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ÎÎÎFormer Secretary to the Government of

the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, who regained freedom from his abductors on Thursday told close relatives that he slept on bare floor for the three days he was in captiv-

ity.

He also said his abductors made him to trek from Ilado to Owo, which is a distance of about 30 kilometres. dailytimesng

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A source told our correspondent that “Baba has just narrated his ordeal to some Continued on page 6 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.197

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 22nd September 2015.

SEPLAT

255

12.00

4.71%

FO

231.09

2.29

0.99%

STANBIC

21.07

-0.59

-2.80%

WAPCO

97.46

-0.54

-0.55%

NB

140.02

3.62

2.59%

DANGCEM

168

1.96

1.17%

FLOURMILL

22

-0.54

-2.45%

GUARANTY

24.15

-0.35

-1.45%

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Nigerians among 717 dead pilgrims in Mecca Ï d ƑƗƈ Ə Ɠ ^Əƈ ƅƆ ƏƗƆƏ ƍƏ ƄƆ Ï 9Ɛ Ɠ ƏƆ ƋƋƕè ƏƆ ƋƋƕ ƐƆƏƏƈƄƋƆè ƕ Mƈ ƆƏƈ ƑƏƒƈƒ Ə Segun Adio, MƆƓ &ƗƈƐ Əè ƓƈƐ Ɔ ƅƕ ƏƆƍ ƏƐ

ÎÎÎNigerians were among 717 pilgrims who died in a stampede

on Thursday in Mina, Saudi Arabia while performing this year’s hajj. Hundreds others were injured.

Other nations whose citisens

died in the stampede include Niger, Chad, Senegal and Iran among others.

Though the number of Nigerians who died in the stampede

was yet to be ascertained at press time, a foremost female journalist, Bilkisu Yusuf, was said to be among the dead.

The stampede is one of the

worst-ever tragedies at the annual Muslim pilgrimage.

A Nigerian survivor, Ismail Continued on page 6

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Times Thursday, September 24, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Tribute to late Olu of Warri

O

n September 5, 2015, the country lost one of its revered traditional rulers, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, to the cold hands of death. The monarch, who died at a private hospital, reigned on the throne of his fathers for 28 years.

The late Ogiame Atuwatse who was installed as Olu and paramount ruler of Warri in Delta State on April 2, 1987, succeeded Ginuwa (Gbesimi Emiko) who reigned from 1936-87.

Born Godwin Toritseju Emiko in 1945 from the Atuwaje royal lineage, he was the second son of Olu Erejuwa.

He attended the prestigious Hussey College, Warri, before proceeding to the University of Lagos where he obtained a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree. Subsequently, he practised law briefly at Emiko Chambers at Okere, Warri, a law firm established by his uncle.

He later became a member of the Warri Traditional Council in 1983 and Member of Warri Local Government Council, where he served in several capacities.

The monarch was a lawyer by profession and the second university graduate to ascend the throne of Warri Kingdom. Definitely, all through his 28 years reign, he brought élan and panache to traditional leadership, which consolidated the renown of Warri kingdom beyond the shores of Nigeria. That the late Olu’s reign was a roaring success gave attestation to his dexterity and intellectual capacity, which he brought to bear in the discharge of his traditional duties.

Indeed, his coronation brought vigour to the then anniversary “carnival float” in Warri, wherein various types of cars, trailers and other heavy duty vehicles were skillfully re-designed and decorated wonderfully to look like a moving train, ship or house boat on land with beautifully but delicately attired male and female dancers. Before now, the stool

he occupied was at one time mired in divisive politics. History records that the ruling Action Group in the old Western Region changed the title from the Olu of Itsekiri to that of Warri. The act did not go down well with their Ijaw neighbours who saw such title as conferring traditional suzerainty of the Itsekiri over all geographical areas that constitute Warri. The rivalry led to internecine conflicts in 1997 between the ethnic groups of Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri following the creation of a number of local government areas by the Gen. Sani Abacha military administration.

One such local government was Warri Southwest with headquarters located in the Ijaw speaking area of the community. However, after much pressure by the Itsekiri on the federal government, the council was relocated to Ogidigben, an Itsekiri area of Warri. The crisis that followed later became known as “Warri Crisis”.

Not a man to shy away from controversies, the late Olu built a church inside his palace in keeping with his Christian faith. In 2013, the late king announced his decision to relinquish the traditional title of Ogiame, saying it was from a river goddess. He later backed down after the people and palace chiefs vehemently resisted his plan.

His reign brought profound growth, not necessarily in the development of Itsekiri as a nation per se, but more in terms of the political growth of the kingdom. It was under his reign that the Itsekiri, who are supposed to be the minority among minorities, produced the governor.

With the rare privilege also came a lot of recognition, appointments and projects. The late Ogiame Atuwatse II will be remembered by present and future generations as a most worthy custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Itsekiris, and for the commendable wisdom, sagacity and benevolence which he exhibited in his 28-year reign over the Itsekiri nation.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Group Managing Director

Fidelis Anosike

Noel Anosike

Group Managing Editor

Chief Operating Officer

Editor

GM Operations

Molara Wood Yinka Olujimi

ÎÎÎAnytime

Chelsea football club take on city rivals, Arsenal, trust it was always going to be a cracker of a match. Such a match always attracted viewers from around the world. Many even jet into the country for live participation.

The two English giants again filed out at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, September 19, for another explosive encounter. 41, 584 spectators were recorded at the stadium.

Of that number was Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State (of course, he would be es-

Words On Marble :

thing for Nigerian governors to be quartered in less than a four star hotels. If these were true, then the London trip must have come to the state government at no mean expense.

While the governor and his entourage watched the match, his Head of Service, Alhaji Mohammed Lapai, informed newsmen of Governor Bello’s plan to cut off all areas of leakages and excess spending in the state.

One wonders under what the London live match could be categorised.

It remains to be seen how many of the remaining 32 Chelsea matches the governor would abandon his duty to watch.

Only time will tell.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Ifeanyi Emefu 08086296714 Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08054934941 Konnie Agu 09033765031

Adebayo Idowu gmops@dailytimes.com.ng

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Segun Adio

corted to the stadium by some of his aides). The governor saw the entire 90 minutes of the match and all its messy gabbles.

Governor Bello was originally part of the team that visited Paris with President Muhammadu Buhari, before he changed course and flew straight to London for the match. He later explained that he was at the match on the invitation of John Obi Mikel, who plied his trade for the Blues.

However, he did not tell us on whose bills were the retinue of aides that accompanied him to the match. But it is a known fact that Nigerian governors’ aides do not stay outside their principals’ hotels, neither is it a done

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Stamford Bridge as Government House

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Emeka Anyaoku

Orji Uzor Kalu

Akinwummi Ambode

“The country (Nigeria) had a very handful of people that you will describe as the founding fathers of the country. To me, Awolowo stood out”.

“Everyone including the political class and people at the helm of affairs must adopt good ethics and moral values in their endeavours.”

“No story can be told better than in graphic form, and once you are turning this story to a movie, it means that every other part of achievement that we can put together, it’s going to be something historic.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

5

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

717 die in Hajj tragedy in Mecca Continued from page 1 Hamba, 58, described the incident as “really, really terrible”. He recalled falling down and then being trampled over by marching pilgrims.

Two other survivors said the disaster began when one wave of pilgrims found themselves heading into a mass of people going in another direction.

“I saw someone trip over someone in a wheelchair and several people tripping over him. People were climbing over one another just to breathe,” said one of the survivors,

Abdullah Lotfy, 44, from Egypt. “It was like a wave.

You go forward and suddenly you go back.”

Lotfy said that having two flows of pilgrims interacting in this way should never have happened. “There was no preparation. What happened was more than they were ready for,” he said of the Saudi authorities.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, on Thursday, ordered an investigation into the stampede.

The stampede, the second deadly accident to hit the pilgrims this month

following a crane collapse in Mecca, broke out during the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual, the Saudi civil defence service said.

Bodies of pilgrims wearing traditional white clothing were left scattered by the crush, surrounded by discarded shoes, flattened water bottles and umbrellas that had been used for protection from the sun.

The civil defence service said that it was still counting the dead, who included pilgrims from different countries, and that at least 863 people had also been hurt.

Nearly two million peo-

ple from across the globe were attending the hajj, one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.

Iran said at least 43 of its citizens were dead and accused Saudi Arabia of safety errors that caused the accident.

But a Saudi minister blamed the pilgrims themselves, saying they had not followed the rules laid out by authorities.

“Many pilgrims move without respecting the timetables” set for the hajj, Health Minister Khaled alFalih told El-Ekhbariya television.

“If the pilgrims had followed instructions, this

type of accident could have been avoided,” he said, vowing a “rapid and transparent” investigation.

The stampede began at around 9:00 am (0600 GMT), shortly after the civil defence service said on Twitter it was dealing with a “crowding” incident in Mina, about five kilometres (three miles) from Mecca.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims had converged on Mina on Thursday to throw pebbles at one of three walls representing Satan, for the last major ritual of the hajj which officially ends on Sunday.

A hospital official said the incident happened outside the Jamarat Bridge structure, where the ston-

ing takes place. A group of pilgrims leaving the area collided with another group that was either moving in the opposite direction or camped outside, the official said.

A Sudanese pilgrim in Mina said this year’s hajj was the most poorly organised of four he had attended.

“People were already dehydrated and fainting” before the stampede, said the pilgrim who declined to be named.

People “were tripping all over each other”, he said, adding that a Saudi companion had warned him that “something was going to happen”.

Helicopters were flying Continued on page 12

Sallah: Pandemonium as hoodlums attack Saraki, others in Ilorin Ï ^ ƋƈƅƆ Ƅ Ƥ ƒƆƏ ƐƐ ƅƊ Ï 9 Ɠ Ɛ Ɛ ƆƗè ƕ dƆ ƐƆ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÎÎÎPandemonium

Elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae (middle) acknowledging cheers after he was freed by his abductors in Akure, Ondo State… on Thursday.

With him are Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and well-wishers.

Falae regains freedom, recounts ordeal Ï 6 Ɠ Ɔ Ɠ ƏƆ ƅƑƆƗ – Police Continued from page 1 of us. His abductors made him to trek from his farm to Owo. Baba also said he slept on the ground since his kidnap’’.

“We can’t say if any ransom was paid for his release.

According to Baba, when he told the kidnappers that his family only had N2million, they asked him if he thought the amount was enough for Boko Haram,” the source added.

His release was greeted with jubilation in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as residents of the town trooped out

in their numbers to receive him.

A large number of people besieged the residence of former SGF located at Oba-Ile area of Akure thanking God for the safe return of their kinsman.

Falae was abducted was abducted on Monday by over 20 suspected Fulani herdsmen on his farm in Ilado, along Igbatoro road in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He was said to have been rescued at Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The former SGF arrived

at his residence along ObaIle road in Akure at 4:30pm in company of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase; Mike Ogbodu, Ondo State Commissioner of Police and some family members.

Falae, who is the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, declined to speak with journalists. He, however, waved his hands to sympathisers before entering into his house in the presence of fierce looking Police officers.

While handing over the former SGF to the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, earlier at the Government House, Akure, the

IGP expressed sadness over the high level of kidnapping in the southern part of the country.

He assured that the force would surely overcome the increasing trend which is gradually becoming a menace.

The IGP said no ransom was paid before Falae secured his freedom, adding that policemen had been making effort to rescue the former Finance minister since Monday.

He said the former SGF was found along the Owo/ Akure road by a team of patrol Police Officers after susContinued on page 12

broke out at the Eid-praying ground in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, as hoodlums who disguised as worshippers on Thursday disrupted the Eid el-kabir prayers in Ilorin and attacked Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, and other dignitaries with stones and sachet water.

The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, was one of the dignitaries in attendance, along with Bolaji Abdullahi, former minister of sport; Abubakar Kawu Baraje, former acting national chairman of the PDP, and Razak Atunwa, former speaker of the State House of Assembly.

However, a statement by the Media Office of the Senate President on Thursday denied the attack. The statement further said Saraki was never attacked nor was there any attempt made on his life to warrant him being ‘whisked away’ from the Eid praying ground.

The situation also prevented the Chief Imam from delivering his annual

sermon just as the emir also abandoned his Sallah message.

Some of the worshippers who spoke with our correspondent said they were only able to offer one of the two mandatory prayer rakats.

Security operatives who accompanied the Senate President to the praying ground, had to throw tear gas and fire several shots, which sent worshippers running helter-skelter for safety while one of the emir’s horsemen was injured in the melee.

Several vehicles were damaged as a result of the crisis; their broken glasses still littered the New Yidi Road venue of the event.

The spokesman of the state Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, told newsmen that eight people had been arrested over the development but expressed delight that in spite of the development, the prayers still held.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Esosa Amadasun, had on Monday, confirmed receiving intelligence report that some Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Amaechi in court not to make threats – Rivers APC ÏÏÏ The Rivers

State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it was surprised that the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah, issued a press release through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam, alluding to a threat of legal action by the former governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Recall that that the former governor has institut-

ed a N300 billion libel suit against Obuah, PDP and others.

In press statement signed and issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Finebone, the party said: “It is, indeed, hilarious that an action already taken and so reported across the local and national print and electronic media in a very simple journalistic English should be appearing like some apparition to Felix Obuah and Jerry Needam as a threat of litigation.”

The APC stressed that it would be magnanimous enough to repeat, for the benefit of these individuals, that Amaechi had filed a suit at an Abuja High court against the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, its chairman, Mr. Felix Obuah, and two others, over allegations of foreign accounts ownership and embezzlement made against him.

The former governor is seeking from the party and its officials N300 billion for damages done to him and

defamation of his character and reputation.

This action is pursuant to his right to a good name which every law-abiding citizen is entitled to.

“If this reality has resulted to some hallucination on the part of Obuah and his people, it would be in their interest to wake from their slumber; have a discussion with their legal team and face the reality that stares at them. Indeed, they should be getting ready to have their day in court.

Flooded Ebute Road, Ibafo, Ogun State after heavy downpour… on Thursday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Saraki’s trial shows nobody above law, says Osun Speaker d ƗƈƎ ƗƆƊƑ ƋƆ Osogbo

ÏÏÏ The on-going trial

of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, by the Code of Conduct Bureau, has shown that no one is above the law or war against corruption, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Najeem Salaam, has said.

This was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butikakuro, on Thursday, in Osogbo.

He, however, urged that politics should not be allowed to affect the war against corruption.

The statement read in

part, “It is a clear signal to the leaders and citizens that the law has a long arm that can wrestle anyone accused of corruption, irrespective of his or her status in the country.

“Politicking and persecution should not be factored in, in the fight against corruption, as long as the institutions of law are strengthened to address cases of graft.

“A clear signal has been sent to the nation if the Chairman of the nation’s National Assembly could be docked for alleged corruption, then anyone, no matter his/ her status would not find escape route from justice.”

In a separate release,

the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Olatunde Badmus, said the anti-graft efforts of the Buhari administration would promote the image of Nigeria.

He said this in a Sallah message in Osogbo, on Thursday, by his media aide, Alhaji Dawood Ajetunmobi.

Saraki

Oyo Senator dragged to court over dual citizenship ÏÏÏ Some voters,

resident in Oyo Central Senatorial District of Oyo State, have dragged the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing the district, to a Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, for being a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

They are suing Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, for themselves and on behalf of the electorate in the district, in an originating summons filed in the suit FHC/ABJ/CS/760/201.

7 News

NIPR boss calls for new national image MƗƑƊ nƖƑ ƊƍƑ ƗƑ

ÏÏÏ Public relations spe-

cialists in Nigeria have been urged to do more, so as to help the image of the country, since no foreigner, however charitable, would take up the onerous, but noble responsibility.

This was the view expressed by the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, at the induction, on Sunday, of new members to the body.

The induction took place at the Institute of Entrepreneurs, Ogba, in Lagos, at the end of a three-day NIPR Master Class Five session.

Oladele told the new breed P.R. practitioners that the ground had shifted from products and services to brand and reputation management – and for which they must brace up for the new challenges that could bring good results in repositioning the country.

The President of Public relations Council of Nigeria (PRCN), Mr. John Ehigwese, told the inductees that, in line with the statutory mandate of the body, it was necessary that they

While the claimants are Wahab Abiodun, Alhaji Bola Akinyemi, Chief Emmanuel Olajide, Chief Samuel Elegbede and Chief Thomas Ajao, the APC Senator and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are joined as first and second defendants respectively.

It was learnt that Sunmonu worked as Home Officer (Immigration Officer) with the UK government for 21years (1989-2010), before leaving for Nigeria, to join partisan politics.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that Sunmonu lacks the requisite capacity to hold the office of a senator, having voluntarily acquired the citizenship of United Kingdom against the letters and spirit of Section 66, subsection 1 (a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

took, with a professional touch, their responsibility of reputation management and value-oriented services.

On the same occasion, the Deputy-Managing Director of the Sun newspapers, Mr. Steve Nwosu, whose spouse, Toyin, was abducted, recently, commended the efforts of the members of NIPR during his period of grief, and said that their timely visit to the family and the love shown to them were highly appreciated.

Narrating the pains and psychological torture during the incident, Nwosu gave glory to God, for being able to stand tall among his colleagues to reflect on the ugly incidence and the safe return of his wife.

Rotimi

Terrorism: US Congresswoman lauds Nigerian military for freeing girls, women

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian

military has been commended for their effort at rescuing 241 women and children between Tuesday and Wednesday, during a raid on two camps controlled by the terrorist group – Boko Haram – in the villages of Bulatori and Jangurori in northern Nigeria.

The commendation was made in the United States of America by Sheila Jackson Lee, who is a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Ranking Member of the Sub-committee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Politics Money can’t buy Nigerians’ votes again – Adunola

Æs

Ademola Adunola, popularly known as Dansaky by many whom he has touched is an aspirant for the Chairmanship of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He spoke with OGUNTADE ISMAILA on his passion for politics, good governance and what he has for his people if elected. Excerpts:

As a business man, what motivated your going into politics?

I like the idea of service to humanity; I felt I need to contribute my quota for the development of my community towards nation building, so I felt challenged and motivated to go into politics and make a positive difference.

What gives you the confidence you are the right man for the job?

Ademola Adunola

I have the confidence because I know the yearnings of my people. Whenever I watch the situation things at the local government, I felt that our community demands change. So, as democrat and community man, I feel that our community needs a credible, experienced and reliable leadership.

How popular are you at grassroots level?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

The politics of Falae’s kidnap

Falae

Akinjide Akintola There is hardly anything in Nigeria today that is not being politicised, even something that is not remotely related to politics. What is of course of concern in this regard is government’s attitude to some issues that ought to have been handled immediately with tact and assurances but which often than not, government just keeps quiet as if things were going on normally.

The federal government’s loud silence over the matter of the kidnap of Chief Oluyemisi Falae more than 72 hours after is not only disturbing but suspicious.

And this is a lot of people are already reading meanings into the whole affair.

Besides, the manner of the kidnap itself is indeed baffling. How can armed Fulani herdsmen in broad daylight abduct a traditional ruler and leader of the Yoruba

Fasheun after subjecting him to all manner of indignities, humiliations and beatings in his own domain and for three days the federal government has not deeded it fit to say a word of assurance to placate his people.

The question to ask is: can this kind of affront happens in the North without immediate backlash on the Yoruba or non-natives?

This kind of development can set the nation on fire.

Arase This was how the Boko Haram started and government ignored it until it became a hard nut to crack. Granted that he is an opposition leader who has spoken against some policies of the federal government and President Muhammadu Buhari, the fact remains that as a former Presidential Candidate of the defunct APP and leader of Yoruba, he deserved to be accorded some respects and his people assuaged.

Buhari As a matter of fact, as a former Permanent Secretary, a former Minister, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, doesn’t he deserve a police orderly at least in case of such eventualities for the services he has rendered the nation?

Of course, it is the silence of the government over the issue that has made a lot of people especially in the south west to start reading political motives into the

issue which might otherwise have been a kidnap after all.

First to speak was former spokesperson of former President Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode who condemned the abduction and called on security agencies to as a matter of urgency fish out perpetrators of the act.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Why Ndoma-Egba finally dumped PDP for APC

Victor Ndoma-Egba

Former Senate Leader Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba finally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the inability of the PDP leadership to redress

the injustice meted out to him during the last primaries of the party.

The former Senate leader was said to have waited for over six months for the party leadership to do justice to the matter and

when this was not forthcoming, he left the party for the APC which had been beckoning on him since before the last elections.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

9 Politics

Politicking with Falae’s kidnap CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

In a statement on Monday, FaniKayode who described the act as a dangerous development, said that the people of South West cannot watch idly while leaders of the zone and Afenifere were being humiliated.

According the former Minister of Aviation, “the abduction of Chief Olu Falae is not only unacceptable but it also an exceptionally dangerous development. I say this because he is not only an elder-statesman of our country but he is also one of the most revered leaders of Afenifere and the south-west.

“We cannot sit by idly and watch our leaders and elders being endangered, shamed and humiliated in this way. It is the government’s job to keep us all safe and secure and they are failing in that duty. I call on the President and our security agencies to effect the expeditious and immediate release of Chief Olu Falae.

“They must rescue him from these vagabonds and vandals as soon as possible before things get out of hand. Let it be clearly understood that if anything happens to him and if he doesn’t come home hale and hearty, we will hold the Federal Government responsible and there will be consequences. Those that are in power would do well to take what I have said very seriously’, he warned.

Other people and groups have also spoken in the same vein.

Prominent amongst them are the dreaded Agbekoya otherwise known as South West farmers as well as founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasheun who gave a matching order to OPC members to fish out Falae from anywhere he is being held.

The Agbekoya on its part gave the abductors and federal government 24 hours to get him released of face its wrath. This came on a day the abductors reduced the sum of N100 million earlier placed on his release to N90 million.

Coordinators of the farmer’s group, Olusegun Dasaolu told journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State that his members were ready to comb all the nooks and corners of the jungles in the south west in search of one of their own.

