%

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.73

ABUJA

ENUGU

Low 26°C High 38°C

KANO

Low 27°C High 36°C

LAGOS

Low 27°C High 41°C

Low 28°C High 35°C

MAIDUGURI Low 31°C High 44°C

-4.89%

N150

P/HARCOURT Low 24°C High 34°C

Boko Haram abducts 400 in Borno town Ï 9Ɛ Ɠ ƈ Ɨƈ éƇƏƆƆƗ ƐƆƏƏƈƐ Əƕè ƕ ƌƈƋƈƐ Əƕ Ï dƑ ƍƆƅƐƆƗ ƑƈƅƈƗƆ Ƅ ƌƄƆƏ ƗƏƆ ƆƗ Ɠ ƌ ƄƄƆƗ INSIDE

ÏÏÏ Far from being over,

the war on insurgency in Nigeria may have only just begun.

Fleeing citizens were on Tuesday reported to have claimed that at least 400 persons have again being CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Ezinne Akudo L7

P

A charitable beauty

Ahmadu Augustine Obiabo L2 makes

P

a come back

The George wrapper:

The suspected bomber, after the hijab had been removed.

L6 A classic fashion statement

P

X4

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

“

X5

APC alleges plot to disqualify Buhari

JAMES RODRIGUEZ

Poster!

FARAH in race row

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

QUOTES BY

XT Exclusive

PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number: Youth career 1995–2007:

JAMES RODRIGUEZ

X7

James Rodríguez James David Rodríguez Rubio July 12, 1991 (age 23) Cucuta, Colombia 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) Attacking midfielder/Winger Real Madrid 10

It’s one thing looking in from the outside, but when you come to Real Madrid - it’s something else entirely. I always considered Real Madrid to be a big club, but now I’m on the inside; it’s the biggest club in the world.

That is football, sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. You always have to have a winning mentality. We put pressure on them and tried to score. It was an unfair result. The referee always tries to make fair decisions but in the end it was a little wrong.

I and my wife always dance. As soon as in the house the music is playing, we dance to it, especially when we have friends in the house. You can see it when I celebrate the goal. I think that separation from the ball is important. For me it is the best way to relax.

–James Rodriguez

”

Envigado

Senior career 2007–2008: 2008–2010: 2010–2013: 2013–2014: 2014–Present:

Envigado Banfield Porto Monaco Real Madrid

National team 2007: 2011: 2011–Present:

Colombia U-17 Colombia U-20 Colombia

JAMES

X4,5

“Yes, I heard that James signed yesterday. And to be honest I think he’s a fantastic player. Real Madrid also bought Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich, so I think they’ve invested very well. They will be a great reinforcement for the team. I’m looking forward to playing with them.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

RODRIGUEZ Wednesday, March 25, 2015

NEW RACE

EAGLES, Mourinho counts down to EPL title quest X8

6

NES CRA UYO ON SET

FIRE!

Ï j Ɔƕ ƇƋ ƐƆƗ Radio Chanji to cause crisis – PDP

X2

Brook challenges

Mayweather

X7

Obasanjo warns against coup 6

The suspected bomber in his female dress

150 feared killed as German plane crashes

6

NCC appeals N500m judgement in favour of APC

5

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Resolving Lagos doctors strike

T

he current strike embarked upon by Lagos State medical doctors calls for concern, especially as it puts the health of hapless patients in the hospitals at utmost risk. Last week, doctors in all government owned hospitals embarked on an indefinite strike to protest what they say was the continuing appointment of their members as contract workers and the unpaid arrears for the months of May 2012 and July, August and September 2014 due to the state’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy.

It would be recalled that two weeks ago, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), gave the government a 21-day ultimatum within which to pay the August and September 2014 salaries or face strike. We believe that the present impasse is uncalled for, especially where there is the political will to end it.

The issues in contention could have been resolved before now if both sides had shown enough goodwill and appreciation of each other’s positions.

Even with the ongoing strike, it is pertinent to ask why the Lagos State Government is refusing to pay the doctors for the months they went on strike, given that their colleagues in other states who also took part were paid their outstanding salaries.

More painful is the fact that six other groups that had embarked on strike within the said period, such as ASUU, ASUP, polytechnic lecturers,

teachers union, magistrates, judiciary workers and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), had their salaries paid in full.

But it seems the government is relying on section 43(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act which states that “Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law, where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or other remuneration for the period of the strike, and any such period shall not count for the purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected accordingly.”

Definitely, the present muscle-flexing is not only fuelling resentment, but also making it harder for any amicable settlement to be reached.

Strikingly, one of the issues at stake is the contract employment of doctors by the state government.

This is very ridiculous given that Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole have one of the least numbers of doctors to patient ratio in the world.

Absurdly, this action tends to pay scant regard to the profession, even when it takes a lot of time and resources to train a medical doctor.

We believe that no law is cast in stone or cannot be amended to meet the exigencies of the moment. With this in mind, we implore both sides to meet and work out an acceptable framework for ending the impasse in the interest of patients and the state health sector.

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Polls: Who’s afraid of soldiers?

Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏThough largely not un-

expected, the ruling on Monday by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos restraining the Federal Government from deploying soldiers for the general election flagging off on Saturday has raised the question: Who actually is afraid of soldiers playing limited roles during polls?

Before Monday’s ruling, the Court of Appeal Abuja had on February 16, 2015 made a similar pronouncement.

While the ruling is yet to fully be digested, it is pertinent to note that soldiers

have always assisted during elections in Nigeria, albeit minimally. They have always been deployed to patrol major highways, city centres, flashpoints as well as assisted the police and others para-military personnel to provide security during elections.

At no time, at least from 1983 to date, have soldiers been deployed to polling units or asked to take over the counting of votes or collation of results.

This is the reason many Nigerians are at a loss at the noise being made about deployment of soldiers during elections. If the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approves soldiers assisting the commission and the po-

Words On Marble :

dailytimesng

lice, then those who insist that soldiers should be holed in their barracks during polls, must have something they are hiding. It is either that such persons are afraid that with soldiers in the picture, they may not be able to perpetrate their evil plans, including ballot box snatching, doctoring of results, among others or that they will be caught in the act.

Beyond the court rulings, those who are opposed to soldiers assisting INEC and the police during elections should let Nigerians know what they are afraid of. Do they want us to return to the days of old when ballot box stuffing and snatching, outright manipulation of results, violence among others reigned supreme?

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

Chief Commercial Officer

Deputy Editors

Noel Anosike

Doyin Awomosu

Group Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Tunji Okegbola

Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Bureau Chief, Northern Operations Celestine Okafor

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Sports Editor

Andrew Ekejiuba

Head of Operations Innocent Nwankwo

Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

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

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Vince Lombardi

Mario Andretti

Racism is a contempt for life, an arrogant assertion that one race is the center of value and object of devotion, before which other races must kneel in submission.

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence that will enable you to attain the success you seek.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Nigerians in Germany endorse Buhari for President Augustine Aminu

ÏÏÏNigerians living in Germa-

ny have endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in the March 28 election.

The endorsement was announced at the Hochfeld Hall, Hochfeld, Duisburg, Germany at the weekend.

About 100 Nigerians were in

attendance and they pledged to ensure that all their relatives in Nigeria vote for the APC. Coordinator of the Germany chapter of the APC, Hakeem Fashola, said Nigerians living and working abroad were those “who bear the shame of the failures of the current administration.

“We are tired of being laughed at. Everywhere we go, we are reminded of the terrible image of our country and our President. It is getting more difficult to hold your head proudly and say you are a Nigerian. See how they messed us up at the Chatam House, when hungry young Nigerians were paid to protest against General Buhari. How embarrassing,” he said.

L-R: Group Managing Director, Verdat Zeal Group, Mr. Tunji Olugbodi; Special Guest, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo; Chairman of the occasion, Sir Steve Omojafor and Guest Speaker, Prof. Pat Utomi, at the Verdant Zeal Innovention Series 2015 held at Civic Centre, Lagos… on Tuesday PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

PDP plans to burgle INEC warehouse –APC ÏÏÏThe All Progressives Party,

(APC) has raised the alarm that the Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to break into the warehouse of the INEC in the state to steal the cardreading machines to be used for the March 28 and April 11 general election.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued by Dr. Ibiamu Davies Ikanya, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the party.

He said: “We wish to alert the security agencies and the general public of the diaboli-

cal plan by the leadership of Rivers PDP to break into INEC warehouse in Port Harcourt to steal the smart card-reader machines. According to our informant in PDP’s campaign organisation … the Chief Security Officer of Rivers INEC, who has been compromised, assured the party chieftains that the gate of INEC would be thrown open around 2am on 26th March for what has been tagged ‘Operation Bat’.

“According to our informant, this arrangement was perfected during the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience

Jonathan, during her SouthSouth PDP Women Presidential Rally in Port Harcourt, few days ago,” Rivers APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya,” said.

He quoted the said APC’s informant as disclosing that Rivers PDP intends to use the card-reading machines to be stolen during ‘Operation Bat’ to accredit only PDP members during the election in the state.

“If this fails, then option two will be used – to frustrate INEC from using the smart card readers in the state or totally stop the conduct of the election in the state to save the party and

President Goodluck Jonathan from imminent defeat awaiting them during the 2015 polls in the State. We cannot ascertain if the INEC resident commissioner, Mrs. Gesila Khan, is aware of this plot as she took ill after her plan with a top official of the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC) to rig the election in favour of PDP was busted,” Ikanya said.

Rivers APC called on the security agencies in Rivers State to intensify surveillance in the INEC State Headquarters and nip the wicked plot to rig the elections in the bud.

NCC appeals N500m damages to APC Mathew Dadiya

ÏÏÏDissatisfied with the ruling

of Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos that the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) should pay N500 million as damages to the All Progressives Congress (APC), counsel to NCC, Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), has filed an appeal against the judgment at the Court of Appeal, Lagos.

In the notice of appeal, disclosed to the Daily Times on

Police restricts movement on election days

5 News

Tuesday by the Commission, the counsel said that he had the mandate of the NCC to appeal the entire judgement, citing eight grounds for the appeal.

At the ruling yesterday, Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to pay the political party N500 million as damages to the All Progressive Congress party’s presidential campaign fundraising platform.

The Judge in his judgement held that APC was protected by the constitution to push for the enforcement of its fundamental right once violated.

According to the appeal statement, the NCC counsel averred that the trial judge erred in law when he dismissed the Appellant’s Notice of Preliminary Objection of March 2, 2015, which challenged the competence of the suit, on the grounds that same was unmeritorious.

He also said on ground two that the trial judge erred in law, when he held that the suit of the APC disclosed cause of action against the applicant.

Usoro, in the notice of appeal, noted that the trial court misdirected itself in law and fact, when it held that the suit, as constituted, fell under the context of Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended and not rooted in contract.

Andrew Orolua

stated that on “Saturday, March 28, 2015, there would be no vehicular movement from 8.00am to 5.00pm only. Same restriction would be applied on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 8.00am to 5.00pm only”.

It also explained that the measure was part of efforts to ensure adequate security in the forthcoming general election across

the country.

“The restriction of movement order applies to all, except for ambulances, fire service trucks and others on essential duties.

Consequently, travellers and citizens, who intend to use roads on these days and hours, are advised to plan alternative times for their travelling”, the statement added.

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Inspector of Police, (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has ordered the restriction on vehicular movement on election days.

A statement issued by the spokesman of the Police Force, Emmanuel Ojukwu, Acting CP,

Mark preaches free, transparent polls Celestine Okafor

(Bureau Chief, Northern Operations)

ÏÏÏAhead

of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, Senate President, David Mark, has said that free and transparent polls must be held to safeguard and sustain democracy in Nigeria.

Mark, however, expressed optimism that Nigerians have been sensitised enough to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections on Saturday.

Addressing his constituents in Otukpo, Benue State at the end of his 2015 campaign tour, on Tuesday, Mark urged all stakeholders to play according to the rules and allow the will of the people to prevail.

According to him, “As we embark on another major election, let us be guided by national interest and hold on tenaciously to all that bring peace and unity amongst us as a people.

Mark, therefore, urged the people to remain steadfast with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the vehicle for a better future of the nation.

All the traditional rulers in Benue South senatorial zone, led the Ochi Idoma, Elias ikoyi Obekpa endorsed the candidature of Mark to return to the Senate.

Mark

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Insurgents abduct 400 in liberated town Continued from page 1 abducted by members of the terrorist group in Damask, Borno State.

It was learnt, also on Tuesday, that military authorities arrested a suspected suicide bomber who was dressed as a woman in a market at Kwayar Kusar, in Borno State.

Expolosives were strapped around his body.

About 400 women and children were said to have been kidnapped

by Boko from the town of Dama-

sak, which was freed this month by troops from Niger and Chad, residents said on Tuesday.

There was no immediate official confirmation of the figure.

Boko Haram’s abduction last April of nearly 300 schoolgirls in the region sparked international outrage and drew global attention to the group’s six-year insurgency.

When asked for confirmation of the report, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, told Daily Times cryptically: “Let them ask

the Chadians who claimed to have captured the place.”

Reuters quoted a trader, ouleymane Ali, , as saying: “They took 506 young women and children (in Damasak). They killed about 50 of them before leaving.”

The trader added: “We don’t know if they killed others after leaving, but they took the rest with them.”

Troops from Niger and Chad last week found the bodies of at least 70 people in an apparent execution site under a bridge leading out of Damasak, where the

streets remain strewn with debris and burnt-out cars after the fighting.

Ali said his wife and three of his daughters were among those seized.

“Two of them were supposed to get married this year. (Boko Haram) said ‘They are slaves so we’re taking them because they belong to us’,” he said.

Mohamed Ousmane, another trader, said the militants took his two wives and three of their children.

A 40-year-old resident who gave her name as Fana said fighters had rounded up captives in the main mosque before taking them out of town. She said she saved her two children by hiding them in her house.

150 feared killed as German plane crashes ÏÏÏGermanwings,

Ghanaian President, John Mahama (right), Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, during a visit by Mahama to Jega in Abuja… on Monday.

APC alleges plot to disqualify Buhari Lateef Ibrahim & Augustine Aminu, Abuja

ÏÏÏRoughly 96 hours to the pres-

idential election, the din of accusations and counter-accusations between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Party (APC) is getting more deafening.

The APC has accused the PDP of plotting to cause chaos in the country by disqualifying the APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, on the eve of the presidential elections. It is in response to rumours of a court ruling to be delivered today annulling Buhari’s candidacy on the grounds of lacking requisite academic qualifications.

In a similar fashion, the PDP accused the opposition of oper-

ating like a cult, plotting to use an illegal radio, Chanji, to cause mayhem in the country. The ruling party also told the APC to stop insulting Yoruba traditional rulers.

On Tuesday, The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO) reeled out damning accusations against the APC ranging from insulting Yoruba Obas to employing demonic powers to win the coming elections.

The APC warned against any last-minute disqualification of General Buhari or another postponement of the elections.

About 10 suits seeking the disqualification of Buhari on grounds of lack of requisite educational qualification are currently being heard at the Federal High

Court, Abuja.

The suits were instituted by different persons at different courts, but were later consolidated.

Progress on the suits have been stalled due to arguments over whether Buhari and the APC can be served through the media.

The court, headed by Justice Ademola Adeniyi, will today decide on the issue of service. The case was moved from Tuesday.

The APC said in a statement by its spokesperson, Lai Mohammed, that it suspected foul play.

He said: ”If it is true, as it is being widely speculated across the country, that the Jonathan Administration has procured a judgement to disqualify the APC Presidential Candidate on Continued on page 12

a German passenger plane carrying 150 people, crashed on Tuesday in the French Alps. All on board were feared killed. The plane was on its way from Barcelona to Duesseldorf, Germany when it crashed.

The Airbus A320 - flight 4U 9525 - went down between Digne and Barcelonnette.

The plane came down in a remote mountain range and the debris appeared to have been spread over a wide area.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said one of the “black boxes” in the plane had been found. The cause of the crash was not known at press time and the plane did not send a distress signal.

There were believed to be 67 people from Germany on the aircraft, including 16 students and two teachers from the same school in the town of Haltern. The youngsters had been on a school exchange programme in Spain.

German opera singers Oleg Bryjak and Maria Radner were also on board. Ms Radner had been flying with her husband and baby, said a Spanish opera house.

Forty-five of the passengers are thought to be Spanish.

Germanwings, a low-cost airline owned by Germany’s main carrier, Lufthansa, has an excellent safety record.

Obasanjo warns against coup

Ï Ɔƌ ƐƆ campaigns Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏFormer

President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday warned those contemplating a military coup in the country or handling over to the military to desist from doing so as such is no longer fashionable.

Obasanjo stated this while hosting the South West women wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Hadjia Aisha, wife of the party’s presidential candidate, who paid a courtesy call on him after their rally in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He said the warning became necessary in view of the rumour of a military coup in Nigeria which has been going on in recent time.

He equally advised those contemplating the idea of any likelihood of handling over to an Interim National Government (ING) to discard it as such is no longer in tandem with the realities of governance in modern day world.

Obasanjo, who said Nigeria has gone beyond the rumour of any unconstitutional arrangement of governance, particularly the ING, also emphasised that such act would undermine the integrity of Nigeria among the comity of nations.

He however, expressed hopes that the country will survive the rumour of handing over to the military.

Obasanjo explained that the intentional community, particularly the African Union (AU) would not recognise any government that emerges in Nigeria without following the due process stipulated by the nation’s constitution, stressing that Nigeria has all it takes to set the pace for other African countries to follow.

The former president hinted that government of the United States of America (USA) as well as Government and people of Ghana which presently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are keenly interested in what happens to Nigeria at this her electioneering period.

“We have the goodwill of many people: I watched, last night, PresiContinued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

7 News

Jonathan’s endorsement divides Osun monarchs Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏTraditional rulers in Osun

State are divided over the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade Okunade, and some other monarchs.

It would be recalled that the Ooni had ordered some traditional rulers in the state to back Jonathan and pray for his re-

Aviation union kicks against FG’s ban on foreign trainings Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe Air Transport Services

Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has condemned the ban on foreign trainings by the Head of Service, describing it as injurious to the health and sound operations of the aviation sector.

A communique issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of ATSSSAN in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the association declared that the absence of foreign training in the aviation sector would spell doom for the industry, as the sector was highly technical, dynamic and ever changing. He called for a waiver for the aviation industry to be removed from the list of those banned from foreign trainings.

The communiqué, jointly signed by Comrade Benjamin Okewu and Captain Taiongu, president and Deputy General Secretary, respectively, expressed worry that concessioniare companies in the industry have become slave drivers in the country, extorting the nation and exploiting workers with various obnoxious anti-labour practices and warned that ATSSSAN was prepared to lead the struggles to stop the excesses of these organisations.

Polls: APC declares three-day fasting, prayer

election bid.

But, on Tuesday, traditional rulers at the Akirun of Ikirun palace conference hall, in Ikirun, disagreed with the notion of endorsing Jonathan.

They also faulted the alleged ‘rain of dollar’ on some traditional rulers that attended the visit of Jonathan to the Ooni’s palace.

They, however, asked the people of the state to cast their votes

according to their conscience and not on the consideration of monetary basis.

Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olayiwola Adedeji II, said that governance should be the concern of traditional rulers for the country to grow.

He said: “It was also alleged that in the process, huge amount of hard currency was doled out to the royal fathers. This has

become the general talk in the public domain, and the general impression is that all traditional rulers in Osun State, without exception, were involved.

“Consequently, our subjects have been demanding our explanation for engaging in such an act and, with that, we have decided to make it clear to the public that not all traditional rulers were involved in these act.

“Our main concern is good

Buhari

Buhari’ll protect women’s integrity – Wife Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏWife Wife of Akwa Ibom governor, Mrs Unoma Akpabio (with mic) during a campaign tour of wards in Essien Udim LGA of the state… on Monday

No movement from midnight before election, says Anambra CP Doris Nnabuenyi Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra State Police Com-

missioner, Hosea Karma, has said that movement of persons and vehicles would be restricted from mid-night of March 27, ahead of the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly election.

Karma, who announced this at a stakeholders’ meeting, organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Women Development Centre, Awka, explained the election

Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏOsun State Chapter of

the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared three days fasting and prayers for peaceful election in the country.

This was contained in a statement signed by the party’s Direc-

procedures to the stakeholders.

The commissioner of police, who represented security agencies at the forum, said there was a new synergy between all the security agencies, and that there would be availability of security personel in all the polling units in the state.

“In all the polling centers in the state, there will be the presence of all security forces, and if you have no business at the polling centres, then you better not come there.

“Though you have been told by the parties to vote, stay back and

protect your votes...but we are saying that it is better for you to vote and go back to your house, but if you must stay to observe how voting will go, then that must be 300 metres away from the polling centres.”

On their part, representatives of political parties in the state, who took time to seek clarifications on grey areas, agreed to abide by the code of conduct and also pledged to help ensure the transparency of the election by eschewing violence.

tor of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, on Tuesday.

The party appealed to all citizens of the state and Nigeria in general, to observe the fasting and prayer for God’s intervention in the country.

The statement read in part: “An appeal has been made to all

citizens of Osun State to use the last three days before Saturday’s presidential election (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) to fast and pray, so that God will grant the burning desires for change from misery, poverty, corruption, unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria.

“The people should prepare

of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Hajia Aisha Buhari, on Tuesday in Abeokuta, assured that her husband, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, retd, would protect the integrity of women and curb violence against women, if elected president in the Saturday presidential polls.