According to him, what happened to Falae could as well affected any of them and called on the Fulani herdsmen who have been living peacefully in Yorubaland to join hands with them in search of Chief Falae while also enjoining security agents to do their best in finding the elder statesman,

Ademola Adunola

‘Money can’t buy Nigerians’ votes again’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Falae adding that the abductors should release him unhurt without any further delay.

Fasehun, in a statement he personally signed, who asked OPC members to fish him out said that he and Falae were both born on September 21, adding that he had a special connection with the victim.

Fasehun described the kidnap as an insult on the Yoruba people, and challenged security operatives and agencies to produce Falae within 48 hours.

he warned.

Fasehun, who is also the Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria, feared that the kidnapping of the top-flight politician was a bad omen.

He expressed displeasure at the fact that 24 hours after the kidnap, the Federal Government had yet to officially react to the incident.

“Over 24 hours after this disruption of the life of a dignitary, the government has not issued any

I’m very popular in our political party and also in the community. I’m more popular in the race than any other aspirant in Ojokoro, right from Ward A to Ward E. In the race for LCDA, I’m the most popular and credible aspirant in the race so far.

Though, some of my co-contestants believe in godfatherism, Ademola is the one on ground.

You are vying for the position of chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, what advantage do you have over other contestants?

I have many advantages over my co-contestants. Despite this is my first time of showing interest in the race: I’m a financial

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Buhari According to the OPC leader, the organisation felt concerned over Falae’s kidnap, which he described as an affront and had ordered OPC operatives to “immediately launch a manhunt, combing all nooks and crannies of Ondo State and beyond, for the kidnapped politician.

“We believe this is a political issue. And any politician in Nigeria must make sure that Chief Olu Falae is released immediately.

Otherwise, the OPC will take any step available to defend its own”,

Why Ndoma-Egba finally dumped PDP for APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Besides, many of his supporters and associates had been putting pressures on him to dump the party which cheated him out of his position despite all he had been doing for the party in the last 12 years.

During the last primaries of the state, the then outgoing governor, Senator Liyel Imoke was alleged to have imposed a candidate on the party and not allowing a proper primary to take place despite the demand of the members of the party.

Only on Tuesday,The Chairman, Cross River State PDP, Mr. John Okon, described the defection of the former Senate Leader, from the party as painful.

Okon, who said this in Cala-

bar, noted that Ndoma-Egba’s exit from the PDP was painful considering his status in the country and his contributions to the last Senate.

The PDP chairman, however, said there was nothing the party could do when the former Senate Leader lost in the November primary for the Cross RiverCentral senatorial district.

He said, “Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba’s exit from the party is painful because we did not believe that he would leave. But I must say that since he lost the November primary last year, his spirit was out of the party.

“The former Senate Leader is my personal friend. I have nothing against him and he lost to Liyel Imoke

Victor Ndoma-Egba

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Money can’t buy Nigerians’ votes again, says Ademola Adunola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

member of APC in Ojokoro LCD right from time; I have done lots of work within the party members and leaders including the Exco’s of the party. I believe I’m well equipped and prepared to serve them well. I have a 7point of Agenda for transforming Ojokoro and this include: Improved security system; Youths and women empowerment through vocational training and micro financing, Qualitative and rounded education, Communal renewal, Leadership development programmes; Promotion of community harmony through peaceful conflict resolution and provision of relief for orphans, widows, the aged and physically challenged.

These seven points is a haven where peace and prosperity are non-negotiable.

These shall form the thrust of my policies if elected as the chairman of Ojokoro LCDA. I shall bring to bear my huge experience and in private business to improve revenue generation to ensure successful implementation of the programmes. I shall equally partner with corporate organisation CBO’s and NGO’s to ensure a broad based representation of all communities resident and impact into government, e.t.c.

People see local council as an avenue to loot. Are you also going to loot?

No. I don’t have that in my mind. God has really blessed me and I’m well contented and

Ademola Adunola ready to serve my people faithfully, loyally and honestly.

Do you have the right resource and godfather to drive your ambition?

As a matter of fact, people may not vote for candidates because he or she has money this time around. We saw the last presidential election between President Muhammad Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan. If money had decided, Jonathan may have had his way to be re-elected. So, the truth of the matter is that Ni-

Amina Zakari gerians are far wiser than they were some years ago. Money no longer determines who they vote for. They want to know your track records and what you stand to do when voted into office. In the same vein, here in Ojokoro, our people want a credible and reliable candidate who can face the opponent and win.

On the issue of godfather, APC is one family in Nigeria and the leaders of the party at various levels are responsible fathers and mothers of the par-

ty. They are watching individuals in the race and I believe they can never support their children against each other.

What is your assessment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s 100 days in office?

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is really performing, though the government here is continuity, but when you go around Lagos State, you will see a lot of difference. There is a new policy on LASMA unlike before and if you go to Oshodi, you will see the handwork of

our amiable governor and many more are still coming. APC is working to make Nigeria a better place for us. A lot is on the way and we shall continue to support them.

What are you expecting from your people?

I want to appeal to all the delegates, leaders and Exco’s in all the wards that comprise Ojokoro LCDA to rally round and support me with their votes during the primary election and general election for the progress of our community.

lease.

Buhari, who had requested constant updates from the police and other security agencies on efforts to find and rescue Falae, also denounced the recurring incidents of criminal abductions across the country.

He assured all Nigerians that ongoing efforts to significantly enhance the security of lives and property in the country would continue, adding that under his leadership, Nigerians, irrespective of their status, “will no longer be left at the mercy of criminal elements.”

Falae

Politics of Falae’s kidnap CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

statement; rather what we hear is a loud silence from the Federal Government. It is a shame; it is a big shame,” Fasehun said.

Recalling that Falae, as the Olu of Oba-Ile, was the ruling monarch of his homestead, he urged all traditional rulers in Nigeria to also rise up and ensure his release.

One had thought that all these kinds of ugly developments were gone with the government of impunity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It is hoped that President Muhammadu Buhari would not allow political and ethnic sentiments to becloud his sense of judgment and take necessary steps to ensure that this threat to national unity is nipped in the bud, and quickly too and those involved are rounded up and punished accordingly.

Just as we are about going to press, thank God, the President finally reacted to Falae’s abduction, directing the security agencies to rescue him.

Following a briefing on the abduction, President Buhari has directed the Inspector-General of

Police and other security agencies to take all necessary action to ensure the safe and speedy rescue of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Buhari according to a statement on Wednesday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina condemned the “callous and reprehensible kidnapping of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and elder statesman.”

The President assured Falae’s family, friends and other concerned Nigerians that the Federal Government would do all within its powers to ensure his swift re-

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

11 Politics

Nigerians want Buhari to light the way to end Poverty Adeola Adekanbi Nigerians from all walks of life will converge in Lagos today, Thursday, 24th September 2015 to light the way for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

Light the way is a global campaign calling on world leaders to keep their promises when they meet in New York on 25th September to adopt the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

In over 100 countries of the world tens of thousands of citizens will unite in one voice to ask world leaders to light the way to a better world by 2030.

In Nigeria, citizens and citizen organizations will gather by 4pm at the University of Lagos, Multi-Purpose Hall to call on the Buhari administration to light the way towards taking urgent action to end poverty, inequality and climate change in Nigeria. The event will highlight what the goals are and its implications for our growth as a country.

The light the way campaign featuring Desmond Elliot, a celebrated actor and Lagos State House of Assembly member as the keynote speaker is hoped to inspire Nigerians to learn about the SDGs and what it means for our national development.

Joining Desmond Elliot will be leading civil society actors from Save the Children, One Campaign, Nigeria Network of NGOs, Climate & Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria, BudgIT, The Future Project, Women Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre and the United Nations Millennium Campaign.

“We are thrilled to be observing the light the way campaign in Nigeria at an epoch making event to usher in the SDGs and build national momentum for the goals.

“The light the way event will provide Nigerians with information on the 17 goals that will transform their lives for the better by 2030. It is an opportunity for all to come behind the goals in order to make it a reality”, stated Hope Oduma from Save the Children Nigeria.

Atayi Babs, National Network Coordinator Climate & Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet) noted that “Nigeria will need to light the way for Africa and indeed the rest of the developing world in taking bold and urgent actions to end poverty, inequality and climate change- we can achieve the goals by 2030”.

In Nigeria, citizens and citizen organizations will gather by 4pm at the University of Lagos, Multi-Purpose Hall to call on the Buhari administration to light the way towards taking urgent action to end poverty, inequality and climate change in Nigeria

Buhari

Why Ndoma-Egba finally dumped PDP for APC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Victor Ndoma-Egba

a formidable contender who is a grass-root person. Remember that the election was decided by the people of the central senatorial district which was out of the purview of the state executive.”

The PDP chairman said that

after the election, several efforts were made to reconcile NdomaEgba with the party, but regretted that such efforts did not yield positive response as, according to him, “Ndoma-Egba’s spirit was out of the party.”

Okon insisted that the party did not offend the former Senate

Leader in any way, adding that he believed what might have eventually led to his exit was the failure of the party to win at the national level.

“He has only decided to leave because our party failed the election at the national level. If the PDP had remained in power, he

probably would have been given an ambassadorial position,” he noted.

Okon appealed to the former Senate Leader to forget the past and return to the party saying there was a mechanism in place to accommodate all aggrieved party members.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Sallah: I was not attacked – Saraki Continued from page 6 people were planning to invade the praying ground and disrupt the proceedings but expressed confidence that the command had put enough men on ground to foil the plan.

Although some people claimed the crisis is linked to the non-payment of salaries of local government workers, Okasanmi said it would be too early to explain the motive of the hoodlums as there was no civil servant or government official among those arrested so far.

A Government House source also explained that the state government had

been doing its best to ameliorate the salary situation including a directive

by Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed to council chairmen to pay at least one month of their arrears pending when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would release their own bailout package.

Okasanmi said: “We deployed enough policemen in synergy with other security agencies to make sure the celebration was peaceful. It was free but in the course of prayers, there was this insurgence of criminals which we had put into consideration before planning our strategy for Thursday.

“We know normally they

always come there to beg for money from dignitaries and members of the public.

So they came as usual and when we noticed that they were becoming unruly, we had to come out to really prevent them from gaining access to where the VIPs were standing.

“You know they would not want to be held back because that was where they believe they can see their leaders and make some money from them.

“So they became really unruly and we had to shed them away and we arrested some of them; about eight of them and they are in our custody now and we have

started investigation.

“We learnt that one or two persons were injured but there is no official confirmation yet. Maybe before Monday when investigation is completed, we will know the real situation.

“The motives of their unruly behaviour is yet to be determined but as far as we are concerned, they are miscreants and they were there begging for money. The prayers eventually held and the dignitaries went back to their destination.

“Among those arrested, there is no civil servant or public official.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Muideen Akorede, the Senior Special

Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communication, however, said the attack was not targeted at the Senate President and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

Akorede, who corroborated the PPRO’s view, said the attack was carried out by miscreants who wanted to extort money from Saraki.

Reacting, the Senate President Media Office said Saraki was never attacked nor was there any attempt made on his life to warrant him being ‘whisked away’ from the Eid praying ground.

The statement said Saraki had earlier spoken with reporters at the praying ground as he arrived in the company of the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness

(HRH), Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ali Ahmad and a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alfa Belgore.

“We want to say that nothing can be further from the truth as the Senate President was never attacked nor was there any attempt made on his life to warrant him being ‘whisked away’ as reported by a section of the media.

“We however observe that there was a protest allegedly staged by local government employees over purported non-payment of salaries which hoodlums attempted to hijack but this development was immediately curtailed by security agents.

US to spend $45m to support countries fighting Boko Haram ÎÎÎThe White House said

on Thursday that it would send up to $45 million in defense services, including military training, to support African countries in their efforts to defeat the Boko Haram insurgent sect.

Benin, Cameroon,

Immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alh.aji Femi Okunnu at the praying ground during the Eid el-Kabir celebration In Lagos… on Thursday

Falae regains freedom, recounts ordeal Continued from page 6 pecting that the victim must have been dumped by the road side.

The police boss did not deny or confirm arrest of any of the kidnappers, saying he would disclose that later.

He said: “Security challenges like this are new trend. They are emerging trend. It is not only localised in Nigeria. It is a global thing. We are going to devise strategies to ensure that hoodlums cannot overwhelm any state in the country. It is not possible.

“We will continue to disgrace them, we will continue

to catch them. Right from Monday when he was kidnapped, policemen had been working underground. No ransom was paid. I will let you know if anybody was apprehended later.”

Gov. Mimiko expressed happiness at the rescue of the former SGF. “We are happy he is back.

We thank God he is back both safe and sound; we are just happy that he is back. I was praying he would come back safely because there could be very deep security dimensions to it.

“So, we thank God he is back. Naturally, one is also worried as a Nigerian that issue of kidnapping is taking

another dimension in Nigeria.

“Somebody of his pedigree, he was taken away from his farm, while working on his farm. For us, these are very serious security challenges. And I think we must address this.”

Falae’s released from captivity came few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari gave a marching order to the IGP to ensure he was rescued alive.

Meanwhile, Force spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, on Thursday, gave insight into how the former SGF was rescued by police personnel, in an operation it said was coordinated by the IGP.

Kolawole, said in a statement on Thursday night that the former minister was rescued after the Force launched aerial and land operations in seach of the kidnappers.

She said the rescue operation, which began on Monday, the day the Afenifere chieftain was abducted, took the search party to all parts of Ondo State.

Kolawole said: “The rescue of Chief Olu Falae from his captives on September 24th, 2015 was made possible as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, coordinated both aerial and land operations to ensure the freedom of the former presidential candidate of the SDP.

Chad, Niger and Nigeria will receive support that builds on the training and military equipment the United States has already supplied in the fight against the group, White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

717 die in Hajj tragedy in Mecca Continued from page 6 overhead and ambulances were rushing the injured to hospital, AFP reporters at the scene said.

At one hospital, a steady stream of ambulances discharged pilgrims on stretchers.

The incident came as the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims marked Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, the most important holiday on the Islamic calendar.

Thursday’s tragedy occurred outside the five-storey Jamarat Bridge, which was erected in the last decade at a cost of more than $1 billion and intended to improve safety during the pilgrimage.

Almost one kilometre (less than a mile) long, it resembles a parking garage and allows 300,000 pil-

grims an hour to carry out the ritual.

Official figures released on Thursday said 1,952,817 pilgrims had performed this year’s hajj, including almost 1.4 million foreigners.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince on Thursday ordered an investigation into the stampede, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who chairs the Saudi hajj committee, ordered the probe during a meeting with senior officials responsible for the pilgrimage in Mina, where the stampede took place.

The findings of the investigation will be submitted to King Salman, “who will take appropriate measures” in response, the agency added.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

13

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Osun teachers, retirees get N1.47b bonds certificates Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

The Osun State Government has issued N1.47 billion bond certificates to 188 retirees in the primary school and local government sectors under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The certificates were presented to the beneficiaries at a programme held at Local Government Service Commission Multipurpose Hall.

During the presentation, Governor Rauf Aregbesola gave an assurance to the state’s support and plans to carter for their welfare.

The beneficiaries were the second batch, who received the bonds certificate under the CPS. The state government had earlier given out N593 million bond certificates in December 2014 under the first batch of the scheme.

Aregbesola, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye, assured the retirees that his administration would remit all necessary dues on the scheme.

“I want to assure those who are currently in the scheme that irrespective of the challenges we are facing now, we shall fulfill our obligations to contributory pension scheme by remitting all dues as soon as funds are available.

“We regard our pensioners as senior citizens whose welfare is paramount to us. If we can set up ‘Agba Osun’ to take care of our elderly, why won’t we take care of our retirees?, the governor demanded.

He, however, debunked accusation by some retirees that the government had diverted the bail-out funds, saying “it is unfortunate the attempt by a very tiny section of the retirees to politicise their own affairs and thereby play into the hands of the opposition.”

The governor also noted that his administration had increased

Abuja

ÏÏÏ Two major groups namely:

“The Progressives”, and “SSANU Vanguard for Good Governance”, comprising senior management staff of the University of Abuja, have condemned what they called ‘orchestrated attack on the ViceChancellor, Professor Michael Umale Adikwu, and the management team of the university.

The groups further rejected being drawn into the plans of those using SSANU as a decoy to champion retrogressive intents that were bent on drawing the varsity back on the level of progress already attained through what they called “false and malicious publications.”

They said, “We simply want to appeal to the conscience of

of Local Government Staff Pension, Mr Kayode Aliu Afolabi, noted that the CPS, since its commencement in Osun, in 2010, had witnessed some positive developments.

He said, “Osun is not only among the few states in the federation that have fully implemented the CPS, it is actually the second in the South West geo-political zone to have done so.”

He however urged the beneficiaries to make use of knowledge acquired during the pre-retirement workshop organised for them.

Freddie Adamgbe Makurdi

ÏÏÏ The April 11, 2015 Guber-

natorial Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor, has commended the commitment and solidarity exhibited by his teaming supporters during and after the sitting of the Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal, in Makurdi, which passed a verdict against him last Monday.

His press secretary, Mr. C. T. Hwande, disclosed that he was waiting for his lawyers to collect the judgement, so as to proceed to the Appeal Court for proper justice.

Kogi monarch escapes assassination at praying ground ÏÏÏ A top Kogi State

A cross section of Muslim faithfuls at the praying ground during the Eld-el-Kabir prayer held in Yaya Abatan, Ogba, Lagos… on Thursday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Varsity lecturers, workers berate SSANU over attack on UNIABUJA VC Augustine Okezie

the monthly pension from N200 million in 2010 to N520 million naira in 2013, adding “though we had started lagging behind in 2014 on pension payment, we still committed a total of N4.9 billion to pensions.”

He stressed that his administration had implemented 140 per cent increase in pension, promising that efforts were on to implement the upgrading of all pensioners earning below N10, 000 as soon as the state was financially buoyant.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau

Benue PDP guber candidate heads for Appeal Court

the good people of the University of Abuja to hold on to truth and not be swayed by the falsehood disseminated to the public in an unsigned press release, intended to plunge the institution into the old days of doom.”

Recalling that Adikwu had, in the last 14 months of his tenure brought remarkable growth of the institution, the group maintained that the authors of the publication as contained in the newspapers could not claim not to have seen the great turn-around the university had witnessed within the short period.

“It is against this background that we considered it pertinent to reawaken our consciousness and refocus our attention on the part of truth. SSANU appears uncomfortable that the university is marching on toward the actuali-

sation of its vision and mission.

Their greatest tragedy is that the restoration of the glory of this university is happening under the leadership of Adikwu,” they said.

Reacting to some of the issues raised in the newspaper publications, the group said that the university’s guest house was rented by the Governing Council before the Vice- Chancellor began his tenure, and that the present Management had only renewed what the Council had earlier approved two years before the he assumed office.

The group condemned the attempt to compare the financial burden of paying the accumulated promotion arrears with the purchase of cars by the current administration, pointing out that since it was SSANU that prepared salaries – including promotion arrears, they were in a better position to appreciate the financial implications for paying all the accumulated backlog of promotion arrears in one fell swoop.

Don’t lobby me over contracts – Ikpeazu tells contractors Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

There are indication that projects contractors in Abia State have resorted to making efforts to bribe state officials and close aides to the state government to curry favour.

This position was made public, in Umuahia, by the state governor himself in meeting he held with the contractors at the Government House, pointing out that he had not mandated anyone to act as his agent.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, therefore, warned contractors handling road and other projects for the state government not to give money to anybody on his behalf to retain their contracts, but rather to do good jobs that would

traditional ruler, the Ejeh of Ankpa and chairman of Ankpa Area Traditional Council, Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu, has escaped assassination by gunmen numbering about nine.

The alleged assassination attempt took place at Eti-Aja Eid Praying Ground, in Ankpa, where the traditional ruler, in company of other Muslims, went to worship, as part of the Eid-elKabir celebrations, on Thursday.

stand the test of time.

Ikpeazu said he was to review activities and appraise what has been done so far and how to move forward. He also said that he was aware of the efforts of the contractors to meet deadline and assured them that government would continue to do business with those that were diligent.

Ikpeazu

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

15 Opinion

Eni-Njoku Phenomenon and future of Nigeria (2) Ichie Ik Muo

I

n 2005, the US National Intelligence Council forecast that Nigeria would break up in 2015 while in 2011, the US Centre for Strategy and Technology forecast that Nigeria would break up by 2030. Ghadaffi, the late Libyan leader had even declared that Nigeria should be split into North and South. Nigeria’s ranking in the Failed States table has continued to worsen, from 54 in 2005 to 14 in 2012. Some Nigerians also assert that there was a 1914 Accord that declared that Nigeria was on a trial run for the first 100 years and that it was the responsibility of the peoples to now reaffirm or reject the Lugardian statehood.

Nigeria’s continued existence has always been questioned. The north had repeatedly called for ‘Araba’; the Ijaws wanted to opt out ‘not because they loved power but because their conditions were peculiar and the authorities did not understand the problems (Isaac Adaka Boro, 1966) while the Orka coup placed the question at the centre of its agenda. However, the first practical expression of that question was the Biafran war of independence, which ended 44 years ago. Incidentally, those factors that led to that chapter in our history-iniquity, inequity and the Igbo question- are not only still with us, they are getting worse.

By the time Karl Maier declared that ‘This House Has Fallen’ in 2000, we were confronted with the Niger Delta wars, the complex minority crises especially in the Middle Belt, the OPC war against everybody, Sharia, deafening cries of marginalisation and domination across the land and general disenchantment of the populace.

By 2008, things had gotten so bad that Tunji Bello had to draw our attention to a 1776 book by Edward Gibbons that traced the collapse of the Roman Empire to the ‘overcentralisation of power, worship of religion instead of God, heavy investment in arms for security of the rulers when the real enemy is the decadence of the people, greed and deliberate destruction of ethics, morals and social values’. As

I regretted in 2009, ‘the leadership is still visionless, shortsighted and criminally parochial and selfish; they still continue to manipulate the quartet of ignorance, poverty, illiteracy and ethnicity; there are still individuals and groups who want to corner more than their fair share of the commonwealth and the follower-ship is still ready to tolerate all this. (Ik Muo; Nigeria: Shaken, Stressed or Failed?

10/8/09) Former President Jonathan continuously assured that the unity of Nigeria was non-negotiable, that the psyche of the people did not evidence divisive tendencies, that it was too late to separate after 100 years of marriage and that the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was an act of God. Many others supported his views, including late Dora Akunyili, in her last public intervention; late Solomon Lar, in his 53rd Independence Message (just before his death), Fr. Kukah who held that with too much money to be stolen, the thieves (elites) won’t even contemplate a broken country and Sule Lamido who argued that Nigeria could not breakup because the elite had a stake in keeping the country exactly as it is. Weak, confused and easy to exploit.

Those who insist that Nigeria should be divided argue that no unfair or unequal arrangement will survive; that no nation is ‘too big to fail’ as in the cases of ancient Roman and Greek empires or the modern USSR; that what happened in 1914 was not a marriage but a colonial and economic affair while Ozekhome’s kidnappers prefer the Somali Model: breaking Nigeria into smaller units to be controlled by different armed gangsters.

Others argue that Nigeria did not result from a contractual arrangement where willing adults enter into agreements on how to relate and resolve resulting disputes and that 100 years is nothing compared with 300 years of the UK from in which the Scots wanted to opt out. The JDPC averred that it is a polygamous family ‘where the 36 and half wives and their children subconsciously think that the man may die anytime soon and are working assiduously to grab and divide the man’s assets or worse, force him to write his will with eyes on the man’s only source of wealth [oil] which they pillage and stow in safe havens abroad (Press Conference: A Better Nigeria is Possible, 16/3/13). Soyinka is against unity at all costs, arguing that people should be free to opt out of any union and regretted that rather than go the civilized way- plebiscite; we wasted an estimated 2m lives through bullets, sickness and starvation to pre-

Lugard

serve a European myth. It is lack of maturity.

Even then, the real question is whether we were one before and whether we are one now. The amalgamation was negotiated for, but not by us; Tafawa Balewa referred to ‘the southern people’ as intruders and boldly declared that the unity was not for the north, Awolowo saw Nigeria as a mere geographical expression while the Sarduana of Sokoto saw it as a mistake. That was in the past.

Even today, nobody thinks about the national interests. Every group has its own agenda and interest while the nation is just there to be exploited.

So, do we break up, break down or talk seriously and genuinely on how to move ahead as a united entity? Those who argue that we should divide because we have nothing in common should note that the all-Moslem, all-Arabic Middle East is in total disarray.

The crises in the India-PakistanAfghanistan axis and the experience of South-Sudan have shown that separation does not solve all problems. Switzerland has also shown that people ‘who have nothing in common’ can also live together peacefully in abundance.

The case of Rwanda where the Tutsis and Hutus who share the same language, culture, tradition and mode of dressing makes it obvious that trouble is not caused by

diversity because even people who are the same can create trouble for themselves.

Those who use the marriage metaphor also do not get it. Marriages contain provisions for divorce and even the legendary Catholic marriage contains conditions for nullity or annulment.

Those pleading long period of togetherness should remember USSR of those days and the UK of today. Those who want us to stay together because of the advantages of size also fail to realize that size per se is not the key determinant of national progress and success.

China and India are (GDP per Capita of $7800 and $1700) are not better than. Norway, Estonia ($104000 and $18260) and Zimbabwe are small, but while Per Capita Income is $104000 in Norway, it is $18260 in Estonia.

For those who want us to stay together or go our separate ways because of oil, I refer them to a World Bank report on Wealth of Nations, which concludes that countries become prosperous because of their intangible assets and not due to tangible assets [natural or produced]. These intangible assets are the skills and knowhow embedded in the labour force, ability to efficiently invest the rent extracted from its natural resources, natural trust which exists among members of the society, ability to work together for a com-

mon goal, quality of formal and informal institutions, savings and maintenance culture, the extent to which the citizens have confidence in the laws of the land and abide by them and patriotism: both the extent to which citizens trust and support their government and the extent to which the government trusts and supports the people.

Therefore, those betting on oil are backing the wrong horse because the oil curse is real! So, where do we go from here?

Truly, we cannot go back to Eni Njoku days. The world has changed so much since then and as one Benin trader admonished his colleagues you cannot go yesterday! However, we must make efforts to improve the situation of things for present and future generation. It is not an easy task but we must give it our best shot. We must admit that things are not well with Nigeria. I do not agree with conspiracy theorists that the whole world is wishing Nigeria evil or else they would not be continuously prophesying the break-up of Nigeria. Even the Economist (The world in 2014) graded Nigeria as a VERY HIGH RISK country (the worst grade), along with Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Ukraine and 13 others. Incidentally, those countries mentioned above are already on life-support. We have not ‘fallen’ but we will soon get there if we continue at the rate we are going.

Nigeria is a diverse country but we are not yet a nation. Under the circumstances, the diversity that should be a source of advantage becomes a springboard to crises that have been the fate of Europe from the days of the AustroHungarian Empire to the Eastern Europe in recent times. Therefore, the problem with Nigeria goes beyond the failures of government to govern. The crux of the matter is that there are circumstances favourable to balkanization and that the insensitivity of our leaders and inequity in the system further fuels these tendencies.

Nigeria is a giant standing on the wooden legs because we have been cursed with accidental leadership (Balewa, the various soldiers, Obasanjo, Ya’Adua and even Goodluck). The followership is docile, ask no questions and clap for the plutocrats. Most of these evils are traceable of true the absence of nationhood It is relevant to note here that there are clamours for greater dispersal of power, self-determination and sub-national empowerment across the globe.

Concluded Dr. Ikechukwu Muo is of the Department of Business Administration, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Features TWO SIDES OF TRAGEDY:

How America remembered 9/11 In Washington on Friday, Barak Obama marked the anniversary of the attacks by observing a moment of silence at the White House and then was due to visit the Fort Meade army base in Mary-

land.

In New York, hundreds of morning commuters poured out of the train station next to One World Trade Center, the flagship skyscraper built to replace the towers on the Ground Zero

17

Æs site, as relatives carrying flowers and photographs of their lost loved ones entered the site for the solemn anniversary ceremony.

They recalled the attack anew Fourteen years ago Friday, terrorists hijacked four passenger planes and smashed two into New York’s World Trade Center.

A third jetliner rammed into the Pentagon outside Washington while a fourth one crash-landed CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

President Obama, wife and white workers observed a minute silence for victims of September 11.

GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR felt the pulse of Nigerians on the Presidency’s readiness to negotiate peace with insurgents and received diversity of opinions as to the wisdom or risk this move might entail. He presents their views and counsel to the Presidency in this report.

Is the move by the Presidency to negotiate peace with Boko Haram a wise decision?

It appears so G.P. James (Barrister, Public Affairs analyst, Lagos) You discuss with a belligerent person when the man is at a disadvantage. Most of the people now asking for reconciliation have been put at a disadvantage.

I refer you to the Nigerian-Biafra war. When Ojukwu took his family, jumped into a helicopter and left Effiong and others, that was when they surrendered, because they reasoned: why should he put us at a disadvantage? This man has taken his family and gone off and Nigeria is closing in on us. I am sure if Ojukwu had remained with them they wouldn’t have thought about surrendering.

Now Boko Haram is in disarray, food supply has been cut off, weapons diminished and they’ve been exposed. So if we can split their ranks, even if we don’t solve insurgency completely, we would have taken some of their loyalists presently having grudges against their leader for not covering them, to our side.

As for the continued bombings, it is people who don’t want this negotiation to be done that are advising against it. What does it take to bomb? If you hide a bucket of bomb somewhere and run away and it explodes, that is not might; it is cowardice. Apart from these sporadic bombings, what is their strategy? Now the Chief of Army Staff went to their headquarters, removed their flag and broke everywhere. It is this hit and go that

Boko Haram

we are experiencing which may continue for a while.

But for those dissidents who are really having a grudge against their leaders, let us get them around. The BH may not end entirely, but let us weaken their base.

The move is salutary Barrister Wahab Shittu, Lagos The quest to dialogue with BH is salutary because at the end of every conflict, parties will return to the negotiation table. However government must negotiate with the right element within the hierarchy of BH so that government will not be taken for a ride.

Again this is the right time to negotiate because government will be negotiating from the point of strength having gained upper hand against BH insurgents. Negotiation is attractive because it will put an end to bloodletting.

Finally, anyone who says government should not negotiate should tell us whether lives have duplicates.

The move is dangerous Baba Nwafo Chiejika (Ex-soldier and one of Ajegunle’s oldest residents).

Buhari

NEGOTIATION WITH INSURGENTS:

Nigerians approve, caution Presidency Negotiations with Boko Haram in recent years have failed to achieve a peace deal, and the reasons are not few. Not only because the group has many rival factions, but Presidency in the past has failed to address their superior armories over Nigerian security forces.

The move is dangerous because since many years, Boko Haram has showed superior armories over the Nigerian soldiers. It has been reported that army personnel posted to watch over civilians ran away on account of weaponry superiority.

I remember Comfort Bulus, one

of the school girls who escaped from BH people that kidnapped 285 girls in Chibok town. I heard her story on Nigerian Info 99.3 FM. She said when BH people arrived in Chibok, the head of the army called their commander in Biu and they were told that they should face them; but that if they know BH weapon is stronger than their own, they should run for their lives, and they fled the area.

According to the report, the operation lasted for over four hours but no one could do anything.

Most of them were wearing army uniforms and their guns were superior.

Boko Haram was also reported to have sacked not a few police stations and headquarters in many states and humbled an air force base in their trail of terror.

Never was it heard in security history, that insurgents abducted as many as 285 human beings in one swoop in a convoy and has held on to them for over one year.

At the peak of their victory, the insurgents captured whole local government areas and declared Islamic states, even appointed their own emirs to the shame and mockery of a discomfitured miliCONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

The quest to dialogue with BH is salutary – Shittu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

tary and security forces.

Now our President of hope is actually negotiating with insurgents who have caused the nation to bleed more than the civil war which I fought. It is dangerous and I am afraid. Do you go begging killers, ‘let me root you out?’ I beg, make them talk better thing, jare!

Why not?

Engr. Barth Nwibe (Port Harcourt) Anything that will bring peace at this should be done. Why Not? And what makes anyone so sure that the negotiation is not going to work out? I think the current situation is that BH people have done a lot of damage; they took so many people hostage. If the Presidency or whoever is negotiating with them has credible intelligence that they’re talking to the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

on an empty field in Pennsylvania.

By the time the carnage was over, the hijackers had killed 2,977 people in the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.

People, buildings and planes fell from the sky. Terrified strangers became friends as Americans united on a day that changed the world forever.

Last Friday, a resilient nation looked to the future while honoring the past.

How Lagos remembered 9/12 It is noteworthy that the Government of Lagos State which had listened to submissions made by technocrats, the police and scientists, made no provision for a memorial. Daily Times investigation revealed that the day which recorded the worst disaster that claimed all of 116 lives – the worst in the history of Lagos State - came and went unnoticed, unobserved at Alausa, the seat of government.

On Saturday September 12 however, the Synagogue Church for all Nations (SCOAN) held a memorial service for victims of the September 12 building collapse.

An earlier statement issued by the Church quoted Pastor T. B. Joshua as saying “the deceased, mostly South Africans were on an appointment with God when they met with their death and therefore they did not die in vain.”

Meanwhile, some residents of Egbe-Ikotun area of Lagos Mainland, did not altogether forget

right people and they are willing to release those; anything that can save human life is what I think should be done.

May be after they achieve the purpose if we then want to take some passive action or seek other means of compelling them to reform, we should be able to do that.

But the important thing right now is to save the lives of those girls.

It could be costly Comrade Aniefiok Ekandem (Efik scholar/activist, Uyo) The last ceasefire deal between Boko Haram and Jonathan’s administration in October 2014 failed when the insurgents denied that they had agreed to a ceasefire with the Nigerian government.

Now there are many factions, which is the authentic group we can believe is in charge?

But frankly, Buhari’s military campaign against BH is not different from former president Good-

The last ceasefire deal between Boko Haram and Jonathan’s administration in October 2014 failed when the insurgents denied that they had agreed to a ceasefire with the Nigerian government. Now there are many factions, which is the authentic group we can believe is in charge – Ekandem

luck Jonathan’s. If you say you’re winning the war, why are you going into negotiation? It means you have no solution, you are begging them to stop. It is not wise.

Mr. President should know that Boko Haram don’t speak the language of peace. Even French President François Hollande told him the sect don’t preach the gospel of peace. What should be upper most in our minds is that insurgents still command military superiority; our soldiers are still ill-equipped compared to them.

What is Buhari doing about that?

You think they will surrender their superior armories to government like some Niger Delta did?

I believe the step could turn out to be costly for the President and for the nation. OBJ once voiced that the Chibok girls may never be rescued and he was a military tactician and read between the

lines.

Also, one of the women freed from the Boko Haram camp, Tabitha Adamu, said the Chibok girls have been turned to Boko Haram fighters. Tabitha who was married by force and made pregnant by one of the insurgents before being rescued said Chibok girls who refused to convert to Islam or who refused to become fighters were killed in the most gruesome manner, so which Chibok girls is Buhari negotiating for their release?

Flushing insurgency out is not a matter of negotiation; it is sourcing superior military armory and crushing them out of our land that makes sense. Buhari has set May next year as a date BH will be rooted out. Is he going to achieve that through negotiation?

Questions. Answers. More questions.

SCOAN held a memorial service for victims the day evil visited their domain.

Daily Times observed that many residents spent the day in sober reflection.

Stakeholder and a resident of the area, Engr. Biobaku Kuku, a retired builder and construction expert who spoke to our correspondent, worried that it was not so much about the building that collapsed killing some 116 people but the controversial circumstances surrounding its collapse.

“It is not even so much about the government inquest that did not include a professional in the building industry; but the external attributes that led to the collapse in relation to the safety and security of not just the people of Lagos State but in the whole of Southwestern Nigeria in general.

I woke up this morning lost in thought. I fear what will happen to Lagos if we are invaded like they are doing in the North-East.”

Another resident who spoke in confidence to our correspondent counseled that this is not a time for witch hunting anybody and government must not politicise it.

“When something bad happens like this, it is to prepare the living to be more observant and stronger in unity, not in condemnation and fighting. We are talking of lives and security. If BH should face Lagos like they are doing in Maiduguri, where would everybody run to?

“I advise all parties to allow peace reign. Let us look for a black goat before night falls. That is my advice to government.”

SCOAN Building. INSET: T.B Joshua.

JUST HUMAN

It is Sallah again, and if the ram is too costly, the chicken will do. While you are at it, pick up some bread for breakfast. Photo God’s Covenant Snr 076.jpg

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Crime

19

Æs

Lagos NSCDC deploys 3,000 personnel for Sallah celebration In order to ensure a hitch-free Salah celebration, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command, Ikeja, has deployed 3,000 personnel throughout the state to observe celebrants and movement of people.

The Lagos State Commandant

of NSCDC, Abafi Gabriel, urged Lagosians to report any suspicious movement of individuals around oil pipelines and other government critical assets. This, he said would help to avert possible vandalisation of such facilities which could lead to fire outbreak during the festive period.

Israel (right) and his gang

Abafi gave this advice in a press statement released to appreciate the officers of the command who participated in the just concluded All African Games in Congo Brazzaville. Three officers of the Corps from Lagos State Command, Vera Azike, Makanju CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps

Ghanaian nabbed for car theft The long arm of the law has finally caught up with one Israel Damascus, a Ghanaian whose stock in trade is robbing whoever employs him as a driver.

Before nemesis caught up with him, the accused had been employed by three different people whose cars he had made away with within 24 hours of resuming duty.

The 32-year-old father of one was recently arrested and paraded by the Lagos State Police command.

According to the suspect who claimed to have arrived Nigeria

in 2011 in search of greener pastures, he was lured into the illicit trade by a bosom friend whom he identified simply as Jerry.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command (CP) Fatai Owoseni who paraded Israel alongside three fake soldiers, a fake air force personnel and two other suspects stated that about five saloon cars and two jeeps including a Toyota Jeep with the registration number BNS513AA, a Toyota Camry TGD733AA and ANA360AA among others were recovered from them.

The car snatching gang parad-

A gang of cultists suspected to be the dreaded Eiye Confraternity that have terrorised residents of Mushin, Akala, Idi-Oro and its environs has been smashed by men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Police Command.

A raid by men of the squad led to the arrest of one Oworoba Abdul Kareem, a 20-year-old alleged to be a key member of the

notorious cult.

The suspect was said to have been arrested about 2:15 pm on the 10th of September following a distress call from a member of the public while he and his gang members were unleashing trouble in the Akala area of Mushin.

On arrival by the police, the cultists were alleged to have attacked the two police patrol vans and destroyed the windscreens.

Some of the recovered vehicles

20-year-old Suspected Cultist in police net

ed before newsmen include Chukwuma Ikechukwu aged 31 from Ohafia, Abia State and Isreal Damascus, 32, a Ghanaian. The fake airforce and army officers include Lucky Anene (25) from Okuzu Village in Delta State, Makus Gabriel (22) from Ngwa in Abia State and Ikemefuna Ude (39) from Agwu, Enugu State as well as 28-yearold DaiyeTijani from Ikire Osun State.

While confessing to the crime, Isreal claimed to have only snatched three cars, hear him “When I came to Nigeria from

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

According to Police report, “The suspect was apprehended when some group of men suspected to be cultists engaged themselves in a free for all fight.

The police was informed of this and there was a swift response by men of the RRS. However in an attempt to make arrest, the suspected cultists started stoning Police vehicles and damaged CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Crime 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, September 24, 2015

Report any suspicious movement - Abafi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Gbolahan and Tijani Nureni participated in the event.

Vera Azike won a gold medal and two silver medals in weight lifting, while Makanju Gbolahan won two bronze medals in badminton. TijaniNureni also won a bronze medal in 400 meters guard runner.

“You have all made the Corps

and the entire nation proud at the just concluded sporting festival.

You have showcased your Godgiven talents and deep sense of patriotism to your fatherland, Nigeria and I encourage you to keep it up.”

Abafi seized the opportunity to advise the youths to emulate these worthy ambassadors and disassociate themselves from engaging in any form of

criminality during this festive period in order to avoid the wrath of the law.

He warned that the command, in line with the statutory functions, has continued to maintain 24-hour-security surveillance over government infrastructures and other facilities within Lagos State to guard against attacks by unscrupulous elements as the Sallah festival approaches.

Deployed Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps members

I have only snatched three cars - Israel Parents should watch their CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Ghana, I met a friend called Jerry who introduced me to car snatching. My modus operandi was to register with a recruitment agency, get connected to an employer and then run away with their car.

My first operation was the theft of a Toyota Corolla car, I drove my boss from Ilupeju to Ibadan for a conference, abandoned him there and made away with the car which I sold for N200, 000.

“The second was an elderly woman who employed me as her driver in Lekki. On my first day at work, I ran away with her RX Lexus Jeep. The third which was the one that led to my arrest was a Honda Accent. After eloping with the car, I drove to Ijebu Ode in Ogun state where I lodged in a hotel while waiting for a buyer for the car. It was at the hotel that the police came to arrest me.”

Lucky Anene on his part was arrested for parading himself as a military personnel that special-

ise in acting as escort. He however claimed to be unaware that the vehicles were stolen.

The CP also used the occasion to speak on the recent raid carried out on places suspected to be hideouts for criminals where different nefarious crimes were perpetrated.

Concerning the inept presence of the marine police and non-functional since armed robbers and kidnappers now use the creeks to escape after operations, Owoseni said the marine police is still very much active and still patrols the water ways.

In his words “Looking at how wide the sea is, it takes a whole lot of man power to patrol the water ways. What we do now is to partner with members of the community by forming joint patrol team with their vigilante groups.”

Speaking further, Owoseni said “even if you post one million policemen here in Lagos, it will not be enough; rather, everyone should be part of the fight against

the hoodlums, especially in community policing” he pointed out.

Reeling out his achievement within the period of two months since assuming office, Owoseni said he had received 78 distress calls that armed robbers were about to operate or were carrying out an operation and he was able to void 67of the operations while arresting about 101 suspects of whom some had already been charged to court or remanded in prison custody awaiting trials.

He also mentioned an incident where his men were engaged in a shootout with armed robbers and 10 of the robbers lost their lives while 60 different types of guns were recovered from the robbers, including a machine used in making gun which was recovered in Markurdi and 247 different ammunitions.

He however promised that a process has been put in place to ensure that the ammunitions do not get back into the hands of the criminals.

wards and associations they keep - ACP Olatunji Disu

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

the windscreens of the two patrol vans.

“We were able to arrest one of the suspects while others are still at large. Investigation is still ongoing to fish out the other suspects from their hideouts.

Our investigation has revealed that the suspect is a member of Eiye Confraternity, one of the cult groups making lives difficult for residents of Mushin, Akala, Idi-oro and its environs.”

In his reaction, Commander of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olatunji Disu, called on all parents and guardians to be watchful over their children’s behavior as well as the association they keep, espe-

The fake security operatives

A cache of weapons and Car keys recovered from the suspects

Akala, the suspected cultist

cially those in their teens. He said this will help reduce the increasing cases of teenage initiation into cult groups.

Disu further added that residents of the state should be courageous enough to report suspicious movements and criminalities in their neighbourhood to the police, promising that the Police will act accordingly and timely.

The Commander reiterated that Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni has pledged to free the state from all forms of criminal and cult activities.

Daily Times also learnt that the suspect has been transferred to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigation.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Muslims need a unifying global leader, says Ex-Miyetti Allah scribe Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe

former National Secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alahaji Salla Bayari, has said that Islam all over the world should have a unifying spiritual leader that would be devoid of any political affiliation.

He stated this while interacting with our correspondent on his Sallah message to Muslims.

In his words, “Why would Muslims not have a leader, like the Pope, who is the most supreme leader for the Catholics? With the kind of respect the Pope commands in the Christian world, there will hardly be any problem between the Catholics and

the Christians that the Pope cannot resolve. The Pope single-handedly reconciled America and Cuba after 57 years, its shows that the quality of a spiritual leader speaks volume.