Hajia Buhari, who said this during the APC SouthWest Women’s Presidential Rally held at MKO Abiola International Stadium, said her husband would do everything possible to fight domestic violence or violence against women in any form, emphasising that violence in any form will not be accepted under his regime.

Her words: “I am here today to honour the gathering that is organised by Wives of Governors of the South West. I thank them very much for working tirelessly in organising this event.

“As I stand before you here today, my heart goes to our sisters, daughters and grandmothers, as well as to the women from the North East, particularly Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states who, due to insecurity challenges, do not have the opportunity to gather such crowd in their localities to educate women on the next election. I pray for peace in the North East.”

themselves to vote for progress and significant development that APC is offering, if elected into office in the coming elections.

“It is important to fast and pray, so that evil machinations will stop, as soon as the people of Nigeria decide with the power of their votes,” he added.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Politics Desmond Festus

s

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

Jonathan/ Sambo: Best option for Nigeria – Festus

Chief Desmond Bestman Festus is pioneer chairman of ASUU at Niger Delta University and founder/ National President Jonathan/Sambo Grassroots Ambassadors of Nigeria (JOSGAN). He spoke with SUNDAY ISUWA, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari cannot stop Jonathan’s re-election bid. Excerpts: Sir, what really are you doing in JOSGAN?

JOSGAN is an expansion of support groups. When Mr. President was the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, some of us who returned from the United Kingdom looked at the future of Bayelsa in respect to the governorship election of 2007 and who will succeed Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha which must be determined by us. When we looked around, we narrowed our support down to Mr. President and we formed the organisation called Jonathan Goodluck Ambassadors of Nigeria (JOSGAN). I was the Bayelsa

central senatorial coordinator at the same time I was in charge of the public image department.

Now, we at the grassroot decided that Mr. President’s second tenure means well for Nigerians and for the African continent. When we talk about courage at this moment, we are looking at leader who decided to go against the common thinking that the convention of a national conference may mean the end of a country where ethnic nationality will disCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

FASEHUN

Jega is okay but his surbordinates are saboteurs Yemi Ogunsola “I have no apology to make to those who are criticising the contract awards.”

That’s Dr Frederick Fasehun, founder of the six million-strong Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) replying his critics over the newly signed Federal Government contract for his ethnic nationality group to safeguard pipelines.

Slight of build; almost, but not frail, the 74-year-old looks so harmless; at first glance, you could almost let your gaze graze over him in a crowd of potential antagonists. Yet he mobilised thoroughbred Yoruba sons and daughters to take on the military junta when it mattered most.

Now he sits fielding questions from journalists at his Century Hotel in Okota Lagos as Nigerians of all tribes trickle in and out of the expansive edifice. He‘s responding to criticisms that his support for the second term of President Goodluck Jonathan is fuelled by hopes of getting a

pipeline protection contract from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

“That is totally false”, he says.

Rather, he says, it is his concern for the economy of his motherland and the thousands of jobs the contract will create.

“The NNPC loses about N7 billion every month through vandalisation of the pipelines.

Our application to NNPC started since 2010... Well, if the problem is now at a peak why shouldn’t NNPC take steps to correct the situation?

“I don’t think that there is any Nigerian that wants the economy of this country to collapse. The economy of this country is based on oil. If oil is losing that much every month for God sake, how long can we sustain that?”

Fasehun however, explains that the contract is awarded not to the OPC as a group but to his security company, New Age Global Business Nigeria Limited formed about eight years ago as a solely security firm. But

ADESIYAN

Adesiyan

Why Bisi Akande shunned Buhari’s campaigns

of course, he will involve OPC members in the job.The contract, he adds, is not permanent, but depends on the performance of the company in the first three months.

Justifying the contract, he says: “Let us say we put about 40,000 people on the pipelines earning salaries every month. Does that not affect unemployment statistics? Does that not feed people, their families, their children, and wives? That is the ripple effect.

Unfortunately, the opposition, although they are shouting free education, free meals, etc don’t believe in providing employment to at least 40,000 people in a group.

That is paradoxical.”

He continues: “I, as an addict of democracy, will want unemployment cured. Nothing we do in this country should sustain unemployment. We should work and make sure that unemployment comes to a dead end.”

He denies any role in the recent CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Alade Tasma Police Affairs Minister, Alhaji Abdul Jelil Adesiyan, has given reasons why former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande has not been attending the rallies of its Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Fasehun

According to Adesiyan, the former governor of Osun State could not forget the horrors Buhari as head of state subjected leaders of the defunct UPN to including the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He also spoke on why President Goodluck Jonathan deserves another term in office saying he has performed better than his

predecessor in office.

Adesiyan, who stated this during a house-to-house campaign for President Jonathan in 10 Local Governments in Osun West Senatorial District, emphasised that no past president has achieved what Jonathan achieved in the last four years.

He described President CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

9

‘Buhari can’t stop Jonathan’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

agree and perhaps lead to possible disintegration. A leader must be courageous enough first to determine the future of the petroleum industry supported and push the petroleum industry bill. He was able to show courage by saying that look, we cannot continue to subsidize petroleum product at the expense of the commoners.

Secondly, the issue of the national conference, the end point of it was that those who remembered the unity of Nigeria, the first national anthem was sung in spite of the disagreement and the key thing is if that conference result is implemented as a developmental plan, most of the issues confronting Nigeria will be over. Most people have forgotten that the issue of corruption in this country is not unconnected with the structure of this country.

We have a structure that is very microscopic. What I mean is that everybody runs to the centre and if everything is concentrated at the centre then the tendency for corruption will be higher. He also provided governance through the passage of Freedom of Information Bill that most people don’t even understand. It’s a pity that those who are highly corrupt are hiding under cover. Before now you cannot expose corruption, President Goodluck Jonathan said where ever you find corruption in my government let it be exposed. It was through that bill that Nigerians now have freedom. He has giving hardware; he has giving the two that will instil the character of leadership in

Jonathan

this country. And so when people say corruption is overwhelming everywhere, it’s because you journalists and every other person can access information and release it without any intimidation. You can see that nobody has been assassinated. Who are you to come and expose corruption before now? Even from 1999 to 2007 or there about, you can’t try it, but Jonathan has provided that software. Now coming to talk about his capacity, people say government has done nothing.

Let us now say they may be right but if he has done nothing and the railway is moving, were they moving before? If you travel by road, you will see substantial and miraculous improvement on our road network. If you go to the airport, you will see differences now than before. This reminds me of the two slogans of the two political parties: APC says change and PDP is saying transformation. Now, change is about moving from somewhere to somewhere but transformation means a complete change of something either infrastructure or whatever from some undesirable situation to a near perfect or wonderful situation.

What are you doing to ensure that you endear voters to Goodluck/Sambo Campaign?

JOSGAN has a good product.

Our message is that the highly educated, humbled, forward looking God fearing pair of Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo remains the good option for this country and that every Nigerian needs to see physically what they are doing. The man who led devel-

Politics network abroad. JOSGAN has gone beyond just ordinary politicking, we are saying that we need to protect our interest as a country.

People go out there and tarnish the image of our country because they feel they want to take over from Mr. President but you see our right and respect as a nation must be there for anybody to continue to lead.

As I talk to you the mobilisation in the north is massive. We also have structures in Lagos, in the south- west and in the south- south.

Festus

“The difference between a politician and a statesman is that a politician is interested in the next election date like the opposition.

But Jonathan, as a statesman, is not even talking about his money, he is talking about the future of this country.”

“Before now you cannot expose corruption, President Goodluck Jonathan said where ever you find corruption in my government let it be exposed. It was through that bill that Nigerians now have freedom.”

opment in Malaysia was permitted to be in the office for 26 years.

One of our greatest problems in Nigeria is change in government policies. Mostly, those changes are coming out of selfish interests.

Here is a government that has decided to chart a new direction of leadership in terms of power.

When the opposition talks about no power, the government of today decided to do something that is internationally accepted.

What we are saying is that if you allow this government to consolidate, in the next four years, we will be out of the problems of power supply. We will be out of the problems of unemployment.

The reason is that power is the key driver of the informal sector and the private sector.

We have the people to carry the machines of mobilisation, we have a network in UK, and we have a

“As a comrade, there are two things that bother me. First, Professor Attahiru Jega earns his reputation as a former national president of ASUU and again his respect as a political scientist but I see deceit and that is where my worry is.

Is your support base religious?

We are not campaigning because President Jonathan is president from the South- South. We have a candidate that has touched more Muslims than Christians.

The Almajiri’s are at the moment enjoying modern education; nobody can take advantage of their ignorance again. This man has decided to develop almajiri schools all over the North. He thought about dry season farming, it has become a marvel in the world.

Jonathan is not the president of Ijaw people or Bayelsa, he is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Coming to religion, there are people that have made religion their political instrument of winning that has backfired.

The difference between a politician and a statesman is that a politician is interested in the next election date like the opposition.

But Jonathan, as a statesman, is not even talking about his money, he is talking about the future of this country. Our country is for the youth. The unity of this country is important. I told my people that if we separate from this country, the wars we fight within the Niger Delta will be more than all the wars we fight under the country called Nigeria. We called on the people to look at the qualities and service record of the two candidates and vote for Goodluck.

Do you see any foul play in the distribution of PVCs in the geo-political zones?

As a comrade, there are two things that bother me. First, Professor Attahiru Jega earns his reputation as a former national president of Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) and again his respect as a political scientist but I see deceit and that is where CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Jega

Politics 10 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

anti-Jega protest. According to him, those behind the protest may have their reasons, but in his opinion, “Jega is not somebody you put in office and you remove like jiga. Jega is not jiga.

It is not that Jega has not done well. But I wish I could say that for his subordinates. I have interaction with the subordinates and they are the most unreliable subordinate staff anybody could have. Jega is a decent person.

You couldn’t have found a better Nigerian for that job. But his subordinates are saboteurs.”

He narrates how instead of N100,000 registration fee, Jega’s subordinates allegedly made him pay N3million just to register the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

But the OPC leader remains staunchly pro-Jonathan even while admitting that corruption remains one of the major challenges of Nigeria. The bastion of corruption, he says, has been gathering strength for years and has grown so formidable now that it is unrealistic to expect Jonathan to vanquish it in just one term.

But is that why Jonathan should not fight it at all and allow it to become so brazen, so transparent?The pension fund scam, the oil subsidy scam, crudeoil theft. A fellow found guilty of stealing billions was fined N750,000 and simply went the boot of his car to bring it out; he went home a free man. A Maina accused of misappropriating billions was going round Abuja with government security detail despite calls for his arrest by the National Assembly. And when finally an ultimatum was issued to the presidency over the arrest, Nigerians were told the cock-and-bull story that he had escaped from the country. A government that allows such to happen is sending signals that with the right connections, you can go ahead and commit murder and get away with it?

Fasehun grows still.

His expression? Is it a mixture of sadness, sorrow and dilemma?

That of a doting father whose beloved son is clearly caught on the wrong side of propriety? Does a father abandon his son?

The septuagenarian’s response, when it finally comes is measured, and… cryptic.

“It would be foolhardy of Jona-

‘There is some deceit in the use of card readers’

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Pipelines safety contract to tackle unemployment – Fasehun

Fasehun

“If Buhari is the best material we have in this country, then all Nigerians must be bad. He shouldn’t come back to our national life. Has he forgotten what he did to fellow Nigerians?”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

my worry is. My present national president (ASSU) made a statement that even if government has shifted elections, that they should not bother, they should be patient.

That means that there is a link between Jega’s action and my national president. ASSU is not a political party and is not supposed sound that warning. A professor of political science told Nigeri-

than to confront the principalities of corruption frontally; he has to be tactical… strengthen the judiciary, and anyway, but Buhari is not the alternative…”

Why is he so critical of Muhammadu Buhari, the APC presidential candidate whose major selling point is his anti-corruption stance?

This time his response is fast and sharp: “Because I do not want to commit suicide. I remember the political history of this country. Have we forgotten people sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for being politicians? Have we forgotten people at the age of 74 (e.g. Pa Adekunle Ajasin) being sentenced to 30 years imprisonment? Have we forgotten that somebody, after committing a terrible offence

(coup) against democracy, came out and announced that politicians go to the nearest police station to submit themselves?

And some of those politicians didn’t come back to our polity with their vision. Many of them went blind. Have you forgotten that Ambrose Ali came back almost blind and died soon after?

For God’s sake and somebody is turning the truth upside down and telling us this is the best material we have in this country. If Buhari is the best material we have in this country, then all Nigerians must be bad.

He shouldn’t come back to our national life. Has he forgotten what he did to fellow Nigerians?

It doesn’t matter the level of the truth you had to write about, you couldn’t publish the truth. If you

published the truth against the government, you would end up in jail. Sometime, ago he was still defending that position on the BBC. The BBC man said: ‘If journalists publish the truth, will you still deal with them?’ Buhari said ‘Yes, anybody that publishes the truth that embarrasses government will go to jail.’

“I was surprised that the newspapers were not screaming the following day. What is the duty of the press? Truth may be embarrassing but truth is truth. Would you be a democrat without believing in the truth? I don’t have anything against Buhari in person, but he misruled us.

Does Fasehun think Buhari is going to misrule again?

“Leopards don’t change their spots.”

But snakes do, he is reminded.

“They don’t. They only remove their skin for a new one.”

Is he saying that Buhari cannot mend his ways?

“He wouldn’t have answered the British interviewer on BBC that he will not accept the truth that is embarrassing to the government.”

Does Fasehun foresee postelection violence?

“The way it was going, there would have been post-election violence, if some of us didn’t stand up at the INEC meeting to say ‘no let us shift this thing’.

Some of us who thought Nigeria should remain a country got up and said that we had listened to the advice of the security operatives ... So we advised, ‘let us comply with the advice of the security operatives’.

“It was on that basis. Why were we in a hurry? What the constitution recommends is that there should be at least 30 days between the end of the election and the swearing-in. Why did we want to do the election in February and wait till March, when we knew that the country will get into trouble? If some of us did not speak up, history will not forgive us…”

ans, in fact, he lied to Nigerians that he was ready for elections.

Why did I say he lied, he knew that he was still printing about one million PVCs that would never have been ready at the day of the election but went on to say he was prepared to conduct the election. As chairman of INEC, Jega has no right to deny one qualified Nigerian from voting. Did you remember that Al-makura defeated the PDP candidate with just 500

votes? The APC candidate in 2013 said Jega is PDP. Today, they are very comfortable with Jega. That tells you that there is something funny now when you talk about PVCs. I don’t want to say what I don’t know but we investigated and found out that individuals have 10 PVCs. How did they get it? Software can be put into INEC card readers and disable it to the extent that every PVCs inserted can pass through.

Jega

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

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Politics

Buhari may be good, but we are voting Jonathan – Onuma Few days to the March 28 rescheduled Presidential election, Publicity secretary of Ndigbo in Lagos, Kalu Onuma, explains why they will vote for re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan even as he canvases that Jonathan’s decision to implement the reports of the recently concluded National Conference earns him the people’s nod. Onuma who spoke to AGOZINO AGOZINO, said his group will soon take a decision on who to vote for among the gubernatorial candidates in the State. Excerpts: Will you say INEC is prepared for Saturday’s election and what is the position of Ndigbo in Lagos?

Ndigbo in Lagos are watching closely, the political development, the unfolding drama concerning the election. Before the earlier announced date f 14 February, we have taken a position that our national vote would go to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. That was simply based on a very wellthought out pragmatic reason. We believe that in the absence of any other serious political contender, or any other offer made for the advancement of the country that Jonathan stands a better time of the continual evolvement of the nation-state called Nigeria. One of the key things is the emphasis that is being made on statehood of Nigeria, to be or not to be. And we agree based on the outcome of the just concluded National conference, we felt that the only person that was rightly positioned to execute it is Jonathan. Buhari was considered with other Presidential candidates. But we felt the world is moving forward and it

doesn’t go backward. In spite of all his great qualities, we don’t think at this age where our children at the age of five could dismantle a phone and put it back again, where China is becoming the workshop of the world, in age where things are changing in great rapidity that we should be looking back to analogue to elect our leaders. Buhari has no doubt made contribution, we should not look at a grand father or great grandfather for our leaders.

Apart from the Presidential election, in a nutshell what is your stand on the gubernatorial candidates?

There are various Igbo groups which are not accountable to us that may have considered Ambode as their candidate. However, Ndigbo Lagos as an institution and well respected organisation is presently consulting with both Akinwunmi Ambode, Jimi Agbaje and every other runner. We believe that before Saturday, we will be making an announcement on where we stand on who we are voting in Lagos State. We have a close working relationship with APC under Governor Fashola. We also had good relationship under Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And I can tell you that Ambode is seriously being considered. But for now, no pronouncement has been made from Ndigbo in Lagos as who is our choice.

Are you satisfied with the way the recent distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and proposed use of the Electronic Card Reader device?

We are not. We are part of the first people that analysed the whole thing and preparedness of INEC towards the election. Long

before February 14, we told the public that INEC was not prepared for the election. It is impossible for you to be talking about a democratic process where half of the people are disenfranchised from voting.

Up till today, a lot of our people don’t have their PVCs. For example, if the election had held on 14 February, more than 60 percent of non-indigenes in Lagos would have been denied their voting rights. And as I speak, they have not come to accept the fact that they were wrong. To your question, yes, a lot of reports have been coming to us that our people have been practically disenfranchised.

I give you an example. Prof. Anya O. Anya, is the President of this organisation. Four times he has gone to the resident Commissioner and has not been able to pick his PVC. The same with Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Admiral Madueke and many other high profile Ndigbo in Lagos. Now you imagine the rank and file of our people in Alaba, Oshodi, Mushin, and other places who are practically denied. That is why a high profile delegation of

“Buhari has no doubt made contribution, we should not look at a grand father or great grandfather for our leaders.”

Onuma our group is planning to visit the resident Commissioner to raise up these issues. If they are not properly handled, there would be a counter reaction by our people to make sure that we are not disenfranchised. We pay our tax and we are living here. So for us to be openly disenfranchised, we will not accept it. INEC should not be selective. If you think you disenfranchised Ndigbo, you would boost the camp of APC or PDP how are you sure? So we say to INEC, if you think you are the umpire that is unbiased, make sure the PVCs get to everybody.That is what we are asking INEC. And we may go to court if necessary.

So, how serous are you taking the election?

We are very serious. The most serious electorate in this country has always been the Igbos. No person has ever become a President, Governor or any elective post without the Igbos. There is no community you go in Nigeria after the indigenes you will not have the Igbos. So for you to become President, Igbos have always played a significant role. So this election has never been important as it is for our people. Secondly, the issue for us is not just who becomes President but what is going to become the direction that Nigeria is heading to.

‘Buhari placed Awo under house arrest’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Jonathan as one of the best presidents Nigeria has ever produced, adding that it was in line with the prediction of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo had that “One day, an Ijaw man will rule this country”.

While addressing the mammoth crowd, Adesiyan charged the people of the state to come out en-mass on Saturday to cast their votes to re-elect President Jonathan.

He said Buhari was not the

right choice for the country as being claimed by the opposition APC, stressing that “a man can not be better than his character, so people of the state should vote for God’s choice which is Goodluck.”

Adesiyan assured the people of the state that PDP would soon reclaim its stolen mandate through the process of court.

He said Obasanjo’s administration was not different from the military, adding that “Jonathan is the real second civilian president after Shehu

Shagari, as his government represents peace and tranquillity and that is why he must be reelected.”

“He is poised to revamp the decayed infrastructure and this can be done if he is given the chance to continue the great job he has started. The rotational government must not be distorted so that one zone would not be short changed.

If Jonathan wins and most of our candidates for the National Assembly did not win, the president will not enjoy what he

is supposed to enjoy, this is why our candidates must be voted at all levels.

“The president has promised to implement the report of the Confab so that Yoruba will be given its rightful position in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

“Jonathan’s government is people oriented that is why he didn’t oppose the use of Smart Card Reader. He urged the electorate to collect their PVC so that they can vote for their respective candidates.

“If no human being can

dethrone Almighty God, no human being can dethrone Jonathan since he is ordained

by God. All groups including Yoruba socio-cultural groups have endorsed Jonathan.

“Buhari is a failure because he put Awolowo under house arrest, he did the same thing to Ambrose Alli and Bisi Akande and that is why the former governor did not show up in Buhari’s political rally. We have not experienced any political assassination during Jonathan’s Administration”, he stressed.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Obasanjo warns against coup Continued from page 6 dent Obama talking about our constitution. I watched out Brother from Ghana, the current Chairman of ECOWAS, talked about our constitution. They are all interested, they all wish us well; should we wish ourselves anything less?”

“I do hope we will get things more right. A lot of rumours are flying around. I think we have gone away from the rumour of Interim Government because that is not in our constitution.

“I hope we will soon go away from the rumour of handing over to the military because the military is not meant to run affairs of a nation in terms of running gov-

ernment.

“And the intentional community will not condone it, particularly African Union where we have a situation. We have said and it is part and parcel of the Constituting Act of the African Union; any government that is brought about not on the basis of the constitution will not be accepted, will not be tolerated and will not be a member of the AU until that government is dismantled.

“It shouldn’t be, we are the largest country in Africa. We should be a model, setting examples. We shouldn’t be drawing Africa backward, I hope we will not. I hope at the end of this exercise, we would be where we should be, leading Af-

rica and showing examples for the rest of Africa and indeed the rest of the world.

Obasanjo, who also bemoaned campaigns of hatred presently prevalent among the contesting political parties in the forthcoming general election, however, advised politicians to focus more on what unites the country as against what divides the country.

He emphasised that any politician or political parties who is desirous of ruling Nigeria and is interested in her future ought to tilt the focus of their electioneering campaigns on issues of insecurity, economy, and employment amongst others.

He however called on women to

Niger State Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (2nd right), PDP Niger State gubernatorial candidate, Umar Nasko (left), Chairperson, Board of Trustees End Well Model School, Hajia Dije Bala (2nd left) and Vice President, Nigerian Union of Teachers(NUT) , Isaac Achang during the Commissioning of the NUT End Well Model School and Tractor Hiring Scheme in Minna Niger State… recently.

take active role in a better Nigeria, adding that they would be the greatest victim should anything go wrong in Nigeria.

“I am happy to hear directly from you, Mrs. Buhari that the campaign so far, from the assessment has gone very well. May be I should say one or two things about campaign. I do hope that whatever happens at the elections, the one coming this week and the one coming couple of weeks after that, we would have learnt the right lessons from what has taken place this time around.

“Unfortunately, issues that should have been the main item of our campaign, they did not. We have serious issue of security, we have serious issue of our economy, we have issue of unemployment particularly youth unemployment. We have serious issue of infrastructure, these are issues amongst others that I believe campaign of those who are interested in the present and the future of this country should be directed at.

“How are we going to get them, what are we going to do, not trivial issues of certificate, no certificate; not trivial issues of when somebody is talking about someone is a Nigerian and not a Nigerian.

“I said it, this is what they had in Cote d’Ivore and it led them into almost a very serious problem, not issue of religion, not issue of tribe, not issue of tribe, not issue of section but issues of unity of this country and the hate campaign that we have embarked upon now.

I hope this will be the last time in the history of this country that we

will have this type of campaign of hatred or division.

“I think the emphasis should be on what unites us, not what divide us and when you look at the faces of you ladies here, it is very difficult for me to know. I think we should empathise things that unites us, we should talk more on what will make this country not just a country but a great country and that is the challenge before Nigerians today and particularly before those who are aspiring either at the state level or at the national level. How can this country be made to be a great country? God has given us all that we need. That we are not what we should be, we cannot blame God, and we should blame ourselves.

“And I want to thank you because you women you have a role to play, and I mean that, when things are going wrong, if women don’t act, things will continue to go wrong because you have ability to act. The men who invariably make things to go wrong are your fathers, your husbands, your sons, you sons-in-law, and your husbands. You can have pillow talk but when things are going wrong and you do not talk or act, you will also be the greatest victim at the end of the day because it will have effect on your children and would have a direct effect on you and will have the effect on all of us.”

Speaking earlier, Mrs. Buhari thanked Obasanjo for being a true nationalist, adding that Obasanjo acted beyond party level while solving issues affecting the country.

APC alleges plot to disqualify Buhari Continued from page 6 Wednesday, when the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to rule on the issue, then it portends a great danger for our country.”

It said, in addition to other reasons, the six-week postponement of the elections may have been used by those who never wanted the polls to hold in the first instance to shop for such a satanic judgement. ”Anyone who will disqualify a presidential candidate on the eve of an election can only have one and only one purpose for that: to trigger chaos and pandemonium across the country. Perhaps, this is the reason for the deployment of troops across the country to crack down on possible protests

and create confusion.

“Then, those who orchestrated the disqualification will simply use what they expect to be angry reactions nationwide as an excuse to postpone the elections again, thus triggering a constitutional crisis, the end of which no one can predict. ”This is why we are hoping that good reason will prevail and nothing will be done, deliberately, to plunge Nigeria into crisis by the same people who have always been quick to say their political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” APC said.

The Director of Media and Publicity of the PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who issued a press statement in Abuja, warned the APC to stop insulting Yoruba traditional rulers. He also berated

the opposition party for allegedly resorting to “guerilla journalism” through the establishment and operation of illegal Radio Chanji at a secret location outside the country.

The statement by the PDPPCO reads in part, “There are three areas which we wish to touch on today (yesterday) and which give us cause for concern.

“The first is our concern about the intentions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use the radio station known as Radio Change (Radio Chanji in Hausa) to create crises in this country after the election results have been announced.

“The opposition has insisted on continuing in what we call guerrilla journalism by making all kinds of pronouncements and

all kinds of false statements from that radio station.

“The radio station is outside the shores of Nigeria and we believe that we have identified the country from where it has been broadcasting.“ Though it did not name the country, the PDPPCO alleged that the radio would be used to incite the Nigerian public to violence after APC loses the election.

The statement added:”They also intend to use the station to announce false results all over the country, particularly targeting northern Nigeria…

“The second issue … are the consistent verbal attacks by the APC and their leaders on our traditional rulers and institutions and especially the deep and damaging insults that have been

meted out to the traditional rulers and revered elders in the southwestern part of our country.

“Our message to the APC leadership is to leave our Obas alone and our warning to them is that if they refuse to do so they will regret it deeply at the polls.

“It all started when they referred to our traditional rulers in the south-west as ‘worshipers of mammon’, meaning that they are cheap and vulgar and that they worship money. The second one was when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the de facto leader of APC, referred to all the Yoruba Obas as not being decent people with the exception of only three. That means that as far as he is concerned, 97 percent of our Obas in Yorubaland are useless and irresponsible people.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Abia APGA gov candidate commends INEC Ifeanyi Onwuneme Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation of the state’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards the general election.

He made the commendation on Tuesday, when he visited the commission’s office, where the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Selina Oko, answered his questions on the preparation for the general election.

He told newsmen, after the visit, that he was in INEC, as a stakeholder and called on politicians to respect the peace accord signed by all the political parties and their candidates in the state, so that the election would be conducted peacefully.

“We have election coming up on Saturday and I needed to assess the level of preparation of INEC to be sure that things were going okay and I can say I am satisfied. We had engaged the Resident Electoral Commissioner, we asked a lot of questions and I can confirm that she is ready for the election. The sensitive and non-sensitive materials are here, they will start the distribution within the week. She made adequate plans so I am satisfied.”

EDO PDP NDLEA faults contempt charge against Giade, George urges Binis ÏÏÏThe

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has described the alleged contempt charge against its Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, Director General, Mrs. Roli Bode-George and others, as defective and an abuse of court process.

According to a release signed by the agency’s spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the applicant, Prince Benjamin Saliu Ikani, an Assistant Commander, was suspended by the agency for acts amounting to falsehood and prevarication, disobedience to lawful

authority and conduct prejudice to discipline.

His suspension, it was stated, was in respect of Suit No. FHC/L/ CS/1130/13, alleged to have been disobeyed by the NDLEA, pending before the Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos.

Ikani was alleged to have deceitfully, sought for refuge under this order, granted in 2010 in a separate case.

According to the Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Mr. Sunday Nbona, “Prince Benjamin Saliu Ikani, who is involved in series of litigations against the

Yola

ÏÏÏA civil society group, Face-

Pam, has called for the extension of Professor Attahiru Jega’s tenure as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Its Project Coordinator, Mr. Mathias Yake, speaking on Tuesday at a town hall meeting with electoral stakeholders in Yola, Adamawa State, said that Jega, deserved a tenure extension for bringing innovations in INEC. He said that the innovations, including the Permanent Voter’s Card Readers, were to address

agency, while still in its employment, continued to behave as an officer above the rules of engagement in the agency, a situation which is not only dangerous, but, inimical to discipline in a security organisation like the NDLEA”.

Ofoyeju added that the incumbent Director General had not been appointed when the alleged order was made in 2010. “Furthermore, no contempt proceedings or application, by way of Form 48, was served on her, with details of the order she was alleged to be in contempt, according to the rules of procedure.

L-R: Publicity Director, Jimi Kolawole (JK); Otunba Adeleke Adenuga; Coordinator, Video Rental Operators, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Kayode Owoeye; Chairperson, I Believe Agbaje, Queen Blessing Ebigieson; Secretary of the association, Mr. Olaitan Olusola, and Kehinde Akinyemi, during the endorsement of Lagos PDP governoship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, by Video Rental Association, held in Lagos, recently.

Group advocates extension of Jega’s tenure Tom Garba

13 News

the problems of elections and consequences in Nigeria.

He said that, although, INEC had demonstrated its commitment to the conduct of the general election, all stakeholders must play their part to achieve the same objective.

He advised political parties to sensitise their supporters to adjust to the new innovations meant to ensure peaceful, credible, free and fair elections. ``If there is any public official that deserves a tenure extension in this country, it is Jega.

“The innovations in the INEC, clearly indicate that we will witness a remarkable achievement

in our electoral process, because credible, free and fair elections will, actually, mitigate election violence, especially, in the North East”, Yake said.

A representative of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mrs. Ruth Liga, said that the party had held several workshops with youths and women to sensitise them against electoral violence.

Liga urged INEC to ensure a flawless general election, adding that such would prevent postelection violence.

The meeting was attended by representatives of security agencies, political parties, religious leaders and the media.

to support Jonathan Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has urged the Bini people to reconnect with the PDPcontrolled Federal Government by voting for President Goodluck Jonathan.

The party supporters, while holding a rally tagged Operation Final Push on Tuesday, at the Garrick Memorial School, urged the Bini to support the party.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Okunbor said “the time has come for the Bini and Edo people to connect with the Federal Government in order to continue to be relevant in the scheme of things”.

Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, also reminded the crowd not to make the mistake of falling into the opposition and pointed out that the state suffered being in opposition with the government at the centre during the then administration of late Prof Ambrose Alli.

Former Senate Whip, Senator Roland Owie urged the people to vote for the PDP to allow continuity in infrastructural development in the state.

Kogi varsity SSANU, NASU begin indefinite strike Augustine Aminu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Senior Staff Association

of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Kogi State University (KSU) chapter, have grounded all activities in the institution, through an indefinite strike.

The strike, declared on Tuesday, followed an earlier one embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the university.

Meanwhile, the students, who lamented the total shutdown of the university as a result of the strike, urged the state government to dialogue with the unions to avoid incessant strike actions.

Idris

Chairman SSANU, KSU chapter, Comrade Moses Balogun, told Daily Times on phone that poor welfare of lecturers and gross mismanagement had reduced the quality of learning, blaming the university governing council and the management, for the unfortunate fall in quality of the institution.

He said their agitation had been on since 2009 as a result of the agreement signed between the unions and the government.

International 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, March 25, 2015

Israel spied on Iran nuclear talks – report

Libyan pro-govt warplanes launch strikes near Tripoli ÏÏÏLibyan

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, holds a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, right, over Iran's nuclear program in Lausanne, Switzerland, last Tuesday.

ÏÏÏ

Israel has spied on Iran's nuclear talks with the United States and other major powers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. But Israel quickly dismissed the report as "not true", and denied spying on the United States.

The Journal report, quoting current and former US officials, said the operation was designed to infiltrate the talks and help build a case against the emerging terms of a deal.

Besides eavesdropping, Israel obtained information from confidential US briefings, informants and diplomatic contacts in Europe, the officials told the Journal.

It added that more than the espionage, what irked the White House was the fact that Israel shared inside information with American legislators in a bid to sap support for a deal intended to limit Iran's nuclear program.

Many Republicans are opposed

to such an accord.

"It is one thing for the US and Israel to spy on each other. It is another thing for Israel to steal US secrets and play them back to US legislators to undermine US diplomacy," the Journal quoted a senior US official briefed on the matter as saying. US intelligence agencies spying on Israel discovered the operation when they intercepted communications among Israeli officials.

These communications carried

Morocco: ISIS cell brought in arms through Spanish enclave ÏÏÏMoroccan

authorities said on Monday a "terrorist cell" they dismantled had brought in arms through the Spanish enclave of Melilla to carry out attacks for the Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group.

The cell was made up of 13 members aged between 19 and 37, most of them without primary school education, said Abdelhak Khiame,

King Mohammed VI

head of Morocco's newly-formed judicial investigations agency.

He told reporters that 440 rounds of ammunition, six pistols, 31 handcuffs and electronic gear were seized at a cache near Agadir in southern Morocco. The weapons had transited through Melilla, one of two Spanish enclaves in the north of Morocco, Khiame said.

Moroccan authorities had been watching the suspects for over five months, he said, but it was not yet clear if they were linked to cells in Europe. Spain says it has dismantled several networks, particularly in Melilla and its other North African enclave, Ceuta, recruiting fighters for the Islamic State.

The two enclaves, the only land borders between Africa and Eu-

rope, attract thousands of mostly sub-Saharan Africans trying to reach European countries.

The interior ministry said on Sunday the Moroccan cell was dismantled in a nationwide operation and that the arms seized were to have been used for a string of assassinations.

The announcement followed last Wednesday's attack on the national museum in the capital of fellow North African state Tunisia, claimed by ISIS, that killed 20 foreign tourists and a policeman.

Raids were carried out in several cities including Agadir, Marrakesh in the south, Boujaad in the centre, Tangiers in the north, Ain Harouda near Casablanca and in the Western Sahara.

details the Americans believed could only have come from access to the confidential talks, officials said, according to the Journal.

Outgoing Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman dismissed the report. "This report is not true. Obviously Israel has security interests to defend and we have our own intelligence. But we do not spy on the United States.

There are enough participants in these negotiations, including Iranians," he said in Israel.

pro-government forces said they had targeted a weapons depot belonging to an Islamist-backed militia, as peace talks continued in Morocco and a UN special envoy met both sides late on Monday.

A militia spokesperson said however that the raid had hit a refugee camp, killing eight civilians. Military spokesperson Colonel Ahmed al-Mesmari said "the air strike targeted a weapons storage facility belonging to Libya Dawn" in Tarhuna, about 80km southeast of Tripoli.

Libya Dawn is a militia alliance that includes Islamists and has installed a rival government and legislature in opposition to the country's internationally recognised government.

A spokesperson for the group denied any of its weapons were in the area. "Eight Libyan civilians died in the strike. Sadly this is their strategy, to kill civilians and claim to the international community that they are after weapons," he said, referring to the Western-backed government.

Mesmari said that, after the air raid, members of Libya Dawn attacked the house of a military officer and "killed his wife, his daughter, his son, his brother and other people who were there" in retaliation. The Islamist group denied the claim.

Two kidnapped soldiers found dead in Indonesia

‘Uruguay to reject asylum ÏÏÏ Two soldiers were found on Tuesday with gunshot for Guantanamo dead wounds in Indonesia's once-rebellious province of Aceh, local inmates’ ÏÏÏThe new Uruguayan govern-

ment says it will no longer grant asylum to prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention centre. In December, Uruguay gave sanctuary to six Arab men who had been held at the US base in Cuba for 12 years.

Opinion polls said most Uruguayans rejected the decision taken by outgoing President Jose Mujica. Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa also said Uruguay would stop taking refugees from the Syrian conflict. Decisions on accepting new refugees from Syria will be put on hold "just until the end of the year," Mr Nin Novoa said.

media reported.

The plainclothes soldiers were abducted on Monday while investigating the presence of a civilian armed group in North Aceh, the Kompas.com news website said, citing the local military.

"We can't speculate [on the motive]," local military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Machfudz, who goes by one name, was quoted as saying. "We leave it to the police to investigate." Aceh, a devoutly Muslim province, was the scene of a separatist conflict that left an estimated 15 000 dead until a peace deal was signed between the Free Aceh Movement and the government in 2005.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

15 Opinion

Are we really better off now than in 2011? (lll)

I

CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY

Nnanna Ude

n addition, historical deficits in our military institutions including the fact that the last significant procurement of equipment was done over two decades ago, the inability of the government to buy the weapons needed in a timely manner, the need for a philosophical as well as operation shift from conventional warfare to asymmetric warfare in towns and communities teeming with millions of civilians, the delay in securing a regional military cooperation as well as human rights accusations greatly affected the military campaign. Fortunately, with those challenges now resolved, the security situation is being reversed in an efficient and effective manner. The Nigerian military has restored peace and security in 36 towns that were under occupation by the terrorists. The men, women and children driven from their land are returning home. The government has also deployed counterradicalization and deradicalization mechanisms to stop the recruitment of new terrorists. Today, there are about 125 Almajiri schools and this means that young, promising boys will rather be found in schools than on the streets available to be recruited. Additionally, 9 out of the 12 newly established federal universities are in the Northern part of the country.

But while we are still on education, it is worth mentioning that the Federal Government has also consistently made huge investments in basic education through counterpart funding grants by the Universal Basic Education Commission to states and local governments.

The Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) has made our universities, polytechnics and colleges of educationfederal and state – to once again become institutions of research and advanced learning. Their laboratories and research capabilities have been greatly enhanced in the last 4 years. Again,

Jonathan

don’t take my word for it, stop by any of them and see for yourself.

I end as I must with the National Conference 2014 which was convened by President Jonathan. It was very symbolic in a number of respects. First, it defied the odds that such a Conference could be convened with such a diverse group of Nigerians. Previous attempts at a National Dialogue had excluded certain segments of the society for fear of the unknown. Secondly, the rigour in the debates at plenary as well as in the committees was very reflective of today’s Nigeria for our tomorrow. Thirdly, the means of resolving the most contentious issues were managed in such a manner to prove that we have come of age. Fourthly, the depth and quality of the Resolutions revealed the vast frontiers of our possibilities as a nation.

Finally, the successful end to the Conference proved that Nigerians can indeed talk amongst each other and come to reasonable conclusions without rancour or division.

It was indeed a good array of Nigerians who might not have made it to the Conference through elections, not because they cannot win at such elections but due to the frailties and inadequacies of our electoral process at the present times. After four and half months of rigorous negotiations, discussions

and debates, the National Conference submitted its Report to the President with over 600 Resolutions. These Resolutions addressed a wide range of economic, political and social issues and they were compartmentalized into three areas: constitutional, legal and policy. It is indeed a long list of revolutionary decisions that have embedded in them the architecture of a new Nigeria. Our country must always be one that takes a long look at the future. One fundamental basis for progress and development in a society is the need for a Compact, according to which human beings begin as individuals in a state of nature, and create a society by establishing a contract whereby they agree to live together in harmony for their mutual benefit, after which they are said to live in a state of society. Such a National Compact, which can also be referred to as a Social Compact, is not a just document written by the government as a development agenda and passed on to the people. It is also not just a country’s Constitution, even though it can be embedded in the Compact. According to Yeoh Lam Keong, the Vice President of the Economic Society of Singapore, “without a healthy and stable social compact, the social cohesion needed for national identity and belonging is precarious.

Political legitimacy and its vital twin, trust in governance institutions and policy,

likewise tends to become weak and dysfunctional. A healthy social compact is therefore fundamentally necessary if we are to make a successful transition to a viable, resilient and cohesive nation.” The process for developing such a Compact varies but one very acceptable means is through a national dialogue such as the National Conference 2014.

Just as the framers of the United States constitution, yes, the delegates to the Conference were not elected too. But the spread and quality of their representation confers a lot of legitimacy to the outcome of their deliberations. We, the people, should now own it. It should be a first major step to our social compact and the evolution of the Nigeria of our dreams and it stands to the credit of this President.

So are we really better off now than we were 4 years ago? My straight answer is, yes, and the facts speak for themselves. Recall that I began with a reference to a child born in a rural village in Nigeria. Let us remember this child and then our broader goals of modernizing our society, enthroning social justice, ending poverty and creating equal opportunity for all will be very achievable. That is why the outcome of this presidential election matters.

We should re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan. He has kept our economy on a path to sustained and sustainable growth. He has strengthened institutions of governance to give power to the people.

He has reversed the situation especially in the North East towards achieving long-term peace and security. He has brought Nigerians together to dialogue on our past, present and future. We should not take the work done and the results it produced in the past 5 years for granted. We should look to the future with the knowledge that we will always do better and that beneath the surface lies the fate of individual human beings like that child born today.

–Nnanna Ude is Deputy Director (Civil Society) in the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation CONCLUDED

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

bgl capital | bgl securities limited | bgl asset management | bgl private equity

www.bglgroupng.com

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Business Times

s

17

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

Nigerian Shipper’s Council rejects tariff hike Funmi Coker

L – R: Supply Chain Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Cephas Afebuameh; Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON; Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. John O’Keeffe and Executive Director, Market Operation and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo at the Closing Gong Ceremony at The Nigerian Stock Exchange on Tuesday in Lagos

NSE partners MSCI to woo investors Adesola Akindele MSCI Inc. a global provider of investment decision support tools, and The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the stock exchange servicing the largest economy in Africa, announced a strategic co-operation agreement to develop and market on a global scale a co-branded family of indexes for the Nigerian equity markets.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indexes are currently constructed, maintained and disseminated by the NSE. Existing and future indexes will be co-branded as the MSCI/ NSE Indexes, including the flagship NSE 30 Index and NSE 50 Index, which will become the MSCI/NSE 30 Index and the MSCI/NSE 50 Index, respectively. Additional indexes will also be jointly developed and launched in the future based on client demand and market

development. The indexes will be used as performance benchmarks and as the basis for index-linked products for investors seeking exposure to the Nigerian capital markets.

“As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria is increasingly positioning itself at the center of the development of the region’s capital markets,” said Baer Pettit, Managing Director and Head of MSCI’s Product Group.

“MSCI is very proud to establish a strategic relationship with The Nigerian Stock Exchange, and we look forward to working with them to raise the profile of these indexes around the world.