“Why won’t the entire Muslim world come together to say they want a single spiritual leader that the whole Muslim world will be a signatory to his emergence, so that whatever he says will be adhered to? If we can achieve this, it will go a long way to address all these conflicts caused by insurgents and we would not be needing the western intervention, because the West only uses military force, since they want to sell arms and these conflicts

provides them the needed opportunity to test and sell their arms.

“The issue of Boko Haram is a failure of leadership and that is why I am calling on Muslims all over the world to unite and elect a leader that we can all listen to; that will bring a message of peace in the mist of crisis. A leader that is not politically motivated, because most of the crises we are confronted with, all over the world, are politically motivated.

“The Pope is welding so much influence, because he is not a sympathiser of any political affiliation. The papal office is his entire life and he is respected for that.

So, if the Muslims world can

produce such a leader, the much needed peace we seek for that will bring an end to all these crises. After all, the Second World War was resolved in a round table that gave birth to the United Nations after all the military might that was expended to end the war proved abortive,” Bayari said.

Pope Francis

Africa.

It also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for adding another feather to his diplomatic cap by hosting the Extra-ordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, which took the unequivocal decision to reinstate Interim President Michel Kafando, who was ousted by his guards. '”In condemning the coup d’état in Burkina Faso, President Buhari left no one in doubt about Nigeria’s stand. He made it clear, in the statement that was issued on September 18, 2015, that Nigeria would give

the fullest possible support to efforts by the ECOWAS mediatory team of President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic to quickly restore Burkina Faso to the path of order, democracy and constitutionalism.

“Also in that statement, President Buhari urged the people of Burkina Faso to remain calm and steadfast in support of the transitional order, elections and democratic governance with the full assurance that Nigeria, ECOWAS and the international community would uphold their right to peace, freedom, democracy

ÏÏÏAmerican

investors have been urged to tap into the vast energy deficiency in Nigeria, particularly and across the African continent in general.

The call was made by Publisher of the Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, recently, while addressing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in the United States of America.

Anosike, who is pioneering the deployment of solar kiosk across Africa, maintained that Nigeria needed, as a matter of urgency, enterprise energy to cater for

ÏÏÏThe

APC hails ECOWAS, Buhari on reinstatement of Burkina Faso govt All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its leading role in restoring the transitional order in Burkina Faso.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said, on Thursday, in Lagos, that the regional bloc’s insistence on the strict adherence to its Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which had zero tolerance for power obtained by unconstitutional means, was a positive development for democracy, peace and stability in West

US investors urged to tap into Nigeria’s energy deficiency about 70 million of its unbanked populace.

Said he: “What we need, in Nigeria, is enterprise energy, because Nigeria has about 70 million unbanked people, so we have what we call financial inclusion.”

He told his audience that the solar kiosk, which has a solar fridge and shelves to sell fast foods and consumables, was a small Walmart.

Anosike further said that if the potential of the country was well tapped, the much-needed financial inclusion for the growth of the nation would be achieved.

Ogun to repair military barracks access roads L-R: former Speaker House of Representative, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; S.A Media to Sen. Bukola Saraki, Alh. Yusuph Olaniyonu; Alh. Olatunde Okewole and Alh. Shuaib Salisu during the Eld-ElKabir prayer held at Lantoro Praying ground, Abeokuta, Ogun State… on Thursday Photo: DAVID IDOWU

ÏÏÏThe

21 News

and good governance.

“This very impressive role by President Buhari has gone a long way in restoring Nigeria’s ebbing leadership role in the West African sub-region in particular and the African region in general,” APC said.

The party described as victory for peace and democracy the reinstatement of the Interim Government of Burkina Faso and the relinquishing of power by the putschists without a major military confrontation that would have further destabilised the fragile country and cause needless destruction and deaths.

Ogun State Government has assured the Nigerian Army that it would assist in rehabilitating the access roads within the 81 Base Ammunition Depot, Nyangoa Barracks, Lanfewa, Abeokuta, just as it promised that it would soon commence the rehabilitation of the LanfewaAiyetoro road.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works And Infrastructure, Engineer Kayode Ademolake, who gave the assurance, while playing host to the Commanding Officer, 81 Base Ammunition Depot Nyangoa Barracks, Lan-

fewa, Abeokuta Lt. Colonel Ernest Christopher Ineme, said that the state government would continue in its quest to making life bearable for its citizens.

Ademolake, who was quoted in a statement issued by the spokesman of the agency, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, said the state governor had already given his nod for the commencement of the fencing of the barracks by the ministry, adding that officials of his agency would soon visit the barracks to assess the extent of the bad roads with the aim of beginning its rehabilitation.

Adamawa Gov to appoint Igbo adviser Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏGovernor Jibrilla Bin-

dow of Adamawa state is to appoint an Igbo man as one of his special advisers.

Bindow made this known, on Thursday, while playing host to groups who visited him homage to mark Eid-el-Kabir, in Government House, Yola.

He said that the appointment would demonstrate national unity for all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-cultural background.

According to him, he would appoint an Igbo man as his adviser, owing to the fact his administration must be an inclusive one

The governor urged the people to pray for the state and his administration to achieve its vision.

He also sought prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari to achieve his vision of rebuilding the Nigeria of our dream.

Bindow said that his administration had surmounted the challenge of owing workers’ salaries.

He said that his administration would continue to prioritise regular and prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

He said that his administration was waiting for bailout funds to clear all the pending salary arrears owed to workers.

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Ambode seeks strict use of life jackets on waterways

ÏÏÏLagos

State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday, began his campaign of Water Transport Safety Awareness Programme with the distribution of 2,400 life jackets donated by Total Nigeria Plc to students of primary and secondary school and boat operators in Sabokoji community, AmuwoOdofin Local Government Area, whiling appealing to parents to ensure their wards use them when on board.

Ambode, who was represented by the Managing Di-

Akure group deplores kidnap of Falae ÏÏÏA pressure group

known as The Akure Division Renewal Group, has deplored the abduction of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Akure, Ondo State, Chief Olu Falae, stating that the kidnap was a gross violation of the desire of leading Nigerian nationalists for the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups in the country.

rector of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs Abisola Kamson, said the life-jackets were a part of efforts to improve safety on waterways, adding that the jackets were particularly designed for the students, who get to school via ferry. Kamson advised parents to insist that their wards used the life jackets when on board and that the life-jackets should not just be kept at home, adding that operators should always use it and possibly keep some inside their boats or ferries.

The body made this known in a release issued by its President and Vice-President respectively, Professors Abiodun Fayose and Olu Aderounmu, after a visit to Falae’s home.

According to the group, it was inconceivable that a man of Falae’s political status should be the one to be held captive by kidnappers identified to be Fulani herdsmen.

“Chief Falae has played dominant roles as a political icon, who served the country selflessly as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and as a presidential aspirant. He has friends and political associates from

DIVINE CARES INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990 Names of Trustees: 1. Dr. Samson Shedrack 2. Dr. Isaac Ayeni 3. Mrs. Mojisola Shedrack 4. Mrs. Oluwakemi Bejide 5. Mr. John Olajide 6. Deaconess Toyin Ogundele Aims and Objective: a. To reach out to the poor and needy in the society and provide support for them: b. To build up to human capacity of the needies to meet up with modern challenges; c. To facilitate the access of the needies to amenities and resources to improve their welfare; d. To liaise and network with social, political and economic organizations or bodies for the common concern of the needies and poor in the society Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Kola Osundairo, Esq. (Solicitor)

KINGDOM ALIVE MINISTRY This is to inform the General public that the above named MINISTRY has applied for Registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990 THE NAMES OF THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Pastor Ajayi Kolade John 2. Pastor (Mrs) Ajayi Mojirade Olubunmi 3. Deaconess Filani Florence Olabimpe 4. Rev. Solomon Olalekan Israel 5. Prophet (Dr) Okunola Samson Olukunle THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ to all nation 2. To propagate the word of light through Jesus 3. To bring back people out of darkness into the light of the world 4. To deliver the oppressed, heal the sick and set the captive free and establish faith clinic Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to The Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Adamawa civil servants to receive salaries arrears soon- Bindow Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla, has said that the state civil servants would soon receive their unpaid salaries arrears.

Jubrilla called for patience and understanding on the part of workers, as well as other citizens, as government continued efforts to enhance their welfare and enhance infrastructural for development across the state.

The governor, who stated this during Sallah homage paid to him at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, in Yola, explained

across the country and has been known to be a nationalist of the first order. It is thus inconceivable that such a man should be the one that herdsmen would find worthy of their evil kidnapping intention,” the body said.

It also said that Falae, who is also the traditional head of Ilu-Abo, presides over a village that is known to be a refuge for virtually all tribes of Nigerians, where they have been living and eking out their livelihood for several decades.“Ilu-Abo is known to be a refuge for all tribes in Nigeria. What that means, in essence, is that Chief Falae is the head of virtual all tribes in Nigeria. It is in Ilu-Abo where they find their daily bread.

We are thus shocked that a nationalist like Falae could fall prey to the antics of some evil men who did not respect his nationalis and political pedigree,” the body said.

that arrears for various categories of workers would be settled soon.

According to him, a committee would be put in place to ascertain the actual number of workers and amounts required for the payment of arrears owed civil servants.

While urging the civil servants to remain dedicated and supportive of his administration, the governor gave an assurance that hospitals and schools would soon receive government attention.

Jibrilla said accountability and transparency would be ensured in the execution of projects, pointing out that the determination of President Mohammadu Buhari in ending insurgency

and kidnapping should be complimented by prayer.

He promised the Christian Association of Nigeria as well as Muslim Council of government response to look into their need of completing their secretariat and decried the level of corruption, especially at the local government level, saying it would not be business as usual as his administration was poised to ensure that the people were not short changed.

Various speakers including Deputy Governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Judge of the state, Head of Civil Service, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, religious and community leaders, as well

as voluntary organisations, while felicitating with the governor on the sallah celebration, commended him for his effort in improving upon the plight of people of the state.

Earlier the governor was hosted to a mini sallah durbar at the Lamido’s palace after prayers by Kaddi Ahmadu Bobboi.

Bindow

Devt of Nigeria depends on labour force, says Perm Sec Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏPermanent

Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, has stated that the development of Nigeria depended on the labour force that he described as the bedrock that creates the wealth of any nation.

He stated this at a two-day refresher course, organised for labour and factory officers on Grade Levels 10-14 in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity headquarters and thirty-six state offices, including the Federal Capital territory office in Abuja.

He stressed that it was the labour force in a society that determined the direction of that society, adding that

human resources are the active producers of goods and services.

“As you are aware, industrial peace and harmony is inevitable in our quest for economic growth and development as, no nation can strive where its industrial climate is saturated with industrial disharmony. I consider this workshop very apt, especially at this time when the nation is channelling its resources to achieve economic transformation, national competitiveness and global ranking.’’

He said, further, that the objective of the workshop was aimed at updating the participants’ knowledge and understanding of labour administration and its various components with a view to improving labour protec-

tion services in all sectors of the Nigeria economy.

According to him, the workshop was also one of the ways the Ministry aimed at closing and removing the observed gaps in performance of professional officers and other relevant agencies. He said that this would no doubt reposition and sharpen officers’ skills and competence in readiness for the change agenda of the present administration. Illoh decried the insufficient number of both labour and factory Inspectors to supervise the large number of factories, all over the country, in accordance with the terms of international standards to be achieved as set up by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to notify the general public that the Original document of Certificate of Occupancy of BLOCK 3 CBD, PLOT 1 LEKKI PENINSULA RESIDENTIAL SCHEME 1. Registered at Land Registry as No. 4 Page 4, IN VOLUME 1991R. Belonging to International Textile Industries got missing in transit. All effort to trace it prove abortive. If found please contact International Textile Industries of BLOCK 3 CBD, PLOT 1 LEKKI PENINSULA RESIDENTIAL SCHEME 1.

General Public Take Note.

This is to notify the general public that the Original document of Certificate of Occupancy of BLOCK 136, PLOT 5 LEKKI PENINSULA RESIDENTIAL SCHEME 1. Registered at Land Registry as No. 44 Page 44, IN VOLUME 1992F. Belonging to Mr. Abdul Ganiyi Salami got missing in transit. All effort to trace it prove abortive. If found please contact Mr. Abdul Ganiyi Salami of BLOCK 136, PLOT 5 LEKKI PENINSULA RESIDENTIAL SCHEME 1.

General Public Take Note.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Health Æ s

23

NAFDAC to hold maiden annual summit

Okonjo-Iweala

WHO lauds Okonjo -Iweala on new appointment The World Health Organization welcomes the appointment of the Chair-elect of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

In a statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan said, Gavi has supported the immunization of more than half a billion additional children, leading to seven million future deaths being averted since 2000.

However, Dr Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned development economist and former Nigerian Finance Minister. She brings more than 33 years of development and financial expertise to the Gavi Board at a critical period for immunization in developing countries as she takes up the position of Chair from January 2016.

Earlier this year, WHO warned that vaccines are not being delivered equitably or reliably and that only 1 out of the 6 key vaccination targets for 2015 is currently on track – the introduction of under-utilized vaccines, a target to which Gavi has contributed significantly.

In taking up the position of Board Chair, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will succeed Dagfinn Høybråten, a former Norwegian Minister of Health and current Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers. She will also work closely with Dr Flavia Bustreo, WHO Assistant Director-General for Family, Women’s and Children’s Health, who is Vice Chair of Gavi.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced to holds its annual summit and exhibition called NAFDAC SUMMEX, slated for 13 to 15 of October 2015 in Lagos.

Speaking at a press briefing recently, the Director General, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, said NAFDAC SUMMEX with the theme, “Exceeding Industry Baseline,” is a convergence of all stakeholders under the statutory regulation of the agency on a single platform through an annual

summit and exhibition.

Orhii said the maiden edition of the event which is aimed at facilitating and sustaining a single but effective and interactive engagement platform for NAFDAC and the stakeholders.

On counterfeiting, Orhii said, though the agency’s manpower is not enough and the funding is not where it supposed to be, NAFDAC is employing technology to combat counterfeit.

He said counterfeit medicines have just dropped drastically, from 64 per cent in 2008, 20 per

cent in 2010 when the agency implored the handheld device through scan and as at today, with the mobile authentication service, counterfeit percentage has dropped from the 20 per cent to 3.8 percent.

“We employ all Nigerians who used cell phone to become NAFDAC collaborators so that with their mobile phones, they can text codes of medicine to see if it is fake and this explains why we are seeing a drastic reduction in anti-malaria fake drug,” he said.

He added that, by the time the

Orhii

implementation of the drug distribution guidelines is in place, the percentage will further reduce in the country.

Cancer: Too many Nigerians diagnosed late — Nwogu Stories by Lara Adejoro The Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Lakeshore Cancer Center, Chukwumere Nwogu, has said, too many Nigerians are having their cancers diagnosed only at late stages, severely limiting treatment options and leading to poor outcomes.

This he said, as Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and Lakeshore Cancer Center (LCC) are partnering to improve access to cancer prevention, screening and care for the people of Nigeria.

The partnership will see Roswell Park faculty providing clinical consultations to assist LCC oncologists, who will also have access to both training at RPCI and continuing professional education seminars they can participate in remotely.

In his words, Dr. Nwogu, who also has expertise in epidemiology, said, “Right now, too many Nigerians are having their cancers diagnosed only at late stages, severely limiting treatment options and leading to poor outcomes. But when you can respond to an unmet and pressing need by mobilizing both on-theground forces and additional support from your network, you can really make a difference.”

Continuing, he said, “Our vision is based on the most significant priorities and opportunities for intervention in Western Africa, but it’s a realistic one

too. Thanks to the great feat between Roswell Park and Lakeshore.”

Lakeshore Cancer Center, which has grown steadily since it started treating patients in July 2014, is the very first cancer centre in Nigeria.

More than 102,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed every year in Nigeria, with more than 70 per cent of patients dying from the disease.

Breast, cervical and prostate cancers are the biggest cancer killers there as Nigeria ranks 5th worldwide in the number of deaths from cervical cancer, a disease that is almost entirely preventable with regular Pap tests.

Between 80 per cent and 85 per cent of Nigerian women with breast cancer get their diagnosis after the disease has progressed to stage III, at which point it is difficult to treat successfully.

Nigerian men are 3.5 times more likely to die of prostate cancer than African-American men.

Given those grim realities, modest interventions in preventive care and diagnostics can have a dramatic impact, said Oge Ilegbune, Head of Strategy, Development and Outreach at Lakeshore.

“The statistics about cancer incidence in Nigeria have been disheartening, but we now have resources at our disposal that will help us to turn those numbers around,” she said. “The

Nwogu

response from the communities around us so far has been so positive and enthusiastic. We know that clinical outcomes are better and quality of life is improved when people don’t have to travel far from home to get their care.”

The partnership will also en-

compass treatment planning and community outreach, with Lakeshore oncologists having the opportunity to discuss cases with Roswell Park specialists as frequently as needed and to get assistance planning cancer prevention and screening programmes for the public.

Health 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Traditional medicine is key to Nigeria’s health system, says Iwu

Iwu

Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu has said that the traditional medicine is the key into the future of Nigerian health system.

Prof. Iwu stated this at the weekend at a press briefing heralding the Herbal, Health Food and Natural Expo (HERBFEST) 2015, which will take place at the Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC),

Abuja on Tuesday, 6th October to Thursday, 8th with the theme ‘Food as medicine: Utilization and sustainable exploitation of African medicinal plants and natural products.’

The Professor of Pharmacognosy said, “herbal medicine is an area where many countries are looking at, yet we have not looked into this area to any significant level. We know what happens in China, a lot of people in this country buy products from them and also India where people buy a lot of food supplements” Adding, he said, “We are hoping that one day, herbal medicine practitioners will be able to look at the global trend and key into scientific traditional trend. We are convinced that traditional medicine is the key into the future of Nigerian health system.

“We have a lot of these functional foods like cashew nuts,

even cocoa is an antioxidant proven to fight cardiovascular diseases, we also have dogonyaro. What we lack mainly in Nigeria is awareness of the abundance of these herbs; even today, many don’t know the efficacy of bitter leaf which is good for fighting diabetes,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo, said commercialisation of herbal products had been simplified by the institute through researches it embarked upon.

“FIIRO prides itself as home of indigenous technologies in that we have successfully worked on most of the agrocommodities available in Nigeria. Our role as an institution has been to use our expertise in research and development to add value to these practices and to transfer technology to im-

pact on the economy,” she said.

On his part, the DirectorGeneral, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Etatuvie Oghene, said, “Nigeria is now advancing in herbal medicine research; presently the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, now has traditional medicine in its curriculum. What we need is awareness,” Mr. Oghene siad.

The sixth edition of the expo will be hosted by the Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme (BDCP), NNMDA and FIIRO. The expo is set to attract varying investors and trade buyers from across the African region as well as from the wider market of Middle East, Europe and US and will sowcase three days of vibrant herbs, health foods and natural products and a packed programme of training workshops, meetings, seminars and abstracts.

Malnutrition accounts for 80% of irreversible abnormalities in children Malnutrition in children accounts for 80 per cent of irreversible damage in the growth of their vital organs, says Prof.

Ngozi Nnam, the President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN).

Nnam, a professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Nigeria Nsukka said, a malnourished child in the spate of first two years tends to have abnormalities in the growth of vital organs, especially in the brain.

“If a child is malnourished at the formative years between the period of conception and two years, the damage may be irreversible and permanent, the brain formation would be defective. If the brain did not develop well, there would be a gap which leads to low intelligent quotient, such a child will perform poorly in school, such is an irreversible damage.

“Brain develops during the formative years that is why parents should ensure that children were given adequate diet right from the time of conception and throughout their first two years. The key to achieving this

is breast feeding throughout the first two years, this I know is not expensive to achieve.”

Speaking further, she said, some weight issues can be corrected if the child is given adequate nutrition in the future but damage in the vital organs are difficult to correct.

She however said, breastfeeding should continue up to two years or more if the mother so desire.

She called for government’s support in achieving the goals of achieving adequate nutritional diets for children by soliciting for increase in the maternity leave for mothers up to six month.

“One of the challenges women face is that they have to start work early before six month, so it becomes difficult for them to really breastfeed the child on demand.

“We are seriously advocating that maternity leave should be increased up to six month as this will correspond with the time the baby was expected to be exclusively breastfed for the first six month of life,” Nnam said.

Malnourished children

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Art Review

Æs

Celebrating

Solomon Alonge images at the Smithsonian

In what has been described as another milestone for Benin culture, an exhibition of the late Solomon Osagie Alonge’s Benin kingdom photo exhibition, opened recently at the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts. The visual feast which showcases the history of the reigns of Oba Akenzua II (1933–78) and Oba Erediauwa as well as the political and social events surrounding the Edo kingdom’s rich cultural heritage was a remarkable outing.

L-R: Prince Ademola Iyi-Eweka recieving a gift from Wayne Clough, secretary to the Smithsonia museum at the exhibition in USA.

L-R: Lancelot Imesua, Prince Ademola IyiEweka, Stanley Obamwomyi, Magdalene Obamwomyi and Austine Iyare at the first exhibition.

Portrait of Oba Akenzua greeting Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on a royal visit to Nigeria. Late Prime Minister of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo (L) PHOTO: Alonge

25

Agozino Agozino Explaining the late Solomon Osagie Alonge’s Benin kingdom photo exhibition, which opened recently at the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts, (SMAFA) United States may not be very simple. But capturing it as spectacular just sums it all.

The show was opened recently at (SMAFA) United States. The ongoing exhibition serves images that are remarkable even as it showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Edo people captured by the late documentary palace photographer.

Since the remarkable show opened in Washington, it has received remarkable reviews from collectors and lovers of Benin culture.

The exhibition, which showcased the activities throughout the reign of the late Oba Akenzua and Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I. in Benin Kingdom, served a collection of thrilling works.