The combination of MSCI’s emerging and frontier markets index expertise and NSE’s position as one of the leading exchanges in the region will, we believe, deliver high quality indexes for both international and domestic investors.”

Oscar N. Onyema, CEO, NSE,

said, “We are proud to collaborate with MSCI, one of the top and most-respected index providers for global stock markets.

Our collaboration provides the global investing public, listed companies and other stakeholders in the Nigerian market access to MSCI’s high quality products and internationally recognized brand. The Nigerian Stock Exchange, in cooperation with MSCI, will continue to innovate and bring products to market that will increase the sophistication of African markets, and continue to establish Nigeria as the market for entrepreneurial growth.”

The MSCI/NSE Indexes will be calculated and disseminated

by MSCI, based on the same industry leading standards that apply to the MSCI indexes.

MSCI will commercialise the indexes outside of Nigeria while the NSE will continue to serve clients in Nigeria.

It is anticipated that the indexes will be made available in both Nigerian Naira and US Dollars.

Other currency versions may be made available based on client demand.

It is planned that the existing NSE indexes will be enhanced, bringing them more in line with the globally accepted index construction and maintenance standards that MSCI uses to calculate the MSCI global equity indexes. The methodology will be publicly available at or before the time of the launch of the indexes. The exact timing of the launch is yet to be determined.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange is the largest exchange in Africa by volume traded, currently trading an average of 437.4 million shares daily. With 253 listed securities, the NSE’s total market capitalisation is USD 90.67bn.

The Executive Secretary of Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello has said that the Council will not renege on its position in rejecting further hike in tariffs that would make the Nigerian ports uncompetitive.

Bello stated this when he hosted the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the president on maritime matters, Mr. Leke Oyewole, and the Chairman of the port consultative Council, Otunba Tunde Folarin, in Lagos.

According to Bello, the port hasn’t been competitive because of the high tariffs: “our ports are still not friendly, there have also been attempts to increase tariffs in the port but Nigerian Shippers Council refused to accept it.

We have been working so hard on standardisation and there must be consolidation on the Freight forwarding issues.”

He added that “Nigeria is the costliest in terms of cost of doing business which was why people and investors take their businesses to other countries, Nigerian Shippers Council is planning to make the Nigerian Port a place where people’s services could be met hitch free.”

In his remarks, Oyewole commended the Council for efficient regulation of the ports, noting that the government will continue to ensure that the maritime sector played a key role in the industrialization of the economy.

Speaking on the new automotive policy, Oyewole disclosd that production of cars has already started in Nigeria, from automakers like Nissan and Toyota. He also added that they were awaiting the approval of the president so as to further implement the policy.

He stressed that the automotive policy was a government initiative to make sure manufactures have their plants in Nigeria and also to create employment.

Bello

ICT 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Nigeria surmounts challenges, attains 100 per cent teledensity- NCC Tony Nwakaegho

L-R: Director, Weights and Measures, Engr. Joseph Sikuade; Director, Policy, Research Standard and Statistics, Ajiya Mamma; Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Kenneth Kobani; Director, Industrial Development and Inspectorate, Engr. Tanwa,Director; Finance & Accounts, Salimonu Faskari; Director,(Trade), Felix Asikpata and Director, (Special Duty) Mr. S.U. Ewa during the resumption of duty by the New Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja.

Finance ministry empowers graduates on entrepreneurship Emmanuel Ogbonnaya The Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) has held three days orientation and employability training for interns and participating firms under the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

According to the ministry, the training was part of efforts to reduce the current alarming rate of graduates’ unemployment in the country, Speaking at the orientation training facilitated by Fittams Consults in Enugu, the Project Director, GIS, Mr. Peter M. Papka disclosed that it has become imperative for the interns under the GIS to be trained on employability skills, ethics and work etiquette, entrepreneurship and other capacity building initiatives.

Papka noted that government should be applauded for the recognition it gave the private sector as the major employer of labour, which according to him requires certain minimum skills from graduates in order to employ them.

Papka bemoaned the educational curriculum in the nation’s higher institutions which does

Okonjo-Iweala

not provide for the development of the need for the skills at workplace, which accounts substantially for why large number of graduates do not get employed.

He said, “The thrust of the GIS therefore, is to partly address this problem by bridging the gap between school and labour market and provide the graduates with something to do and somewhere to go, while they continue their job search”.

The GIS chief noted that though the training was targeted at interns, “we believe that a shared vision with our partners would enhance the benefit the scheme provides not only for the interns but also for the firms

especially the SMEs. For the firm representatives, this training provides windows for staff assessment, official etiquette, staff management/development through structured mentorship and other critical lines, which are necessary for the growth of any firm”. He therefore challenged the trainees to take full advantage of the training and be the change agents in their various organisations.

According to him, since fast tracking manpower development is a key focus of the Federal Government transformation agenda and a priority of the Vision 20: 2020, then interns should take full advantage of development their skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Power, Agriculture, Construction, Health, Financial literacy, and others which were provided for under the window of GIS. He added that GIS was designed and introduced as part of the SURE-P for graduates to be placed in interested and demonstrated viable firms/organisations where they would be mentored and supported to develop or strengthen core skills with potential to enhance their employability.

The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), has disclosed that Nigeria achieved a teledensity of 100 per cent as at January 2015, despite a challenging operating environment.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, who was represented by the NCC’s Director of Public Relations, Mr Tony Ojobo, announced this in Enugu on Sunday at a forum during the 26th Enugu International Trade fair.

According to him, teledensity is calculated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to mean active line distribution of one telephone to a hundred of a population. ``This is a remarkable achievement compared to when we started from 0.4 per cent in 2001. ``The Nigeria network offers everything that is available in any other part of the world. ``Some people do not even know that this network is what is enabling other services like internet Banking, ATM services and Point of Sales (POS) that are used in hotels and other locations across the country. ``Online hotel reservations, flight bookings and flight management that we now enjoy from our homes and offices are delivered by telecommunication. ``We should remember that all these are made possible in a very harsh environment for the

provision of the telecommunication services,’’ he said.

The vice chairman, who listed the challenges facing the commission to include poor power supply, said: `` We all know how difficult it is to enjoy uninterrupted power supply since telecom operation is a 24 hour service. ``Service providers cannot afford to lose any minute as a result of power supply.’’

Other challenges, Juwah said, were multiple taxation, multiple regulations that hamper deployment of services across the country as well as vandalism of telecom infrastructure.

He appealed to all subscribers to assist in protecting telecom facilities in their various communities.

Juwah said the commission had introduced some services like mobile number portability which enables subscribers alternate between service providers.

Earlier in his remarks at the forum, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), had urged NCC to do more in protecting vulnerable customers.

Okoye, however, commended the commission over its achievements inspite of the numerous challenges being experienced in the country.

Minister prioritises promotion of non-oil, industrial sectors Emmanuel Ogbonnaya The New Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Kenneth Kobani has assumed duty at the Headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja, pledging to give priority attention in line with the ministry’s mandate to growing the economy through promotion of non-oil and industrial sectors.

On arrival the Kobani was received by the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa and the Directors in the Ministry.

In his brief address, the Minister said that he has been appointed as the Minister of state for Industry, Trade and Investment with a mandate to grow the economy, promote non-oil products as well as improve the industrial sector of the economy.

He said “I am aware of the task at hand and the need to add value to this Ministry as a stakeholder having being involved in the activities of the Ministry as a former Commissioner of Commerce and Industry.”

The Minister promised to work and cooperate with the management team and staff of the Ministry adding that all staff should be dedicated to work and ensure that they add value to the Ministry’s activities for effective service delivery to Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa welcomed the Minister and expressed his happiness to receive him adding that all staff of the Ministry would cooperate with him to enable the Ministry achieve the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

19 Labour

FG will not recognise NLC faction group – Minister Stories Joy Ekeke joy.ekeke@dailytimes.com.ng The Federal Government has said it would not recognise the factional group of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, led

by Mr Joe Ajearo of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, in Abuja.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Sen. Joel Ikenya, declared the stance of the Federal Government when Dr Ayuba Wabba, led other newly-executive members of the congress paid him a courtesy visit.

Ikenya said the splinter election that brought in Wabba was duly monitored by all stakeholders in the sector.

“We have not heard and we have not gotten any letter from anywhere in respect of any other NLC. It was in the media and our ministry participated in monitoring the process of the election.

``Therefore, controversy is internal. The ministry is not part of it. We know that you will sort yourselves out because there is a process and I know that all of you know that process, ‘’he said.

The minister said that Nigerians would like to see a better united NLC that would work in workers interest.

“I want us to understand each other; the government is very serious about the welfare of civil servants. So, I will continue to consolidate on the achievements so far made,” he said.

It would be recalled that Wabba of the Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWU) emerged the new President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the 11th National Delegates elections held on March 12.

Earlier, Wabba had told the minister that the visit was declared the readiness of the new labour leadership to partner the Federal Government to achieve a better working environment for

Ajearo

India plans pension system overhaul

Aggarwal

The labour ministry has started to work on a budget proposal to let employees choose between provident fund and the fledgling National Pension System (NPS), labour secretary Shankar Aggarwal said. The ministry will discuss legislative changes to this effect at a meeting with the central board of trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on 31 March.

While the retirement fund EPF invests exclusively in safe but low-yielding government securities for a guaranteed return, NPS

subscribers can choose to invest in government securities, equities or corporate debt. While EPF returns are tax-free, NPS is taxable.

However, permitting employees to choose between NPS and EPF would require an amendment to the EPF Act. Amendments to the EPF Act have been pending for two years, but after the finance ministry’s recent NPS push, the labour ministry hopes the changes can be implemented in 2015-16 itself.

Details on NPS eligibility, monitoring and implementation will

workers.

Wabba decried the devaluation of Naira owing to the drop in crude oil prices at the international market, saying it was already taking its toll on the economic fortunes of workers. ``Labour is a critical component of our economy, we produce and create wealth.

“Therefore, as the creators of the wealth, it is very important that our issues and aspirations are taken on board,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wabba also paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Ekpenyong Ita. Ita used the occasion to call on workers to continue to collaborate with security services in their quest to tackle security challenges facing the country.

He also urged them to share information with relevant security agencies in the fight against insurgent

be finalized after the CBT meeting, said Aggarwal.

Investment experts are divided on NPS, with some favouring it due to possibly higher returns thanks to its equity option, while others say EPF is superior due to its tax-free status.

According to an EPFO official, the government wants to go ahead with the changes even though there was no unanimity on the issue at the last CBT meeting. The amendment will also help move the subscriber’s entire EPF corpus to NPS, he added.

However, the official admitted that having two retirement funds may lead to more paperwork.

However, Aggarwal said that with significant technology adoption, the issue can be handled smoothly.

Another EPFO official said the organization may be charged with monitoring the NPS contributions of those EPF members who migrate. The labour ministry cannot wash it hands of social security issues, the official said, and added: “We may charge a fee for monitoring it.”

However, the first EPFO official said if one client shifts from EPF to NPS, he will lose EPF benefits as well as the insurance that EPFO provides to its contributors. This is, of course, apart from the tax levied on withdrawing the NPS corpus.

NUJ slates triennial delegate’s conference for June The National Executive Committee, NEC, of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has ratified June 24 to June 27 for its Triennial Delegates Conference in Abuja.

The union stated this in a communique signed by the National Secretary of the Union, Mr Shuaibu Leman, at the end of the NEC meeting of the union in Abuja.

Delegates at the triennial conference are expected to elect new officers of the association.

The communiqué appealed to all state councils to update their financial status to be qualified to participate in the conference.

It, however, condemned the situation where journalists were still owed salaries and other allowances by their employers in spite of several persuasions for payment by respective media houses.

On suspension of some journalists by the union, the communiqué explained that NEC empowered the National Secretariat to lift such suspension after clearance from the affected state councils. ``NEC appealed to INEC and security agencies on the need for synergy with journalists throughout the election periods for effective election coverage, ‘’ it said.

The NEC also condemned the unethical contents of political materials that were being broadcast by media houses ahead of the 2015 general elections.

It stated that such materials were capable of heating up the polity and appealed to regulatory agencies including the National Broadcasting Commission to rise up to their responsibilities.

The NEC expressed satisfaction with the performance and conduct of journalists in the country, especially under the present political dispensation.

It, however, warned journalists to avoid any act that could lead to professional misconduct.

The union also advised politicians to desist from politics of hate and abusive language.

It lauded the army for its doggedness in curtailing the challenge of insurgency in North eastern part of the country.

Garba, NUJ President

Interview 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Nigerians must leverage on cultural nuances for global recognition – GM Insight Feyi Olubodun is the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Insight Communications LTD, a Creative Agency that is driven by consumer insight and generating demands for brands. In this interview with GODWIN ANYEBE, he throws more light on the importance of cultural nuances in the place of Advertisement.

One of your dream as an agency is to become a global marketing communication company, but over the years, Nigerian brands have earned global recognition through affiliation with foreign firms, can this affiliation trend be reversed?

You have asked a very good question that has always been close to my heart. Let me start by clarifying something, there is a difference between international and being global, when a lot of Nigerians talk about global businesses today, what they really mean is being international. And being international is about geography, it’s about the fact that I am in different countries, it is the same as saying that an individual travel so very well, but he is not an exposed individual.

So having a geographical location means that you are an international or multinational agency, and also making statement that is seeking to win global recognition in terms of creative work that you do. But when we talk about being global, what we are talking about is not necessarily at the international level in terms of geographical location. It’s being a company so that what we do here can be lifted up for the rest of the world to see and to admire.

The key difference between being a global and international company is admiration, there are companies today that are global companies but they are not international, for example, some of the Chinese companies in the world today like the Xiomi mobile phone company that is challenging the likes of apple in the world today is a global company, but it does not have a geographical representation across other parts of the world.

However, by the practice of its business, it is commanding global attention; the world is looking at it as if there is something going on there. That is what we mean by going global. So when we say we want to take Insight to a global level, we are not saying we want to open offices across Africa, which is being international. What we

want for Insight is global recognition in terms of what we do.

Everybody is travelling abroad to see what other ad agencies do, for us at Insight we want people from other parts of the world to come and look at what we do here in Nigeria. That is the only thing that makes us command global attention and aspiration.

Today, the world admires creative work that come from Brazil, for instance, if you go the canes advertising festival award, you will discover a lot of focus on Brazil, Puerto Rico, and some of the South Americans countries. Yet most of the TV copies they show are purely theirs, why is the world admiring them? They world is admiring them because they have been able to make something that is culturally grounded, and they have been able to use their cultural nuances to help global brands to win in their local markets.

That is what it means for our clients today, we want to do a kind of creative work for our clients today that is rooted in our cultural nuance and that will help them win in our local markets and will at the same time command global aspiration so that in the next cane advertising festival award, they will start talking about the works that are coming from Nigeria.

What role do you think advertising agencies in Nigeria will play in building local brands?

Advertising can actually play a very big role to promote brands here that have some serious equity, for instance, brands like Alabuku and Aboniki Balm, a very solid brand, at a time I wish I was able to work on that brand.

Advertising can play a very big role for brands like that, because it will give the brand a better recognition in the market, not only that, it will also expand business opportunities for those brands because one of primary reason for brand advertising is demand generation.

Advertising exists to create more demand for your brand, and it is more demand for your brand that make your business thrive

effectively. So if you pick some of those local brands and you build them, that will first of all create a national demand for them and later there will be an international demand. And it is the role of advertising to create a platform for brands like that to cross the shores of Nigeria into other markets and projecting the equity in a way that it will be more and more attractive to consumers.

For quite some time now, Insight has always taken the lead in Nigeria Advertising Industry. What is the secret?

There is no other magic from the people, right from inception, we have always chosen the best and we have always treated them like the best, and that is what the magic is like. It is only very few businesses that select and retain the best. It takes having the right kind of environment, having the right kind of processes, having the right king of leadership.

Our magic has always being our people, today if we lose all of our tools and still have our people, Insight will continue to thrive.

You said consumer insight is your strength, do you consider the likely negative effect of brands on consumer before packaging it?

We consider a lot because our job is actually as behavioral economist, we try to influence behavior, and we are behavioral scientist. Everything we do will get to make consumer behave in a particular way. Therefore, as what we do benefit our clients; it must

‘‘It is the role of advertising to create a platform for local brands to cross the shores of Nigeria into other markets’’ also benefit the consumer. For instance, we cannot communicate a product that we know will have an adverse effect on the consumer, because if we do that, it will benefit the clients in a short run while it affect the them in the long term. Also, we particularly take into cognizance the cultural nuances of our environment, there are certain culture that have value that are acceptable in the Nigerian context, whenever we develop communication, we are still mindful of those nuances and ensure that we will communicate in a way that will make consumer behave in a way that is not culturally acceptable.

Yes, we are learning from the west, but there are lots of things that are acceptable in the west that are not acceptable here. So we will not say because sometimes we borrow from their ideas to make our brands global we will begin to communicate contents that are not acceptable here. We are sensitive to things like that.

For example, we work on some

big alcoholic brands, and no matter how we communicate how exciting it is to take alcohol, we will never communicate drunkenness or unruly behavior. This is because, while it is acceptable for an adult to consume alcohol, it is not acceptable for you to behave in an unruly manner. We are not going to do communications that seems to encourage that, hence, we are very sensitive about those things, and we pay close attention to them.

Why is it that African materials are not getting attraction at the Cane advertising festival award?

If you look at the emerging markets that are gaining recognition, one of the things that work for them is global insight. And I think we have to become more confident of our tradition and culture, the things that make the Nigerian a Nigerian, cannot be find anywhere else. We must sell to the Nigerian in a Nigerian way that is what the world wants to see. The world doesn’t want to see how we can sell to the western world in the Nigerian environment, which is what the Brazilians do; they ensure everything they do is in tandem with their cultural nuances. There are some things that are peculiar with Nigerians, we have a wonderful sense of humor, for instance, we are the happiest people by rating on the planet, we are the most sexually satisfied people in the world, and we don’t talk about things like that in our communications.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Today in History Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

21

s

Cartoons from our Archives

1979 Michigan State defeats Indiana State in NCAA On March 26, 1979, Earvin “Magic” Johnson led the Michigan State Spartans to a 75- 64 victory over Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores in the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. The most watched college finale of its time, the game established Magic vs.

Bird as a rivalry for the ages, and would catapult both players to NBA superstardom.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was listed as 6 feet 9 inches tall (although he was probably 6’ 7”) and played point guard, a position usually held by the shorter men on the floor, who were charged with feeding the team’s big men the ball closer to the basket.

Magic’s ball-handling skills and feel for the game were such that even in high school in East Lansing, Michigan, when he was the tallest player in any game, he was the go-to ball-handler. He was a sophomore at Michigan State in 1979, the unquestioned superstar on a team that also featured fu-

1987

ture NBA player Greg Kelser and junior guard Terry Donnelly.

Larry Bird, out of West Baden Springs and French Lick, Indiana, was also a high school basketball star. After graduation, he received a scholarship to play for legendary coach Bobby Knight at Indiana University, one of the finest teams in the country. However, Bird was homesick and uncomfortable in the spotlight in Bloomington and left after one month.

He returned to French Lick, and eventually enrolled at the smaller Indiana State, far from a basketball powerhouse. There, Bird was a one-man offense, averaging 30 points per game as a sophomore, junior and senior. He led the Sycamores to an undefeated record in his senior season (197879) and that year scored 22, 29, 31 and 35 points, respectively, in the first four games of the NCAA tournament. Going into the final showdown with Magic and the Spartans, his team stood at an impressive 33-0.

Torture chamber uncovered in Philadelphia

Responding to a 911 call, police raid the Philadelphia home of Gary Heidnik and found an appalling crime scene. In the basement of Heidnik’s dilapidated house is a veritable torture chamber where three naked women were found chained to a sewer pipe. A fourth woman, Josefina Rivera, had escaped and called police.

Gary Heidnik was a former mental patient and sex offender who had managed to become a wealthy stock investor. He owned a Rolls Royce and beat Uncle Sam on his income taxes by making himself the bishop of his own church. The sign on the front of his house read, “United Church of the Ministries of God.” One room in his house was partially wallpapered with money. At the end of 1986, Heidnik decided to create his own harem and began kidnapping women off the streets of Philadelphia.

Six women were kidnapped

and held in Heidnik’s dungeon.

All were raped and tortured while the others were forced to watch.

He killed one of the women by putting her in the pit, filling it with water and putting a live electrical wire into the water. Another of the women was killed when Heidnik let her starve to death while chained to the wall.

In perhaps the most grisly and horrid episode of the entire incident, Heidnik dismembered one of his victims, cooking parts of her body and feeding it to his other captives. The women who were found alive recovered after being treated for dehydration and malnutrition.

Although Heidnik was clearly mentally disturbed, he was found guilty and convicted of murder on July 1, 1988. He received a death sentence, and was executed on July 6, 1999.

Heidnik was one the inspirations for the Buffalo Bill character in Thomas Harris’ Silence of the Lambs.

Daily Times March 25, 1961

2008

Ford sells Jaguar and Land Rover to India’s Tata

On this day in 2008, the Ford Motor Company announced the sale of its Jaguar and Land Rover divisions to the Tata Group, one of India’s oldest and largest business conglomerates, for some $2.3 billion--less than half of what Ford originally paid for the brands. The sale came at a time when Ford, along with much of the rest of the auto industry, was experiencing a sales slump as a result of the global economic crisis.