The exhibition is featuring over 3,000 interesting images, and the second leg of the exhibition, is scheduled to hold Benin, in the future. The works tell pregnant cultural stories while showing Alonge’s gift for capturing activities around the Oba’s palace and other interesting themes.

Meanwhile, Director of Smithsonian Museum Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, who was in Nigeria last week said the main objective of the show was to celebrate a Nigerian photographer who has left a legacy with his talent. Dr. Cole described Alonge as a unique photographer with a remarkable gift, whose works will always be celebrated.

“We are happy for hosting this ongoing exhibition in our museum in Washington. As you can imagine, Smithsonian is the only museum in the United States that is exclusively dedicated to the visual arts of Africa, and what I mean is from Algeria to Zimbabwe and down to South Africa.

“We have many exhibitions, education and outreach programmes. But we are happy

because the Alonge case is a unique show. And that is why we are in Nigeria, because in the history of our museum we have never had such important projects ever. It has never been done in the history of the Smithsonian Museum or the Smithsonian which has 19 different museums with research centres.

Throwing more light, Dr. Cole said “Yes, we are here because of that wonderful photo exhibition.

He was one of Nigeria’s premiere photographers, who for five decades. He photographed the royal courts of Benin including children, visiting dignitaries and politicians, and annual festivals and court ceremonies from a unique insider’s perspective.

“It is not only because of the exhibition that we are here in Nigeria and the Benin museum; we also plan that in future we would train curators, gallery workers and others for the museum here in Nigeria. We will, equally, do many educational programmes, especially, training children in Benin to appreciate their cultural heritage.

Dr. Cole is in Nigeria with a team including Amy Staples, a widely travelled international photo artist and Dr. Christine Mullen Kreamer, Curator at Smithsonian museum.

The team, which had been to Benin, Edo State, recently, are working with other stakeholders for promoting culture and art event.

“The late Chief Alonge’s legacy includes 60 years of photography, an archive of over 3,000 images that represents an unprecedented visual history of Benin royalty and society in the 20th century. His photographs have been compared to the famous bronze plaques of the Benin kingdom, as modern visual records that preserve the history of Edo-speaking peoples.

Alonge also set up his own studio where the ordinary people come for photography. And think of how fortunate we are in Smithsonian because we were able to purchase, from the family, his entire collections of photography.

We have his camera, his glass plate; we even have some of his trousers. All of that is in our exhibition

Lancelot Imesua at the event.

now. But we are here to raise the fund to help send the exhibition back to its source. The beauty of it all is that we also plan to make a gift to the Benin people after the exhibition.

The exhibition in Nigeria will be the most talked about event in arts in recent time which will enjoy a long display,” said Dr. Cole.

According to Dr. Cole, the aim of the exhibition in United States is to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Edo kingdom and one of the black nation’s art heritages and to celebrate the late Alonge for his contribution in documenting heritage from Nigeria to the world. She said the exhibition has made Nigeria popular while in Smithsonian.

The future edition of the show will be the first of its kind and will be more remarkable especially as it will be showcased at the place where the event was documented.’’

Daily Times check on the late veteran photographer revealed that his photographic collection spans six decades (1926 –1989) and represents a dynamic continuous record of the Benin Royal Court.

According to the information gleaned from the press pack, “Benin City and the Oba’s (king) Palace have been major political, religious and administrative centres for over 800 years. As the royal photographer to the Oba of Benin, Akenzua II (1933 -1978), Alonge documented the ritual, pageantry and regalia, their wives and retainers for over half-century, including the coronation of the King and the Queen Mother, Iyoba.”

He was also reported to have documented historic visits to the Benin Kingdom by the Earl of Plymouth in 1935, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1956 as well as Princess Alexandra in 1960, among others. He had 60 years of documenting what had been going on in the royal palace of Benin. Throwing more light on the event, Dr. Cole said, “His work is both photography and history.”

The museum’s in-house scholars stumbled upon his name. Apparently, Chief Alonge’s name kept coming up. “If you’re a scholar of African art, then you would know Alonge.”

Art Review 26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Archie Abia: From painting to evangelism Agozino Agozino As a child, Godwin Archie Abia toyed dutifully with his hands and relished every bit of the experiment. His idea of adult life was becoming a creative person and making his living from that. He was enthusiastic about everything that was colorful; hence, he found it easier to express himself in the visual art format. Drawing, painting and things that dwell on God and spirits gave him the thrill as a young lad growing up in the oil city of Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

As he grew, believing that one of the genres of visual arts, painting with bone collage could provide him a means of fulfillment, he got more drawn to the field as an area of his practice and solution, but, he also had deep desire to tell the world about God through art.

Today, his dream has not only been met but he has been spreading his message through his brand of painting, using bone collage. Abia, who runs his Lagos-based gallery as the Director of Win Arc Gallery, Ikeja, said he is eager to break new grounds, not only in painting but also to use his works to preach good news of Jesus Christ to humanity.

Over time, the broadly talented

artist has carved a niche for himself through his art works. His knack for converting waste materials into refined art pieces is remarkable as his beautiful bone collage pictures buttress.

Walking into his studio, which also serves as a display room of his recent works, is like entering into a warm embrace of colors.

Ranges of beautiful finished works tell the story of an everworking versatile artist. Enchanting drawings, images of serenity as well surreal pieces compete for the guest’s attention.

“As an artist, I thank God for the vision He gave me. What I do is to use bone collage as a medium for my works. For more than 20 years, I have been doing this work. And I thank God for the kind of vision he gave me,’’ Archie said.

At one corner of the room are some of the few surviving old works that hint at how long the artist had plied his trade. With over 20 years of studio art practice experience, it would have been imagined that the artist should be feeling more relaxed but it appears, he still has more to do, especially in the area of advocating that government should do something tangible for practitioners in the

Ude chairs panel at Lagos book festival Miracle Udeagha The founder of Nok Publishers and first African editor at Double Day, Alhaji Abdulaziz Ude, is to chair a crucial panel session at this year’s Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF). It holds between November 13 and 15, at the Freedom Park on Broad Street, Lagos.

Ude, a philanthropist, with bias for intellectual causes, will be moderating the session on ”Key to the Knowledge Economy”, the only recurring session that has run for four consecutive editions of the 17- year old festival, which will host 10 panel sessions.

Each year, this unique session

Ude

features the discussion of a book or several books that define current trends in the global economy.

What would be different this year is that the book in focus, a 60-year old entitled: Kenneth Dike’s Trade &Politics In The Niger Delta 18301885, “marked the beginning of professional study of the economic history of West Africa”, according to Gareth Austin, Professor of African and Comparative Economic History, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, who wrote the foreword to the 2011 reprint.

One of the untiled work in Abia studio, (Inset) Abia.

industry.

The Akwa Ibom state indigene believes that the arts cannot flourish in Nigeria when government neglects the sector.

He noted that the greatest challenge facing the Nigerian visual arts is lack of seriousness on the part of corporate organisations, governments and even the wellestablished local artists to help the up-and-coming one in incentives and career direction.

To address this, the artist often offers his Ikeja gallery to young artists who feel challenged as a result of space problem to practice any day.

He said the about 64 squaremeter studio space, located at Abayobi Street, Ikeja where he maintains his gallery and studio is for every artist who wishes to use it.

Explaining what led to the project,

This deeply insightful history of the pre-colonial era economy of the Niger Delta Basin, largely a telling of the details of the Palm Oil trade, provides an important clue to how African trade keyed into the global economy at a time when the planet was not so connected by the advanced means of communications that prevail today. The book was selected by the organisers “mainly to allow festival participants to revisit their own story and situate their place in the world”, according to Jahman Anikulapo, chairman of the festival organising committee.

When Dike began working on the book, as a PhD thesis in the University of London, “there were as yet no ‘Africanist historian’ in British universities”, notes Austin.

“Trade and Politics inaugurated the academic study of Nigerian history. Professor Dike’s volume founded West African economic history as a regular subject of research”. Ude, who was publisher of the defunct Financial Post and a founding member of the board of Newswatch magazine, says of the panel session and the festival itself: “It promises to be interesting and Insha Allah, I shall be there”.

the artist said that it was inspired by his recent interaction with many artists in Lagos. To him, seeing young artists roaming the town every year without a permanent studio to work in or gallery to show their pieces hurts him. He believes that every artist deserves a place where he should be easily assessed and identified.

Therefore, any established artist who feels for the growth of the visual arts sector in Nigeria will be concerned about this development. According to him, the issue has led many artists to switch careers, opting for such sectors as banking, marketing and other fast-rewarding sectors.

“So what then, is the future of arts?”Abia queried.

He explained: “We don’t want any artist to say again that “it is because I don’t have a place to go

or to showcase my works, which is why I left the practice.” Just come to us, we have enough facility here that will help more artists.”

Apart from the serenity of the environment which, he said, makes it unique, there is also a plan to boost the facilities as time goes on.

He explained that Win Arc Gallery was set up to expose talented young artists and promote better practice in the field.

Abia said established artists should emulate veterans in other sectors by being their brother’s keeper. But he said he faced challenges while coming up with the project which he described as “not easy.” According to him, his drive was propelled by the fact that there was no time when things would be easy; hence, people have to continue to make sacrifices for tomorrow.

We’ve Sold N1.6 billion artworks

–Chellaram Miracle Udeagha Kavita Chellaram, owner of Lagos-based Arthouse Contemporary Limited, says her auction house and gallery has sold a N1.576 billion worth of artworks in 14 auctions over a seven-year period. The daughter of a Lagos textile tycoon, who bought her first artwork 38 years ago, told the cable news channel, CNN, that the Arthouse, which she founded in mid-2007, had “sold 11,000 pieces of art” since the first hammer in April 2008.

She added that the market for the works is the Nigerian middle/ upper class. “Half the billionaire population in sub-Saharan Africa live in Nigeria and South Africa”,

Chellaram

she said. Arthouse Contemporary’s auction was inspired by the secondary art market in India, Kavita’s second home.

“The success of auctions focused on works from a specific region, as in the art of South Asia, China or Southeast Asia, is a benchmark for Arthouse Contemporary”, the company says on its website.

Chellaram contrasted this with the practice in Nigeria, where she noticed “all sorts of barter arrangements were going on such as ‘bring five or 10 works and get a used-car.” Her interview on CNN confirms that things have changed: “What somebody bought for a certain price in Auction 1 in 2008 will likely sell for eight times the 2008 price at a 2015 auction”.

Friday, September 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

Alabi

IPSWICH BOSS TIPS

CAMEROUN COACH NAMES KILLER SQUAD AGAINST NIGERIA

ALABI C for greatness

I

pswich Town manager Mick McCarthy said he believes James Alabi is another rough diamond with the potential to shine at the English Championship club.

The 20-year-old striker has penned a one-year deal at Portman Road having impressed during a trial period.

Alabi was released by Stoke City in the summer, and spent time with Scottish giants Celtic, although international clearance prevented him from playing for the Bhoys.

McCarthy is excited by his crop of youngsters and believes the experience of playing competitive games will benefit his starlets, including Alabi, who may even be considered for first-team action before the season ends.

Asked if Alabi could provide another attacking option, McCarthy said: “I don’t see why not.

“He is different to our other strikers and there’s no doubt he will improve, working on his finishing with Terry Connor every Friday.

“He is a big powerful lad, very quick, there’s lots of improvement in him. He wants to listen, he wants to learn, that’s been evident since the day he came here and he has certainly made our under-21s team better.

“He’s been a real focal point, with his power, strength and pace and seeing the quality strikers in front of him will only help.”

ameroun coach, Volker Finke, has named a fullstrength squad for their friendly against Nigeria in Belgium on October 11, 2015.

The match will serve as preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with both sides launching their international campaign in November.

The Indomitable Lions will face Somalia or Niger while the Super Eagles will battle Djibouti or

P

Swaziland.

Finke kept faith with the vast majority of his stars for their meeting with the West African giants, including experienced pair of centre-backs Nicolas Nkoulou and Aurélien Chedjou; in-form versatile defender Joël Matip, hard-working midfield duo Eyong Enoh and Stéphane M’Bia; pacey wingers Clinton N’Jie and Benjamin Moukandjo and deadly frontman Vincent Aboubakar.

Cameroun dare-devil striker, Vincent Aboubakar

However, the German manager also decided to hand a maiden Lions call-up to Dinamo Bucarest

full-back Collins Fai and KV Ostende midfielder Sébastien Siani.

The game will be played at Stade Van Roy in Denderleeuw.

NPFL: ENYIMBA IN POLE POSITION TO WIN TITLE E

Enyimba striker, Kingsley Sokari.

O AND D TO DECIDE PLATEAU UTD PROMOTION lateau United players, officials and fans should not celebrate yet on promotion to the Nigeria top flight league.

Our correspondent gathered their promotion hopes are tied to the decision of O and D on the inconclusive game between Kogi and Adamawa United in Lokoja.

Players of Adamawa United and Plateau United are claiming the promotion ticket.

Plateau United left back John Boyi expressed his excitement on promotion after 1-0 win over Kogi,

27

while an Adamawa United goalkeeper simply said: “It is Adamawa United and Niger Tornadoes who got promotion and not Plateau United.”

Both teams have to wait for O and D verdict.

There is also a decision to be taken by the committee on Prime FC vs Remo Stars game which was abandoned.

The verdict will decide the top flight league among Ikorodu United, Prime FC and Go Round FC. MFM FC of Lagos and Niger Tornadoes have already sealed their promotion.

nyimba are in pole position to clinch the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title for the seventh time this season.

The Aba club have already won the championship six times - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010 - and look good to clinch their seventh title this season.

With eight games to end of the current season, ‘The People’s Elephant’ set the pace with 55 points from 30 games.

AfricanFootball.com predicts that going by the remaining fixtures involving the top four teams,

YUSUF

E

Enyimba, Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists and Sunshine Stars, the title is for Enyimba to lose.

Enyimba are on 55 points and could end up with between 68 points and 66 points to be crowned champions again.

Enyimba’s next game is away to Heartland, which they are likely to lose.

Their subsequent game will be at home to Shooting Stars and they will be expected to win all three points.

They are then, away to Nasarawa and should come away empty handed, while they should take three points at home to Kwara United.

HEADS CHAN EAGLES TRAINING

agles’ assistant coach Salisu Yusuf will take charge of the country’s team for a 2016 CHAN qualifier against Burkina Faso when they open training camp in Port Harcourt on October 4.

The CHAN qualifier is fixed for October 18 in Port Harcourt with the return leg in Ouagadougou a week later.

The training camp for the game was originally planned for October 11, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have now moved it forward to allow the home-based Eagles more time to prepare for the CHAN qualifier.

Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh will join the training camp after the friendly match against Cameroun in Belgium on October 11.

Chima Akas (right) will be part of CHAN Eagles.

28

Friday, September 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

W

atford of England striker Jude Odion Ighalo has expressed his delight following his recall to the Super Eagles, and says he hopes to give a good account of himself under coach Sunday Oliseh.

The 26year old is currently the most inf o r m striker in England for the calendar year, having scored 20 goals in 24 games in 2015, the last of which was a brace against Newcastle United at the weekend.

And having been left out of Oliseh’s team for the games against Tanzania and Niger Republic, Ighalo has been recalled for the friendly matches against Congo DR and Cameroon next month.

He says: “I’m happy to be back to the Super Eagles so I just want to go there and give my best and I will work with the team and the coach,” Ighalo said.

The friendlies come up in Belgium in October, and are set to give new coach Sunday Oliseh a better understanding of the team ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as well.

Ikeme honoured to captain Wolves

Ighalo

N

IGHALO MAKES SUPER EAGLES PLEDGE And Ighalo says it is important they played these friendly games so as to help them gel and understand one another better as a team.

“These friendly games are good for the team because we have to play together and gel together so we can understand one another better. So I think it is a very good step for the NFF to organize more friendly games for us,” Ighalo stated.

IMOH

Imoh

DECLARED WANTED BY SIASIA Stories by Mike Otanwa

A

nderlecht striker, Imoh Ezekiel is top of a list of Europe-based strikers Nigeria Olympic team coach Samson Siasia will consider for the African U23 Cup of Nations in Senegal.

Siasia has said scoring goals has been the bane of his Dream Team VI and now plans to hit Europe to talk up strikers within the age bracket who could score goals for Nigeria to qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

“Scoring goals has been the problem of my team and that is why I plan to be

in Europe to discuss with the clubs and players who I believe can help me solve this problem,” Siasia said on arrival from the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzavile, where his team win a bronze medal.

The 21-year-old Ezekiel, for one, has a full international cap for Nigeria and has proved his worth as a top marksman in Europe with Belgian club Standard Liege before his recent move to Anderlecht.

Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi, who is on loan to German Bundesliga 2 side FSV Frankfurt from Liverpool, are also in the radar of Siasia.

igeria international goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has said it was an honour to captain his English Championship team Wolverhampton Wanderers for the first time in Tuesday evening’s 3-0 League Cup loss to Middlesborough.

However, the shot stopper was disappointed his team ended up losing the game.

“Disappointing result tonight , but was a honour captaining the club for the first time,” Ikeme tweeted.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper has been Wolves goalkeeper since 2003, but has been on loan to Middlesbrough, Leicester City, QPR, Sheffield United, Charlton Athletic, Stockport County, Accrington and Doncaster at different times.

He has been in Wolves since 2011/2012 season till now without going on loan.

Ikeme

Friday, September 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

LA LIGA FIXTURES TODAY’S MATCH

14:30 Wolfsburg v Hannover 14:30

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Hamburger SV ? - ? Schalke 17:30

Barcelona v Las Palmas 15:00

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Real Madrid v Malaga 17:15

Eintracht Frankfurt v Hertha Berlin

Sevilla v Rayo Vallecano 19:30

14:30

Villarreal v Atletico Madrid 19:30

Borussia Dortmund v Darmstadt

Eibar v Celta Vigo 21:05

16:30

Sunday, September 27, 2015 Sporting Gijon v Real Betis 11:00

SERIE A FIXTURES

Deportivo La Coruna v Espanyol

Saturday, September 26, 2015

15:00

Roma v Carpi 17:00

Getafe v Levante 17:15

SSC Napoli v Juventus 19:45

Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao 19:30

Sunday, September 27, 2015 Genoa v AC Milan 11:30

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES TODAY’S MATCHES

STANKOVIC

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen

Valencia v Granada 19:30

Bologna v Udinese 14:00 Hellas Verona v Lazio 14:00

FC Cologne v Ingolstadt 19:30

Sassuolo v ChievoVerona 14:00

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Torino v Palermo 14:00

Augsburg v Hoffenheim 14:30

Inter v Fiorentina 19:45

Mainz 05 v Bayern Munich 14:30

Monday, September 28, 2015

VfB Stuttgart v Borussia M’gladbach

Frosinone v Empoli 18:00

14:30

Atalanta v Sampdoria 20:00

Stankovic

F

ormer Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic has described Roberto Mancini’s side as “a team of warriors” after their perfect start to the Serie A season continued on Wednesday.

Felipe Melo’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Verona Inter’s fifth victory in a row, and their fourth by the same scoreline to keep them top of the table after five matches.

INIESTA

DEMANDS LESSONS FROM CELTA SHOCK

A

ndres Iniesta has challenged Barcelona to learn the lessons from their shock defeat to Celta Vigo when they take on Las Palmas on Saturday.

The Liga champions were beaten 4-1 by an Iago Aspas-inspired Celta on Wednesday, allowing fierce rivals Real Madrid to move top of the table as Luis Enrique’s side slipped to fifth.

After winning their first four Liga outings of 2015-16, defeat brought Barca back down to earth with a bump, the reigning champions consistently punished for playing a high line as Celta proved devastating on the counter-attack with Barca chasing the game.

This weekend, newly promoted Las Palmas are the visitors to Camp Nou and Iniesta is keen to see a reaction following the damaging defeat at Balaidos.

“The team went out well in the second half and it was like watching another game, but we lacked ruthlessness.

“It’s a defeat that hurts us. Now we analyse it and carry on, so that Saturday is another game,” Iniesta said.

Paco Herrera’s side earned their first victory of the campaign on Wednesday as they downed an out-of-sorts Sevilla 2-0, but he believes a wounded Barca could be even more dangerous.

Carvajal

D

hails Inter ‘warriors’

And Stankovic, now club manager at San Siro, has praised the team’s battling spirit in the early part of the campaign.

“We are a team of warriors,” he told reporters.

“We’re still not playing brilliant football, but it’s only September, there’s plenty of time. For now, I like how like Inter looks on the pitch: a team with 11 combative warriors.

“I think this has been an almost historic start to the season.”

Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Milan have enjoyed a more mixed start to the campaign, having taken nine points from their opening five games, but Stankovic is confident in his compatriot.

“He’s still learning as a coach,” Stankovic added. “His side could also play great football but lack concentration right now.

“I can’t say if they were better in the derby, but they were very concrete. So for Sinisa, I’m happy.”

this term - visit the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It’s always good to be top of the table, but we have to carry on and keep on winning games to be champions come May,” the Spain international said.

“We knew about Barcelona’s halftime score (2-0 down at Balaidos) and that it was a golden opportunity to take top spot. It’s an added source of motivation to get out there and play.”

Malaga, meanwhile, were beaten 1-0 by Villarreal on Wednesday and their failure to score this season is a source of growing concern for head coach Gracia.

“I’m worried about it,” Gracia said,

with Malaga having gained just two points from five games. “The players are different to last season. The squad is angry, sad, desolate.

“It’s difficult after a game like this, with an own goal. What I always highlight is the value of our supporters.

“They cheer us up and keep supporting us, and soon we’ll give them what they deserve.”

Real could welcome captain Sergio Ramos back for Saturday’s match as he continues to recover well from a shoulder injury, though James Rodriguez (hamstring) is unlikely to be risked.

Carvajal keen to make the most of top spot

ani Carvajal wants Real Madrid to make the most of their “golden opportunity” at the top of La Liga when they host struggling Malaga on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez’s side battled to a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, a result that saw them climb to the summit thanks to Barcelona’s shock 4-1 defeat to Celta Vigo.

Real have won their last five games on the bounce in all competitions, conceding just once, and full-back Carvajal is keen to see them continue their form when Javier Gracia’s team who are yet to win or score in La Liga

Bayern optimistic over GUARDIOLA’S contract renewal

B

Iniesta

29

ayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is confident Pep Guardiola will sign a contract renewal with the Bundesliga champions.

Guardiola’s current deal at the Allianz Arena is due to expire at the end of this season and he has so far been reluctant to open talks over a new contract, fuelling speculation about a potential exit.

Nevertheless, Rummenigge believes the former Barcelona boss will find it hard to turn down the Bavarians’ offer.

“I am optimistic about Pep’s renewal,” Rummenigge said.

“We have a great offer on the table, which you cannot just shove aside.

“We have a first-class team, a fantastic club, a great stadium and a wonderful city to offer.

“We will have a serious conversation with Pep in the upcoming weeks and we will see what comes from that.

“I want to win the Champions League another time - with Guardiola in charge.”

Guardiola has guided Bayern to back-to-back Bundesliga titles since replacing Jupp Heynckes in 2013, but still awaits European glory with the club.

Bayern were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Real Madrid in 2013-14, while again falling at the same hurdle versus Barcelona last season.

30

Friday, September 25, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP

Barkley can match Gerrard, Lampard

REMY

FRUSTRATED WITH CHELSEA BENCH ROLE

L

oic Remy has admitted that he is growing frustrated with his lack of playing time at Chelsea.

The French striker has played just eight minutes in the Premier League so far this season as Jose Mourinho has preferred Diego Costa and Radamel Falcao up front, and Remy is finding it hard to settle for his current role.

“It’s really difficult to be in and out of the team,” Remy said after scoring in Chelsea’s 4-1 League Cup win at Walsall on Wednesday.

“I can’t lie, the rhythm is not the same to compare with training. Of course, when you are not playing much it is more difficult.

“I cannot complain, I want to play and when the man-

E

verton midfielder Gareth Barry believes team-mate Ross Barkley can be as good as former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

After an inconsistent season last term, Barkley has showcased his potential on a regular basis in 2015-16 with three goals in all competitions.

Barkley scored in Everton’s League Cup victory over Reading on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old’s performances this season have caught the eye of Barry, who feels the midfielder can emulate Gerrard and Lampard.

“Ross has got all the ability to go on and be a really top player,” Barry said. “He has got all the potential to become as good as them.

“He’s got everything that they had, to match their ability, but the one thing he’s going to need is consistency: performing, scoring goals, assisting on a regular basis, and those two players, Lampard and

Remy

ager gives me a chance I just try to score goals and give assists.”

Costa’s three-match ban could see Remy’s chances of playing time increase and he is determined to make the most of it if gets a chance to prove his worth.

“We will miss Costa because he is so important for us winning games. It’s a shame for us to have lost Costa for three games,” he added.

“But I don’t put pressure on myself because I know my quality. The manager knows as well he can use me as a striker or on the side, so I don’t have any pressure.

“I just want to feel better and now with the games coming, maybe I have the opportunity to play more.”

Y

aya Toure is desperate to return to winning ways in the Premier League when Manchester City travel to Tottenham on Saturday after their surprise defeat at the hands of West Ham. City started the league season in perfect fashion with five wins from five matches, but their 100 per cent record came to an end when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Slaven Bilic’s side last Saturday.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men bounced back with a convincing 4-1 League Cup victory at Sunderland on

Toure

— BARRY

TOURE desperate to bounce back Tuesday and midfielder Toure has now set his sights on taking all three points at White Hart Lane.

“We have a tough game coming against Tottenham and we needed this relief, and

confidence coming back,” Toure said after the win at the Stadium of Light.

“City or even Chelsea, Arsenal, when they start losing or have a bad spell you get a lot of criticism.

Gerrard, did that for 10, 12 years in the Premier League, so that’s the target for Ross.”

Barry

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Saturday, September 26, 2015 Tottenham v Man City 12:45 Leicester City v Arsenal 15:00 Liverpool v Aston Villa 15:00 Man United v Sunderland 15:00 Southampton v Swansea15:00 Stoke City v Bournemouth 15:00 West Ham v Norwich City15:00 Newcastle v Chelsea 17:30 Sunday, September 27, 2015 Watford v Crystal Palace 16:00 Monday, September 28, 2015 West Brom v Everton 20:00

Arsenal showed S R E B M A character, says CH C Chambers

alum Chambers feels Arsenal showed character in their 2-1 League Cup win over Tottenham on Wednesday.

Mathieu Flamini gifted Arsene Wenger’s men the lead at half time, but an own goal from Chambers then saw Spurs restore parity.

However, Arsenal eventually progressed to the fourth round - where they will travel to Sheffield Wednesday - as Flamini netted a stunning first-time volley to make it 2-1.

“We were resilient and in the times where we were under a lot of pressure I thought we were compact,” Chambers said.

“Together as a team we knew our jobs and we defended well.

“We were 1-0 up and then they came back to 1-1 so I think we showed a lot of character to keep our faith, keep our composure, keep

playing and get the result by getting a goal to get the win.

“It’s a big game and it’s always nice to get a win. We fought well, kept our discipline throughout the game and ground out a result.

“You want to get good results and build up momentum so hopefully we can take what we learnt into the next game.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

31 Opinion

Remembering my departed friends

ÎÎÎ

Memory is an alluring place, where things free themselves from forgetfulness to elicit notice.

Truly, memory is an invisible place, filled with the days, the weeks, the months, the years, personages, friends, relatives, loved ones we remember.

Yes, in many ways, memory is a living record of the good, the bad and the ugly past as it is the chronicle of what was, what is and what can be rememberedtime, space, place as- we go on living our lives, remembering the deeds of those who have gone ahead of us. Yes, too, memory is the compass that points us in the direction of those beautiful experiences and encounters of life we cannot forget in a hurry, of the memories of the departed we erect as eternal walls of remembrance and the monuments we build in their honour that give us joy, so we can go on cherishing them forever in our many different ways. It is this place we call memory that we all encounter the everyday of near forgetfulness, so we flip diaphragms etched into time to meet those, to paraphrase the Nobel poet laureate, Czelaw Milosz, that can no longer speak,

who wait to meet us, so we can tell the stories of their lives that only blood and the boundless love of our common humanity could have made true and real.

Memories of the departed live on when we remember them, when we think of the time we spent with them, what was and what is today, and relive the past in the the present for it to become the keepsakes of remembrance. There are pains, grief, sadness and happiness in remembering loss, the moments once shared, in the tears shed, the prayer for all departed souls, still we bear all of this alone while comforting and consoling ourselves for the times well spent and the lives well lived. The time for remembering the past, the days, the weeks, the months and the years; the time for remembering the places we lived in and the beautiful people who shared these places and times with us to create our personal history, lived experiences, fulfilled hopes and dreams, personal successes, gains, victories and the beautiful memories of the first dates, marriages, births, birthdays and anniversaries we sift through to understand life and its many

encounters, journeys, ambiguities, paradoxes and mysteries, comes alive when we remember the departed.

Time and space cannot sound the death knell of remembrance when our dead live in our hearts forever. Today, I remember my dear departed friends like the quintessential political activist, human rights and pro-democracy campaigner, Chima Ubani, who died on 21 September 2005. Until his death, Chima was the Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO). Chima belonged to that tribe of patriots who yearned to change our world better than they met it. He contributed more than his fair share to our collective humanity; first, as President of the Students Union of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he led numerous students agitations against the utterly irresponsible Vice Chancellorship of Professor Chimere Ikoku, and later as General-Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy (CD). As General-Secretary, Chima coordinated the most progressive and people-driven onslaughts on the Babaginda and Abacha dictatorships, culminating in his arrest in 1995 and subsequent detention under the State Security and Detention of Persons Decree Number 2 of 1984 at the Ikoyi Prison. He was released by General Abubakar late 1998. Chima Ubani died in a ghastly motor accident in Damaturu on 21 September, 2005, having led the national protests against the removal of oil subsidy to the

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Chima Ubani

northeast of our country.

Kanmi Isola-Osobu, the radical activist and people’s lawyer, famous as Fela Anikulapo’s lawyer, was part of the troika of radical Lagos lawyers, which included Gani Fawehinmi and Olu Onagoruwa, who fought the causes of the poor.

I grew up to admire the troika, particularly Kanmi, my boyhood hero. I met Kanmi in the fourth month of my detention under the State Security and Detention of Persons Decree Number 2, 1984 at the dreaded Maximum Security Prisons, Kirikiri, Lagos. As President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I was categorized as a person of interest and a national security risk by the Babaginda junta and kept in solitary confinement for months. On a certain day of late August

1991, I was taken out of Kirikiri by SSS operatives to meet my interrogators at the then SSS Headquaters in Ikoyi, Lagos. It was at that meeting I met Kanmi, who I instantly recognized. Later that day, Kanmi secured my release from detention. Kanmi and I forged a friendship that lasted till his sudden death on May 24, 1995 at a private hospital in Ibadan.

He was 58 years old.

When my friend, colleague, comrade and sister, Ntee Nwakuche, departed our sinful world mid-1995, I was completely broken by the loss of a young lady, who at twentysix was on the first rung of life’s ladder. Ntee’s death reminded me and still reminds me of the cruelty of life- how one braves vicissitudes and challenges to accomplish set goals, only to die when the sun has barely risen,

when one is set to reap the fruits of life’s painful toils, and how death spreads its mat in one’s moment of joy, leaving pain, grief and memories that live with us to eternity. Life is an oxymoron. I met Ntee in January, 1992, at the University of Calabar where she read Law. We instantly became friends the moment she walked up to me and complemented what she called “your rousing and militant address to Great Mallabites” and our friendship continued a few months later at the Nigeria Law School where we were both students. We remained platonic friends to the consternation of our mischievous mutual friends. Ntee was truly my sister from another mother.

We live in a strange country where true patriots are never honoured.

Chima and Kanmi died without official recognition of their contributions to our humanity, not even posthumous honours to their enduring memories and legacies. National honours give us the opportunity to interrogate the subject of public service and to appreciate fallen patriots whose deeds inspire the rest of us. Chima and Kanmi deserve posthumous honours. Ntee Nwakuche, Kanmi IsolaOsobu and Chima Ubani have long completed their physical and earthly journeys, but the humanity which their spirits encompassed while they were with us live in their legacies. May the lights they lit continue to guide my path.

Amen.

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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: 08086296714

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.197

Price: N150

IKEME HONOURED TO CAPTAIN WOLVES Pg.26 CAMEROUN COACH NAMES KILLER SQUAD AGAINST NIGERIA

TOURE

DESPERATE TO BOUNCE BACK Pg.30

Pg.27

Mike Otanwa

F

ormer governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu, has become the latest person to consider making a bid for the presidency of soccer’s global gov erning body FIFA as it struggles to em erge from a corruption scandal.

Kalu, a businessman with oil, tourism and other interests in West Africa and former governor of Abia state, is “carefully deliberatin g upon the decision” to stand as a suc cessor to outgoing president Sepp Blatter, his Washington-based spokes man Sam Amsterdam said in a stat ement.

Blatter, at the helm since 199 8, announced in June he wou ld step down as FIFA was rocked by an investigation into soccer corr uption.

The United States indicted 14 sports marketing executives and soccer officials, including several from FIFA on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges.

Kalu’s statement said Blatter, who was not among those indicted , “has crafted an unparalleled lega cy in establishing football’s presence in the international emerging market place.”

“He understood and expand ed upon the belief of many theolog ians in that sport is a bastion of opportu nity, a levelling barometer and a sou rce of patriotism for all walks of life.”

UEFA president Michel Plat ini, a former French internation al, is considered the front-runner among the list of candidates who have said they want to run for the FIFA presidency at an extraord inary meeting on February 26.

REMY

FRUSTRATED WITH CHELSEA BENCH ROLE

K A LU

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A F I F S E I F I INTENS L A I T N E D I S PRE AMBITION

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Business Times Æ s

B1

August Allocation Dips as FG, States, LGs Share N442.606b The effect of the dwindling crude oil prices seems to pose more danger on the monthly revenue flow to the Nigerian government as the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared the sum of N442.606 billion to the three tiers of government for the month of August, 2015 making a deficit of N69.193 billion of the amount shared in July.

Announcing the breakdown of amount shared, the Chairperson of the FAAC and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Mrs Anastasia Nwokobia disclosed that the gross revenue of N369.140 billion was received for the month of August was lower than the N433.584 billion received in the previous month of July 2015 by N64.444 billion.

Mrs Nwokobia said that for the month of August 2015, the gross available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was N62.176 billion as against N74.945 billion distributed in the preceeding month resulting a decrease of N12.769 billion.

She attributed that a drastic drop in Crude Oil Export, shut down and shut-in of production for maintenance at different times and terminals during the month of July were the major issues that negatively impacted crude oil revenue.

According to her, there was exchange gain of N4.960 billion which is proposed for distribution.

The Federal Government got N177.576 billion representing 52.68% of the total amount shared as against N202.111 billion received in the previous month.

The state governments got N115.373 which is 26.72 % of the total revenue distributed for the month of August 2015 as against the N102.513 billion received in July.

The local government Councils got N86.729 represented 20.60 % of the total revenue shared as against N79.033 billion shared in July.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the distributable statutory revenue for the month is N433.584 billion adding that the sum of N6.330 billion was refunded by the Nigerian national Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federal Government.

She said that the present amount of money in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) is $2.257

billion, the same as it was in July 2015 saying that the reason the ECA count remained untouched was that there has not been any urgent need to dip hand into the account.

Also, there was exchange gain of N6.409 billion which was proposed for distribution. She therefore, put the total revenue distributable for the current month to N511.799 billion.

The sum of N27.870 billion representing 13 % derivation of mineral revenue of oil and gas was given to the oil producing states.

Giving a further breakdown of the revenue distribution for the current month, the sum of 3.712 was given to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as 4% cost of revenue collection, while the Nigerian Customs Service got N3.374 billion representing 7% cost of the revenue collected for the month.

The Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR) got N1.595 billion which also represent 4% of its revenue collection for July, 2013.

The Committee also disclosed that ihe sum of N12.500 billion was refunded to FIRS. On the level of compliance to the Single Treasury Account (TSA), by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Accountant General of the Federation Mr Ahmed Idris said that about 600 out of the 900 MDS have so far complied, warning that no MDAs is exempted from remitting revenue to the TSA. Mr Idris also warned that any MDAs that failed to comply even as the deadline has elapsed, would be sanctioned accordingly.

He said anyone that needs further clarification on the TSA should come to the Office of the Accountant general of the Federation.

Buhari

L-R: Managing Director, Teens Empowerment and Salvage Initiative (TESI), Chinasa Jonathan-Ojei, presenting thank you card; Beneficiary, Kayode Ogedengbe; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote and Patron, Teens Empowerment and Salvage Initiative (TESI), Prof. Pat Utomi during Thank you visit for the sponsoring of Kayode Ogedengbe to University of Maiduguri, Lagos.

IoD urges sustainable investment in non-oil sector Stories by Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Worried about the dwindling price of crude oil in the International Market, the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD) has called for a sustainable investment in the non-oil sector of the nation’s economy; this is with the view to improving revenue generation for the development of the country.

The Chairman, Governing Council of the Institute Mr. Samuel Yemi Akeju who made this call in Abuja also indentified with the present administration’s drive for transparency and accountability, while emphasizing the need for capacity building amongst top officials of government and corporate bodies.

According to him, “In the face of dwindling oil revenue, there is urgent need for directors and leaders to ensure sustainable investment in the non-oil sector of the Nigerian economy, the case for economic diversification is prime; therefore we want to encourage Nigerian directors and business leaders to rise anew like their counterparts across developing economies to partner with the federal government in creating avenues of income for national survival and development.

“IoD Nigeria recognizes and identifies with the thrust of the

new federal administration in the areas of transparency, accountability, corporate governance, prudent management of national resources and security of lives and property. This is in consonance with IoD Nigeria’s avowed position to promote the entrenchment of good corporate governance in work places and best practices in the management of resources in both public and private sectors and creating an enabling environment where the best resources can flourish to the benefits of all who live and relate with Nigeria.

“To build capacity and competence in the boardroom, IoD Nigeria and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) regularly collaborate to train directors of companies listed on the stock exchange through the IoD ‘Company Directors Course’. We also regularly run effective Public Sector Director Development Programmes for directors of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, to help in articulating and performing their duties to government and the society.

He further noted that the Annual Directors Conference 2015 with the theme, “Ensuring Sustainable Investment in Nigeria Through Global Best Practices” is the platform provided by IoD Nigeria to encourage business leaders in developing and developed economies to reach out directly to credible public and

private sector leaders on the best ways to establish reliable and sustainable investment in Nigeria, that are mutually beneficial and with great value to the global community.”

Also, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, Alhaji Maman Psc expressed government’s willingness to identify with IOD Nigeria, stressing that IoD Nigeria is the foremost leadership organization that champions the mobilization and motivation of credible leaders in the private and public sectors to proffer solutions to the nagging national problem of sustainable investment.

He equally promised to that the ministry will collaborate and work closely with IoD Nigeria to showcase various investment opportunities in Nigeria at the flagship event bid to hold in October.

Akeju

Brands and Marketing B2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Johnnie Walker unveils biggest campaign in brand’s history

L-R: GM, Diageo Brands Nigeria, Mr. Neil Comerford; Head of Reserve, Mr. Joe Nazzal; Head of Marketing, Diageo Brands Nigeria, Ms. Adenike Adebola; Joy Ambassador, Johnnie Walker, Don Jazzy and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness, Mr. Sesan Sobowale at the launch of Johnnie Walker ‘JOY WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER’ Campaign in Lagos…

As a way of encouraging millions of Nigerians across the country to celebrate success at every phase of life, Johnnie Walker, the foremost premium Scotch whisky in the world from the stables of Diageo Brands, recently unveiled its largest ever global marketing campaign tagged “Joy Will Take You Further.”

Activated in more than 50 countries simultaneously, Johnnie Walker’s “Joy Will Take You Further” campaign will reach over 350million consumers around the world within the first weeks of launch, urging everyone to recognize and celebrate personal progress they achieve

on their walk to success.

Speaking at the event, the corporate affairs director Diageo Nigeria Mr. Sesan Sobowale stated that the new campaign drawing on decades of research - challenged the conventional wisdom that success guarantees you happiness and instead celebrates the fact that happiness actually helps people achieve success.

He said: “Johnnie Walker has always stood for progress – it’s been the story of our whisky since our founder John Walker started it all nearly 200 years ago. What two centuries of experience have taught us is that progress doesn’t have to be an endless uphill journey – we can enjoy the steps we take and the more happiness we find in them the more likely we are to achieve our goal. Evidence is confirming a conviction that sits at the heart of our brand: ‘‘Joy Will Take You Further.”

Dufil Prima Foods names 2015 IIDA Judges Stories by Godwin Anyebe Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of one of the leading noodles brand, Indomie Instant Noodles, have announced selected members of the panel of judges for the 2015 edition of its corporate social responsibility initiative - Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria (IIDA).

The selected judges are; Socio-economic and political commentator,Mr. Japheth Omojuwa, Principal Grange School, G.R.A, Ikeja, Mr. Graham Stothard,Executive Director, Corona Schools Mrs. OlufuntoIgun,

Editor Vanguard Newspaper,Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, Publisher and Editor Genevieve Magazine,Mrs. Betty Irabor, MD heritage Homes, Mrs. Osuntokun and Deputy Provost- Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr. Jide Johnson.

This List was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, on progress of activities for the 2015 edition of the Indomie Heroes Award.

In the statement, Mr. Ashiwaju acknowledged the credibility and integrity of the selected judges.

He said, “We are excited to have on-board these distinguished Ni-

gerians with a track record of integrity in their various endeavours. The selected members of the panel are credible people with proven integrity who would do justice to the task of selecting the three winners for this year’s IIDA awards”.

The Judges are expected to sit to adjudicate and select the final three winners from the top stories already penciled down by the selection committee having met the set down criteria.

Mr. Asiwaju disclosed further that the verification team is already on the field to authenticate, validate and simulate ‘the selected stories which will be used

during the judges’ meeting for the selection of the first, second and third place winners.

The IIDA awards which has been running for 8 years, extols the exemplary accomplishments of children who have shown courage and determination in situations that ordinarily would bring fear. Winners are rewarded with scholarship awards of N1m, 750, 000 and 500, 000 naira respectively.

It would be recalled that at this year’s media briefing to kick-off the 8 edition of the IIDA initiative, Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr Deepak Singhal stated that the IIDA initiative is significant because it is rooted

in the recognition of those whose best efforts are very often overlooked.

He said, “On a daily basis, our beloved Nigerian children perform thousands of heroic acts that save the lives and property of others at great personal risk to themselves. But the reality is that such acts of bravery often go unsung because the players involved are minors”.

“Hence, our belief that they need to be identified and celebrated publicly in other to encourage and inspire more selfless acts in these children, who would tomorrow hold various leadership positions in the country”.

Fashola charges corporate organisations, Nigerians on sustainable development ÏÏÏ LjM Foundation turns 10 Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has charged corporate organisations to intensify their efforts to support Nigeria in the area of sustainable development as the country seeks to achieve an enviable status in the areas socio-economic development among the comity of nations.

Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) stated this at an event to mark the tenth year anniversary of MTN Foundation in Lagos. The MTN Foundation is the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) arm of MTN Nigeria a company established in 2001.

Speaking on the “Role of CSR in Nigeria’s sustainable development”, Fashola called on other multinationals to intensify their CSR programmes in Nigeria; while commending the MTN Foundation on its commitment to impacting the lives of Nigerians some of whom hitherto were living without hope.

“While in office as the Governor of Lagos, I witnessed MTNF’s special interest and active involvement in tackling issues around health, education, security and economic empowerment. The Foundation equipped laboratories for vocational and technical training; it intervened in collaborating with the state to provide Haemodialysis machines in our general hospital in Igando,

Alimosho. Our general hospital in Gbagada now has 24 dialysis machines. In the area of security, the Foundation has been very supportive” Fashola said.