For Tata, which earlier that year had unveiled the Nano, the world’s cheapest car, the purchase of the venerable British-based luxury brands was referred to by some observers as a “mass to class” acquisition.

Jaguar, known for its high-performance luxury autos, grew out of the Swallow Sidecar Company, which was co-founded by William Lyons (1901–1985) of Blackpool, England, in 1922, to make motorcycle sidecars. In the early 1930s, the business was renamed SS Cars Ltd., and in 1935, its first Jaguar automobile, the SS Jaguar

100, launched. Following World War II, the company changed its name again, to Jaguar Cars Ltd., in order to avoid any association with the Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary group also referred to by the initials “SS.” In 1948, the XK120, which was capable of reaching speeds of 120 mph, made its debut and helped Jaguar stake its claim as a sports car brand.

By the 1950s, Jaguar was exporting its high-performance cars to America. In the early 1960s, the automaker introduced the E-type (known as the XK-E in the U.S.), a sleek two-seater with a bullet-like silhouette that was the fastest production sports car on the market at the time of its launch. The nowiconic roadster won accolades for its design and in 1996 an E-Type became part of the permanent collection of New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (just the third car to do so). In 1989, Jaguar, which had already undergone several mergers, was acquired by the Ford Motor Company for $2.5 billion.

The first Land Rover debuted in 1948 and was the brainchild of Maurice Wilks, the head designer for the British car company Rover, of which his brother Spencer Wilks was the managing director.

Maurice Wilks had used an old American-made Willys-Overland Jeep to do work at his farm in England; however, the Jeep was plagued by mechanical problems and Wilks decided to design a more reliable vehicle. He intended it to be used for farm work and be more versatile than a tractor. The resulting Land Rover, known as the Series 1, had a boxy, utilitarian design, four-wheel drive and a canvas roof. Such features as passenger seat cushions, doors, a heater and spare tires were initially considered extras and cost more. The rugged Land Rover was well-received by the public and ended up being used not just for farm work, but by police forces, military organizations, aid workers in remote places and travellers on expeditions where road conditions were poor or non-existent.

Public Notice 22 CHRISTWAY CHRISTIAN OUTREACH The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Nwaokocha Chisom Moses - President 2. Pastor Onyechi Nwaokocha Anayochi - Vice President 3. Mr. Eboh Stanley Chiadikaobi - Secretary Aims and Objectives:1. To preach, teach and propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To engage in intercessory prayer meeting activities.

3. To win souls for Christ and attend to their spiritual needs.

4. To evangelize and make believers disciples of Jesus Christ.

5. To educate and teach members of the body of Christ to be law abiding and to respect constituted authority.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Martins Enetale Emonyon (Barrister & Solicitor)

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

ANGELA NKEMDILIM NKPOIDET

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olawoyin Oluyemisi Adenike now wished to be known and addressed as Mrs. Taiwo Oluyemisi Adenike. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

The Aims and Objectives are:1. To encourage social interactions among members 2. To promote peace and understanding among members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar- general, corporate affair commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY: - TRUSTEES

CHRIS AND CHRISTIANE OSHIAFI FOUNDATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Trustees: 1. Chris Oshiafi.

2. Christiane Oshiafi.

Aim/Objective: To create and promote the enabling environment for the training and education of the less privileged and the poor.

Any Objection(s) to this Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 Days of this Publication.

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

The Trustees are:1. Popoola Afusat 2. Onigbanjo Risikat 3. Huthman Bintu Subuola 4. Lazizi Simiat 5. Egbune Loise Chinyere 6. Adeniji Sinata Abeni

HOLDEN AT LAGOS, NIGERIA SUIT NO. FHC/L/CS/167/2015

BETWEEN:

TAIWO OLUYEMISI ADENIKE

TRAWL AND FRESH FROZEN FISH MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affair Commission for registration under part “C “ of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Angela Nkemdilim Uchedike, now wish to be known as Mrs. Angela Nkemdilim Nkpoidet. First Bank of Nigeria Plc take note

IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP C20, LFN, 2004.

AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 539 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP C20, LFN, 2004.

1. PRIMLAKS GALVANIZING LIMITED

…. 1ST APPLICANT (RC: 10383)

2. EUREKA METALS LIMITED

.... 2ND APPLICANT (RC: 77929)

ORDER UPON THIS MOTION EXPARTE Dated and filed on the 18th day of March, 2015, praying for the following Orders: i. An order sanctioning the merger of the 1st and 2nd Applicants having complied with the order of the Court of secured the votes of more than three quarters (3/4) of votes of the holders of its fully paid-up ordinary shares for the purpose of approving the Scheme for the Arrangement of the 1st and 2nd Applicants in the form and content of the Arrangement Document at the separate Court ordered meetings on the 16th day of March, 2015. ii. And for such further order or orders as this Honorable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

UPON READING the Joint Applicants Affidavit in Support of the petition, Exhibits attached and the Written Address dated 18th day of March, 2015 and filed in the Federal High Court Registry, and sworn to by Korede Oyedele, Male, Christian, Nigerian Citizen, Counsel in the Chambers of Iman Solicitors of 70d, Allen Avenue, 3rd Floor, Sahadatu Plaza, Ikeja, Lagos State.

AFTER HEARING Korede Oyedele For the 1st and 2nd Applicants move in terms, of the motion paper.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the merger of the 1st and 2nd Applicants is sanctioned. The Applicants having complied with the order of the Court convening the requisite meetings for the purpose of approving the Scheme for the Arrangement of the 1st and 2nd Applicants in the form and content of the Scheme for the Arrangement Document at their separate Court ordered meetings on the 16th day of March, 2015 is granted.

ISSUED AT LAGOS, under the Seal of the Court and the hand of the Presiding Judge this 23rd day of March 2015.

G. N. ANYANWU REGISTRAR

Signed: Barr. Nnaemeka Otagburuagu

KING OF KINGS ARK MISSION INTERNATIONAL

FRIENDS OF LIKE MIND CLUB LAGOS

SPRINGLAND KIDS AND YOUTH FOUNDATION

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named assembly has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Trustees.

1. Pastor Emeawa Chinedum Justice. - General Overseer / President.

2. Mrs. Emeawa Rhoda Justice 3. Evangelist Mrs Silverline Orokonwo Enwukwe

Trustees.

1. Iroegbu Anariochi Benedict.

2. Okpe Christian Chibuzo, 3. Ekwebeme Felix, 4. Emezue Collins Uchenna. .

OLD TRUSTEES. 1. Mrs. Afolake Adefunke Adegbulugbe.

- Re- Appointed 2. Mrs. Omotola Agunbiade – Re- Appointed.

3. Mrs. Aderonke Ajibola - Re- Appointed 4. Professor Kayode Alao. - Re- Appointed 5 . Mrs. Adejoke Akingun Robert. - Re- Appointed

Aim and objective.

1. To preach good tidings unto the meek.

2. To bind up the broken hearted.

3. To proclaim liberty to the captives.

Aim and objectives.

1. To. To assist members financially in time of need 2. To protect the interest of member

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

Signed. N. A. WEYINMI $ CO.

NNPC-NAPIMS (STAFF) CREDIT AND INVESTMENT COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED This is to inform the general public that the above SOCIETY has applied for registration under the Cooperatives societies ACT 98 of 1993.

The Interim Officers are.

1. Ahmed Abdullahi. - President.

2. Kaumi Mohammed - Vice President.

3. Grandapa Innocent. - Treasurer.

4. Kanu Samuel. - Secretary.

5. Solomon Ohia. - Project Coordinator.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the federal Director of cooperative , MINISTRY OF Agriculture and water resources, Garki Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY.

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

Signed: BARR. OPARAH UGOCHUKWU SAMURAINAIJA CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FOR RURAL PEOPLE This is to notify the general public that the above named initiative has applied ton the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part c of the companies and allied the matters act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Dr. Gabriel Adeyemi Francis - Chairman.

2. Mr. Shonde Adetokunbo Samuel - Vice Chairman.

3. Dr. Abiodun Moses Olabiyi - Secretary.

4. Mr. Shimono Toshiro - Director Of Socials.

5. Mr. Amosu Mathew Olajide - Director Of Publicity.

6. Dr. Asemota Omorogbe Joseph - Director Of Finance.

7. Mrs Abe Akiko - Assistant Director Of Finance.

8. Prof. Koji Yamamoto - Director Of Research And Development.

9. Mr. Okafor Ekenechukwu - Assistant Director & Development.

Aims and objectives.

1. To sensitize and educate rural dwellers about the importance of low-carbon and renewable energy utilisation and the efficient ways of harnessing solar energy for domestic uses.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission’ plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

New Trustee.

1. Prof. Anthony Olusegun Adegbulugbe – Appointed.

The reason for appointment of new trustees is To promote the effectiveness of the foundation’s activities. That the constitution be amended to reflect the current number of trustees.

Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, maitama, Abuja within twenty- eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed BAR. KEMI MOGBOJUI

DATA, KNOWLEDGE & INFORMATION PRIVACY & PROTECTION INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

The Trustees are:

1. Smith Adetokunbo Olaoluwa –Chairman 2. Ayoola Marcus Iyiola –Secretary 3. Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole 4. Onayele Augustine Abiodun 5. Aderinkomi Wole Timothy Aims & objectives:

To create awareness, promote and educate the society on privacy and protection of data, knowledge and information.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneralCorporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street,PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of publication Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

&

Industry TECHNOLOGY Issues

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

Timessearch

Sarah ODEDE

Why new subjects by WAEC? ÏÏÏI was surprised, when my daughter,

who was preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASCE), hopefully, this year, rushed in to tell me about the new subjects introduced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

On hearing of this new development, which I am yet to confirm, I decided to contact the TIMESEARCH, to shed more light on this issue and educate me and other parents, whose children were about sitting for the examinations.

Mr. Femi Olowolagba, P.O. Box 4431, Orile Agege, Lagos State.

Prof Cleopas

Imperative for national information technology development ÏÏÏThe

eNigeria2014 has come and gone but the memory will certainly linger for a long time to come. We are happy to have participated at the forum and we feel proud that such wonderful discoveries could come out of Nigeria’s Nazareth.

However, we noticed that even though NITDA has done well in the area of software development, little or nothing is being done in hardware development.

In 2012, we asked the erstwhile Director General of NITDA, Prof Cleopas Angaye, what his agency was doing in this regard; he had no clear-cut answer to our question. Again, the same question was asked at the eNigeria2014 but nobody seemed to be prepared for it.

We will like to suggest the following: NITDA should overlook what has come to be termed ‘comparative advantage’ and deliberately invest in manufacturing computer hardware in Nigeria.

The term is used to discourage ambitious Third World countries eager to become First World. If Japan had considered only her areas of comparative advantage in the beginning would she have been developed today?

In achieving the hardware goal, there is a need to involve National Office for

Technology Acquisition & Promotion (NOTAP), Nigeria Communication Satellites Limited (NigComSat), computer assemblers, Federal Technical College, Yaba, local and foreign component makers; and Electronics Development Institute (ELDI), Awka, Anambra State.

NOTAP will serve as coordinator (that is one of its mandates); NITDA will fund and oversee all the software development; NigComSat will provide mother board; ELDI will provide the power unit and other components. It will also provide the designs. The mould for the cases will be made by the Federal Technical College Yaba. The Otigba-Lagos-based computer village could also be drafted as a major stakeholder to provide advice on what the market wants.

Any of the assemblers patriotic enough to buy into the project by releasing its facilities for the project should be highly encouraged in any way possible. Also, we feel NITDA and NigComSat should work together in commercialising some of the innovations developed by the latter over the years. One of them is one that converts old computers to irrigation equipment.

This is the way to go --- and grow!

23 News

This issue was taken up with the Public Affairs Department of the West African Examinations Council, Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos, where it was learnt that “In compliance with the directive on the introduction of a new Secondary School Curriculum, the West African Examinations Council, (WAEC) conducted the maiden examinations in the newly introduced trade subjects in the May/June 2014 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASCE) in Nigeria”.

Based on this development, “39 new subjects for the Secondary School Curriculum were developed by the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council, (NERDC).

The new curriculum was approved by the National Council on Education (NCE) in 2011, when it was also expected to become operational.

The new curriculum was, primarily, designed to equip the students with entrepreneurial, vocational and technical skills that would make them job creators.

However, according to the Head of the Test Development Division and Chief Discussant at the January edition of the monthly seminar of the Research Department of the WAEC International Office in Lagos, Mrs.

Olayinka Ajibade, the curriculum was expected to equip students with these vital skills for development.

It was learnt that to achieve such entrepreneurial skills, the students must sit for four core subjects: English Language; General Mathematics; Civic Education and Trade/ Entrepreneurial Studies, beginning from 2014.

Unlike the former curriculum, whereby, students could pick eight or nine subjects of choice, the new curriculum categorised other subjects as elective, which were also grouped into Humanities, Science and Mathematics, Technology and Business Studies. Students in Senior Secondary School 1-3, have to choose from any of the groups. They must pick four subjects of their choice from each group and pick two or three from the elective.

Any implication for assessment? Mrs. Ajibade said, “The assessment requires the teaching of some frameworks, including syllabus development to guarantee the desired outcome.

What are the constraints against the new policy? She mentioned “Lack of proper understanding of the curriculum by stakeholders; inadequate personnel; slow pace of review or development of appropriate textbooks and teachers’ handbooks”.

Others include dearth of necessary infrastructure in schools; funding of programmes to support entrepreneurial education; large class size and shortage of career guidance counsellors in schools.

TIMESEARCH also learnt that the constraints could, however, be checked through constant review of textbooks and teachers’ handbooks by NERDC and practical handson training by teachers, which would aid students in learning.

Other solutions include empowering teachers through technology, increasing the usage of Information and Communication Technology, recruitment of qualified guidance and counselling personnel and increasing funding by the relevant arms of government.

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

a Nigerian university (names withheld) and my university is not one of those that collaborate on biomedical research. Can TIMESEARCH shed more light on the issue?

What does the initiators of this research, actually, want and what do they intend to gain from it?

Opeyemi Olaoluwa, P.O. Box 4419, Modakeke, Osun State.

Only six federal universities in Nigeria are promoting biomedical research through joint efforts.

An official of the National Universities Commission, (NUC), Abuja, who preferred

anonymity, disclosed that the issue had been on since 2013 and that, according to the coordinator of the project, Professor Eugene Okpere, the focus was to make the six universities work, jointly, and ensure the rapid development of biomedical research in Nigerian universities, and boost their ranking.

He added that there was a NUC committee for the promotion of biomedical research in Nigeria.

The official added that “Because of this, you are able to identify a university or a professor in New York, doing the same kind of research as you, you can then link up and collaborate with him and move faster than you are able to do alone”.

However, the NUC would be involved in the project through capacity building, advisory role, seminars and regular sourcing for funds.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Kwara royal fathers pray for Jonathan, Ajibola

By Ola Yekeen Ilorin

ÏÏÏRoyal

fathers from Isin Local Government Area, in Kwara State, on Tuesday, collectively blessed the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, and the ambition of Senator Simeon Ajibola to become governor of Kwara State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The royal fathers, led by Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oloyede, who doubles as the Chairman of Isin LGA Traditional Council, also prayed for the success of all PDP candidates in the forthcoming election.

The Monarchs sealed

their prayer, held at the Palace of Olusin Isanlu-Isin, with the Holy Qur’an and Bible recitations.

The Olusin, who directed Senator Ajibola and all the PDP candidates to sit before his royal colleagues for the words of God in the Bible Book of Psalm 72, verses 11--13, to live with them during and after the polls.

The tarditional rulers said the request of Ajibola and the PDP could only be responded to by falling back on the holy books, which described monarchs as God’s representatives on Earth.

The monarchs, therefore, assured Jonathan, Ajibola and the PDP candidates that the word of God in

the holy books of Psalm 72, verse 11, which says: “Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him,” shall abide with them in the 2015 elections. They also prayed that God shall use Jonathan, Ajibola and the PDP candidates as instruments to realise the words of God in Nigeria and Kwara State, respectively.

The royal fathers wished the PDP candidates the bidding of Psalm 72 verse 12, which reads: “For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.”

The monarchs reminded Ajibola and the PDP to hold faith in the words of God, as in Jeremiah 32: 27: “Call unto me, and I will answer

thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

There was also a reference to Chapter 67 of the Holy Qur’an, in making Islamic prayers for God to grant their requests.

Earlier, a prominent Chief of Isanlu-Isin and PDP stalwarts, Mr. Samuel Adedayo, recounted monumental contributions of Ajibola to the growth and development of Isin communities as a senator.

Adedayo also recalled Kwara State Government’s neglect of the area and disclosed that it took the magnanimity of Oba Oloyede to personally embark on renovation of Isanlu–Isin General Hospital, built in 1968.

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Niger Regional Office of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), on Tuesday, disconnected electricity supply to Chanchaga and Paiko areas of the state, following to machete attack on two of its staff.

Daily Times learnt that the people of the area had been in darkness for four days.

Chanchaga youth leader, Mr. Joseph Tula, who confirmed the incident in Minna, said some restive youths in the area took the law into their own hands, without consulting the leadership of the community.

Tom Garba Yola Adamawa State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a minor crack as 10 of its State Central Working Committee (SCWC) members, on Tuesday, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The defectors described the APC as a party that had people who would not help in moving the state forward.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Rev. Phineas Padio, the former public re-

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Augustine Aminu Abuja

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Ahead of Saturday’s election, a body of Nigerians in diaspora, under the auspices of All Nigerian Nationals in diaspora, ANNID, on Tuesday, said it had trained 326 observers to monitor the election.

The training workshop, which was organised for participants drawn from across the country, was part of the measures taken by ANNID towards credible and successful election.

Speaking to reporters at the training programme, the Acting President of ANNID, Justina Obi Roberts, said the essence of training the election observers was aimed at equipping them with basic understanding about their role in the electoral process, in order to ensure a free and fair conduct of the election and delivery of credible and acceptable results.

She further explained that the trained election observers were to represent ANNID in observing and re-

porting any electoral frauds in the polling units, which would enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take appropriate actions.

She also disclosed that ANNID had been training election observers since 2011, and added that the association had equally carried out sensitisation programmes for women and youths, on the need to actively participate in the election.

While expressing confidence in the potential of Nigeria as country to con-

duct her election peacefully and credibly, she urged the electorates to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice, and not to vote along the lines of sentiments and propaganda.

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lations officer of the SCWC said their defection was very critical and important, coming on the eve of the general election.

"This is a critical time because this is election period. More importantly, it is a make-or-mar period for us in Adamawa. We have to get it right or further slip down the pit of underdevelopment.

"The coming election is, therefore, going to chart a cause for our dear state. It, therefore, requires serious reflection and rising above primordial and personal interests," Padio said.

TAN shuts down Lagos for Jonathan Jonathan Eze

2015 Polls: Nigerians in diaspora train 326 election observers

Tula said the youths, from Tungangoro area of Chanchaga, attacked a driver and another staff of the electricity company, who were in the area to disconnect customers owing electricity bills.

"The youths complained of high tariff that was not commensurate with electricity consumed in the area, and yet the company came to disconnect lines, even when they hardly supply electricity,’’ he said.

10 Adamawa APC members defect to PDP ÏÏÏThe

L-R: Executive Director, Savannah Centre, Amb. Abdullahi Omak; council member, Joke Silva; former chief justice of Nigeria, Muhammed Lawal Uwais, and Coordinator of the council, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, during the press conference on the activities of Savannah Centre’s Council of the Wise Panel on the 2015 election, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

Niger communities groan under power failures

activities were yesterday, paralysed as the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), on Tuesday, staged a mega rally in Lagos.

The rally was convened for the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) presidential candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

The event, which held at the National Stadium, attracted people from all parts of the state including representatives of professional groups, traders and artisans.

Speaking at the rally, National Vice Chairman of TAN, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, said that the gathering was convened to tell Nigerians that there was no vacancy in

Aso Rock untill 2019.

His words, “We urge you all too vote for President Jonathan on Saturday to continue his transformation agenda for the nation" he said.

Ubah also declared at the rally that the TAN has endorsed the candidature of Mr Jimi Agbaje as the next governor of the state.

"We will do everything humanly possible to liberate the people of Lagos State by ensuring victory for Agbaje" he said.

In his speech, Agbaje promised to run a fair and open administration if elected into officve, adding that everybody irrespective of tribe and religion would have a say in his government if elected.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

APC’ll disappear after 2015 election - Plateau gov Chijioke Kingsley Jos

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Plateau State Governor, Jonah David Jang, on Tuesday, said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would fizzle out after the 2015 general election.

Jang made this statement at the on-going Town Hall Meeting in Shendam Local Government Area, during his statewide campaign tour to all local government areas in the state.

In his words: "In every election, new parties are formed and, after the election, they all disappear.

APC will disappear after the election because APC is an emergency party formed

Jonathan condoles Gen Bakut’s family Egena Egena

because of the 2015 general election."

Speaking on the issue of attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by APC members, Jang said the party that called itself opposition today, were made up of PDP members, who left the party because they couldn't get what they wanted.

He emphasised that it was only abnormal people that carry brooms only to sweep the air.

"Lalong, the APC guber candidate, served as Speaker of the State House of Assembly under the platform of PDP for eight years and, today, he is in APC, fighting the government that made him who he is. I know he

will come back to PDP after losing the election," the governor said.

He urged the people of Shendam to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan, the PDP governorship candidate, Pwajok, and all members contesting for elective positions in Plateau State under the platform of PDP, saying that he did not build the new Government House in Jos for APC to occupy with brooms.

The controversy over the frosty relationship between Governor Jang and his deputy, Datong Longjan, was laid to rest, as Jang cleared the air on their existing relationship, saying that he still enjoys good working rela-

tionship with him.

"I told my deputy not to leave the party, and he heard me. Longjan also told me in response that he is not a small boy that at his age he will not be running from one party to another," he said. It would be recalled that the deputy governor was an aspirant at the PDP governorship primary, and lost to Senator G. N. S. Pwajok and, since then, much has not been heard of him and neither has he been seen in public functions with the governor. However, Sen. G. N. S. Pwajok, the PDP guber candidate, while delivering his speech, said elections can only be won through the ballot, and not violence.

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All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Magnus Ozongwu, has urged Nigerians to put away the fear of insecurity on election day, and come out to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Ozongwu also threw its weight behind the use of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as introduced by the electoral umpire. He maintained that the use of the PVCs would eliminate electoral fraud, adding that anyone opposing the idea was in support of corruption.

According to him: "If you fail to take risks in life, you have started failing.

We cannot sit in our homes and project insecurity. Your

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vote is your opinion. Do not allow fear to overcome our democracy. "No success can be achieved without taking a bold step. By sacrificing our pleasures and businesses, let us make that day a day of obligation for our country, " he said.

Ozongwu described the introduction of the PVCs as the best thing to happen in Nigeria’s electoral history.

He continued: "The introduction of the PVC is an excellent idea because it will stamp out corruption and promote credible election that is free and fair. "Whosoever brought the idea meant well for Nigeria because the card readers will ensure that votes are well counted,� he added.

2015 polls: Sokoto residents react to security beef-up Nasiru Suleiman

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Abuja

Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of the former military governor of Benue State, Gen. Ishaya Bakut, on his passing away on Monday.

The President, in a condolence message issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, also extended his "heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Gen. Bakut’s home state, Kaduna.

According to the statement, the President joined them in mourning the late General, who served the nation in various capacities during his years in the Nigerian Army.

"President Jonathan assured Gen. Bakut’s family and the people of Kaduna that the nation will remain eternally grateful for the former military governor’s courageous service as a Company and Battalion Commander, during the Nigerian Civil War,� the statement added.

Enugu APC candidate urges electorate to put away fear

Sokoto

25

Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, security has been beefed up in Sokoto metropolis and its environs, as military patrol vans were seen all around town with more security checks on major roads and junctions.

Gun wielding soldiers with stern looks have flooded the streets of Sokoto, while other security agencies complement the efforts of the military, by intensifying the regular routine checks of vehicles and motorcycles at all major roads in town.

Residents had earlier expressed concern over the increased violent campaigns by supporters of the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Residents who spoke to Daily Times said that the peace pact signed by the political parties a few weeks ago in the state, has done little or nothing in curtail the violent campaigns being carried out by both political parties, as hoodlums were having a greater stake than it used to be before the peace agreement.

A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, however, summed it up this

way: "I was worried by the activities of the area boys, who carry weapons freely at various political campaign rallies, but I think the arrival of the soldiers would put things under control."

An eye-witness told Daily Times that, prior to the arrival of the military, there had been several clashes between political thugs loyal to both the PDP and APC, which had left many injured. Three days ago, there was a clash between some area boys along Bello road in which several people were injured. In fact, I could not get to where I was going to on Saturday. I had to run back home for safety," he said.

While an hotelier, working with Sokoto Guest Inn, said that a bloody clash ensued along Gawun Nama, close to the personal resident of the state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, where many political thugs were seen wielding their weapons and using it freely on one another.

Wamakko

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Education

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ICT, robotic games brighten the intellectual capability of children — Kolawole Adebola Kolawole is the Principal, Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Ojodu-Berger, Ikeja, Lagos. She spoke with TONY NWAKAEGHO at the First Lego League competition, held at the University of Lagos on the importance of the competition, Information Communication Technology, and the robotic programme in developing the scientific knowledge of students.

Excerpts:

FG to construct CBT centres in 774 LGAs In a spirited effort at making the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, (UTME), being conducted by the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board, (JAMB), smoother, the Federal Government has announced plans to construct the Computer Based Test, CBT Centres across the 774 local government areas in the country.

Disclosing this at a post-2015 examination forum in Abuja, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of JAMB, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, said the government had done everything to ensure the construction of the centres.

“The 2016 examination shall be smoother next year, as the new centres would have been put in place by the government”, he added.

What is your relationship with the organisers of this First Lego League programme?

I am the Principal of Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Ojodu-Berger, Ikeja, Lagos and I came with my team, which is the victorious team of the programme organised by SAP and First Lego League at the University of Lagos Campus, after the students were given robots to carry out individual tasks. The main project that was presented by my school was an electronic light, it was on how you can generate light in a dark environment. It is a pilot scheme, first of its kind.

My expectation is that in the next one to two years, many schools will see the importance of this, which is brain tasking and would encourage the students to do better, even in their basic correct schools, because they have to task their intelligence and develop their brain.

Next year, I want to see many schools coming up to compete and showing interest in the First Lego League competition.

Is your school having ICT in its curriculum?

Yes, we have an ICT room. It was given to us by the Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, with 24-hour internet service, with many computers available.

Can you say that your students are computer literate?

They are all computer literate, from Basic Seven to Nine.

How do you maintain the computers and internet facility in your computer room?

By the grace of God, we are managing it and there is an Eko project assistance, a fund that we use for instructional mate-

When we begin to catch them young, this will help the students a lot. My students have embraced the robotic programme, but all of them cannot participate in it.

It has to do with tasking the brain

rials and maintenance some of these things.

First Lego League is hit with paucity of fund and sponsorship. What do you think is the way forward?

The organisers of the First

Lego League, under the leadership of Mr. Olajide Ajayi, have done very well. They gave my school, and others, the expensive robots to use. I want to appeal to all tiers of government, corporate bodies and NGOs to support them. When we begin to catch them young, this will help the students a lot. My students have embraced the robotic programme, but all of them cannot participate in it. It has to do with tasking the brain and it’s not everybody that is scientifically-oriented, some are commercial based, vocational based and others technical based. It is a new thing in Lagos State, but, overseas, young children do this often, because they have the wherewithal. Now that they have embraced it, I know that it will go places.

What is your assessment, in terms of awareness of this programme and competition?

The government should create awareness in the schools and the country. They should publicise it, and advertise it with prospective sponsors. The media should also publicise the different forms of robotic games on television, as this will encourage and brighten the intellectual capability of the children. They will begin to explore how to do robotic things, while rich parents could get the materials for their children, even at home. They will begin to see things in another perspective, since it will enhance their children’s intelligence.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

27 Education

L-R: Chairman, Corporate Forum (CF), Otunba Funsho Lawal ; Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa; Director, CF, Chief Francis Kudayah and Another Director, CF, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe at a press conference endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan for the forthcoming presidential election held in Lagos… on Monday Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Tunde Atobatele As a quantum leap for President Goodluck Jonathan, towards his 2015 presidential bid in Nigeria, the Corporate Forum has endorsed his candidacy for what the Forum’s executives referred to as his unprecedented reformation strides in the education sector.

While lauding the President, at a press conference in Lagos, the Forum’s Chairman, Otunba Funso Lawal, flanked by other members, gave a highlight of Jonathan’s achievements in the sector, which, according to him, led to the unanimous decision of the Forum to endorse his second term bid.

“We, having followed all what President Jonathan has been doing, since inception of this administration, amongst which the education sector stands tall, hereby, announce our full backing and endorsement for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the forthcoming presidential election.

“This endorsement is sequel to the earlier gathering the Forum had with the President in Lagos, during which his minis-

Jonathan’s enviable education scorecard, by Corporate Forum ters presented their score cards to some members of our association, which included captains of industry.

Notable among his achievements in the education sector, as announced by the Corporate Forum’s chairman were the construction of about 125 Almajiri schools for the Girl-child and farmers in the North and the approval of 12 new universities in Nigeria.

“In 2013, the Federal Government rehabilitated 352 laboratories and 92 new libraries in the Unity Schools, so also were about 51 laboratories in the federal universities that have been rehabilitated”.

According to the Forum’s release, “between 2007 and 2013,

the Federal Government had, almost, tripled the allocation for Education from N224 billion to 634 billion, thereby, making it the highest allocation ever in Nigeria”. The Forum also noted that the basic school enrollment had increased from 23 million in 2010 to 29 million in 2012 and the enrollment into Colleges of Education from 620,000 in 2011 to 750,000 in 2013, translating to about 20% increase”.

These strides in the education sector, the Corporate Forum said, had placed Nigeria’s literacy rate from the erstwhile 54% to 62%, under the Jonathan administration.

“So, for us at the Corporate Forum, all these great achievements must not be swept under

the carpet, that’s why we are putting our full weight behind President Jonathan in this presidential election’, Otunba Lawal emphasised.

While fielding questions on the readiness of the association to garner votes for Jonathan, Lawal, emphatically, said “we all have our constituencies, at which we can encourage our people to reason and vote for our preferred candidate, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and that we have resolved to do”.

In a related development, President Goodluck Jonathan, at a recent presidential debate organised by the Nigeria Election Debate Group, (NEDG) has promised Nigerians of the repo-

sitioning of the education sector so as to be able to compete with other countries overseas.

According to him, “considering the on-going reforms of the education system in Nigeria, we shall soon be highly rated in that sector, particularly, among the best in the world.

Jonathan said, “Nigerian universities have been equipped to compete with their foreign counterparts through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFund).

“We are talking about the infrastructure that have failed over the years, but, with the way we are going, in the next four years, our universities shall soon rank and compete with others in the world”, he concluded.

FG, NGOs urged to increase advocacy on child blindness Eddy Uwoghiren (UNIBEN) The Federal Government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) have been urged to increase advocacy and public enlightenment on child blindness with a view to reducing the

scourge of the disease.

A Consultant Pediatric Ophthalmologist with the University of Benin, Prof. Oseluese Dawodu, gave the advice while delivering the 152nd Inaugural Lecture of the institution.

She spoke on the theme Childhood blindness: A changing picture with changing challenges.

Dawodu said the rise in the number of blind children could be attributed to poverty and superstitious beliefs that a child with an eye problem would not overcome it. She said it was wrong for illiterate people with eye problems to use unorthodox medicines instead of the hospi-

tals.

Lamenting the growing rate of the disease and stigmatization of blind children, she stated that traditional institutions and miracle churches have done more harm than good to blind children.

In curbing the menace of

childhood blindness, Dawodu called on government to create a centre of excellence for Healthcare in Ophthalmology in each geo-political zones with a view to bringing treatment closer to the people and enact laws to ban unregistered bodies from offering eye care services.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Inside Campus

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

UNIBEN rotary club installs 30th president Eddy Uwoghiren and Ezekiel Efeobhokhan, UNIBEN

Angry youths of Uviwe community, Worri

PTI: Host community protests lopsidedness in employment Felix Chidi Wobialor (PTI Warri) While students of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) were busy preparing for their upcoming examination which is just two weeks away, they woke up to the sound of loud music coming from the school’s gate with giant speakers mounted around and chanting of solidarity songs. Soon the environs of the institution turned into a protest centre.

This protest came as a result of the recruitment exercise organised by the PTI in conjunction with the Federal Character

Commission to employ new lecturers into the institution with 80 percent of Northerners getting the job while the remaining 20 percent was shared by the other ethnic groups.

Speaking with one of the angry Uviwe graduate, he said: “Why can’t we ever get it right for once. If only, they have considered the host community in the first place. Not that the host community can’t provide qualified applicants but they (FG) choose to go this way. It’s a pity and this marginalisation has to stop now.

It’s should be fight until we get the much needed result”.

Debunking reasons for the

protest, PTI Assistant Director, Mr. Aliyu Yama, disclosed that prior to the allegation that 80 percent of the employment went to the northerners, he said: “It’s all cock and bull stories; the Urhobo community actually had about 47 slots and even the Hausas they claimed to have all the slots got less than 20 percent.

The Uviwe community which is a part of Uhrobo are detaching themselves from them so as to have fresh slots allotted to them which is not possible as the Federal Government is in-charge of the employment. The registrar and principal of the institution are Deltans“.

Nigerians should be optimistic, says American Don Odeyemi Olawale Unilorin

McCain

An American don, Professor Danny McCain, has urged Nigerians to be optimistic about the outcome of the general election which comes up on March 28 and April 11, 2015.

McCain, who is currently a Lecturer at the Department of Religion & Philosophy, University of Jos, Plateau State, gave the

charge during a lecture in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, organised

by Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), University of Ilorin, in conjunction with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP).

The lecture which was hosted by the CPSS Director, Dr. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, of the Department of English of the university, attracted distinguished world political analysts around the world to the institution.

Members of the Rotary Club of University of Benin have installed a 300 level Social Works student, Olaloluwa Adene, as the 30th president of the Rotary Club, UNIBEN district at a gathering held at the Banquet hall of the institution which attracted dignitaries from the various Rotary districts in Edo State.

Speaking at the event, Princess Ann Akenzuwa, from the Public Administration Department of the university, stated that Rotary club was founded on the principle of helping the less privilege.

She added that a life lived for others is one worthy of emulation and called on members of the club to portray the club in good light wherever they found themselves.

Responding on behalf of the new executives, Olaloluwa thanked members for finding him worthy to be elected as the president. He promised to make them proud by instituting projects that would stand the test of time.

Other members of the executives installed included Emmanuel Ndueche, Tabitha Edim, Erinfolani Olusola, Oyetayo Oluwafemi, and Efficient Temitope, amongst others.

President and other exco

It was titled “Towards Peaceful Election in 2015: The Roles of Stakeholders in Nigeria”.

In his lecture, Professor McCain asserted that “Peace and safety in society are often sacrificed on the altar of political rigidity, personal arrogance and unbridled greed.”

He pointed that “Nigeria faces many daunting problems at this time, adding that “politicians cannot solve all of these problems instantly but through democratically electing, supporting and holding accountable honourable politicians is the starting place.”

Exhibition

Students tasked on entrepreneurial skills ...As AAU holds exhibition Kelvin Osakpolor Igbineweka, Uwoghiren Louis, Igbinigie Eghosa (AAU Ekpoma) Students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, have been charged to involve actively in entrepreneurial skills.

This call was made last week at the exhibition and public lecture series held at the Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Auditorium in the university.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. C.A Agbebaku, noted that entrepreneurial development was introduced into the university curriculum by the National University Commission (NUC) due to its peculiar nature in helping to advance the cause of self training and development in the creation of employment opportunities by our youths for themselves and others in the face of present mass unemployment in the country.

Agbebaku also congratulated students whose products were displayed during the exhibition, urging them to put more effort as in no distant time products like cars and other highly technical equipment will be produced and showcased at future exhibitions Products manufactured by the students include beads, shoes, belts, art works, flowers, tie and dye, paints, soups, body cream, bleach, perfume among others.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Features ANAMBRA POLITICS:

A tale of the gladiators

Sequel to the elections of March 28 and April 11, Anambra Central would not only witness the greatest heat ever, but also record surprises. NKIRU ORJI reports from Agulu.

The intimidating crowd that stormed the Anglican Church premises in Agulu town, in Anaocha Local Government area could pass for a political rally.

With uniforms on display that day, passersby might mistake it for the State’s ruling party rally, the All Progressives Grand Alli-

29

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

ance (APGA), but far from it.

The rally was actually a show of strength by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of its Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central District, Hon Uche Ekwunife.

To the PDP, the rally was instructive as party chieftains and major stakeholders of APGA are to be welcomed into the fold of PDP as new members. They included members of former governor Peter Obi’s Executive Council, ex-councilors and chairmen of the Local Government Areas of

the Senatorial Zone.

Also present at the occasion was the Director General of Gov. Willie Obiano campaign organization, Barr Joe Martins Uzodike who was recently kicked out from his position as Special Adviser on political matters.

Ironically, the venue of the rally is about a shouting distance from the home town of APGA’s National Chairman and Senatorial Candidate of the party for the same zone, Sir Victor Umeh. It is CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

BADAGRY:

Martins

A celebration of memories, relics, and nature Fresh from a trip to Badagry, KINGSLEY NDIMELE reports a town full of scars and memories, and a people in affinity with nature’s abundance.

Agbadarigi was the native name, before white skinned slave traders who could not tongue-twist the dialect renamed the West African coast town Badagry. Today, tourists may not need a tour-guide in Badagry.

Everywhere you go, relics of history, scars of old wounds, images, with detailed records of man’s inhumanity to man, are preserved for generations to catch up with history.

Between the very first storey-building in Nigeria and the Badagry Black Heritage Museum, housed in the then district officer’s office built in 1863, historical artifacts and hundreds of relics that chronicle chilling details of over 300 years of slave trade from Badagry through Lagos to Europe are skillfully displayed to satisfy the curiosity of tourists.

Also, the city of Badagry, from the early 1500s, was a major trading hub and transport terminus in West Africa where slaves were shipped off to America, and it is estimated that about 550,000 African slaves, forcibly plucked out of their native homes (like porcupines or rabbits that strayed into a village!) passed through and were shipped off from the Badagry soil.

A tour of the historic town But away from images and relics of sorrow and old scars that will always be there, Daily Times explored some exciting natural and radiant sides of Badagry and found the poise and aesthetics of lanky cocoanut trees against the deep blue skies irresistible.

Fresh fruits and food wares that make a visitor glad he or she is human, and is in Badagry – live, abound, enough to make your day wonderful.

Badagry is a town that boasts many beaches and resorts. It is a relaxation town ideal for vacation and holidays. You can spend just one day, a whole weekend or entire vacation with family and loved ones. Badagry is a place where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of Lagos, soak up the calm Atlantic Ocean fresh breeze, explore traditional Nigerian meals, and reconnect with nature in absolute safety.

From the early days when traders shuttled across boundaries, buying and selling, traders from Lagos, Kwara, Shaki, Republic of Benin, Togo and indeed all the West African countries troop to Badagry every day for her abundance of sea fresh and dry fish like the popular Cat fish, Barakuta, Okodo, Owere and Tilapia, the big and small Crayfish, etc.

In addition, assorted fruits as God made them, all free of genetic interference by restless sons of men, are not left out. But

“Badagry is a town that boasts many beaches and resorts. It is a relaxation town ideal for vacation and holidays. You can spend just one day, a whole weekend or entire vacation with family and loved ones.” the biggest celebration of fruits in Badagry is the coconut, and all products made from both coconut and the palm tree that stand Badagry out as a centre of trade and tourism.

Daily Times visited the 61 year old Agbalata market, one of Badagry’s busiest trading grounds from the 1950s and sought to know what the attraction to this particular market is.

“All the commodities sold in Agbalata Market are sourced from within the soil and waters of Badagry,” Bernard CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

A holiday maker celebrates nature.

Features 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Anambra: The rally is the climax of political rivalry CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

also the home town of former Gov Peter Obi. Expectedly, Ekwunife was ultimately endorsed as the candidate of the Zone instead of Sir Victor Umeh, their National Chairman.

Speakers that addressed the crowd dealt several verbal blows on Umeh whom they described as a tyrant whose alleged greed and inordinate ambition are unlimited.

Barr. Jeo Martins Uzodike told a story of how Umeh has continued to hoodwink and pressurise Gov Willie Obiano to submission,

alleging that the governor is under bondage.

“This rally could be described as the climax of the political rivalry with no love lost between Ekwunife and Umeh who in the recent past were jolly good fellows in APGA,” a party lord told Daily Times.

Ever since the two declared their ambitions to run for the Senatorial seat of Anambra Central, it has been one trouble too many as each continues to trade words and counter allegations of violence and arson.

Umeh had earlier accused Ekwunife’s supporters of setting

his bill boards ablaze and attacking his members, while Ekwunife acknowledged that Umeh is facing the consequences of all the things he allegedly committed against APGA members who are now paying him back in his own coins.

This war has also been carried to the churches where they have constantly taken on each other in a bid to winning the support of the Christian community.

At every occasion that their parts crossed, it has been one long tale of attacks and counter attacks from each side of the divide.

Just a few weeks to the conduct of the National Assembly elections,

political observers have been wondering which of the two candidates would emerge the winner.

Also in Dunkofia Council Area where philanthropist and major financier of PDP in the country, Prince Arthur Eze comes from, Daily Times learnt that Umeh would find it difficult to dislodge Ekwunife.

In Awka North and South Council Areas, the odds still appear to be against Umeh, considering how the APGA primaries for the Federal Constituency allegedly shortchanged the incumbent, Chief Emeka Nwogbo who is now in All Progressives Congress APC.

Ekwunife

Badagry Beach.

Signpost showing where slaves were assembled.

Coconut candy flakes.

Coconut cup.

First storey building in Badagry.

All youths are gainfully engaged in Badagry CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Ojudina, one of the oldest bulk traders in the market told our correspondent. “The prices are cheap and affordable, which is why people from other states and neighbouring countries come into Badagry to buy and resell.”

On the massive trade of coconut in Badagry, Bernard said trading and exportation of coconut built up over time and later, palm tree produce was added. “Increase in the population and forces of demand turned the trade to a very lucrative business and, as you can see, we find ourselves struggling to meet demand from far and near all year round.”