Former Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communication Commission, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, also said that the MTN’s decision to separate its CSI in MTNF is an affirmation of its genuine desire to touch the lives of Nigerians.

MTN since 2005 has dedicated 1% of its profit after tax to the MTN Foundation’s activities.

“Creating a separate entity like MTN Foundation to simply cater for CSI is unique. Engaging a Private-Public-Partnership model simply shows the interest of the Foundation in adding value to the society and such genuine con-

siderations must be commended.

While some corporate organisations are yet to understand the core of CSI, it is interesting to note that the MTN Foundation has been consistent in strategically implementing credible projects that are sustainable” Ndukwe said.

In setting up the MTN Foundation, Dr. Pascal Dozie, a Director with Foundation said “we agreed that we will engage people who had a molecule of virtues, who understood the principles of good governance and what it takes to be responsible”. In the past ten years, MTNF has spent over N13 billion on 344 projects across the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Fashola

· Exhibitions

· International partnerships

· Seminars

· Products’ launch

· Raffle draw

· Entertainment

· Discount sales

. Meet Regulators

ACCI to construct shopping mall B4 and 5 star hotel P

2015 ABUJA

Chamber of Commerce & Industy International Trade Fair Digest

Friday, September 25, 2015

E-commerce is future of SMEs — Garba DICON displays military B5 hardware at Abuja Trade fair P

Sights from 10th Abuja International Trade Fair B6 P

FOR ADVERT LISTINGS IN ABUJA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR DIGEST Call: 07064933209, 08054934941

B4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

E-commerce is future of SMEs — Garba Augustine Okezie Abuja A leading member of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gen. J. I Garba has advised Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and business operators to key into e-commerce and position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities it offers in the marketplace of the future.

He urged SMEs to be forward looking and appreciate what they ought to do and where they must focus their efforts and resources in order to avoid being tripped up by the blowing gust of E-commerce and to take advantage of the endless opportunities that the E-age has to offer to businesses.

Gen. Garba who was presenting his paper titled ’’E-commerce for the future’’ at the 10th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) being organized by the Chamber, said electronic commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and/or services using electronic means of communication and transaction such as computer networks, mobile phones and the Internet.

He said’’ Electronic commerce draws on technologies such as Mobile Commerce, electronic funds

transfer, Supply Chain Management, internet marketing, online Transaction Processing, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Inventory Management System (IMS), and Automated Data Collection Systems (ADCS) He further identified the topic as the most important theme of interest to every serious business man and woman of today and the future, who is concerned about ‘’staying above the drowning mire of change and about succeeding.’’

Meanwhile the vice president fiancé, Abuja chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Osi Imomoh has given several reasons including getting sound business advice on sourcing of credits for business transactions and partnering with local and international business organizations as some of the benefits members and participants at the ongoing 10th Abuja international trade fair.

Mr. Imomoh who told Daily Times in an exclusive chat that several members of the chambers have been complaining about several difficulties they have been encountering urged those having similar problems to endeavor to attend the next colloquium coming up on the 25th of September.

President ACCI, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye 4th right, flanked by executive members of the Chamber and participants at the “Future of ECommerce Colloquium at the ongoing 10th Abuja International Trade Fair on Wednesday.

Contribute your 1% to skills development, ITF urges exhibitors Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Everyone has its objective in every gathering.

This is exactly what you would find when you visit the Trade Fair Complex for the 10th Abuja International Trade Fair where different companies are displaying their goods, products and service to the prospective buyers.

While other business entities are busy exhibiting their items to attract

customers, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was also busy telling people why they need to contribute one percent of their total annual earnings or payroll to the coffer of the Fund.

Our correspondent gathered that according to the mandate of the ITF, any supplier or contractor or consultant bidding or soliciting contract business, goods and services from any federal government

ministry, department and agency (MDAs) as well as commercial, industrial and private entities must fulfil statutory obligation of its employees with respect to payment of its training contributions.

It further stated that “any liable organisation, public or private including companies situated in the free trade zone requiring approval for Export Quota and or utilizing customs service in matters of

export and import must show proof of compliance with this Act.” One of its fliers read: Like birds need wings to fly, you also need skills to survive and be productive.

Acquire relevant skills that will give you the edge to be employed, freedom to be self –employed and even an employer. In this way you also will be contributing to the development of Nigeria’s economy.”

NEPC creates awareness ACCI to construct shopping mall and 5 star hotel Augustine Okezie, at Trade Fair Complex Abuja Mathew Dadiya, Abuja As companies and other business entities take over the exhibition stands at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture complex, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council was not left behind as it also exhibits its services alongside other business.

A visit by the Daily Times to the Council’s exhibition point, noted a display of various information materials such as booklets, fliers, pamphlets, books and samples

of export goods and products.

According to information, the Decree establishing the Council was basically to enhance the quality of services it renders to exporting community.

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

The management of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has concluded arrangements to commence the construction of a shopping mall and a 5 star hotel to complement other services rendered by the chamber to the business community.

The president of the Chamber Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye told newsmen at the ongoing 10th Abuja international trade fair that already arrangement for the commencement of construction work at the sites have reached ad-

vanced stage though in phases.

In a related development the president has attributed the high charges by participants at the fair to the scarcity of space at the event but he promised that his committee will look into the complaints and see how they can scale down the charges.

He said ‘’we are going to re-organize our costing system to see how we can bring it downwards of course our limitation is always this; when we have few spaces to allocate it will naturally drive up prices so we are going to look into that hopefully.’’

Recall that customers

who throng the trade fair to make brisk Salah purchases have been complaining about exorbitant prices of goods on display. Some of the customers have even appealed to the leadership of the chamber to prevail on the participants at the fair to bring down their prices.

There was a mild dra-

ma at the main entrance of the trade fair site today when a small girl of about 14 years fainted at the entrance gate of the fair, she was however resuscitated by the Chamber’s adequate preparation for the fair as there was an ambulance stationed at the entrance gate which quickly attended to her.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

B5

Awake Security slashes prices, offers credit at trade fair Olatorera Dickson- Amusa, Abuja The 10th Abuja Trade fair has many opportunities begging for grabs at the ongoing International Fair along Air Port Road, Abuja.

One of such companies offering sales promotion is the Awake Security Limited, showcasing various forms of security gadgets for homes, office and military used.

Sales Manager of the company at the fair complex explained that they have different ranges of equipment such as varieties of CCTV, Fire Alarm systems etc.

She said “ours is a total security and safety solution, we sale, install and do maintenance of safety and security equipment.

We are selling at reduced prices and credit at the 10th Abuja International Trade fair.”

DICON displays military hardware at Abuja Trade fair Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has made its mark at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair where its locally manufactured military arsenals are being exhibited for potential buyers especially the arm forces and other security service provider.

2015 Abuja Trade Fair promotes the beauty of lace fabrics Olatorera Dickson-Amusa, Abuja One of the most beautiful clothing materials in Africa, and indeed the whole world, is lace. There is no limit to the various styles and products that can be derived from lace. And the beautiful thing about it is, there are so many varieties and qualities to it.

Allahu Lateef Stores stand at the Abuja International Trade Fair 2015 bears ardent testimony to that.

The stand, located just a few feet away from the entrance displays a large variety of lace, with ex-

otic names like Swiss lace, French lace, and dry lace. The manager, simply identified as Mummy Bukky staunchly backed the quality of her goods, saying that they are all original and of excellent design.

Allahu Lateef Stores also features other lovely materials such as Guinea Brocade, Aso-Oke, Cotonou Wrapper and other such products.

Like many traders there, Madam Bukky has taken hold of the immense opportunity for profit-making offered by the trade fair.

Are you a socialite?

Or perhaps planning to be one? The afore-mentioned store is just one

of the numerous clothing stores that throng the Abuja 2015 Trade Fair grounds. And there is good news for those who are particular about matching items like jewelry and shoes with your beautiful Lace or Guinea Brocade.

Why? Well, after shopping for lace at Allahu Stores, you’ll find that you’re surrounded by just such items. You will probably find more shops exhibiting shoes, jewelry of all types, and more bags than you could possibly need.

Amazing, isn’t it? Well, welcome to the magic of the Abuja International Trade Fair 2015.

Mr Dauda Bigyen told Daily Times that DICON was fully back and functional and can produce any quantity of arms depending on demand.

He also explained that the categories and level of the sophistication of the weapons, said they were all manufactured locally in Nigeria at the DICON headquarters in Kaduna.

According to him, the category of the firearms

include: General purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), Sub General Purpose Machine Gun (SPM), 006OBJ, AK47 Assault Rifle, 9x19mm parabellum cartridge, 7.62x51mm Ball NATO Cartridge, Nigerian Pistol 1 among several others.

He also said that the Defence Industry has also produce some military hardware for the United Nations some of which include the Fragmented Jacket over

compartment, Night Vision Goggles, Bullet Proof Jackets and several other wares.

He disclosed that the level of patronage was relatively encouraging, however noted that the challenge of the Corporation was lack of patronage by government adding that they have the capacity to produce any form of military equipment if only the federal government give them the needed support.

Ghana herbs gain acceptability at Abuja Trade Fair Mathew Dadiya, Abuja International Exhibitors at the Abuja International Trade Fair are receiving more boosts by the influx of prospective buyers, window-shoppers and usual customers to various stands at the trade complex.

One of such foreign businesses enjoying good patronage is Ghana Herbs which deals on varieties of herbal medicines for treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The Managing Director of the Ghana Herbs, Mrs Rose Agbe said that participating at the Abuja Trade fair has always afford her the opportunity to broaden her customers base describ-

ing the annual event as very encouraging.

Mrs Agbe told Daily Times that her herbal products cure many kinds of ailment but she focus mostly on the treatment of Fibroid, and Stroke.

According to her, many people from Nigeria, Ghana and other countries have testified the efficacy of her herbal products specifically those she treated of fibroid and Stroke.

She said “herbal treatment is a mystery to me; it

was endowed on me divinely. Because of that, I don’t charge much.”

“A particular instance was a woman who was bleeding for nine months consecutively due to the growth of fibroid in her, I treated her within two weeks and today she has given birth to kids”, she stated.

She also maintained that her herbal products have no side effect except the person doesn’t know what to do.

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

Sights from day 4 B6

ACCI International Trade Fair Digest

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

B7 Brands and Marketing Dansa Food out with Kally drink Mutiat Alli

the teachers to efficiently perform their professional duties”“We also want a better life through Education for our youths that’s why we support early childhood development and also assist to create a conducive environment for learning” Ahmadu enthused.

It would be recalled that the retailer recently partnered with the Kwara state waste management agency to drive the message of keeping the environment clean.

In the same vein, it also organised a free breast cancer screening

event in Ibadan and donated shopping vouchers to NGO’s in Kano and Abuja.

The teachers and students of Progressive Nursery and Primary school expressed sincere appreciation for the donation and encouraged other well-meaning organisations to emulate the gesture. Lagos state now plays host to five branches of Shoprite with the addition of the Festac store and brings to a total of thirteen stores spread across as they continue to expand in the country.

Fast moving Consumer Goods Company (FMCG), Dansa Food limited and member of the Dangote Group has introduced yet another product into the Nigeria market with the launch of the Kally drink a blend of natural fruits tagged at the Nigerian youths.

The event which held within the Egbeda environ of Alimosho Local government had in attendance top dignitaries that include National Commercial Manager, Dansa Foods limited, Mr. Manoj Kumar, According to the National Commercial Manager, Mr. Manoj Kumar who noted that the introduction of Kally drink into the market is way listening to yarning of supporters of the Dansa food family who attest to the values the company has impacted to its numerous client through adequate products and services.

Manoj further described the product as unique, fun; adding values to life through the achievement of dreams and also as local product made in Nigeria, by Nigerians and for the consumption of Nigerians is an edge Kally has over other drinks as it connects to every class of individuals down to the grass root.

According to Manoj, Kally is extremely connected to the youths as youths are dreamers who want to make a difference in life and with the product, all aspiration fall in place.

Fortified with sodium, Vitamin A, protein, Carbohydrate, minerals, calcium and in a unique pet bottle; Kally comes in different fragrant that includes Kally Apple bite, Coca thrill, Red orange and Guarana twist which is the only flavour in the entire West Africa.

Mutiat Alli

Managing Director and CEO of GTBank, Segun Agbaje will serve as the Keynote Speaker as well as a guest judge who will evaluate live the entrepreneur’s business plans.

Joining the GTBank MD at the judges table are pan-African business leaders Tunde Folawiyo, MD of Nigerian conglomerate Yinka Folawiyo Group; Genevieve Sangudi, MD of Sub-Saharan Africa for global private equity firm Carlyle Group; Dr. Omobola Johnson, Former Minister of Communication Technology, Eme Essien, Nigeria Country Manager for the International Finance Corporation; Issam Darwish, CEO of telecommunications firm IHS Towers; and Mo Abudu, founder of Ebony Life TV. The top six finalists for this

year’s Entrepreneur Showcase are Beauty Revolution NG; Heat Free Hair; Heels in the Kitchen; Instahealth; KAMOKINI and OmoAlata. These entrepreneurs were selected from a pool of 400 applicants and have more than 10,000 customers and $3M in revenue. They have spent the past six weeks working with mentors and advisors from the Lagos Angel Network to perfect their pitch and business plan presentation.

According to the organisers, the event is open to investors, business executives, entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and hear first-hand about the next generation of African innovation.

L-R: National Commercial Manager Dansa Foods limited, Mr. Manoj Kumar and Mr Olufemi Quadri at the launching of Kally drinks in Lagos.

Shoprite extends CSR initiative to Festac school Godwin Anyebe

The Progressive Nursery and Primary School, Festac Town has become the latest beneficiary of the Shoprite’s corporate social responsibility initiative in partnership with Save Our Needy International non-governmental organization.

The retailer which opened its new outlet in Festival mall Festac town of Lagos donated a set of chairs, tables, whiteboards and stationeries to the principal of

the school. The donation is part of Shoprite’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where they have stores.

Speaking on its contributions to the school, Shoprite’s Festac store manager, Jide Ahmadu said that the donation forms part of the store’s CSR plans to impact their Community. “We understand the fact that learning materials are important because they can significantly increase students’ achievement by supporting their learning as well as assisting

GT Bank partners ‘She leads Africa’ programme

Segun Agbaje, GTBank MD

Leading Nigerian financial institution, GT Bank has partnered with She Leads Africa (SLA) to support and invest in promising female entrepreneurs from across Africa. The She Leads Africa Entrepreneur Showcase is a platform established to provide young entrepreneurs direct access to investors, international media exposure and the opportunity to win a $10,000 cash prize. The event is billed to hold September 26, 2015 at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos.

As lead sponsor, GTBank is sponsoring the $10,000 first place prize along with providing marketing consulting and SME advisory support through their SME Market Hub. The

Money B8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Nigeria and a tale of 8 countries ….Part 4: Nigeria VS. Canada Zuby Emodi While I attempt to compare the currency management strategies in Nigeria as compared to that of Canada, I wish to reiterate that the essence of reviewing different countries is to sensitise for an audit of the strategies and quickly review the impacts, and then decide to either continue or drop these strategies. Once again, no two countries share the exact same circumstances and consequently not expected to adopt the same resolution measures.

Just recently I mentioned to a friend that USD smuggling from Nigeria will attain the same level of notoriety drug smuggling has attained. I jokingly mentioned that people will swallow dollars to cross borders. Less that 2 weeks after the interaction he sent me a link suggesting the “prophesy has come to pass”. I found it difficult to believe (even though I gave the “prophecy”), and yet

I got another link with the pictures and names of the culprits to validate the claim. Just for the records, I still find it difficult to believe. They were labeled drug dealers and BDC operators.

While the CBN has done well (though illegally) by excluding some import items from the FX validity list, the outright restriction of banks from completing genuine and valid transactions is at best described as frustrating and archaic. Multiple parallel markets have been created and the “party” over the Naira gains in the parallel market is long over. In less than 3 weeks the Naira moved from N208/$1 to N218/$1 then up to $N222/$1 and is gradually inching up to N228/$1. This strategy adopted by the CBN has created new arbitrage opportunities and until reversed will continue creating “new criminals” who are either looking to make quick gains or fulfill genuine business needs.

The CBN urgently needs to close the gap between the official and the parallel market

and this CANNOT be achieved without a devaluation or out rightly letting the currency float (not recommended) so that market forces can determine prices. The Naira is clearly overpriced and sustaining this fight exposes how much we shy away from reality and little wonder “serious” people would rather not do business with us. The level of uncertainty is so unhealthy and explains why JP Morgan had announced plans (in January 2015) to drop Nigeria from its local currency emerging markets bond index, and have also gone ahead to reconfirm the plan, with execution dates.

The singular most important factor in any business relationship is liquidity, which provides ease of entry and exit. CBN Forex rationing has not done any good to this factor and the cost of this experiment can only be imagined.

Let us look at the Financial and Economic fundamentals of the 2 countries, using same template for the earlier comparisons.

Population

(M)

35.54

178.5

Oil Production

(M’bbl/d)

4.3

2.4

FOREX Reserves

(B’$)

76

29

1,768.00

568.00

GDP (B’$) GDP Rank

11

22

GDP Per Capita

$

44,843 (18)

3,184 (120)

Human Dev. Index Rank

2013

8

187

High Inc

Lower Mid Inc

Income Group

In Canada, mineral producers pay royalties, mining taxes and other similar charges to provincial governments and this explains why some Provinces (like Alberta) will be worse hit with the economic impact of the oil price drop than others. The Oil & Gas contribution to the Canadian GDP stands at about 10%, however for the provinces that house these oil mining establishments, the contribution

ranges as high as 25% - 30%. Oil & Gas contribution to the Nigerian GDP is about 14.4%, and the revenue allocation formula also favours higher allocations to the oil producing states.

With a Population of 35.5 Million, the whole of Canada (High Income Country) has as many people as less than double the size of Lagos and yet with a FX reserves of $76B, while Nigeria (Lower Middle Income country)

with a population of 178 Million maintain a FX reserves of about $30B. Canada also ranks 8th on the Human Development Index, while Nigeria ranks 187th with a lot of unimaginable developmental needs.

Canada’s GDP ($1,768b) is about 3 times the size of Nigeria’s GDP ($568B) and with their lean population, they rank 18th worldwide by GDP Per Capita, while Nigeria ranks 120th.

CURRENCY VALUATION Canadian Dollar(CDN)

Naira (N)

Exchange Rate

Jan-13

1.01

154.99

per USD

Jan-14

1.06

158.61

Jan-15

1.16

189.45

Aug-15

1.31

196.55

Sep-15

1.32

198.86

2013-2015

0.31

0.28

%age change

Over the past 2 years (typically since January), the CDN had lost about 31% value to the USD while the Naira” waxes strong” at 28%.

The CDN has always been a very strong currency and frequently gains above the USD to become stronger or trade at par. However,

the recent drop which has been sustained since January has been blamed on oil price drop and the necessary market adjustments

are taking place to reflect this reality. The CDN value stated above is available without restriction in the Banks, while the Naira has been boxed into a “purely local” currency that cannot be transferred to other countries (except you are filling Form M and Form A)and has different values, depending on which parallel market you are trading from.

With the fundamentals and

data shown above, we are obviously enjoying a false sense of comfort and the hawks are massively capitalizing on this uncertainty. A piece of advice, when travelling abroad and someone gives you a book to deliver, be sure to open it and ensure Dollar packs are not carved into it. For our brothers that are swallowing USD notes (maybe wrapped in condom) or other latex products, I wish you good nourishment.

Chevron crisis: NUPENG threatens nationwide strike Joy Ekeke The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has issued a 7- day Ultimatum to the Federal Government over unresolved issues affecting Chevron Contract Workers.

A statement signed by NUPENG President Igwe Achese, said that if the Federal Government fails to intervene in the unresolved anti – labour practices of Chevron at the expiration of the 7-day ultimatum, that it will commence a nation-wide strike action immediately, stressing that the Union will not issue any fresh ultimatum over the matter.

The union adds that it has watched with keen interest the resolution reached with the Union, Chevron and the Federal Ministry of Labour and yet there is an ongoing termination of the jobs of our members.

It stressed that despite the intervention of the Federal Ministries of Labour and Petroleum Resources, Chevron and its labour contractors have not deemed it fit to honour the resolutions reached at all its meetings.

NUPENG adds that some of the unresolved issues include job categorization of members who have worked as contract staff for over 25years, but that Chevron Nigeria Limited in their bid to deplete the numerical strength of NUPENG, introduced an obnoxious criteria of using remuneration to determine which union the contract workers should belong to in the company.

NUPENG adds that all agreements reached with the Federal Ministry of Labour were reneged by Chevron and that they even refused to appear in a meeting convened by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC in Abuja last week.

Life&

Times Friday, September 25, 2015

Gold

Adekunle From royalty to music

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

I am not a competitive person –Adekunle Gold ‘Sade’ is my story. There was this girl I was chasing around like three years ago, her name is Sade. So when I wanted to drop a song last year December, I was really restless, because I felt it was about time to be heard. So I decided to start with songs that were about my story, but after I recorded ‘Sade,’ I just knew I had to start with it. So ‘Sade’ is basically my story.

Before releasing the song, what were your expectations like?

No, I didn’t expect it at all. Although I rarely have doubts when I record songs, to be honest, I didn’t expect it to be a really big song. ‘Sade’ is not even my biggest song; it is a cover of ‘One Direction’s song, told with my own story. All I wanted to do was put something out and see how people would respond to the new sound. To be honest, I never thought ‘Sade’ could be this big.

So you mean One Direction’s ‘Story of My Life’ inspired ‘Sade’?

I can’t really remember the first time I heard the song, but I remember listening to it and thinking this is a very beautiful sound.

I remember I free-styled to the chorus while driving, because I write and record a lot of songs while driving. I remember singing ‘Je n Gbe e Lo’le, mummy mi n reti omo,’ right there in the car. So that was how it was inspired.

Adekunle Gold Born into the famous Kosoko royal family of Lagos, Adekunle Kosoko with the stage name: Adekunle Gold whose love song, Orente has become a national anthem of sort amongst music lovers is not resting on his oars with that trail blazer.