There is hardly a jobless youth in Badagry because of the opportunity coconut business offers. Youths are too busy making money here to get into mischief like the idle ones in other cities; fathers and mothers also sustain their families by working or trading at the coconut

or fish arena.

A very busy team of able bodied men were seen loading shredded coconuts into trucks and interstate buses in both arenas, to be taken out of Badagry to the Northern states and beyond, Daily Times gathered. Inter-state buses also loading the natural product come regularly from Ibadan, Iseyin and other SouthWestern towns and cities.

Also speaking on the coconut business, a major exporter, Baba Ekundayo said they supply in large quantities to small scale industries for their production. “Apart from the export trade too, people here extract the coconut juice and make pomade from it which is used as body creams. It nourishes the body and brings out the beauty of our skin than the imported creams. It is natural, no additives or preservatives so it brings out the African beauty in our women.

“Depending on the choice and culture of a people and society, the usefulness of coconut is endless.

Whether you just eat the flesh, drink its juice, or use its oil, coconut is a delicious and nutritious source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.”

One of the regular customers of Baba Ekundayo, Mrs. Abigail Shofola told Daily Times that coconut oil is excellent for keeping one young and beautiful.

“I must say, that the use of coconut are too numerous.” She counted on her fingers: “The juice is useful for the wellness of the body, our people also make coconut oil from it which is the best oil for cooking, some people use coconut to make coconut soup and coconut candy for school children and, do you know?” she asked our correspondent, “If you eat a delicacy called coconut rice, you will agree there is nothing like it; and coconut shell, when boiled with other leaves, is good for malaria.”

Other local products the town offers include arrays of beautiful traditional mats woven in

attractive colours for domestic use and for export. Madam Ajero, a weaver and mat maker who supervises a workforce of eleven workers, four of them married with children, told Daily Times that even a lazy man in Badagry has no choice but to work.

Further to the West end of the market our correspondent spotted an Asian national almost dwarfed round about by mountains of shed coconuts in the market; behind him stood a shelf with assorted coconut products on display and for export.

In a brief chat with Daily Times, the Asian who asked to be identified only as Gomez said coconut oils extracted and bottled by local women contain amazing healing properties which are used as dietary and healing oil.

Apart from the economic gains derived from coconuts, Gomez said there are other health benefits as eating coconuts are excellent for boosting our immune system.

“Coconut oil is the main ingredient for producing coconut milk, butter, chips, flakes, etc.

We have researched and found that extracts from coconut kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and parasites among others.

“So we know that whether we eat coconut fresh, or use any of its products, it can cure some of mankind’s most resilient of illnesses such as influenza, throat infections and numerous other ailments. The products are also recommended for the treatment of skin disorder such as eczema. Also, regular eating or use of its products supports the development of strong bones and healthy teeth, and that is why Badagry people are strong and full of strength and vigour.”

What more can be said of the abundance of nature gifts to mankind in Badagry? It is said that a holiday in Badagry, or a weekend on the Badagry Beach, is a money well spent and time well utilised.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, March 25, 2015

31

Education

PTI: Host community protests lopsidedness in employment P28

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.73

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ÎÎÎI was in Lagos last week. I had left Abuja with a 1pm First Nation Airline flight that was delayed for about 30 minutes and arrived in Lagos some minutes to 3pm. Since I started travelling by air, last week Sunday’s flight to Lagos was my worst experience. The aircraft was just in trouble from takeoff to the time that we landed. The weather was so cruel that at a point the pilot announced that visibility was almost zero but added with muffled assurances that ‘it is nothing to worry about.”

After scaring the life out of us, the plane surprisingly landed with ease as many loudly thanked God for His mercies.

Although most of my activities in Lagos were conducted within the Ikoyi and Victoria Island axis,

ANAMBRA POLITICS: A tale of the gladiators

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Bonaventure Melah

Features

dailytimesng

2015: What I heard in Lagos last week I took accommodation in the Opebi, Ikeja area. I was therefore in different taxis, shuttling between where I stayed to where I carried out the activities that took me to Lagos; and this was between Sunday and Wednesday when I returned to Abuja. In all, I boarded different taxis 19 times.

As a concerned and patriotic citizen, I have passionately followed the political developments in the country as it relates to the 2015 general elections. I was interested also in knowing what is going on in Lagos, the de-facto headquarters of opposition in the country. So, I set out to seek information from the drivers as they picked and dropped me from and to Opebi. After exchanging pleasantries and making myself friendly with each driver, I would subtly pose the question, ‘What is happening in Lagos?’ to which most of them gave response that suggests the 2015 election is at the front burner of social life in the city.

“Who do you think would

win the governorship election in Lagos State,’ was my usual second question.

Honestly, I had expected that most of the drivers would say that the All

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win the election outright.

Five gave it to the APC while two said they were not interested in who becomes governor of the

Surprisingly, however, only three out of the 19 taxi drivers feared there would be violence after the elections as the others said nobody would influence them to risk their lives since, according to them, PDP or APC, ‘na dem dem.’

Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate Ambode would have a landslide.

This is in view of the huge media advantage that had always given the impression that Lagos was for the APC. But I was shocked that out of the 19 taxi drivers that I patronised, nine of them told me that Jimi Agbaje

state because according to them, PDP or APC, no one would better their lives after the elections.

The remaining three guys told me they would prefer Jimi Agbaje but feared Tinubu would rig the process in favour of Ambode.

On why they would prefer PDP to APC, those who said Agbaje would

win told me that Ambode was foisted on APC because he was a Bola Tinubu stooge. One of them told me that the APC candidate was once the Accountant General of Lagos State under Tinubu’s administration and had issues which were so serious that he was fired when Fashola came to office in 2007, but that Tinubu prevailed on Fashola to give the guy a soft-landing.

Honestly I could not verify the veracity of this allegation against Ambode from those I asked, but when I asked other drivers, they told me it was the truth that Ambode had issues concerning Lagos State Pension Funds.

One other driver said he was voting for Jimi Agbaje as a protest against the overbearing influence of Tinubu in Lagos. He said Lagos would be liberated from Tinubu once APC is thrown out of power in the State. In addition, majority of the drivers said Jimi Agbaje is very popular with a greater majority of Lagosians

because of his down-toearth style of life and grassroots leaning.

On the March 28 presidential contest between President Goodluck Jonathan and retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, eight of the drivers said they were not interested on who wins the election as their primary focus is who would better their lives in Lagos, in view of what one of them described as dubious double tax regime and other unjustifiable levies they pay while struggling to put food on the table of their individual families.

While seven said they would vote for Jonathan, five preferred a Buhari led Presidency come May 29 this year. Surprisingly however, only three out of the 19 taxi drivers feared there would be violence after the elections as the others said nobody would influence them to risk their lives since according to them, PDP or APC, ‘na dem dem.’

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

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Ezinne Akudo L7

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A charitable beauty

Ahmadu Augustine Obiabo L2 makes

P

a come back

The George wrapper:

L6 A classic fashion statement

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday March 25, 2015

I’ve learnt to keep my enemies close

Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo Issac Oguntoye Known by his stage name, Blackface Naija, he is a dancehall artist and song writer best known as one third of the defunct boy group, Plantashun boys and the co-writer of the hit single, African Queen with 2face Idibia, a song made famous by the latter after it appeared on his debut solo album, Face 2 Face in 2004. The Festac town based singer who has been AWOL from the music industry opens up about his musical career and what he has been up to these past few years.

You suddenly went on AWOL from the music scene without notice. What has been happening to you?

The reason why I have not been on the mainstream music scene like every other musician is because I have been trying to get all my songs ready. I just wanted to take sometime out to see the direction the inthat quietly. The album I want to put out now is titled The Defender and I have a video out there called Ikebe Super. I also have some singles like, Love2love U, Mr DJ and Big Pale.

In the album, there will be variety of songs to listen to. In fact, by the time I stage a proper come back, my fans a time that there was no Blackface.

A lot has changed while you were away. Judging by what is now obtainable in the industry, If you remember, I came into this game when the industry had no face or vision, so to speak. I know what the game was and I know what the game is like now. The difference right now is that, when I wanted to change the game back then, I was doing it

had expected you to come up with something bigger than your debut album but it has not been forthcoming. What actually happened?

When I dropped my debut album, Getto Child, everybody was like, “oh this is a new style” and all that. After that, I dropped Evergreen and everyone was still feeling it. My third album was titled Jungle Fever which was also a huge success. And hear my song these days like every other artists is that, there is a lot of politics going on and I cannot control the politics. First, my songs are

play most those tunes because they will tell you it is against the govern-

at the receiving end of those kind of marginalization. It is the system but if the system is well structured that they appreciate the artists for their art and play the songs regardless of who he or she is, the industry will move forward. Another thing is that, some of the artistes have the money to pay for airtime, and with that, they get to play their songs whether the songs person that is going to say, “Oh DJ, I have some money to give you, play my song on the radio. My own is DJ, this is my song, if you like the song, play it. That is how it should be. If everybody starts giving money to DJs, Nigerians will listen to anything and I of the reasons why I had to sit back and watch.

After your solo album, everyone

never been dependent on anyone.

Life&

T E A M

doing it alone.

There is this belief that, you are full of yourself and that is the reason why you have gone under musically No, that is not true but then, everybody is entitled to his or her own opinion. But you have to know one

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

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

Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo

the beginning till date. Some of them get favours by being under someone who is more or less like their cash cow, who helps to push them popular than most of them and people still value my music more than that. I know my position and I know what the game is like. People can say whatever they like about me to have anything to do with why I am not too active in the music industry. I know I am still myself and when you meet me one-on-one, you will get to

any day.

God has given to you but they can pay the media to write false propaganda about you.

and the bad of the industry.

What have you learnt so far from it?

Is adding Naija to your stage name part of your re-branding effort?

emies close. In this game, the person whom you feel is going to have your back is the one person who

naija. If you search on the internet, there are several Blackfaces and I

to the top at all. So, it is better for you to just have an open mind and pray to God to give you the insight ways practice your craft because

arrogant as they have tried to paint

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

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

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

another person. But Blackfacenaija is just one if you search from now till best way for people to know me is to know that my name is Blackfacenaija.

Continued on page 4

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

10

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday March 25, 2015

9 Gadino Bag by Hilde Palladino Price: $38,470

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dile Handbag $38,000

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most

expensive

8

handbags

$42,000

L3 Luxury

2 Price: $1.9 million

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in the world Nkarenyi Ukonu

7

1

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3

Price: $92,000

Price: $261,000

Price: $3.8 million -

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Bag Price: $120,000

Price: $150,000

Price: $250,000 -

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coveted item in the fashion

Luxury L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday March 25, 2015

Why the Hermes Birkin bag is the most sought after and the most cloned bag Its history in 1981, Hermès chief executive, Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to British singer and

Each bag is hand-sewn, buffed, painted, and polished, taking several from different tanners in France, resulting in varying smells and textures.

Because of the individual craftsmanship, other details of the bags may not all match.

Paris to London. She had just placed her straw bag in the overhead compartment of her seat, but the contents fell to the deck, leaving her to scramble to replace them. Birkin explained to Dumas that it had been

Hermès boutiques on unpredictable schedules and in limited quantities, creating scarcity and exclusivity.

bag she liked. In 1984, he created a black supple leather bag for her, based on a 1982 design. The bag has since become an icon.

cost more than those with larger scales and is lined with goat-skin.

The color of the interior will always matches the exterior.

to its high price and usage by celebrities. Its prices range from $10,500 to $150,000. Costs escalate according to the type of materials used to make it; from calf leather, ostrich, crocodile, and lizard. The most expensive is the one made of saltwater crocodile

of sizes. Each one may be made to order with different customer-chosen There are other individual options, such as diamond-encrusting.

of it, compared to other bags, based on the meticulous craftsmanship and scarcity.

several years, was reputed for having a waiting list of up to six years, the longest wait for any bag in history. As a result of the strong demand, the it has a high resale value in many countries, especially in Asia. plaining and guiding women on how to buy a Birkin are very popular.

in France by expert artisans. The ing, developed in the 1800s, is one distinctive feature that sets it apart.

Interview

I’ve learnt to keep my enemies close Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo Continued from page 2

has been my friend from way back.

Why would they say that? Is it because of the propaganda thing they put out. It is still all about the pro-

ally wanted to signed me on but I told them, I was with the boys and

want people to hear. How will I be the one to break up the group when and what not to do? They just want

time. I can beat my chest that I am a self made dude. I made it despite all odds. Anybody who wants to put my name down because they want to sell somebody else, is just wasting this or her time because once I catch them on stage, their career is over.

And they are doing their own music

they have any problem with me.

to another colour.

tography, the cinematography and some of the artistes are highly creative. Some artistes are trying to create real music while some are still copycats. The industry is growing at its own pace. I want to commend those artistes that are doing good music and those who are trying to create a style for themselves but all those ones that always want to copy other people songs, I say, everyday for the thief, one day for the owner.

but few are chosen, I know I am one of the chosen few that God has said to go speak to my people. Use your music to talk to them. Try to give them some education with your mu-

boiz is for three people and there used to be a time where I could de-

Did you know that...............

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-

-

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want to see you succeed. Anything

Abdukareem is my friend and he

You think you know Blackfacenaija?

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I think, it had to do with the structure and the planning of the album.

Ego was also part of the problem because ego is the worst thing that can creep into a group.

doing my love song, dancehall, R&B and other genre of music.

-

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday March 25, 2015

Out boring nail shape, in

almond nails Nkarenyi Ukonu

Statement nails are in vogue now and no style makes more impact than beautiful almond-shaped nails. The almondshaped nail is feminine, sophisticated, and modern. They have always been a classic vogue style for women right from the vintage era till date. With an elongated shape, the possibilities are seemingly stunning. However, the almond-shaped their edginess, but you can adapt the length of the nails to suit your personal life style. Proper care is needed as the sharp tip of the nail can easily chip when subjected to pressure.

Nail polish

10 tips to get well groomed nails Nkarenyi Ukonu Want

beautiful,

come in the way of your daily chores and clip them regularly. Besides nails that are Your regular hand cream is too long are prone to breaksometimes not enough. In or- ing. der to take good care of your nails, you need to get special nail creams. Quite affordable, products regularly.

strong

break? Follow these tips for strong, elegant, pretty and feminine looking nails

1. Make rubber gloves your friends

Do not try to do the dishes or clean your home without wearing rubber gloves. The chemicals you use for cleaning are very strong and can really damage your hands and your nails. Not only that they will make your nails weaker, they could also give you nasty burns.

2. Calcium gels and nail hardeners

Even though they can make your nails stronger, away. You may need to give it some time and use the

3. Nail creams

6. Filing and polishing

you.

4. Cuticle removing

so that every time you clip

One of the biggest mistakes many do when it comes to their nail is cutting the cuticles. This should never be done. Instead, apply cuticle remover gel or cream and gently push your cuticles with a cuticle stick.

one direction only. Whn you move to the left and right, you are actually creating tiny cracks that weaken your nails. Polish your nails not more than once a month. If you do it too often, you can make your nails thinner and weaker.

5. Regular clipping

7. Easy on the nail polish

You really have no reason to have super long nails. Not only is it unpractical, it makes you look a bit slutty and dirty.

Keep your nails at length in

Although colourful nails are quite cool, they actually do a lot of damage to your nails. The reason is that nail polishes contain acetone which makes your nails soft.

more than once a week and buy only high quality nail polishes. Throw nail polish piration date.

8. Oil based nail polish removals

The bad effect of acetone on nails requires that you invest in oil based nail polish removers. they are much less harmful

9. Acrylic or gel nails

Acrylic and gels keep natural nails from breaking.

Be careful though as some people react badly to them not to talk of the risk of pulling your natural nail together when it is applied. It can hurt

10. Keep your nails healthy

No treatment or special

know how to keep your nails healthy.

Acrylic or gel nails

L5 Beauty

Trado Fashion L6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday March 25, 2015

The George wrapper: An ethnic fashion statement Nkarenyi Ukonu The George wrapper is one of the most important and elegant piece of clothing favoured by mostly women from the South South and South Eastern parts of Nigeria.

Originally from India where it was used to make saris, the fabric has since gone on to become highly favoured by almost all ethnic groups in Nigeria and among the young and the old.

A two-piece affair, it is often worn with a stylish sewn blouse and a head tie that gives off a glam look and not to mention that it is quite the fashion staple that can never be replaced by western wears.

Care must however be taken when tying the two -piece George.

Tie it wrongly and your movement becomes hindered. The trick is being able to tie the inner one perfectly and in in its full length. Tie with legs spread apart for ease of movement and also tie the upper one short enough to create that distinct look. Be careful not to tie the shorter one too tight as well.

Because of the delicate nature of the George wrapper, with all of the intricate beadings and stones, avoid washing it too often. Air dry after each use and only hand wash carefully with a laundry bar soap after several uses. Unsure you can hand wash it yourself? Take it to a professional dry cleaner who is well versed in handling materials of a delicate nature like the George wrapper.

Evelyn

Ashionye Raccah

Mrs Gboneme

Daisy Danjuma

Maiden Ibru

Chinenye Ojiako

...And throw on the neck piece as well Statement making necklace or beads are a must have fashion accessory for the traditional look. Get inspiration for yours with these looks

Bellisimo beads

Lola Omotayo-Okoye Shade Okoya

Oma beads

Osazeme beads

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday March 25, 2015

L7 Global Fashion & Beauty News

Nkarenyi Ukonu and Mutiat Alli

Miss Nigeria floats foundation

Top Model, Adeola Ariyo Becomes Brand Ambassador for Elizabeth Arden

As part of an initiative to give back to society, Miss Nigeria, Ezinne -

beth Arden brand of cosmetics took

made known at a media parley held yesterday at the new operational of-

already, top model, Adeola Ariyo has been announced as not only their brand ambassador in Nigeria but in all of Africa. Adeola who has been in the modeling Industry since the age of 13, having been signed on to one els1, began her modeling career in 2005 when she entered the Nokia

dress noted that establishing a foundation like this has always been her topmost objective even before she entered for the Miss Nigeria beauty

ter she won the crown in 2013, had worked towards ensuring its emergence and functionality as her own way of rendering assistance to the

held in South Africa and represented position. Adeola who stayed back has graced runways in Europe and

has also been in almost every single including Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie etc and has also done major campaigns for American Swiss, Ackermans, Woolworths, Edgars, and Mr movie, Doomsday, directed by Neil Marshall, and acted alongside A list actors such as Bob Hoskins, Adrian she was chosen as the only black model to appear in Sports Illustrated South Africa, a swimwear magazine

Adeola Ariyo that has featured fellow models, singer, Beyonce. Currently signed to Boss Models in South Africa and had a very successful modeling career and plans to coach and guide other aspiring models who have the potential of becoming a great success in the modeling industry.

Zainab Saleh becomes 58th President Of International Women’s Society ciation, embracing women from all over the world was founded in 1957 by public spirited women of all nationalities who had a common goal to foster cooperation and interaction between women and to uplift the situation of women and children.

doubled as a fund raising one took

attended by members and supporters of IWS, including; Maiden Ibru, Marlies Allan, Mariam Bello, Yusuf sore, Nkiru Anumudu, Ekua Abudu,

International Women at the Hague in the Netherlands, the IWS is a a gious and non-governmental asso-

wards empowering women and children across the continent and also raising general awareness on rape and sexual abuse in the society.

“We at the foundation will be providing medical and social rehabilitation to female victims of sexual violence and we also hope to establish a shelter in the nearest future, called the half-way home for victims”. She viding transportation services to victims from the mainland to the island, lic Defendants, the Mirabel Centre amongst others. Guests were taken round the different sections of the

Ezinne Akudo and members of her team

unveiling were the Marketing ManRotimi.

liams show, Wendy Williams is getting ready for her HSN collection debut which she introduced during a fashion show on her talk show.

Wendy who put into consideration three things; fashionable, easy and affordable, while designing says the collection would be avail-

able on hsn.com and would feature collection is divided into work wear, weekend wear and loungewear, and every item retails for less than $100. skirts, tops, sweaters, pants, leggings, jackets and outer wear.

Supermodel, Jordan Dunn turns to designing

-

Supermodel and face of Maybelline New York, Jourdan Dunn, is venturing even further into the fashion world as a designer but not into the world of Haute Couture or Ready-

du and several others elite

Wendy Williams

L-R: Hajiya Mariam Bello, Ms. Rashida Saleh, Hajiya Zainab Saleh, Hajiya Amina Saleh, Hajiya Aishatu J Isa & Mrs. Iyabo R MacGregor

Director, Chioma Nwigwe, Counsellor, Ngozi Okonkwo, Counsellor, Bolanle Ajiboye, Founder, Ezinne Akudo & Director OPD, Mrs Rotimi

Talk show host, Wendy Williams introduces apparel line

In celebration of International day the 8th of March, International day, 10th of March, held an Investiture ceremony for Hajiya Zainab -

gerian National Council of Women

Ezinne Akudo

model is combining her knowledge of the fashion world and being a mother, to create a kids and young adult line with her 5-yearold son, Riley, and her love for kids clothes as her inspiration. She will be

partnering with British licensing agenwhich will result in at least two collections, featurjumpers

and a c cessories.

Jordan Dunn

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday March 25, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

135 BET

130 MTV

00:00

00:10

Tue, 24 Mar | 16 L

Tue, 24 Mar | 16

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

154 AfricaMagic Family 128 SONY MAX

L8 Television

124 E!

X4

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

X5

QUOTES BY

“

JAMES RODRIGUEZ

XT Exclusive

Poster!

FARAH in race row

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

PERSONAL INFORMATION

JAMES RODRIGUEZ

X7

Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

James Rodríguez James David Rodríguez Rubio July 12, 1991 (age 23) Cucuta, Colombia 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) Attacking midfielder/Winger Real Madrid 10

Youth career 1995–2007:

Envigado

Senior career 2007–2008: 2008–2010: 2010–2013: 2013–2014: 2014–Present:

Envigado Banfield Porto Monaco Real Madrid

National team 2007: 2011: 2011–Present:

Colombia U-17 Colombia U-20 Colombia

It’s one thing looking in from the outside, but when you come to Real Madrid - it’s something else entirely. I always considered Real Madrid to be a big club, but now I’m on the inside; it’s the biggest club in the world.

That is football, sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. You always have to have a winning mentality. We put pressure on them and tried to score. It was an unfair result. The referee always tries to make fair decisions but in the end it was a little wrong.

I and my wife always dance. As soon as in the house the music is playing, we dance to it, especially when we have friends in the house. You can see it when I celebrate the goal. I think that separation from the ball is important. For me it is the best way to relax.

–James Rodriguez

”

JAMES

X4,5

“Yes, I heard that James signed yesterday. And to be honest I think he’s a fantastic player. Real Madrid also bought Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich, so I think they’ve invested very well. They will be a great reinforcement for the team. I’m looking forward to playing with them.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

RODRIGUEZ Wednesday, March 25, 2015

E

, S E GL

EA Mourinho counts down to EPL title quest X8

S E N A CR UYO ON SET

!

E R FI X2

Brook challenges

Mayweather X8

X7

X2

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

UYO AGOG, AS M EAGLES, CRANES DO BATTLE

Andrew Ekejiuba ajor sponsor of Nigerian national teams, Globacom, has declared support for the Super Eagles ahead of the international friendly match between the Eagles and Cranes of Uganda scheduled for Ibom International Stadium today.

Globacom, in a press statement in Lagos on Tuesday, stated that the Eagles need maximum support from Nigerians in their quest to return to reckoning after missing out of the last Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

“Our focus should be on getting the team in shape ahead of the qualifying matches for the next Africa Cup of Nations,” the company said.

Globacom, therefore, advised

T

the coaches to assemble the best players both from the Glo Premier League and the foreign leagues with the aim of building a formidable team that will stand the test of time and make Nigeria proud in subsequent competitions.

Meanwhile, the invited players under the watchful eyes of Coach Daniel Amokachi and his coaching crew have intensified preparation for the encounter at Akwa Ibom Stadium with the players assuring Nigerians of a good outing in the match.

Zambia hosts Dream Team April 11

Super Eagles line up before a match he stately Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, will come alive today, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Cranes of Uganda lock horns in a prestigious international friendly match.

The last time the venue witnessed elemental explosion of football proportions was when the Super Eagles hosted the Bafana Bafana in a

...Glo backs Eagles to beat Uganda

30th Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. The match ended 2-2 apiece.

The Bafana Bafana will be on the Super Eagles’ mind when they take on Uganda, as they also have a date with the South Africans in Nelspruit four days later.

Coincidentally, the first and last clashes between Nigeria and Uganda

at senior level ended in 2-1 wins for the Cranes.

On March 14, 1978, Nigeria lost an Africa Cup of Nations semifinal to Uganda 1-2 in Ghana, with both goals scored by Phillip Omondi. The last time both teams squared off was on June 2, 2007, the Cranes coming from behind to win 2-1 after John Utaka had put Nigeria ahead in a 2008 Nations Cup qualifier in Kampala.

C

ontrary to the stipulation of a letter from the Football Association of Zambia to the Nigeria Football Federation that it will host the second leg of the final round of the 11th All Africa Games in Ndola on Saturday, April 4, CAF has ruled that the match will go ahead on the weekend of April 10-12.

It means the Dream Team have more time to prepare for the

showdown at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium, Ndola, after both teams tied 0-0 in the first leg at the National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday.

Coach Samson Siasia and wards have a job on their hands as NFF President Amaju Pinnick has stated in clear terms that the team must qualify for the Men’s Football Tournament of the All Africa Games slated for Congo-Brazzaville, September 3-18 this year.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

Mike Otanwa

F

lying Eagles coach Manu Garba says he is unfazed with the prospect of facing Brazil at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Nigeria will play in Group E of the U-20 World Cup against heavyweights Brazil, Hungary and North Korea after emerging as winners at the just ended Africa Youth Championship (AYC) in Senegal.

But despite the prospect of facing tough opponents in the group, Manu says he is unperturbed about who they face.

“Every team that will be at the World Cup has equal opportunities of winning the World Cup, so let’s not start thinking one team is the favourite.

“I believe every team that have qualified to be good because they wouldn’t be there if they aren’t good.

“So whether we are playing Brazil or not doesn’t bother me at all. It’s the same thing and all the teams will go there and prove what they can do,” he said.

The Flying Eagles returned to the country from Senegal on Monday, where they won a record seventh AYC title, beating hosts Senegal 1-0 in the final, courtesy of a wonder striker from forward Bernard Bulbwa.

U-20 W/CUP FLYING EAGLES FEAR NO FOE

–GARBA

EURO BRIEFS

Di Maria

Barca, PSG battle for

Di Maria Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are set to battle it out for Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria in the summer.

Di Maria has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League since his summer arrival from Real Madrid, with recent reports already linking the 27-year-old winger with an Old Trafford exit.

Suarez

Ighodaro’s transfer fee lands Raja in CAF’s net

Suarez:

Neymar will win Ballon d´Or

Mike Otanwa

E

nugu Rangers have reported Raja Casablanca to Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the Moroccan club failed to credit their domiciliary account with the transfer fee of Osaguona Ighodaro.

The Flying Antelopes agreed to shred the agreement binding them with the attacker in the January transfer window on the proviso that Raja Casablanca will pay 150,000 euros immediately to a nominated account at First Bank Uwani, Enugu.

But more than two months after the transfer was consummated, Raja Casablanca have failed to liquidate the outstanding liability despite several demand notices sent to the CAF Champions League campaigners by the Enugu Rangers hierarchy.

Before Osaguona’s International Transfer Certificate was sent to the Moroccan Federation, Raja Casablanca had written a letter of undertaking to Enugu Rangers, guaranteeing that the transfer fee will be remitted in three installments.

However, they defaulted in paying the first installment of 75,000 Euros , which was supposed to have been honored not later than January 30, 2015, with the second and third installment of 37,500 Euros each falling due on March 30 and June 30 respectively.

Enugu Rangers have asked the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and CAF to withdraw Osaguona Ighodaro’s license. The Nigeria international has notched three goals in the Champions League so far.

X3

El Clasico hero Luis Suarez has backed Barcelona team-mate Neymar to be crowned the best player in the world during his career and win the Ballon d’Or. The Uruguayan was the matchwinner in Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Camp Nou as Luis Enrique’s front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Suarez proved too strong for the visitors.

Garba

NWFL: Onyedinma assures on improved season Ben Nwachukwu Abuja

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hairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Dilichukwu Onyedimma, has assured the teeming followers of women football league in the country that the incoming season would be rewarding for football, even as she disclosed that insecurity in the North Eastern part of the country was the basic problem they faced

in the past season.

Speaking at the 2014 NWFL Congress in Abuja on Tuesday, Onyedimma said though there were lots of assurances from Adamawa State Government, sponsors of Adamawa Queens, most of the teams refused to travel to the state to honour their matches.

She further said the case was taken to the NFF disciplinary committee that advised the federation leadership to give

further directives on the issue.

Onyedimma, an Executive Committee member of the NFF also noted that the NWFL has contributed immensely to the successes of the country’s national womens’ teams both at the age grade and the senior levels.

She maintained that the national U-17 women team (Flamengoes) last year played to quarter finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup with all the players coming from the league and some grassroots clubs.

Simeone

Simeone agrees new Atletico deal Diego Simeone has agreed a new five-year deal with Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, which will keep him under contract at the Vicente Calderon until 2020. The former Argentina international was due to be out of contract in 2017 but, amid speculation of interest from the likes of Manchester City, Simeone has now committed his immediate future to the club.

X4

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

QUOTES BY

“

JAMES RODRIGUEZ

PERSONAL INFORMATION Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

James Rodríguez James David Rodríguez Rubio July 12, 1991 (age 23) Cucuta, Colombia 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) Attacking midfielder/Winger Real Madrid 10

Youth career 1995–2007:

Envigado

Senior career 2007–2008: 2008–2010: 2010–2013: 2013–2014: 2014–Present:

Envigado Banfield Porto Monaco Real Madrid

National team 2007: 2011: 2011–Present:

Colombia U-17 Colombia U-20 Colombia

It’s one thing looking in from the outside, but when you come to Real Madrid - it’s something else entirely. I always considered Real Madrid to be a big club, but now I’m on the inside; it’s the biggest club in the world.

That is football, sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. You always have to have a winning mentality. We put pressure on them and tried to score. It was an unfair result. The referee always tries to make fair decisions but in the end it was a little wrong.

I and my wife always dance. As soon as in the house the music is playing, we dance to it, especially when we have friends in the house. You can see it when I celebrate the goal. I think that separation from the ball is important. For me it is the best way to relax.

–James Rodriguez

”

JAMES

RODRI

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

“Yes, I heard that James signed yesterday. And to be honest I think he’s a fantastic player. Real Madrid also bought Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich, so I think they’ve invested very well. They will be a great reinforcement for the team. I’m looking forward to playing with them.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

RIGUEZ

X5

X6

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

BARRIOS: Good things come to those who wait, as Lucas Barrios would surely attest.

Fresh from a training session with Montpellier on March 10, the Paraguayan striker answered his telephone for a pre-arranged interview with FIFA.com, only to cut short the conversation. “I’m sorry, but can we speak again in five minutes?” he asked, the joy and excitement obvious in his voice. “I’ve got the national coach on the line and he’s just selected me.”

The call from Ramon Diaz had come out of the blue, but this was precisely the news that Barrios had long been hoping for. After three years in the wilderness, the player who made his name with Colo Colo and Borussia Dortmund was back in the Paraguay fold.

Those three years were largely spent coping with injuries and occupying the bench at Guangzhou Evergrande in China PR and Russian outfit Spartak Moscow, where he seemed to suffer more fitness problems than he scored goals.

When he spoke a little later to FIFA.com, Barrios shared his thoughts on his renewed form, his return to the national side and his optimism for Paraguay’s future under new coach, Ramon Diaz. Excerpts:

Lucas, what has happened to your twin brother – the player who looked just like you and wore the same shirt, but did not score a single goal for Montpellier until December?

It’s true that the first few months were tough. I arrived at the end of August and the time it took me to integrate into the team, move from Russia to France and get used to French football cost me a lot in terms of adaptation. By the end of November, I started to feel better, and in the first few games in December I started to play more regularly and began scoring again. Since then, my luck has returned in front of goal.

Was it easier working to get back to your best at Montpellier than it might have been at a big club, with lots of pressure?

For me, it’s difficult to say there’s no pressure. When you’ve achieved things in football in the past, people obviously have expectations.

Montpellier expected a lot from me, and right from the very first months. They wanted the Lucas who played for Dortmund. I went through a difficult time – everyone was asking why I’d chosen Montpellier and told me I could’ve chosen a better club.

But I made this choice because first and foremost they chose me and had faith in me. I played with that pressure on me and I managed to get through that slightly tricky period.

Were you afraid that you might never get back to your best after those difficult times and the injuries you picked up in China and Russia?

The only thing keeping me away from my best level was a lack of consistent playing time. I came over from Russia without having played much, and that interrupted my rhythm.

But I played in China, scored lots of goals and contributed to us winning the championship. After that I had to deal with an injury, which cost me my place and caused me to lose momentum. You can lose your rhythm, but you mustn’t doubt your ability. I didn’t forget what I

was able to do.

I’M A

GOALSCORER

FOR LIFE!

support my team without bitterness.

Right now, though, I have another chance to help directly, and my only goal is to take the national side back to the level it deserves to be.

You have just been called up by Ramon Diaz for the games against Costa Rica and Mexico on March 26 and 31. What did that mean to you after three years out of the squad and missing the qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil?

It’s a huge joy because I’ve worked hard to get back into the squad after some difficult years. It was painful not to be there when the team needed all its players. This call-up is a reward for my efforts, all the work I’ve put in over the last half a year, the tough times I’ve been through and my renewed form in front of goal, thanks in part to Montpellier’s help. I’m happy to have made it, and now I need to show that I can be consistent at that level and that I deserve my place in top-class European football, as I’ve shown in the past.

Do you see Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay as favourites once again for the Copa America in June, or are you expecting a more open tournament?

Let’s not forget our history just yet – people in South America know all about Paraguay’s quality. We’re a strong team that only missed out on qualifying for the World Cup because we had to implement some big changes.

Unfortunately, they didn’t work, but you mustn’t forget that Paraguay were runners-up at the last Copa America.

It’s true that no one would back Paraguay to win the Copa America, but, whatever the competition, we’re a team that’s never easy to play against.

Given the quality we have, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Paraguay fighting to win the tournament once again this year.

Paraguay are traditionally renowned for their defensive strength. With a former forward now serving as coach, do you see the team’s style of play changing?

Ramon coming in with his ideas and experience can be beneficial to the side.

For us forwards, it’s an advantage to know we have a coach who was an important player in our position. He’s also someone who has won titles and has experience at national and international level. He’s a real boon for Paraguay, and he gives us more of a chance of having a great Copa America.

His vision of the game as a striker could change our style, and at the very least it will give us extra options, but we can’t turn our backs on what’s been our major strength: Paraguay have always been a difficult side to beat and we need to stay that way.

Diaz recently told FIFA.com that he is hoping for a lot from experienced players based in Europe. Is that not a perfect description of you?

Exactly, yes (laughs)! Myself and the other experienced players are always available to help the national team.

Barrios

Despite not being called up for two years and having turned 30, I never gave up on the idea of playing for the national side again and helping out.

Ramon understands that he needs

people – both players and staff – who’d never hesitate to make any sacrifice to help the national team, given the difficult years we went through. If I don’t get called up, I can accept that and

Will it be special for you to play in Chile, where you are still idolised by Colo Colo fans, and against Argentina, who are in Paraguay’s group?

You can never know who the coach will pick, but if I manage to make it into the squad I’ll feel at home in Chile.

There are a lot of people who like me there. The Colo Colo fans will support me, and since half the country follows the club, that could mean a fair few supporters for Paraguay (laughs). The game against Argentina will be special because my dad and my family are almost all Argentinian and I was born there, but that’s as far as it goes. I’m 100 per cent committed to Paraguay and on that day Argentina won’t be my second country – they’ll just be a team we need to beat. My mother, the woman who gave me life, also gave me Paraguayan blood and the opportunity to play for the national side. They’re the team I chose and the team I’ll defend to my death.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

X7

Farah

H A R A F

Athletics

embroiled in a new ritain’s Mo Farah has become Roncero said the ian race row after Spain’s Fab record does not an ope Eur Olympic star’s new

B

count. alia before moving to Farah, who was born in Som first British runner to break Britain aged eight, became the the European record in a ke the hour-mark when he bro onds to win the Lisbon halftime of 59 minutes and 32 sec marathon on Sunday. seconds off the European In so doing, Farah took a full 20 - and the Spaniard has ago best set by Roncero 14 years e, saying it should not anc form per reacted bitterly to the kground. count because of the Brit’s bac is a record for Somalia,” on Lisb in ken bro was “What t he remains the “fastest tha Roncero said, being adamant born in Europe”. that Mo Farah now holds “Although the official lists say me the 800m European the half-marathon record, for an Coe, the 1,500m asti record holder remains Seb 5,000m (German) Dieter (Spaniard) Fermin Cacho, the uese) Antonio Pinto,” he Baumann and 10,000m (Portug added.

Football

IN

NEW RACE ROW

Platini M

re-elected as UEFA boss

ichel Platini was on Tuesday re-elected unchallenged for a third term as UEFA president and insisted “you know that you can count on me”. It was confirmed at the UEFA Congress in Vienna that the legendary former France international will continue in the role for at least another four years Mayweath er

Boxing

Brook throws challenge to

MAYWEATHER

B

ritish boxer Kell Brook has admitted he longs to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. once the American’s much-anticipated bout with Manny Pacquiao concludes.

Brook’s record stands at an impressive 33-0 (22 knockouts). He is the current IBF welterweight champion after defeating Shawn Porter last August, and after his upcoming title defence against Jo Jo Dan on Saturday, he wishes to set his sight on the best. He confirmed he will be in attendance when Mayweather next steps into the ring.

“I and promoter Eddie Hearn will be out there in Vegas, enjoying ourselves, watching that fight. I want Mayweather. I want the best pound-for-pound fighter that everyone has titled him as. I want to fight the very best—I’m in my prime, I’m unbeaten, I’m world champion,” he said.

Cricket

I’ll sledge India if Warner won’t, says

Johnson F

ast bowler Mitchell Johnson says he is considering taking on the role of Australia’s Sledger-in-Chief for Thursday’s World Cup semi-final against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Outspoken opener David Warner has been on his best behaviour at the World Cup after getting into hot water over a series of spats with the Indian side during the test series over the New Year.

The fiery exchanges continued into the Tri-series and Warner was fined for asking India’s Rohit Sharma to “speak English” during a slanging match in a onedayer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in January.

“I heard Davy said he wasn’t going to get involved in all that stuff,” paceman Johnson said.

“Someone’s got to do it and I might put my hand up. Its part of the game and what happened the other day with Shane Watson and Wahab Riaz was exceptional.

“I thought it was great entertainment and I think you’re going to see more entertainment in this game.”

Watson had the last laugh on Pakistan paceman Wahab after their compelling duel in the quarterfinals last week when he helped steer Australia to victory. Both players were later fined.

Motorsport

Hamilton buys Ferrari

LaFerrari

L

ewis Hamilton has recently added an impressive hypercar to his collection, a Ferrari LaFerrari.

There is no surprise anymore that Lewis Hamilton likes his rides powerful and the newest addition made to his garage is an impressive Ferrari LaFerrari.

This will be joining the one-off Pagani Zonda 760 LH, the Shelby Mustang GT500, the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series or the Mercedes A45 AMG. The Ferrari LaFerrari has been produced in just 499 units and, besides being very rare, it is also very expensive, as it costs approximately $2 million.

This is the company’s first ever hybrid and it has been officially presented to the public during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The hypercar is rivaling the McLaren P1 and the Porsche 918 Spyder and it is coming with a rear midengine and a rear-wheel drive layout, in a two-door coupe body style. It has a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine under its hood, with 789 HP (588 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, backed up by a KERS unit, with 161 HP (120 kW).

X8

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

CHELSEA

Costa

Remy

L

oring oic Remy says sc ainst ag er Chelsea’s winn ible ss po de Hull was ma s. fan b’s clu e th of by the reaction by e leagu They now lead the in hand me ga a th wi s, int six po icester Le b clu against bottom still to come. it is really “For me as a player, of d moment good to live this kin were crazy ey th with the fans —

after game,” he said. nt thing is “The most importa as much m tea e that I helped th as possible. hard like I “I’m just working e. And I for showed people be at Diego th ow kn never give up. I is the No1. eds me, I “The manager ne . That’s him give my best for simple.”

D

ruled out of international duty

iego Costa will return to Chelsea after being ruled out of Spain’s upcoming international matches against Ukraine and Holland with a hamstring injury.

The Blues star limped off from their 3-2 win over Hull with 15 minutes remaining, on Sunday.

And now, Spain have announced that the 26-yearold will return to his club for treatment during the international break.

Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) medical staff confirmed the injury in tests in Madrid and Costa has withdrawn from the squad.

Y M RE EA S L E H C FANS

Blues have passed biggest test in title chase

–TERRY

ohn Terry claims Chelsea have passed their biggest test of the season by beating Hull.

Jose Mourinho’s side looked to be running out of steam when they crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Paris St-Germain and were then held to a draw at home to Southampton.

And when struggling Hull recovered from two goals down with a quick-fire double at the KC Stadium on Sunday, Chelsea’s title chase had suddenly become a stagger.

Loic Remy’s second half winner settled any nerves though putting them six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on all their rivals.

And according to skipper Terry, Chelsea have answered their doubters.

“When you set the standard as high as we have done from the word go, then starting dropping points at home and going out of the Champions League, once again it comes back to character,” he said.

“But showing character is what we have been about for years.”

The joy on the faces of the players at the final whistle suggested their latest triumph felt like a key moment in the season.

Terry

HAILS

Mourinho counts down matches to title

Mourinho

ose Mourinho is counting down the games to when his team is to be crowned champions.

The 3-2 win at Hull City, after letting slip a 2-0 lead before Loic Remy notched up the winner gave the manager a huge sigh of relief.

“We let the lead go but played fantastic football with the ball,” he said.

“At half time we wanted to play the same football as we played at the beginning of the game.

“I told the players there is no point in analysing details and mistakes.

“At 2-2 the team felt deeply and we did not pass well after that, but from the first minute of the second half we went back to our quality football to create movement.

And sooner or later the goals arrived,” Mourinho said.

Hull second goal was a comedy of errors when a back pass to Thibaut Courtois saw the goalkeeper make hash of it, allowing Abel Hernandez the simplest of chance to slide the ball into an empty net.