He is bent on releasing more classic songs for the pleasure of his teeming fans. The Arts and Industrial Design graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic where he majored in graphics is signed alongside acts like Lil Kesh, Vector amongst others on the Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL) label owned by Olamide.

In this chat with MUTIAL ALLI, Adekunle revealed how it all started, his works and other issues. Excerpts:

Life&

T E A M

Your ‘Sade’ seems to be your major hit into limelight, how did you do the magic?

It only took my experience, because

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

What prompted your decision to choose music?

I grew up listening to a lot of songs, from the old to the new. And it has been amazing how, over the years, I’ve learnt different genres. I was a member of the teen’s choir in church back in the days, and later on in life, I joined a band. So the interest has always been there; I’ve always been a music lover. I later decided to take it up professionally because I believe that I have something to offer the industry and I could turn heads to some extent with my kind of music. So, in 2011, I started out with a band called: ‘The Bridge,’ and we dropped a couple of singles; we featured Skales on the track: ‘Norm Breaker’; we did another one with GT The Guitar man titled ‘Make It Happen,’ and some other covers. So basically, I came into the industry officially in 2011.

So how is the band still faring?

Things were not working for us the way we wanted it. It can be hard for a duo to break into the industry. It is even hard for a solo artiste, not to talk of a group. So my partner and I discussed and decided to part ways to see how it would work out. And so

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

far, it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.

lot of my sound and stick to making good music, because I intend to keep that forever.

Any regrets so far going solo?

For many upcoming artistes, the major thing on their mind is to get signed to a label and get a corporate body to believe in your sound and what you have. That wasn’t easy.

We were trying to get support and that was really hard. And that was even one of the reasons I decided to go solo in 2013.

Also, it wasn’t easy to make people believe in me. It was hard showing people what you have and them taking it for granted. Sometimes you have to beg bloggers to help use your story or beg friends to use your picture on their walls; I did a lot of begging people to see that I had something. But I thank God all that changed after I dropped ‘Sade.’

How does it feel like being a member of the YBNL family?

It has been amazing. I didn’t see it coming, although I’ve been friends with Olamide before I dropped ‘Sade.’ He actually called me before his holy concert and he said he was interested in signing me, adding that his producer, Pheelz, had been disturbing him to sign me. So when he told me about the deal, I loved it and YBNL is a big platform that any artiste would want to be a part of.

Can you describe your genre of music?

My genre is Urban Highlife. It is a fusion of pop folk and highlife. It is basically international sound with local content. That is something I crafted myself.

Why did you add ‘Gold’ to your name?

I am a lover of God. Before I do anything, I make sure I ask God about it. So in 2008/2009, I was thinking about a name to come out with because I didn’t want to be known as Adekunle Kosoko. So I told God I needed a name. So I was in church one day listening to a sermon, and the preacher kept saying, “You can’t substitute brass for gold.” He said that like three times. So I took a cue from that and that is how I coined ‘Adekunle Gold’.

How can you assess the Nigerian entertainment industry?

It is pretty interesting and tough. A lot of people are afraid on my behalf; they think ‘Sade’ is probably too big and I may not have a follow up. That is pretty much everybody’s fear in the industry; they are worried on how I can keep up with the standard I’ve set for myself. Though I’m not one to brag, but ‘Sade’ is not even close to the biggest song I have. The industry has been interesting; I’ve been learning the trade, the tricks, what and what not to do. It is really challenging and I like it.

How do you intend to standout in the industry?

I am happy that I’ve been able to create my sound early enough, which I call Urban Highlife. Not many Nigerian artistes would want to do a song like ‘Sade.’ I took a big risk and God blessed it. So I’ll be doing a

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Your style of music is really different from theirs. Do you intend to change it to blend or what?

I’ll get creative along the line; I’m not going to put myself in a box. But one thing is certain, whatever I put out will be good music.

Do you feel like there is some kind of competition with your label mates?

I am not a competitive person. The last time I was on a flight, I was thinking to myself that the sky is wide enough to accommodate many aircrafts conveniently at a time. That is how I see the industry.

We all have different sounds and even if we do the same sound, I believe in seeing everyone thrive. So I don’t believe in competition.

When did the passion for graphic design develop?

I actually studied Arts and Design; it is something I’ve always been doing. In fact, a lot of people know me as ‘King of Photoshop’; that has always been there, and it hasn’t stop. It is very lucrative and in fact, I used the money I got from it to support my music career back then.

Where do you get your inspirations from?

I look up to artistes like Bez, Asa, Tuface and the likes, because over the years, these people have found a way to keep their sound, and it has been working for them. They are probably bigger than many others outside Africa; they are amazing talents. Also the likes of Chief Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade have sounds that not so many people would want to do and they found a way to just keep going.

What next should people expect from you?

I’m dropping a single very soon and by God’s grace, it is going to be amazing.

Graphics Luke Utomi

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

L3

Music Gists L4 Mutiat Alli

Davido

Davido drops Dodo

HKN star, Davido has dropped another hot jam Dodo produced by Kidominant and currently enjoying massive air raves in top radio stations across the country. Davido is ranked one of the most energetic acts in Nigeria with several hit songs and videos to his credit.

HKN act who is currently out of the country has disclosed that he got his eyes focused on the music scene. It is important to note that the music graduate will be heading for the mandatory youth service programme in November.

New Music

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Lynxx to release Sophomore album

Syndik8 Records frontline act, Lynxx has announced that he is set to release his highly anticipated second album. Lynxx, who recently returned to doing music after a brief hiatus, will release the yet-to-be-titled album in November 2015.

Speaking during a radio interview with popular OAP, Tosyn Bucknor on Top Radio 90.9, Lynxx revealed his second studio album is ready to hit music shelves.

“Work is done already on my new album which drops in November this year. The album contains new songs that I just recorded and it is sure to be a fans delight”, he said.

Lynxx

Tributes as King Sunny Ade turns

69

Top musicians including 2face Idibia, 9ice, Pasuma, Adewale Ayuba are some of the numerous stars that have wished veteran ace musician, King Sunny Ade a prosperous year as he turned 69 few days ago.

Since the 60s, King Sunny Ade has remained a major influence in the Nigerian music scene,

especially in the growth of Juju music.

King Sunny Ade has over 123 albums to his credit.

He chairs the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria.

The music legend owns a radio station called ‘M&C FM’. His band is presently known as ‘African Beats’ once again.

D’banj announces Australia tour

Alert

Fast rising singer, Tobiloba Quadri with stage name: Jubal is on the move in taking over the music industry with hit songs that include, Bumper, Ibebe amongst others. The Afro-pop star and 300-level Anatomy student of University of Ilorin has gotten his eyes on the game.

Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj has unveiled plans to embark on a tour of Australia, as part of his 10th year anniversary celebrations. The tour will feature the music star performing in cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

It will be recalled that the pop star released the EP artwork and tracklist, ‘An Epic Journey’ which contains seven tracks, featuring Akon, Driis (Idris Elba), Shadow Boxxer, Cassper Nyovest, Reminisce, and Ice Prince.

Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade

in Sugar

Jubal

King Sunny Ade

Johnny Crooner and 2015 MTV Europe Music, Best African Act’, Yemi Alade has revealed behind the scene photos from her soon to be released musical video, ’Sugar’ as directed by Paul Gambit.

‘Sugar’ which was produced by Philkeys serves as the ninth single of Yemi Alade’s critically acclaimed debut album: “King Of Queens”, which has spawned numerous hit singles and won accolades.

D’banj

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

L5 Movie Gists

Mutiat Alli

Zik Zulu Okafor

Ikechukwu Onyeka

Exclusive:

Zik Zulu in directorial copyright mess Ï As Ikechukwu Onyeka insists he directed ‘Red Card’ Ï His argument is baseless –Zik In what may turn out as a great mess in the movie industry, a veteran filmmaker and a top executive of Nollywood Actors’ Guild, Zik Zulu Okafor has been accused of directorial copyright infringement by a coprolific and consistent Nollywood filmmaker, Ikechukwu Onyeka. Onyeka is the CEO of Lykon pictures Ltd, a Lagos based Motion Picture Production Company.

According to Onyeka, who disclosed exclusively to Life &Times that he was contacted by Zik to take full directorial charge of a short film titled ’Red Card’ which was a project for MNET’s Africa Magic content but was surprised that at the official premiere of the contents held at the Land Mark Event Centre, Zik Zulu claimed he produced and directed the entire short films.

Not satisfied, Onyeka noted that he had sent several mails to Zik prior to the start of the movie showing in the middle of September, 2015 but all efforts proved abortive as Zik neither rectified nor apologised for the deed.

In a letter written to the Guilds Head, Onyeka said: ‘Now because I am weak and

cannot fight a Guild Head, I have decided to let the matter be handled by my lawyer.

Because I am weak and vulnerable, I reach out to you as major practitioners in this industry to serve as witnesses to this crass show of might and intimidation. I will not adhere to such intimidations and my job credit taken away from me’ he added.

However in a swift reaction, when a call was put through to Zik Okafor, he described the allegations as baseless, calling Onyeka as unserious fellow seeking cheap publicity.

He said: “Onyeka is somebody I respect so much and would not expect such as his credit was included in the film project which has been shown across the world, but his argument on the fact that a small billboard placed out on the day of the premiere with an omission of his name is not to comment on. I owe him no apology as I have also contacted by lawyers to be on standby as the case unfolds’.

Red card featured stars including Ini Edo, Victor Olaitan, Sound City VJ, Moet Abebe, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Shawn Fuqua amongst others.

Ayanda gets US release date Nigerian actor, OC Ukeje plays a leading role in the South African film Ayanda. The movie had its world premiere earlier this year at the LA Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Prize in the World Fiction Competition.

It will next be screened as part of the prestigious BFI Film festival’s official selection in London on October 10, 2015, and then it’ll also get a limited theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles in early November, with a digital release to follow.

Femi Branch is Aunty Maria

Femi Branch on set

Actor Femi Branch has totally transformed into a woman in a yet-to-be released movie titled ‘Aunty Maria’ where Femi played the role of a witty, deadly aunty.

Here are pictures from the set showing how Femi was transformed totally into a woman, thumbs up to the director, Toka.

Kunle Afolayan with some CEO crew

Kunle Afolayan wraps up Lagos shoot

Nollywood actor, Kunle Afolayan has wrapped up the Lagos shoot of his fifth movie project entitled The CEO. The movie, which stars Hollywood actor, Jimmy Jean Lewis, Moroccan actress, Fatym Layachi, Ivory Coast movie star, Aurelie Ellam also, had Wale Ojo from Nigeria on set.

Other acts in the movie include Peter King from Kenya, Nico Panagio from South Africa and famous music star, Angelique Kidjo.

The movie shoot, which kicked off over three weeks ago, was brought to an end recently as it is expected to commence in countries such as South Africa, Ivory Cost, Kenya, France amongst others.

Nobert Young on set

Nobert Young, Doris Simeon in new movie

OC Ukeje

Foremost actor, Nobert Young of the popular Everyday people series is back on the scene as he was recently spotted on set of a new movie, Lincoln’s Clan alongside light-skinned actress, Doris Simeon.

Nobert and Doris are however playing the lead character in the ongoing TV series which is in its second season.

Lincoln’s Clan, a project of Total Recall Production is currently filming in Johannesburg, South Africa. Doris plays the role of Irene Lincoln in the series while Nobert plays the role of Papa Sean Lincoln in the series.

Events L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

Mutiat Alli

FORTYfied Patoranking, Olamide, Cobhams thrill at 2face’s

c

o

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c

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r

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The 55 awards on display

It was indeed a night of glitz and glamour at the prestigious Eko Hotels &Suites venue of the FORTYfied concert in commemoration of Pop musician, 2Face Idibia on his journey as a celebrated and internationally acclaimed African Musician.

The usual African Time Factor Scheduled to kick-off at exactly 5pm, the concert did not start until about 9:38pm with the host of the night, Comic act, Basketmouth who apologized on behalf of the organisers on technical ground malfunctions. The event eventually kick started with a brief biography of the celebrant, 2face Idibia.

The 55 awards on display The pop star, Tu Face Idibia and wife, Annie

It was indeed a memorable night for attendees at the concert as there was a massive display of about 55 awards that include local and international plaque clichéd by the pop stars ranging from Headies, soundcity, Kora, MTV, NEA amongst others.

Annie Idibia

Florence Ita-Giwa

Cobhams

Wizkid

DJ Nana

MI

About Annie’s Silver outfit Annie Idibia stepped out looking so beautiful and glamourous rocking the Swanky Jerry Silver studded gown creating a massive buzz all through the night.

D’banj performs with Harmonica Known for his Harmonica usage, D’banj made a grand entrance with the ‘Harmonica’ (mouth organ) the one piece that brought him to stardom.

He delivered a beautiful performance that got the audience and even his former partner and Mavins boss, Don Jazzy on their dancing feet.

Cobhams and Timi’s performance

D’banj and Don Jazzy

Just Steve Wonder, Cobhams Asuquo was indeed the man of the night alongside Timi Dakolo after a wonderful performance of 2Face’s E don dey happen”, “Step on the dance floor” hit songs.

Cobhams showed his uttermost dexterity in playing the piano and a more satisfying rendition of the songs that got the entire crowd standing including the pop star.

Did you see the face on Don Jazzy?

Mavins boss (Don Jazzy) refused to smile when taking pictures with his ex-partner D’banj after a plea was made by 2Face calling on the duo to make one more major hit. D’banj on his part showed zeal and smiled when the pop star announced that but Jazzy on the other hand made no moves.

Roll call

Kenny Saint Brown and daughter

Mama Bakassi – Florence Ita-Giwa, Olu Maintain, Toni Tones, Elma Godwin, Shaydee, Bolanle Olukanni, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Yaw, Okey Bakassi, M.I, Lola O.J, Kenny St. Best, Seyi Law, Cally Ikpe, Efe Omorogbe, Tamar, OJB Jezreel, Igos, Tee A, Skales, Tunde Ednut, Chef Fregz, Reekado Banks, Aphro Dija, Korede Bello, Don Jazzy, D’banj, Dare Art-Alade, DJ Spinall, Funke Akindele, Essence, 9ice, Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo ‘D1’ Adeneye, Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, Waje were spotted on the red carpet.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

L7 Buzz Bytes

Strong Girl – Yemi Alade, Waje, Victoria Kimani, Omotola JaladeEkeinde, and many more: Unity In diversity Ayodeji Ajadi The Strong Girl call is a clarion alert in favour of the female gender in taking a stand for every decisions taken either individually or government policy. From the stable of One.org, top female artiste that include Yemi Alade an afro pop singer in (Nigeria), Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Gabriella (Mozambique), Waje, a vocal singer (Nigeria), Blessing Nwafor (South Africa), Selmor Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Judith Sephima (South Africa), Arielle T (Gabon), and also movie star celebrity, Omotola Jalade -Ekeinde (Nigeria) and Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania) amongst others lend their voice on this call for ladies across the globe.

The concept of the video must be commended as it explores different language aimed at passing across same message in the fight for the femine gender as it is believed that both men and women should be treated equally without any difference.

Strong girl however preaches the gospel that

female genders should enjoy equal rights that includes that of education, social, mental, and economical values in the society.

It is important to note that the likes of Waje, Yemi Alade, Victoria Kimani, Gabriella, Blessing and many more stomped the music video do voice their part very well in the video with special commendation to the rapper whose line was distinctive.

Although Omotola did not sing but her acting prowess was indeed good enough to pass across the desired message to the audience.

Thumbs up to the director with the use of an appropriate costume and a large crowd at the end of the video displaying One.org showing the creativity of Mike Ogoke, CEO of Godfather production and written by Cobhams Asuquo.

The music video was a selling touch of 4:09 seconds, and was updated on YouTube May 13 2015 with 382,648 views. Rated 10/10.

Black Silhouette: Joke Silva leaves the past for another da y

Mutiat Alli

She is about to make history as the first elected female governor In Nigeria, some stories are not meant to be told, will she be celebrated?

As produced and directed by the duo of Paul Alanza and Charles Uwagbai, the movie, Black Silhouette ex-rays poverty, prostitution and sexual abuse as it tells the story of Maro Oti played by veteran actress, (Joke Silva) who is about to make history as the first female governor in Nigeria. Despite her husband’s disapproval, she fixes an appointment with internationally acclaimed Biographer Eric Mobumba, played by (IK Osakioduwa) and requests that he writes her memoir.

Eric Mobumba is elated at the opportunity but his excitement however starts to dwindle as Senator Maro’s tale of her past reveals a life of sexual abuse from childhood, prostitution as a teenager and an unresolved murder.

The Biographer sees a woman burdened with guilt and shame from her past, all attempts to dissuade her from telling this bitter and horrific story fails as Maro will not be perturbed, convinced that disclosure will only come from telling the truth of her very dark past herself.

The movie made a perfect attempt to bring to the fore the poverty level obtainable in the country and what an average Nigerian will want to do to survive.

Maro’s battle for survival is a fierce one. She finds herself thrown against circumstances more than once and she has to look for ways to stay alive and keep standing up. She grows up to a troubled childhood, loses her love, Tega (Femi Jacobs) and gets introduced

to prostitution, all in almost rapid successions.

Starring Femi Jacobs, Jude Orhorha, Ivie Okujaye, IK Osakioduwa, Joke Silva, child actor, David Olamide, Grace Ofre amongst others, the director did a beautiful job in balancing the stories with symbols.

Ivie Okujaye, the Amstel Malta Box Office winner, deserves praises on how she carried this film on her back until the points when she had to pass the baton to Joke Silva’s experience and finesse. Her fluency in Pidgin English is a joy to behold in the movie, and that was a masterstroke that the director didn’t miss out on because it is difficult to portray prostitution at its crudest in Nigeria without pidgin playing a part.

In all, one can go on and on in discussing the movie as it is worth the while with great effort from all the entire cast and crew of the production and not putting aside the wonderful delivery of veteran actress, Joke Silva and child actor David Olamide. With these, this great movie earns a total of 10/10.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 25, 2015

L8 Television

Showing on

Showing on

128 SONY MAX Channel

139 M-NET Movie ZONE

12:20

00:55

Fri, 25 Sep | PG13

Fri, 25 Sep | 16VL

‘S1/E9 - The Unknown’. Five participants face their deepest fears. They face snakes, spiders, confinement and medical devices.

Will they make it to the end, or will they hit their panic button?

101 M-Net West

00:55 Pompeii 02:45 Step Dogs 04:07 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 Modern Family 06:30 The Blacklist 07:30 NCIS: Los Angeles 08:30 A Monster In Paris 10:30 Two And A Half Men 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 NCIS: New Orleans 14:00 The Newsroom 15:00 The Fixer 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 2 Broke Girls 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. 19:30 Arrow 20:30 A Single Shot 22:30 Devil’s Due

154 Africa Magic Family

00:00 Kopa 01:00 Stray Thoughts 02:00 Blue Flame 04:00 Aging Gracefully 05:00 Branded 06:00 2 Sides Of A Coin

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Fearless Heart 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 Queen Of Hearts 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

06:30 Crossed Road 07:00 Comfort Zone 07:30 Star Gist 08:00 Windeck 09:01 The Johnsons 09:30 Tinsel 10:00 The Next President 11:28 Behind The Scenes: The Secret Room 12:00 Seasons Of Life 13:00 The Vacation 14:00 Love And Oil 17:16 2 Sides Of A Coin 17:45 Crossed Road 18:10 Comfort Zone 18:32 Star Gist 19:00 Windeck 20:00 The Johnsons 20:30 Tinsel 21:00 Silent Murder 22:20 Breaking Ranks

Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Losers) star in this thriller.

Two detectives hunt a serial killer who dumps his victims’ mutilated bodies in a nearby marsh. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sam Worthington. (2011) Ami Canaan Mann.

155 AfricaMagic World

00:00 Tinsel 00:40 Blackadder II

10:30 Deal Or No Deal

01:11 Top Gear

11:05 My Family

02:04 Above Suspicion

11:35 Hell’s Kitchen USA

02:49 Come Dine With Me

12:25 Top Gear Festival Special: Sydney

03:36 EastEnders

13:25 Come Dine With Me

04:07 Top Gear

14:10 Celebrity MasterChef

05:00 Fool Britannia

15:05 The Weakest Link

05:25 QI

16:00 Casualty

05:55 The Thin Blue Line

17:00 The Chase

06:30 EastEnders

18:00 The Cube

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

19:00 New Tricks

07:50 The Weakest Link

20:00 The Graham Norton Show

08:40 The Chase

21:00 Dragons’ Den

09:25 QI

22:00 Michael McIntyre: Hello Wembley!

09:55 Would I Lie To You?

00:30 The African Child 01:00 Star Gist 01:30 Making Of A Mogul 02:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Channel O: Volt 04:30 Channel O: Volt 05:00 The African Child 05:30 The African Child 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Umbara Point 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 The African Child 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel

161 Mzanzi Magic

11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music

00:00 Noose Of Gold 00:30 Good Morning Africa 01:40 The Dzigbordi Show 02:30 Good Morning Africa 03:30 Good Morning Africa 04:30 Noose Of Gold 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:05 Miserable Wealth 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 So Wrong So Wright 11:00 Lies That Bind 11:30 Lies That Bind

12:00 Jara 12:30 Jara 13:00 Series TBA 14:00 53 Extra 14:30 53 Extra 15:00 Kakibe Ki 15:30 Noose Of Gold 16:00 Foot Print 16:30 Lies That Bind 17:00 Lies That Bind 17:30 Star Gist 18:00 Star Gist 18:30 Star Gist 19:00 Prem 19:30 So Wrong So Wright 19:55 Wise Attraction 21:35 Jara 22:05 Series TBA

13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 14:00 Prem 14:30 Fashion Coast 15:00 Making Of A Mogul 15:30 Coco Bill 15:45 Coco Bill 16:00 The African Child 16:30 Living With Trisha 17:30 Comfort Zone 18:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 19:00 Goal Diggerz 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Umbara Point 21:00 Making Of A Mogul 21:30 Goge Africa 22:00 Living With Trisha